If someone tells you they got your kid a Christmas gift does that mean you should get their kid one?

Question

Major factor... money is REALLY TIGHT this year.

Answer 1

Have your children make that family a Christmas card and bake some treats. You can get one of those Pillsbury cookie rolls pretty cheap this time of year. With the card just have your kids write something pretty, sign it, decorate and tape it the cookies and put a Christmas bow on it.

Christmas is not about the cost of the present but the thought and good will that goes into it. Plus, it's good to get your children involved.

Answer 2

I am going to let you and the Y!A in on a little tid bit about me.

I am broke.

If people give gifts to me, they know full well that I am not able to do so in return. I don't waste my time feeling guilty; don't waste my time stewing; don't waste my time giving it another thought. They all received the announcement earlier on in the year that I had one too many doctor's visits for my medical conditions and that the 20% that I am responsible for paying is just too high to stay on top of things, which is why I got a second job a few weeks ago~~to pay off such d@mned bills. I hate debt!

SO!!!

Case in point, no one is getting anything this year and that goes for hubby, kids, mother, father, brother and his lovely wife and in-laws.

The most they are getting is Christmas cards purchased last year for the after Xmas sale.

Today's paycheck was a grand total of $128 for a week's work. I am d@mned proud of it because I busted my @$$ for it.

My advice: Don't feel guilty. You'll only suffer an ulcer if you do and Xmas's true purpose is about giving, not receiving. Bake some cookies or work on a scrap book, or some d@mned thing. Do something creative. If your child's friend's mother is a snot and only wants her child to receive a baby Osh Kosh jumpsuit or a Barbie Dream car, drop that friend.

Of course, this is my opinion.

Good luck and Happy Holidays :)

Answer 3

I experienced a particular Christmas when money was so tight I couldn't afford to give presents to my own children let alone someone else's.

If the person is a friend they will understand. My friends actually bought presents for their own children (supposedly from me) so their children would not wonder why I hadn't given them a gift.

Explain your financial predicament.. there's no shame involved. If the truth be known they are probably already aware of your financial plight and have purchased gifts for your children as a goodwill gesture which is what Christmas is all about.

Answer 4

Yes, that is what that means. You have lots of options however, call her and ask her NOT to give the gift because your child will be extremely embarrassed, as you cannot afford to give her child one in return.

Or, get something for her child.

Or accept the gift with thanks.

Let your own conscience be the guide on this one.

Answer 5

First, it is rude for someone to TELL you he or she got your child a gift. That person should ask you if it's alright to get your child a gift. No, you should not be obligated to get this person's child a gift. Just be a gracious recipient and send a thank you card.

Answer 6

I am a mother of 3... and I feel obligated to get those who get my kids something.. For the girls go get them cute clothes on clearance.. You can get great deals if you shop right. For boys, you can get those little cars for a dollar at wal-mart... Shop around if you have to, but it's nice... My money is tight as well... I'm good at this....

Answer 7

No, you shouldn't have to buy her child a gift. You know your limits when it comes to money. Accept the gift with graciousness and smile. You don't have to discuss your decision with the other parent or give any reasons.

Answer 8

no, explain the situation. Or as the other posts said make something, or go over there and sing carols

gift giving has gotten really out of control, this same situation happened to us, and I wanted to nip it before it continued year after year