MSE News: Christmas present buying 'should be curbed'

nikki2804

ceebeeby wrote: »

Can you ask her not too Nikki as you'll feel obliged to buy one for hers back. Just say "can't afford it"?

I tried, but she said "but he's too lovely not too!" I think everyone just assumes that I have got money (most recently because I have bought myself a dyson) but they do not seem to realise that I have saved up for everything that I have bought. I started buying my Xmas presents in June because as of 15th November I am on SMP (was on full pay) so I am quite literally skint!!

ginnyknit

Its sad isnt it how people get obssessed with spending vast amounts on people and getting stressed, tired and in debt because of it. I stopped all this years ago when I had my children, now they are grown and they spend time over choosing me and DH something for Christmas that we will love - and as cheaply as possible to boot. I make lots of presents and fill hampers for as many as possible. My Mum is coming to us this year because she cannot bear the waste of money at my brothers house, she finds it quite insulting really. My Sil is fed up because theres only 3 for dinner this year at hers - I would quite enjoy that one year I think and make it into something special. But no she is laying a guilt trip on everyone. My house will be full as usual with everyone sharing the cost and Sil- to - be is cooking so I am really chuffed, well he is a chef. I think gifts will be thin on the ground but there will be lots of fun and smiles despite that.

*Louise*

I see all my family at Christmas - and I love buying gifts for them (and they even appreciate the home made stuff as well) we have a rule that once you have children, family buy for them instead, which we all adhere to.

We have loads of traditions and fun, and that's what it's all about really.

A_fiend_for_life

At work we used to pull a name out of a hat with a cap of £10 or £15 on spending.

Among a group you could put in a piece of paper with names and a list of preferred gifts (choose only one) capped at an agreed price.

What happens if you find a desired gift for £2 on ebay erm?

victory

mary-op wrote: »

I do give my teenage grandchildren some money amid their box of my odds and ends of home made bits and pieces..........they have to open every one and find it. They reckon its a lot of fun and the only presents that have a 'surprise' element to them. That way everyone is happy.
.:rolleyes:

How does this work please? Interested to do it but need some more details thank you:D

bonty44

nikki2804 wrote: »

I agree and disagree with this. I have bought presents for my baby, my 4 neices and nephews (after all Xmas it about the kids) and my parents. Both myself and OH have bought presents for each other but we have set a budget and stuck to it.

However people I haven't spoke to in ages have all decided that they are going to buy the wee one a present, which now means I have to buy them something. One of them is a "fair weather friend". She does have a wee one too but I haven't seen her in at least 2 years.

Its crazy!

No, I'm sure this doesn't mean you have to buy them something in return, people enjoy buying presents to welcome little babies into the world and for them at Christmas time. A friend told me off once for buying her and her husband a present, she said she wanted nothing in return other than the chance to come round for a chat, catchup and see the boys faces when she gave them a gift.

If you really feel obliged to 'give' something in return, why not bake some biscuits and present them in a nice box, or invite them round for a cup of tea and slice of cake, doesn't need to be expensive and you could also set a time-limit.

kated_2

I have had a very tough year financially as I'm in business and turnover has reduced by 50% so profits have not covered household expenses this year. I've got 4 children who range from 15 to 32, two are married and one other lives with partner, + one step grandchild. also two sisters and one parent, SO i've told them all that I am only buying token present this year i.e bottle of something instead of the usual £100 limit that I always spend on them ( total therefore on £1100 just on immediate family and another £300 or so on friends.
I feel so much happier having told them and realise how much I have always felt pressure to spend this obscene amount of money. When finances return to normal ( hopefully) I shall not be going back to £100 spending.

Beatrisa

As a family we gave up buying Christmas presents over 10 years ago. We all keep our money and buy something we really want. For instance my daughter has just had a baby and moved into a new house so she will spend her money on decorating and new kitchen worktops. It works very well as we celebrate Christmas in our own way not in a lavish way. We do not go overboard with the food as most of it will be wasted. We do make a contribution to a charity.

lolly1981

we try not to spend a lot at xmas and we have 3 young children...we dont buy for family and friends...just the children even then its only usually a selection box or something..a token gift really...we like to make more of an effort on bdays that way we can take time and get presents specifically for that person.
this year we are however making hampers for family...they will each have a snowman soup each...a jar of homemade jam...a gingerbread man each (baked and decorated by me and ds1)...homemade truffles and each kid will be getting a glass cup each with chocs in .
my family really appreciate home made gifts..they never expect anything so its usually a nice surprise

skivington

I for one find the commercialisation of Christmas (and other holidays) disgusting. The sheer pressure of advertising alone is a disgrace to our society. I like to give gifts at Christmas but it is gifts not presents. I always find things that are hand made or well thought out are best, not those that are expensive and flash. Most of my friends and family get something I have made and spent time doing (like my bramble and sloe gin which I put in the nice bottles I have collected all year) and I find that is more appreciated (and cheaper) than a book or novelty that is unwanted and thoughtless. I have seen family Christmases with literally £1000's wasted on novelty and things people don't need or want. My niece got nearly 50 presents last year and was 'bored', whilst my nephew (another brother) got 3 and said "I am the luckiest boy in the world" to teach children that a culture of excess is acceptable by lavishing them in presents is wrong IMHO. That culture nearly broke our economy remember, don't perpetuate it this festive season. And as for YO - give them wrapping, and what is with the cat getting something wrapped, I mean no opposing thumbs, get a grip!