I have one child, every one else has several

[YourHandInMyHand]

and it's costing me a fortune! Ive decided to get everyone a book and a chocolate santa/reindeer. Is this really stingy of me? I'm a single mum and xmas is starting to become a struggle rather than a nice time.

[FlossyMoo]

Not stingy at all OP. Buy within your means.

[3pigsinblanketsandasausagerole]

Not at all

Tbh I buy selection boxes and that is that

[3pigsinblanketsandasausagerole]

I also feel really bad on a relative who have a dd who I buy a selection box for, they have very little money and I have three dc and I worry they feel they have to buy three back

[OhYouBadBadKitten]

I think people forget how exciting children find selection boxes. They are a very underrated present.

[myotherusernameisbetter]

I'd certainly rather a well thought out cheap gift than someone getting into hardship. My kids would love a book and chocolate :) that would definitely go on the good gift pile. When my sister in law was struggling a bit, we told her not to bother buying, but she insisted. She bought or made small gifts but wrapped them so beautifully, with brown paper, string and little bits of tinstly stuff that all the family were delighted.

[FlossyMoo]

[FamiliesShareGerms]

Absolutely, BadKitten!

Poundland also often have annuals (decent ones too), which form the main part of the presents for lots of the small people I buy for

[YourHandInMyHand]

I wrapped everything in brown paper and string last year, the paper was saved all year from deliveries.

Last year I felt quite resentful as I honestly don't think it occurs to most that it may be a struggle for me! I know my mum struggles too, family keeps growing and her wages don't!

I am doing the book and choc regardless of how it is received as that's all I can afford, I just hope the children enjoy their gift and no one thinks I am a meany.

[merlehaggard]

I don't think it's unreasonable. So many kids get so many presents anyway and a selection box is a good present. I don't see how anyone could come on and say you are being unreasonable and that you should get in to debt at Xmas.

[3pigsinblanketsandasausagerole]

Also every year my dc get some presents that aren't really their cup of tea which is wasteful and disappointing to them

I've never had a "oh no not chocolate"

[fuzzpig]

The DCs will be really excited by a chocolate reindeer or Santa, and it's not stingy!

Are these cousins etc by the way or is it friends' children? As if it's the latter you could possibly suggest no presents in future.

In future you could consider a family present like a board game (or DVD with popcorn) instead of separate gifts.

But tbh I think the book/choc combo is a winner!

[YourHandInMyHand]

Both fuzzpig. Two sibling's who both have big families and one friend. I've done the no presents pact with other friends but am god parent to one of this particular friend's dcs so felt mean to do that with her. She is like a sister to me.

I have done the family gift in previous years and it's worked well but now the age range in each family is wider it gets more tricky to find something that suits the whole sibling group.

Yes am hoping the chocolate reindeer or santa will sweeten the deal.

[JimmyCorkhill]

I only get presents for my DC now. I send an email round about now to closer friends/family saying 'we are not in a position to buy presents this year. Please don't feel obliged to buy any for us." Or something like that.

I stopped buying for adults ages ago.

With other friends who I would feel funny about emailing because we're not so close I wait. If they give something to us I do the same for them. If not, I'm home free!

I do try to collect 'presents' throughout the year. If I buy, say, a 10 bedtime stories pack for my DC I might pluck 2 out to keep for gifts. I re-gift where possible (DD2 received some doubles for her birthday).

It's rubbish. I love buying gifts for people. I love wrapping presents.

[ColdCottage]

Christmas is not about gifts and how much you spend it's about seeing the people you love and sharing time together.

I'd not bother with the chocolate. There is so much at Christmas they won't need anymore.

Find your local Book People location as you can get books for a fraction of the price, careful though you might end up buying yourself a fair few too.

[JerseySpud]

Selection boxes work perfectly for me in that scenario. You can usually get them fairly cheap at the supermarkets x

[ColdCottage]

I make all my own gifts, its fun, saves me money and everyone loves them. They all wait on their annual jam or chutney gift.

Maybe make some homemade fudge with your DC for them or look up lolly cakes from New Zealand - children will love them! Then no need for a book etc

[myotherusernameisbetter]

If you still do the book and chocolate thing, I'd buy a pack of chocolate coins and just put a couple in each. That always feels quite special.

[MTWTFSS]

1 gift is reasonable- but give something they can all share...

Either:

• Make a cinema hamper (I suggest getting the stuff from Poundland)- 1 DVD, a packet of mini toffee popcorn bags, chocolates.
  
• Give them a board game + tin of chocolates

[MTWTFSS]

As for wrapping paper, I go to B&Q and take wallpaper samples big enough to wrap gifts

[fuzzpig]

Ah I see why you have to exchange presents then.

My DCs would be over the moon with a book and chocolate anyway!

Make sure you shop around for the best price on books. There's some good business sellers on eBay as well as the book people and amazon.

[WildCherryBlossom]

I have 'several' children and have friends & family with one child each. It is awkward. One close friend is really good at finding thoughtful but inexpensive gifts eg a colouring book that may have cost a couple of quid. Accompanied by a card - usually a drawing by her son.

[TheWomanTheyCallJayne]

One of the presents from last yer that my children still use are those finger lights. Children don't care about cost.

The film hamper idea is a lovely one

[bronya]

I have found some lovely books in poundworld/poundland, for all ages. Pop a selection for the family in a gift bag with a xmas choc box. Gift done for £1 per child plus £1 for bag and £1 for chocs.

[WildFlowersAttractBees]

Not stingy at all. I would hate to think our friends were under financial pressure to send gifts to our 3DC's.

We only exchange children's gifts for nieces, nephews and godchildren (and their siblings).

[waithorse]

Book and chocolate is a bloody brilliant gift, for adults or children. Who doesn't like books or chocolate ?