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AIBU?

DSs have an Xbox to share for their Christmas present. WIBU to not get them anything else?

28 replies

InsanityandBeyond · 22/11/2013 14:17

They are 11 year old DTs. I bought them a xbox celebration pack with the Kinect thingy, X box live subscription and two games included. Plus an extra game each (Minecraft and Lego Marvel).

I do not want to buy them anything else as that has cost me £220.00 in total (very good offer although older version of the X box) but am worried they won't have more to open. They won't get presents from my very large family as I have been 'cast out' due to me confronting my mother about my abusive childhood. DH's family dont do Christmas (different culture).

It our 1st christmas with no contact with my family which has left me with a heap of conflicting emotions!

DCs are used to having a veritable mountain of presents under the tree. There will be quite a few for the 3 year old as his will be much less expensive. There won't be much more that an envelope for the 17 year old either as she wants concert tickets. They will all have stockings with whatever I can afford to buy extra.

Am very worried about it Sad. Including the fact that it will 'just' be us, it will be very lonely. I don't want them disappointed!

Should I really just think WTF and buy them loads more as my heart is telling me Hmm or not (which makes me feel like shite)?

OP posts:
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Nightfall1983 · 22/11/2013 14:21

Unpack the x-box and wrap every item separately, controls, wires, games etc. It'll be fun to open, look like more and give them something to do whilst the 3yr old is opening there's. Don't worry otherwise though, 11 is old enough to understand the value of things x

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Nightfall1983 · 22/11/2013 14:21

Oops *theirs. And no x

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wontletmesignin · 22/11/2013 14:22

I think that is more than enough. Get little stocking fillers, sweets and things if you wanted.

But you dont NEED to. You have spent more than enough on them and they are old enough to understand that you would have spent a lot on them!

Dont feel guilty and feel the need to panic buy.
I think that is an awesome present :-)

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Needingthework · 22/11/2013 14:24

Can you get them some cheapy things like dvds or pyjamas/onesies?

I've done that in the past when DS1 wanted a top of the range iTouch and docking station. We did explain to him at the time that his pile would look different from his brothers, but he understood Smile.

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iheartdusty · 22/11/2013 14:26

that sounds like a fab present, particularly with stockings on top. I agree, they will be able to understand.

there are tips on the Christmas thread for making a 'Christmassy' experience for very little expense, and you've probably seen the colossal bargain threads to help with the stockings.

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Needingthework · 22/11/2013 14:26

But wanted to add, don't feel that you should get anything else.

If we just got DS1 the Xbox One this year, he would be over the moon. He's not getting that, though...

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ZombieMojaveWonderer · 22/11/2013 14:28

Jeez please op don't feel guilty about it. It's a great present for your kids. Just be prepared for lots of shouting! Wink My son is always shouting to his mates online during gameplay. Thank goodness I got him a headset Wink

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mylittlesunshine · 22/11/2013 14:34

That sounds fine to me, I think at their age they understand the value of money. I have a 9 year old and he knows that his pile now he is older is less because they are more expensive presents and he is completely fine with that. I normally bulk things out with sweets, amazon sell good DVDs which are quite good value, they also sell computer games quite cheap which are great.

As for Christmas on your own as a family, those are some of our favourite Christmases as we can just focus on us and don't need to worry about everyone else. Try and see it as a positive, we still make it really nice but everything is more relaxed we have Christmas music on unwrapping then we all spend ages playing with toys and gifts. We then have a relaxing dinner and play some games together as a family. I'm sure you will have a fabulous day.

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wontletmesignin · 22/11/2013 14:35

Can i just add - it wont be lonely! You will be with your family, and that is all you need, in any given situation - not just christmas.
Smile

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DamnBamboo · 22/11/2013 14:46

Just wrap all the items separately!

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emark · 22/11/2013 17:46

can i ask where you got such a good deal from??
my eldest 8 & 10 will be sharing an Xbox and only having smaller stocking fillers.
also very few other presents as small family from one side and different culture from dh

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mrsjay · 22/11/2013 17:52

yes as said thread wrap up all the x box doodahs and then their stockings an Xbox is a great present but Iunderstand the piles conflict but you need to remember as they get older the piles get smaller, mine are having a satnav and an ipod and very little else tbh a few nick nacks

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MissDuke · 22/11/2013 17:55

Fantastic gift! I agree about wrapping it all up separately. I am sure they will be over the moon!

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Meh84 · 22/11/2013 17:59

Could you not do a little treasure hunt in the morning for the separate pieces? I'd LOVE that!...even at 30 haha!

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wontletmesignin · 22/11/2013 18:04

Oh yes! With clues. The first one to find...a simple wire. A one that wont give away that it is an xbox.

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IHeartKingThistle · 22/11/2013 18:13

I'd probably try and get some cheap little things to wrap if it was me, but sounds like they'll be delighted with the x box!

Have a great Christmas!

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HappyMummyOfOne · 22/11/2013 18:18

Its a lovely main present but i would get some very cheap stocking presents as the others have their own preesents whereas the two that are sharing dont. Presumably they asked for the joint present though and lnow what to expect pile wise.

I wouldnt take it all out of the box and wrap seperately though unless you do that for the others.

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Iamsparklyknickers · 22/11/2013 19:55

Definitely don't feel guilty, that's a fab present and they'll be over the moon!

I would be tempted to get them some definitely cheap, but entertaining stuff - you'll be wanting your tv back eventually Grin

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trashcanjunkie · 22/11/2013 20:03

Pound shop for some stocking fillers. For your own happiness, not theirs! Also, if they need sock or underpants or pjs, or any other 'functional' items get them and wrap them up. I refuse to suffer from 'pile anxiety' but don't want to get too much. I am in a similar position op, so I totally geddit. Have a lovely day, and re-invent christmas to exactly how you want it

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CreamyCooler · 22/11/2013 20:06

Wrap their games up separately and then they have something each to open.
I think you will all have a lovely day, what lucky children.
P.S you got a great deal.

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SunshineMMum · 22/11/2013 20:06

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Rubybrazilianwax · 22/11/2013 20:06

At 11 most of them are old enough to understand that xboxes, ipods etc all cost as much if not more than a pile of toys.
I would still do small bits and pieces in a stocking though.

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Rubybrazilianwax · 22/11/2013 20:08

You can buy coloured xbox controller covers or stickers for £2 or £3 on ebay. Just something that ties in with it.

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MunchMunch · 22/11/2013 20:16

Personally I would buy a few extras (doesn't have to cost much, e.g footballs, board games, DVDs, smellies set or books etc) especially as they are sharing the xbox but as a side note are there 2 controllers as it might boring having to wait your turn or only being able to play single player.

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wontletmesignin · 22/11/2013 20:45

As an add on you could get a better quality headset for the xbox.
Even funky thumb grips - they cost about £1-2 in grainger games and things.

A headset you could pick up between 7-11 pounds.
I have just bought a cooling lcd thing for 3.55 or something. It keeps the xbox cool. And lights up blue. It just sits under the xbox. I will trt nd find the link

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