Arghhhh, another Pls Don't Buy Us Anything - sorry

[Humbugus]

I did look on the other, similar thread but couldn't find an exact answer to use for my following dilemma.

I just got a note asking me "What can I buy you for Christmas". I usually say please don't buy me anything as I don't need anything. However, I feel obliged to then say "and you" and I always get a response saying that they would like X. Last year I was asked for some MAC makeup, so it is not a token box of Dairy Milk.

This is now really doing my head in. It is not close family so it is not like I am fobbing my mum or his mum off.

Help Arghhhhhhh. Christmas is so annoying.

Just reply "Let's both just do a charity donation instead of presents this year. So many people are having such a hard time at the moment"

If you want to really go to town, you could also ask what charity is closest to their heart.

Just say this year you have decided to stick to close family only for both giving and receiving presents.

Just say that you are reviewing your finances and reducing Christmas spending this year. Nobody would question this surely?

I've started suggesting we 'save the money for the new year and put it together to have a nice day out together when things open up'.

I'd genuinely much prefer this.

Don’t say, and you? when they ask. Say you’ve decided to only do presents for children as it will save everyone time and effort.

And Mac make up seems an expensive thing to ask for if they’re not close family. A token box of chocs/ bottle of wine/smellies should be enough if you must do presents.

What did they buy you last year?

I guess it really dependa on your relationship with the person but i'd just send your regular response telling you don't want anything and thank them for thinking of you. And don't ask for what they want at all!

I'd say "we're doing cards only this year". Then change conversations to the weather, Covid, whatever.

I wouldn't want to buy for someone so rude. The only response to not wanting anything is to agree to do no presents.

'Let's just do the kids this year' is a good standard reply.

What kind of relationship do you have and how old? Do they have kids you both buy for?

Otherwise I think the charity one is a good idea.