Totally agree with you, BearIsGray ... sometimes these extra gifts go beyond the necessary. (with no offence to those who want to do so)
Sadly, these token gifts, often are not as appreciated by the recipients as they exude at the time!
The switch to charitable gifts are a kindly gesture, in place of tokens can serve a very worthwhile purpose. However, they too can be a stress addition in our lives.
A few years ago, that's exactly where I was ... on the treadmill of an already busy schedule of life, and Christmas preparations. Then, it seemed, everywhere I was going (groups, church, work, chiropractor, physio etc.) was another charitable gift required, with specifics as to what it should be. Finally I relented with a shopping trip, just for the purpose. It was not a fun time, and not at low cost to me. Then there was the challenge of making sure I took the right item(s) for each collection. arrgghhhhhhh!!
Kind of took away the warmth of the gestures, and spoiled the whole thing for me.