to want to give a decent gift?

[MargoLovebutter]

My brother & SIL have a thing about not giving their children much for Christmas. I don't get it, as we are a million miles away from being an extravagant family. Their DC are 6 and 4 and I see them most weeks and I'm really fond of them. I'm not going to spend more than £20 each on them, but I know my brother & SIL will be sucking through their teeth on Christmas day, muttering under their breath about extravagance and the unnecessary stuff and how spoilt their DCs are.

I always try and get sensible things like PJs, books and a small toy - nothing plastic or too much fun. Should I just give up, and give them each a small bowl of gruel?

Take them out to a show or something.

That way you don’t overstep the parents but you give them a wonderful experience

Nice idea chocz. I'll have a think if there is something that would work for 4 & 6 and my own late teens.

What about a Pantomime? We take nieces and nephews ranging from 3-12. Is it something your teens would say they didn't like then enjoy on the day?

What about a season or year pass for something? Like a theme park/science centre/farm park/soft play? Then it’s something you can do with them? Is it the clutter the parents object to or is it just the money?

At 4 and 6 they don't need hundreds of pounds spent and house of plastic clutter.

That'll be why the OP doesn't buy it, Slow.

I like the idea of an experience, I'll definitely look into it. Thank you. Hadn't really thought of that as an option.

My kids at that age loved getting a cinema and McDonald's voucher.Maybe that.

dustarr73 brother & SIL would expire on the spot if I suggested McDonald's, even as a one off!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They are healthy eating nuts.

My two loved the cinema too at that age, so that sounds like a good one. Is it a bit sad for the kids though, not to have anything under the Christmas tree. We're not a big family, so it is not like they will be inundated with gifts.