Would a gift exchange be a good idea for my family?

Question

Some members of my family suggested having a gift exchange this holiday season since some members (including myself) experience financial harships this year. However, we do not have a really big family. On each side, it would be between 5-8 people. We tried to do this in the past and it really didn't save me any $. I still would buy for my mom, dad, sister anyway. I have a good chance of getting them in a gift exchange. If I don't buy for them and get an uncle that I see only a few times a year. I would have a problem givng him a gift and not my mother and father. Should we consider having a gift exhange or just buying inexpensive gifts for everyone? Sorry if this sound confusing

Answer 1

I was laughing for my family too tried this idea. It did not work out so well (I have two daughters I want to get something for, oh my grandkids would flip if Granny missed them, then there's my sis who does so much all through the year..gotta get her something..oh and...). We are trying it again this year, only buying for the little ones. I've already started and it's not just for the kids!!

Answer 2

If your parents are into the idea, why do you feel the need to still buy something for them? If they supoort this idea, I would think they would not be expecting a gift from you are might even feel bad getting a gift if they did not get you in the exchange and are not giving you something. If they are still buying for you too, seems the exchange idea isn't a good one for your family.

My siblings, parents, & I as all adults were at the point we were either giving gifts the other people didn't really need or necessarily want just to give a gift or doing gift cards (basically exchanging money). So, we decided that only the kids in the family should get gifts and we all buy only for each other's kids.

Answer 3

My and my brothers and sister in laws do this. We all put our names in a hat and pick only buy for 1 person. We don't include our parents or niece/nephews because they are people we are going to buy for regardless. So instead of buying 11 gifts i end up buying 5. Definitly saves me a lot of money and I'd much rather receive 1 nicer gift then a bunch of cheap things that I won't really use.

Answer 4

If you want to do something very different for a gift exchange, World Vision has a unique way for giving a gift in someone's name through their gift catalog, found at the link below.

Over the past few years, we've provided seeds to a village in Africa in my parents' name (they both enjoy gardening); soccer balls to a recreation program in a South American city in my nephew's name (a soccer player); and provided instruction for a woman in Mali, West Africa to read in honor of a former female boss (who wanted to have a "global impact"). They have many different gift levels, as well as opportunities to match up services with your recipients' areas of interest. Without exception, these gifts have been the most well-received that we've ever given.

Answer 5

If you have kids buy for them first and worry about everyone else later.If you run out of cash after the kids then I am sure others will understand.If not then make sure those who count to you get done first.I have a large family. Mine alone plus my in laws and kids is way too many to buy for on our limited budget so we make sure our kids are taken care of then worry about the rest. If we tried to do every one we would sent our self way to far in debt. Have you thought of homemade gifts? that is always an option.This time of year is supposed to be about friends and family and the time and love we share not about the amount of money we spend.

Answer 6

you can have a gift exchange only if you are going to stick to it otherwise you will not save any money(buying gifts for all the others) and the other people will save money since they will only be buying the one gift-- you need to decide but stick to it, if you are going to feel guilty about not buying gifts for your mom & dad, then you should not do the gift exchange

Answer 7

We stared one a couple years ago and it works great. We draw names with a wish list, at Thanksgiving, then spend $50 on the person. Then we all also have a stocking, and everyone buys little things for each other. Usually the stocking is our favorite part. Crazy little inexpensive items (deodorant, socks, toothbrushes, etc.)

Answer 8

I totally get what ur saying...I happen to have a big family, and its hard to by everyone. Last year we all bought gift certificates(all for same amount) for a store thats good for a man or woman or a restaurant...then put them in a bag and everybody picked one out. But I still bought for my parents.

Answer 9

My family draws names every year. The good thing about it is you have more money to spend on your own children. And it is perfectly alright to buy for your own mom and dad. You will find that parents or grandparents always get a lot more presents. It is a good thing.

Answer 10

I lived in Japan for a 12 months and that i had to deliver a great variety of omiyage (grants) to eastern bosses, and so on. What they could constantly get for us foreigners replaced into the two a team merchandise alongside with a field of goodies from the place that they were, or something small alongside with a keychain, postcard and so on. i could deliver something low fee from the place you're from: a tshirt, candy, nutrition. in case you nevertheless % to do something extra own I constantly gave a figurine or merchandise from my domicile. basically recommendations. i does no longer supply a 10 cent postcard yet quite its extra of the assumption than how lots/own presents are.