Gift Ideas of Snobs??

[mommy4ever]

Ok, that is truly unkind of me. But I need some CHEAP ideas for SIL and BIL and their Teen kids. I'm tired of the nonsense. I was trying to sell them a month or so ago, and it's still getting worse. BUt if I don't get them a Gift, then it is even WORSE!!

Nothing home made will work So that's out. The girl is 14, the boy 17. Both are "brand sensitive". *sigh*. I dont even know them. The girl is turning into their mother, and it's irritating everyone from the extended family. At 14 she has 20 purses!! The boy is a pretty well grounded kid. I do like him, but I don't know anything about 17yo boys. If we give cash, he's buying something for his girlfriend. So it's not for him(BTW, he can't have a job because mom doesn't want to let go). What might work?

I really don't even want to do a gift exchange with them. I have a Gift card from them last year that we haven't used yet, maybe I should give it back?? LOL. Wouldn't that be funny. I might be able to get a gc from my airmiles yet.

[nodmicks]

I have nephews that are ummm well lets not say. Anyways every year we get them either a $20 mall gift card or a $20 pre-paid visa.

I gave up the year I bought 1 a 40 video game he told me he wanted 100 times. Upon recieving it he asked for the receipt because it wasn't cool! I only buy the giftcards to not start WW3. I know you get what I mean.

Oh another idea! My nephews love expensive cologne which I see online alot for 1/4 the cost.

[Jayne]

I know what your dealing with and I feel for you....dh and I decided many years ago after this sort of thing kept happening, that we would not participate in gift exchanging with his family or mine..we jsut buy for our kids and grands

[mommy4ever]

I have tried to do that!! But they won't hear of it. We eliminated the birthdays for the adults now, it's just a card.

Get this. Every year, MIL and FIL take everyone together to a movie Christmas eve. BIL is now whining it's not fair as the movies are always sooo young. Umm. let's see, all the kids, 17, 14, 13, 10, 8 and 3. Can I bring a 3yo to a pg 13 movie? Come on!! Their kids got their choice of movies for a long time. It's like Santa. Just because the eldest doesn't believe, you don't ruin it for the youngest. Anyway. Sorry for the vent.

But I hear you on the no gifts. I wish it were just for the grands and nuclear family. But whatever...

I don't mind buying for the kids, I don't but the parents are the issue. Now my brother is great. Whatever. Not once have I heard a complaint about what they've recieved. Even the years we just didn't have money and got the smallest thing. It was well received. His current daughter is easy to please. I get a gc and a small gift since they are usually travelling. She hands the card to mom, says thanks and plays with that toy for ever. They aren't materialistic. They would rather have 1 thoughtful gift, and an expensive whatever gift.

[Jaded]

I have a cousin like that. One year, I just got tired of it, and told her that since she had everything she could possibly want or need, and I couldn't afford to buy any of her extravagances, I wasn't going to give her gifts anymore. She didn't speak to me for two years. I didn't miss her at all.

Not that this would work for you, but I'd donate money to a charity in their names. I'd write them a nice note saying that since they have everything, this is the only thing you could see that they don't have, which is a giving heart, so you're doing it for them.

But then, I'm a troublemaker.

[nodmicks]

Mommy4ever~ wow are we in the same boat with the family and gift issues. Dh's consists of 16 people and it raised holy you know what when we wanted to cut back. Someone even told me to spend less on the kids and quit sponsoring charity kids. I was furious. I now shop year ropund since we do almost 30 people. I love doing them all but 8! It's not worth the battle.

My side on the other hand is 4 people. My db and wife are very well off. They seem very enthusiastic of verything we give them and dd even though they can afford pretty much anything. They are a pleasure!

Good luck!

[lwlynch]

I solved the gift giving problem with my inlaws. I was lucky that they were mostly girls. I bought a nice charm bracelet...from groovy girl mom.com and every holiday I send a charm and a card. worked for me..

[Cricket1]

How about a g.c. to a movie theatre for the nephew, Bath & Body Works lotion (or g.c.) for the niece. For the adults, perhaps a bottle of wine?

[leezza]

How about getting one gift card for the total amount you want to spend.....and getting it at their favorite place to eat. ( instead of say spending 10-20 on each person how about 1 card for 50).

Also how about getting them something for their house, together from Bed Bath & Beyond......they have some pretty good prices and they are always sending out those 20% off coupons.

Good Luck,
leezza

[~Elvira~]

I think a gift card (to anywhere) is always a good idea when in doubt. At the end of the day, a gift is a GIFT and if anyone who receives a gift is unappreciative then they are badly in need of a lesson in manners!

I don't know what we're going to do for gifts this Christmas. My SIL's family is in bad financial shape due to husband's inability to hold down a job and periodic incidents with the law. They are such a drain on our energy...really don't know how I'm going to be in the giving spirit.

Aren't extended families wonderful? Good luck!

[sunshine]

I get magazine subscriptions for the teens (look for deals online)


Too late for this year, but keep in mind for next year-- I shop Bath and Body Works semi-annual sales and stock up on soaps, lotions, body sprays -- for just this sort of thing.

Perhaps the teen boy would appreciate a copy of "The Millionaire Next Door" ?

[rainbowgc]

Perhaps you should spend what you can afford on gifts and ignore their materialistic attitude! (I know easier said than done) However you are being bullied into thinking that because of their high lifestyle you owe it to them to get pricey gifts. It's up to you to give something thoughtful and that is your only obligation.
I would shop clearance items online and elsewhere, you can find a lot of cool things and save some serious cash.
For computer games try: www.nothingbutsoftware.com
for Perfumes and colognes try places like TJ Max, Ross and Marshall's
For the truly narcissistic a framed picture of themselves is always nice and well received (LOL)
My adult DD is extremely materialistic so I always get her gifts that relate to the family to bring her down to earth on what really matters.

[Dancing Lotus]

Sorry, no good advice from me. You said you had a gift card they gave you, where is it too? IF it's to a store buy something for them with it. IF it's to a restuarant regift it , or treat yourself.

In a sad way I was alittle releaved when my in-laws moved so that I wouldn't have to worry about what to get everyone. ( I had planed on mailing a gift card ) but I just found out they are comeing here for christmas ." oh, my lucky day."

[sdrjeolsen]

What about donating to a charity in their name? It may give them chance to stop and think...and realize that they have a lot of positives in their life and that they are better off than many others. And that is a gift in itself as well.

[Odilia]

I would go with a book geared to their interests or a donation to a charity.

For the fashionistas, maybe a donation to the charity that provides interview suits to homeless women seeking to reenter the workplace? For someone so into their fancy ride, maybe a donation to a meals on wheels program or program that gives rides to handicapped folks and elderly? For serious "foodies," a donation to the local food bank or soup kitchen?

You could be very gracious in the card saying something like: Because you have such fashion flair and always dress so well, I was inspired to honor you this Christmas by sending a donation in your name to ___________ charity. Other women will benefit from your great sense of fashion and be outfitted to rejoin the work place in style. Merry Christmas!!