Couples Christmas gift?

[Wednesday6]

AIBU to think that a couple can always gift a joint gift to each other respective parents on Christmas, Birthday, etc? For example my MIL will receive presents signed from both of us.

Well the alternative would be individual presents from each ot you to parents/PIL

I dont have anything to do with DH’s presents to his family, but he signs them from all of us.

Yes we do this
are your intended recipients unhappy?
if so perhaps consider if they are the type of people who like to find offence - in which case carry on with whatever works for you.
or if this is just one small preference they have - and you generally love them? In this case maybe buy two smaller gifts

As a currently single it does grate a bit that I get presents for everyone but get couples or family gifts back. I buy for SIL, DB, BIL, DS, mum and dad, and get 3 gifts in return. Plus associated nieces and nephews. And that is just Christmas, without factoring in birthdays.

I think couples gifts are fine between couples. But as far as reciprocal exchange goes I am always well down the list.

yes there is a financial element, but also I do feel quite sad sometimes when I hear about the generosity between my siblings and their partners, which I don’t experience. It does hammer home the single existence

@Haydenn that's exactly my point.. I wonder if the couples gift to each other's family should then be bigger than what a single person would have given. Or can you give them one present per family like a hamper.. seems unfair!

I think you need to do couples gifts or it can start to get ridiculous, particularly once you have kids. I.e giving each person 4 gifts from mum, dad and each of the kids. I would never begrudge a single person giving my husband and me cheaper or joint presents though.

I wouldn't think twice about it. Same as giving presents to bigger families with more children than us. As long as everyone who should gets something. If it really concerns you then get something cheaper for each person in the couple.

But if you were part of a couple, you’d have twice as many gifts to buy - there’d be all the ones you’re getting now, plus all the ones for your OH’s side of the family.

Obviously couples should give gifts together. My ex’s family would send me a list of individual gifts they wanted via him at Christmas and it was really weird (I barely knew them). I’m glad he’s now an ex! DH and I organise presents for our own families from both of us.