xmas

Threebabes

Hi

My SIL asked me what to get my kids for xmas and we are really struggling to think of anything, ds is nearly 14 and his things are expensive, more than what i would expect her to spend.

So I suggested vouchers, metrocentre, hmv, claires accessories (for the girls).

She has said no she wont buy them vouchers, she wants to buy them a gift. If she had asked me to buy hers vouchers I wouldnt have minded, or if my sister suggested money or vouchers for hers. Would you have a problem with vouchers? am i missing something here .

thanks :?

Glamazon

MIL won't give money or vouchers so I end up with £70 of crap I don't us. Some people just don't like it

simpywimpy

I dont mind vouchers, rather that than something I don't want. I guess it does show a lack of imagination or thought to some people but I plan a Selfridge voucher as a gift for someone who I know goes there regularly.

onlyroz

Ask for a budget then make suggestions accordingly. Don't computer games usually go down well with teenage boys? Or CDs/DVDs?

January20

In a way I understand you and your sister's points of view. I prefer to give presents rather than vouchers because vouchers never feel like presents. The monetary value is stamped accross them and the person you give them too then has to go an by what they need/ want and to me it's just like giving money. I don't get to wrap a parcel either. I don't like receiving vouchers either.

However, I totally understand that you would prefer to get vouchers that can be used for or towards things you really need because what the kids need is expensive. Actually, I would have thought a teenager would love to have money rather than vouchers or presents?

Threebabes

Well DS would love money but I thought that would be a definite no no. His games are £35 - £40 each and I wouldnt expect her to spend that much on him.

We are really struggling for him ourselves we've got him pjs, socks, boxers, 2 x ps3 games, dvds and his gaming chair. I cant think of cheap bits & bobs for him never mind come up with ideas for someone else.

heathertheblether

Its difficult, isn't it?!! I have a 14 yr old son and the same problems regarding suggestions for relations that are within budget, but that will be used. I usually find out what the latest male "aftershave" stuff is (although mine doesnt shave yet, lol!) and suggest that. It always gets used/sprayed on spiders/sisters, etc.

Ms_Chocaholic

What I used to do when my DS was young was buy his Xmas gifts, leave all the price tags on and then (in the weeks leading up to Xmas) my relatives would choose what they wanted from the gifts I had bought and buy the item from me - hope that makes sense. I knew I needed to buy x amount of presents extra to account for the ones they would buy off me but it saved them trying to find something they thought my DS would like and were getting him something he wanted.

Any special gifts that I wanted to give him I made sure I kept out so they couldn't pick it.

HTH x

cookie54

could she not get something like a bowling vochure or cinema tickets.

Do yours like clothes as i just brought my son frienda nice adidass t/ shirt which wasn't to expensive.

do they like sports is there something they need or a book on there favourite sports person .............

zzzLazyDaisy

My Dad is really difficult to buy for - he has everything he needs and most presents just end up in a drawer. One year, in frustration, my sister and I clubbed together and bought an Argos card for my dad. We wrapped up an Argos catalogue and gave him it as a present, with the card.

He spent the money on a watch which he would never in a million years 'wasted' good money on. He still proudly shows off the watch today and says we bought it for him.

Nowadays we still club together and get him something between us.

I give money to my grand children as they get pleasure from spending it, and they get much more for their money in the january sales than I'd get buying stuff before christmas that they probably don't want.

DCFC79

I used to get vouchers when i was younger but nowadays i get money as people dont get out much, id rather get the money as i have ended up with some real crap presnts before. OP does your son not want any music or any films