Appropriate amounts for Christmas Gifts

I'm curious as to how much is appropriate to spend on a Christmas gift. We haven't talked about it and I've already bought the gift, now I'm having second thoughts that I spent too much.

We've been together just a few months shy of two years and I spent $ 200 on an item that he mentioned before he could use. I think that's appropriate.

Do yall talk about spending limits with your SO? Or do you just get what you want them to have?

I think its fine but again it depends on your relationship.

Posted by truecap

Do yall talk about spending limits with your SO? Or do you just get what you want them to have?

No, we haven't talked about it, altho I do realize that he probably wouldn't want me to spend a lot. So, I just get what he wants/needs already. Something he's said in passing. Price is never a factor in my mind cuz I want him to have it.

There's no right/wrong answer here b/c everybody's budget is different

There's nothing wrong with the people who prefer giving gifts that are more valuable b/c of the amount spent to buy it. However, there's nothing wrong with preferring to give a gift that may be cheaper and within the budget BUT more practical or sentimental.

Some gifts given are more practical, others more sentimental, others neither but considered "tasteful" b/c of the high price. Which gift you give depends on the personality/needs of the person you're giving the gift.

I think everyone should create a Christmas budget though. That way, you don't have to worry about whether you spent too much. If you want to get him something that he wants that costs a lot of money according to YOUR income, then do so

I get that some people feel that the shorter the amount of time you've been together, the cheaper the gift should be, but that's not always fair. You can be married & still get your mate 1 cheap gift that's sentimental & very personalized just like you can be with someone for 6 months & go all out. If both couples have different budgets/income, then it is what it is.

Sometimes a bunch of random but practical cheap gifts goes a lot further than 1 big expensive gift! The more small gifts they get, the more likely they're gonna like at least 1 of them, plus the more your anxiety about whether or not you spent too much is a lot less!

In whatever you decide though, be prepared that you may not get an expensive gift in return. Either b/c they don't have the money or b/c they're 1 of those people who believe that expensive stuff should only be given in relationships that have lasted for a lonnnng time. If you get him this big $ 200 gift but he only gets you a small but awesome $ 25 gift, would you be offended or feel less loved or more invested in the relationship than him? If so, get him a cheaper gift lol

I don't think dollar amount matters as value comes in all shapes and forms. As long as you can afford it, and the recipient will value it, what does it matter?

That being said, my ex-Cancer purchased a $ 1,200 bracelet for me one Christmas. It was beautiful! BUT I didn't see the practicality in it and considered it a waste of money - I liked the warm jammies he got with dogs on them so much more (probably ran him $ 20).

Ok I feel better.I bought him a watch and its within my budget. Its nice quality and he evenneeds one. Plus its something that can be sentimental. If he doesn't spend that much its okay with me. I just don't want him to feel bad. He can make it up on my birthday! Lol! Last year he spent more on me than I did him.

Posted by lildol
I don't think dollar amount matters as value comes in all shapes and forms. As long as you can afford it, and the recipient will value it, what does it matter?

Aye. I understand feeling like you went a little over the top though. I almost spent $ 100 on a leather jacket (that was probably worth three times more than that, it came from a coworker) for someone who didn't even hang around. Good thing I trusted my gut on that one. That being said, I've spent paychecks on the closest people I love and haven't regretted a thing.

Posted by truecap
I'm curious as to how much is appropriate to spend on a Christmas gift. We haven't talked about it and I've already bought the gift, now I'm having second thoughts that I spent too much.

We've been together just a few months shy of two years and I spent $ 200 on an item that he mentioned before he could use. I think that's appropriate.

Do yall talk about spending limits with your SO? Or do you just get what you want them to have?

That's appropriate... I am quite generous when it comes to my loved ones so it doesn't seem odd to me 🙂 as long as it feels good for you.

Posted by truecap
Ok I feel better.I bought him a watch and its within my budget. Its nice quality and he evenneeds one. Plus its something that can be sentimental. If he doesn't spend that much its okay with me. I just don't want him to feel bad. He can make it up on my birthday! Lol! Last year he spent more on me than I did him.

Oh ok so this is like you paying it forward then! Gotcha. When ya put it like that, I say you bought the perfect gift! It's so much easier splurging when you know for a fact that they'd do the same for you! SOOOOO much easier lol

This 1 girl I work with always spends over $ 500 on her boyfriend for Christmas & although he acts like he loves her to the depths of the earth, some times he gets her nothing! And if he does, it's like a $ 5 gift :/ He makes realllly good money & believes in gift giving & everything. I can't lie, I'd be pissed lol

Posted by justagirl
I think its fine but again it depends on your relationship.

At work our spending budget is $ 25, so that everyone can be included without favoritism. The Christmas party is a big deal.

I really suppose it depends on the relationship. A quality watch seems appropriate for someone you've been exclusive with for two years. Otherwise, I probably wouldn't spend as much. Thoughtful presents are as important as expensive ones

No, perhaps you shouldn't base it on the time together. But I wouldn't want to spend $ 500 on presents and have it be unbalanced or awkward either. I think it says more about the relationship if you find something that suits the individual.

I know it's hard to turn something down like a leather jacket for a really good price. I guess it's alright to be generous once in a while if you know it'll be appreciated and it feels right to you.

I'd probably have the conversation with an SO to avoid awkwardness

Sometimes gift giving during the holidays can be awkward because it implies obligation, and some people may not be able to reciprocate.

Personally, I like surprise presents 🙂

Alright

Sends one Porsche over your way

I'm sorry this isn't going to work out long term, but you may keep the Porsche. It was a gift.

Posted by Prince_Pisces
If the gift is to me, there shouldn't be a spending limit, that's all I know 🙂 LOL!

Lol!!!