I'm to the point where I just tell people who ask me what I want to get me gift cards. This year, I tell them to just get me an Amazon gift card.

I don't really need clothes and if I do, I'll just go buy them. Same with books, music, etc.

There are two things I've been eying for a while now: a PS3 and a Kindle. Those are the kinds of things I don't just go out and buy for myself. They're also pricey enough that I won't ask people to get them for me for Christmas. So, I just ask for gift cards. Then, I take the gift cards and buy one or the other, even if I have to make up the difference a little.

My family has come to the unwritten agreement that if you make it to the holiday dinners it exempts you from buying gifts and I for one like it that way.

Actually the thread was about buying gifts not receiving them but I like the way you think.

I thought we were just doing kids &nieces/nephew exchange...and parents on both sides.
I was wrong, I foolishly forgot about the childcare provider and her 2 assistants, the preschool teacher and her two aids and a gift exchange with her side, and was foolish enough to make a joke about forgetting the Drive-through workers. I guess we both work hard so we can do things like that if she wants to.

We decided to not exchange gifts, but to pick something each year for the house or family and get that. I think we'll upgrade the TV this year.

Personally, if I want something, I pretty much go get it within reason. I'd prefer people save their money or find some local charitable contribution than gifting me. We've always done some charitable things, but this year that is expanding too.

It really does feel better to give.

THIS.

Yeah, I know. I just started seeing the posts about gift cards and wanted to respond...

Times are tough out there.

I usually just go with the McDonalds gift cards. You cant go wrong.

The thing is, she could just give you the value of the gift card in cash, it would save her a trip to buy the damn gift card and you still get to pick out your own porn.

My wife and I buy for our parents, her brother and then do a gift exchange with my siblings since combined there are 5 of us and with 2 of them in college they don't have the cash to buy for everyone. My family also does a white elephant / rob your neighbor gift exchange with the adults. Usually a $15 or so limit.

This year we are taking the gifts down a notch or two and cutting what we spend on everyone by 10-20%. I would like to note that I am still accepting all donations and presents this year though!

Just buying for my son. Getting him a bike and some Wii games.