How much do you usually spend on Christmas gifts?

[Aurora63]

I sat down today, and made a list of what I want to get, for whom, and came up with $610. This would include gifts for my DH, Mom, Dad, sister, sister's boyfriend, Aunt, DH's cousin, and my boss. Eight people.

Do you think this is too much, or just right? I cannot go over this figure, and may not even be able to meet it. But I was just wondering how much most people spend.

 

[doxdogy]

Depends on the relative. There were about 10 people on my list this year. I was able to spend less than $500 on all the gifts. But, this year I was lucky and was able to find most of the items on sale for much less than I had budgeted.

 

[Aurora63]

I hope I can do that. I will be buying a few gift cards, but for some people, such as my DH, I could probably find stuff on sale.

Also, I'm thinking about cutting my sisters boyfriend off the list, only because I don't know him at all. I have never even seen him face to face. But I would feel bad giving him nothing when I give something to the rest of my family (mom, dad, Sis and her SO all live together.)

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I usually spend 1000+.

 

[Nutsy]

too much........it all adds up way to quickly

 

[Kallison]

Probably close to 2K total.

I heard Oprah say that you shouldn't spend more than 1% of your total income on Christmas. If it was 1% of my income we would be in BIG trouble - lol!

 

[helenabear]

We actually talked about this... well my siblings and I. We've had some years where we have spent WAY too much so we decided that amongst us, we will spend about $50 each. We are all grown and none of us have kids. We all thought that was doable and that way no one felt bad for not giving as much as the next. Now my husband got a lot more than that spent on him, but I don't mind

 

[KathyFP]

I spend far too much - much more than 1% of my income.

Great idea for next year - hey family, I can only spend 1% of my income.

BTW is that gross or net?

 

[aprilgail2]

I probably spend about 1500 or so....my list has had a few people cut off over the past few years including the one I spent the most on, my godson Matt...I would spend about 500 on him alone when he was alive.!

 

[mudnuri]

I'm going to add this up as we go..this might be scary!

2 sets skis/boots/bindings/helmets for DD's $486.

Mom, and MIL- 64.00 (still have to find a snow baby for mil to complete...add another $150.00

neices/nephews $25.00 gift cards boarders- X5- $125.00

2 nephews still infants- $40.00

4 cousins- $25.00 phone cards $100.00

Grandparents- $48.00

Aunts/Uncles $150.00
(we draw names each year, each adult gets another adult with a $75.00 limit- these are the only adults we buy for, except our own mom/dad and grandparents- this is MY family's policy)

DD1 believes she is getting a 4-wheeler from Santa...not too sure what exactly is going to happen with that- if so, we need to add $1800.00 (I've left this up to DH to decide....)

DD2 asked for a new bike- still have to get- $45.00

okay- that's what's done, and what I know about...the grand total there is....

1208.00 without the quad...3008.00 with it.

We still have about $500 left in gifts to get, for FIL, and 1 of BIL/SIL (only one without kids) and my Brother and wife..

I'm going to say at the end, after even stocking stuffers, we're going to be looking pretty close to $4k this year...

That's about average for us, we usually are done around Dec 10th, and then for the next 15 days continue to buy more stuff we see...maybe we should stay out of the stores!

Brandy

 

[CamColt]

Usually about 800.00, but that doesnt include Santas gifts.

 

[raze]

Id have to say about 1-2K. (Usually Id say about 1K)
This wknd Im taking a trip to the Disney Store and getting us 7day plus hoppers for our Oct trip to VWL

 

[Cindy B]

Aprrox. $500. this total includes my kids, two siblings (gift exchange), my parents, my FIL, my neices and nephews (3), and my grandparents and aunt.

I usually use other means to pay for it..

For example, I obtained two Amazon.com gift certificates, on eBath & Body Works gift card, and one Target gift card through rewards, surveys and test drives throughout the year... now I am using it to purchase gifts.

I also got some amazing things for free when Kohl;s had a great sale a few weeks ago.. i got four high ticket items for only $1.83. (example Barbie styling head reg. $29.99.. after sales, coupons, etc.. 90 cents!)

I have a spreadsheet which details exactly what I paid for and didn't but I dont have it handy. I think I spent maybe less than $100 on my daughter because of all these free things.

 

[Meriweather]

About $1500-$2000.

That includes DH, me, 2 grown children, MIL, 2 BIL and their families and an aunt and uncle.
Then a couple friends.