Weddingbee Blog

My question/dilemma concerns gift giving “cultures”. We both grew up in middle-class households, but my husband’s family loves to get big, over-the-top gifts for each other, while my family does smaller gifts. To give you an idea, we are talking about $300+ vs. $50.
 
This really hit home today. I had been trying to get in touch with my BIL regarding going in on a PlayStation 3 for my DH. He finally got back with me today, and told me that he already bought him one! DH and I set a spending limit of $200 for each other, and his brother ran out and dropped $400 on him. BIL was weird when I asked him if he wanted some money for it, and told me it was “only” $400.
 
My MIL asked for lists this year. I thought this was a great idea. Yet all of them have high-end items on their lists, while mine consists of things like Bath & Body Works lotion and running socks. I did add a few more expensive items, since I knew they like to have a spending quota.

I’m not sure what my question is exactly, but I just feel uncomfortable with the situation. Obviously, we end up spending much more on his family than on mine, and I feel like I can’t ever mention to my folks what we got his or what they got us. I don’t know what their expectations are for me - should I be spending that much on each of them? I can’t really talk to my DH about this, at least not until after the holidays, or I’d be giving away what his big gift is.
 
Any thoughts, suggestions, etc. would be greatly appreciated.

Chrissie

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