Does anyone else do the Secret Santa thing for Christmas?

Yes, it is messed up! REAL messed up!! I do truly believed that my aunt and uncle appreciated the greeting card that I gave to them both. That was my first gift ever given to my uncle. One Christmas, I did buy my aunt some items. I think it was a greeting card, a picture to hang in her bathroom. Some lotion, lavender, her favorite.. And something else, that I could not think of. I had a job during this time so, I could buy a little more with my money. I was not working when I bought the greeting cards. It is a shame that they treated me this way. I know that my two aunts pushed this up...

Their behavior just ruins the whole holiday spirit. They should really take in your situation and things like that. I mean, not everyone can afford to spend large amounts of money on gifts.

Oh wow, that's really messed up. I thought it was all about the thought that counts. Doesn't sound like that's the case with your family. I don't see why they were complaining since it wasn't for them and I'm sure the people you bought the gifts for appreciated them.

Yeah, you're right there. We usually just do it for the older people. The kids as well as our parents each get their own gifts. But I really like your gift basket idea. My sister and I were actually planning on doing that for everyone.

Oh, thank you. We're probably sticking with the sugar cookies as well as the chocolate chip ones. Everyone seems to like those. My sister has also taken up some arts and crafts because she plans on making little trinkets and plushies to place in the baskets. I haven't really figured out what I want to do yet but something handmade will have a more sentimental value.

I have some recipes for cookies, candy, fudge and bread if you are interested. I am making five baskets full of goodies for family members. It should be a lot of fun. I like being creative because it gives me something to do. I always feel better when I make homemade gifts. Best of luck to you.

I can relate to that bit. I remember getting someone I wasn't too familiar with one year and it was a bit frustrating. I was going around and trying to be all sly with my inquiries so that person wouldn't suspect anything. It was kind of funny though. To save ourselves from that type of situation we usually have the person list a few things they are interested in on their piece of paper. Makes life a lot easier.

Yes, but if you do that part of the fun of the investigation disspears!That's the whole fun, finding out and if you don't succeed...risk a fun present. For example, one year in highschool i was stuck with a collegue of mine with which I didn't have too much in common. Nor had I spoken to him enough to see what he would like. So I bought him a tetris game, you know, the ones you can take with you anywhere. And I wrote a message that said : "Boys are boys no matter what" and put a cute wimking smiley I have to tell you it was the most succesfull present! Not only he was happy, but the guys did turns in playing with that little gadget. So , in the end, a neutral or funny gift is the best alternative if you lack inspiration...or money.