Have you ever bought a gift for someone just because....

[TimeforMe]

you knew they were buying one for you? I got to thinking about this lately, because I am each year trying to do less and less of this. In fact this year, I suggested to my co-workers we skip exchanging and instead are doing an ornament swap. There is one co-worker that I work very closely with, however, and I knew she'd be buying me something so I did get something for her. Is that a bad thing? It wasn't that I DIDN'T want go give her a present, but just need to draw the line somewhere , ya know what I mean?

 

[Buckalew]

Yes, I know what you mean. And the sad part is, those people that we do this with probably feel the same way.

 

[The LK 4]

I've found that it is really hard to get people to cut back. I have a large extended family and I really don't have the extra money to be buying co-workers gifts, but some of them insist on buying me a little something each year. When I tell them they don't have to do that, they say "I don't mind!" Of course, you have to buy them something back so you don't look like a cheapskate! Usually I just buy a few instant lottery tickets or a gift certificate for a restaurant. I think I might suggest a "Christmas in July" type of thing where we go out for lunch or dinner in the summer. This way I can hold on to some of my cash now!

 

[LuvTigger]

I've managed to cut down on a few by doing grab bag or Secret Santa type gift exchanges. However, there are few friends who give me stuff anyway, and I, in turn, end up giving them something, or get something anticipating that they're going to give me something.

What I tried to do this year was make things, since most of the people who do this are female. I've been making bead bracelets, which are relatively inexpensive, but if I were to sell them, people would be willing to pay a lot more than what I actually spent on the materials. So at least I've given something, but I didn't have to spend a lot, and it is more meaningful too. I also tried to be more creative with my baking (but nowhere near KaraKW and her rice crispy tree!), by making things a little more unusual than the usual chocolate chip cookies.