I love Christmas, it's my all time favorite time of the year.

The way it works in my family, is that we all buy gifts for each other and we don't indicate how much we want to spend. I do like lists, so I know sizes for my neices and BIL, or their favorite colors or things they're into - but the way we feel about the list, is that it's for ideas. And if you buy anything off the list, it's no big deal and often appreciated! I find so many great things when we travel for my sisters, neices etc

It just works out fine, we all have a great time etc

On Dh's side of the family, we also buy for my MIL, and both of Dh's brothers. Sometimes we'll do a gift exchange with more extended family. My MIL is awesome, she's so fun to shop for. I know what she likes, her interests etc and she is so gracious about everything. We do do lists on Dh's side of the family as well, and for my MIL and one BIL, it works the same as with my family. You can buy things from the list - sure - no problem, but they're not offended if you don't.

My SIL is married to Dh's other brother. She's a bit of a PITA. LOL She produces a list for her children, herself and her Dh. She doesn't want anyone to divert from the list. If you buy something off the list, she'll ask you, right on Chrsitmas morning for the receipt. I have no problem with people needing to return things, but the way she goes about it, she's rude about it.

My MIL is so generous and has bought some really nice things...for all of us in the family. SIL will just tell her to her face "I'll never wear this, do you have the receipt". My MIL is very good about including gift receipts, so why even say that? Just say thank you and go return it on your own! *sigh*

I was at Target the other day and realized my nephew is the perfect age for that board game 'Guess Who'. I didn't buy it though, because if it's not on the list - she'll want to return it! Argh. Which is fine, like I said, it's just the way she goes about it. One time, my neice opened up an item that she actually wanted to return, and oh boy, was she mad. It just takes the joy out of our holiday celebration.

Sorry...just had to vent! LOL!

Ugh! I hear you on that. Our family isn't very large and we know each other fairly well, so we don't really have to deal with lists, but it is one of my BIGGEST annoyances when someone goes about gift giving without tact or grace. It happens to us every year as well because I have one of those "types" on the in-law side of the family.... actually a couple of them, and so many times I want to ask them, "Do you know how selfish and rude you're acting?" It's not my place to call out dh's siblings (and mother) on their behavior, though, so I keep my trap shut.... It would feel so good to call them out on it though!

Gift Card! Perfect solution, i'm telling ya!

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"Go on, get outside, get the stink blown off ya!!"

How did I know you'd say that? LOL

To me though, it's a 'solution' but that's just not how I view gifts. I know we don't agree on it, but to me gifts are from the heart, and giving someone something you'd think they'd enjoy...not just handing them $40 and saying 'here, get what you want'.

Yeah, but it might tick her off.....even more fun. lol!

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"Go on, get outside, get the stink blown off ya!!"

I understand what you are saying, but it sounds like SIL doesn't even appreciate the THOUGHT you put into the items. In that case, Tanya's solution sounds pretty good. LOL Get her a GC and move on to the next heartfelt, thought out gift. Maybe she'll get a hint!

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~Missy~Mommy
Meghan9.Samantha7,Cameron5

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You really want to make her mad......Donate money to a charity in her name instead.

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"Go on, get outside, get the stink blown off ya!!"

Yep, or one year for a sil who is now an ex sil, I bought a star in her name

Boy did that make her mad, I spent 30 bucks and she has a star out in the sky that has her "name on it!!!

Very true! LOL! I should get her one to a really random place...hmmm...might be a merry Christmas after all!

I would definitely make sure everything I bought for that family was off the list! (the best laughs ever!!) I find it is the best drive home with DH when we are just venting, usually about his step-mom! (his mom passed away unexpectedly 13 years ago) His family is 6 hours away so the first two hours are spent laughing at everything we heard during the weekend and venting!