How long to give family to decide on presents?

[Lucylouby]

We are moving house next week and everything is a bit hectic here. We both work full time and have 3 young dc so it's a really busy time. We have asked family for ideas for Christmas presents and are still waiting for sil and family to give us the ideas. DH has told them to let us know by the weekend as I can't see their being time next weekend for shopping and we have plans for the last weekend before Christmas which do not involve shopping for their presents. I just wanted to check I am not being extremely grumpy in wanting them to let me know early (although thinking about it, it's not that early) due to our circumstances this year. If we don't hear by this weekend, I've told DH they can have a box of chocolates and hopefully next year they will be more organised.

I wouldn't have bothered asking them, they know you are moving so should be understanding, I would buy them vouchers and chocolate .

They will have forgotten. If I were you, get them something you can pick up with your supermarket shopping after you've moved. Or even better, ask SIL if she can get the items in question (assuming they are within budget) and DH will reimburse her, reminding that you are moving and therefore very busy.

You aren't grumpy, you're busy and as Marne says the last thing you should have to worry about are their gifts. Although if SIL is normally very slow at getting back to people you should have asked her in October!

I asked my brother in November and 5 times since. I' m so sick of asking, I'm going to just get an amazon voucher for him. Just because he shops 2 days before Xmas, he thinks that works for everyone.

I have decided not to ask anymore, unless the person is good at coming up with ideas. And actually it is much more fun to put the thought in.

I've badgered my sister about this countless times. I know she'll end up saying cash or a voucher but i'd like to sort it out.

I've also tried arranging to meet her to swap presents and no reply.

I wouldn't wait any longer. I'd be buying whatever I thought best online tonight, job done! I tend to ask once then back it up with a text reminder and if there are no suggestions, I don't then want to hassle the person, I assume they can't think of anything so it's my job to think of an idea.

I wouldn't like to be reminded several times myself as often I just want a surprise - hotel chocolat or wine or a mac lipstick in nude type colour would go down really well for me!

I'd get in touch saying 'we're going Christmas shopping at the weekend, is there anything you'd especially like? If you let me know by x I'll bear it in mind otherwise I'll find you a lovely surprise'