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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Late Christmas Gifts

20 replies

AvoidingDM · 10/12/2017 16:09

While my logic is people should (especially children) have their gifts on or before the 25th. I kind of accept some families might meet up on Boxing Day etc to exchange gifts.

How far after the 25th is acceptable to you to exchange gifts for both adults and children?

OP posts:
Sparkletastic · 10/12/2017 16:16

We aren't seeing DH's family until the 27th. His parents have essentially asked for money anyway despite being very well off Confused Not to bothered that we are handing over the cash a couple of days late.

Original poster
AvoidingDM · 10/12/2017 16:29

I should also ask is it acceptable to hand over a child's birthday gift a week late?

I'm not talking about an emergency or something that's come up but actually planning to deliver a week late.

OP posts:
Christmasaurus · 10/12/2017 16:31

Yes that happens here all the time. We just tend to exchange gifts when we are next meeting up eg my goddaughter will get her birthday present from me in a couple of weeks when we see her (along with her Christmas present) even though her birthday was at the end of November. I have no problem with my children being given presents later, in fact I like it being a bit spread out!

slimyslitheryslug · 10/12/2017 16:37

I'd say within a month is completely acceptable and possibly longer. Otherwise, children who you don't see regularly just get light (for postage) presents or things I can order online.

IHopeYouStepOnALegoPiece · 10/12/2017 16:38

I gave my DFriend and her DC, their 2016 Christmas presents in June this year...

DillyDilly · 10/12/2017 17:00

I’d say it’s acceptable to hand-over a gift at any time, a gift isn’t mandatory.

Ecureuil · 10/12/2017 17:00

I think anytime is fine. It’s a gift.

makeitpink · 10/12/2017 17:04

My sister hardly ever sends birthday gifts on time. She usually gives them to my DS's when we see her over the summer. Not an issue here and DS's always enjoy having pressies!! So I don't think there is a time limit??

Original poster
AvoidingDM · 10/12/2017 17:33

Ok looks like IABU that somebody who we'll see next weekend is planning to hold on to NYE to hand over Christmas Gifts.

OP posts:
LockedOutOfMN · 10/12/2017 17:35

Boxing Day is fine or a planned meet up before New Year's Eve, I think. (If you live close then it might be reasonable to drop it off in advance if not too busy).

JennyBlueWren · 10/12/2017 18:13

I've often done "New Year's Presents". Especially as I like (and people like) to make sweets/baking as presents and always seem to have a cold just before Christmas.

Me and my brothers often send presents at odd times or when we meet up. Last year my mum came to visit in July bringing a present from my brother. I thought it was my birthday (March) present but nope -a Christmas cook book and a cheese (in wax in a tin). The cheese was a little after it's date which none of us are bothered by but I did joke that it was lovely after we'd cut the mold off!

Don't think anyone I give to would be upset about reciving presents at any point in time.

Christmasaurus · 10/12/2017 22:29

I wouldn’t give that a second thought.

Original poster
AvoidingDM · 11/12/2017 17:56

If the late gifter had chosen to buy from your child's wish list how would you handle disappointment?

OP posts:
Ecureuil · 11/12/2017 18:08

A list is a list of ideas here... they don’t expect to get everything on it. So they’d just think it was one of the things on their list that they didn’t get. Then be very pleasantly surprised a week later when they got it!

makeitpink · 11/12/2017 18:59

Yes as below. A list is a wish list not a 'I'm going to get it all' list. So pleasant surprise after Xmas day.

Nanasueathome · 11/12/2017 19:02

We’re having one Christmas on 25 th and a second one on 28th due to elder son having to work over Christmas and distance they have to travel to get here
They live down south, I am in midlands
We’ve done different dates regularly and it’s never been a problem for the children

Nanasueathome · 11/12/2017 19:04

We usually face time on Christmas Day and tell the children that Santa has dropped some stuff at my house.
I then show them the gift piles and they are excited as they know they will have more gifts to open on 28th

RJnomore1 · 11/12/2017 19:07

I'd tell them Auntie sue bought the Lego so Santa won't be bringing it but it means you've got another present to look forward to when you see her.

StuffAndNonsenseYes · 11/12/2017 19:13

Doing "small family" Christmas on Christmas Day - me, DP and DS.
"Big family 1" Christmas on Boxing Day - my extended family
"Big family 2" Christmas around New Year - DP's extended family.

Will probably end up exchanging gifts with friends (who live in different cities) in January some time, though sometimes that ends up going later depending on when we see each other, and if postage is feasible.

Why is it so important to have things before/for Christmas Day itself? As a child I looked forward to seeing relatives in the days and weeks following Christmas because it stretched out the presents and excitement for me!

Peachypie83 · 11/12/2017 19:21

We are having a family Christmas on the 25th, DP's family on the 26th and my family on the 27th. I know my mum has bought DD a couple of things from her Santa wishlist. I know that DD will be happy on the day with what I have bought her and then happy and excited when she opens my mum's and knows that she got some of the things she thought she hadn't got

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