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Would it be rude of me to ask my friends to draw names for Christmas gifts this year?

Money's tight and I can't afford 10 or 12 gifts for friends, spouses, and kids at about $30-$40 a pop. Would it be wrong to suggest we each draw one person's name to give a gift to?
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ewpldf
ewpldf
Marked as Best! October 16, 2009 02:56 AM
I think it's a great idea. My extended family did this for years rather than have 20+ cousins, a dozen aunts and uncles, and others try to buy gifts for everyone. If times are tight, this lets everyone have a gift exchange and a bonding moment without the high cost. Also, if you each only have to buy a single gift instead of many, you can put more thought into it and buy a slightly nicer gift while still saving money.

If people are reluctant, you could also do a White Elephant gag gift exchange to prolong the gift giving experience. See the source link if you aren't familiar with it. I have fond memories of making impossible to open wrappings or burying a gift instead a box of cooked green spaghetti so the recipient would have a surprising tactile experience before finding the gift. Typically these things involve a low price limit, such as $10, since the goal is more about getting a group laugh than providing a valuable gift.
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_elephant_gift_exchange
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topaz5433
topaz5433
October 16, 2009 06:03 PM
My in laws' family did this (they called it Pollyanna, but I think that was wrong). I loved it.
No one really bought gag gifts, rather something everyone could like. The limit for them was also $10.

Book, 2-3 magazines, LOTS of toilet paper, ??

There was only one person there who tended to be a jerk about stealing gifts- but, hey he's divorced from them now anyway :)
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raerae2
raerae2
October 16, 2009 02:06 AM
No! If you can have fun AND save money.... This is a great idea! When I was in college, this was a major stress relief for me! To only buy gifts for one or two people rather than everybody and then have fun as a group handing them out...Oh you're taking me back! Good times! DO IT!!! Enjoy!!!!!!
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adoll
adoll
October 16, 2009 02:20 AM
No, not if you have a group of friends and they all know eachother. Offer to host the gift exchange at your house, maybe just desserts. It's a tight year and I bet they will all love the idea. Don't forget to set a price.
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jfesmire
jfesmire
October 16, 2009 08:22 AM
Considering the state of the economy and that many people are struggling financially, this could work out great. Secret Santas can be a lot of fun.
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redgold
redgold
October 16, 2009 11:26 PM
I think that this is a great idea. Giving people the option to save money but still celebrate the holiday is always welcome, as is not buying into the blatant consumerism Christmas (unfortunately) encourages.

If you still want to feel the spirit of the group, you could all get together at someone's home, or even a restaurant, for a holiday meal/party at which all of the gift exchanges will take place. That way, you still get to see all the people you care about, and watch their delight in seeing their gift received and given. The only caveat would be to set a firm monetary limit, lest you end up with someone buying someone an iPod while someone else gets homemade oven mitts. ;)
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