Too much of a Christmas gift?
815426
The wallet is something he might need, but may not want. I wouldn't risk spending that kind of money on something that would have the same effect if it were $100 cheaper.\n\nInstead, be inventive. Think about what he likes, and try to imagine the craziest thing that you could do for him that relates to it. If he likes sports, get him two tickets to a game (if he invites you, it's great "quality time"; if he invites a friend, they'll both be remembering you for it). If he likes cars, get him a lesson or two with a professional racecar trainer (it isn't as hard as you might think).\n\nPS: Don't look at my examples, but what I'm getting at. You know him better than I do (I hope!) - find something that he likes and let your imagination go wild with the perfect gift! Believe me, you can find this perfect gift without breaking your budget.\n\nBest of luck!
768191
When my kids were younger, they got a LOT of presents from Santa - they would be allowed to ask for one big and one small present, and anything else they got was a bonus.  \n\nThe other presents would be little toys from the pound shop or Christmas sweets, as well as things like bath stuff and hair accessories.  They would always get books and things like jigsaw puzzles as well.\n\nNone of these things were expensive, could be picked up at various stages during the year, but always created a huge amount of excitement and mystery.\n\nThis year I have one child who has asked for a Wii, and the other two want upgrades on their mobile phones.  That's about it.  \n\nThe Wii will be more in the way of a family present, and I still make a point of buying books as well.  \n\nThen at the last minute, I'll probably splurge out on a heap of stuff for everyone, because that's usually what I do!\n\nHappy Christmas!
954467
Sometimes peoples willingness to help might surprise you, specially around the christmas season, but you gotta realize also that people are very untrusting nowadays, I would say to raffle rather cheap items and state that the proceeds will go to this family in need. Try to contact the media, or your local radio stations, they migth be willing to help. Hope i was of some help, Really wish you the best, i hope you do get to help out this family
940880
Seems like a good example of greed to me and clearly a sign of what the media and advertizing is all about.  turn off the TV after this Christmas and enjoy the next few weeks media free :-)  \n\nAs I suspect you know.......Christmas is not about what your getting; its about what your giving.........and the giving does not have to be materail and from a store........the best gift is from the heart.
113468
A clue.You would not want her to accept an unwanted gift out of obligation.Maybe ask her this question to see what she says.Then you'll know for sure.
769686
I think people should stop over buying gifts. Some take the holiday to the extreme!
905324
I have two boys--they are still young but I love doing this with them.  Since, I already know they are going to get plenty of gifts we start out early--the week after Thanksgiving.  We sort through all of their toys and pick out their favorites (about 5-10).  If the other toys are in a great condition we donate them to a local church or another organization that we may come across.  This is a way to teach them the importance of giving to the less fortunate.\n\nWe decorate the Christmas tree the first Sunday of December.  We are not November decorators.  I really enjoy that.  We all get together and make a really big deal about it.  We put on Christmas music and go around the house adding our little decorations all over the place.  They boys get an ornament every year.\n\nWe make it special to make Santa a belief but also focus on baby Jesus.  I enjoy getting their gifts from Santa.  We will be getting them only three gifts from ourselves this year to represent the three gifts baby Jesus got from the wise men.\n\nWe read stories (Twas' The Night Before Christmas, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, The Miracle of Christmas, A Christmas Carol, etc..) all the way up to Christmas.\n\nWe have a special advent calendar which we use for the kids to count the days down...it's a fun tradition to see my oldest get excited as the days count down.\n\nWe live away from family so we do our own thing for Christmas.  On Christmas even we have a tradition English roast.  We don’t really have a Christmas dinner but soup and sandwiches--it’s a little different but ehh--we like it.  It lets us relax on Christmas day without the worry of cooking a big meal.\n\nThere are so many more things that we do but I doubt you really want to know more--I’ve written a lot already.  I love Christmas.  Tradition, giving, and Christ are very important to me--I make sure to include that with all the excitement of Santa, gifts, and “fun” things that Christmas involves.
743252
Exactly how i feel. Everywhere i go People ask me what i want. Last year i was all into the gifts but it seems in the last year i just value having my family together more than any gift. I am tired of hearing about presents. I just decided to tell my family to give the money for my presents to a charity.
782925
Nothing wrong with a list at all.  My wife and I do the same thing.  We set a price limit first, then give each other a list of several things on it.  If some items cost less, we have the option of adding other things to make up the difference.  Use the excuse that you have no idea what to get him and don't want to buy him something that he'll never use or want to exchange.
940066
Personally, I don't buy for all of my family/friends.Most of the family still give gifts to me as they please, for which I am very, very thankful for and I let them know this. But, I've made it clear a long time ago that I am NOT going to feel obligated to purchase/give gifts - it defeats the purpose of gift giving!!!  \nJust mention politely before the holiday that you won't be giving this year, and "please do not feel obligated to give to me", something like that.\nIf they get snippy that is their issue! You can't be blamed that people have come to be selfish. Some people would rather get something from you knowing you didn't care, than to wait for a heart-felt present. That's their problem!
950283
Hi Eternity blue, I'm going to "assume" you are from abroad...since you used the word "pounds". LOL! My suggestion would be a "gift" card/certificate to a local cafe' or pub. You shouldn't make the gift to "personal"(in my opinion). Happy Holidays! XOXO Moonpie
902435
Good for you! One of the things I have found when buying gifts for young children is that it doesn't matter how much a present costs, but rather how big it is. Buy the biggest thing you can find cheaply, wrap it in nice paper, and watch the happiness.\nGood luck
5570
Good because you recive gifts, bad because you also spend a lot of money
741722
I will be spending less this year than I did last year, do to financial difficulties.  Although I might not spend as much money the thought and love behind each gift will still be there. \n\nWondering what the thought behind this question is... Isn't Christmas about giving and thought behind it not on how much you spent?
848504
Same boat and it hurts. Big hug from me to you. \nWell I wouldn't spend alot, but yes have something the kids can open and play with. They're gonna want to take the gifts with them too. You can't do anything about the parents. \n\nDo any of them understand that we won't be here forever.
114377
Tell me about it!  Right after high school graduation, for Christmas, my boyfriend of about 6 months gave me a long fur coat!  He wasn't rich, and had a job making average wages, and was planning on college the following year.  I was amazed when I opened the large package, expecting a sweater or possbily a long housecoat, but fur coat, not!  I pleaded with him to return it, and after talking for a week to no avail, I took it back to the store myself.  I got the cash register receipt from his mom who lent him some of the money to pay for it.  And, I purchased a winter sweater, which I wore the following weekend, and of course he asked "oh, new huh"?  And I said "yes, you bought it for me", and I explained the transaction and talking to his mother.  I also returned the balance of money between the sweater and the coat to him.  We split a few months later, but not as of this result of this gift.  Two yrs later I saw him, and he thanked me for being so mature at 18 yrs of age, and he used some of the hard earned money for his college.  So, yes - many gifts can be "to much", especially if marriage isn't involved.
100019
My mother used to do that to me all the time.  My gifts were never good enough, and every holiday I tried harder.  One day I realized I was spending a ridiculous amount of time and a really unreasonable amount of money trying to please someone who could not be pleased.  So I told her how I felt and that I was not doing it anymore AND I STICK TO IT.  Now I give her a small gift or a photo of myself for holidays, with a message telling her how much I love her and how much I appreciate having her in my life.  And I never let myself get manipulated into trying to "earn" her approval anymore, because she cannot appreciate a $250 blown-glass, one-of-a-kind, personalized glass ornament from England that I carried on my lap during a 36-hour flight any more than a $7 frame and picture ... but I sure feel less frustrated now that I did not put so much of myself into it!