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How do I deal with expensive Christmas lists from family?

My husband comes from a wealthy family and they have all submitted lists this year with what they would like (pretty much nothing under £50 on the list). There are 13 of them. We can't afford it - what do we do so we don't look cheap or give them something they will sneer at?

Public Comments

1. It's very cheeky of them to give you a list. Buy them what you want to give them. After all it is a gift and you shouldn't have to explain yourself, but if anyone complains explain to them that you simply cannot afford the items they requested. If they kick up a stink then buy nothing for them next year!
2. bottle of spirits . end of . and tell 'em , I do . lol.
3. You could try hand-making gifts, like sweets or biscuits, and put them in a nice gift box. Nobody can put a price on something hand-made, plus it would be very churlish of them to complain about it because it is after all far more in the spirit of giving at Christmas than exchanging expensive mass produced items.
4. Make them homemade presents. When times are hard in my family I whip up a batch of fudge for everybody (email me for the recipe - it's easy & delicious). Sometimes if times are hard, but not that hard, I'll make a mixed tin with some fudge, peanut butter fudge, chocolate chip cookies, sugar cookies, whatever. Most people not only enjoy the present, but understand that to make that amount for all those people I put alot of my own personal time & effort into it. The people that have something rude to say about it don't get presents from me anymore (or I'll get them the same thing again the next year if I'm feeling cheeky).
5. You don´t have to buy what´s on the lists - you know their personalities, get them a fun or useful gift depending on what they´re like. The fudge/cookies ideas are great. Wrap them up in a nice box & ribbon!
6. Our family had the same problem. Now, everyone's name get put in a hat. Names are pulled and each person has one gift to buy for that person. It works our well for us and is affordable. For this year you will need to shop the sales! Good luck!!
7. This might not help you out much this year, but, for future years. I don't do lists. I keep my ears open all year long and when I hear someone say they would like something, I write it down, watch for a sale and pick it up.I always have something they like cause they have told me sometime during the year. It sure takes a lot of the stress out of buying a gift.
8. Tear up lists into little pieces and throw away. Give all nice pair of chopsticks and packet of instant noodles. Tell family you have given money to charity in true spirit of Christmas.
9. You could compromise by just buying for the children in the family, After all, Christmas is more of a children thing. Its a joy to see their little faces when they open their presents. Adults dont need presents from all family members, just maybe their husband/wife/mum/dad etc. It gets silly when you find yourself having to buy just because they are family. I think they are being selfish by expecting you to give presents if they know you cant really afford it. If they are that wealthy why do they need anything. They can buy it themselves. Theres nothing an adult can do at Christmas than they can't do any time of year. They can drink themselves merry and eat themselves sick everyday if they want to. Its just gets people into debt and as far as I'm concerned its not necessary, it takes until the next xmas to pay for it. It doesn't bother me at all If I don't get presents, In fact I'd rather not get any. I would rather someone bought for my daughter. Its my present to see her happy.If I want a bottle of perfume or a CD I go and get it myself. Christrmas is too commercial and overdone. Madness just for a few days. That is my opinion. Good luck.Hope you find a solution.
10. Discard that list and only buy gifts that are achievable within your budget. When thinking of a suitable gift I consider how useful, beneficial or thoughtful the gift should be regardless of the price tag. If they sneer or ridicule, there's nothing stopping you from not buying them gifts the following year or asking them for the gifts back if they don't appreciate them. Get your refund and put your money to better use. Giving gifts should be a thing you want to do but being forced to buy things which are beyond your budget (and at £50 per pressy is pretty much beyond most peoples budget!) takes the meaning out of such generosity. I hope that if you do decide to buy them gifts they appreciate the good fortune of being in the position to have such luxuries.
11. What, people think about what they want and give you a list??! Lol. I always knew these middle classes were screwed. Don't get them anything, spoilt little losers. Give them nothing and watch their faces on xmas day - should be a picture!!
12. If they are going to judge you by your bank balance, are they really worth bothering with?
13. Staffie1 - we have been doing the same thing for 10 years and is great. We have a maximum budget of £20 which works out brilliantly and you can actually remember what you got last Christmas! I agree with the homemade gift idea and if they have so much money they can buy stuff themselves. Hofatwon - rofl Good luck and Merry Christmas to Everyone!
14. Who cares whether they sneer! Let them - shows how undeveloped as human beings they are. Ignore the list and buy whatever you want to - I think its outrageous for a family to hand out lists - they should all grow up.