Xmas presents for friends

Squirrel29

This is my first DFW Christmas, I am happy to buy presents for my family (with restraint of course). In fact I have already started to do this. Trouble is, in the past I have exchanged presents with friends (only 3 or 4 but usually a tenner each). We always do a £5 secret santa at work which is fair enough, but how do I broach a no xmas present policy with my friends.

One even always buys for me and my son, trouble is she has 3 kids so it very expensive to buy for her and her kids too.

Others on here must have had these conversations, I work really long hours and have 2nd job so don't have lots of time for doing craft style presents.

newmum1

I suppose it depends how good friends you are if you are close you could just be honest and say that u r a bit skint due to xmas ans she should get the hint. If thats not possible and you feel that you have to give smething then dont go for individual pressie for her kids
my friend has 5 kids i have one and if i buy for them then its usually a tin of chocs or 2 selection boxes to share, or a board game which they can all play, i think that would be cheaper than buying for all 3 of them

KellsBells

I think a game for the 3 of them to share is a great idea!

I personally would just say to her that you're sorry but money's really tight this year and u can't afford to buy many presents for ur son, let alone anyone else so u'd feel more confortable if she didn't buy him anything either. She'll either respect that and not get him or you anything, or she'll buy him a present because she wants to and doesn't expect anything in return. Not all people give and expect to receive - I personally have many times bought people presents and not expected anything in return.

moanymoany

I also think that honesty is the way to go. You never know, your friend with the children may feel the same. If you have a second job, £100 is a lot of money, Now is the time to deal with it as Christmas is still 3 months away.

james32_uk

If they're close friends you could try something personal that doesnt take a lot of time from you like a photo of you together in a nice frame or something like that.

GirlRacer_2

If they are really your friends they'll understand. Sometimes we buy gifts out of habit and if you speak to them about it you'll probably find that they would prefer not to buy as well. It's sometimes so difficult to try and think up original gift ideas every year.

Good luck x

redsquirrel80

It is really hard to get out of a pattern of present buying, but you might find that some of them are thinking the same! If you're close enough to tell them that money's a bit tight then that's great.. otherwise, the suggestions above for pressies are great. Or you could suggest that instead of buying presents you have a day/ night out together next year (which you could budget for as part of your ongoing budget rather than having to find the money round Christmas time), or that you'll have them all round to yours for dinner sometime?

dianadors

You can get most of your pressies from the Freebies thread if you are savvy. I started doing this at the beginning of the year and cannot believe the collection of booty I have and its has cost me nothing. The hardest part has been not keeping all the lovely things I have grabbed for myself!! I have also grabbed a couple of the "Lucky Dips" from The Book People for kids. These were £7 for 10 books (usually £5.99 each) works out at 70p per book. I honestly believe if you start early enough you could do most of your Christmas shopping for nothing.

kathy206

Real friends would understand IMHO. I would just be honest with them.Children get loads at Christmas anyway, they won't be any the worst off for it!! Good luck