Karma: 258971

Can you help with this Christmas gift problem?

We told our son that we were not going to be able to exchange Christmas gifts this year because of lack of funds. So what happens: Today we received a shirt for Dad that probably cost $55.00. (My gift will no doubt be coming next)

What do we do? Rush out and buy gifts for our son, daughter-in-law, and grandaughter, (We always buy a gift for our grandaughter and say “Christmas gifts are for the children."

As I write this, I think there is only one solution but maybe you’ll have an idea. Our dentist can just wait to get his portion of our money, ARGHHH!

I’d hate for this to be the holiday when we lost teeth.

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+3 Views: 776 Answers: 7 Posted: 11 years ago

7 Answers

country bumpkin

Karma: 1665015

Best answer!

You told your son up front that you will not give gifts this year. If he chooses to buy gifts for you then be gracious and tell him, Thank you. If you buy him gifts now, he will know that you bought them just because you are embarrassed or he knows he made you feel guilty. Guilty gift giving is not what Christmas should be about.

11 years ago. Rating: 10
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itsmee

Good idea. It might work for me. We’ll see. Actually it’s a great idea.

commented 11 years ago

jhharlan

Karma: 1457190

Buy everybody some warm socks. Thoughtful, purposeful, and inexpensive......Make them holiday socks........

11 years ago. Rating: 9
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itsmee

Well .... Hmmmm ..... This is an idea. The problem arises when I think of their location. They live in theFlorida Keys. : ) Good try.

commented 11 years ago

itsmee

PS One year he sent us a box of Florida Oranges. The problem there was that we live in California and had an Orange tree right outside our front door.

commented 11 years ago

clu

Karma: 405843

You told him you were not exchanging gifts. If you feel really bad make some cookies or bread for a gift. Money is tight these days- Don't feel guilty about it.

11 years ago. Rating: 7
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itsmee

My son would faint if I baked. : D

commented 11 years ago

bustieone

Karma: 250320

From the Keys, then give them a holiday Speedo bathing suit! Less material, should mean less cost? And they may get a kick out of it. Maybe not a great idea, but there must be something that you could make and send them? Old photos of him as a kid, reproduced and framed? Pics are not expensive to get done.

11 years ago. Rating: 5
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itsmee

The bathing suit is a WONDERFUL idea. I think I’ll let it pass though.
“Less material means less cost” Oh ha ha ha. You’re funny. I was going to send them a Rock ’n Roll Trivial Persuit game but the thing weighed a whale. Maybe I can order it.
The idea of the photographs is incredibly good. I don’t have time for that one ... I’ll do it for a birthday.
I went out tonight and bought a few things. It won’t break the bank. Really good answer, bustieone.

commented 11 years ago

woodside12