People spending too much on gifts these days??

This is certainly nothing new. Lots and lots of people spend way too much on the holidays, IMO. I think that it takes away from the real meaning of them. Sure, its nice to give, and to get, but lets be reasonable! Personally, I much prefer the company of family and friends over costly presents anyday. Plus, when someone spends a lot on someone else, the recipients feel an obligation to do the same in return.

I feel that in the case of close friends, and family, that we give to each other throughout the year anyway. I don't see a need to go out and spend lots of money for gifts, and I don't expect anyone to spend a lot on me either. I would much rather see people spend the money on things that they need for themselves, and their families without feeling pressured into spending the money on loads of gifts. The simple truth is that not everyone can afford to buy big, expensive things for others. But that pressure always seems to be there nonetheless.

Just my opinion...

I totally agree. Some people are making Christmas a holiday to get together just to show how much they can spend on gifts (well in my opinion at least) I know some people who are spending close to $800 on their boyfriend this Christmas. I sometimes feel that certain indiviuals focus more on the amount of money they spend on gifts rather than the quality. More importantly, they should be focusing more on the reason theyre celebrating the holiday they are celebrating. Don't get me wrong. I think it's wonderful to show how much you appreciate somebody and love them but I think that love should be shown throughout the year rather than one materialistic thing a year. And yes, I admit that I spend my share of money of gifts but it's not like I get a huge thing every year. (My husband needs only one Plasma afterall). I feel that during the holidays nowadays, everyone is so stressed out shopping and looking gifts that by the time the holidays come around, everyone is too exhausted to spend quality time with family and friends. I don't know. Maybe its just me and the people I know. I'm sure there are many people out there who are being more thoughtful about gifts, less spendy and less stressed during the holidays.

I think some people do, yes. But others realizing that showing that you're thinking about the person is more important than a price tag. That's what I did this year. I set a budget and really thought about what the people I'm giving to like/need. I spent about $65 and bought/made gifts for my two brothers, my mom, my dad, and my grandparents. Even though none of it was particularly expensive, I know they're all going to love their gifts because I thought about THEM when deciding what to get. I think that if you're giving gifts that is what you should do. Don't spend a small fortune on a truck load of gifts, buy something small/make something that has real meaning for the person. But then that's just my opinion. If someone wants to spend $400 on one gift, it's not my place to tell them they can't.

Happy Holidays everyone.

Yes, people are spending too much money on gifts for the Holidays (Christmas, etc.) and I am guilty of saving ton of money to pay cash rather than go into debt. I should be more frugal, and next year that's my main objective. Christmas is about the birth of Jesus, if one believes in Christianity. Hanukkah is a Jewish religious holiday with great significance. Kwanzaa is about the African heritage of family and friendship. Ramadan is a Muslim holiday with great significance. Why commercialize these great religious holiday for the retailers? The season is not about material possession; its about love and respect for each other and thankfulness.

It gets worse every year. If people just took a step back and realized that it's all meaningless junk, things might improve.

With Christmas becoming more and more about overpriced electronic goods, people are missing out on the true enjoyment of the holiday - creating fun and memories with the ones they love.

I'd prefer fewer gifts (stuff) and more time with family relaxing and playing board games & telling funny stories - but then, I guess I'm sort of mushy like that. My family doesn't exchange gifts anymore, but we make plans for 1 getaway together (a cruise, etc) each year. It's better than rushing around pretending you can show love by buying someone an iPod or plasma screen TV.

I know I do! But I just love getting people things they really want.....for instance my husband and I go really really extravagant on gifts for each other but I find that ok because we both work very hard and rarely ever spurlge on ourselves. I dont think its really about how much somebody spends I think that stress comes from spending more then you have to and then going into debt because of it. I think that is rediculous to do. Personally I just wouldnt go into major credit card debt for christmas gifts....you can only spend what you can afford. It would make christmas ALOT less stressful!!

Yeah, I'd agree that people do spend more than they have to. People have a tendency to buy really expensive things for the people they love, but it's mostly because they care so much about those people. It ain't necessarily a bad thing, but maybe people should buy meaningful and not necessarily expensive gifts.

It depends on how much money the individual has and makes, if they spend so much that it isn't within their financial means then yes, but if they can afford it, then i don't see any problem with it, it feels good to give and not be stingy.

Yes, people are even getting their teen daughters plastic surgery, instead of telling them beauty is inside. A Christmas gift should have meaning for what it represents not for what it costs.