To not buy friends DC presents?

32 replies

midnightglow29 · 03/12/2023 12:23

I fully expect to be told yes. But if so, some help would be greatly appreciated.
I have 3 friends, and we all have DC (me 2 DC, friend 1- 1 DC, friend 2- 3 DC, friend 3- 2 DC).
I love Christmas, and I always go over the top. This year, one of my friends is expecting another child.
While wrapping all of my friends' children's presents, I came to the realisation I can't afford this every year. My friends never get my DC presents, so I can't use the excuse. we will all save money if we stop. I just loved getting their kids gifts. But I have done it for 8 years. AIBU if I stop next year? And if not any ideas on how I can word this?

OP posts:

Derb · 03/12/2023 13:29

Frenchbaguettewithbutter · 03/12/2023 13:04

I have this dilemma except my friends do reciprocate. Thing is my friends almost all have the only children in their families so have no other children to buy for in their families. We have 9 nieces and nephews and over 20 adults to buy for. I really wish I could find the courage to say 'look guys, I'm sorry but I just can't be buying friends kids anymore'... I've chickened out again this year. Maybe next year. I do never spend more than £6 or £7 per child and although that really does add up, in the grand scheme of my Christmas budget, the extra £50 odd doesn't scratch the sides and I justify by saying would I spend £50 to avoid having that conversation.... Yes, yes I would haha.

Don't chicken out. A a friend group we had this chat a couple of years ago and we were all relieved. Now we just do birthdays with god children and others we don't bother.

As a family though with lots of nieces and nephews like you we all decided to just buy for the kids in the family instead of everyone and it's much better!

Outliers · 03/12/2023 13:39

Just don't do it.

If they mention it, just say you're saving atm.

makeminealargeoneagain · 03/12/2023 14:23

A chocolate selection box is enough.

Original poster

midnightglow29 · 03/12/2023 14:36

Thank you, everyone. I am surprised as I really thought I would need to say something, but I guess I over thought it. For those of you asking why I did it so long, it was because when my kids were young, they used to buy the presents, and I guess I carried it on. I never expected anything back, so it's never been about that. Thank you for the advice.

OP posts:

Hankunamatata · 03/12/2023 14:47

£1 selection box

SerenChocolateMuncher · 03/12/2023 14:48

I think your friends might be relieved if you stop. It's a bit embarrassing when people give you gifts when you can't/don't want to reciprocate, but at the same time, they probably don't want to seem ungrateful by saying so.

It's highly unlikely anyone will say anything if you don't give gifts this year, they will probably be quietly relieved.

Coconutter24 · 03/12/2023 14:52

If they don’t buy your DC anything why do you even need to find an excuse? I wouldn’t buy and then if I was asked just say I can’t afford to buy for everyone.

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