Am I being stingy?

I stopped giving to my niece and nephews children years ago. I would send them money and the parents would text a thank you. I never see them and they wouldn’t know who I am so I decided there was little point.

Just don't buy anything, you don't have to explain and they are not going to get in touch to ask why you haven’t bought anything.

Not a lot of joy in simply giving around here it seems. In your case, Sarahleigh, I would simply give to my friend what I wanted to and nothing for her children without fear or explanation. After all, she is your friend and friends understand each other. Go for it girl.

I have a lovely Muslim family living next door who over the years have been very kind to me and DH. Their children go to a multi faith school and celebrate everything including Christmas nativity. To show my appreciation of their kindness I have always bought the children Christmas presents and one of their mums has come shopping with me to help me buy. However there are now 9 children age ranging from 14 to a new baby and I can no longer afford the couple of hundred pounds I would have to spend so I took a deep breath and spoke to the eldest boys mum and was honest with her about my finances. I was in tears when she told me how much the children loved their gifts from grandma Celie but it was time to stop as all they wanted now were new phones or things I have never heard of but if I bought a tin of chocolates to share they would love that. I’ve also stopped buying for my AG as I now have 2 great GC and I gave them money to open a savings account when they were born.

Just stop, Sarahleigh. I agree about explaining that you’re cutting back.

No thanks, no gift next time is my rule. I’m happy with a phone call, a text or a thank you when I see them, but gifts that go unacknowledged? How do I know if I’ve wasted my money or not.

You're not being stingy at all Sarahleigh.
Say to your friend that you're cutting back now and won't be buying presents from now on.
If you feel you need to get them something this year then a box of nice biscuits to share would be ample.

I stopped sending cheques for two of our nephews years ago: they never thanked us and one year one of the cheques didn't even get cashed, so I decided they obviously didn't appreciate it!
Fast forward several years and I used to send their children a little something, again never a word back so they're off my list too.

Other nieces and nephews send thank you notes, or a picture of their children playing with the present, so they're still on my list!
Even so it's very much a token gift.

Very common not to give presents to teenagers. They don't want 'stuff' anymore than we do.
I give a bag of chocolate coins to a good friend's son and have done for years - it's now a standing joke between us.

Common , predictive text thinking it knows best

Just stop. It might be a bit late now but speak to your friend and suggest you stop exchanging presents. It’s very coming lots of people I know don’t give presents any more.

Quit buying for them.

You did ask and that's my suggestion.

TBH if you never get a thank you I’d just stop. And if they wonder why, tell them!