Is it acceptable to just do all vouchers?

[confusedlittleone]

So I know it's a total cop out, but this year one my dc is having surgery at the start of Dec, and in the meantime is in out of hospital. We have about 30 people to buy for not including dc, is it acceptable to just buy vouchers for everyone (but like that relate to that person i.e. Fil goes to the movies a few times a month so would get a cinema voucher) or is it really not acceptable to do that?? (For reference his family's rather 'proper' and still insists on proper written thankyou cards after every birthday/Christmas etc which is why I'm having so much trouble on this! My family couldn't care less)

[Almahart]

God that's tempting

[Almahart]

In answer to your question I think it's fine if they are appropriately personalised as you suggest in your OP. What on earth else can you get FILs anyway, they are a nightmare

[OlafLovesAnna]

I think it's a great idea, especially as you've got more important stuff going on.

I'm thinking of giving every child that dc go to a party for a £10 smyths voucher rather than try and guess what they're in to

[TheNewMrs]

DO IT! And then let me know how well it goes down so I know whether to do it next year

honestly though I am tempted for Christmas 2018, I'll be on maternity leave most of next year, probably going back to work 1st December, I do like the thought of giving everyone vouchers to keep it easy.

[Ttbb]

Maybe just go mad at true grace and but everyone candles that you think they will like the smell of? Probably even easier than vouchers but doesn't have the awkwardness that vouchers do. Books is another thing that you can get for everyone, pick sonething either vaguely interesting/age appropriate or just but classics and write something personal in the front.

[MyDcAreMarvel]

I would hate a candle.

[Sunnydaysrock]

Totally acceptable. Especially as you've enough going on. I usually buy young adults, DSis, Bil, Sil and Bil vouchers, but would get them for everyone if I had a situation like yours

[Undercoverbanana]

Vouchers are too restrictive. Cash every time. Nothing depresses me more than being told I have to shop in Next (which I detest) or Amazon (who I am boycotting because of staff treatment). I wouldn't dream of inflicting this on anyone else either. If people can't tell me what they want, then it's cash.

[FlowerTink]

If it was me I'd love a voucher, I think you should go for it! (and feed back on how it went too!)

[LittleMousewithcloggson]

How about vouchers for specific things - e.g. Afternoon tea for 2 for parents, soft play ticket for young kids etc. Still a voucher but a bit more personal

[chanie44]

I'm more than happy to get vouchers as it means I can choose what I want, when I want.

As previous posters have suggested, experience vouchers can be good - cinema, theatre, restaurant etc.

Shopping centre vouchers are also good, as you can normally spend them in most shops in that Centre. Otherwise, love to shop etc can be used widely.

[chanie44]

PS I hope DCs op goes well and that you all have a nice xmas.

[Unicorn81]

Of course its acceptable, and you can buy a lot of vouchers for various places in the supermarket these days. Id be happy if someone bought a nero or starbucks voucher

[Frege]

Totally fine and much better than cash. Hope the op goes well.

[AgentProvocateur]

I got most rooms trstaurant vouchers last year. I chose ones they'd like. Went down well.

[Oraiste]

What about 'one for all' vouchers from the post office. That way there are lots of shops the recipient can choose from.

[AgentProvocateur]

Don't know what happened to my post. I've not even been drinking!

It should say, I got most people restaurant vouchers last year...

[daisydalrymple]

Totally acceptable. And the beauty of it now is you don't even have to trundle round each shop to buy each one, most supermarkets have a big display of them all with a great selection! (Cinema, restaurant, iTunes, high street stores, online shopping...) I eye them up wistfully and dream of doing this one year!

Hope your dc recovers in time to enjoy Christmas at home, best wishes to you all.

[BananaSandwichesEveryDay]

I don't see a problem with this. As others have said, there is such a wide range available now that it's easy to find something to suit most tastes. We did similar a few years ago and nobody had an issue with it.
Hope your ds' operation goes well.

[GameOldBirdz]

Definitely.

Me and DH send everyone vouchers apart from our parents and each other.

We don't bother personalising, just get Amazon vouchers for everyone.

I hate traipsing around the shops buying for people I'm not close to and rarely see. I'd rather not send anything but that's a whole other thread.

[Rainshowers]

I have a Starbucks gift card on my Christmas list (ready for maternity leave), so I definitely think it's an acceptable present!

[Janika]

Somebody please explain the candle lark to me and how many years it will keep going for! Sorry, another one who would hate (another) candle and would quickly recycle (again) for someone else..perhaps that's been happening anyway, everyone just passes them on and on and on.

[Ragwort]

The only concern I have with vouchers is that they are never 'quite right' - my teenage DS is often given vouchers but they are never exactly right for the sort of places he shops at (yes, I know teenagers are difficult ) - he doesn't buy from Amazon or 'naice bookshops' - inevitably I end up giving him the cash for the voucher and then he chooses exactly what he wants and I am left with the voucher. The Post Office ones can be quite hard to redeem - although he did get all his school supplies with one - probably not his idea of a present !

I honestly think cash is better with a nice note 'choose something you would like'.

[CocoPuffsinGodMode]

I think vouchers are absolutely fine. Even without dc upcoming surgery 30 people to buy individual gifts for is a lot! To be quite honest I’d be using this Christmas to try and nip that in the bud though I realise you may well love shopping for them all usually.

If it makes you feel any better Op I’ve decided to give all my nieces and nephews gift vouchers this year and I don’t have an acceptable reason like you do. Basically I just don’t have the time or the inclination to find out what they’re all interested in, establish what gran/grandad/other relatives have already called “dibs” on, order gifts and fret about delivery dates. They all seem to like Smyths toy store so they’re getting vouchers and can choose what they want. And I refuse to feel guilty so there!

[Horsemad]

Every year I say I am buying everyone vouchers and then never do but may be this I'll do it!