[jodi]

The past few years it has been $1000+. Altogether, DH and I have four parents, two grandparents, two children, nine siblings, four nieces and nephews, and two friends that we buy for (and each other!). This year I told everyone that I was not going to make myself crazy and broke spending $30-40 on everyone (plus a lot more of DH and the kids), so I asked if we could do something different.
DH's family decided to do a "fun" gift of no more than $10. It can be used, a joke, or whatever, as long as you stay within the budget. So I cut out about $150-200 there. For my family, we are still buying for my parents (and kids, obviously!), but the siblings and spouses drew names and agreed to a $50 budget. So I cut out 4 people there, for another $100+ in savings. And hopefully a lot less stress too.
I plan to spend $600 or less this year, but DH plans to spend $1000. I think we are going to compromise at $800. He totally wants to spoil the kids, but I know they will already be spoiled rotten by their aunts and uncles, not to mention grandparents. I think they have too much already, but our families really protested when I said they have too much. I guess if it makes them happy to buy for the kids, they can do it...we're just going to have to clean house (freecycle!) before Christmas to make room!