How much do you expect to spend on Xmas gifts this year? Do you stick to your budget or go over?
In our family we made a rule to only buy each other little fun gifts (under $50) because Xmas was getting out of control. But my bf and I do one bigger gift for one another, so I expect only to spend about $700. But every year I end going over my budget b/c random friends always say "when do you want to exchange gifts?" so I end up running around for extra presents I hadn't planned for.
i hope to stick to around $300. i buy presents for 4 people. my family and friends know that i'm broke so they tell me not to spend money on them, but i love giving christmas gifts!
I have no idea. It's going ot be right after the wedding and right after us moving, so I am not going to be able to afford much for anyone. But its also going to be our first Christmas of not going home to our families, so I want to make sure FH has lots under the tree (even if the majority of it is from the dollar store/target or is stuff that we need anyway)....I have a feeling this year might be very depressing.
It's my first year having a 'real job' so I am getting my parents good gifts, but its also the first year without a bf so I'm sure it will even out. I bet I spend around $500.
__________________
"Despite all your best intentions, sometimes, fate wins anyway."
I usually spend around $700 to $1000 on gifts for everyone, my list is about 10 people long, but this year I have changed my mind. I am no longer going to spend $100-plus on my brother and sister's gifts because it's just not neccessary and they aren't kids (age 21 and 25) anymore, plus they never put much effort into gifts for me, (not that I expect them to spend 1/4 what I do, but they don't give thoughtfully at all, plus they never call me!). I am also cutting back on my gifts to extended family, this year they are probably all getting cookies.
__________________
"Go either very cheap or very expensive. It's the middle ground that is fashion nowhere." ~ Karl Lagerfeld
I'm seriously contemplating whether or not I even want to celebrate the holidays this year. I really find them to be dreadful. But if I do, I'll probably only spend about $200 total (unlike last year, when I spent waaaaaaay too much).
I have no idea. It's going ot be right after the wedding and right after us moving, so I am not going to be able to afford much for anyone. But its also going to be our first Christmas of not going home to our families, so I want to make sure FH has lots under the tree (even if the majority of it is from the dollar store/target or is stuff that we need anyway)....I have a feeling this year might be very depressing.
Hey Choo--my hubby and I have spent the last two Christmases by ourselves instead of with family, and we ended up having a great time! I think the trick is to find something to do together that you'll both enjoy--we made chocolate hazelnut rolls our first year and now it's our tradition. Christmas by yourself will only be depressing if you guys let it.
Anyway, to answer the question, I'm budgeting about $500 for Christmas presents.
my immediate family is small, and that's all i'm really concerned with. not to sound selfish, but if i started factoring cousins, aunt, & uncles (biological and otherwise) i'd go broke. i'll probably spend around $400, but hopefully end up spending less. the good thing about living in the nyc area is that a lot of sample sales happen around the holidays, which really helps ease the burden on the pocketbook.
I usually wind up spending my whole Christmas Bonus which is dumb of me. So this year I'm thinking somewhere in the range of $400-500, including presents for myself. Ha, I find it impossible to Christmas shop without getting myself a little treat.
__________________
... stick 'em down your shirt and make your boobs look bigger!
i buy for 7 people including my boyfriend. i spend $1000 on all of them. i spend an extra $100-200 on random extra presents for exchanges, friends, etc.
i just finished making my list and doing my budget for the holidays. i'm setting my budget at $800 this year for the 7 children and 20+ adults/couples we buy for. a large percentage of my recipients get handmade gifts which saves money.
that total and budget doesn't include my son and my husband however... and i always go a little... okay WAY overboard their gifts... so... we'll just leave it at that.
what really stinks is that i have 8 birthdays to take care of (not including my own) between next friday and christmas (5 november, 3 december) including my son, my mom and my brother.
whew, i'm one exhausted shopper just thinking about it.