I Hate Christmas!

[TheLondonCyclist]

So... the reason for such a title is because ever since I've hit the 20 year old mark, I seem to be obligated, well, in my mind, obligated to buy presents for EVERYONE in my family. It's no bother me buying presents, it's just that sometimes it's hard and I'm not exactly rich and I'm confused who I should mainly buy presents for and not feel too bad about leaving the others out e.g brothers, uncles, aunts. I've been living on my own since 16 years old and all those years I've never felt obligated to buy anything as I was still a "child" and probably am to most on here as a lot of you are over 30. If money is tight, and it always is in my case, what type of things could you suggest for buying my mum and nan? I'm terrible buying women presents, especially my mum and nan lol. Cheers guys

 

[AnythingButVanilla]

I only buy presents for my boyfriend, mum, brother and sister. Well, I say buy but normally give my mother gin and my siblings money and the boy gets what he gets. Nobody is getting anything this year though because I'm skint.

If all else fails, gin and cheese is usually the answer.

 

[Mad Doug Biker]

I only have buy presents for my Mum, Dad, Brother, Sister and fiance (new this year), the dog and the fish!

I don't have much money either, but I somehow manage to muddle through every year.

 

[Arch]

It's hard to say, without knowing your mum and nan, which presumably you do better than anyone here...

The cliche is toiletries. Bath stuff, nice body lotion, etc etc. However many women (like me) would find that very dull.

Books? Do they have favourite novelists or style of book?

Music - CD of favourite artistes?

Food? Make up a mini hamper of nice stuff. Do try and make it stuff they like, not just random jars of pickled walnuts and stuff. Get a cheap basket, fill it with shredded tissue to make it look luxurious, and then put stuff in.

 

[Mad Doug Biker]

If all else fails, gin and cheese is usually the answer.

Just buy me some beer or, if you really want to, a bottle of Whisky, I'll be happy!

 

[AnythingButVanilla]

Just buy me some beer or, if you really want to, a bottle of Whisky, I'll be happy!

I drink Hendricks but Gordons will do too

 

[cyberknight]

Funny , even as a child i used to save pocket money to buy presents for my family and even when times were tough poundland was the shop it might not be much but i have always bought something for my family.

 

[Noodley]

gin and cheese seem to be the only way to go to me.

in fact if anyone asks me what I want this year I am gonna tell them gin and cheese.

 

[marafi]

I still have a turkey and a christmas tree. And you know what i don't even celebrate Christmas we are doing it for fun. lol

 

[Mad Doug Biker]

I still have a turkey and a christmas tree. And you know what i don't even celebrate Christmas we are doing it for fun. lol

Its more of a festive/winter celebration/get together for us here.

 

[mark st1]

fiance (new this year),

Someone has been on the Gin and Cheese and alot of whisky already ! fiance !!!! who are your trying to kid

 

[Mad Doug Biker]

Fiancee!

He's a right dumpling who's into conspiracy theories, so he should be ideally suited to my sister

 

[mark st1]

We don't really buy adults presents me and the Mrs used to early on but its a bit of a waste her mum and dad my mum that's it really. The kids get spoiled rotten though every year and its a nice feeling and reminds me of why i get up at 3,4,5,am 6 days a week and makes me smile and its why i love xmas.

 

[Saluki]

When I was in my 20's my pressie list was: Mum, Dad, Sister, Nan & Grandad and dog (possibly BF if I had one at Xmas time). I didn't buy for sisters many BFs, or for aunts, uncles, cousins etc. Working with dogs and horses was never a well paid job at the best of times.
Now I'm in my late 40's its Father in Law, Sister in laws x 3, hubby and dogs. I don't buy for Hubby's nephews, nieces, brothers-in-law etc.
I have long had an arrangement with friends that I don't buy them pressies and they don't buy me pressies either. Same with work colleagues when I worked in offices etc. I am not totally 'bah humbug' but I do have a budget and refuse to get into debt to make other people happy.

My Nan & Grandad only bought for their grandchildren who were under 21 in the UK, 18 if living abroad.
Oh, the dogs have had their pressies early, they all got lovely new comfy beds. My card list is epic as I send a card to all rellies, friends and my clients.

 

[Saluki]

Does your Mum like DVDs or anything, a perfume that she wears often?
My Mother-in-Law was perfectly happy with vouchers from her son. She knew that he was hopeless with pressies. I used to get my Nan new slippers every year. It was what she asked for so that's what I got. Not very creative but that's me.