Wow, the gifts look mighty dinky!

**acox68** · 11-26-2010, 10:18 PM

Well, I finished my Christmas shopping today and went to wrap everything up. I usually set everything on the couch and wrap them one by one and the gifts always used to take up the entire couch, but this year, it didn't even take up HALF of the couch! The gifts looked mighty DINKY.

Mind you, we are already over budget a little because we bought bulk Christmas crackers for this year and next, but it's a little embarrassing. I didn't buy inexpensive gifts in my mind, but they look like it when one person only gets one gift each. For example, I got my brother and BIL each a wallet that was buy one, get one half off. The first one was almost $30. So, even though I paid less for the second one, it was still a $30 wallet. KWIM?

So, to help remedy this, I'm going to buy my nieces and nephews an additional gift - a fleece scarf from Old Navy ($5 each). The adult couples will each get a nice bottle of wine from DH's fast-depleting wine collection that he got for bartering services, and I will make each couple a jar of pumpkin butter and apple butter. I hope this makes up for the "lack" of prezzies.

I'm not the type of person that has to "outdo" others in the gift giving, and I know it's the thought and sentiment that counts, but this year we decided to really stick to the budget we had set for ourselves. However, I'm suddenly feeling like I am the scrooge or something. It just doesn't look like much...

Has anyone been through this before? My brother is a self-made millionare and my sister buys gifts on sale throughout the year, so that is how they handle the gifts. I just know they are going to get too much for us this year and we won't be able to reciprocate properly. UGH. Next year I'm going to suggest we draw names....

Andrea

**scooby8themall** · 11-26-2010, 10:34 PM

In years past we always had tons of presents for every one this year we have a lot less I'm focusing more the grand kids then the adults. And this time of year is hard for some with the price of gas and wood and oil and grocery's .Sounds like you are doing okay and that's a great price on those scarfs. I do alot shopping the day after Christmas and through out that week for those deep discounted items .

**Palooka** · 11-26-2010, 10:35 PM

You definitely are not a scrooge! Sounds like you've done enough and I would suggest to draw names next time too.

**Momto5RN** · 11-26-2010, 10:35 PM

if they have an idea of your financial ability to get gifts and still buy you more - then perhaps they just enjoy getting you nice things and sharing their financial success.
unless they have said anything that leads you to believe they are counting the $ they give vs what they get i wouldnt let the difference bother you . they may get some joy out of buying you things -

**Debbie-cat** · 11-26-2010, 10:41 PM

Don't feel bad! You made a budget and stuck to it. That is a great thing! It isn't the amount of presents. This is what commericalism has done to us. Give your gifts with pride knowing you are not in debt and are not giving a whole bunch of stuff that will just sit in the back of the closet.

**pollypurebred39** · 11-26-2010, 10:42 PM

You could use the free photos in the freebies section and make a nice collage, and have an 8x10 or 2x7's to add to your gifts. Wal-Mart carries very inexpensive frames.

There are some mixes you could make up to give as gifts. I'm making one up that will cost me under 30 cents, but it won't look like it.

**Nana2two** · 11-26-2010, 11:04 PM

We use to go to my sisterinlaws house the sweet one. Well they had this thing that everyone had to exchange a gift. each of pulled a name at Thanksgiving time thats who we bought for. Made it really nice that way till they jacked the price up to $50 per person. So for us that was $200 right off the top.. We decided to stop doing it. They all use charge cards and rack up $2000 a year. Not us. We just stopped going because it was ohh look at my diamond or yeah so and so got a house full of furniture. More stress then its worth.

**pollypurebred39** · 11-26-2010, 11:06 PM

Here's another idea for the ladies on your list. My son orders from here ALL THE TIME. The items change frequently, so if you don't see anything you like you will. You only pay a small shipping and handling fee. Everything is really free, and truly real.

Free sterling silver jewelry. Free offers from SilverJewelryClub.com

**pollypurebred39** · 11-26-2010, 11:53 PM

Maybe this will help

Here's the 30 cent mix I'm making. I'll be packaging it in brown paper bags with the top folded down. The mix in a ziplock. Two holes will be punched through the flap and strip of torn plaid material will be strung through and tied to close. I'll attach a tag with directions. If I can find my Scotty dog stamp, I'll stamp the front of the package.

Scottish Shortbread Mix in a Jar

This older recipe never fails to bring a smile.

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1/4 tsp. salt

In a medium bowl, combine all the ingredients, blending well. Store in an airtight container.

Attach this to the Jar

Scottish Shortbread
Makes 16 pieces

1 cup butter, softened
1 package Scottish Shortbread Mix

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Knead the butter into the
shortbread mix and press the mixture firmly into an 8-inch pie plate, or shortbread mold. Bake for 1 hour. The shortbread should be pale in color, not browned. Cut into wedges while still warm.

**flashyMcGee** · 11-27-2010, 02:04 AM

Originally Posted by pollypurebred39

Here's another idea for the ladies on your list. My son orders from here ALL THE TIME. The items change frequently, so if you don't see anything you like you will. You only pay a small shipping and handling fee. Everything is really free, and truly real.

Free sterling silver jewelry. Free offers from SilverJewelryClub.com

I've ordered several times from this site. The necklaces/pendants are nice.

**Palooka** · 11-27-2010, 02:29 AM

Polly, thanks for the wonderful idea. I might do that for my MIL.

**Syn D** · 11-27-2010, 02:56 AM

I have always only worried about my hubby, kids and my mom.. Didn't buy for siblings and only bought for nieces and nephews if I had the money..

**sunshine** · 11-27-2010, 07:37 AM

Wrap small gifts in larger boxes, then wrap the larger boxes in even larger boxes -- makes a cute gift. . .and makes small gifts seem larger

**StryderPup** · 11-27-2010, 09:11 AM

I prefer getting and giving gifts that are handmade or thoughtful, such as we make candy and chocolate covered pretzels each year for our family. I have received apple butter and cranberry relish and sugar coated almonds before...I think that is what the holiday season is about..ohh and I love me some $5 fleece from Old Navy

**StryderPup** · 11-27-2010, 09:12 AM

I also get my parents and grandmother (they live together) a yearly subscription to the local newspaper, you can usually get a discount if you pay in advance..