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Original poster

I cant afford goddamn xmas

77 replies

Melondramatic · 29/10/2018 00:39

Its the first time i have been really skint, with the kids for xmas. I am pissed off. Will get a nice dinner in blah blah. But really, they do LIKE having presents to open!!

Am going to get them lots of things they need anyway...a sweep of Superdrug for nice toiletries. Any other ideas? I dont want to just buy a load of cheap crap for the sake of it. But pants and socks are a bit of a kick in the teeth too!

OP posts:
BrieAndChilli · 30/10/2018 11:35

There’s a link on the Christmas thread to a necklace on Amazon with a dandelion wish inside a glass ball. Is only 40p delivered!! I’ve ordered one but it hasn’t arrived yet but someone else said there’s looked ok.

BrieAndChilli · 30/10/2018 11:37

If you have a shop near you that sells party bag stuff things like rocket balloons (about 30p go down well on the day)

TeeBee · 30/10/2018 12:22

OP, does your 8-year old like models? I have some unopened robots and a make-your-own crystal garden that have sat in my DS' cupboard all year (too old for them now). Ridiculous waste so I'm happy to post to you if you think you can make use of them.

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Events & celebrations
TeeBee · 30/10/2018 12:25

I remember my Aunty (when she was a teenager) made us each a sack of second hand presents, which were very well chosen. I still think what a wonderfully kind thing she did. Obviously at that age she had no money at all. She would also decorate jars for each of us and fill them up with different sweets. Ahhh, I'm going to text her now and remind her how sweet she was to us. Such lovely memories of kindness.

Awoof · 30/10/2018 12:32

What is it they both actually want OP?
That might help us target an approach? X

bluetrampolines · 30/10/2018 12:38

That magpie outlet is amazing!

bluetrampolines · 30/10/2018 12:41

How old are your kids? Single parent here too. Feel your pain.

CuppaSarah · 30/10/2018 12:44

I'm skint too. My kids are getting Facebook market place bargains. A box of balloons. Some home baked goods(fortunately have a huge amount of nice baking decorating stuff from my birthday gifts).

We might be skint but I'm absolutely looking forward to Christmas. I don't buy into the whole expensive gifts thing anyway. I'll be putting together games and crafts for the day and we always have a blast even though we don't have much to spend. But if it's your first Christmas without much money I can see why you're worried. Trust me though a bit of effort and creativity is all you need.

MinorProphet · 30/10/2018 13:23

I have found this website quite good for bits and pieces... V cheap.
www.rexlondon.com/sale-highlights?all=yes]]

bluetrampolines · 30/10/2018 18:06

Prophet

Excellent link. Thanks

HairyToity · 30/10/2018 18:39

They often sell new items on eBay. I always understood parents couldn't afford loads. It honestly never bothered me. I remember feeling very grown up that they explained this to me.

snownsunshine · 30/10/2018 19:19

Is there anything they are desperate to be allowed to do? Which you've been saying no to but could cave on? For example if they desperately wanted ears pierced you could buy them a £3 pair of earrings and they'd be pretty happy!
Or do you have any family heirloom stuff you could gift? Family jewellery is a lovely present for those sort of ages . . . And free.

3in4years · 30/10/2018 19:35

Double up your nectar points is coming up in November. We got a lot of our Santa presents 'for free that way last year.
I also keep an eye on ebay selling sites.
And in my area there are Kids Stuff sales where you pay what you can afford for good quality second hand toys and clothes. Do you have anything like that?

Original poster
Melondramatic · 31/10/2018 14:35

Well, i think i have just done their stockings for about £16 each, using advice on here! I did the water bottle full of sweets and mugs with hot chocolate and bags of mini marshmallows. Its mostly sugary treats, but never mind!

OP posts:
MinorProphet · 31/10/2018 19:12

Brilliant. What is your approx budget for the kids other gifts?

RandomMess · 31/10/2018 19:22

A jar with Future "treats" inside-

Movie night
Walk with ice cream at the end
Trip out for a cup of coffee

So fairly cheap things you may do anyway?

Original poster
Melondramatic · 31/10/2018 19:28

minor i dont have a budget as such. I have to carve the money out of the groceries budget and overdraft. So, as little as possible. Its a dangerous place to be...because if you have a £100 for eg, thats what you spend. But when its overdraft/CC you are borrowing already. I am in danger of adopting a 'fuck it' attitude and spending too much.
I am not worried about the youngest, i can easily buy her lots of bulky cheap stuff which she will love, from ideas on here.

The eldest is harder. She has an expensive hobby and expensive tastes (ideas above her station, that one!)

OP posts:
TwllBach · 31/10/2018 19:36

Can I just say, I love the idea of a book of vouchers and a ‘future’ event. Could you book you all a night away somewhere? I use booking.com through Quidco and I’ve got a night with DS in Chester in November for £39 and a night in Liverpool in January with DS for £44. They’re only basic hotels but still...

I feel for you op. I’m looking at bring forever skint but it’s not too bad this year or the two previous ones because DS is only 2.5.

Can I also say, sign up to EVERY shop your DDs like and I guarantee you’ll get a million offer/discount/sales emails beteeen now and then. I get 2 a day from GAP :/ Hotel chocolat do good deals and there’s a company called The Slabb that have 15% off atm.

TwllBach · 31/10/2018 19:37

Just seen your update OP. Does your eldest DD like clothes? ASOS have 15% off until midnight

Mooey89 · 31/10/2018 19:43

For your 13 year old I have just bought an almost full face of make up stuff (her request!) from the make up revolution sale for 12.50.
Lipsticks for £1!! I’m going to give her that a get a nice make up bag from primark or B&m for arohnd £3 - her full gift for £15 and she’s going to be over the moon.

For my 5 year old I’ve done the stocking for under £10 in home bargains - stocking fillers in there for less than £1
I’ve also got him a board game for £4 (home bargains) and they have really reasonably priced toys in there too.

I would do a stocking - bulk it up with chocolate etc from B&M or the pound shop, I also always do socks and pants and toothbrush in the stocking! , a pair of Pjs and selection box wrapped under the tree, a board game, and a toy or make up for the older one?
I also got skincare stuff in home bargains for around £1 each!

I feel you!

Mooey89 · 31/10/2018 19:44

Oh! And another great Idea I saw was a Christmas pass the parcel! We put a forfeit or dare in each layer and then a book for a prize?

Original poster
Melondramatic · 31/10/2018 20:35

mooey she would love the makeup! I just looked on the website. I am too clueless about makeup but i ordered her a paleete of 96 eyeshadow colours for £12 and some nice bath stuff

Pass the parcel gets a bit riotous in our house...im gunna do it. That will be fun

OP posts:
JoshLymanIsHotterThanSam · 31/10/2018 20:36

Gap have a really good sale on at the moment with an extra 40% off everything on top. So you could get them some clothes.
Stationary? My girl loves stationary. Your older girl-some make up from Poundland-it’s good stuff.

Mooey89 · 31/10/2018 20:44

I really like make up revolution, it’s actually pretty good quality.
Have a great Christmas :)

RandomMess · 31/10/2018 21:18

We don't have the same financial restrictions but we are all making a list of stuff to do over the Christmas period to make it more festive...

Gingerbread house decorating
Cooked breakfast/brunch
Visit to posh garden centre to look at decs
Festive films
Christmas market (again more to soak up atmosphere)