Cheap Christmas ---- Guilt

**imagine** · 11-10-2008, 04:28 PM

We use to spend around $25 per person for extended family. So about $100 for just Hubby's sister and her family.

This year I have tried hard to find things they should love ( at least like) that don't break our budget. We succeed at our task. Now I feel like we are cheating them.

Like for my 4 year old niece we put together a drawing/coloring kit ( includes a lunch box, a personalized folder with construction paper and white paper, washable markers, crayons,two Christmas pencils and a pre school age drawing book) All bought on back to school sales and after clearance sales except the book we had two of them and my children are not pre-school age anymore so I included the one that looks new. Total spent -- $1.24

For my Sister in Law I bought a Christmas oven mitt and matching towel stuffed it with the ingredients to make my easy microwave fudge ( she loves chocolate and fudge) included the recipe plus some other ones. Total spent ---$5

Brother in law ( other side of family) Starbucks house blend coffee He loves coffee I found it on sale for $7.99.

Each person is like this something they like but the most spent was around $10

Now I feel like I'm cheating them.

**Cricketlegs** · 11-10-2008, 04:34 PM

You put thought and time into each gift.

Isn't that what it is meant to be about?

**lovestolaugh** · 11-10-2008, 04:37 PM

I do the same thing every year. I set my budget and do a great job of sticking to it until about the first of December when I think I haven't spent enough and run to the store. I really don't have a solution for you. Just thought you'd like to know you aren't alone!!! I am really bad about worrying if my gifts are "good" enought for my affluent family. We are far from their wealth and always feel like the poor relation. They have never given any indication that they feel that way towards us. It's just my own lack of self esteem. Good luck!

**justpeachy92** · 11-10-2008, 04:42 PM

I can honestly say my 4 year old daughter would love the gift you described. I would like the gift you got your sil, I love it when someone passes on to me tried and true recipes. I am a coffee-holic and would love the gift of coffee.

**tmffv** · 11-10-2008, 05:00 PM

Don't feel bad, you put time and thought into those gifts, that's what really matters. You may find that your other family and friends are scalling back on their gifts as well. I know my family will be this holiday, and that's just fine with me!

**Dancing Lotus** · 11-10-2008, 05:03 PM

Every year I am riddled with guilt over spending only 2 dollars on a kid or something like that but you know what? Not yet has one person appeared to be unhappy with a gift.

Once my kid expressed disappointment in something I gave her. I told her that was fine she didn't have to keep it, I took it back. She was very upset and I have never seen her less then grateful to receive any gift since them.

**sunshine** · 11-10-2008, 05:31 PM

Why in the world do you feel guilty? Look online or in the stores for gift baskets similar to what you just described -- they'd be $25 or more, easily. You did great -- you just didn't spend a ton of money. They don't need to know how much (or how little you spent out of pocket).

**momishem** · 11-10-2008, 05:35 PM

This was before things were so tight for us, back when my youngest was about 3 or 4 years old. We were celebrating on Christmas Day with my husband's brother and his family. They live in a very affluent suburb of Indianapolis and have a beautiful home. Anyway, they purchased monogramed bath towels for my girls. They spent way too much money on them and I loved them, but when Emily opened it she just ran out of the room and hid. We couldn't even imagine what made her do it. We found out that she hated that towel because it wasn't a toy! I was so embarrassed! But, looking back now, it is funny. You know what? We still have those towels and they are the only ones not falling apart in my linen closet!

This year things are so tight, but you know what? I told the girls that we were gonna have fun, bake a lot, trim the tree and spend time playing games together instead of having a lot of presents. So far they are ok with it. Just goes to show you kids can handle a lot!

No GUILT!

**IntlMom** · 11-10-2008, 05:38 PM

You are kidding, right?!?!?!?

THOSE ARE GREAT GIFTS!

Really, you should be proud of yourself for the thoughtfulness AND frugalness. Really, those are wonderful gifts!

**AmyBoz** · 11-10-2008, 05:45 PM

Those are great gifts and you can feel good that the people recieving them will love them and that you didn't break the bank to purchase them. I think creativity is important, and you were creative and thoughtful in your gift giving.

Our extended family decided to scrap the in-law, niece, nephew gift giving this year. We're saving $210 by doing this.

**Maine Girl** · 11-10-2008, 05:51 PM

They don't know how much you spent and you should be so proud of yourself

**kittykatstrong** · 11-10-2008, 06:03 PM

I also used to feel guilt. But one year I spent a ton of money and they hated the gift.so now I have a $15 limit for people and try to be creative.

**Momof3girls** · 11-10-2008, 06:07 PM

Be proud and stick to your gifts. Those are great gifts and the value of them is higher even if the price was low.
Plus I personally would rather have a well thought out gift I will use than a spendy one I will not.