When they started working. Then they pretty much got everything they needed and wanted, except maybe a new car which we couldn't afford. Now that we have grands, the grands get the most. I got more this year than I intended on, but that happens every year...lol. Now if they didn't work, they would get maybe a $50 gift certificate. You know how I feel about laziness. It doesn't fly with me
I try to get things that mean things to the kids. For Julie and her SO on top of a few other odds and ends and lots and lots for Kaili, I ordered two coffee mugs with Kaili's picture on them. I got dorm/college stuff Jumper has been asking for as her dorm is cold plus she will get some money and already got a tatoo a few months ago. We tend to give presents early if they want them...that way we can give all year round without feeling a huge lump at Christmas, which is not really a religious holiday for us.
Sonic got a Smart TV. He got the biggest present this year. He will be thrilled. But then he has to pass down his other TV to Jumper who doesn't have a TV that works anymore.
37 makes a lot more than we do and we don't exchange. I get my grandson something, but Grandson is so obscenely spoiled by 37 that, as 37 puts it, "Don't bother sending a lot. Every time he's with me it's Christmas." So I sent him something he really likes, Pokeman cards, rare, whatever that means. There is nothing that kid doesn't have materially. He's already hard to shop for because he has everything. It's insane. Grandson gets to play one of umpteen video systems on 37's 60 inch screen HD television, a tablet, a laptop, has all the cool clothes, $150 shoes, a $100 back pack...in other words, what can we get him that he wouldn't think was just another day at 37 house? Sorry for the short vent
All and all, I like giving stuff that has a loving, family feeling more than anything, even to the grands.