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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To spend £150 on something I don't need but want very much?

285 replies

MOIST · 01/10/2017 08:14

I need new underwear. I have £130 worth of pants and 2 bras in my shiopping basket. My current underwear is all a bit mingling and stretchy.

ANd then I found the most beautiful perfect thing i have been looking for for ever. Something I really really really want. I dont need it though. It's not practical, it doesn't do anything, but I want it.

So which should I buy?

OP posts:
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8
bananafanana1 · 01/10/2017 08:29

I'd go with the Nativity set. But it's all relative if you can't afford it.

Wait a week before buying either and see if you still want them a week later.

I try and bargain with myself in similar situations- i.e. I wanted a new v expensive handbag but only bought it once I'd sold my other underused bag - and put the money towards new bag.

Original poster
MOIST · 01/10/2017 08:31

This is a one-off Britt. It's proper nice.
I do have a small saving stash for niceties. I'd forgotten about my money box! I'll raid my it and then no guilt.

OP posts:
Mummyoflittledragon · 01/10/2017 08:31

Will the nativity set bring you pleasure and joy? How long before you can replace your undies. Could someone buy the undies for Xmas for you?

BarbaraofSevillle · 01/10/2017 08:36

Depends entirely on whether you can afford it really. If you're struggling to meet normal expenses and don't have any savings, the Nativity set isn't a priority.

But if you have a decent amount of spare money that you can use, can meet normal day to day expenses easily, and have savings to cover emergencies etc, then why not?

If it really is lovely, you could get decades of use out of it if you look after it, you could get years of pleasure from it, and even pass it on to DCs if/when they have their own families.

highinthesky · 01/10/2017 08:36

Ive been looking for the perfect one for many many years and now i have found it. I want it badly.

Buy it and get it out of your system then. If there's nothing else that's financially pressing, your OH will suck it up. As long as you don't borrow her kecks.

FlakeBook · 01/10/2017 08:43

I'd consider £150 on underwear more frivolous and ridiculous than a quality nativity set.

Get whichever one you want. Go to natal an for your pants.

FlakeBook · 01/10/2017 08:43

*matalan

MiracleCure · 01/10/2017 08:44

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

thegreylady · 01/10/2017 08:44

I'd get the Nativity set which will last forever and become an heirloom. We still have the one dh(81) had as a child.
Try Sainsbury's pants. I used Sloggi all the time but am a convert to Sainsbury's now. I also found fake Sloggi type knickers on the market at £7 for 3 pairs.

BalloonSlayer · 01/10/2017 08:46

There's a kind of modern parable in here somewhere, isn't there? Grin

Like the woman who poured the expensive ointment over Jesus's feet and the pharisees all tutted over the waste.

You could have used the money to clothe the poor (you!) But instead you have used it to glorify God. Bless you my child!

Justdontknow4321 · 01/10/2017 08:46

Splash out. Get both Grin

Ropsleybunny · 01/10/2017 08:47

Buy it! You only live once.

Knackeredotcom · 01/10/2017 08:47

I'd say put some of the under wear back; plan to be frugal for the rest of the month and get the nativity (unless it's really going to put you into financial difficulty by the end of the month)
You clearly really like it and want it; if you've been looking for one for years, you'll think about it every Christmas if you don't get it.

My mom did something similar. She absolutely loved those tradition moving Christmas ornaments- like the fair ground rides and train you see in garden centres which have moving parts and lights.
She eventually bought one and never regretted it, she gets it's out every Christmas and it gets so much pleasure from it it was worth it to her.

You'll get a lot of joy out of it every year and can pass it on children/family too ( and you can't do that with pants Grin x

Original poster
MOIST · 01/10/2017 08:49

I cant make this sort of decision. I'll not do either (and put something extra in the food bank trolley). And think about it.

OP posts:
Backingvocals · 01/10/2017 08:52

Get the nativity set. I am over invested in this for sure but you should def get it. I have a very special one which I love. It's in my top ten of things (new TV programme format right there - desert island things Grin)

I'm not even religious but it matters to me more than new knickers.

Aderyn17 · 01/10/2017 08:53

I'd get the thing I really wanted. Just to add that you might be able to get sloggi underwear cheaper on amazon than an underwear shop. If so you could get both.

Brittbugs80 · 01/10/2017 08:56

Our main Nativity is 70 years old, was my Mom's as a child now I've got it. The Angel Gabriel hovers above the stable with Blu tac and the Shepherd's have lost their sheep on the journey but it's still very much loved and brings so much joy when it comes out.

DS will get it eventually (as long as he looks after it!)

As someone else said, it can be passed through the family unlike your underwear!

Hellywelly10 · 01/10/2017 08:57

If you've wanted it for years go for it.

Ellie56 · 01/10/2017 09:00

Buy the nativity set while it's there. You can always take it back if you decide against it afterwards. If you don't buy it, you know it won't be there when you go back don't you?

Have you googled how much the underwear costs online? I have to have branded knickers too and I always either find them cheaper or a discount code to reduce the price. Smile

TathitiPete · 01/10/2017 09:00

But my entire life is spent shopping in supermarkets and charity shops and reduced rails and cutting corners

Yeah, supermarkets, charity shops and £130 on 2 bras and 8 pants at Sloggi.com Hmm

millifiori · 01/10/2017 09:02

Nativity set and Tesco pants imo. That's a family heirloom that could last for generations. Pants are pants and I don't find Sloggis last better or feel more comfortable than M&S.

AppalachianWalzing · 01/10/2017 09:02

My mum bought a beautiful, expensive nativity set at a craft fair fifteen years ago. I never thought they could be beautiful but this one is.

It makes her happy for a month a year. Everyone who comes into the house comments on how lovely it is. It is a heirloom and can be passed down.

Go for it. I'd be surprised if you regret it, and it's the kind of thing you'd regret not getting every Christmas if your heart is set on it.

LazyDailyMailJournos · 01/10/2017 09:04

Buy the nativity set. If you don't often treat yourself and it's the perfect thing that you have been looking for, for years, then buy it. If you don't then the chances of you seeing another one when you can afford it, are slim to zero.

millifiori · 01/10/2017 09:05

I bought a similar non-essential thing I really really wanted for about the same price. Felt sick with guilt at the time and lied about how much it cost, which I've never done about anything before. Like you I don't spend much on non-essentials but this just was perfect. It comes out only for celebrations. And I still love it and never regret it, I get a thrill out of using it and it feels like a family heirloom. Do it.

CanIBuffalo · 01/10/2017 09:05

Buy the nativity set. Carry on with your old underwear.
Try not to get run over and taken to hospital. (My DM's reason for clean and decent underwear)Smile