THE SIL is annoying

kittenpea

Hi im sure im not the only one with this problem but the SIL expects the very best at christmas and this year our budget simply will not stretch to that for example her 2 sons are getting games consoles for christmas a nitendo wii and not sure what the other one is but you can bet probably of similiar value the thing is they want us to buy them games and I feel really bad as they won't be getting them I have 2 sons myself so why should her kids get more than mine when Im even limited to what I can get them im currently looking around the pound shops for them. I need to come up with some sort of strategy to let her down gently has anyone any suggestions

PayPeanuts_2

Buy the kids a ball and cup and a Scrabble board. When she asks you say 'oh! games...I see...never mind maybe next year!'

Seriously though I would buy the kids whatever you want to get them that you can afford. Could you get your brother to explain to her that you have a budget for Christmas?

garty

:T l would spend at the most ten pounds on each child make it something speical and personal buy a box from the pound shop put in a dvd pop corn and a drink plus some sweets for both kids and make it a joint present......bet they will love it and remember it as something special rather than being the latest thing

madoldbat

Hi Kittenpea,
I had this first year we were married SIL gave me a list of things her DD would like from us:eek: Both sets of grandparents no longer alive,we had no kids and my sister had non either so SIL thought she was on to a winner :mad: Dont think so :rotfl: So instead of PJ from M&S,Barbie,Gold chain,and slippers from John Lewis (I joke not,size colour all listed so I couldnt make a mistake) she got a 5.00 gift voucher and a book.I didnt give any reason why should I?but never happend again.:p
My kids know only to ask for presies of 5.00 or lower from freinds and family now their oldr the cash is preferred and it soon mounts up;)
Buy what you think is rite Christmas is about love ,freindship and good will not who can give best pressie.

Lillibet_2

Could you give them a gift voucher of whatever value suits you and write in the cards that it is towards a game? The kids will probably be perfectly happy with this & your SiL will see the amount you are willing to spend and hopefully avoid future expensive requests?
Whatever happens, don't feel bullied or pushed into spending more than you are happy wit!

HTH;)

johnswife

Lillibet wrote: »

Could you give them a gift voucher of whatever value suits you and write in the cards that it is towards a game? The kids will probably be perfectly happy with this & your SiL will see the amount you are willing to spend and hopefully avoid future expensive requests?
Whatever happens, don't feel bullied or pushed into spending more than you are happy wit!

HTH;)

yes, this is a good idea.
i know what my sisters can afford to spend on my children and I ask my girls to write a list of items they would like all under £10 then my sisters can choose from there. last year I bought most of the gifts and then I got the money back.
This year we have agreed a £5 limit on each other & children so will be a challenge.

MrsTinks

Not being funny but you could pick up a second hand game on Ebay for £10 for the Wii... Especially as she hasn't specified WHAT games for the consoles I just sold a copy of Mario Strikers for under £20 as OH didn't like it and played it ONCE! I ask you! Men! So you could get something like that for them to share Bet they won't notice it's not brand new

kittenpea

oh believe me she will notice if it isn't brand new she's very fussy

kittenpea

I think the gift voucher suggestion is the best one I can get them from gaming shops right so £10 gift voucher from the games shop and a football each at £2.49 as the sports shop is closing down