As my extended family has grown and continues to do so as all my cousins are having children we have simplified our gift exchange
I tried posting how we do it know on her comment section...three times each which failed (or if they do show up I'm sorry)
So here's how our gift exchange goes!
For the younger kids (for use it's the second cousins...my kids and my cousins kids...were at 13 and counting) we draw names. Each child gets to pick a name at random and we have a $15 limit in theirs...we all have multiple children.
Now for the adults....we play a gift stealing game!!!! It's a blast and depending on numbers can last hours...warning I mean HOURS. Our record is 3
Each adult that wants to participate buys a $25 gift and wraps it. Can be something you like, something you know someone else will like (Toronto Maple Leaf stuff is a big hit with the guys in our family)
Each person then draws a number (goal is to get a high number!!!)
Person 1 picks any gift (we don't have a tree set up were we play due to space issues) then unwraps that gift.
Person 2 can eithe steal person 1 gift or open a new gift.
This continues till everyone has had a turn.
The only catch is...you can not steal the gift back that was just taken from you (simple right!?!?)
Now as someone who has always had a spouse to play this game with...it's fun when you can team up and get what you want. Hubby can steal for you and you for him. Last year was my first playing alone and it was a lot harder to get that gift I realllllly wanted. They is a lot of laughing, bribing, and bartering but in the end it's so fun.
Everyone then leave the party with a gift valued and what they bought!
So if your family is looking to save some money and have a little fun I highly suggested trying this game...you won't be disappointed
Great ideas!!! I will definitely suggest them (for next year sadly! :) )
ReplyDeleteOur current system worked fabulously when it was just my parents, my two sisters, my aunt and I... but now we have three sons-in-laws and six children and I have my own in-law family of grandparents, aunts/uncles, and cousins... Christmas prep is exhausting. Luckily, Christmas is still very fun! Thanks for the help.