Real-life MMD: Should I make homemade presents that won't be appreciated?

happyinflorida

No I wouldn't give them vouchers and explain to them that if the shop goes into liquidation - which so many are at present - that they wouldn't get anything back, so you'd lose your money and they wouldn't get a present in effect.

Make them something they will like. Find out if they like cookies and if they do, make them some nice ones. Or whatever they do like, everyone has something they love to eat.

rinabean

They're his brothers and feeling entitled to expensive presents is their personality flaw. (I doubt that they'd dislike everything you could make? Few people dislike all of biscuits, alcohol and chocolate, and those are just an example of 3 of the most common things to make. They sound like spoilt snobs to me.)

John_Pierpoint

tgroom57 wrote: »

Homemade sloe gin ? It would be a churlish younger brother not to appreciate a homemade liquer.

I know the feeling well and am in the same boat myself. I'm not giving presents this year unless I can see it is something the recipient will value, and I can acquire same at no cost. This does work ! - For her birthday my daughter wanted money towards a Tablet - and I remembered (just in time) I had a £30 voucher in the cupboard that would also allow her to spread the cost.

Don't just buy the vouchers, discuss it some more and see what ideas you come up with. Good luck and Happy Christmas !

Don't forget that almost everything you buy as a present includes a 20% gift to the tax man, with the exception of most foods and books etc.
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/vat/forms-rates/rates/goods-services.htm

So a bottle of cheap duty free gin converted into two bottles of sloe gin, completely turns the tables on the tax man, as well as creating something craft made and labelled, with a perceived value probably 5 times its intrinsic cost.

If you are the country cousin you might well be able to provide real holly, ivy and mistletoe too - complete with berries.

gloriouslyhappy

Last year's gift goody bags I made were so well received by family and friends, I was asked to make some for a local craft fair last week and more than doubled my money - I take cellophane (99p / 10m roll at Lidl from today), cut into a square and fill with a small bottle of wine and a couple of baby bel cheeses or small pack of chocs for adults, then gather and tie at the top with pretty ribbon, fanning out the excess cellophane. Children's bags are filled with books, notebooks & pens and a couple of sweeties, and doggy & kitty bags with pet toys & treats. The cellophane and ribbon makes them look really good, and you can buy multipacks cheaply from £shops and places like Lidl and Aldi and split them between the bags, adding a few home-made goodies in clingfilm. Inexpensive and effective, and you can tailor them to the individual recipients. Much nicer and more personal than a voucher!

DigForVictory

I've always preferred a home made biscuit to a packet one, and if any of those I've baked for have felt otherwise, there's very little evidence.

(I'm usually a dreadful cook, but for some reason, I'm good at biscuits.) Practise, perhaps...

Stick to your guns, explain the whys to your husband with a rolling pin if the spreadsheet doesn't work, and enjoy the baking & making!

marco1dog

This may sound daft to some but with some friends and family we have decided only to buy presents for the dog so just buy a toy and some treats. I love when I open his presents as he loves all his toys. Mind you I think he likes the food ones best. We also give money to the kids but will stop this when they are 18. Christmas is sooooo much easier now. It should not be about worrying about if you have spend enough on a present or how you are going to manage all year due to getting a loan. I have been there and it is just not worth it!!!!!
It is only one day a year.

marco1dog

Meant to say. It is too late this year but I am a member of the sealed pot challenge which will start again on the 29th of November. I just put all my small change in all year. I put £1 and 50p in as well.
This years will pay for most of my presents that I still have to get and is a god's send and has really helped me and loads of people over the last few years.
It has to be sealed or you will be tempted to open it!
Hopes this helps.

p00

sparr wrote: »

Please please please be brave and suggest to everyone that you stop this ridiculous ritual of buying each other presents - we did this years ago with brothers and sisters and cousins and then finally with friends. We still bought for nephews and nieces and children of close friends until they were 18 and our parents of course. The world did not come to an end. No money wasted and nobody disappointed - bliss! Go on - you can do it!

I totally agree with this. I think you will find they will be relieved to stop having to buy presents for everyone aswell.

xxp00

crogers

We have had a rule on my side of the family presents end at 16. This has worked well. This year I have taken the bull by the horn and announced to my husband's side that this will apply to them also. There have been, over the years, "discussions" with them about it, but always vetoed by his brother and wife.
Fortunately they have agreed, as my husband died in March and I think that they realise I don't want to carry on as before buying meaningless presents. I did say that if anyone felt strongly they can gift it to our chosen charity.
Definitely vouchers have no thought or love attached to them-and that is what we were resorting to.
Good luck with convincing your husband and his family

crogers

We all now have Grandchildren-two a piece-so I said that I would rather concentrate on them for Christmas. Same applies to Birthday's, 18 year age restriction.