Ok, theres my husband, my mum, my 5 siblings, 6 nieces, 1 nephew, my own 2 children, 5 friends and 3 of their children.
Thats about 24 people to buy for. Many of my friends are loaded (ones a journalist, ones an investment banker) so i feel really cr*p buying them cheap presents).
I only have about £150 - 200 this year. Any ideas? SHould i just buy pressies for the kids??
2007-12-05 00:44:32 · 24 answers · asked by Chimera's Song 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Christmas
Those are all great suggestions - MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!
2007-12-05 00:54:36 · update #1
Why not suggest everyone put their name in a hat and pick one name. Then you each buy for the person you picked. Everyone gets a gift and noone gets stressed.
2007-12-05 00:49:16 · answer #1 · answered by darbygirl 4 · 5⤊ 0⤋
In the past when I'd had less money than now I've overcome this problem by buying a really nice present for a person's birthday but not for Christmas. That way you can spread the cost over the year.
If the above doesn't appeal to you, (and anyway it does not get you out of this year's predicament), buy a present or two a month throughout the year, which is another way of spreading the cost.
2007-12-05 01:44:17 · answer #2 · answered by Ladyfromdrum 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am in the same boat this year. I am out of work right now. I talked to my family because money is tight for everyone this year, some of us more than other. We decided that the only ones we would buy gifts for this year were a seven year old and a three year old. Everyone else is eighteen or above, so we decided, no gifts. It sure takes a heavy burden off your shoulders and we can spend the day just enjoying each other and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.
2007-12-05 02:42:41 · answer #3 · answered by Birdlegs 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buy the children presents and then make presents for everyone else.
I am in the same boat as you, so I've bought my niece and nephews presents and have made presents for everyone else - mainly homemade sweets and chocolates.
You could make a mix CD for your husband with all the songs that make you think of him. For your Mum, you could make a scrapbook with photos and other mementos (drawings by the kids, etc.)
If you simply must buy presents, then why not buy presents for each family, like a board game or a family DVD?
2007-12-05 01:07:10 · answer #4 · answered by Gemz L 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I know a few people from large families and a lot of them set a limit on the Christmas presents, for example, £5 for presents for adults and £10 for the kids presents.
It turns out that most people in the family are grateful for it, and the kids will still get a lot of pressies.
2007-12-05 00:58:56 · answer #5 · answered by Jooles 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
All I can say is get baking. :) People love homemade baked goods and when you put time into a gift like that then it means more than just buying a box of chocolates. You don't even have to be an awesome baker, just find some good recipes for sweet breads and easy cookies. A plate of cookies per family is a great gift and it's inexpensive. Then spend what's left on little things for the kids...
2007-12-05 00:52:28 · answer #6 · answered by mrskerlin 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
make them something, people who have loads of money particularly like home made items because they never have the time to make anything themselves, you could make small cakes, mince pies, sweets, all can be wrapped very prettily in clear wrapping with lots of decorations such as ribbon, holly, cones etc. also maybe this is the year to talk to the family/friends and suggest that in future only buy for the children. May I wish you and yours a very merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous 2008.
2007-12-05 00:51:33 · answer #7 · answered by Carol M 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Christmas is too commercial these days, you shouldn't feel obliged or pushed into buying anything you can't afford. Just treat the kids. Adults are wise enough to realise such difficulties and appreciate your situation.
You have a lovely big family, as long as everyone is healthy and happy what more could you all need? You can give gifts any day of the year. God bless you all.
2007-12-05 00:52:18 · answer #8 · answered by ~☆ Petit ♥ Chou ☆~ 7 · 6⤊ 0⤋
Theres so much you can do like Kirklands offers these big soft throws for like 11 bucks each.They are so soft.Everyone at our house loves throws when we sit on the couch to cover up with ceiling fans on.
Each of the kids a five dollar Mcdonalds gift card buys them a happy meal and what kid doesnt love those?
Plus its not about the money its that you thought of them.
Another thing famlies love is getting home baked goodies you always have people stopping by and its nice to have a fresh plate of fudge or cookies or white chocolate covered pretzels.with red and green sprinkles of course;)put it in nice jar.
2007-12-05 00:56:06 · answer #9 · answered by hugsandhissyfits 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I make gift baskets with baked goods I make myself. Banana bread, Cranberry Orange bread, different flavors of fudge, different types of cookies, etc. Find cheap baskets, or use those plastic Christmas tubs from Wal-Mart. You'll spend most of your money of the baskets and cellophane paper. Make up one gift basket per household.
Use most of the money for your own children. Let all the adults know that you are only buying for children. (That's what we do) Buy the other children a board game, or something they can all share (1 per household.) And then get them each something little, like lip gloss and nail polish for the girls, and little toys for the boys. (I don't know the ages so it makes it kinda hard.) If they are older, you can get them each a gift certificate for a small amount. Song downloads are only $1 each : )
Lastly, make your husband a coupon book with little coupons for things you can do for him. Use your imagination on this one.
I usually start my baking about a week before exchange time. Each day, I'll make something different, like Monday is banana bread day, Tuesday is fudge day, etc. Makes the house smell wonderful.
2007-12-05 01:07:17 · answer #10 · answered by punchy333 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
How about buying a nice plate and making cookies/treats to put on it for the adults. Alot of people don't have time to make xmas treats and will appreciate it.
For the kids, just get them small things.
For our family, we have stopped getting xmas gifts for the adults. We just play a game and everyone winds up with something. Just buy for the kids.
2007-12-05 00:54:49 · answer #11 · answered by Jo 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋