Christmas for adult children

Indie_Kid

I can't remember when we stopped getting stockings and masses of presents. But it was all at the same time. My brother is a few years older and sister is a few younger.

I do like the idea of the secret santa too!

Hezzawithkids

red_devil wrote: »

I think its sad and shows just how much pressure you are under when the look on your daughters face makes you keep spending money.

How about she do a stocking for you this year instead.

Well aren't you a treat. Did my point part your hair nicely as it whooshed its way over your head? Her reaction was to the prospect of no longer being part of the tradition of getting a stocking and not the money being spent. To suggest that its all about materialism says more about you than it does about her. For me its about filling their stockings with small, inexpensive items that I know they will love and get plenty of use from - from the practical (socks) to the unexpected treats (a book by their favourite author, an iTunes voucher). For us it's all about watching the fun they have as they rummage through their stockings and having a nice, relaxed start to what will be a full and happy (if busy) family day.

yorkie22

All my children have grown up and now have them of their own. I now have 10 grandchildren so it's more costlier than having 4 children. I give the adults money or a g/v of a particular shop they go in. The grandchildren get pressies which I have to start buying as soon as I see something for them.

PirateGal

bylromarha wrote: »

My husband (39) gets a £20 gift from his mum, his sister (37) gets a £100 gift.

Just don't go there...

How about getting a tub of peanuts when my sis gets the latest bits for the designer crockery she collects (£100 min)...it's not the difference in spending that bothers me, it's the lack of thought, as I love trying to find gifts within my budget that I think the recipients will enjoy. If it's so much effort to put a bit of time and thought into gift-buying, why bother at all? I'd rather get nada than a throwaway gesture - something (however inexpensive) bought with love would mean more to me. like you say, just don't go there! (And, despite 'this year' being the year when my DS's pile of presents stops, I know in my heart that it's just not gonna happen until the grandkids come along - love the whole present buying thing too much!).

lostinrates

Indie_Kid wrote: »

I can't remember when we stopped getting stockings and masses of presents. !

DH and I do a stocking for each other. That's our gift to each other any thing else is something practical. The stockings can be practical ( pants and socks) but always have other things in too, things for the bath to enjoy together for example.

PirateGal

suffolk.lass wrote: »

My kids are 19 and 22 and I spend as much if not more on their presents. They remain my children however old they get but I always ask for a list and choose mainly from that. As as my family tend to ignore presents for Christmas, birthdays and other events (graduation, wedding, christening etc.) I have always felt disregarded - not a feeling I wish for my children so as they get older I will continue to appreciate them and their partners, children and enjoy sharing their enjoyment.

Well said, suffolk.lass! "Enjoy sharing their enjoyment" is exactly what I enjoy.:T

oldbat

Since children became financially self-supporting (well - most of the time...) we now all 'give' each other Save the Children or Oxfam or similar charities donations. Paying for kit to keep newborns warm and healthy, or school equipment, or contributing towards a clean water supply etc etc seems a lot better than giving each other a load of overpriced sweaters, scarves, socks, smellies, ornaments, sweets etc that none of us really needs or wants anyway.

Indie_Kid

oldbat wrote: »

Since children became financially self-supporting (well - most of the time...) we now all 'give' each other Save the Children or Oxfam or similar charities donations. Paying for kit to keep newborns warm and healthy, or school equipment, or contributing towards a clean water supply etc etc seems a lot better than giving each other a load of overpriced sweaters, scarves, socks, smellies, ornaments, sweets etc that none of us really needs or wants anyway.

My family must be odd then - aunt and grandma give us money and have done for years. (it's easier than trying to think of something to buy) I always get asked by brother and sister what I want. Parents rarely ask; but always end up getting me something I want.

I can't remember the last time I got something I didn't want.

Anita75

When it became more about gifts than toys as presents it changed how we gave out gifts. My older daughter gets gifts she really wants and that sometimes means they aren't bulky items or as many. Where as my son has several as he likes action figures and video game toys or stuffed animals.

Torry_Quine

Indie_Kid wrote: »

My family must be odd then - aunt and grandma give us money and have done for years. (it's easier than trying to think of something to buy) I always get asked by brother and sister what I want. Parents rarely ask; but always end up getting me something I want.

I can't remember the last time I got something I didn't want.

I can't either although there is only a very few people.

oldbat wrote: »

Since children became financially self-supporting (well - most of the time...) we now all 'give' each other Save the Children or Oxfam or similar charities donations. Paying for kit to keep newborns warm and healthy, or school equipment, or contributing towards a clean water supply etc etc seems a lot better than giving each other a load of overpriced sweaters, scarves, socks, smellies, ornaments, sweets etc that none of us really needs or wants anyway.

As long as everyone is in on it then this can be fine. One year I discovered my sister had 'given me' free healthcare for someone overseas. I had as usual got a present for her and my parents were equally as surprised as me.:mad: