So, my husband and I have 3 little kids and I am 24 and going back to school, and my husband works construction but is most likely going to be laid off because of how the housing market is going(although it is a great buyers market) so he will get unemployment and then I will get a part time job fo awhile until he can find something that pays what he is making right now, so here is my question, I was thinking 3 presents for each of the kids and they are 5 and 3 yr. old twins, and then 1 present for my nephew. Here is what I think might be the cheap part I was thinking of giving my sister and her huband, and my brother and his girlfriend 20 dollar gift cards to the Olive Garden and then maybe some candy to put in the gift bag with it, and then a 40 dollar gift card to a restaurant for my mom and dad, and a 15 dollar gift card to subway for my granparents. Tell me what you think about that, I just don't want to go overboard and then broke. Any other ideas for inexpensive gifts??
2007-10-25 04:40:09 · 45 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Christmas
Its the thought that counts
2007-10-25 04:42:51 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you can afford the extra $100 or so then go for it... if not then don't. The adults really understand and I am sure they are well aware of your current situation. I would think that they would want you to take care of the kids first, yours and your nephew. If after you take care of them you feel you have the extra cash to spare then get them all something little like you suggested, but if you don't its OK too... Christmas is so much more then getting or receiving gifts. We have all been there at one point in our lives. I have found through the years there were some years I could not do much and made up for it in the ones where I could. Best of Luck to you.
A nice idea is to go out and find a package deal of some sort of Christmas ornament.... you can usually find some really nice ones that do not cost too much... wrap each one up nicely and give to the adults.... it could become a tradition where as in future years where you can afford more to go with it and at the same time they get a nice ornament and everyone has something from your family that matches.... I did this one year and have continued it... now they really look forward to see just what it is I picked out for them every year. Plus its so nice visiting the homes on the holidays and seeing the things I have given them through the years.
2007-10-25 04:53:31 · answer #2 · answered by Karen 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Honestly, give what you can afford. But the gift card idea always sounds cheap to me, no matter how much money is on the card. If you have to go the gift card route, I would with something a little different. I would give your sister and her husband a gift certificate from the movie theatre with the free popcorn and sodas included, and make up a "coupon" for one free babysitting night. Your brother and his girlfriend...for them I would give the Olive Garden gift card (girlfriends arent' that important to me. I don't know how long they've been together, but when my brother and his girlfriend were going out, for like 4 years, we never exchanged gifts).
Your granny and gramps...I would give them something else than from Subway. Is there anywhere else they really like to eat? They're the hardest because they have everything they probably need already, and they might be too old to be driving around all over creation. Give them socks and kiss! lol
2007-10-25 04:48:57 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is the thought that counts . . . Not the gift . . .
My family is getting framed wedding pictures . . . My sister's kids are getting $10 gift cards from me . . . However, if they were my kids I would probably get them a gift they need, and hopefully want.
My parents raised me to remember that a gift is a gift, not something to expect and certinaly not something you "deserve". My friends growing up would throw fits when they didn't get (or think they were not going to get) what they wanted for xmas . . . Because of the way my parents raised me, I saw this as selfish and was embarrassed for them.
Now that I am an adult, I try not to blow all my money on Xmas gifts - even though I may be tempted to purchase expensive gifts. Many of my family members would alwasy complain of not having recent photos, so that is now my traditional gift. I give updated photos - in frames, and sometimes I add a phone card (as I live far way from most of them), they can choose to call me with it or someone else.
Again, it is the thought that counts not the item . . .
2007-10-25 04:50:40 · answer #4 · answered by Chocoholic 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think what you're doing is a great idea. I'm not sure though, that candy would really fill a gift bag, unless you're going to buy a whole lot, you could buy inexpensive picture frames or do the dry cookie mixes in a jar (very inexpensive, but cute and they would take up more room in the bag). Honestly, though, I think what you're doing is fine, I would never want to make a family member think they need to go broke to get me something for Christmas, I'm sure your family feels the same way. I hope things start to look up for you and your family, Merry Christmas (a good bit early)!!!!
2007-10-27 05:44:30 · answer #5 · answered by caitlin k 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Besides the kids, you've kept it under $100 for the rest of your family, I think that's great! If you put the gift card envelope in a small gift bag, with the candy and tissue paper, it'll be really pretty, too.
The 3 gift rule for the kids sounds like a good tradition to start, if you're Christian, there's a lot of symbolism there!
I hope for the best for you and your family! It sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders and I know you'll be successful in the future!
2007-10-25 04:54:48 · answer #6 · answered by ihavethat45 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I dont think that is cheap. those are nice gifts! I am also a student and my hubby in construction. So I know How it can get. I usaully start X=mas shopping all year. I f i see something on clearance that someone will like I snag it up (if I have the xtra cash. SO not cheap at all. Also on both sides of the family we usaully only buy for the kids.
But gift certificates to Olive Garden are a good idea! Happy Holidays!
2007-10-25 04:45:30 · answer #7 · answered by scorpio_girl 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Honey, any gift you give should be taken as the thought behind it, not the cost of it. This is why I think that Christmas has lost it's true meaning. People should never be concerned about the dollar amount that is spent on a gift, just the thought that went into to it. To me it sounds wonderful what you have planned. The thought is there, the love is there, what more do you need? Christmas is suppose to be about love and sharing time with family and friends, not about the amount of money spent on presents.
Merry Christmas and God Bless!!!
2007-10-25 04:46:08 · answer #8 · answered by cinson1999 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Christmas is not about gifts. So, whatever gift you give, is PLENTY. Your recipients should be appreciative no matter what the monetary value. As long as the gift is useful, it should be considered GREAT! AND, who doesn't like to eat!!!! Another great idea that I have used when I was in a similar situation is this: I got my kids' pictures taken and then bought a pretty frame and had their picture framed and wrapped up. My parents absolutely LOVED this! For my other family, I made up gift certificates that they could redeem, in addition to the photo, such as "Free Babysitting Services" so that they could have a night out. Another one was "FREE dinner" for my sister who was a college student. Believe it or not, everyone will probably be aware of your situation and will be quite understanding. If they are not, then they need to be reminded of the REAL reason of why we celebrate Christmas. You do what you can, and be proud of it too!
GOOD LUCK to you and your family!
2007-10-25 04:48:30 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
That an awesome idea I might use that to. Im broke and even 20 bucks is to high for me. Olive garden is a great place and they are your family and probably do not expect anything from you if they understand your situation. Think of the kids first there young and still believe in Santa Claus
2007-10-25 04:44:10 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds good to me. You're going through hard times. Family should understand this. I'm in the same boat.I know I'd love to get a $20 gift card to my favorite steak house instead of socks or another Quilted sweat shirt. Merry Christmas.
2007-10-25 04:49:40 · answer #11 · answered by jimbobob 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋