I wholeheartedly agree with this thread. I have handed over big bags of gifts to people who just take it and disappear into another room, no thanks, no acknowledgment, nothing! I dont want a pedestal- just a plain thank you would have been nice! Since I did take the time and effort to buy things- often saving money by not buying stuff for me or my family!

<phew> ... <deep breath> I feel better!

Anyway, this is what we did last time:

-Make a list atleast one year to six months in advance and write down all our ideas of gifts to take- chocolates/clothes/toiletries, etc.

-Wait for Back to School, buy those teen packs of shave gel/razor/deo ... split them up for atleast 3 people.

-Halloween/ Valentine / Easter = Buy chocolate right after these events

-Wait for coupons, Michaels has a 40% coupon often, I used that to buy some items for the ladies including stitching kits for the aunties.

-Use PC Points or similiar rewards cards to save up "points" to buy chocolate/deo/etc at the grocery store.

REMEMBER the weight allowance and buy accordingly.

This is what my BIL did: He took nothing. Every person he met he told them that either, the weight was too much he had to leave it back at the airport (sooo sadd) or the customs guys in India took it!!!

It was unethical ... but it worked!

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*Don't expect me to be perfect all the time, but please recognize it when I am. -Ashley Brilliant (#4114, c1987)