Should have put an s on the DGD they are twins!
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This means a "no unnecessary presents pact", according to the Money Saving Expert newsletter, and I think that there is often a good case for it.
Yesterday evening I had to listen to a friend complaining about how hard it is for her to find presents for her grown up sisters, especially sister XXX, whose name is always followed by the phrase "the one who's a barrister" (always makes me think of Hyacinth Bucket with her sister Violet, the one with a Mercedes and room for a pony).
We have this conversation every year, and every year I suggest that they all agree to stop it, or at least keep it to a token present with a pre-agreed limit. This conversation has been going on annually for at least the last 10 years that I can remember, and my friend and her husband are on a pretty tight income.
She then said how she had no idea what to get her children, who both live away (although very nearby) and are aged 25 and 23. She had got them a couple of silly little bits, but was then stuck. I suggested she ask them to make a list of 4 or 5 things, then choose something from that, so it would still be a surprise but at least would be something they wanted. She did say that she might get her daughters favourite perfume (which is not a cheap one) but then stagggered me by saying "I could get them each a jacket or a coat because at least it's something big to unwrap" 
Is it me? I truly don't get it!
I do remember the feeling of doom as my mother would arrive on Christmas Day with bulging sacks, where she had bought things for the boys but then got more and more things "for the pleasure of seeing them unwrap lots of presents" but it was me that was left with trying to find space to store all the extra stuff that would rarely be played with.
I'm truly not a "bah humbug" person, but I struggle to understand my friends attitude.
What are your thoughts?
My elder daughter is very good at not gushing, should the need arise. A few Christmases back, amongst her small extra presents I bought her a nicely decorated pudding basin. Very pretty. I would have been pleased with it. She unwrapped it, held it up with a puzzled look on her face, and asked "what am I supposed to do with that?!" And laughed when I said about boiled puddings and storing left-over bits and pieces!
I have never bought her anything kitcheny again. 
Ungrateful little so and so!
We do "Secret Santa " in our family, every one picks a name out of the hat and that is the one you buy for, limit of £10, Works really well , saves money and also traipsing round the shops wondering what to get.
We obviously buy extra for G/C , but that is bye the bye.
DD has asked not to spend loads on them as they have SO much stuff already, give them money and it can be put towards a climbing frame for Summer
.
They also have birthdays in January so it is a double bubble.
Nonu I am a daft old bat.
You are NOT.
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