I wouldn't have said anything, just get them something at the price range you feel comfortable with and I doubt they would even notice that it wasn't an expensive gift.

buy something small or nice thats on sale and make something. theres tons of things you can do. this year for the adults in my family i'm making soaps, candles, and baking biscotti and putting them in these pretty jars i found at michaels for $1.00 each. in the soaps and candles that i'm making i bought scented oils from bath and body works, and pressed flowers that you can find at a florist or craft shop. theres sooo many ideas so you can give a few things and not look cheap. and also to your sister.... tell her to suck it. if shes gunna try to make you feel bad try to explain your situation and don't let it bother you if she makes a few snide comments. shes clearly a biatch.

We usually pick names in my family, that limits the amount from 20 dollars per person , to a nicer gift for one or two,(we usually by for the couple) . This year however my husband and I took our names out due to financial woes and everyone totally understood. If your sibling wont fly down for 20, tell her to stay up there and get nothing.

luckily i have sisters in the same predicament as i am. We all know that we're not gonna be spending a lot of money on each other for christmas. But hearing that your sister is offended that she's flying home and you can't be "bothered" to spend more than 20 bucks makes me angry. She sounds selfish and completely inconsiderate of you, and your situation. get some cute thing for 25 bucks and nothing more. she doesn't sound like she deserves it.

Geez, your family sounds greedy! I never spend more than $40-50 on my one sibling, and I'm sure she spends much less than that on me. what the heck is wrong with a $20 present?

I'm curious to know how old your sister is....she sounds very immature. Don't worry about her. Do what you need to do.

If I didn't know better, I would have thought your siblings were my in-laws. They're very materialistic.

If I were you, I wouldn't give any gifts (from my limited budget), as they wouldn't be appreciated anyway. Also, I would tell my sister to stay home, as there are no gifts to be had from me.

I can not believe your sister said that!! Unbelievable. Feeling your financial pain this season, I've come up with a few ideas for $20ish for a few of the girls on my list this year...

For my boyfriends sister.. I bought some cute fabric lined box/tray from the dollar store (you'd never know it) and bought 5 pair of boyshort underwear (which were 5/$20 here, but when I go shopping in the States its always much cheaper..) I rolled each of them up and tied them with some fabric ribbon in a line, got some patterned cellophane and bundled it up. Another thing I saw in the Avon catalogue were boyshort undies rolled up and tied with a green ribbon basically on a fake flower stem.. also a cheap option, buy a clear glass vase from the dollar store and glam it up a bit?

I also bought a 4 pack of martini glasses from Walmart/Zellers/wherever which was under 10 dollars, and I went to the liquor store and got the mini bottles that are usually near the counter.. The martini glasses were pretty big, so 3 of the minis fit in the glass, buy some of the shredded tissue paper (again, dollar store works) and wrap it up in the clear cellophane, attach a fancy looking christmas ornament and a ton of nice ribbon..? I often get creative with my tags by making some in Photoshop and print them on cardstock or photo paper (and usually at work, with the nice colour printer, haha) because it gives it a little bit more effort..

Another idea.. which seems kind of ghetto when you can't see the final product.. but I bought the satin padded hangers from walmart or wherever, and used spray glue (or hot glue) and wrapped them with hot pink ribbon or a patterned ribbon to my girlfriend who has a special rack in her closet just for her lingerie.. so i made about 6 or 8 of those for super cheap.. Mine turned out well, but I guess I can see them turning out shoddy for someone who isn't craftically inclined. The ribbon I chose was a filigree-esque black and white ribbon and I used hot pink and bright purple around the ? part of the hanger..

Another suggestion is to get some glass jars with the lids and the metal closure, mix all of the dry ingredients for some sort of baked good, write the recipe out on a fancy index card (or photoshop a cool looking one if you're good @ that) laminate it, and jazz it up with christmas stuff. If you have time to bake, bake whatever you put in the jar and give it with that too..?

If your sister is a make-up nut, buy something from Sephora, like a Nars blush or, a benefit lemon-aide for under eyes, and turn that into a theme. Like with the undereye concealer, buy an eye mask you can put in the freezer or microwave (again, walmart! thank you! its about 5 bucks) and some cheap bubble bath or something and call it the after Christmas recovery package.

If she is a movie buff, you can often buy these cute red and white striped popcorn bowls or 'containers' that look like old school popcorn bags. Ive seen them at the dollar store in plastic, but you can get the glass ones for maybe 5 or 6 bucks? Get a new release or something, some packages of microwave popcorn and a popcorn seasoning shaker.. bundle it up, there you go! voila.

I find a lot of this stuff saves me when I'm shopping for people and don't have a ton of money to spend!! Hope at least some of this gave you some ideas to make the most of your $20 something dollars!!! Christmas is tough for me this year so I've had to think outside the box!

wow! sorry for that long post.

i'll be honest, your sister sounds like a greedy biotch who doesn't know the true meaning of christmas...however, giving them a homemade gift isn't going to make this situation any less awkward!!!! she isn't going to appreciate $20 worth of cookies or soap any more than $20 worth of something storebought...not if she's that materialistic to begin with

now that you've said something, you really don't have a choice but to just go with the flow. you asked, and they said no. sometimes, if you don't want to know the answer to a question, don't ask it.

i don't necessarily agree with dear when she says stick to your guns...IF you care about the glares. if you care about glares, then get them something they'll appreciate. an extra $30 or $60 isn't going to kill you ($10-$20 more per person)...and you can get something nice on sale or something brand name at TJMaxx that looks more expensive than it is....

i also don't like looking cheap so now that you've asked and they've turned you down, you have to partake in Christmas regardless. skip something else this month to be able to afford it.

(and just so you know my comment is legit, i'm the oldest of 3 also living at home to get out of school debt). my sister is flying home too, and i got her a pretty sweet gift.

Wow, Laura has tons of great ideas. I might have to steal some.

Wow, your sister sounds like a selfish little...

I thought the older people got, the more they begin to realize that Christmas is about family and spending time with loved ones...not gifts.

I definitely agree w/skigurl about going to TJMaxx and Marshalls type of places for gifts. They always have THE best sales on some really awesome things. I went to Marshalls yesterday and found a Vince Leather jacket that retails for $750 at Cusp, on sale for $169. Also, a Marc by Marc Jacobs hooded zip-up sweater with faux fur inside the hood on sale for $40! I almost passed out!

I know that's obviously out of your budget, but you never know what you're going to find at Marshalls/TJ Maxx!!!

PLEASE give her $40 worth of coal!! That's the funniest thing I've read all day.

And I have a feeling that if she "isn't flying home for a $20 sweater" then she won't appreciate the "heartfelt card" that DearSugar recommends.

The hanger idea from laura_j is a great one.

"Christmas"..doesn't cost anything, but the pressure of feeling like you have to "buy stuff" of course can, and does.

Buying gifts for those we care about is a nice thing, but it should be seen as what it is - a gift, not an obligation.

I'm sorry your sister made that comment because it was out of line (I'd be inclined to buy her a book on etiquette, and mail it so she "doesn't have to fly"..wink wink).

Of course a gift shouldn't be "expected", and on top of that "expected" to be a certain amount and disregarded if it isn't - especially in this economy! I definitely would NOT feel "guilted" into rewarding their insensitivity and greed with going into debt.

Shop the sales, and if online shopping is an option I recommend Amazon too, they have some good sales going on right now on all kinds of goodies..when in doubt, a cool book, video or CD is never expensive and everyone pretty much either reads or listens. Its my standby when I need to find something cute.

Another thought I had..

Use www.zazzle.com and MAKE some custom things for everyone - mugs, t-shirts, mousepads can be cute - have them sent to you so you save on shipping, most of their items are 5-18 dollars apiece so definitely in your price range!

Those are some really great idea by Laura, I'd be perfectly happy to get the things on her list. I love getting personal, unique gifts that someone put some thought into (like a basket with soaps and facial masks or a jar with ingredients and a recipe). Wrap it up nicely and make a card with a personal message on it It's all about having a fun evening together, right?

One time I got my family and me a fun boardgame to play on Christmasday, we had a lot of fun with that, it doesn't all have to be about 'getting as much loot as possible'.

Long shot but coming from a former very materialistic person could work. I do most of my shopping at Barnes & Noble. Every year I give a book and write a letter on the inside cover to each member of my family. The book is usually about something meaningful to them, is special to me or reminds me of them. If I can afford it I will get them something else as well. Barnes & Noble always has affordable stuff.

Another suggestion is AMAZON.COM it's getting late to order on there and have it for Christmas but the savings are incredible. Go window shop at the mall and then search for it on Amazon, it is amazing the deals you can find. Best of luck!

lol I'm the only one of my three siblings to buy presents, but maybe that's because I'm the oldest? My brothers are 20 and 14 and they usually don't buy me presents, and I don't love them any less. I understand they don't have a lot of money. My husband's family will get presents but none of them are more than $20, and I think that's enough. The only people I spend more on are my husband, my mom and my grandma.

I think dear was right to say don't be pressured into going over your budget, If they don't like it, they're the scrooge, not you!

I'm sorry that your siblings are not more understanding. I am in the same boat since I am in college right now. If you know how to knit, knitting a simple scarf is a great gift -- the only thing is that it might take some time to make, but you can go to a nice yarn store or look online for beautiful, affordable yarn, under $20. And it doesn't have to look or be cheap either! I made my brother a scarf out of a blend of silk and wool that was hand-dyed in Japan, and it looked classy when I was done with it. Bamboo yarn is a really great yarn to use! It's super soft and it's a good replacement for people who are allergic to wool. And you can find free knitting patterns online and instructions on how to knit if you've never tried it before. Another thing you could do is if there is a book that you know one of them really wants, buy it for them on half.com or amazon, used but looks new. It's really cheap and you could write a heartfelt message on the inside of the book for them. If you are really talented at something, you could help turn that into a gift -- my little brother is a great photographer, and last year he remembered a photo of his that I loved and printed it out in black and white and had it framed for me, and I have it next to my bed now, it is something that I really treasure because he made it for me. This year with my brothers I am planning on doing something with them instead of buying something -- like paying the fee for him and me to go rock climbing at the gym together, or taking my brother out ice skating. Maybe you could drop in on a yoga class in your city during the break with your sister? Yoga classes usually have a smaller fee or drop-ins and welcome new learners.

Go to stores like Marshall's, Outlet Malls, etc. and get them name brands for less. You can trick them into thinking you spent loads of money. Lol

My siblings and I don't exchange gifts. We each get something for our parents and they give us a few things but that's about it. We'll do gifts for birthdays instead.

I put a $30 limit on my Xmas presents for my family this year. My sister complained, which I thought was very rude. When did this holiday become JUST about the gifts? I can't afford to blow $100/each on gifts this year. Truthfully, I'd rather the money go to St. Jude's or a local children's hospital. Sigh...

LOL...Mail an etiquette book...

Shadowdamage I like the way you think.

i disagree with someone saying that you should just save up and buy her something nice because she won't appreciate a $25 dollar gift. buy her something small that you can afford to get her. (just because its inexpensive doesnt mean it isnt nice) and make something. you make a few of the same thing and give it to everyone to make up for the fact that you couldnt afford something big but you still made an effort. if she gives you attitude about it then clearly shes immature and just ignore her and i'm sure that everyone else will see how she is acting as well. i wouldnt save up and potentially skimp out on someone elses present that actually deserves it just to make her happy.

Gift giving is about the thought, not the gift. Make it personal.

Here's what I'm doing:
I found a bunch of pictures from our childhood of a special memories, (like a vacation), and am framing them. You can find frames pretty cheap at a drug store, or discount store. Plus, it's a meaningful gift, that will most likely get some use. I hate wasting money on impersonal gifts that no one will ever use, just do they have a present to open.

I am also baking cookies for every one so they have a little treat. Last year, I made cookies as a "filler gift" for those who I did not spend that much money on. My sister was bummed that she didn't get any, (because she got a nicer gift). This year, she asked just for cookies. She keeps reminding me that she wants cookies. She'll call, and tell me about cookies she saw, she even picked out a cute tin that she wants me to give her the cookies in! She's so funny!

In college, I made everyone mixed CD's. It was pretty inexpensive.

Board games are also a fun idea. You can find them pretty cheap on amazon.com. Plus, it will be a nice way to spend your Christmas morning.

Good luck!

You should remind your materialistic sister that Christmas is about family coming together and celebrating...not pricey gifts. If she doesn't want to see her family for the sake of seeing family she can stay home and spend her money on herself.

But for your other sibilings, if you already have supplies knitting a scraf or hat is always cheap. So is baking (as other have sad). I have also taken to bargin hunting and outlet shopping, its amazing what you'll find with a little luck and patience. Good luck!

I think it's a terrible thing to say you won't come home for Christmas for anything less than the plane ticket you paid for, that's just bratty and childish.

I would HAPPILY have a Christmas without presents, as long as my family could be together. You can still give great gifts without spending too much cash, and if your sister or any of your other siblings can't appreciate that, then maybe they should learn some life lessons and be less materialistic.

Anyway, it just sounds petty and ridiculous to me. Get them something personal that you can afford, and don't even think about going over budget because your precious little sister doesn't get her quota of gifts.

Once again, how f*cking pathetic!

Your sister is a b*tch. Don't get her anything! That will teach her...

Either way, they should understand that just because they are the rare FEW in this country that ACTUALLY HAVE A DECENT AMOUNT OF MONEY- doesn't mean that they can still be spoiled with a bunch of presents. They have money, tell them to eff off and get their own stuff. Sorry, this really upset me, how horrible of a sister you have! Put soap in her mouth.

Wow, if your siblings have completely materialistic standards for the season of giving then you better be able to craft or bake something outstanding or find one hell of a consignment shop to find something nice at an affordable price. I love thrift stores and consignment shops, but I shop there year round. I have been able to get my friend a kate spade purse for $8 and a kate spade diaper bag for $28. good luck with pleasing them while sticking true to your goals right now.

For the first time in a LONG time I needed to totally cut my budget. I got kinda creative but I think everyone will still like their gifts. I went to an antique shop and bought my mother a beautiful lamp. It was a bit tarnished so I took it apart, washed the glass and cleaned the metal with Brasso. Now it's absolutely amazing. That was only $35 bucks! I'm also printing out a few of my wedding pictures and framing them in Target frames.

I went outlet shopping for my father and step father and got some classic Ralph Lauren button downs at a great discount.

I have 2 younger sisters. For one I bought the Mary-Kate and Ashley coffee table book (which I was surprisingly impressed with!)called Influence.

I went totally over budget for my other little sister (Sephora scent sampler, pashmina, Stila lip gloss gift set. Over budget with my husband too...swiss army watch original and swiss army knife.

It's probably a good thing you said something. Now they can't bitch about getting cheap gifts--you gave them a heads-up, they didn't want to play ball. Oh well, that's what you get for being selfish! "I'm not flying home for a $20 gift." Seriously, how rude.

Oh my gosh this is why my Christmas idol has become Charlie Brown... "Tens and twenties?! Ohh, even my baby sister!"

I suggest you visit YumSugar's 12 Days of Edible Gifts or whatsitcalled (Dear linked to it in her response). I am on the low end of things financially as well, so I am going to go with the homemade hot chocolate mix for my pals. (Luckily, I'm an only child, so no greedy siblings to worry about.) As cliche as it sounds, it really is the thought that counts. Your sister should be more understanding, and I don't think you should give in to her like that, even by going to TJMaxx or Marshalls or outlets, because that's pretty much saying that she's right and you're wrong and you feel guilty.

Just attach a note to her gift that says something like, "I hope to be able to shower you with lavish things soon, but this Christmas, I hope you enjoy this small token of my affection (or whatever sounds more sisterly... I haven't had any practice in that dep't). You're my sister and I love you and I hope you understand my situation. After all, Christmas is about being surrounded by the ones you love, not the gifts they give you, isn't it?"

I like GreenGrass's idea, get her an etiquette book! and maybe stick a bookmark in the ::ahem:: pertinent section.

I recently signed up for a number of mailing lists from some of my favorite shops and was surprised that they are sending emails constantly - sometimes three times a day! Turns out they are always having discounts, offering free shipping, 2 for 1 deals, etc. You could create a special e-mail address for this if you're afraid you'll get spam and check it daily to see what good deals come up.

The things I would like to say about your sisters selfish, awful comment would get me kicked off this site:). If she's only flying home for gifts then what kind of person is she, really? I wouldn't get her anything. You're in debt. Think about yourself first for now.

Don't do the stuff that are a labor of love (like things you have to spend a lot of time and effort to make) or skimp out on necessities for yourself to get a slightly more pricey gift. People who are that materialistic and unappreciative are likely to scoff at handmade things and things that you have to scrape to get but are not $$$ enough in their eyes. Why make yourself suffer for that?

Just give the money you would otherwise spend on her gift to an animal shelter or something. Someplace that will actually appreciate it. And then give her the receipt. She won't like it, but at least the money went to do some good instead of being spent on unnecessary crap for a spoiled little princess.

And don't waste your breath trying to teach them the meaning of Christmas. That's not worth the effort either.

Man, she can afford a plane ticket to see her family for Christmas in a time when some people are scraping by just to put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads, she should be counting her blessings. Jeebus.

Hehe, GreenGrass, I was born in the South, land of "interestin'" prom dresses and "Sugar, you gonna wear that" veiled advice. So over that. If I had a sister and she acted that way, I can PROMISE you I would mail her that book on manners...for her own good, of course, her own good! (cough)

There's so many good ideas on here but I hope the OP comes back to tell us how it all goes after Christmas! I'm dying to know!

I am a student, so I know how you feel! I know it is too late this year, but you could do this for next year if you are strapped: make red or white wine at a make your own wine place. You need to do it like 6 weeks in advance, but I did this last year and then bought some cute bags from the dollar store to put them in. Everyone seemed to love it! It's a little bit personal, but also something everyone likes. It cost me about 120 bucks with tax (not including the cost of bottles, because I saved them up) and you get at least 30 bottles of wine out of that. Enough to give to all of your friends and family and to save some for yourself. You can also make cool dessert wines like white chocolate wine at brew places.
I also made cute gingerbread men and Christmas tree cookies and decorated them specially for everyone in the family. I also made homemade CD mixes of music that I knew specific people would like. Then I might buy one small thing to add to it. Everyone seemed to love my gifts because they were more personalized and took some thought. Good luck and don't rack up your debt just because your sister is materialistic!

Awesome ideas. Im going to hit up TJ Maxx or Marshalls this week to see what kind of name brand goodies I can find my grandma... she would love it, and probably think I spent a bundle.. lol

There are tons of cool gifts you can give on your budget. Just try to be creative and get them something that really matches their likes and interests or something sentimental.

Like sugar said, edible gifts are a great idea. If you have any favorite cookie recipes from when you were kids, make a bunch of those to take back home with them after christmas. Or find some old family pictures of you and your siblings and have prints made. Then get a colored matte frame from a craft store and a paint pen and write a quote about siblings on the frame. My roomie & I did that for our friends in college and they loved it. You might even be able to get a nice frame and have it engraved with a quote for a decent price at Things Remembered or a similar store (if you think they'd scoff at the matte frame).

Have you looked at the Gift Guides in the Holiday sugar section? There are lots of great ideas and even if you don't find something, you might be led to a website with something perfect (search for the same things on Amazon for free shipping over $25).

And if I were you, I'd tell my sis to stop being so materialistic! Jeez, gifts are nice, but it's about being with family, not getting expensive stuff. I love giving gifts, but my sisters would understand if I needed to set a budget, just like I understand they do. Let's be honest, most people don't really need more junk anyway.

I say stick to your budget. Look through the sale flyers, watch internet sales, do some hunting. I bet you'll be able to pick up some great stuff at some bargin prices.

As for your family, they'll deal. Sounds like they need to learn what Christmas is all about. I don't make that much after paying for my college loans... my sister is in grad school. My parents completely understand we are not able to buy them extravagant things. They just love the fact that we come home for Christmas... even if it's with a $30 budget per person.

But don't go over budget... you'll kick yourself for it later.

everyone has GREAT ideas!!! stick to your guns oliva and don't back down......there are plenty of things that can be done on a budget!

mmm sounds interesting to have a Christmas at your house

This year I also put a budget, a very low one, because family members are coming to my house these year, and all the other years it was in my house only mom, dad and brothers... now I'm counting aunts, uncles, cousins.. I put a 15 dlls per person budget, low, but I am putting so much energy in spending it in something they will really really like/use.

and to the family friend, I bought some pretty nice glasses and I am putting chocolates on them, and graping them in cellophane and a big ribbon. I am doing some cards to put on them. My mom like the idea because "they can use the glass after it".

Wow you'd think of all the people that should be compassionate and understanding about this it would be your family. And that comment about not flying home for a $20 gift? She should be flying home to spend time with her family, not for a gift of any price. I know plenty of people that would come home and be happy to be with their family whether or not there is even a single gift involved. You've gotten plenty of good ideas on here but I don't know if I'd be able to resist giving a little coal to that grumpy sister.

Wow your sister's a b*tch! Don't spend any more than you feel you can afford. Christmas is supposed to be about spending time with family not how much you spend on a gift.

Everyone had good advice. I have to say though- no matter what you get your sister- she seems to be the type to not appreciate anything that is not expensive. Sorry.

Go to a good brand name store and buy the on sale/clearance items (ex. spending $20 but getting something that is worth $50 or even $100! --> might not be 100% what your sister wants, but she seems like a materialistic person who doesn't appreciate the true meanings of the holidays so no harm in that) There are tons of sales this time of year so I think you'll definitely be able to find a great deal that doesn't make you look cheap! It just requires a bit of time and effort. Sample sales are also good as well since prices are often marked down very very below normal retail prices! I find that abercrombie & fitch online has some really really great sales!