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Or just give them a card and buy yourself something. Is there an agreed amount of money you'd give someone so that you don't give less or more than what they give you? If you're getting a git from your parents and you are still in school then I'd see the point. But otherwise it's really just about you justifying spending a certain amount of money on yourself. Capitalism parting you from your money.

Ledgers in the head, an internal double entry book-keeping accounting system. Seriously: Do you actually consider gift giving in that light? If so, might I venture that you may be missing the point somewhat.

Re gift giving, although Christmas supplies a context, you may find that unexpected and thoughtful gifts, given with kindness and care, are always welcome.

Yes, there are all the arguments about losing sight of the spiritual dimension of Christmas (often made, in my experience, by individuals who would not consider giving gifts in any other context), and how the commercialism and materialism that sometimes mars the Yuletide season may cast a pall over the season, and encourage kids to become too materialistic and entitled, but without this context, which allows for (and even may create expectations) far fewer gifts would ever be exchanged.

And yes, while the spiritual side of Christmas should be saluted, the pagan ancestry need not be forgotten, for, historically, this was a feast period which marked and acknowledged the period of the the depths of winter when the nights were at their darkest and longest, when the sun barely peered over the horizon and daylight was a rare and treasured thing. In such a setting, many societies spent time together, told tales, and I am sure, exchanged gifts.

In an often harsh - or unthinking - or unfeeling - world, an unexpected gifted kindness can bestow a glow not unlike that of a night-light, something that makes you smile internally when you think of it.

Because the context of Christmas allows for it, I now find that it is a very good time to show appreciation for people by giving gifts that may well be appreciated, and - more importantly - which people - for a variety of reasons - may be reluctant to accept at other times of the year.

This Christmas, then, Mother received long johns from me, several pairs, all organic, in a mix of natural materials. Some were cotton and wool, some were wool and silk, and three were a mix of cotton, wool and silk. Comfortable, natural, cosy, and a gift that she will wear and love the feel of.

One brother received wine and olive oil; the other will receive my older MBA and got books (that he had requested).

Our Filipina carer (who wishes to be a chef when she returns home eventually) received a set of copper cookware that she had had her eye on.

The other two individuals who help with caring duties (in addition to what I pay them) received bottles of excellent French wine, - I figured a treat was in order - and, as one has young children, I added a set of Cluedo, a game I had loved as a child, as well.

There is a real pleasure to be had in choosing a gift with care and thought, and knowing that it will give the recipient pleasure.

I mentioned in an earlier post that - as an adult - where the matter of gifts are concerned, the pendulum has swung the other way; these days, in general, one gives, rather than receives gifts, even, or especially at Christmas.

That doesn't mean that it isn't nice to receive something kind, and thoughtful as a gift. Of course it is. Anyone who thinks to gift me a good bottle of wine - and yes, these days I prefer none at all to poor stuff, - will find it most welcome and gratefully received.



 
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I got a Sonos 2 x Play 1 starter set and I absolutely love it. Will definitely add a Play 5

I gave my girlfriend:

GHD Aura Hairdryer
GHD Curve curling wand
Hunter Wellingtons
A canvas print of our son from bonfire night.
 
Ledgers in the head, an internal double entry book-keeping accounting system. Seriously: Do you actually consider gift giving in that light? If so, might I venture that you may be missing the point somewhat.

Re gift giving, although Christmas supplies a context, you may find that unexpected and thoughtful gifts, given with kindness and care, are always welcome.

Yes, there are all the arguments about losing sight of the spiritual dimension of Christmas (often made, in my experience, by individuals who would not consider giving gifts in any other context), and how the commercialism and materialism that sometimes mars the Yuletide season may cast a pall over the season, and encourage kids to become too materialistic and entitled, but without this context, which allows for (and even may create expectations) far fewer gifts would ever be exchanged.

In an often harsh - or unthinking - or unfeeling - world, an unexpected gifted kindness can bestow a glow not unlike that of a night-light, something that makes you smile internally when you think of it.

Because the context of Christmas allows for it, I now find that it is a very good time to show appreciation for people by giving gifts that may well be appreciated.

This Christmas, then, Mother received long johns from me, several pairs, all organic, in a mix of natural materials. Some were cotton and wool, some were wool and silk, and three were a mix of cotton, wool and silk. Comfortable, natural, cosy, and a gift that she will wear and love the feel of.

One brother received wine and olive oil; the other will receive my older MBA and got books (that he had requested).

Our Filipina carer (who wishes to be a chef when she returns home eventually) received a set of copper cookware that she had had her eye on.

The other two individuals who help with caring duties (in addition to what I pay them) received bottles of excellent French wine, - I figured a treat was in order - and, as one has young children, I added a set of Cluedo, a game I had loved as a child, as well.

There is a real pleasure to be had in choosing a gift with care and thought, and knowing that it will give the recipient pleasure.

I mentioned in an earlier post that - as an adult - where the matter of gifts are concerned, the pendulum has swung the other way; these days, in general, one gives, rather than receives gifts, even, or especially at Christmas.

That doesn't mean that it isn't nice to receive something kind, and thoughtful as a gift. Of course it is. Anyone who thinks to gift me a good bottle of wine - and yes, these days I prefer none at all to poor stuff, - will find it most welcome and gratefully received.


I think you missed the point of my post.
 
My daughter got a new SSD, case, processor, graphics card, and I built a minecraft server for her as well as "other". My wife got her Thomas Sabo necklace and an SSD for her baby Mac. It was tech heavy this year partially because my daughter is a little geek and so am I but my wife has been itching for a Windows box so I may just get one more tech thing this year.
 
Star Wars battlefront but I'm hooked on Wolfenstein the new order :)
I got SW Battlefront for Christmas. Not played it yet though as I'm trying to finish COD black ops 3 first.
As well as that I got some car cleaning stuff from my mum and some clamps for photography backgrounds.
Gave my wife some craft stuff and novelty socks (I do every year).
Got my daughter a BB8 droid from sphiro.
About 10 minutes of interest for £129!

We don't go big on presents. If we need something we just buy it. When you have a joint bank account buying each other gifts is not so important.
 
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I got SW Battlefront for Christmas.
I like it, but I'm not a hard core gamer, so I'm struggling with the solo (non-online) episodes.

Got my daughter a BB8 droid from sphiro.
About 10 minutes of interest for £129!
Yeah, that happens, I got my kids drums a few years ago based on how much they were playing it over a friends house - 200 dollars down the drain as they banged on it and then moved on to something else.

We don't go big on presents. If we need something we just buy it. When you have a joint bank account buying each other gifts is not so important.
We have quasi joint account. I manage the joint account as a single account. She pays into the account a majority of her paycheck and I pay most of the bills. She I think her credit card, and I handle everything. I don't let her touch the joint account since I have everything set of when it gets paid :)
 
I like it, but I'm not a hard core gamer, so I'm struggling with the solo (non-online) episodes.


Yeah, that happens, I got my kids drums a few years ago based on how much they were playing it over a friends house - 200 dollars down the drain as they banged on it and then moved on to something else.


We have quasi joint account. I manage the joint account as a single account. She pays into the account a majority of her paycheck and I pay most of the bills. She I think her credit card, and I handle everything. I don't let her touch the joint account since I have everything set of when it gets paid :)

I knew the BB8 would be a 5 minute wonder, but she didn't ask for anything else, and I knew she sort of liked it. She had a new iPad a few weeks ago for her birthday, so it's not like we hadn't splashed out then.

Re accounts, my wife is a stay at home mum, so my wages goes into our account and she spends it!
Seriously she does all the bills etc. We finished our mortgage about 8 years ago, so the biggest thing coming out of our account is the saving account deposits these days.
 
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I bought myself:
- 60in 4k Samsung tv
- Nice tv stand
- Pioneer Elite VSX-45 receiver
- Sony MDR-ZX770BN headphones

I gave:
- Numerous tablet holders (2 of them)
- Numerous sony bluetooth headphones (4 of them)
- Bath and Body works stuff
- 1080p 24in tv
- Baby stuff

I received:
- toaster oven
- Samsung smart things hub
- chick-fi-lay gift card ($15)
- blue ray movie
- lowes gift card ($25)
- two sweatshirts
- mat for kitchen

The best part was just being around family:)
 
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