And for Christmas this year we got our kid...

[newgirl]

Nothing. Nothing at all.

We made a few substantial (for us) charitable donations, and adopted a family through DH's work. Instead, today, we are cooking together, having stuffed animal dance parties in the living room, reading our favorite stories, and making messes with water and food coloring, and snuggling up together for a nice long nap. Now it's time to watch the "ballball" (as kiddo calls it) game at home with my fabulous black bean taquitos to munch on. Go Cavs!

Merry Christmas to those who celebrate it... hope yours is as happy as ours :)

[CindyBS]

Technically we gave our kids nothing too, although I would argue while what you did was admirable, it is much easy to do with little kids and much harder with older ones. 

We got our kids no objects, but gave them each what we would have spent in cash.  They are 14 and 12.  The older one asked to open a bank account with his (good mustachian).  The younger one still blows his money on crap, including buying stuff like soda on the walk home from school.  I don't like the soda, but think the holding actual money (vs. a credit card), paying a total stranger, making change, making sure you have enough cash, making decisions on how to spend, etc. are important life skills that I am willing to over look the soda.

I'm glad you had a meaningful day. 

[soccerluvof4]

Almost all 4 are teenagers 12-19 2 in college 2 not so ALL got mostly clothes,socks,shoes and 1 "fun in their mind" gift. But they all like getting clothes.

[better late]

We asked them for a list, and got them a few things from that list exactly as specified. DH gave them something he's been working on for a couple of months. And we gave them one surprise outing. So at our house it was:
A few things you want
A fun outing to do
A good book
and something made for you.

[Bucksandreds]

4 and 1 year old. They got science museum and zoo memberships. $1000 each in 529 from grandparents. A bunch of toys too cause they’re kids. The toys are worthless and probably cost a few hundred total but when 80-90% of the total gifts are valuable, let the kids enjoy Christmas.

[newgirl]

I would argue that it's all in how you approach the traditions of Christmas and the spirit of giving, even as kids get older. We grew up dirt poor and my mom used to gift wrap library books and VHS cassettes for us to open on Christmas. We also developed a rather hilarious tradition of giving each other mystery canned goods (with the label removed), and the recipient has to eat or cook with whatever is inside. I promise we never missed the toys.

[badger1988]

Our twins are 2.5 years old. We've never gotten them a gift for any occasion yet...they get more than enough from their Grandparents.

[ysette9]

My oldest got a ton of books which is something I am completely okay with. I also wrapped a ThredUp box of clothes I had bought a while back but forgotten to open.

[okits]

I would argue that it's all in how you approach the traditions of Christmas and the spirit of giving, even as kids get older. We grew up dirt poor and my mom used to gift wrap library books and VHS cassettes for us to open on Christmas. We also developed a rather hilarious tradition of giving each other mystery canned goods (with the label removed), and the recipient has to eat or cook with whatever is inside. I promise we never missed the toys.

That IS pretty hilarious!  Merry Christmas.   :)

[MBot]

Our 2-year-old Christmas Eve baby is getting gifts from several relatives. Mostly little or useful items (eg a rubber duck, a soccer ball, etc) but still a lot.

So from us, just a stuffed whale I made Christmas Eve from an old pair of jeans and some leftover fabric.

Used this printable free pattern and it turned out AMAZING! I handstitched it (lots of top stitching which was a neat effect).  I didn't add the belly pleats/creases at all.

http://www.allmyfriendsareflowers.com/2013/12/denim-whale-tutorial-printable-pattern.html

[Helvegen]

My middle schooler got $125 cash and a stocking full of candy, jerky, and personal care items.

The only thing she asked for was a Nintendo Switch, but there is no real second hand market for it yet, so nope. Maybe next year.