Not to give any presents?

[NotANewbie]

Went to a friend's Xmas party yesterday, and, as we were leaving, she gave my dc presents. We had brought a contribution to the party, but no presents or cards. I saw her giving presents to other children as they left, as well, but don't know whether she gave presents to all the children at the party - I assume that she did.

So, we're having a party next week, and inviting her and her family, as well as some of the same families who were at her party. I hadn't any intention of giving presents, not even party-bag-style gifts.

Now I'm feeling a bit railroaded into giving gifts. And of course if I give her family gifts, then I have to give all the others gifts, too. I don't think she spent huge amounts on the gifts, but they were all well-thought-out and very appropriate, so I couldn't just grab any old stocking-filler widget. Plus it means that I would have to shop for the gifts in a hurry, and probably spend a lot more than I would like to. Plus I'm not entirely sure how many are coming - so how many would I buy for, and what about the cousins-of-friends who might also come?

So AIBU not to buy anything in return? Or am I being a cheapo git?

no i dont think yabu, make some fairy cakes with christmassy icing on and give them each one, they are going get loads of presents anyway over christmas.

YANBU - it was her choice to give gifts and that's lovely but it doesn't mean you have to do it. An invitation to a party is a pretty big gift imo.

Balloon animal each?

I like the fairy cakes idea. Very thoughtful and not expensive. And if you don't have time to make them then tesco sell plain fairy cakes that you could ice.

Failing that or if you feel you want to give a 'proper' present the book people do sets of 10 books for £10 for children. Could give one of these to each child and if you have any left over then use them for childrens birthday pressies at any one of the millions of birthday parties next year. They deliver pretty quick so if you ordered now they would probably be with you. Or 3 for 2 at boots or similar

YANBU at all. Do things your way. What about a chocolate off the tree for all the kids and that's it. I agree with wb, just having them is treat enough.

Ha ha ha (or should that be Ho ho ho?) they didn't come to the party.

Nearly everyone else came, plus their cousins and friends who were staying with them, so I'm quite glad I didn't buy presents after all.

Thanks for reassuring me that I was not being a Scrooge.

Happy New Year!

I don't mean ha ha ha in a nasty way, just that it would have been unfunny if I had bought presents.