why spend stupid amounts on xmas presents?

You are totally right. Why break the bank for something that they don't even want?

I'm putting my foot down this year. I'm only buying presents for the kids in the family and the in laws can bite it sideways.

After all, they are adults, its not for adults, its for the kids, if they really want it they can go out and buy it themselves.

Too right!!

Last year i decided not to flush a my money down the loo and make my xmas presents, and every one went crazy for them and said they were really personal. Now everyone cant wait to see what i have made them this year!!!!!!

i wouldn't spend an arm and a leg for a casual friend BUT someone important i would definitely splurge. my husband for example likes expensive things as is, and he's everything to me so why not spend a little extra on him??? besides in 3 months he'll still know where the awesome gifts came from and his appreciation and happiness are so worth it.

i don't spend much for christmas presents...sometimes what i do when i really don't have enough money is i just write them down a letter...im pretty sure that they would appreciate that though...rather than giving them expensive presents that can be destroyed...and those things can be bought by money...the words and feelings that are included in your letter cannot be bought by any amount of money...

My aim is to "give" this Christmas by sending an e-mail to the kids letting them know a village in Africa has clean drinking water - win or lose, it's not as wasteful as gifts given in the past!

I buy certain people certain things because (1) I know they will appreciate it, (2) I can afford it, and (3) I like to give gifts.

its not about the amount

i spend lots, because i can,

but i put a HUGE amount of thought into what i buy

and thats what its about for me

take the time to MAKE me a card, and i am so happy

put thought into your gifts not cash or value

I also think its useless u can buy him/her a card and she'll like it as much as the 300dollar 1 and all that matters is that its from the heart

Actually, I don't. My family and friends give gifts of time, love and creativity to each other. None of us are rich, but we have everything we need (and some of what we want), so our monetary gifts go to those who do not.

later:

You ROCK, renclrk!

well, youre probably very generous if you buy much OR people give the same amount or value of presents....