Present pile size guilt

[Lovemusic82]

I know I’m being unreasonable. My dc are now older teens, this year they haven’t really asked for anything, dd1 is at uni in a tiny room so doesn’t need more stuff, dd2 severely autistic and breaks most things, she’s 18 in a few months and will be getting a big gift then. Neither of them see clothes as a gift, are not too bothered about fashion or girly things.
I have just got out the bits I have bought for them to see what it looks like and the pile looks poor, dd1 totally gets that there will be less this year and that she doesn’t really need much but dd2 might be a bit disappointed.

DD2’s pile consists of a Lego set, a wooden puzzle kit, a mini dolls house kit, a oodie and a few books.

DD1 is getting a Instax printer, pj’s, Lego flowers and a toy/sweet grabber (bit of a joke present).

They don’t really get gifts from anyone else, their dad will give them some cash. Should I add a few gifts? I feel guilty that it doesn’t really look much but I don’t want to fill the house with tat. Dd1 often doesn’t touch most the things I buy her. After seeing some of the lists on another thread mine looks a bit small but my DC’s don’t really do most the things other teens do (fashion, beauty, perfume etc….).

I do that lol ..posh box..velvet ribbon..decorative bell etc...tbh sometimes costs more than gift inside 😒

This is comparatitis.
Stop it. Your description of your girls shows you know them and they will be fine without a "pile" but you are still measuring yourself against a SM / influencer standard which is not realistic.

Stop it, enjoy having DD1 home from uni and a lovely long weekend.

I bought ds a lovely Christmas cushion in TK Maxx yesterday to bulk out his pile a bit. It wasn't expensive but was nice and soft and feels nice. He like snuggling up with things. I figure I can out it away with the Christmas decorations and bring it out again next year. Would something like that work?

I think what you've bought sounds lovely and you don't need anything else. Don't feel guilty or get dragged into buying things you don't need, you've got them some great presents and it is enough.

If you want less "stuff" I'd focus on filling stockings with consumables (a stocking full of snacks and chocolates was one of my favourite things about Christmas as a teenager!)

Or do a movie night with popcorn like a PP suggested. Or is there a board game that you could all play together and buy as a family present?

Think I must be out of step. When did Christmas involve 'piles' of presents? How much money are people spending?
My now adult DC would have had maybe 4 or 5 things to open plus a stocking. Any more and they would feel overwhelmed. So much waste and money.