Gifts to EVERYONE we know well or just immediate family members?

If you can't comfortably afford to buy presents for friends, just buy for close family. That's what I'm doing. My cousin and I have agreed not to buy anything for each other's children as neither of us can afford to. My friends who have children don't expect me to buy anything and I know they won't buy for my kids. If anyone gets upset about it, you can just tell them that you didn't have enough money this year. Most people will understand.

I struggle financially with Christmas. I have 3 children and 14 nieces and nephews so you can imagine it can get pretty expensive. I only give to family. I also only give to Grandparents and the children in the family. But this has been discussed and agreed. My sister only gets for my kids and I get for hers but we don't get for each other. I'm sure if you spoke to your friends they would be understanding. Perhaps agree to buy each other something after Christmas or arrange to go out together after Christmas.

If you really feel you have to do something for your friends, perhaps arrange for them to come around for dinner. That could be your gift to them. Or you could bake them a Christmas cake or mince pies, as that isn't that expensive to do. I hope I have helped a little.

Well, we are still planning on giving gifts to our extended family members, and I would definitely give gifts to my officemate and friends.. I think it's just really happier when we give gifts.. and I'm sure I'm going to receive gifts also so I don't mind giving.