Me again.

[mamasma]

Hi lovely people.

I constantly come back here for advice as it's the only place I can get fair straight to the point advice

If anyone remembers me,my DH left me and DD etc etc anyway two weeks ago finally got myself back on my feet (not relying on the food bank every week).However I'm really panicking about Christmas.My DD is 5 and she's always had lots of presents at Christmas (pfb) etc this year I can't afford presents never mind a tree how do I explain that to a kid?how do you when she believes in Santa and thinks he's bringing her lots of presents and all her friends get the same!I don't want sympathy I want to know what to do to make this not as hard for DD.

Thanks everyone!

Post on your local Freecycle or freegle just asking for any unwanted toys for a 5 year old girl. You will get lots of offers I imagine.

Have a chat with the school? Ours make referrals to local charities and food banks, churches etc. I was amazed at how much support is there, especially at Christmas.
Or if you feel comfortable, post your area - some of us may be nearby and have little things like a tree or decorations, or even some games our kids have grown out of?
I have some lovely Julia Donaldson books I would happily send to you? They were gifted to me, I would just be paying it forward

Hello everyone,

We've had a number of reports from people concerned about this thread so, as we usually do in these circs, we're putting our heads round the door with some important reminders.

So we always ask users to remember that not everyone on the internet is who they say they are – and remind folk not to give more to another poster, either financially (in cash or gifts) or emotionally (in time or care and support) than they'd be prepared to lose if things went wrong. We strongly advise against parting with any cash or giving away your personal details, and if you ever receive a PM which makes you uneasy - hit report and we can always take a look.

Sorry to hijack your thread briefly there, OP – we really hope you get it all sorted soon. In the meantime, you might find some useful information on our guide for dealing with financial difficulty

Charity shops are great at this time of year because lots of people have a clear out of toys before Christmas. Ditto facebook marketplace.

Luckily she is an age where pretty much everything is exciting and she has no idea how much things cost, so fifteen £1 presents will be more interesting than one £15 presents t.

If you have a social worker you could speak to them as they may be able to refer you to a local charity which donates gifts to children whose parents are in difficult situations.

Was afraid of that happening,people think I'm up to something when I was just after advice so thank you everyone so much for the advice ,which is the only thing I was after.

It's really helpful and I'm going to get it sorted out.

Thank you x

We have got a lot of bits second hand this year just from a sustainability perspective. I was also going to recommend gumtree, fb marketplace and free cycle. Alternatively, there is a sub on reddit that helps out parents in difficult situations to get presents for their children. The name escapes me right now, but I will try and find it and come back. I think it may be SantasLittleHelpers. You put gifts on an amazon wishlist and people buy them. I get some bits for kids every year, so could be worth a look.

Yep, r/santaslittlehelpers

Are you able to sell some of her older toys that she no longer plays with, on Facebook selling pages? Or any other bits you can part with to raise a bit of extra cash?

Evening, folks. We wanted to let you know that after a chat with the OP, mamasma, we've happily agreed to reinstate the thread.

Just to explain, mamasma was feeling a bit anxious about it all which is why we agreed to remove the thread initially. Neither we nor any posters on the thread were suspicious about her intentions in starting the thread. We posted our standard message on here, as we do on many threads at this time of year.

There were so many great suggestions from other MNers on here that mamasma was really grateful to receive, she was keen not to lose the thread entirely so we thought it was wise to reinstate it.

Thanks to everyone who has contributed with advice so far and best of luck, OP.

Sorry everyone,I had a panic attack as usual but I really do appreciate all the advice and having people to talk to

Not read all the thread, but parents send presents to santa to deliver... Which is why everyone gets different things. And explains any they saw lying about in a carrier bag that appears wrapped up.

Make magic with snowy footprints... Leaving out a carrot, mince pies and milk.

Little Christmas trees are cheapish in Asda. Put on a tall cupboard etc.

Charity shops sell decorations.

Look up sock bears and make one from her old tights?

Charity shop for a big but cheap present?

One church near us gives out new gifts for parents to give to their children.

Hope you can pick a solution you can manage from this thread.

Well done for reaching out in the first place! Loads of helpful ideas. Do update us with your special finds. You'll make it magical, I'm sure!

Whereabouts in the country address you lass? I have a spare Christmas tree looking for a good home.

*are
Obviously I'm not asking for your address! Blinking autocorrect.

Patroclus

"This is definitely a terrible idea"

😂😂😂

Sorry what's a terrible idea?

Oh I see now haha it may come to that!

Round us there is a community meal on Christmas Day for anyone who is in need, with a present for each child. Might be something similar near you? And would be a new, different tradition.

Have you got the shop 'The Works ' near you ? I was in there earlier with my 5 year old DG there was loads of things for a £1, stampers, colouring books , decorating a wooden Xmas tree set , all sorts. Home Bargains is worth a look too.

@mamasma please pm me and I would love to send your daughter something for her to open. I have a son the same age and this is the first year he has really understood it aswell and I would like to help to make it special. I know that any of us could be in this circumstance at any time so really would love to send her a gift x

I really recommend charity shops too, OP. Your can get some great stuff in them. You could get lots of things very cheaply, wrap them all up and there you go! She will never know the difference at her age. Bit different with some of those 'must have' toys etc but you might be able to get similar if you look on Facebook Marketplace / Freecycle sites etc.
Wishing you all the very best.

I'm crying at all the replies,i just needed someone to talk to and I feel a little better thank you so much

@mamasma please do pm me, I know you didn’t want that but I would like to send something for your daughter to open x

And I still have a tree going spare (visions of a Christmas tree running around clutching its crown ) if you're north England / south Scotland.

Ah your tree I totally forgot was in a state yesterday.Im Scotland x