... to not want any Christmas presents?

[CanadianJohn]

I don't want any Christmas presents. I've got more ties/sweaters/socks than I'll ever wear, more DVDs than I'll ever watch, more books than I'll ever read.

I'm always on a diet, don't give me anything consumable. I'm trying to de-clutter, don't give me anything for the house.

My children and grandchildren are convinced that Christmas would not be complete unless they spend their hard-earned money on me. I'm really not being a grinch, I just don't want anything.

I'm being unreasonable, aren't I.

[Mehitabel6]

Very true,Allsorted - be graceful OP.

[LizzieMint]

YANBU of course, but I find it very difficult because the majority of my family and my DH say they don't want anything. I love buying presents for people and also love getting presents! So I feel bad then that a) I don't get to buy many and b) I want presents from people that don't want me to buy them. Makes Christmas a bit dull.

[gamerchick]

My family are like that and it's very frustrating because I like to get presents.

Think of something at least..

[Ragwort]

I agree with you OP and we have a 'rule' in our family that adults don't exchange presents. Grandchildren do give a small gift to grandparents, to understand that 'giving' is as important as receiving but it tends to be things like biscuits or chocolates.

The other acceptable gift in our family for adults is charity gifts. Or, as others have said - Time - theatre tickets, a meal out or similar - time alone as an adult with your own parent is lovely.

If you receive too many consumable gifts you can always pass them on discretely in the New Year to your local food bank or give them as raffle prizes etc.

My own DH and I long ago stopped exchanging gifts, we choose our own presents, wrap them up and put them under the tree so that we have something to open and the DC can see that grown ups get presents too.

[bigbluestars]

As someone who doesn't enjoy getting gifts- a few thoughtful things I have had are:

A garden thermometer
A box of perfectly ripe mangoes from Pakistan ( the best)
A charger for my batteries
Wild bird food for the garden birds
An electric knife sharpener
A box of saffron

[KittyandTeal]

If they're desperate to spend their money in you could you request some of those charity gift things. At least then their money is going to good use and you're not getting clutter for the house. Win win

[Catsize]

Was going to suggest charity gifts too. Save the Children do some good ones.

[Patilla]

Any magazine subscriptions? You could read then chuck so they shouldn't add to clutter

[JT05]

My late PILs used to say this, we used to get them theatre ticket vouchers to use across the year. Some cinemas do them as well.
I always think that the giving is equally important as the receiving, both should be done with love and grace.

[Mammanat222]

I adore Christmas but I am not into pressies for me!

If I want something I usually buy it myself but this year we have bigger things going on - we've just moved house and we have second baby due next month.

I look forward to a few days off, a nice dinner at my folks, chilling in my PJ's with my boys (OH and DS), eating some nice food and treats but presents for myself do not even register on my radar.

[Fallingovercliffs]

I agree that a charity gift would be a good idea.

I do agree that most adults get to a stage where they have most things they need (well affordable things anyway, prefer to choose their own clothes than have someone guessing their style and size, and struggle to think of things for people to give them as presents.
Personally I'd be happy with a load of books. There is definitely something daft about adults spending loads of money buying each other stuff that neither side particularly needs. Small considerate token gifts would be nicer.

[Ragwort]

The trouble is that someone else's 'thoughtful' gifts would be entirely inappropriate for someone else.

No offense bigblue but I wouldn't want any of your gifts .

[ZeViteVitchofCwismas]

what about experiences john....red letter days, theatre....dinner vouchers etc

[Solopower1]

My (adult) son is like you, and that makes it difficult for me. So my advice is, decide what you want each person to give you and ask for it. Make it small and affordable and easy to get. That way you are saving your busy children time and trouble, and salving their consciences at the same time.

Whoever thought that Christmas was just about giving? If the receivers make the effort to think what they would actually like, they give the gift of time and peace of mind to the givers.

Like you, I hate the idea of my (adult) kids having to think endlessly about what to give me for Christmas. I wish I could follow my own advice, but never have!

I do think it's important for the grandchildren to give as well as receive, btw.

[bigbluestars]

ragwort- those were not meant as suggestions- just an example of how diverse gifts can be.
The OP needs to think outside the box and think about what he would like and drop some hints.

[Thumbnutstwitchingonanopenfire]

Maybe vouchers for gym membership, if you're always on a diet, CJ!

[NCIS]

My DH always says he's not bothered about presents but as I have pointed out to him, the DC's like getting him something so he can bloody well put up with it. It's not all about him.