17 to buy for

[Oma]

Today we bumped into our elderly neighbours in the shopping centre they had been buying Easter eggs for there 17 grandchildren , Now they are both in there late 70s and were saying its working out very expensive for birthdays and Christmas never mind Easter , Christmas they buy for all there 7 children & there partners all the grand children ,older grandchildren`s partners and great grand children another one was born on Sunday so birth presents this week also , Her husband said he wants to cut it down to just the youngest children the ones under 15yrs old but she doesn't want to offend any of them , I agree with him they pensioners not bad off as they have savings but that wont last forever . personally I think her children should be saying don't bother buying for them all ,what are they thinking allowing them to pull all this money out

[Daisy]

I agree, Oma. That's an awful lot of presents, and there seems no end in sight. If I were in that position I think for Christmas I'd buy a present per family, eg a nice box of chocolates or something that they could share, and a small gift for the children under 18.

[Gemini]

An awful lot yes Oma, I think Daisys solution is a good one!

[Oma]

They are such a lovely couple and she is so afraid of hurting anyone`s feelings . I may mention that idea to her when I see her ,

[Nanto2girls]

Wow, that is a lot of presents.We only buy presents for our own kids, grandkids and parents.

[Libra Gran]

We never,ever buy the girls chocolate eggs.They get a book they have chosen themselves,they get to many eggs and they are still eating sweets they had at Christmas.

[Grauntie Mag]

We have given the GCs gifts and not eggs this year. I certainly wouldn't buy for any children over 15. I do think it's a shame the lady feels she would upset people if she didn't buy.

[WeeGranny]

I think I'd be tempted to say to the family that I couldn't afford to keep buying presents for them apart from something at Christmas. Even then I think it could be cut down to maybe a family present or something for the littlest ones. Why do we feel obliged to buy presents when we can't afford them or children/g/children are old enough to understand that Grandparents don't have a bottomless wallet? C will have an Easter Egg, a card and some money and I've sent sweets from HandyCandy to the Great nieces. The grown ups don't get anything apart from a lovely dinner and no one minds!