Have you ever TOLD people what to buy your kids?

comping_cat

I 'ask' for birthdays and christmas, that way the children get what they want, and dont get duplicated gifts. I often suggest giving money in an envelope now, as the sort of things they want now tend to be more expensive for one person to buy. Its always worked and everyone is happy.

Folio

I thhink what you all say makes a lot of sense, but can I just add a thought about people who have VERY little money. My sister was in floods of tears last year because her OH family like to suggest gifts or give money, but my sister's OH is on a very low wage and some times she would struggle to spend more than a £1 or £2 per person.

Now with a lot of imagination, she has done wonders over the years, and never gives anyone anything that looks cheap and/or nasty (they may be 2nd hand from a charity shop or bootsale, but you would never guess that is where they came from)

However, if she had to donate the £1 per person she can afford to a joint gift purchase it would be laughed at. Similarly, if everyone was giving money instead of gifts, her £1 would be seen as an insult. She can't guarantee that anything from a list will be available from her normal sources, so her ONLY recourse is to shop carefully and secretly.

twisteruk

the best ever christmas my kids had was when i became a single parent i couldnt aford much and thay got about £15 spent on them ,, i dont think its the emount u spend on them its all about the day and makeing the most off it and now am pleased that thay all have an understanding view off money