So despite having a conversation with my friend that we will ONLY buy for the kids this year, she tells me...

[brokeoven]

Ive got your present and your DH's.

Gahhhhh I cant afford to get them some thing as well as their kids.
Also i am SO stressed now as i dont know what to get them.
Ive looked what i have collected over the year and i STILL have 17 people to buy for...19 now with them two.

What do you suggest???

Tell her the truth, that you can't afford to buy her and her dh something.

Just remind her that you agreed to only buy for the children; if she insists on giving you and DH presents just accept gracefully. Do NOT feel pressurised into buying her something back.

Ahh she is just so kind and lovely and a very generous person.
I thought we had come to an agreement as she was ALWAYS buying gifts for us for no reason at all. Flowers and cake and chocoaltes and toys for the kids.

I couldnt cope with it, all overwhelming and unnecissary.
I sound very ungrateful dont i, but really it was every time i met with her, she would have bags of stuff for us.

Give her a bottle of wine with some ribbon round the neck or a plant and say - really, next year children only please

I am like that with my good friends, always bring cake/chocolates/wine/fruit for no reason. Now will give them little present for christmas but I never expect anything back! It's just the way I am and my mum is the same. But it's bit cheeky though after you've just had an conversation about NOT doing adult presents.. Well, just get her bottle of wine and/or little box of chocolates if you feel you want to give her something. But if she's like me she won't expect anything back