Christmas shopping 2008

Benzgirl · #1 11-17-2008, 10:19 AM

Everyone has an agreement this year. Since the economy is in such a shambles, we are not exchanging any gifts. The only kids in the immediate family are 20 and 17. They like gift cards, particularly the one in college likes Barnes and Nobles since they own the book store at college. I usually buy them something inexpensive, but personal to wrap with the gift card.

I haven't decided if I will buy for my cousin's kids since they live 1800 miles away and the parents have never acknowledged the gifts in the past. Even if they aren't sending thank you notes, they can at least call or email to say that they got it.

I am throwing in a do-it-yourself kit for my dad to make his own Pulled Pork. He is always asking me to make it and it's so easy. I'll make up the dryrub, give him the bottled sauce I will always use, put in a copy of the instructions and say, "Just Add Pork".

APhi Sailorgirl · #2 11-17-2008, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Benzgirl

I haven't decided if I will buy for my cousin's kids since they live 1800 miles away and the parents have never acknowledged the gifts in the past. Even if they aren't sending thank you notes, they can at least call or email to say that they got it.

My brother and sister-in-law live only 1 mile down the street and can't even get their kids to "thank you" to our faces when we give them presents.

Plus after they didn't get us a wedding gift I've decided they're getting a family gift and I'll be damned if I'm going to hunt down stuff for their 5 kids.

SWTXBelle · #3 11-17-2008, 02:19 PM

The Wii system I got this summer was the "big gift" for my boys - they will get new games for it. My youngest daughter will get an i-pod, and I'm stumped for my eldest daughter. I need to get her an electric guitar, but the music store I had good credit with changed banks, and I can't get a new account - even though I NEVER missed a payment for her last guitar. Sigh.

There will be no adult gifts this year. I have my nieces and nephews taken care of thanks to clearance sales I've come across throughout the year. My children will have their usual bountiful stockings, but no other gifts from me. I love Christmas shopping, and hate that I can't do more this year.

AGDee · #4 11-17-2008, 03:19 PM

I'm making sure that I'm paying cash for everything. I just don't want to go into debt for Christmas. Since I get paid every other week (26 times a year), I really only have pay household bills out of 24 of those paychecks so I get ahead of myself twice a year. We're at that point so I'll spend one whole paycheck (minus gas, groceries, misc. cash needed for the pay period) on Christmas. I don't buy for that many though.. 2 kids and their Dad, My dad, his wife, my brother and then three aunts/uncles. I get something for my boss too. The aunts/uncles will get something ordered online from somewhere like Figi's, Hickory Farms or Mrs. Prindables Apples. I'm waiting for lists from Dad, His Wife and Brother. My girlie is getting that phone. It's up to the kids, but I'm going to suggest a digital photoframe for their dad, loaded with pics of them from birth to current. I get my brother stuff on his list, usually DVDs, CDs, and U of Mich stuff. I found a bottle coozy that said Michigan on it from Walmart a while ago and got that already. My son can't think of what he wants other than 3 video games and some video editing software. I want him to come up with something better!

DaemonSeid · #5 11-17-2008, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by APhi Sailorgirl

My brother and sister-in-law live only 1 mile down the street and can't even get their kids to "thank you" to our faces when we give them presents.

Plus after they didn't get us a wedding gift I've decided they're getting a family gift and I'll be damned if I'm going to hunt down stuff for their 5 kids.

yeah...when u start getting ungrateful folks, regardless of a recession or a progression (do economists ever call it that?)that's money that shouldn't be wasted.