[pearlieq]

I try not to exchange presents as much as possible. Of course, my family and I exchange birthday and Christmas presents, but I prefer to just exchange cards (at most) with my friends. So far it works for everyone.

I always try to get something practical that the recipient wants. I also try to resist the pressure to push spending upwards. My last birthday was kind of awkward because my best friend bought me a $40 sweater. It was a nice gesture, but then I felt on the hook to reciprocate in kind. I struggled with it for a while before sticking to my guns (mostly) and giving her our normal card, plus some extra flowers, for her birthday. Hopefully she got the message.