How much on Christmas spending?

louise30_2

Morning All

I was wondering how much everyone spends on each Christmas present you buy.

My brother has told me he wants to spend £60 on a joint pressie for me and my BF.

I bought my brother and his girlfriend (who he lives with) a christmas pressie a couple of months ago. It was in the sale for £7.99 (and had cost £35.)


My BF (who hasn't any money worries) says I now have to spend more on them...


What do you think and what does everyone else spend.

Incidently spent £80 on hamper goodies (and baskets) for a joint pressie for mam and dad and one for my gran (from both me and BF

James&Shell

We hav only spent £8-10 on a meain present and £-3 on a stocking filler for every one so you will be fine.

quantumleap

You shouldn't feel under pressure from anyone to spend a certain amount on presents.

immoral_angeluk

Depends who we're buying for. Our daughter's presents have probably come to about £70...and we're planning on spending about £30 on each other... but anyone else will be getting something for under £10 this year.

jak

I've decided to make family calenders for people with pictures that mean something to them. It'll just cost print out and will mean they will see the thought that went into it. Why not do something like that if you feel you must get them something else? It isn't what you spend anyway, it's the time effort and (what it should've cost) that counts!

nearlyrich

The whole point of presents isn't how much you spend but the thought that goes into it, if you are measuring it by trying to equal money spent you may as well not bother and everyone keep the cash to buy something they want.

If you have got a bargain and the present is something they want and will use don't worry about it and don't feel pressured into spending more especially if you are on a tight budget.

sandralovescats

I agree with everyone about it being the thought that counts.

Just thought I would share a funny story with you -

I had a boyfriend, then fiance many years ago (I left him!) - his Mother took the ticket where Christmas was concerned. She would sit, the evening of Christmas Day, or Boxing Day, all her presents laid out on the table, and work out how much each present had cost - then declare how much money had been spent on her!!

taplady

Much to my sisters disgust my Mum and I have set a limit of £15 for each adults present this year, but not for the children(only 2 in the family- my 2 boys)
My sister is very tight about spending her money but sends us great long lists of things to buy for her and her partner but she doesn't reciprocate:mad: she has no children(doesn't want any) and my boys are the only nephews she's got but she's not spending much on them either!

At least Mum and I wont have to worry about how much we're spending this year.:j

I'd rather she just bought for the boys.
We have lost the meaning of Christmas somewhere along the way, its just one mad shopping spree now with people still paying for it next Christmas!

Jolinar

Both our families have agreed to not buy adults presents but contribute to the food costs for the annual family gathering instead. The kiddies still get pressies though

livinginhope

Morning Louise,my way of looking at it is,you do not give to receive.You give a present because you like or love someone,it is not a competition to who spends the most,it doesn't have to cost anything at all,you could offer your services (eg.babysitting,dog walking) and time,I never expect anything from anyone,if I give a present it is because I am able to and want to,not because I have to keep up with someone else.
BTW I will spend £35 on each of my children and if I have any left,I will buy DH a stocking up to £10 max,I will not buy for anybody else.

MustStopSpending

My BF and I aren't buying for each other this year, we're gonna 'treat' ourselves to a new gas hob in the January sales instead! We know we love each other, doesn't take presents at Christmas to prove it!

£10 budget for everyone else in my family, three for two's are the way forward!!