Xmas - how much to spend?

[Nero]

This year I am going to buy books for everyone, probably hardbacks, and some organic, high-quality chocolate to go with them. Total cost, ?250 (plus p + p) or so. I'm not into the orgy of consumerism. What do other Forumites plan to spend and on what? Nero

[SeanMacGabhann]

Buying everyone books nero? Why thank you so much . . .

[TillieTrotter]

With three children my purse is stretched to its limits. Last year I took them to Disneyland for three days which although was expensive at about ?750.00 for the five of us, was better than buying a bunch of crap that they would be fed up with in a few weeks.

Ive probably got at least half of my prezzies already bought.

[citizenED]

Impressed Tillie, half done and it's only the end of August..... *glances at calender*.....AAAARRRRRRGG!

[TillieTrotter]

Run Citizen, Run. So much to do and so little time. I'll be up in my loft within the next few weeks, dusting orf me baubles.

[spadetownboy]

i did that 2 years ago and it was fab, only bought a few wee knick-nacks to open on crimo itself. the spadetownsprogs loved it as did the missus,esp as we actually spent crimbo day itself wandering around paris, would def do it again. to get back on subject ?300-400 usually covers it,missus,kids and the folks back home,and the best thing is apart from a couple of stocking pressies i,ve already done it all>:D

[TillieTrotter]

A boy after me own heart there Spadetown.(tu)

[citizenED]

For a few years now I've promised myself I'll discuss withh all my relatives the possibility of limiting cost of pressies, you know, one of those smart agreements where you only buy for other people's kids or you spend no more than a fiver on everyone. You'll never guess...

[TillieTrotter]

I say the same every blinking year, but it always feels abit...bah humbug, so off I go again. It is difficult when youre nieces and nephews start having kids though as it feels never ending.:(

[Keef]

I shall be starting my xmas shopping on payday, 22nd December. Have my sister's birthday on Nov 27th, and Mrs Keef's on Dec 9th to think about first...

[TillieTrotter]

Its abit like that for me Keef, brothers last week, mums today and a few in early December. Inconsiderate buggers the lot of them>:D

[Maurice]

I do love Christmas but focus on the food and drinks for gatherings.

As for gifts, over my many, many years I've established a reputation among those I hold dear. I buy them a gift (or even two) over the year when I come across something I know they will love. I believe it far better to free myself to purchase something whenever and wherever I find something I just know will suit. It beats being forced to buy something, anything, just to meet a deadline.

So dear Forumites...get on my good list*! I'm terribly generous.

*Chav dear, you know you are already there

[TillieTrotter]

Aah, Maurice, you're getting all soft and soppy. Cant wait until you and our CHAV meet up.;-)

[dita-on-tees]

I can honestly say that my family are the most important people to me, and I dont even like some of them, however, I tread a careful line of criticism with xmas presents; spend too much - well thats your new fancy southern ways, spend too little well you're too tight with that over inflated salary, I buy gifts from Liberty's, Cath Kidston and Rococo and family assume TK maxx stuff...(it does look the same....) I say ban christmas, buy every one of those ungrateful s**ts a goat from oxfam and there will be less whining.....

[spadetownboy]

>:D

[ChavWivaLawDegree]

I got mine a second hand bike each. I'm gona get them some books and maybe some art stuff. I am not into the consumer thing anyway. I leave that to their dad, he sends them home with bags and bags of crap that is usually all broken by New Year. I hate it.

[Brendan]

I feel very strongly that there should not be a limit to the amount that people can spend on me at Christmas.

[citizenED]

But Brendan, there should be a limit on the amount of time you should spend with people at Christmas. For their sakes!

[Brendan]

Well all part of my argument really. If they buy me lots of stuff I will be distracted for most of the day and they won?t have to put up with me.

[Maximay]

Lucky he gets them anything, my kid's dad gets them bugger all!

[Dulwich Born And Bred]

I spend around ?60 to ?200 on each person, I just buy for two sisters (one lives in Oz so we don't bother) my mum, my two nieces, my nephew and my brother and that is my lot done.

I do however buy everyone special presents on their birthdays, that is friends, their kids , my family etc, which I just cannot do at christmas.

[cdonline]

It depends on the credit card limit.

Those who are generous and give thoughful and expenisve presents get the same. Those who give tat get the same.

I love Christmas.

Season's Grretings.

[Asset]

Generally, 30ish quid. We have about 10 people to buy for so it's easily ?250 and that's before cards, wrapping paper, travelling home etc.

I tend to give practical presents for Christmas, more personal gifts for birthdays.

[JesusCappuccino]

.

[local type]

My family all spend as much as we can comfortably afford - which varies considerably (my sister is 18 and unemployed, sorry, on a gap year, so doesn't have much!).

My inconsiderate partner's birthday is three days before Christmas. He gets joint presents, which I'm sure he appreciates lots :)