We used to stress about this Auntie that always got us a present, and that one that sometimes did and should we get them one because if they get us one and we don't have one we will feel stink, but if we get them one and they don't have one for us they will feel stink, and all that jaz.

My Mum then said something like "When you decide to buy a present, is it because you want something in return? Or is it because you wanted to get them a present?".

So now we keep our presents pretty limited. I do my immediate family (parents/siblings - with partners being joint with sibling. Just ask what they want, they ask what I want, and we buy and swap at Christmas), my wife does her family (normally just baking something each), and then we both work together on kids (TBH most of a santa sack is stuff we were gonna get anyway - wrap up a banana, jar of jam, box of crackers, etc. More to unwrap, tailored to what each kid likes, but not extra crap we don't need).

Our aunties and uncles often buy stuff for us or these days more often the kids, and we say thank you and don't feel bad about not getting them things.

In terms of the day itself, when my grandparents that used to organise Christmas were getting older and it was passing to my parents generation to host, we had a few relatives around for tea and were talking about it. My auntie said well what's the difference between what we just had (pot luck dinner) and Christmas? Just do the same but throw a few crackers around the table.

Christmas isn't much of a drama anymore, because no one has high expectations for the day and everyone just enjoys hanging out.

Though I get that there are families that won't let Christmas not be a big deal 😆

[–] liv 2 points 11 months ago (1 children)

That all sounds great, I'm happy you get to do it how you want.

I am not facing anything that would be daunting for most people, the food is not an issue (potluck lunch, finger food), there are only 4 people I need to buy for because my partner takes care of the ones in their family.

In other words it's me that's the problem. But spending time with my family at xmas is very important to me especially at the moment. I don't always get to do it and I haven't seen them for months.

I just wish I had more to draw on in terms of finding/buying/making a few presents. What do primary school age kids even want these days (apart from hundreds of dollars worth of lego?)

[–] Dave 2 points 11 months ago (1 children)

Ah sorry, I can't imagine how taxing it would be for you.

What do primary school age kids even want these days (apart from hundreds of dollars worth of lego?)

Have you considered $15 of lego?

Lego is always our go to when someone asks what the kids want, as we know it will still be getting played with for years to come and it comes with a budget range to suit almost anyone. From $10-$15 right up to thousands.

However, what the kids want is pretty much anything branded with a TV show/movie they want. Have you tried asking the parent? Some kids love art supplies, which can be inexpensive. The warehouse also sells craft kits, where you can sometimes find good stuff (the range seems to change). Thinks like paint your own rocket/unicorn, make your own bouncy ball, spirograph, etc. Kmart have similar stuff as well. Most of the kits are in the $8-$20 range. This will depend on the kid, though. Some are more into art than others. Probably best to ask parents (though we are normally struggling for our own ideas). All three of mine are into puzzles at the moment, but that can be fleeting.

[–] liv 2 points 11 months ago

No dice with the parents. I bought a book yesterday so am feeling less panicked. I think you're right, I should top it off with some lego. Thanks!