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AIBU?

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Original poster

To get upset about Xmas gift?

171 replies

MooPoo23 · 29/11/2019 22:55

Hi,

I was just wondering if I could have your opinion.

I don’t have much money this year (I left a dv relationship last year and still haven’t recovered financially) and thought it would be nice to “do up” my daughters room as an Xmas gift.

I mentioned it to someone at my local play centre (we were all taking Xmas) and she laughed it off and said “tbf that’s a bit of a shit gift”.

I laughed and said “yeah, it was just an idea” but I actually felt quite sad about it.

Am I bu to be upset or would it be ok to do this? I really don’t have much to give, I have about 6-7 gifts for my dd (she’s 6 and will be getting things from her dad and his family).

All I’ll be doing is paining it pink, putting a rug, some fairy lights, a few wooden plaques with quotes on them, some new bedding and a few cushions. It’s not much but it’s the best I can do right now.

I honestly feel like a shit mum, but I’m trying my hardest and I do work but only part time.

Thank you for reading my message x

OP posts:
1forAll74 · 30/11/2019 00:19

A perfect treat, for your daughter.to last much longer than Christmas day as well, It will be lovely,and I am sure that she will love it all.

Ellmau · 30/11/2019 00:20

You could easily wrap up the bits and pieces for her to open on Christmas day - the rug, fairy lights, wooden plaques, bedding, cushions, maybe even the lamp table.

I'm sure she'll love it!

Could you also get her some little thing like a dolls' bed that ties in with the theme of the new room but is more of a toy as well?

peachesandclean · 30/11/2019 00:23

my mum did this for me when I was little, she did my room exactly how you are describing and honestly it was the best present, I loved it and I have very fond and cosy memories of my old little bedroom

I think this is a great idea please please don't let anyone put you off it

So much better than a toy she probably won't play with or something that will break within half an hour

Coyoacan · 30/11/2019 00:26

Excellent present. Much better than some plastic stuff that costs a fortune and she'll be bored with in two seconds

Thurmanmurman · 30/11/2019 00:27

I did up my DDs room for her birthday and she loves it. Far better than a toy she'll forget about in a weeks time as she will enjoy it every day. What a nasty piece of work that woman is, take no notice OP

Isithometimeyet0987 · 30/11/2019 00:30

My friend is doing her DDs room up for xmas this year, she a bit older than your dd she’s 8, she’s got her about the same amount of presents for under the tree as you have got your dd so don’t listen to your friend other people do it to. Sometimes kids have everything and wants their room done up as a gift I’m sure she’ll love it!

Drabarni · 30/11/2019 00:32

Aw, I did this for my dd when she was about the same age.
can I recommend a trip to the works for bits to wrap up for you both to do together. Something like bunting and string with pegs, etc.
She loved the room because she had an input too.

LEELULUMPKIN · 30/11/2019 00:33

The more I think about it the more I am pissed off on your behalf OP. The woman who said that to you obviously knows the cost of everything and the value of nowt!

Why can't people think before they open their big gobs?

WispaGoldsshouldcomeinmultipac · 30/11/2019 00:34

I would've loved this then (still would actually hint hint Santa).

I'd particularly like the idea of putting wrapping paper on the door.

You can get lovely canvas wardrobes for £20 and under on that well known auction site - pink ones too. I'm thinking about getting on for my DD.

Have a lovely Christmas - sounds like you've got some hard work to do before hand 😂 good luck! Xxx

00deed1988 · 30/11/2019 00:34

We did our boys last year for Christmas. They were 4 and 7. Did it London transport themed with double decker bus bunk beds and all sorts. It looked great and a total surprise for them. We wrapped their bedroom door up and they unwrapped it all excited and the video I got of their little faces is the best reaction I have ever got. Then they had stockings on each of their beds of little bits and pieces to open.

Go for it. She will love it.

Italiangreyhound · 30/11/2019 01:04

That's a lovely idea. The 'someone at your local play centre' sounds a bit shit to me.

Ignore.

colette1970 · 30/11/2019 01:06

You could do her big reveal by letting her stay in your room then put wrapping paper over the door way so she has to unwrap her room .x

FoamingAtTheUterus · 30/11/2019 01:11

I did this for my DD a few years ago.......similar to you with fairy lights etc loads of cheap ones at the mo ))and a few balloons scattered and wrapped gifts on her bed (( new book, fancy cup, microwavable hottie doll thing etc )) I taped her door up with wrapping paper so she.could burst through. She absolutely loved it, definitely one of her most memorable birthdays

QuiteForgetful · 30/11/2019 01:22

As long as pink is her favorite colour, it is a nice idea. I would not say it is for Christmas though.

Snaleandthewhail · 30/11/2019 01:33

Another one saying it sounds lovely. My seven year old is getting wall decals this year for a Christmas present.

nzeire · 30/11/2019 01:40

I would LOVE that!!!! Brilliant idea, and think I may just do that for my 15 year old! I love the idea of wrapping the door too!

Endspeciesism · 30/11/2019 01:42

That sounds really lovely. Ignore the comment. Rug & fairy lights will make it homely and girly :)
You could also get some of those pretty wall stickers if you like the thought of that - they are really easy and can just peel off & on :) did that for my little girls

DrReed · 30/11/2019 01:58

We did this when my dd was a similar age. She loved it.

redappleandaquamarinebow1987 · 30/11/2019 02:04

It's a lovely gift at any age. My mum once surprised me with a room update returning from my dad's after christmas and I absolutely loved it. Especially my new round table that she had moved in from the kitchen that made me feel like a knight of the round table. Your idea sounds wonderful and any girl will love it. Try forget that mean comment.

BillHadersNewWife · 30/11/2019 02:06

My DD"s often ask for things for their rooms as gifts at Christmas! I have got them throw blankets, fairy lights and special ornaments in the past...nothing wrong with it! Wrap them up though and she;ll love helping to choose placement and doing it up herself.

GlamGiraffe · 30/11/2019 02:12

So shes coming back on christmas day do you mean?
That would be amazing!!

NumbersStation · 30/11/2019 02:15

I think it is marvellous Smile

It is all about the thought for me. I moved home to my folks after a bit of a rubbish time at an age that I’m embarrassed to admit.

My mam made me a stocking like we had as kids and back then we didn’t have much money. (Massive fisherman sock, tangerine, nuts, a very shiny red apple with a sticker on - ultimate in posh for us kids back in the day - and a wee diary) this time it was like that but had a dainty little craft fair bracelet too.

It remains my favourite present ever. There was so much love in that gift that I cried my eyes out.

Your daughter will remember this gift always as it was crafted with love. Flowers

salsmum · 30/11/2019 02:24

I was a lone parent with not much to live on and my mum was the same only she was widowed young. I really only remember a few of the presents I received but have precious memories of helping decorate the tree and having family around on Christmas Day. This is a tradition that I followed with my own children and truly believe Christmas is about creating special memories rather than how much you've spent. Your little girl will truly love the fact that her clever, loving mum has created her pretty room for her. Chin up it'll be great.StarThanks

MrsTerryPratchett · 30/11/2019 02:30

I hope it's a good present because that's what DD is getting!

And she doesn't also have 6-7 extra presents!

AhNowTed · 30/11/2019 02:36

She's a really nasty cow.