To not want to give my dad and step mum money as a gift for Christmas....

[Dickorydockwhatthe]

Every year they give us money for birthdays and Christmas as they are elderly and don't know what to get us so fair enough kids seem happy and I quite like having the money. However when I asked my dad what I could get them for Christmas he said he would be happy with the money and not to worry. I just really don't see the point. Last year I brought my dad slippers he asked for, pjs and a few other bits. He's just gave my Christmas money in an even look and now I have to give it back.

You do realise that the way you have phrased this is going to go down like a lead balloon?

I see your point though, why give money to then get it back, it is a pointless exercise. How about you both agree not to exchange adult "money gifts" then everyone just look after the children (perhaps tell them what the children want to an appropriate value so money doesn't get involved). Tbh, this year, I didn't expect my mum to be handing out any gifts to me or my DH because I now have 2 children they buy for.

Ah sorry I don't mean it the way it sounds. I just feel there is no thought behind it. I rather buy them something they need or want or something they can treat themselves to. Personally I prefer getting gift vouchers that way I spend it on me and not something else.

Trouble with gift vouchers is that they can expire or forgotten to be spent. Also restricted as to where to spend it.

Maybe they need money?