My DH and I have decided that we are cutting back this year. Not only on gift giving to extended family, the amount of "running" we do. So I have a couple of issues I could use help with.

#1 We are cutting make on the number gifts to our kids. 3 smallish from us and a bigger one from Santa. Each boy will get a fleece blanket I have made(#1)and an outfit(#2)...this is a big deal to us since we have NEVER gave clothing as part of Christmas gifts before. My oldest DS is getting our old computer that we are getting updated as his "big"gift, so his 3rd Mom/Dad gift is going to be a rolling computer chair I got for $20. I need ideas for my 3 year old and 6 year old DSs! I am stumped! I want it to be things they will use and not end up in the next garage sale.

#2 How do you back out of all the parties without ticking everyone off? Everyone lives more than a couple hours away and we just aren't doing it this year. Is there a way to not to make people mad and stick to your guns?

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Illini Bob's wife....mom to 3 little chiefs

As for the big gifts for your boys- just pay attention to what they ask for- the one thing that does not seem "cheap" or will not be used after 1 time of playing with I would get for them. I am not sure what the "hot items" are yet- I was planning on doing that this week!

As for the running around and not making people mad thing. Sometimes it is hard to stick to your guns since people usually get mad when their "usuals" decide not to come. Now if all the parties are on Christmas Eve and Christmas- I would simply tell them that you all decided to stay local this year instead of travleing so the boys, you and your DH can relax and enjoy the day. If the parties are scattered throughout the month- maybe you and your DH can decide which one party you want to go to and if it is a family party maybe visit the other persons family sometime that month. Sometimes a lot of families get upset when you don't show up for their parties so usually we end up going to them (and of course you can't just go to one- you have to go to both so none of them will get mad!).

As for ideas for your 3 & 6 yr old, look on Amazon. They are constantly having sales.
I typically get my son 2 items. Same for his b-day. He is happy with it and doesnt complain. I also dont buy too many toys throughout the yr that way he plays with his older toys just like theyre new.

As for the parties. Just tell them thank you and you will not be able to make it. Dont worry if they get upset its the Holidays and things like that happen. Just call them early about not being able to go...say 1 week after getting their invitations.

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www.myspace.com/sassy143


Alex & the spider monkey

I find that just saying "thanks for the invitation but it will not be possible for us this year" works best. When you start trying to give excuses or explanations you open the door for discussions.

Good luck and never forget that people that really appreciate and love you, will do so no matter what.

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MARIE --- MOTHER OF TWO ANGELS (MOST OF THE TIME )

maybe it's just me but I don't see why u have to skip parties? I usually give the hostess a small gift but it is usually something homemade foodwise, banana bread. If it's gas then I see no reason why u just can't say Thanks but we can't make it.

allgirls

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allgirls, mom to 3 girls

It's Girl Scout Cookie Time

Last year we cut down for ds (not necessarily money wise, but "junk" wise) The best thing we got him was a pass to the park at Mall of America, we have went several times and he loves the rides and it dosen't take up any room in my house. We will defetely be doing it again this year. So, how about a pass somewhere like that

We decided to skip the parties because they are ON the actual Day of the holiday and our families live in opposite directs 2 hours away. We can't do every other year because DS has to do that with his Dad and neither side will accept the year without DS...SO....we will not go to either family's house and have an open door policy if they choose to see us. My MIL is livid! My Mom is fine with it and understanding.

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Illini Bob's wife....mom to 3 little chiefs

Sounds like you would live in your car all of Christmas Day! Christmas is a time for being with family and relaxing. Have you tried a family potluck brunch about 4 or 5 days before Christmas? that way you won't be running all of Christmas day but everyone can still get together?