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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

to wrap things they already have but don't play with as Christmas presents?

15 replies

teacoupons · 15/11/2011 14:36

I'm doing Christmas on a very, very low budget this year. I have two DC's age 1 and 3 and DP's DS age 2 to buy for. While I have bought them one main present each and a few stocking fillers it seems like nothing to go between three DC's.

Would I be unreasonable to wrap up things they already have but have never/not much played woth or read? Thinhs like books and stuffed toys they've never noticed?

I feel terrible that I van't give them a better Christmas, especially as DD 3 knows about Santa and is getting excited but I'm on benefits and what little money I do have always goes into bills and food.

AIBU?

OP posts:
teacoupons · 15/11/2011 14:37

Sorry about the typos. I'm on my phone with fat fingers.

OP posts:
supadupapupascupa · 15/11/2011 14:38

no you are not. i would also consider charity shops or car boots. can you swap and good quality stuff with mates?

Memoo · 15/11/2011 14:39

I think it's a fab idea!

fruitstick · 15/11/2011 14:39

you could do that, I wrapped some of DS1's toys from the lost for DS2 one year.

But one main present and some stocking fillers should be enough for children so small. Don't worry, and concentrate on enjoying the time with them.

fuzzynavel · 15/11/2011 14:40

Not sure if I'd wrap up the same toys to be honest, what about swapping some stuff with friends? Or popping off to a local charity shop to see what they have? They don't have to be new just different?

mercibucket · 15/11/2011 14:41

instead of wrapping up stuff the 3 year old might remember, just swap with friends or go to the charity shop instead. half the time they're giving away the cuddly toys with any buy at ours, they're that desperate to get rid, and they often have lovely books 3 for £1 as well. don't feel a need to spend much at that age - they don't need much

teacoupons · 15/11/2011 14:41

I've got their main presents from charity shops and a few bits and pieces like books and toy bricks. Also got DP's from there Blush.

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IWillOnlyEatBeans · 15/11/2011 14:41

YANBU

I think one main present and a couple of stocking fillers sounds fine though.

Could you do a toy swap with some friends - swap some of the unloved/unnoticed toys for some of their DC's less-loved posessions?

fuzzynavel · 15/11/2011 14:42

Two great minds huh sapdupa? Grin

Ragwort · 15/11/2011 14:42

Sounds perfectly reasonable - in fact we wrap up 'vintage' board games from my DH's youth (he's over 50 Grin) as presents for our 10 year old DS !

tigermoll · 15/11/2011 14:43

YANBU. In fact, YAB rather clever and thrifty.

At 1, 2 and 3 these very young children are going to have a brilliant time with you and your partner, being together, playing games, and all the excitement and decorations of the day. They don't need more gifts.

If you feel a bit too guilty (although I don't think you need to) do you have any friends in a similar position with whom you could swap unplayed-with toys? Then everyone gets something new.

tigermoll · 15/11/2011 14:43

....clearly a popular suggestion Grin

grograg · 15/11/2011 14:55

no thats fine :) , i have done most of my DC's pressies from netmums nearly new board and local facebook selling groups... I have also sold all of their old toys on there to make way for the new ones.

teacoupons · 15/11/2011 15:19

I've just been to the charity shop and got a few little bits for DP and the girls.

I guess I'm trying to compensate for the fact I had lots of presents but no 'real Christmas' as a chikd so I want to make it magical for them as they don't get a lot through the year.

I don't have any mum friends. All of my mum friends have literally just had their DC's so it's all baby things.

I'm definitely going to wrap the unread books and donate old toys to charity as I now have an abudance of new from there for under £30.

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Upwardandonward · 15/11/2011 15:21

YADNU - it's a great idea!

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