Another idea for gift requests that’s worked for me is to ask friends/family to donate to “insert good cause here” instead of a physical gift.

Another idea for gift requests that’s worked for me is to ask friends/family to donate to instead of a physical gift.

I am sure you could pick shares based on different reasons, such as companies the receiver admires.

I am not sure what the tax implications or how the transfer of ownership would occur.

I love these ideas–especially the cynical accountant one. I love the idea of asking for toothbrushes–I was just whining about them the other day–I never think of buying them (for months, shudder) and then when I’m desperate I go and buy one that’s way too expensive because I don’t think to be on the lookout for deals or buy them in bulk. Also, they appear to be much more expensive in my new country of residence. YIPES.

Be ware of asking for underwear though. My DH and I have had some bad experiences. . . although, I suppose that unlike the dreaded X-mas sweater, it would be very difficult for a disgruntled relative to confirm whether or not you actually wore their present.

It was so great we’re extending our trip this year to 3 weeks (which means we miss almost all the local build up). Close friends are taking us out to dinner, we will send cards and small gifts to those who are closest to us, and we will visit with the rest in the new year. AND we come back from Christmas rested instead of in need of a vacation! Job done.

The funny thing is that the gift mad family members on my husbands side of the family insist on giving gifts but mostly they aren’t gifts WE like – its gifts THEY like! How incredibly stupid! We’ve requested over the past 2 years that they rather donate to our favorite charities, or just spend time with us over a meal, but they just won’t.

We honor close friends and family with charitable contributions to worthy causes. Some like it, others are appalled. We don’t do this because we feel compelled to give, we enjoy increasing our giving in a meaningful, practical way during what has become a silly, selfish season.

I also love to write personal cards to each family member and friend and give bag of homemade cookies with each one. Again, I don’t do this because I feel I have to. I do it because I enjoy it and its a nice opportunity to write a meaningful note expressing gratitude, best wishes and loving greetings.

I agree that Christmas has gone way over the top. But, it can still serve a purpose that is meaningful and special without all the consumerist garbage we have become accustomed to.

‘..nobody is better qualified to know what I need than me. Also, nobody is better qualified to pay for it. Therefore, if I need or even want something bad enough, chances are (100%) that I already have it.’

You can just accept the gifts with a smile and a thank you, and then pass them on to someone else who probably doesn’t want them either. Just make sure you don’t give anyone a boomerang gift (one that they gave you).

Love your blog!

I’ve also managed to agree with my siblings that we should just exchanges well-wishes and that presents are for kids. I also have a few other ways I get people to give to others rather than me.

I just wish that Christmas was a happy time spent with family and friends instead of having the palava and stress associated with giving unwanted presents.

Many families can teach each other that presents are only for children.

I have tried telling people I want socks, and some people go for it, though they insist on getting interesting socks, but most won’t. It’s not about rationality, it’s about emotion and caring and maybe surprises and tricks.

There’s one person who insists on exchanging gifts even though I’m very difficult to buy for (as we all are, since we buy pretty much whatever we really want). She is very open to wish lists, which should help quite a lot, but so far hasn’t. So now, whenever she mentions some food she made that sounds good to me, I say, “That! That would be another good idea of something to get me for a present!” It’s something you can’t get in stores, so it seems special. Whew!

Somehow I saw your line “I personally favor an intro-course…” as being “I personally favor intercourse…”

As a CHRISTMAS GIFT???? I’m still giggling.

Still, with gift giving, since everyone else does it, you have to too, or else you are “weird”. And unless you are very wealthy, famous, or otherwise impressive, “weird” is a bad.