To not get baby much for xmas?

[Bouncingbelle]

Im on a few fb groups for mums & babies. I can't believe I'm buying into peer pressure but everyone seems to have bought their babies loads (and i mean LOADS) for xmas - even asking for advice on loans to get more(!). Now I'm panicking as i've only got my 15 month old a few gifts - a torch (he loves lights), a pretend aquarium (he loves fish), a toy tractor with animals, a personalised wooden toy box & some books. That's it. Dh has just been made redundant so we dont have tons of cash to spare, i have a large family so he will get lots of gifts & I'd rather get him decent presents for his birthday in the summer as he will be walking & at a different stage then so will be needing new things. Am i being sensible or just tight??

I think what you have bought is perfectly reasonable. We used to buy books because they last for several years and sorting toys and push along toys. Anything to help with hand/eye coordination and well made toys that will not break. Later on we bought pretend play toys and puzzles and yet more books. I think close family members can be asked for a certain toy if they don’t mind doing this for you. A pile of presents is just ridiculous. Save the money for the expensive kit later on!

People are not buying for their babies, they are buying for themselves to make themselves look good!

Don't follow the herd

I'm so pleased to see this thread op!!! I feel exactly the same way. Just lately I've been made to feel like shit because I haven't spent the equivalent of a small wedding on my DDs first birthday party. I've just invited everyone over for coffee and cake to celebrate and my dm and mil are banging on about putting at least canapés on with prosecco. I thought a bit of coffee and cake was a perfect way to celebrate.
It's refreshing to see many people think excessive present buying is over the top.

When it was my daughter first Christmas we were more excited than she was. Honestly they know something is happening (depending on age at first xmas) but really they don't understand the quantity of what they are getting neither do they understand. When it was daughters second xmas she still properly didn't understand. She opened a few presents with help but then the rest were leafy for Boxing Day as she lost interest. And I think the third xmas was pretty similar too but because we expected that bit more from her as she was older she was very overwhelmed by the whole day. Less and simple is probably better. Plus your little one will probably get lots any way 😃

Completely sensible. My dd is only 6 months old so don't see the point in getting her loads.

I got her one large gift that will last her a couple of years (activity centre type thing)

A toy similar to one she loved at playgroup and 2 books - she loves story time.

That's it. Will likely be similar next year too.

Tbf the toy box is kind of for me. I want him to have something "to keep" every year (while i can get away with dictating his xmas list) & we need the extra storage! I was going to get him 2 new books anyway as hes just got into the lift the flap ones & i want to encourage it as up till now he just hasnt been interested!
I was exactly the same scruffpup - bbq in the garden for his birthday. 1 present (nothing extravagent, there was nothing he needed) & a day out to an aquarium on the actual day. When i see photos of the PILES of presents others get im just bemused! We always got loads at xmas but only 1 present on birthdays & literally nothing for the rest of the year so i guess thats my "normal"!

I've spent £20, a lot of my mum friends have spent loads more. Our babies will be 8-10 months..... such a waste!