Another Christmas gift question...

[jodi]

Seems to be a theme today! I guess it's on everyone's mind.

I have a cousin who I am close with, although not geographically. my boys are 1 and 3 years old. She has sent gifts for every birthday and Christmas since I had them. Her daughter just recently turned 1. Last year I sent a Christmas gift (a savings bond) and I got her a book and clothes for her birthday last year. We don't spend too much - maybe $15-20 per occasion.

Anyone who might follow my blog knows this is a tough year for us as DH is completing his teaching certification. I would like to stop exchanging gifts with her. I think she would be open to the idea, as they are trying to save for a house, but I feel guilty because she has already spent so much more on gifts for my boys. I feel like I am cheaping out. Any thoughts?

[markio26]

my sister and her family have always received more money and more gifts from us in the past... my sister cannot afford to spend on us, and does not want to.. she hates buying gifts, it causes her stress. so, she just receives gracefully and happily....
i would simply tell your cousin, that you really appreciate the gifts, but, your new budget only allows you to spend so much on gifts... and i would creatively send more cost effective gifts...
when we were small, our mamo had a zillion grandkids, she had remarried afer my papo died, and had step grandkids too... she simply sent all of us a $1 bill in a nicely worded card, for xmas and birthdays....
you have to take control of your budget and stick to your guns... hope this helps....

[PrincessPerky]

My cousin is similar, she sends wonderful gifts, and I could never afford to reciprocate in kind, but I do send less espensive, hopefully still well thought out gifts to her each year.
I just keep to my budget and she to hers..though I do mention miscelaneous ways to save and budget to her in passing.