As someone with kids, I still feel like I "hate Christmas". Not only all the waste, especially packaging, but the "obligation" to buy all your nieces/nephews toys - which has turned into just buying things off their wishlists that the parents picked.

so... why don't i just buy for my kids, and you yours, and we'll see you for dinner?

but then yes - all the waste! Having to "pick something", and then of course grandma buys the most random, lowest quality stuff I have ever seen. I don't even know how she finds them.

Parents won't stop buying presents for their grandkids. I've asked and tried. They're too used to the consumerism of the era - have to buy things to show their love.

Friends don't let friends measure in bkg

The packaging for the toys is probably 26% of the waste! I despise plastic and the insane amount of useless junk my kids get for Christmas.

For Christmas and her birthday my niece gets a craft box subscription, and a day out with Aunty Charlytune. She gets so many presents from family, friends of family, and friends, it's ridiculous. This Xmas I did get her a little handmade witches chest off Etsy that was filled with little potion bottles and trinkets, it was less than £15 though and I think she'll make a really good witch so really it's a practical gift.

This year 100% of the gifts were purchased from Facebook Marketplace, including a full lot from a collector that was divided out as an Advent Calendar of actually cool usable stuff. Way cheaper, way more appreciated, helped some people in the community get a few bucks back without creating more waste

Not an issue if buying used and retiring by donating to the second hand store.