So, what's your plan this year?
This is our first Christmas as super frugal Mustachians, so my wife's learning to crochet so she can make some nice throw blankets for the family.
I'm struggling to come up with something inexpensive but thoughtful and nice for the men in my family.
What are your ideas?
After last year's excesses, trying to regain some semblance of sanity on the Christmas front. Since we're spending it with my partner's family (and I don't think it's my place to try to bring about big changes in how they celebrate the holiday), I am aiming pretty hard for "utility" in the gifts (no one has indicated they want/need anything specific, when asked).
For the kids in the family (very young): money for college and some small toy/treat. I think this is the best of all the gifts we'll give, as the money, invested, will grow over time and go towards something good for their future. They'll outgrow toys and clothes so the value of those expenditures will decrease (or disappear entirely). Plus, more fun for parents and grandparents to pick out and give the toys!
For the adults in the family (in town): we'll seek out an experience we can share together (tickets to a show, attending a class, or some other activity.) Spending time together to create memories is a more meaningful gift than us guessing what stuff they may like/use.
For the adults in the family (out of town): this is the hardest one. We're going to do our best to pick out items we are sure they'll enjoy and use, based on their interests. Current ideas are athletic apparel and fancier ingredients for cooking.
For my partner: passes to yoga classes (requested). A bit stumped after this, might go with an article of clothing and something we can enjoy as a couple (maybe some kind of tour of our city?)
Friends: I've suggested foregoing gifts and going to the theater together, which everyone seemed to like. Again, spending time together and the memories/experiences thing.
Dog: a big, 'ol bulk-sized box of Greenies. :)
What to give is only half the equation, though. In terms of what to get (trying to reduce wastefulness), when asked I've indicated first that I don't really want anything, but if I need to name
something, which household items could use replacing, and that I'll compile a list of things I need/would buy myself anyway (there's really not a lot, though Jacob's ERE book is on the list. :)
What I really want for Christmas is more spare time, and to be with the people I care about. The gift-giving is currently mandatory though, so I'm doing my best to make it purposeful.
(BTW, your wife can crochet winter scarves or hats for the men in your family. Faster than throw blankets, too!)