Reciprocal gifts-Try to match spending?

[Raisinbrain]

My sister and her husband and also my brother and his partner have both been generous this year with birthday presents for me, my dh and our children. They don’t have any kids. I can’t afford to spend similar amounts on presents for them but should I get the credit card out and try to match their spending?

No, just buy them nice things you think they’ll like within whatever budget is sensible for you.

No. I'm sure they just enjoyed treating their lovely nephews and nieces. Don't underestimate how important that relationship is to them.

Getting them something which you have put thought and care into choosing is far more important than the monetary value. You absolutely don't have to spend lots to show you value them!

And I know this might not be for everyone, but even before I had DD I absolutely loved getting personalised things from the nephews/nieces/friend's children - e.g. cards they had painted for me, or the wrapping paper/cards schools make from the children's design. So don't assume that people without kids won't like those! In fact, I undoubtedly valued them more when I I didn't have the mountains generated by DD

And whilst I know not everyone thinks the same way, I bought gifts for nephews, nieces and friends' children for many years before having my own DD. I never considered those to be gifts to the parents or something which should be reciprocated.

No it really is the thought that counts - thoughtful presents better than expensive ones always

No. I have quite a lot more disposable income than my dsis. I enjoy buying presents that I know she and her family will love, and sometimes that means spending more than I would expect her to spend on me. I absolutely don't expect her to reciprocate with gifts of a similar "value". The truth is, I enjoy giving more than I enjoy receiving - if I want stuff for myself, I tend to buy it anyway.

If I felt that dsis felt obliged to reciprocate, then I would just spend much less, but Christmas shopping would not be so much fun! Fortunately, I don't think she does feel that pressure. We both know that it isn't about the money.