DSis currently has the cold shoulder with me. She has 5 kids.
I don't work, due to disability. DH has a good job, but aside from a small amount of benefits from me, we rely almost exclusively on his salary and we live in the south east commuter belt.
Desperately saving to get on property ladder. Council can't help because DH earns too much. Really limited where we rent as has to be wheelchair accessible and fit a hoist, medical bed etc. and meet OT approval for that.
Luckily 3 years ago we moved into the perfect flat with amazing landlord who has gone literally above and beyond to help me. Never complained when I asked to have adjustments etc. Never minded when he had to pay for urgent work etc.
Our rent went up 21% per month. It's still a good price for what we have. And round here, I cannot find any other landlords willing to take us on, or have a suitable property.
So, to the question. We've never had a budget for niece and nephews. This year, looking at finances, squeezing every last penny and only buying for the 5 kids, DSis, BIL, my mum and two VERY close friends, we have budgeted gifts as follows:
Kids, £20 each.
DSis and BIL: £25 each.
Mum: £15 (the specific item she had her eye on for ages was this much. But she didn't want to buy something frivolous for herself.)
Friends £25 each. This includes posting as neither are local.
Oh and DH and I have a budget of £15 on each other.
No gifts for DH family due to NC.
DSis went nuts today because I said we couldn't afford to go over budget and she said I'm being cheap.
Is £20 really too little? Am I being unfair or unreasonable? Each child has 1 small gift of something I know they want.
Honestly Christmas is stressful enough!
Until last year, we spent about £60 on each person. We simply can't afford to this year.
Hell, we have to choose whether to put the heating on now!
My mum also said I need to spend more on each child.