To not buy presents???

[FeelUselesss]

Me and my husband have had the conversation that we are not going to do Christmas presents or birthday presents for our son (who's going to be 1 in January), as we don't really see the point as he is too little.. we are just going to add money into his account we set up for him for later in life (if he wants a laptop for uni, a house deposit etc)
We explained to people we'd rather people give money for him for later in life than give presents which some have respected.
However, a lot of family have kicked off at us and told us we are being self centred and he needs something to open! Are we being unreasonable and cruel?

You can't tell others not to buy him gifts. That's just mean.

As for your own Christmas Day, you could think of one special thing that he'll need in the coming year.

You could give family a list of things (if they ask). There are definitely things he'll need - different toys, books, clothes. There's no need to buy useless plastic crap, and you don't even need to buy things new if you're concerned about waste, but just be strategic about what he will need as he grows this year and give a few of those things at Xmas rather than just buying them through the year as the need arises.

Obviously he won't care since he's one and will enjoy the wrapping paper more, but it's nice for family traditions and togetherness.

Op you are being pretty joyless. People buy their cats and dogs Christmas gifts, why wouldn't you buy a child?

Just think of the day your kid asks to see their first Christmas photos?

Surely you can think of something they will need or use between now and their second birthday?

Even my December baby had a stocking and gifts under the tree! Partly for big brother's benefit but I'd have probably done it anyway.