while i think that some things are way expensive (an ipod for $150? really. just buy a radio.) not giving gifts at all is totally taking it too far. it's the one time of year when a kid can ask for something they'd never ask for otherwise, and there's a good chance they might actually get it. or at least a variation of it. (my sister asked for a pony, and got a barbie horse. she laughed, and ignored the rest of her gifts for the rest of the day.) it's like the episode if scrubs, where kelso's all nice and happy because it's his anniversary, so everyone asks him for stuff the hospital needs. but later on you find out that he didn't have an anniversary (meaning sex.) he just made it up, because if people think you'll give them what they want only one day of the year, they'll leave you alone for the rest of the time. plus, with all the crazy deals, kids who come from poor families have a chance at maybe getting a gift. or if all else fails, do homemade gifts. swearing off a whole tradition because you want to be edgy, and stick it to the man is just dumb. it's also a good way to end up in trouble with money, because the things you could have gotten as gifts, you now have to buy for yourself. would you all be so smug if you had to pay for, say... a jeep, a washer and dryer set, a house, and a computer? let me rephrase that: if your monthly income was $600 could you do that?