When and how to stop christmas presents for some friends

[Dosey]

we are on a really tight budget this Christmas and there are friends on my list that we don't see much at all but buy christmas presents for. How can I politely suggest we stop buying presents for each others kids without offending

In answer to "when", I'd say as soon as possible, as you don't know how early some people start their shopping. I'm contemplating doing similar this year, but I think it will be well received as most people seem to be feeling the pinch. How about just saying, we're totally skint, would you mind if we didn't do presents this year? Or suggest a token stocking-filler for a quid or two per child, just so the kids have something to open?

Just agree not to swap presents - they will be secretly relieved too.

We are stopping giving to 4 families this year but it adds up to 10 kids. We would normally be in their area and visit them over x-mas so when the kids exchange small gifts they see each other opening them but this year DC4 is due on 23rd Dec so we are staying at home and won't be back in their area to visit. I just spoke with the mums last month and said how about as we aren't actually seeing you over x-mas we just skip kids presents this year as with so many other gifts none of the kids will appreciate who it is from as they won't see us giving it to them (all kids 6 and under). And when we do see you later in the year maybe exchange a small minding instead. All the mums were pleased to do this as they are finding the ever increasing list of kids hard to deal with. Just have a glass of wine and make the phone calls.