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You are in no danger of this so-called over-spoiling. Especially since she lives across the country. Children cannot become spoiled by one auntie. Parents create crazy spoiled child monsters- Aunties don't.
Also, the spending limit, while totally acceptable for an adult's gift, is absurdly low for a child. You strike me as the type who sends a thoughtful, special gift, not the latest flashy junk that will end up in a landfill in 5 minutes.
Have fun shopping and creating! Happy Holidays!

I don't think you're spoiling. It's Christmas and these are gifts. Parents are the ones who are with them 24/7 (or less now depending on the work). but it's their job to teach kids to appreciate all kinds of gifts whether big or small.

If they're always taught to appreciate small gifts, why can't they appreciate big gifts? It's the same love whatever the form.

And frankly...just because you can! ;)

Different families have different gift-giving styles, too, something that might be causing the disconnect between your idea of a Christmas present and your SIL's idea. (I know this is an old thread, but in case somebody else has the same issue, I thought I'd weigh in.) My boyfriend's family gives small gifts, mostly handmade things or very practical things like grocery gift cards. My family, on the other hand, goes ALL OUT for Christmas -- it takes us a long, long time to get through the pile under (and around, and down the hall from) the tree.

I agree that you aren't in danger of spoiling your niece. My nieces live far away from me, too, and I love to send them gifts. It will actually be easier when she gets older because you can Skype with her and feel more connected that way, and then maybe you will be able to cut down on the number of care packages you send. Or maybe not, but that's okay, too!

I'm a long-distance Aunt too. I work hard to respect my SIL's requests. They have a smaller home and there isn't room for tons of toys and clothes. So, I try and keep my gifts particularly personal, small and regular. So instead of going big at a holiday, i send something small every month or two. I send postcards and cards to my niece frequently, I had a customized book made for her 1st birthday, I've cross-stitched small wall hangings and passed down a quilt made by my great-grandmother. I've also signed up on diapers.com and gave my SIL a password so she can order diapers. The one area I splurge is books. But they are small and well-loved and most importantly my SIL is happy to receive them.

I have a wonderful SIL. She created a little shelf in my niece's room that she puts all of the cards and post-cards and notes I send. So I know my lil munchkin will get to see that I thought about her all the time when she was little.

Interesting solution. Sigh, typos.