So DH and I would really like to go "non-material" this year with our gift giving. We'd like to donate money to charities in honor of our family and friends. Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on junk that no one wants or needs, we just would love to have our money go toward the causes we feel are important this year.
Then, we woke up to reality. There is absolutely no freakin' way that our families would accept this kind of gesture. Unfortunately, both our sides expect nice gifts under the tree for Christmas... a card or certificate acknowledging a donation just wouldn't cut it.
We'll still donate to our charities this year but alas, we'll have to just conform and buy more junk again as always.
Christmas gift idea
November 2nd, 2009 at 02:22 pm
November 2nd, 2009 at 02:25 pm 1257171922
Good luck!
November 2nd, 2009 at 03:05 pm 1257174345
Can you give gifts associated with a foundation or charity group? My relatives are going to get some jelly and jam made by the friars at a Franciscan monestary in addition to some coffe/tea and nice new mugs (purchased last year on sale after Xmas).
Let us know what you decide on for those relatives!
November 2nd, 2009 at 03:45 pm 1257176735
November 2nd, 2009 at 04:14 pm 1257178458
November 2nd, 2009 at 05:01 pm 1257181282
November 3rd, 2009 at 04:23 am 1257222201
November 6th, 2009 at 08:09 pm 1257538162
Sometimes I take a guess based on someone's personality, and usually they are so surprised and thrilled to get such a thoughtful gift. (IT's rather unique!)
Dh's family? Pffft. I would never do that to them - they would flip out. HEck, I brought it up to his mom thinking she may be open, and she said, "Save your money.!" She is a giving person, why I tried, but Christmas to her is all about material crap.
Momcent's idea is excellent for middle ground.