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Original poster

£200 to spend on me

62 replies

WutheredOut · 29/12/2023 21:42

My Mum gave me £200 to spend on myself for Christmas

I’ve realised I am very very bad at spending money on me … usually I can persuade myself out of spending because I don’t need anything so any spending tends to go on the house or on the kids

I am not allowed, and don’t need to, spend it on anything sensible

So… if you had £200 what would you spend it on?

OP posts:
RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 30/12/2023 10:04

dontgobaconmyheart · 30/12/2023 02:50

I also got exactly £200 as a Christmas gift with a pleading card saying to please just for once buy myself something I wouldn't normally and to just enjoy it. I'm a saver or would buy something practical for the house and everyone knows it apparently.

I bought myself a rechargeable table lamp from Pooky, which was so expensive and I'd never have just bought one otherwise but it's absolutely brilliant - I can't stop moving it around, so useful and also so gorgeous. Had about 50 quid left after that so had a lovely hour in the bookshop, chose a few books, bought a new mug from M&S , some brownies from the posh bakery and settled in at home with my new lamp, tea and treats. Honestly not had a nicer afternoon in ages and feel very spoilt.

This is just lovely!

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 30/12/2023 10:09

I’ve just bought a new coat. I think that would maybe be a good way to spend £200. You might even manage to get boots and a coat in the sales.

If somebody gave me £200 today, I would buy:

A bottle of expensive bubble bath
A big hardback cookery book
A couple of paperback nonfiction books
A big fat fluffy towel
A cosy jumper to wear after my bath, whilst curling up with my books

Or if just buying one thing, a really good Bluetooth speaker

myphoneisbroken · 30/12/2023 10:11

I have bought myself some nice new things recently after not spending for a while:

  • a new coat
  • a beeswax candle
  • the Liberty poetry diary for 2024
I'm also planning to buy a jumper in the Brora sale.

Love the lamp, books and brownies, @dontgobaconmyheart!

determinedtomakethiswork · 30/12/2023 10:25

AnotherEmma · 30/12/2023 08:26

I don't have much trouble spending money on myself Blush Grin

Massage, I have a stressful life and lots of aches and pains, so I treat myself to a massage every couple of months. Bliss.

New coat, shoes, handbag, purse, watch, jewellery

Kobo e-reader (prefer this to Kindle as you can borrow ebooks from the library on it)

Apple EarPods (or equivalent/similar if you don't have an iPhone)

Something for the house: artwork, a new lamp or ornament, etc

I have an Amazon Fire and borrow books from my library on that.

ladygindiva · 30/12/2023 11:14

A nice new handbag and/or coat .

Excitingnewusername · 30/12/2023 11:19

Having got a decently paying job after years of a tiny and insecure income, and trying to change my mindset from the absolute minimum spend always, these are the things I'm starting to think are worth treating myself to:

Lounge access at the airport
L'occitane (on offer, I'm still working on paying full price 😁) the almond delicious mist smells gorgeous, works really well, and as its a quick spray I actually use it and the shea hand cream actually stays all day inspite of housework and hand washing
Bean to cup coffee machine (I got a refurbished delonghi from their ebay outlet for £350, had to work myself up to spending that much for 2 weeks, but would replace immediately if it broke) DH doesn't drink coffee so this was very much a treat for me not for the house
Decent mugs (size/weight)
Good chocolate
Thai takeaway
Art and antiques (love them, our house is not minimalist, and can always resell/pass on without them feeling like devalued hand me downs, have been addicted to junk/flea markets since childhood as I'm a magpie and buying art direct from artists is a brilliant experience)

My £60 Christmas money this year actually went on a large ochre velvet bedspread and 2 cushions from Dunelm that were all 50% off and had been in my want but not at that price list for a long time. I've got £80 to spend at Amazon too, but nothing on there I want right now, so think that will go on L'occitane when I run out.

MuddlingThroughLife · 30/12/2023 11:45

I had £200 off my dad for Christmas. I bought:

9 books (kindle books)
3 pairs of trainers
Set of super sharp kitchen knives
New Pinch of Nom Express book
Bulbs for the kitchen 🤣
USB fan to plug into sofa

Sunnysidegold · 30/12/2023 11:55

@dontgobaconmyheart has it spot on I think. She has chosen something useful and beautiful in the lamp and then got a few relaxing afternoons out of all the books.

Phineyj · 30/12/2023 12:15

I'd get a new coat so I could enjoy it every day. Or maybe a painting or a print.

Notinmylifethyme · 30/12/2023 12:28

I had this a couple of years back. Strict instructions not to spend it on the kids.

I bought a coffee machine. Absolutely love it. I'm the only coffee drinker in the house.

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 30/12/2023 13:35

I also thought of a new Longchamp bag, which I want but have been putting off because they're not quite worth the price imo, as the corners go. I do love the one I've got though, as it's a perfect size and I like the fact it can be carried on a shoulder.

MaggieNextDoor · 30/12/2023 13:41

I would buy new boots, a lovely bag, a beautiful dress and some pretty makeup.

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