Op I thinks its crap and mean.
My family were never present orientated to the degree some are, we were always short of ££ and just made best effort we could, DM usually gave silly joke gifts, like dreadful squatting cheesy parrot.
for little DC you can buy so much for a tenner, gorgeous coloring book, nice pens, stickers, sticker books...
But your not going to change them I would rather not have such people give me a gift we have same in our family.
we have two aunts and uncles - childless, about 6 houses between them, mortgages paid off - huge salaries ie - over hundred grand a year, expensive hobbies, and neither set can put their hand in their pockets and buy our children a gift at xmas.
It does stick in my craw as they enjoy my beautiful dc and play with them.
My poor sister however who is really struggling, always manages to send little bits - probably cost no more than a fiver - but sweet and well chosen non the less from the states.
Its mean hearted - a few quid isnt going to bankrupt anyone. I understand with huge families but when your dc are the only dc in the family - its just crap.
Yes its their choice, but in my view its a mean choice. And no, I am not jealous at all of them or their money, I wouldnt want to be them for all the tea in china.