Christmas this year in my family

wow, $100 per present! We're probably considered fairly well off (childless with reasonable incomes) and I wouldn't imagine spending that on a gift, even if it was instead of buying for everyone. I would have thought even $50 was a lot.

Wow that's pricey!

We're doing a $10 limit for pressies this year because there are 2 of us with babies and one student so no one has much to splash around and we don't want to make it stressful.

DH's family used to do a similar thing where you all had to buy for one of the nieces/nephews (and it was a big family). Idea was you drew a name out of a hat and then bought for that person. Problem was that then the parents would tell you what to buy and it was usually pretty expensive.

In the end we had to say that we really weren't into it - and luckily it turned out a lot of the other family members weren't either - it was difficult though as we were the only couple who didn't have kids at that stage so we worried we were coming across as tight.

Anyway the parents who were dictating pressie ideas thought they were being helpful so chances are that your SIL thinks she's being nice by just getting you to buy for each other. I bet you guys aren't the only ones who think $100 is a lot. Maybe you should suggest a review of the system before next Christmas. Just explain that you would love the chance to buy for other people.

That's a lot I don't spend that much on DH he gets $50 and that's the most I spend.

My brother and I haven't given each other presents since his kids were born, I buy for my nieces only.

and my Dad has asked me not to buy any presents for him this year either as I've been out of work this year and only just getting back on my feet

I'm baking fudge and biscuits and prob making jam instead.

Now we give presents from both DH and I to our families not separate ones.

Personally I think there should never be a $ amount set for Christmas presents. A gift shouldn't be compulsory.

Wow $100!!!!!!! That's just crazy!!! In my DH's family we do secret santa and it's $30 a gift. We wouldn't do it if it was $100! My family is only buy for the kids (of which there are two now hehe but everyone buys them something) which works well too

What limit do people put on there kids prezzy?

$100!

DH's family used to do a similar thing, but the limit was like $20-$30. Now that eveyone has kids, we only buy for nephews & nieces, and we limit that to $20 each (which will probably be reviewed this year anyway as there are now 9 kids!).

My mum, MIL and FIL still tend to give the adults gifts (chocolates, vouchers etc) though its per couple, rather than per person. And to be honest we still give them small gift too - though again just a small something, I think this year will be baking too!

DH's extended family do this game where everyone buys a present ($5-$10) and puts them in a pile in the middle. Everyone draws a number and gets to pick a present in that order. The first person picks their present and opens it. The next person has the choice to steal that present or open another one. A present can be stolen twice before it becomes safe. Anyway its a bit of fun for the adults and you still end up with a present

wow $ 100 thats excessive !!!
With Dh family this year we put names in a hat and you can buy/make a present for that person.
I will buy for my younger brother (he's 11 ) but thats it.
Sometimes it seems people forget Christmas is about being with the people you love and care about , rather than expensive gifts.

woah! in my family I am an only child - so no buying for siblinbgs..hehe. we don't buy for my DH's siblings too. they bought for us a few years ina row, but i still don't. we buy something for the kids - this year i'm making presents. we buy for my parents, his parents, and my nana and the kids make a present for each of them too.

$100 for a present - well we could afford that, but I still think it's excessive. $50 tops would be for me....but more like $30 to be honest.

Lisha wrote: Haha thanks melnel! For your support once again

No probs hun, maybe I should have a chat with them

We are doing professional family photo and a small photo book of the first 6 months of Jake for the parents this year. Will do same small photo book for my sister, brother and DH brother. I send my neice and nephew $50 for their bday and chrissy and my sister buys them something and puts my card on it. (They are in aussie)

You could get something that looks exp and give it (I'm sure you don't have to show them prices??) or You and DP could just spend what you want to spend seeing as you're buying for each other!!

It's tough when theres heaps of Birthdays round Xmas too! I seem to have this problem with 3 birthdays in december and 2 in jan.

Perhaps you could do something creative with photos from previous family xmas' like in an album?