I usually enjoy giving a gift gift because it is usuaaly something I want to do. Especially when it's for a " just because I can and/or want to" gift. Preferably not for an " event."
Some of the things that I've been given that I treasure the most were not expensive store bought items - a quart jar of baby beet pickles that my Mom canned - love notes from my DH written on a piece of scrap paper - building the raisers for my cutting table -
When it comes to extended family or group or organization exchanges - if the exchanges are "even" - what's the point? It would be simpler to buuy whatever one wanted and minimize the stress.
If the exchanges are "uneven" - thosee that felt they were shorted gt hurt feelins or upsdt.
For some $100 is a serious amount of money. For others, $1,000,000 is pocket exchange. If these two groups are members of the same familh, an "even exchange" of purchased gifts could be awkward.
Last edited by bearisgray; 01-01-2014 at 11:03 AM.