Children's stockings would you do this?

[TeaBreak01]

This is in no way bragging before I get accused just wanted some opinions or suggestions. So dh took a new better paid job started 30th November, he wasn't paid his last months wages from old employer and doesn't look like it will be paid anytime soon. Out of his first months wage at new job they are taking a week in hand, then they have a 2 week shut down over xmas dh will not get paid for this as has not accured any holiday days, so Decembers monthly wage will only be 1 weeks pay to last until end of January (it will be paid early the 18th). I have done some of the kids xmas shopping was planning on finishing with novembers pay which we haven't recived so oviously that won't be happening and they'll get what we've already got them and that's fine. Dc have no stocking fillers, if you were in this situation would you use 1 of their bigger gifts as their stocking or return 1 gift and buy some stocking stuff? For example Youngest dd who is 3 asked Santa for the Elsa sing along doll ( which i have got her) should Santa bring this instead of stocking this year? Or should I return the play doh set I got her that cost about £20 and buy small things for her stocking and likewise for dd1 and ds.

[AppleAndBlackberry]

I think I'd return one of the bigger things if you've already got them several presents each. You don't have to spend loads on a stocking, those 10p haribo packets are good, chocolate coins, satsuma etc and then home bargains or pound shop for bits and pieces.

[chanie44]

I tend to buy small stocking fillers for my children, so I'd probably return one of the bigger gifts and buy a few smaller stocking fillers.

Personally, I wouldn't spend £20 on play doh - you could make your own cheaply and I'm sure your children would have just as much fun.

[TeaBreak01]

Yes problem is I haven't bought loads, dh was owed 2 weeks holiday pay on top of normal month from old employer and that was going to be used for kids presents. Dd1 i've only bought her the lego friends hotel and lego friends aeroplane, the plane was £20 if i return the plane and buy bits and bobs i'll feel alwful shes only had 1 gift. God i hate this

[LetGoOrBeDragged]

For my dc I always fill the stockings with unusual sweets that they dont get ordinarily - b&m are quite good for this as they have some American inported sweets which are cheap. Then I get them about 4 proper presents. I wouldn't take back something they actually want, in order to buy bits for a stocking.

If it helps, Oxfam has some little puzzles/games for stockings which are a few quid each.

[LetGoOrBeDragged]

Can you contact citizens advice regarding your dhs pay. His former employer is stealing from him. I wouldn't just let that go.

Sorry this is happening to you, particularly at Christmas

[TeaBreak01]

Not returning the hotel got it on 3 for 2 at argos so would have to return everything and end up worse off.

[TeaBreak01]

Yes we have made an appointment with solicitor, the cheeky buggers have said they're not paying him full stop cause he's gone to work for a competitor. Read the contract start to finish and there is absolutely nothing in there about this, wish he hadn't of worked his notice now and took a month off.

[TeaBreak01]

There really is no money to buy anything else even sweets etc, paying the bills and feeding the kids over the next 2 months is going to be a struggle.

[AppleAndBlackberry]

Can you return the £20 playdoh set, get a £5 set for DD2 and use the £15 for stockings? 3 year olds won't realise if you've spent a bit less like an older child might.

[strawberrypenguin]

Has on of the DCs got 'more' that others at the moment? If so I'd be tempted to just return one item overall from whoever has 'more' and use that to get small stocking fillers for all the DC's. Or do as you suggest and have Santa bring then a bigger gift instead of a stocking. I'm sure they wouldn't mind!

[Artandco]

I would return the play dough set. She's 3, £20 is a lot for play dough. Them go and buy normal
Play dough for £2, and use the £18 to fill stockings with stuff. Sastuma/ chocolate Santa in both, with a few £1 extras like pencils/ socks/ game etc

Look in charity shops also. They always sell books really cheap usually as get loads. 20p often. You could get small ones for stockings or a big one to wrap

[TeaBreak01]

Yes think thats what I'm going to do return the play doh set and spend the £20 on stocking bits and sweets. Dd2 is to young to notice or care if she's had a bit less, all she'll care about is the Elsa doll and rightly so.

[TeaBreak01]

Money wise dd2 has had the least, dd1 and ds around the same they both have a large and small lego set each. Buy taking the play doh set back dd2 will be left with sing along elsa doll and Anna toddler doll that comes with Spin the reindeer and slay, so 2 presents each and a small stocking should work out fine.

[bexcee8]

When money's been tight for us at Christmas in the past I've given them vouchers to be redeemed later in the year. We included a family DVD night with popcorn. A cinema trip. Going bowling. Things that don't cost a fortune and give them something to look forward to.
I made and printed the vouchers off myself so we're free. Could even out a date in them to be used once you have more money i.e. this voucher is for a trip to the cinema in March.

[bexcee8]

Sorry meant to say I rolled the vouchers up and tied them with ribbon before putting them in stockings.

[ElfontheShelfIsWATCHINGYOUTOO]

I would go to pounds shop/wilksison and buy little bits for stocking and keep their others gifts too.

[ChristmasEvePJs]

I think returning the play doh and making up the stockings from the £20 is ideal. A few vouchers like bexcee said would give you all something to look forward to.

[Hufflepuffin]

Sounds like you've got some great ideas for presents. When I started a new company once I got an advance on my first paycheque from HR (they knew I'd moved to London for the job so suggested it to me) - obviously depends on the company whether this is something you'd like to ask for or not!

[TeaBreak01]

Advance has been offered but to be honest won't help dh is only going to be paid 1 week for december and I think thats best to be paid that when its due it might then be easier to make it last through January. The homemade vouchers are a good idea and dc love a day out.

[d270r0]

Do you have any old toys you could sell on ebay to make extra cash for presents? Anything they don't play with, particularly anything like imaginext or playmobil will sell for loads as long as you can post it ( don't do 'collect only' or you'll get peanuts for it)

[Sparkletastic]

Off topic but has your DH written formally to state that the previous company owes him 1 month's pay. Stick 'Without Prejudice' in title line and say that if money not received within 5 working days then legal action will be taken.

[chocolatemonster]

That's awful.

How long did he work for the previous employer? If he worked his notice he is entitled to be paid regardless whether he is working for a competitor.

Hope you get the presents sorted. What about buying some cheap sweets and doing an Xmas morning treasure hunt?

[TeaBreak01]

He worked there for just over 6 years, shocked the way he's been treated by them to be honest. No not formally asked in writting for this wages, he went in after he didn't get paid to find out why and was told he wasn't. Dh feels alwful for the kids even though i've told him they won't notice or care.

[MrsGradyOldLady]

To be honest I'd concentrate on getting his last wage from his ex employer. They can't with old it because he's gone to a competitor. While you're waiting for your solicitors appointment why don't you send a 7 day letter? Threaten them with the small claims court.

If it were me i would stick it on a credit card as I'd know damn well I'd be getting that money back. No way would I be writing that off! No way at all.

[MrsGradyOldLady]

In fact you could phone ACAS now.