Yeah people asking 5k is an eediat tingI'll ask what she wants, and I will buy it for her. Same thing right? But $500 is very little, not what people are asking me. Most people are asking me for $5k-$10k. My parents have no problem with me buying what they want, but it's the friends that call me a "hater" for not giving them 10k cash.
If you're loaning friends, only loan what you're ok gifting. Tell them its a loan but intend it to be a gift.
But you not giving your mom 500 is hasid. Sometimes ppl make embarassed purchases