Is it tacky to tell your friends you won't be buying them a x-mas gift this year?

Question

I really don't have the extra cash to buy so many people presents this year like I have in the past. Would it be tacky to tell them ahead of time I simply won't be buying them a present, and I don't expect one in return?

Answer 1

I wouldn't. I would write them a nice letter and hand it to them for Christmas as a meaningful gift. There's no rule that says that you have to buy presents. Make each person something special just for them.

Answer 2

It is not at all tacky, especially since some people buy gifts with the expectation of getting one in return or because they feel obligated. This will be good for those people to know and will relieve them of their feelings of obliation.

If you feel you do want to give something- think about making a craft- you can do candle jars or lighted potpourri bowls rather inexpensively. Otherwise send a card and don't feel guilty. I am not big on celebrating Christmas but I have witnessed it turn from a time of joy with family and friends to a big dreaded hassle that only leaves people broke and struggling for basic needs for the first half of the next year- I don't think that is what it is supposed to be about. So yes, to avoid future offenses, I would let others know right off the bat that you will not be purchasing gifts- then those that want to buy because they want to will and those with guilt and obligation issues are off the hook and you can both breathe easier over this holiday season :)

Answer 3

That is not only NOT tacky, they will probably be relieved. Everyone I know is scrounging.........and has been for the last few years. Of course, there is always the token gift. Go to the dollar store and wrap a nice inexpensive (read:$1.00) candle for unexpected gifts. This is what I do. All year long pick up things like candles, ornaments from dollar stores, thrift stores, yard sales ect and wrap them and keep them on the side for when people come by with a gift. I had a boss that did this and I thought it was such a nice idea. Even if a complete stranger showed up, he had a gift for them. It could also be something like a box of candy, holiday m&m's or Hershy kisses in the red & silver foil in one of those $1.00 christmas mugs from Big Lots. I have been telling my family not to give me anything for the past 5 years and they were happy to hear it.

Answer 4

Don't worry, That's not tacky. True friends will understand; It's really not that big a deal. Just an idea though......Mabye you could get together with your group of friends one evening and either go out to eat or meet at someone's house. Everyone could bring some kind of finger food and ya'll could just hang out. Mabye suggest doing a Secret Santa. Everyone picks a name out of a hat and buys just that one person a gift. Put a monetary limit on it. It works very well and the get-together is a lot of fun.

Answer 5

no need to announce it. Just send them all a nice card with an "update" in it. If they make a comment to you about not getting a gift then that is tacky. Gift giving is not about what you can get but what you can give. If they give because they expect something from you then they are not giving for the right reason. It sounds like you give for the right reason so when you can you will give again. Just My Opinion.

Answer 6

Don't outright say, "I'm broke and I can't afford this." Instead try this idea:

Talk to your friends about gift giving this year. Tell them you were thinking about presents for them and making your own list, and you realized that you all have so much. What's left to give? How about this year, all the friends go to a toy store together, buy some toys, and donate them to a local charity.

This way, you can forgo the gifts to friends, save face, and do something truly wonderful. I was broke in college and asked my friends to do this and we have done it every year since. Shopping for toys together is a blast and we look forward to it every December.

Answer 7

in case you would be wanting money after Christmas, make some vouchers the two home made or off the computing gadget saying which you will purchase them a unfastened drink or something like that once Christmas. in any different case, only communicate over with them and say which you extremely can't arise with the money for to purchase something this twelve months and ask them in the event that they suggestions - which i'm very particular they won't. in case you have no longer already given enjoying cards, only make somewhat advantageous, humorous, own ones for each of them to tutor which you have made an attempt. Or make some cool biscuits or muffins. in case you could arise with the money for some quite tissue paper or gauze and a few ribbon you ought to wrap them up in my opinion and lead them to seem extraordinary - i might like it if somebody did that for me! Or in case you comprehend them alright, invite them around for a girlie nighttime with DVDs and snacks. don't sense undesirable - many human beings are interior the coolest comparable difficulty! xx Emmie

Answer 8

My best friend and I always say "So, are we buying, making or not exchanging gifts this year?" depending on how busy we are and whether we're up for it...

We have made some simple gifts for each other that we both treasure. I made her bookmarks with quotes on them (including one by my child) and she loved them. We sent letters to each other saying what we cherished about our friendship. I love those!

A good friend is wealthy and I'm not and I told her that I could not possibly keep buying gifts - hers got more expensive each year. I send a really nice card and pictures of the kids and after a few years she stopped sending gifts to me. If I had lots of money I would gladly buy her gifts!

Answer 9

Definitely tell them in advance. They will be glad they have one less gift to worry about. But don't say that you don't have the money...just don't give a reason why. If you still want to give them something, write each friend a separate card or give them perhaps a little bag of homemade cookies or some candy. However, telling them ahead is definitely good.

Answer 10

My friend and I have have exchanged gifts for the last 17 years and we have since had families....she has 3 kids!!! She would always buy for us all but when her family is so big the money really adds up!! Plus in my own family we draw names to cut down on costs so I felt it was unfair for me to buy for her ENTIRE family when I didn't for my own.

So.....

This year we decided not to do gifts! YES! I heard her make a few remarks about being behind on bills and I jumped at the chance and mentioned that we shouldn't exchange gifts this year because of the financial burdens we all were going through. :)

I think we both were relieved.