I gave up gift giving with my friends a number of years ago, and I had it pared down to my significant other and my three sisters.  When I broached the subject with my sisters, one of them said, "Thank goodness!  I'm so glad you've decided to do this."  Our gift cards for one another would probably pass in the mail.  It was a little more difficult with my other two sisters, but eventually we all agreed.  My significant other and I do not exchange gifts anymore either.  I now take the amount of money I would normally spend on gift giving, and I donate it to a number of different charities who help others less fortunate.  Take it from someone whose shopping list once numbered 42 - it is possible to move away from the commercialism of the season!