Adult Gift Giving: Is it Getting Out of Hand?

Recently  I blogged about using credit cards for Christmas.  I want to stress that it is never a good idea to use credit cards unless it is your last resort.  You also need a plan for paying them off quickly after the holidays. 

Another strategy to avoid holiday debt is cutting back on the adults on your Christmas list; especially if you feel that the gift giving has gotten out of hand.  Exchanging with siblings, parents and friends can really take a toll on your budget. After all we are all adults who can generally buy what we need throughout the year.  Is it really necessary to overspend simply because we feel obligated?

If you don’t want to stop buying for loved ones you can still cut back. Instead of going all out on an expensive gift that the recipient may or may not need, choose one gift that says to the recipient “I saw this and thought of you” .  Why not talk to other family members about this?  Chances are they are feeling the same way.

For starters, how about just buying for your kids and parents?   For example, if you have elderly parents or grandparents on a fixed income they most likely have little to spend on Christmas.  Christmas is about the spirit of giving so give to those who need it without expecting anything in return.  A gift certificate for groceries and a ride to the grocery store is always appreciated.

Because my extended family is so big with parents, inlaws siblings, spouses and several nieces and nephews we pretty much limit gift giving to our own children as well as parents and spouses.  However, even with my husband we usually limit it to one small gift.   On Christmas Eve we go from house to house visiting family, often dropping off a tin of homemade Christmas  cookies or fudge.

So go ahead and talk about cutting back on gifts with your extended family and friends.  Not only will you feel a huge financial burdon lifted but you will save plenty of time normally wasted wondering the mall trying to choose the right gift for those who really don’t need anything.  After all, gifts are nice, but the best part of Christmas is spending time with family and friends.