In our house, I do the christmas shopping for my side of the family (plus DH and most of the DC's stuff). DH is responsible for choosing and buying for his side of the family (plus me). My family have always spent generously at Christmas, DH's side more token presents (but thoughtful). Hence, my parents tend to get more expensive presents than PILs. Same applies to siblings. As it happens I earn significantly more than DH although we have always basically treated money as joint. The reason why more is spent on my side of the family is therefore not because of my higher earnings but just what DH chooses to get, but I would hate for PILs (who I adore) to think that. Do you think I should be insistent that my DH spends more (he does for big anniversaries and birthdays and things like that)? We do not all Christmas together, so it is not like my PILs see my parents opening more expensive gifts, but they were asking what i am getting my parents this year. I was abel to say I have not decided yet (which was true) but realised I would probably be a bit embarassed if i had already got something and had to tell them what it was)