Anxiety with buying presents

This is probably my least fave part of Christmas the buying presents.

I never know what to buy people. The presents I normally buy end up forgotten about or thrown away later on the next year, I think people think I forgot I bought it but I don't I always remember. The only person who keeps what I buy is my father. I normally get him records and he seems to really appreciate it.

Everyone else gets rid so I guess I don't buy what they like.

This year at school we've got secret Santa again! Well early as usual but I appreciate the earlyness as I don't have any idea what I'll be getting for Talis (girl in my class) I know nothing about her and what she likes. We sit together in some classes but I still don't know about her. 

I hate present buying. The whole idea makes me anxious and I've not got any of my family a single present yet either.

Parents
  • Yep I hate buying presents too, as well as receiving them. I have 3 teens, a 6yo and 6 adults to give presents to. I've decided to make them fidget toys and phone stands, using scrap wood and a Dremel, and give the under 18's gift vouchers. I'm especially short of money this year so only the kids can have money spent on them. I'll probably make my sister and her kids cookies/snacks as well. Fortunately my sister shares my thoughts on home made gifts being more 'emotionally valuable ' but then when we were kids we made presents for everyone, it was our family norm.  

    As for your secret Santa, a key ring phone stand sounds like a fairly safe gift and shouldn't be expensive. 

Reply
  • Yep I hate buying presents too, as well as receiving them. I have 3 teens, a 6yo and 6 adults to give presents to. I've decided to make them fidget toys and phone stands, using scrap wood and a Dremel, and give the under 18's gift vouchers. I'm especially short of money this year so only the kids can have money spent on them. I'll probably make my sister and her kids cookies/snacks as well. Fortunately my sister shares my thoughts on home made gifts being more 'emotionally valuable ' but then when we were kids we made presents for everyone, it was our family norm.  

    As for your secret Santa, a key ring phone stand sounds like a fairly safe gift and shouldn't be expensive. 

Children
  • Making your own gifts is cool. Do you do that every year? I might look at doing something like that for my mother and sisters and little brother. I'm not very creative though but maybe I can do something. Something homemade might be more meaningful.

    I wish they would get rid of secret Santa at school. I find it adds to the stress of school and Christmas.