To really, really, really dislike having to buy presents for people.

[MaidenMotherCrone]

Not just at Christmas but birthdays, anniversaries etc. I do buy them but get I'd rather not have to bother. I dislike receiving presents too. I've done the 'let's not do presents this year' to be met with 'oh we have to do presents, just a little thing yes?'

Noooooooo!

I fully accept I probably ABU and a massive misery but it's the whole expectation thing.

Maybe my view is skewed by the fact that I don’t have many people to buy for anyway, and I don’t have any relatives who buy (or expect) mountains of tat. If I had a huge family, or friends who insisted on exchanging gifts, or people who sent me lists of expensive to buy, maybe i would find it difficult/tedious/wasteful.
DH never ever buys anything for himself despite us having a good income so I like to buy him things I know he’d like but wouldn’t buy himself. My parents do a lot for us in terms of practical help so I like to buy nice things as a thank you. Ditto DH’s parents.

Dozer, just saying what I like. I like vouchers, I like gifts, I don't mind cash. All a gift in my eyes. I'm not that fussy. I don't even mind the odd unwanted gift. They can make me laugh. I can regift anyway or give to them charity. I just don't get stressed about it anymore. And I am over 40! It's fun. I like surprises.

TittyGolightly
Once every three years is a deal. Now we just need to sell the idea to The Church. Something along the lines of The Holy Trinity.

And can be very cheap. I'm fine with second hand books that cost a pound or less. Or new books from a pound shop.

Ridiculous time, stress, and money wasting rubbish is the result of all this present buying for adults. A lot of it ends up in the charity shop in January..... if you are NOT a hoarder! Let's keep it lighthearted. Please.

Agree to just buy your own! Same thing, same cost but at least you buy something that YOU want.

Adults need to grow up now.

I'm struggling a bit this year, DD just 'wants cash or iTune vouchers' and I can't find a flippin Fingerling for love or money for 6 year old DGN.

It's a good thing to give to charity though. Unwanted presents make it easier. Our PTA relied on them!

MN seems so anti Christmas everything this year according to some threads. Now its presents. Well it had to happen, we've done the fairy lights. Since the only people I get presents from are my DH and children and my brother and they are the only people I buy for ....no I don't hate buying or receiving presents. I love it. Love choosing and wrapping. Going to wrap some tonight listening to music and drinking some wine. And anything I get from my kids I Iove because they've chose it. DH generally does not too bad!

P.S. I never ask for a list! If they might be fussy or get duplicates or I am unsure I just provide a receipt. I make it clear I am not offended if they exchange.

Adults need to grow up now

I don’t think wanting to buy things for people I love, who help me out a lot throughout the year, is childish.
(I do buy gifts throughout the year too but Christmas is just an excuse to give things to people I care about)

Adults need to grow up now

To me this involves being grateful for any gift received.

maddie,

I got Shopkins for my six year old niece and a HUGE helicopter thing for nephew.

Loads of wrapping and tearing it up is the fun bit.

Kids are all I will buy for now. Adults need a wake up call if they need a pressie. Shudder.

And again the vague sneeriness is obvious....grow up just because I like giving and receiving presents?

LagunaBubbles it’s not even vague sneeriness, it’s obvious derision.

Adults need a wake up call if they need a pressie. Shudder.

A bit over dramatic. I don't need a present. It is just a nice celebratory thing to do. I'm an adult but still find giving and receiving fun and exciting.

If no one gave crap Christmas presents then the tombola at the school summer faire would be a little light in prizes.

Cantspell2 exactly!

There are lots of ways to appreciate what people/family have done to help you out. I get that.

But buying presents at Christmas is not one of them for me obviously.

I am not getting at anyone. I just don't see the point.

It is an all year round thing or it means nothing. Too much time, energy, money spent trying to find the ideal gift, when it really doesn't matter, people want to know they are loved and appreciated. That does NOT just come with a Christmas present.

Love buying and giving uncomfortable receiving I always open any presents I receive in private if I can get away with it

There are lots of people we just don't see all year round. We live mikes away from our families.

But you can do both! You can love and appreciate people all year round and still enjoy present giving at Christmas.

Miles. Typo.

OK.

It is Marmite here WRT to present giving to Adults or not.

Best time to go to the Charity shop is the end of January. Lots of stuff to be had if you want it! I'm a volunteer with one of them, and it is just unreal the amount of stuff that is donated post Christmas. Good for the Charity, but what does that say?

That does NOT just come with a Christmas present.

It can do. No reason why not. You just have to learn to appreciate them. Put stuff to good use. Can be a challenge but that is what charity shops, ebay, school fetes, raffles, regifting is for. Get to enjoy giving and receiving. I have had people really being bowled over by a thoughtful regift. I just make sure it is in good condition and something which is not obviously out of date.

Good for the Charity, but what does that say?

Unwanted gifts make it easier for people to give?