To not want to buy family kids a Christmas present

[Boogiewoogieanddance]

Firstly, i love all the kids on our family alot and take them for days out with my own when I can. I have always enjoyed buying gifts and put effort onto getting something they like.. however over the last year or so I've seen stuff lying about and I could literally have torn up £100+.

First thing, a gift was requested, we got what was requested and one of the best that could be got and down the line I saw on Facebook a photo of it being posted and asked if there is anything better? I didn't have Facebook at the time so no way I would have seen it, I just came across it at a later date.

Another was a gift, it was opened.. polite thanks. Then we were round at the house and found said gift still in the packaging and they said "oh we already had it". I said at the time, if it was something they had I would exchange it for them but nothing was said, and they could pick something. Patents where there so it's not like the kid didn't just not mention it.

There have been other small things but wouldnt bore you with them all.. those are the two biggest . But just seems like an awful waste of money. I've had conversations in the past that certain family members think cash is not thoughtful.. but then you put thought and effort in and it's tossed to the side.

I will still get something obv.. just like to have a rant and then suck it up and smile. It's just really taking the joy out of giving gifts.

take them for days out with my own when I can

Can you just book tickets for an activity or day out as their present, rather than buy more stuff? If asked, I always say mine would prefer something along the lines of cash/vouchers/day out/membership etc as it's much easier for the buyer and means less clutter for us! Appreciate your relatives don't like the idea of cash but it does mean DC can save up for something bigger that they're after.

Gift cards

If you enjoy spending time with the children I would second tickets to something.

Theatre show
Concert
Theme park
Lego land
Light show (most cities do them now)
Crazy golf
Cinema
Inflatables etc

Give them cash with a tiny, token gift, eg socks or a chocolate reindeer.

Obvious answer is tickets for an event in January. Check out your local theatre, they could do with the support so it's win win

I think a voucher for a day out, especially since you like taking them, would be a great gift. Also helps spread the pleasure a bit - I think even older kids can get a bit overwhelmed/numbed by getting lots of gifts on the same day.

I would also be tempted to ignore the adults telling you cash isn’t a thoughtful gift. For pre-teens upwards cash is a gift of autonomy, something they normally truly crave. Unless there are issues which mean a particular child shouldn’t have that sort of freedom, I don’t think it’s lazy or thoughtless to provide it.

Just buy them chocolate selection boxes and a chocolate Santa.

^This.

Tickets, or practical stuff like pyjamas or duvet covers or socks/undies.

Agree with selection boxes. You’re wasting your money.