Birthday and Christmas Gifts for friend’s grandchildren…

Sunsh1ne54

I’d be interested to know if anyone else here buys gifts on birthdays and Christmas for a good friend’s grandchildren?  I’ve been doing this for a few years but I have to admit I’m wondering whether to stop. It’s not as if I ever see them either. It’s not about the money as such, it’s more whether it’s a sensible thing to keep up… any views?

elsien

I did for friends kids when they were younger. Stopped doing it as they got older because it was harder to buy cheap token gifts for older kids
And I didn’t want to get into the gifting money thing because then I’d feel obliged to up each year within. 

I wouldn’t do it for their grandchildren. Too distant, unless I had a genuine relationship with the children. 

Slinky

I've never heard of any of my friends buying presents for friends grandchildren.

maman

My DD has a close friend and she always gives gifts to her children. She's seen them regularly since they were born, helps out at their birthday parties etc. 

Similarly DGD always has cards and gifts from her mum's close friend but she is also her godmother so perhaps that makes a difference. 

Devongardener

If you never see them just stop, don’t feel guilty.

Pollycat

Do you have contact with these children?
Or their parents?
Are your gifts acknowledged?

gwynlas

If you think they are in financial need and your gifts are appreciated then continue otherwise stop. You couldexplain to your friend that as they are getting older you no longer feel it is appropriate.

Sunsh1ne54

Pollycat said:

Do you have contact with these children?
Or their parents?
Are your gifts acknowledged?

No contact but best friend’s grandchildren. Always acknowledged, yes. They’re only small gifts, but as I say I’ve been wondering if it’s time to stop. 

Pollycat

Sunsh1ne54 said:

Pollycat said:

Do you have contact with these children?
Or their parents?
Are your gifts acknowledged?

No contact but best friend’s grandchildren. Always acknowledged, yes. They’re only small gifts, but as I say I’ve been wondering if it’s time to stop. 

It's nice that your gifts are acknowledged.
Do you know that they actually appreciate the gifts you buy or is it just a case of 'say thank you to Granny's friend, I'll take the gift to the charity shop'?

I've been thinking about my 2 closest friends.
I know their children but not their grandchildren.
I've never bought gifts for their children so definitely not grandchildren for me.

Ages would give context.

Spendless

My Mum *might* do. Mum is a hairdresser -mostly retired now. She had an employee work for her 'Kay' and used to buy Kay a Christmas present and also Kay's then 3 young kids too. Mum is still in touch with Kay who is now a mobile hairdresser and sometimes if Kay is on hol and can't do some clients hair, Mum steps in and I'm aware Mum still buys Kay 'a little bit of something' for Christmas (budget around £10) and I *think* she may now also now Kay's kids are adults now buy for Kay's Grandkids instead ( a selection box type of gift). However as Grandkids get older she might have stopped  doing this, just because it becomes more difficult and expensive.

 

sheramber

I have never bought Christmas presents for friends , never mind tjiejr children or grandchildren.

I only buy for immediate family and nephews and nieces presents stop when they reach 18.