We did do mutual gift giving when the children were little and this then changed to a different way of gift giving. Secret Santa is a good way to go when people tire of mutual gift giving and it adds a fun element of ,mystery and surprise and there is lots of thinking involved.

Secret Santa is a great solution! And lots of fun too! I have 3 children, aged 26, 18 and 16. Because all my kids have jobs, they buy present’s themselves to gift to their siblings. The limit is $50 each. I tell them not to buy for me or my husband though, we don’t need anything.

When I grew up we often used our pocket money to buy a small present for our siblings for their birthday and for Christmas. It was not a must, but something we spontaneous did. My oldest two kids both have a job now and they always buy a birthday present for their siblings and a Christmas present too (something what they want to do themselves)

We set up mutual gift giving when the children were little. It started off with a small amount of money and was fun to shop and find gifts for the allocated amount of money. The children enjoyed the experience and put a lot of thought into the gift buying and giving.

Our thing has always been that we make a big fuss over birthdays, and Christmas is less of a fuss and smaller gifts. Like you, our three all give each other small gifts. When they were little, I’d buy a variety of things and they could pick the gifts from that. Now they’re bigger they tend to know what they want give.

I think that is a lovely idea although i can only imagine how stressful it would be. It is great to let the kids buy each other gifts as it gives them the opportunity to learn more about money and how it works. I only have one child but she loves being able to go to the shops and buy me something with her nana.

No they didn’t but I actually think it’s a good idea. If we cut back on the presents we buy and let the kids choose one for each other and I also think for the parents. It teaches them it is not all about getting but giving and being thoughtful. If they are big enough getting them to save pocket money throughout the year. A secret Santa for this would be a good idea too.

Hmm thats a good question! My kids are probably at the too young stage to do this but i think it all depends. Are your kids older and have their own pocket money or earn their own money:? Even if they set a budget or limit and made it something fun, it could be nice! But i dont see it as a must.

We have been doing Secret Santa for a while now and it is fun as well as a time and money saver.

My siblings and I were always big gift givers. As kids we would wrap up our own toys and give them to each other before we had an allowance. These days for Christmas we do a secret santa. Its easier for everyone’s bank account and everyone ends up with a really good gift