Stars Get Thrifty This Christmas!

 Image by wenn.com

Yeah, yeah, we're in a recession. But does that have to affect your Christmas wish list? While we're all struggling in this tough economic time, celebrities are hardly taking a hit. But you might be surprised to hear that a couple of them are toning down the holiday gift-buying extravaganza a little bit this year due to the state of our economy. And maybe to make us normal folk feel a little bit better about doing the same.

Both Anne Hathaway and Joel Madden are planning on having a thrifty Christmas this year.

Anne has decided not to spend over $50 on any presents this year, while Joel has opted out of anything fancy after Nicole Richie requested it! Joel says, "I have no clue right now what I’m getting her, but I think it’s going to have to be creative. She appreciates more of the creative rather than something like a diamond. She’s not really into diamonds." And the couple’s 11-month old daughter, Harlow, won’t be getting any fancy presents either.

Madden adds, "Nicole is very organic, so (Harlow will) probably a lot of organic toys like wooden blocks."

As for Anne Hathaway, she says, "I’m doing a lot of research right now on cool gifts for under $50." And it won’t be the first time she's cut back during the holidays. She adds, "One year, actually for Christmas, I made everyone ribbon board… I made it, except mine was terrible because I couldn’t find the bunting and so it didn’t actually work with any of the cards. So I just actually included a little bag of festive thumbtacks.

"I’m a willful crafter, but I’m kind of a C student when it comes to the crafts. So I think like, everyone else, I’m going to be making a lot of gifts. My family has a price cap on things and we always give money to charity, so I think we’re going to be focusing on that."

It only seems fitting given the circumstances right now! What are your thoughts on cutting back on Christmas gifts? Good idea, or does it take the fun out of the whole day?