Among Friends

[wagirl]

@brandiwine --I do that yearly myself---I do like that idea--but again--that is something I do----in the past-I have been asked to do that instead of giving gifts and being truthful--I never got around to it. 

[ThinkingOutLoud]

Although I understand the reason/s to say 'nothing' (can just buy it yourself and do, saving them the expense, preferring face time), if a person's love language is gift giving, you're doing them a disservice. There are people who enjoy finding the item, wrapping it up and seeing the expression when you open it. So I suggest coming up with a few things with various price points that they can choose from or let them know what your love language is so they can do something along those lines (ie service - come rake the leaves, take down my Christmas decor by New Year's...).

[wagirl]

@QVCkitty1 --no--I don't agree---maybe some think that "nothing" is said as a way to make the giver feel guilty for not gifting----guess it depends on the person----my son knows me  pretty well--and is ok with it all. 

[wagirl]

@World Traveler --We get together for a meal once a month---text and call each other. If I need help they are within 15minutes to come help out. My extended family doesn't give gifts anymore beween us--we have 4 kids in the family now that we buy for--2 teenagers and too little ones--they are easy --as for my 2 adult kids--they get $$ on xmas and their b-days. I still am ok not recieving anything---

[wagirl]

@ThinkingOutLoud --and again--what you suggest is fine and resonable ---but it is also a family thing too. I know how both my kids are and they know how I am  about this subject and have for many years. There are no hard feelings at all. 

[haddon9]

I understand about not needing anything....I certainly buy what I want or need.  However I find it still fun to do a gift exchange on Christmas morning with my adult kids. 

It doesn't have to be anything big....some high end chocolates, a book or something that you probably wouldn't buy for yourself, etc. 

I told my son when he asked what I wanted was for a sound machine that has nature & zen sounds.  It also has a way to download your own soothing music.  I asked him if he would help me to set it up since this is something that I'm not good at.  So if there is something that I want I will not buy a few things just to give my kids ideas. 

I told my daughter that I wanted some nicely framed photos of my grandson. 

I also celebrated my 70th birthday with family back in May and I requested some photos from that day.

[Zhills]

I certainly do not need anything at my age!  My son and I don't exchange gifts unless it's something sentimental or novelty. 

He loved his mug saying "My favorite son" (he's my only son!)  or cute socks!

He will often send my live flowers because he knows I love flowers.

If you gave me money, what do I want?  Not a thing that money could buy!

[Love my grandkids]

@wagirl Our family also does donations to various charities. Why not that?

[QVCkitty1]

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@wagirl wrote:

@QVCkitty1 --no--I don't agree---maybe some think that "nothing" is said as a way to make the giver feel guilty for not gifting----guess it depends on the person----my son knows me  pretty well--and is ok with it all. 

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@wagirl @I was just answering  using my and many of my friends experience with our folks. Some people love giving gifts , not necessarily lavish gifts, but something small that the recipient will like and use. I always found it so frustrating when my folks would say " Oh I don't need anything."