Christmas Gifting Help

I have often received gifts that I could not reciprocate in kind. People have bought things for my kids out of the goodness of their hearts and knowing full well, as a single mother, that I could not give back "gift for gift". The thing is....they never expected that.
They weren't giving with any expectation of return.
That's not what giving gifts is all about.

A Christmas card and a plate of homemade cookies is a thoughtful and simple gesture. Make some icing and let your kids decorate the cookies.

My kids and I make something every single year. Well, my daughter is 25 now so my 16 year old and I still carry on the tradition.
Christmas ornaments are very easy to make. I have gone to the thrift store and found lovely Christmas mugs for 25 cents. I put a bow on them and put tea bags or packets of hot chocolate in them.

Don't be upset that you have generous people in your life. That's actually a blessing. And, regardless of how little money you have, you can still teach your children about giving. It's not about the cost. I don't know anyone who doesn't love a card hand-made by children.

Sometimes it's hard to be a gracious receiver. But don't twist the spirit of giving with having to keep everything so equal monetarily.
That's not what it's about.

Best wishes.

Why is it necessary for you to reciprocate in kind for the gifts that your friends got for your children? Let your children do something special for them...have them help you bake cookies or banana nut bread...and take it to them? Don't feel like you are obligated in any way. We have been on both ends of this situation before...my brother...who was a self made millionaire used to buy really nice gifts for myself and my husband when we were first married...all we could afford to do was send them a Christmas card. On the other hand...my stepson and his family are very limited financially ( he is an enlisted man in the Army) and we always send them gifts with no expectation of receiving anything in return.
Christmas is about love...and the greatest gift of all that anyone could have ever received!!

Bake her something yummy - cookies, pumpkin bread, a pie, etc. Give it along with a really nice thank you note for the gifts that she gave your children. Then, have a conversation and tell how much you appreciate the gifts, but that you feel guilty for not being able to reciprocate in kind. Tell her you'd rather not exchange gifts next year, but rather do something like invite them over for a nice dinner and spend quality time together.

Gift giving shouldn't be a dollar exchange. It should be about being thoughtful and caring. You have two children and several nieces and nephews you should be able to think of something inexpensive a five yr old would LOVE. AT 4 my daughters favorite present was a box of 64 crayons. At 3, 4. 5 my son just wanted cars, esp matchbox cars. if you know the boy and what he likes it makes it easier, ask what he likes if you dont know. Give a small gift and a plate of cookies, he'll be just as happy

I would also make something like a plate of cookies, a holiday quick bread, or something like that as an additional show of appreciation ... it would be a gift the whole family could enjoy that way.

Christmas is about giving .... if you feel the need to give back why not give them a nice card...maybe a note that states you would love to watch her son one night so the kids can play and they can go out. Wouldn't cost you anything..... I agree with KansasMom and Shane

I would just meet her/see her and tell her the truth! I think everyone can understand your position. I certainly do...