Why do people ask if they have no intention of getting you what you ask for?

Rroger_D

Hi,

Sorry, but to spend hundreds of pounds on Christmas presents seems crazy to me. Especially when the recipients either receive something that they don't really want or, there is no surprise because you have bought them exactly what they have asked for.

Why not instead make a donation to charity?

We have many a year, bought presents for our two children (max £50 total each) and £30 to each other and for everyone else, aunts, uncles and cousins etc, simply sent a card, thanking them for their charitable donation, including a little explanation.

Seems to go do well with everyone.

cazpumpkin

Due to money problems ive now cut right back on present buying for everyone except my grown up children. Im sure they would like to receive cash but I just cant bring myself to put cash in an card so how I get round it is to give them a small amount of cash say £30 and then I buy them each a dressing gown, fluffy bedsocks and a pair of pyjama bottoms from TKMaxx. No, they probably don't care about the bed clothes but it works for me because I satisfy my present buying urge, theyre lovely and snuggly, tkmaxx is good quality compared to my other local shops in the small town where I live, im limited to what shops I do have locally and cant afford. I can get a dressing own in tkmaxx for £15 - £20 compared to £30 in BHS or M & S. Ditto the most beautiful fluffy socks or slippers half the price of other shops and mostly better quality, well.... that's what I think anyway, I love TKMaxx.


So..........In total I spend around £60 on each of my 3 grown up children at Xmas, considering I earn £60 a week cleaning toilets I think thast an okay amount, my OH thinks its too much but he is scrooge like.


By getting them bed clothes they can chuck away last years stuff and have new and they definitely don't spend their money on bed clothes themselves, not because they don't like them but because they know I will do it.


It works for us and I normally put in something ive made myself too something cute or quirky.


I agree with other posters that when youre asked what you want its not just to give them ideas but maybe theyre anxious because they've already bought something and want to match you up to it. Not everyone is loaded and a lot of people buy gifts in the sales or all year round. It is definitely tough all round financially for a lot of people.


Even if im given things I don't like I always give a hearty thank you and just am grateful anyone bothers buying me anything.