Asking for help on correct gift etiquette for rich relatives.

[raltheraffe]

I have a lovely auntie and uncle who are millionaires.
Every year they give us a cheque for £100 at Christmas.
One year I bought them a gift back for about £100 and got a nice telling off from them as they said we should keep our money and not feel obliged to return the gift.
I always write a thank you card but am thinking of getting them a cheap thank you gift. Like a plant or something for about £20
What is the correct etiquette in this situation?

Can you bake them something yummy? That way, you are making a lovely gesture, and it will mean much more than a plant (or anything else) because you put time, effort and thought into it.

I would think something that shows your time and thought rather than money spent. Maybe something you could do for them or somewhere you could invite them? Easier said than done I know.

Don't spend any money, make them something. Cash means nowt to them - but a handmade or home made gift will hit the spot.

If this is an annual thing, I wouldn't get them a thank you gift, you're better off getting them a Christmas gift instead I think. I second the baked goods idea. My sister gave us biscuits one year in a cheap jar nicely decorated with ribbon, I was really pleased with them.

If You can find the time definitely something hand made. I made lemon curd last week if was easy, quite quick and, well, let's say it's all gone and only one jar went as a gift!

Yes and not as a thank you as a celebration gift.

I think baking is the way to go, especially as I can involve ds who loves making cakes and most of the £100 was spent on toys for him.

"got a nice telling off from them as they said we should keep our money and not feel obliged to return the gift."

They have told you not to get a gift, buying a gift is therefore RUDE, don't do it, just thank them, as suggested making something you can do well (or the kids if they're young enough for it to be cute) and giving them that would be good, but it's not required, they've explained that, respect them.

I am always amazed by the number of people who think it's acceptable to ignore polite requests not to give a gift.

I can understand why they wouldn't want you spending the same as they'd given you. I would agree with the suggestion of homebaking or maybe a local/unique product depending on their interests. I sometimes get presents for "people who have/could buy everything" from local craft fairs. Did a box of "local Scottish treats" for my parents as they don't need more stuff.