Nephews asking for money for Christmas - what to do?

[GoAndDoSomeWork]

Not sure if this has been addressed already but I am in the process of finding out what all the nephews and nieces would like for Christmas and have had three requests for money so far. We already have resorted to sending money for their Birthdays and I don't really want to do it for Christmas.

My issues I think are I like choosing something for them (and getting a good deal for them within the budget - usually they've specified a general item e.g. headphones); I am never sure how much money to give; and gifts are more exciting than money where the only surprise is how much have you been given and do not leave anything to entertain you with for the rest of Christmas.

So should I put my foot down and say they need to come up with a better idea or I will think of something for them or do we just roll over and stick some money in an envelope?

You know what I mean SirChenjin!!

We used to get what we needed for Christmas, rather than what we wanted. These days most people don't actually NEED anything (generalisation).

No no no - we did NOT need 2 rainmates a year as children!!!!

I know what you mean though

Can't agree with the any present was welcome, shudders at the thought of the velvet dresses my grandma used to buy for me every birthday and Christmas as a child. Nor did we celebrate Christmas in a religious way.

Hmm, now I'm not sure I'd be that fussed if money was spent on the virtual shop. If it makes them happier than buying something 'real' then that's fair enough in my view.

And now I'm off to google 'rainmates' before my time clearly :o

And once you've googled rainmates please come back and tell me if you'd have been happy receiving that as a child

Errrrrm nope not really :o

Thank you, I rest my case! And may Great Aunt Agnes rest in peace

I really didn't need American Tan tights.

I, so far refuse to give money. For a couple I send via the post I have conceded and sent gift vouchers, but I hate giving money. I won't just give DD money as a gift either.

It's not hard to put a quick wishlist together using Amazon (which can include other websites) if you use the add to amazon button.

I have bought 'money maze' puzzles for the older boys in our family. It is a plastic cube, you put any denomination note in and set the lock. You can only unlock it by moving a silver ball through a maze. It kept my then 16 year old grandson amused for ages last year and I have bought 3 more for other lads this year. They are on Amazon. If dgs wants to save he puts part of his money in there now knowing it will take real dedication to retrieve it.

They sound good grey!

Money is better than gift vouchers because gift vouchers run out. They are late teens. Get a grip and give yourself a break. Like many others on here (I have an 18yo, a 19yo and a 20yo as well as my baby 10yo) I'd get a novelty gift (chocolate prob) and stick some money in a nice stocking/wallet. Why stress yourself out to get something that isn't exactly perfect? Like Grey's idea.

Love that money maze idea

OK consensus seems to be we should concede and give him the money - I like your idea thegreylady. I promise that I have never given anybody a rainmate, velvet dress or American tan tights - usually they come up with sensible suggestions of things they would like and often we spend a bit more than we would give in cash to get the right item for them.

Get them the tights as well. Just to be sure.

It's not hard to put a quick wishlist together using Amazon (which can include other websites) if you use the add to amazon button.

But they can't put anything too expensive on there as it would probably be over budget whereas they can pool money gifts together to buy things they want, especially if they have hobbies they want to buy equipment for. My son often says he would like money to put towards a particular item which he couldn't otherwise afford.

Exactly Busker - my teens often want expensive gadgets at Christmas, so will ask for money to put towards it.

DS asks for an iTunes voucher every Christmas and birthday. It lasts the time it takes to load it up and is then "spent" on game coins, apps etc, normally in less time than actually buying it took
He is 10, so old enough to understand that when it's gone it's gone. It is also a real treat for him to have and he thoroughly enjoys using it which is surely the point of a Christmas gift?
I guess people don't get so het up when gifted chocolate is eaten or alcohol drunk? Surely it's no different, a pleasurable experience at the time but with no physical presence later :)

Love the money maze idea grey lady