We have some friends that live across the country from us and every year, they send us Christmas gifts — and always include gifts for each person (my husband, our daughter and myself).
We also send them a gift, but the past few years we have sent “family gifts”, like a movie and popcorn night (Christmas movies, candy, popcorn, etc.). We can’t afford to send them a gift for every member of their family because they have 4 kids (ranging from 6-13), plus mom and dad, which is why we try to stick to family gifts.
However, I’m running out of ideas. Do you have any frugal gift ideas for a family this large (keeping in mind that the items will have to be shipped as well)?
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Amy says
Thanks to everyone for all of the wonderful ideas!
Amanda says
I would like to offer a completely different perspective…
Is it possible to have a senstively worded, frank discussion about the situation? My family lives far and wide, so I addressed everyone in an email that basically said that, clearly, everyone is struggling right now, so would everyone be okay if we took a hiatus from all the gift exchanging? And, everyone enthusiastically agreed, because yes, we are all struggling. Currently, my husband and I just purchase gifts for our children and each other. And we are all okay with that.
Jani says
One of the best ideas I’ve seen is to make the family its own Christmas Pageant Kit complete with costumes and accessories for the Nativity scene. Here is my pin: http://pinterest.com/pin/105412447499752183/
We’re always scrambling on Christmas Eve to find costumes and props, so it would be so nice to have it all in one nice tidy bag to just pull out and put on the show! It would be quite cheap to make using things around the house, and Salvation Army and Dollar Store finds. I also love that it can be used year after year–maybe even into the next generation!
Robbie @ Going Green Mama says
Certificate for a family portrait, children’s museum membership (or even certificates for a day out). Activities out especially for a large family can be so cost-prohibitive for them!
Rebecca says
We have a large family (6 with the 7th on the way). Here are our favs through the years:
-a big box of various craft supplies
-a big box of pvc piping and elbows/joints, cut to various sizes (I know it sounds weird, but we have 4 boys so far and they LOVE to build. PVC piping is cheap, and you can build large things with it – like houses and bridges and such – that they can actually play in.)
-a big box of dress up clothes and accessories from the thrift stores
-a membership to a museum that has extra perks throughout the year
-a big box of books (we homeschool) from garage sales, thrift stores, and half-price books
Merry Christmas!
Rita says
I just had to reply. I see this is an old post from 2012 but here it is 2016 and my daughter, Rebecca, has 6 children with the seventh on the way. They home school and the 4 boys LOVE to build with anything. You could be my daughter just a few years ahead of herself 🙂
And I have given them most of the gifts you have suggested LOL!
Joy in Alabama says
I have 9 children. We love all the suggestions!
How about 1 or 2 kits to make gingerbread houses? We usually save ours until Valentines and buy a bag of pink/red candy to replace the candy that comes with it and it’s heaps of fun to make!
Or how about a chapter book to read aloud and a snack to go with it? We’re big on reading aloud.
Or how about a subscription to Country or Reminisce magazine? Lovely pictures that kids and adults love and educational, too.
Katie says
We’ve had the same issue, so I finally decided to not be too manic about it. This year I found some cute kid travel mugs (hello kitty and superman), added a tin of hot chocolate and a bag of snowman marshmallows and am making some of their favorite cookies for the whole family to enjoy. Next year, it’ll be back to popcorn and movie passes. I pretty much alternate between the two things-they’re grateful for the thought behind it, so I don’t over think it anymore.
Theresa says
Perhaps a board game. That was my first thought. Make sure to get a gift receipt, though, so they can return it, if it’s something they already have. We recently bough Disney Cranium and are loving playing it.
Lauren says
I have 6 kids, and my family would love to receive any kind of food gift — a box of chocolates to share, or a gift box with the cheese, summer sausage, jam, candies, etc in a nice display. These could be ordered online and shipped directly to them. Or a pizza gift card would be enjoyed. The most frugal idea is a gift card to Redbox (if available in their area) – 5 movie rentals are $6. If you wanted to do a little more, you could also include a small box of movie treats like popcorn and licorice. (as you have done in the past) I also like the idea of a small game or puzzle to enjoy together. I love to get Christmas story books (similar to “The Polar Express” – there are so many wonderful ones out there!) I still read them every year to my teenagers and they can be enjoyed year after year. Any small thing with a heartfelt note about how much you love them will be appreciated! But I also think you should not feel obligated to send them a gift if it has become too difficult. Sometimes gifts are exchanged just because it is has always been done, and both parties may be relieved to have one less family to shop for. If it is too hard to get out of it then a very small gift, such as a new ornament every year along with a nice thoughtful card, should be enough to show you care! Good Luck.
Jessica Lamoreau says
I have this same issue, a lot of extended family! For now though only one of my husbands 6 siblings are married but it’s only a matter of time…for now I try to do a theme for the girls and guys (adults). This year I got an awesome deal on makeup brushes so I bought a bunch of them and then will make super cute holders for them. For the little ones, right now I just buy early when I see things on sale. I try to buy one sort of sensible gift that their parent says they need (ex. socks) and one fun thing (ex.book).
Cassie says
We always give an Entertainment book to my parents and my siblings. It has coupons for discounts at restaurants, movies, shopping & experiences (like golfing, skiing, museums & parks). Check out http://www.entertainment.com and enter your recipient’s zip code. Shipping is minimal and sometimes free if there is a special promotion running.
My retired parents sometimes flip through the book and stop on a page at random to decide where they’re going for the day 🙂
Suzi says
Lots of great ideas already posted…just remember you cannot mail liquids like syrups & sauces. Even ifyou wrapped them well & sneaked them n, you’d feel terrible if they broke & other people’s cards & packages were ruined with messy syrup. Just order that kind of stuff online & leave the shipping headaches to them.
Penny T. says
Games are always a great gift. Check online at Amazon for some unique ones that are not found in local stores easily. Puzzles are fun, too. My kids (I have 4) always love receiving food items for Christmas (a variety of items from Wal-Mart that are special and things we would normally not purchase).
K H says
My brother and sis in law always get us a amazon prime membership and a amazon gift card. This year we’re sending them a gift card for Chuck E Cheese for the kids and a Starbucks card for Mom and Dad to have a date.
Katherine says
a gift basket from Wolferman’s or Harry and David’s makes a great gift for a family. You can pick which ever size you can afford and they always include something for everyone!
Andrea says
A regional food item, such as maple syrup, is a nice treat. If you live in the south, sending a box of citrus might work.
Sarabell says
I’m leaving a link for a Pinterest pin I love, “s’more family time as a gift this year…” a little family s’more kit!
I also agree that I wouldn’t worry about something new every year.
http://pinterest.com/pin/82120393177065350/
Robin says
My mom buys all her children and adult grandchildren a state park pass. In my state passes cost $25. This is a much appreciated gift by everyone! My mom likes the ease of buying the same gift for everyone, and it is a gift that definitely gets used year-round.
Susan in St. Louis says
We have relatives across the country with 6 kids (so far), so we understand the dilemma! This year for their birthdays we gave them cheap water guns and a subscription to Nature Friend magazine (nature mag for little ones from creationist, Christian perspective). For Christmas I had my cousin do a stick-figure drawing of their family, and we had t-shirts made for each of them. That was pricey, but we know they’ll wear the shirts and pass them down…I’m glad we did it.
Suzanne H says
A board game or card game
movie passes
various DVDs
a DVD movie set (Indiana Jones complete set was just $30 on Amazon this past week)
food gifts are generally good
homemade cookies mailed with a nice note
a personalized Xmas ornament with names/year
a gift certificate to a portrait studio (can be a less expensive chain)
a gift certificate (and maybe a coupon?) to a local restaurant – a lot of places give bonus gift cards this time of year so you could get a larger amount for less
an Amazon gift card
charitable donation made in their honor
books
a scrapbook – premade where they can stick in the photos
a nice frame for a photo
a gift from shutterfly or $ towards a photo book
Amanda says
I’m about to get a Yonanas (appliance to make ice creamy stuff from bananas) as a family gift, with a BBB 20 percent off coupon. Would something like that work? Maybe something with a less goofy name?
Ana L. says
If you have an ethnic grocery store near you, I’d send them a box full of interesting foods. I used to do this every year for my in-laws, I’d hunt down an interesting cookbook or two at the used book store, then shop at an ethnic market for some of the harder to find ingredients. Throwing in candy or other packaged treats adds to the fun for the kids.
Or, you could do a cozy book night theme. Get a few books (no one I know minds getting used books as presents, and there’s something for everyone there, but you could also look in the bargain sections at major bookstores too. If you don’t know what to get, you can get seasonal books, or books with games in them, or ask the clerks for recommendations). Buy or make fixings for tea, coffee, cocoa, cider, or all of the above (marshmallows, chocolate covered spoons, flavor syrups, decorated sugar cubes, peppermint swizzle sticks, there’s no end to cheap and/or crafty possibilities). Include some home or store-bought treats that go well with beverages, like cookies, shortbread, or biscotti. You can Sharpie-decorate dollar store mugs, or do any number of cute and easy coaster crafts to personalize it for your family.
I do a lot of shipping, and always send things using the USPS priority mail flat-rate boxes. This is particularly useful for things like oils, syrups, cups, etc. that are a bit heavy, plus the quick travel time helps keep cookies and other treats fresh. If you think you might go this route, pick up the shipping boxes ahead of time and assemble a sample of each. There’s a couple different shapes at each price point, and it could be useful when you’re out shopping to bring a couple boxes with you, to make sure things will fit. I usually stuff them, so every nook and cranny has something, and often repackage things when the original packaging would take up too much room in the box.
angel says
-You could buy and ice cream ball – makes icecream buy rolling the ball on the floor
for our big fam it was science exprament kits. (soda rocket lanchers, magnent kits, books on diy science experaments for kids, things that needed team work to acomplish)
– Outdoor games washers, crocket, skill ball, ladder ball, horse shoes, frisby golf disks, cool kites, a fishing licence, set of walky talkys)
– Food wise- hot chocolate mix and marshmellows, a fandue pot with a bag of choc. chips marshmellows and pretzels, an air popcorn popper, a popcorn bowl that has a launcher that makes a basket on the other side of the bowl
Stephanie says
You can buy really fun games on Amazon and have them shipped to the family and its free if it is $25 or over. Games like Ticket to Ride, Guillotine, Carcasone are strategy games that the whole family will enjoy playing over and over.
Amber says
How about a zoo membership, or tickets to a family outing? Maybe a minor league baseball game, or a local play or something that is an experience.
nadia williams says
family games. find out which ones they would like to have.
Mary says
Family games like horse shoes and Bocce ball make great gifts. Have them shipped directly from the seller if ordered online and you won’t have to worry about paying to ship a heavy item. We have bought both a horse shoe set and bocce ball set from Amazon.
Krissy @ Just Take Two Bites says
Any restaurant gift certificate, museum passes, or a gift certificate to their local movie theater. Send it along with treats like popcorn and candy. Or make up kits that surround a family activity, like birdwatching, hiking, etc. A pair of binoculars and a book on birds or national parks.
Lori G. says
We are a large family and we often request (when someone asks) a game. Games can be very inexpensive and something fun we can all do together. Also, “gifts in a jar,” or something like that make frugal gifts. Because you can put a mix together, then a large family can make it and enjoy eating it together!:o)
sarah says
Harry and David was offering a box of their pears for around $15 + shipping through Living Social. Maybe someone’s mentioned that. You could send a box of fruit every year – who would get tired of that?!
Jani says
Thanks for the Harry & David tip! I’ve been looking for a sale on those pears. Just sent a box to my parents–they’ll love it! Thanks!
Vanessa says
We are gifting a Whirly Pop, coconut oil, sea salt and popcorn. It is costing between 30-$35 per gift. We have 4 families reciving this gift. It came to me as we were using ours, my 3yo and 5yo love stovetop popcorn and I love not having all the junk in the microwave popcorn. You could make it less expensive by only giving the whirly pop. I’m giving all the ingredients because I think that’s what makes it taste so good and the taste will encourage future use.
A Mom says
I love this idea! We were gifted with a popcorn device though not a Whirly Pop I don’t think, and we love it. We use it all the time. we have also discovered that stovetop popcorn tastes much better than microwavable.
Siobhan says
Whatever you buy, I would buy it online and have it shipped directly to them. No sense in you having to pay for extra shipping.
shannon says
that’s true and why I like to use amazon and prime so it actually ships to someone else for free. Oh another good idea is a family photo blanket or throw.
Sarah says
I haven’t been able to read all the other suggestions, so forgive me if I’m duplicating. I have read some and LOVE the creativity. I would be thrilled with most of these ideas! We also have a huge family, and while we don’t send a lot of gifts, we send a few, particularly to those who are less fortunate, and those who we feel need a little extra love and support, due to various trials going on in their lives. One of the best things we’ve been able to take advantage of is the “Slightly Imperfect” section at Christianbooks.com. We try to wait until we see a free shipping promo and then order enough to take advantage of it (usually a $35 minimum order). We have gotten some wonderful books and other gifts that you cannot tell are “slightly imperfect”. We just remove the sticker and any glue residue left and they look as good as new. Then, when you are ready to ship them, send them early, via book rate and people have VERY nice, new gifts and it looks like you spent a lot more than you did.
Lana says
Agree! I do this for our adult children who live out of state. So that they know what the Amazon package is I put a code in the address. Birthday gifts get an HB (Happy Birthday) after their name in the address so they know to save it for their birthday. Do tell the recipient that the package will be arriving.
Mariel says
I have a post today on gift ideas for families. I hope it’s helpful! http://www.oneshetwoshe.com/2012/12/mariels-picks-2012-gift-ideas-for.html
Ang says
I did this cheap and really cute 12 days of Christmas for my families far away this year. Each day has a great Christmas story and cheap present idea to go with it. Simple and fun for all I think. Here is the link. Good luck! http://thecraftpatch.blogspot.com/2010/12/twelve-days-of-christmas-story-and.html
Lisa says
Visited your site – this is a fantastic idea! I’m doing this for all my nieces and nephews – thanks for sharing!
Kristy says
I agree! This looks fun!
Jennifer says
That is great! Thanks for sharing.
Laura says
This year my brother and sister and law and us decided to take the kids on an outing instead of buying gifts. They have 4 kids we have 2. The week the kids are on vacation we’re taking them ice skating, out to lunch and to see a huge gingerbread house. All 6 of the girls haven’t stopped talking about our “Christmas adventure day” I think we have started a new tradition
Marla says
Once I had my nieces over for a crafting party and we made safety pin bracelets,little scrapbooks,and barrettes.I do craft projects all the time and had all the supplies already.That was seven years ago and they still talk about how much fun they had.
A Mom says
I love that. I’d rather spend time with loved ones.
Jenny says
Also, for those looking to gift baskets that don’t require shipping- here’s a site with lots of theme ideas you might like that I found on pinterest at http://www.squidoo.com/the-sista-s-klub-gift-baskets
T.B. says
A gift card to a pizza place near them, or a chain. For $20, you can usually get some kind of combo meal that would feed a family of 6. I’m a family of 5 and I would love to know that I have a guaranteed one night of no cooking!
Martina says
you could get them each a monogrammed cup or glass, something the kids won’t outgrow and can be used for years to come
shannon says
I love framing a family photo or photos of the children of the family I have created from the previous year. They always seem to love the thought of the personalzation. You can also place photos on cups, aprons, or tee shirts.
Jenny says
Movie theater passes, memberships to local organizations, magazine subscriptions that would appeal to each family member or the family as a whole if they share hobbies, or a restaurant gift card that would cover 1 entree for each person would all be well-received!
Deb says
A game, maybe or a gift card to a fast food place, they could all eat at Subway for $30. If you do ship something, check out the flat rate boxes, same price even if they are SUPER heavy. How about a gingerbread house or something they could do together?
lucy says
Home baked goods was what my family always did for family living far away.
katy says
we have 5 kids ranging from 0-6yo. my SIL is getting us a radio flyer wagon b/c our other one is worn out. that is great b/c everyone gets to use it 🙂 another great gift they have given us in the past is a family pass to the zoo (includes all aquariums, etc. in the state).
Natalie says
My idea would be to either a large, nice tree ornament for the whole family, or purchase one ornament for each family member (preferably ornaments that aren’t too fragile!). If you really want to be frugal and plan ahead, purchase these on sale this year after Christmas and save them as gifts for next Christmas!
diania says
Wonderful idea!!!! I’m trying to think of ideas that my family would like with 4 kids ranging 2-15
A board Game, chocolate party (candy bars, coco, everything chocolate), Indoor snowball fight kit (we use rolled up socks but you could use pom poms), Snowman kit (funky gloves, scarf, hat…the crazier the better you could pick up from goodwill and yardsales), an ornament making kit, a family ornament with all their names on it, Take a picture of the family, put naughty over parent, nice over kids, and then make a puzzle out of it. Put in Christmas card with ..find out who has been naughty or nice, kids will get a kick out it), Christmas pinata filled with little toys and candy…
Lisa says
Love the Indoor Snowball Fight idea!!
Andrea says
We were given a snowman kit last year and then it didn’t snow. It was a great idea and we hope to use it this winter!
Kim says
You could send a game for game night. I remember playing Skipbo as a family of 4 growing up. Mom had marked decks of cards with magic marker to make the game. You can make a homemade UNO game, where more can play. There are lots of games you can make. You can purchase or make a game & include hot chocolate mix & candy canes to stir the hot chocolate with.
Victoria says
Is it possible to buy them a family membership to their favorite museum or zoo over the internet and have them be able to pick it up at their first visit. We used Christmas money from relatives when our kids were little to buy these all the time and loved it! We could not have afforded to visit these types of places as often without the gift.
Oralia says
This is a great idea. I give my mom a membership to the Brookfield Zoo every year for Mother’s day. She is able to take her grandkids and friends as she feels all year long. It also includes parking.
Heather says
I’m from a very large family. My grandmother would send us a 1000 piece puzzle every year that was enjoyed by most everyone (but not my color-blind father!).
My uncle would give us a nice illustrated reference-type book, often about insects, since that is his field – the kind of book that you see in a museum gift store, but are too cheap to buy yourself!
Movies, books, food gifts, games are good choices.
Diana Riggs says
We do something similar in our family. Once I found pancake mixes and specialty syrups for really cheap at TJ Maxx. You can also put in canned preserves (we love strawberries on ours!) and maybe some coffee or something for a ready-made breakfast. Once I made a cappuccino/hot chocolate drink mixes basket. You could even buy mugs at the dollar store and decorate one for each family member and include those. (see this site http://www.iheartnaptime.net/diy-christmas-mugs/) Once we got an air popper for popcorn and some popcorn kernels and seasonings. We also love getting board or card games – once I got an older card game and then a game for the little kids as well that they could all play together. Once I found flannel pajama pants at a discount store and since it was near Christmastime, I was able to find coordinating colors. Added matching t-shirts and had a “pajama party” basket.
Karen says
You could put together an Ice Cream Sundae party for them. Include chocolate syrup or caramel sauce, several fun toppings (sprinkles, chopped nuts, mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, cookie crumbles, etc.) and a small ($5-10) gift card to Walmart for them to purchase their favorite flavor or two of ice cream. If you’re a good packer you could even include the ice cream “cone” bowls they sell at grocery stores. This could be quite frugal if you already have some toppings on hand; you could just repackage small amounts of each topping in cute little bags or baby food jars. For a homemade touch you could make your own syrup.
Hilary Graves says
Love that idea!
Denise Ocker says
We did that this year for my husbands family and it was so much fun!! They loved it and our girls 5 and 3 had so much fun helping put it together!!
lori says
LOVE this idea!
Brenda says
Great idea!!
Rebecca says
We have done this for gifts as well, but instead of cone bowls, we’ve actually bought glass ice cream dishes or sundae glasses. They aren’t expensive (maybe $1-2 each) and they make a basket like this all the classier and fun. They can reuse their sundae glasses and think of you each time. Throw in an ice cream scooper, and they’re all set!
Donna says
Consider a game from Walmart.com- shipping is only .99!!
Also- I’ve given neighbors in the past pancake mixes w/ a bottle of syrup and things like that, which would ship well.
Another option is some place like Figis. Very nice food gifts!
Super frugal ideas would be things like homemade coasters maybe with each name or homemade ornaments, one for each person, slippy socks (1 bag of socks on the cheap (6 pair)$4+fabric paint by Tulip @ $1 per bottle (I did red and green this year and you could do as many as 24 pairs of socks with 2 bottles)+ shipping.
(I painted diagonal stripes on one pair and Christmas trees on another this year.)
Best wishes and Happy Holidays!
Jen says
Maybe there are affordable museums or zoos in their area, and you could purchase a “family pass” for them to use throughout the year.
Carlee says
My aunt sends my kids a Gift Certificate to a Charity, and the kids pick the item or recipient. They LOVE doing it and getting the updates throughout the year. This is easy through World Vision or Charity: Water. It’s particularly meaningful if you know a charity that matters to the family receiving it.
Megan says
I second this. Another great option is kiva.org where you can make a microloan (starting at $25) to a person building a business in the developing world. It’s a great gift and a lot of fun to choose who you want to loan the money to.
Sheila says
I think this one really depends. I gave a gift to the American Cancer Association in my FIL’s name after he died and my MIL made a comment that made me realize she wasn’t a big fan of ACA (some experience they had with them – don’t know details). I also have heard a lot of people give things in people’s names that I wouldn’t want given in my name. You should only do this if you know for certain the recipient feels strongly about the charity, in my opinion (having learned from my own mistake).
Brenda says
I would agree.
Katy Moss says
Maybe a season’s pass to a National Park? Where we live, those run about $30 a year and can easily be included in a nice Christmas card.
Danielle Hull says
Board games are a favorite for us. We’re really picky about what we watch, so movies are appreciated, too. And restaurant gift certificates! You’ll just have to ask the mom and dad to make a list!
Carlee says
A subscription to Netflix (for however many months you can afford) and a list of your favorite movies on it.
A beautiful puzzle and puzzle glue so they can save it after it’s been done.
A gift card to their favorite family restaurant. We have 3 kids, and eating out is a huge treat, so getting a gift card is a big deal for us.
Katie says
Awesome ideas!!
Jill says
Gift certificate to a family restaurant
Or maybe a basket of candy and chocolate…
kathy says
I wouldn’t worry about trying to be too creative each year. When I was a kid we got the same gift from far away relatives every year. (Pancake mix and pure maple syrup) We looked forward to their gift every year eventhough we already knew what it was going to be. Maybe your gift of a new Christmas movie and goodies is the gift they look forward to every year!
Allyson @ All Our Days says
Growing up my uncle and aunt always sent my parents hard salami for Christmas along with some homemade jams, nuts and other little treats. My mom would save the salami for Christmas Eve to eat with her homemade cheeseball and crackers. My parents still get the salami and even though I haven’t lived at home for over 7 years, I still look forward to salami and cheeseball on Christmas Eve 🙂
Also, if you want to do a movie night, but don’t know what movies they have, a Redbox or Blockbuster gift card would be great (just make sure you check their area to see what movie rental business is closest to them).
Heather says
I agree with this. My aunt & uncle send us the same gift every year – and they send just the one gift to the whole family (my parents & siblings & I) even though all us kids are grown with families of our own. It used to be a tray of dried fruit, now its a tray of candy-covered raisins etc from Costco. It’s wonderful, because it’s not something we would normally purchase but so tasty. We open it when we’re all together and eat it promptly.
Whitney says
This is what I was going to say! If there was any gift from the past they seem to particularly like, just repeat it. We’ve been doing homemade gifts for the past few years on one side of the family, and I was so disappointed the year my SIL didn’t make the same granola she’d done from the year before. There’s something comforting about the repetition of traditions at the holidays, and this can include the gifts!
michelle says
I would look forward to it!
Brenda says
I also agree that repeating is alright. My brother is always a difficult person for me to buy for and a few years ago i made some biscotti to share at our family Christmas gathering. When he went nuts over it, i knew that’s what i wanted to give him for a gift the following year. He really made a big deal about how much he liked it again then, so i did it the following year. And the following year the same thing happened. It’s been a traditional gift for many years now & he tells me he looks forward to it each year. Those traditions can be fun and, like Whitney said, comforting during the holidays.
Carla says
Perhaps a game would be nice, but you would need to know what games they have already!
Britney says
Gift card to an event or experience or pass of some sort in their area (that you can buy online)? Or a gift card to an online photo website so they can make a family photo book, etc.
Jen says
Maybe there are some affordable museums or zoos in their area, and you could purchase a “family pass” for them to use throughout the year.
sally says
Depending on where they live you could get them a nation/state/etc park annual pass. We have asked out family for one so we can take the kids to the parks for a cheap family outing. pass + maps + picnic basket is a great gift.