Help with presents for teens/20 somethings - and cheap or homemade!

[fruitsticksinyourstocking]

I have 5 nieces and nephews between 17 and 23. They all are either students or still living at home and, as a result, have offensive levels of disposable income (DN works in a supermarket but his jumpers cost £150 ).

DH has just been made redundant and I didn't return from maternity leave - we have 2 small children and no cash.

What can I get them for Christmas? I need to spend very little as I'm skint but what can I do?

I thought about making them presents but I'm not very crafty. I'm better with food. Maybe some chilli vodka (although my sister would disapprove) for the boys and truffles for the girls?

I'm hoping they are old enough to understand that money is tight this year but I do want to make a gesture as I do love them so.

Another cool idea might be to make them personalised calendars using family photos and free software - then you only have the paper cost.

That's a good thought - I shall see what suitable photos I can dig out.

Oooh - tell me about Chilli vodka...how do you amke it? I'm in a similar position!

Can't you come to a family agreement not to 'do' family presents this year due to your current circs? My brother and his wife did this a few years ago, and I thought it was a good idea.

Hate the thought of someone struggling to buy me or my DCs presents.

But if you insist, you could try searching for a limoncello recipe.

Sorry here.

The chilli vodka is in the Nigella Christmas book, and there's a recipe for mulled vodka in the Jamie Oliver magazine.

The thing is, nobody buys us presents anyway - we just buy for the children.

My brother and sister will buy for my DC's regardless, and my nieces and nephews probably will too - so feel I need to at least make a token gesture.

we only buy for nieces and nephews until the christmas after they turn 16 you say you only buy for the children but their nearly all adults at 17-23.

I think that's fair - I'm wondering what the point is of the prezzie I've just sent my 17yo niece (£30 Topshop voucher).
She works in a restaurant and earns over £70 a week, I hear - runs her own car as well.
Is enjoying a weekend away in a hotel ATM to celebrate a friend's birthday.
I'm sure you were buying for your nieces and nephews when they were little, so it evens out in the end.

Forgot to add .

I think you are very kind to be buying for them esp. as they get you nothing in return.

I would buy them all 100 school dinners from Oxfam (£6) to teach them how to give back.