Xmas gifting *update*

JaniV123

so FI and I had sort of decided not to get gifts this xmas since the wedding is coming up etc. I am kinda tempted to get him a lil something. IDK what to do

haha its a silly question but I need some input. 

Previous years we have said at times we wouldn't exchange gifts but Fi got me something anyways and once or twice I hadnt got him anything. SO hence my confusion. 

We also failed to put up our much expected christmas tree so our christmas spirits are kinda low 

So I talked to FI and surprise surprise he WAS considering getting me something anyways. So we put a $20 budget for a small detail. So bright side I get to go shopping and I get a surprise xmas gift

charlottesmom0626

I would get him something if your heart is into it and you don't expect anything in return.

So if you saw his favorite movie on sale, then go for it...Don't buy a really expensive watch and be upset he got you a card.

phira

In my opinion, if you've agreed not to get each other things, it's risky to then get each other things without talking about it. It sounds, though, like that's his MO (to get you something anyway), so it's not as if there isn't a precedent for this sort of thing. I'd buy something small and inexpensive, and I'd try not to spend more than about $15 when all is said and done.

AddieCake

I agree to get him something small and inexpensive.

JaniV123

yeah That is what I was thinking. Browse TJMaxx or Marshalls and get him a small token.

Thanks!

princessleia22

How about doing something nice for him that doesn't cost money?  Like, make him his favorite dinner or something.  That way you comply with the "no gifts" decision, but still do something to commemorate the holiday.

CMGragain

DH and I don't exchange big gifts anymore because we prefer to spend our money traveling and cruising.  I got him slippers, a small bottle of cologne, and a box of candy  (Asbach Uralt!)

larrygaga

Get him his favorite candy bar or cook him his favorite meal or something really small!!! I personally get pissed when FI and I agree not to do anything and he does something anyway. 

mrscaty

We went halvsies of a larger gift for the both of us, so for Christmas morning we are just filling each others stockings, with a $100 limit. Maybe you guys could do something like that?

JaniV123

Thanks for all the ideas ladies! I think I am just going to have a chat with him and see if I can pick up on anything. But, I still want to get him maybe a little something. 

So bring up the topic again and see.

wandajune6

It's cheesey but we've done coupon books: take care of laundry or dishes, sex stuff, trips to the grocery store for late night treats, etc.

No cost but still a gift.

blabla89

I've been there with my FI, when we agreed not to exchange gifts on valentines day and he bought me something anyway. Argh.

Do you like to bake? If so, you could surprise your FI with his favorite homemade sweets. Doesn't have to cost much, but the effort shows you care and wanted to do something nice. That's my go-to for valentine's day with FI.

theartistformerlyknownas

I always do a stocking, whether we're officially exchanging gifts or not. Candy, snacks, little things ($15 worth maybe). I fill my own too (just candy), and we have stockings for the dogs. Then if H didn't do something else for me, nobody feels bad cuz we're all eating candy for breakfast. ;-) 

JaniV123

Thanks all! I updated in original post