Help! Money is tight and Christmas is almost here..

You really shouldn't be upset if you can't get your nieces and nephews something for Christmas. Everyone runs into hard times and Christmas has turned into such a materialistic holiday that it's just ridiculous. If you really want to get them something, though, then I recommend going to a dollar store or a thrift store. You could also just give them a card or make something from home to give to them. Whatever you decide to do, though, don't feel upset about not being able to do more. Christmas is not about gifts, even though it's made out to be. Have a wonderful Christmas!

My suggestion would be to hit the Dollar Store. They usually have all kinds of cheap toys, or little knick knacks that your nieces and nephews might enjoy! PurpleTeddyBear.

I am in your spot as well. The only thing is I have been making some extra money this year. I just chose to pay my bills over buying gifts. My daughter is done with her 3 gifts and thank goodness. I am having a table at the local craft fair tomorrow. If I can I'll pay the shipping for the purse I can send you. If I can't you can pay the shipping and I'll send your purse free. It will be made with koolaid pouches. I'll show you this sample. it's so hard to get everything you need in a small amount of time. You have to ask for help some place. I have seen so many people asking for all sorts of stuff on freecycle this year. I am going to ask for my needed gym machine. Just to show you a few. http://www.koolaidpursestore.com http://stores.ebay.com/Pretty-Purses-4-The-Penny-Pincher_W0QQsspagenameZMEQ3aFQ3aSTQQtZkm http://www.giftsandbags.com I can offer you a lower price here if needed.

You didn't say how old your nieced and nephews are, but dollar stores are always good. You can even find some brand name stuff there. Walgreens always has coupons for items that are extremely inexpensive as well. I just picked up some stocking stuffers there a couple days ago. Coloring books for 25 cents a piece with the coupon. Clearance aisles in the store are always good too.

I agree with the suggestion of dollar store shopping. Some of the dollar stores near me have things that really do retail for $10 in regular stores. Most people wouldn't know the difference! My other suggestion would be a used book store. Kids don't know the difference, and books are always a great gift. Good luck, d. It sounds like you truely want to give your neices and nephews something, or I would say not to feel obligated. Christmas giving should be done because you want to, not because you have to. I'm sorry things are tight. Oh, one other suggestion: How about a coupon for time spent together? Something like coming over to bake cookies in January, a trip to the park, or something similar. The gift of time is always the best!

If you bake, cookies would make a nice gift. :) Just package them nicely. Good for all ages!

This christmas.. give everyone you like an unforgettable, loving, affectionate.. tight tight hug :) .. c'mon, money & gifts are not everything!!.. Know what?.. even I am outta money, quit my job to pursue studies.. so pocket is real tight here too :p ..

You can take some papers to make some shape to your lover , and say the nice word to him at the usual time ! In my heart , your behaviour at the normal time is more important than that day ! Enjoy your Christmas , Good luck!

I don't know how old your nieces and nephews are but one year when I was younger and we didn't have a lot of money, my grandmother went through all the old toys and stuffed animals my aunt had when she was younger. She fixed them all up real nice and put them under the tree to be from Santa. I never knew the difference and I loved everything. I would suggest going through some old toys and stuffed animals and fix up a gift basket. Put extra little things like candy and coloring books in there too if you like. I'm sure they will get so excited going through all the things in the gift basket. Good luck and Merry Christmas!

I remember responding to a similar discussion by someone else. How are you in the kitchen? Perhaps you could give each niece and nephew a tin of cookies. Or a jar of jam or pickle. Or perhaps you could make useful materials out of useless things.. it is possible.. needs some creativity.. This is all I can suggest.. wish you a merry X'mas.

do u know how to knit and sew, maybe u can make blankets and throws, my aunt has done that before,or maybe u can buy a cheap 5 dollar pic frame and put a nice pic in it. sorry it's so tough, i know how that can be, i was in the same predicament earlier this month, then i received my school loan checks, so i decided since i didn't need them for school, i will just use them for presents.