I didn't find any of the points made here about the gift exchange to be rude at all.
Everyone has their own feelings and opinions, and my own have been represented here several times by several people.
I have made a conscious choice not to participate in the GEs for many of the reasons mentioned here.
At the very least, there needs to be a MAXIMUM spending limit. I've seen people who spent well over the $20 minimum get a decidedly underwhelmed reaction from their Secret Buddy, who clearly hoped for one of the more extravagant spenders to get their name. |