How much is appropriate to spend on holiday gifts?

For your parents and siblings?


Your significant other?


Extended family you don't know very well?


Good friends?


Acquaintances?





I see these commercials to buy things like laptops and digital camcorders as holiday gifts for people and it makes me clutch my chest. Okay, I'm cheap and I know it, but that seems WAY out of line. On the other hand, I'd have to smack myself if I gave my mom a box of chocolates.





So, what's considered appropriate?

How much is appropriate to spend on holiday gifts?
Generally: spend what you feel is reasonable. But what does THAT mean?





For parents and siblings, you don't really have to regret digging deeper into your pockets. Same with your significant other. My music teacher bought his bro an iPod for Christmas, and I've known two other students whose parents bought them laptops. These are the people special to you. Think special. But of course, the pricier the gift doesn't always mean the better.





Extended family, not so much moolah, as well as acquaintences. You can stick to the rule: do not give what you can't afford to receive. In other words, don't give them something expensive that you would give to family, because you wouldn't expect them to give something like that for you. Basically, don't give a distant relative a new synthesizer. A nice book or journal, or good quality pen, or a CD or gift card will do.





As for good friends - gotta use the noodle here. They're in between family and distant relatives you barely know. :P





Well, that's what, from my perspective, is appropriate for gift giving. Happy shopping, and happy holidaze! :D
Reply:Give from the heart, don't put a monetary value on the gift.
Reply:$25 bucks is enough to spend on a gift, but I guess it also depends on how much you care about the person..
Reply:I think it depends on you income, we spend 25 a person on everybody except acquaintances, but we don't have a lot of money. Plus its Christmas and no one should EXPECT a certain $ amount gift, its the thought and the effort that counts, so spend what you can AFFORD.
Reply:Whatever you can afford is appropriate. I usually spend about $50 each on my parents and siblings (and their significant others). But we have no kids in our families yet. We've agreed that once kids and grandkids come along, the spending will be on the kids, not the adults. For friends usually no more than $20-$30 a piece. For my God Daughter...the sky's the limit!!!!
Reply:It's appropriate to buy what you can afford without still paying for it after February.





Like a wedding Christmas is just one day you shouldn't still be paying for it next year.
Reply:Its the thought that counts-not the cost,but don't spend what you can't afford.


If you want to spend more,open up a christmas club savings account and put some money in it each payday. You won't get the money until sometime in Nov. to start your shopping and there is nothing wrong with giving your mother a box of chocolates.


You could also have given her a new robe and slippers,sweater,blouse,slacks/pants,mon... she could get what she wanted or needed.


A christmas card for aquaintances and family members you don't know wery well,friends who don't live close to you.


A small gift and card for good friends who live close to you.


The same ideas for you dad and siblings as for your mom.