Etiquette - Gift Exchange

most people who are DINKs understand this.

why not bake something for them? Some pumpkin bread or cookies?

I'm sure they all knew this when the parameters were set. Don't deprive them of the fun of selecting gifts for your kids. If you give them gifts, and they don't have anything for you, then they feel guilty and the whole thing spirals out of control.

I love the idea below of the kids making some things (ornaments, decor items), or perhaps collaborating with you on making something they all can enjoy (appetizer platter or dessert tray, or perhaps something crafty like ornaments or DIY candles) that will also get the kids in the mindset of giving and not going empty-handed to someone's home. It's the thought that counts. I think that's more meaningful than anything.

This is what I do: my kids give gifts. Usually they make something (they are young enough to still do this.) My oldest is sewing ornaments, my youngest painting a canvass, and my middle kid..well, he will probably draw a war scene of some sort with robots (ha!) And then we make something together (homemade vanilla this year), and then I buy a small gift. So the ladies get the vanilla, and the men are all getting these cool puzzle cubes that cost around $20.

So my kids give the adults gift bags.

I'm not sure this is necessary, but I keep telling them that xmas is about gift-giving, so it strikes me they should give gifts.

Yes! I think most people like buying gifts for kiddos. I did - I am the youngest of my family and I have tons of nieces and nephews. I enjoyed buying them presents before I had kids of my own.
I always liked it when the kids sent me a nice card after the holidays thanking me, or better yet a drawing or something. Depends on your kids' age - or if one is crafty, a note, and they all can sign it or something.

I wouldn't worry about it. Around here I was the only one with kids. I don't think anyone was resentful. Currently only 2 out of 4 of my kids have children and auntie and uncle are happy to shop for the nieces and nephews.

I'd bake something for them. Or if you have some type of hobby and talent to make something? Do that. Nothing extravagant. Use the KISS Method (Keep It Simple Silly).

Are you a baker? If you are, bake goodies for the family. That will help make up for it...

Do something fun in return so you don’t go empty handed! It’ll be fun for you and your children to do some fun craft to remember the holiday. ❤️

Updated

Do something fun in return so you don’t go empty handed! It’ll be fun for you and your children to do some fun craft to remember the holiday. ❤️

I think most people enjoy buying gifts for children so I wouldn't worry about it. Just show up with some nice wine and/or baked goodies (either homemade or from a nice bakery) for the adults.

We always had our kids give gifts to the folks that bought for them. We felt that Christmas was about giving AND receiving (whether it be gifts or just love and hugs).

I will say that no adult feels "shortchanged" when just kids are getting gifts :)

I think they will be so happy to make your kids feel so loved and special after all it is always about the kids!!We had our turn and it feels good to make a kid smile.But if you can fit a lil something in for each family you can have the kids help make a ornament or keepsake with a photo of the kids on it we did these one year their is good ideas online but no dont feel bad the kids are so worth it !!trust me we just lost one and if only we could make her smile and spoil her nothing else would matter! Have a great holiday!!!

yes, you're overthinking. but in a nice way.

no gifts is such a great agreement. good for you and your family.

but everyone loves to get gifts for kids.

whip up your most sumptuous holiday dessert and have the kids present it.

have fun and don't give this another thought.
khairete
S.