AIBU to want to ignore Xmas this year?

[MerryMarigold]

Kids are 9yo twins and 12yo ds1. Just finished all their birthdays (and my parents'). They are at an age which is duo hard to buy for. They just seem to want expensive and inappropriate stuff which is yet more tech (no ds2, you are 9, you are not having an iphone). When I try and get other things they just seem disappointed.

Please, how can I get some of the magic back and lose the materialism? Or should.I give up at this age and just give them 50 quid which they'd no doubt be delighted with.

Duo= hard

No, duo = so

Grrrr

OP are they believers? If they're not just sit them down and explain that you have a budget / guidelines or look at doing presents differently. Maybe giving them each a budget to buy presents for each other to keep as a surprise. You might find that they embrace the idea or pushes them into requesting sensible choices. Or focus more on experiences - skateboarding lessons, concert tickets etc. as gifts. Bring the magic back with looking at cheap / free activities like looking at the lights, ice skating (check groupon for discounts) or music events. Do they like to bake or cook, or would they be interested in crafting? Hobbycraft run free / cheap events on Saturdays if you're near one.

No they are non believers although want to somehow carry on believing. I still do stockings. Ds2 can't keep a secret for 5 minutes so he wouldn't be able to be involved though I think other 2 may enjoy looking for others. I thought I may get them to make a stocking for my parents.

Yes, near a hobbycraft. Great idea, thanks!