to have gone completely overboard on ds for Christmas?

[geordieminx]

Dh and I have just got ds' presents out of the garage to wrap. I'm and at how much stuff there is, and it's made me feel quite sad, especially when there are so many on here that are struggling.

He's on 3.5, and there is literally a mountain of stuff.

Similar situation here too. We haven't spent a lot (good bargain hunting) and it's not actually a massive pile as the gifts are quite little. They're mostly board games etc, I'm a sucker for anything educational

We've agreed not to get as much in future. But it's been a good motivator to have a clear out, we've got loads of decent toys and books to give away.

women's aid is a great place to donate to. We do this every year at work, buy a small gift for either mum or child. The people who find themselves in a refuge over christmas will mostly be there with nothing and emotionally in turmoil, christmas is a very difficult time for them and their children. Gifts given to them to open on christmas day can make things seem a bit more 'normal' for the children.

Ooh that's a great idea. Do they accept clothes? I'm about to have a big clear out.

Will you feel like you have to do the same thing next year, or make it even bigger and better? Don't set expectations too high. Most 3yos would be happy with a few small toys and a big cardboard box.

frosty I am pretty certain they accept clothes. Give them a call, they would really appreciate it, these women have little faith in anyone at this point in their lives. The generosity and support of women's support hostels are essential to help these women keep their resolve.

I do'nt think our 2 year old will remember and have expectations for next year. Doubtful a 3 year old will, either. As long as there is a present under the tree on xmas that they can play with, they will be happy and grateful :)

And yes, WA do accept clothes :) I've donated some myself. They told me that some women just arrive with the clothes on their backs and their dc - nothing else. :( So clothes for adults and dc are appreciated

star not just some - most.

:(

Thanks for that info. I've been wondering what to do with the clothes I'm getting rid of - I keep hearing of charity shops binning donations if they aren't perfect so it's good to know there is somewhere my stuff will definitely get used. I might take toys and books too, I'll ask them.

I wouldn't have thought of it if not for MN, it's really opened my eyes to what some people go through, and how lucky I am in my own life :(

geordieminx Do this-

Make 4 piles-
one for next years christmas-WRITE IT DOWN
one for birthday- WRITE IT DOWN
one for little friends birthdays-WRITE IT DOWN
one for Womans Aid

Next year you will be able to consult your lists and then shop accordingly.

Try and plan what you want to buy and do not overshop.

I think if your DS has a "mountain" of stuff, then even if you really cut into it, there will still be a substansial lot.

My DS has
Bike- from GrandParents
Rocking Horse- car boot
Baby Doll
Aqua Doodle
Books
Craft items- looks like alot, but cost very little as was from Wilkos!
Play Doh
Toy Cars
Nuts, chocolate, fruit.
New top, socks, hat and cardigan

Just becasue you can afford it doesn't mean they should have it.

Due to buying all my kids presents with doubled up tesco vouchers or from charity shops I think the combined total of actual cash spent has been about £10 between the two of them.

I had budgeted about £50 for 3 year old and £20 for 8 month old. Therefore I could buy them more things but I won't because I don't want (especially the three year old) to get used to having a 'mountain' of presents as I don't want to set a precident. In future years by bargain hunting skills may fail me and I won't be able to live up to expectation.

I've felt like this sometimes once I've got all the bits and pieces together. Even if you can afford it, there just seems something wrong when there is a ridiculously huge pile of presents and I don't think it necessarily matters if you spent a lot or more. i do feel OMG and guilty sometimes and take a few things away as it just can seem al too much. Also for those kids who don't get a lot for whatever reason - just seems to rub their nose in it when they hear what some other kids are getting. Must go now and make sure my pile isn't revoltingly huge!