what to tell an inlaw that will be with u xmas and will only buy for my  kids under 18,she isnt  under 18? grr
927742
Not buying for all the grandkids is not in good taste. Regardless of what age they are, she should give EVERYONE (the grands, everyone under 21) something, even if its $5 in a card. If she does not have enough money to buy everyone something, she should buy something for the entire family to enjoy (a game, dvd's, gift basket, etc.). Though I think Christ is the reason for the season, children and grandchildren should be the focus of the gift giving and such. The adults have had their time to enjoy opening presents. How about letting the younger ones be the focus. Let her know where you stand, and the adults should call off the exchange and focus on the younger ones. If there is any money left over, get things for each other. Happy Holidays!
601118
Ask your wife what she thinks when your In-laws "let down" on you.  This should open a conversation that will allow you to tell her how you feel as well.  She should understands why you are not at the same financial level as her older siblings.  Work together making your financial goals.  Check the progress often together.  She can set her parents straight if that's needed.  No one likes to be put down and should they keep up this behavior, I would make the contacts with them as minimal as possible.  (The natural consequences for people who are jerks...no one wants to be around them.)   Hope this helps!
715134
Don't worry about it and don't lower yourself to their level.  Get something small for the grandparents from your kids. Stick to your budget or what you can afford.  If someone doesn't want to get you a present chances are if they were made to pick something out it would be crap anyway.
980583
They don'e say "honesty is the best policy' for nothing.  You told allof us just fine.  Now tell THEM. You were kind and polite with us I am sure you can do the same with them, and believe me people UNDERSTAND, the cost of Christmas is insane and you should not feel the need to buy a gift for every person you know.  Buy for those you can (or want to )  and enjoy the season and the reason for the season - your salvation!
400697
There is more to it than you just not paying enough attention to her, but I will let that be.  Pick a weekend when the two of you can be alone together. You know what she really likes to do, so schedule that activity for one day.  You will of course have to have someone take care of the children.  You need to be at least 100 miles from your home.  Get a cabin in the woods or a nice hotel room.  Have flowers waiting in the room when you get there. Have a small gift for her that would really mean a lot to her.  It does not need to cost you a fortune, just get something totally frivolous that she wants , but would never buy for herself.  Pamper her in every way that you can think of.  While she is sitting on a couch or bed, kneel down in front of her and tell her how much you truly love, need and want her.  Tell her that even though you do not say it enough and definitely do not show it enough, that you love her more than anything else on earth.  Good luck!
474568
I always live by the rule " IF I HAVENT USED IT IN THE LAST YEAR- I THROW IT OUT OR DONATE TO CHARITY"  I agree with u- keeping so much from the past is ridiculous!  Just keep a few things that really mean something to u.  Or you could always get her to box them up in water proof totes and have them stored in the atic, garage, or even a storage  facility!  Try to reach a compromise like that .  Tell them how u feel and see if they would be willing to do that.  Otherwise u may be stuck in a house full of crap and will never even be able to find the kids again!  lol
547769
The best gift you can give her is a giftcard from toys r us, she can get anything she wants there, or if shes not the toy type get her a giftcard from a store she likes shopping at, cause the kids these days arent that crazy about toys, if shes into clothes than get it from a clothing store, you should know your stepdaughter more than us. good luck.
577752
It probably will offend her.  I would suggest saying something like.....Wow, If I didn't know any better I would think I was in my own home.  We are gonna have to go shopping together so we quit buying the same things.
830921
Just talk to her and tell her what is in your heart.  Words would heal more than presents and mean a lot more.
49583
Find out if she is registered anywhere. If she is registered somewhere, then you can just choose something from her list and you know that it is something she wants and will like.  If she's not, then talk to her or go browsing in the baby department. Get her to show you some stuff she likes.  Then depending on what your budget is, you can decide from there.  Other than the obvious stuff (highchair, crib, stroller ,etc) you could put together a basket of stuff-diapers, wipes, medicines, nailclippers, washcloths and the like. Or you could wait until the baby is born and get something such as a blanket or frame and have it personalized. Don't forget to include a book!  Here's a suggestion for whoever is throwing the shower, instead of the guests bringing a card for mom, have them bring a child's book to help build a library for the baby. My sister loved that idea!
248698
Just give her the $200! I would have rather get $200 then get something that i may not be able to use. Or take her on a shopping Spree!
360709
Hopefully everyone that knows your Grandma will know that at age 77 you probably already have everthing you need or want.\nI wouldn't put it in writing, but I would tell people just what you said, Grandma doesn't really want gifts, but she would love cash to enjoy herself at the casino.\nStart with family members & the word should get around in time for the party.\nIf she happens to get gifts, volunteer to take them allback for her. That would be nice.
458401
RAP A GIFT WITH BABY THINGS IN IT AND GIVE IT TO THEM\nEXAMPLE: GIVE THEM THE GIFT AND TELL THEM ONLY HALF OF\nTHIS GIFT IS HERE YOU'LL HAVE TO WAIT FOR THE REST OF IT\nLATER THEN HAND THEM THE GIFT THATS HOW I TOLD MY HUSBAND.
754738
NO GIFT CERTIFICATES, they are so impersonal and don't take any thought at all.  How about a day shopping, at the spa, or lunch or even a little overnight excursion with YOU!!!  I am 54 and would love to spend some quality time with my 30 year old and 28 year old but, time, children, jobs get in the way.  Most Mom's just want time with their kids.
1004898
just tell her the wuts up tell her that ur not gay and that she is ur sister in law and u dont want to be an imbred
855475
If she's kind hearted, be thankful. Many mother-in-laws do MUCH worse things. Get a tub, put a label on it, store the clothes. Think of it as shopping in advance. If you must, donate them. Don't assume what her reasons for this are, it may make complete sense to her. By the way, if she does this every year you must have clothes that fit them from two Christmases ago. Personally I think, be kind, let it go, life is short.
922637
My suggestion is like many others, THANK HER every chance you get as this could make or break your relationship with her. If your weight doesn't change often I'd say start the dress at the beginning of the year. Of course small alterations can be made later, but then you can get the jist of things and make sure you both are on the right track and still have time for changes if need be.\nI really think you should get as many pictures as possible of what you want. I might even go to the extent of taking her dress shopping with you, trying on dresses, taking pictures in them and showing her what you like about each dress and why you think that type of dress would work best for you. Engrave in her head what you see in yours and hopefully that will keep her straying on the dress to a minimum. During the process of making it try it on often and correct anything you want before it can't be fixed. \n\nI'd say start it early in case you end up completely disliking it, then you'll have time to find something new. Though that my cause rifts between you and the mother-in-law.\n\nI totally know how you feel, my soon to be mother-in-law is trying to convince me their 45' x 30' back yard which is taking up mostly by a vegetable garden is the perfect location for our reception.