I have a lot of close friends and family, and I never get them anything during the holidays. It's just too stressful. You have to know what someone wants, you have to know what's a reasonable amount to spend on them. You need to be able to decide who to get gifts for, and who not. You need to know if they're getting a gift for you...so I usually just bite the bullet and get nothing for anything, and prey to the heavens they don't get anything for me. And if they do get something for me, I lessen the awkwardness by promising them a few drinks or a meal in the future. I'm generous all friggin year, I buy people drinks and give them rides because no one here has a damn car. I help where I can. Do I really need to ride this nerve-wracking mandated item-giving BS? When I have a family some day, the kids will get gifts. I don't expect or want them to get anything for me. Am I evil? I don't think so, but I'll probably get the wrath of those friends who get me some meaningless BS they found at the department store, who I got nothing for. Now Near Years, that's a good holiday. I'll be hiding til then.
Next year inform your friends/family that you would rather not exchange gifts ahead of time. Most people will respect that wish. If you wish to do something instead of exchanging, then all donate to a charity instead.
I spend about $5 a person on Christmas. If they don't understand that, they're greedy and don't deserve presents anyway.
Just had some fucking bitch tell me she bought me a Christmas gift and what was I going to buy her Fuckin' ho! I'll return her gift and give her a diamond dildo. Unless, I choose to keep the dildo for myself. :love:
Yes, sheeprooter, talk to people and tell them you would rather not exchange gifts. It's not as big of a deal as you think it is, and then you don't have to worry about the awkwardness of them getting you something. I don't exchange with friends and only exchange with immediate family, no siblings. Getting together for a big dinner and a few drinks is much less stressful.