Larger than average

National Trust for Scotland is cheaper but consider whether you prefer to support Scottish or English properties.

If you are looking for low cost presents I have had success with stationery that I buy bit by bit as I see it on special offer in multypacks. Then I make up a box or pencil case each with glue stick. scissors.highlighters stapler hole punch fancy pens and pencils sellotape in a holder etc etc according to age. Useful for homework or pre school activities and saves them looking for the hole punch etc.

I'd agree with the people saying season ticket for local attraction, or membership of National Trust or similar. You have lots more people to buy for than I do, but last year our present to dd and family was the cost of a caravan holiday for them all in the summer - they'd not managed to afford one for several years, and as eldest grandchild is now at uni this was probably going to be the last year they would all be able to go away as a family. The younger two had small 'token' presents just so they had something to open from us on Christmas day, and the grown ups (including eldest gc) knew that the real present would be several months later.

I love the idea of a family photo, which would give everyone good memories. If you live close enough, perhaps give everyone an IOU for a day out somewhere - when the weather bucks up. We did that a couple of years ago and all went to Trentham Garden, close to the M6 at Stoke, where there really is something for everyone. We took a picnic, but you could include a meal too. It worked for us.

I have bought National Trust membership. English Heritage membership, theatre vouchers and cinema vouchers always go down well. Also buy vouchers for meals out- usually Nandos or Pizza Express ( other brands are available - as they would say on the BBC!). They can go out as a family then. Have also bought annual passes to farm parks for families with younger children. It meant they could go for just a few hours without thinking they had to spend all day there to get their money's worth.

Inishowen - your post reminded me of one Christmas when my Dad had won a hamper at work. To us it seemed huge - inside was a ready to cook duck, a bottle of Port (my Dad was teetotal), a packet of tea leaves, jar of Camp coffee, packet of sugar cubes (very posh!), two packets of biscuits, a box of crackers and a bag each of assorted nuts, apples and tangerines. Can still remember how excited we were!

Forgot to say. Buy NT on line for Scotland even when in England.

National Trust do family annual passes for £111 in England and a little less in Scotland. We buy the Scotland family passes as its cheaper and you can still get in all NT places in both Countries. The gift that keeps on giving.

A food hamper? Maybe the kids wouldn't appreciate it though.

We took our brood, nine grandchildren and one great grandchild, bowling for a couple of years. It was a great success. The youngest were looked after by the elder ones and the third year we included any parents who wanted to come along. A great time was had by all. Various other commitments and problems have prevented us doing it again, but I would certainly recommend it as a fun evening. If money allows, go to a cheap and cheerful restaurant afterwards, where you can have that well deserved glass of

Is there a photographer who would do photos of you all,together? A wonderful memory for all.

Annual Family pass to local entertainment theme type park etc.
Set of cinema vouchers
Restaurant vouchers
Box of goodies (e.g. Chocs) delivered every 3 months!
Voucher for family photo

Thanks for suggestions so far - last year we took them all out for lunch (all adults had one present - from Secret Santa) ie one of the other adults - 13 children had a present from us and the older ones money plus I did a lucky dip to keep them quiet at the restaurant - I over did the alcohol but we had a good time- I think. Restaurant gave us a room to ourselves thankfully!

Can you buy an family years ticket to an attraction or activity near to each family? Had not thought of this ,yself previously, but what a good idea. Here on the edge of the Peak District lots to choose from for sons family.

Karaoke machine?

...they appeal...

Good idea Pippa. Everyone loves a pantomime, there appeal on so may levels. Our local theatre charges about £75 for a family ticket so there would be money left over for some sweets or a McD afterwards for the kids and a swift in the intermission for the adults!

How about membership to National Trust that gives them lots of free days out.

How about tickets to a family show? We have a family outing to the local Pantomime each Christmas, a present from DiL sister.

All I can say is....
HellsBells.
I can't help I'm afraid but I don't envy you buying for that lot. I do think it must be lovely to have a large family to share Christmas with though.