Anonymous wrote:We have made it clear-no adult gifts. I have a sibling I am not close with who is the queen of showering our kids with unwanted plastic gifts made in China that are horrible for the landfill. We have repeatedly made it clear from now on the gift is her presence and our kids don't want material things, but she refuses to listen. My daughter suggested we donate to toys for tots and local shelters so we do that.

I think we need to redefine what a gift is. If someone has requested you stop it is not a gift, it is imposing and rude. I do not view people who shower my kids with gifts as generous. it's usually an inter-personally toxic relative who tends to be boundary stomping in other ways a swell.

You just described my mother, no exaggeration.

Anonymous wrote:Wrapping-wise, I always save the ribbons and bows on things I get (and sometimes from things other people are going to throw out) and you can amass a really good ribbon collection without having to purchase anything new that way!

I do this, too! My brother buys really nice, new bows every year, which kills me, but at least I get to use them again and again!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:On this topic, not just at the holidays, but smaller families, like 1 kid = far less waste, food, plastic, energy.

You've made your point, several times.

NP. Why are you so defensive? Decreasing population is one of the best thing people can do. I'm sorry you have to feel guilty about your large family but, just because you don't like to hear it, doesn't mean he or she is wrong.

Anonymous wrote:Wrapping-wise, I always save the ribbons and bows on things I get (and sometimes from things other people are going to throw out) and you can amass a really good ribbon collection without having to purchase anything new that way!

Yes, I sometimes think that environmentalism is 25% acting like your great-great-aunt did. She would NEVER had let anyone throw out ribbons! I save them all.
Our Santa does not wrap, and we use gift bags for most presents -- have used the same Xmas gift bags for at least a decade.

I don't mind plastic generally for kids if it is the kind of toy that will get years of use and potentially be handed down -- fisher price stuff, doll house, etc. But I absolutely steer my kids away from the crap that doesn't last and will only be good for a year or two --- LOL dolls and all that crap.

Also, never under-estimate the power of a nice hand-me-down. My kids received some of my old dolls from the 1980s as presents, as well as doll furniture that I had. My mom is regifting all her jewelry to her teen and older grand-daughters.

Anonymous wrote:OP how old are your kids?

17, 18

Best thing ever was about 5 Christmases ago, I stopped my family of 5 participating in the ever growing cousins/aunt and uncle exchange! It became out of control and overly complicated. We’d draw names and you’d only have to buy for one person, but with 3 under 12, of course I had to do all of the shopping and wrapping and shipping! Particularly onerous as one family was overseas! Then we’d try to adhere to spending limit of $50 each but of course spending $50 on a toddler is entirely different than spending same for a pre-teen.

It’s been so freeing, although this is just one side of the family. We still exchange with ILs and their small family.

Anonymous wrote:On this topic, not just at the holidays, but smaller families, like 1 kid = far less waste, food, plastic, energy.

Oh good, I'll return my other one.

This year I am only giving gifts you can eat, drink or read.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:On this topic, not just at the holidays, but smaller families, like 1 kid = far less waste, food, plastic, energy.

You've made your point, several times.

And yet people post over and over about "what to do re sustainability...also let me list my great ideas."

OP how old are your kids?

We have made it clear-no adult gifts. I have a sibling I am not close with who is the queen of showering our kids with unwanted plastic gifts made in China that are horrible for the landfill. We have repeatedly made it clear from now on the gift is her presence and our kids don't want material things, but she refuses to listen. My daughter suggested we donate to toys for tots and local shelters so we do that.

I think we need to redefine what a gift is. If someone has requested you stop it is not a gift, it is imposing and rude. I do not view people who shower my kids with gifts as generous. it's usually an inter-personally toxic relative who tends to be boundary stomping in other ways a swell.

Buying people I know would appreciate it carbon offsets this year.

Wrapping-wise, I always save the ribbons and bows on things I get (and sometimes from things other people are going to throw out) and you can amass a really good ribbon collection without having to purchase anything new that way!

Adult relatives in my family exchange wine. We've done so exclusively for about 5 years now. It's easy, and works for birthdays, too -- if you are somewhere distant, everywhere has wine delivery.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:On this topic, not just at the holidays, but smaller families, like 1 kid = far less waste, food, plastic, energy.

Okay, Thanos.

Or, still have two kids, but only buy presents for one!