Times are very very tight for us. At the end of August my dh's company told everyone they would not be paying them for their unused sick leave any more. For years we and many others used that money for most of our Christmas shopping. Without that I'm not even sure how I will but for my own children. They know that the amount this year will not be the same. Two of my nephews are 26 and 28 and I will stop giving them money this year. I will ask my brother and sil if they mind not exchanging this year. I will do the same with my sister. On my dh side we don't buy for adults but I will talk to sil and see if we can both set a limit of $20 for each niece and nephews. I have 3 children and she has 2 and am sure a lower amount would be good for them too. I only buy for one friend and may suggest we just go to lunch together instead. I have never been in this situation and I don't like it.