Ahhh SJ I feel your pain.

We don't do christmas. Me and DH don't buy presents for each other or the kids.

We don't buy presents for his family - however - we will make them some cookies or something to eat in a nice basket or whatever - because they feel it necessary to buy something for the kids. Before we had kids - no presents - and I LOVED it.

My family on the other hand - cannot live without presents As many times as I have tried to get them to do the "no presents at xmas but make a big deal out of birthdays" it doesn't catch on. So yes, I am forced to buy people crappy presents that will probably never get used.

I've changed in the last couple of years though. I get my step dad FUN crappy things instead of just crappy things, and I get a basket and fill it with goodies for my mum that I know she will appreciate, little hand creams that she can toss in her hand bag, gluten free biscuits etc.

My mum usually calls me up and says oh I sorta need this - and I just say - tell the others (my brother & sister) cos I've already got you something.

If they don't like it - stiff.