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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To do a Christmas stocking for my friend?

45 replies

Minionbums · 06/12/2019 13:51

I have a wonderful friend who’s normally nice husband never, ever buys her presents. She’s sad she might not have any presents on Christmas Day.

We don’t usually buy gifts for each other, but I was thinking of getting her something (secretly, so she doesn’t think she has to reciprocate).

Does it sound shit to do her a Christmas stocking with bits in? Money is tight so it will only be little cheap things - does anyone have any ideas?? (I picked up a nail varnish in Poundland yesterday, and I had loads of hand cream for my birthday so one of those, some sweets).

OP posts:

Drum2018 · 06/12/2019 16:06

I would not like this as I'd feel embarrassed that I hadn't got my friend a gift and I certainly wouldn't like to have a precedent set for future years.

Original poster

Minionbums · 06/12/2019 16:09

That’s sort of why I don’t want to spend much - it’s a token, not a way to make her feel guilty.

OP posts:

Motoko · 06/12/2019 16:10

I did this for my mum one year. She'd mentioned she'd never had a xmas stocking, and that year she was staying with us, so I made her one. I don't remember what I put in it, but it was just a few small cheap things, and she loved it.

You don't need to spend much, and have been given lots of ideas, I do want to reiterate that it must contain a satsuma/clementine, and a bag of chocolate coins though!

It's a lovely idea.

Littlemeadow123 · 06/12/2019 16:27

I wouldnt get single bottles of shower gel/shampoo/conditioner. She'll be worried that you think that she has a personal hygiene problem.

RollOnNextYear · 06/12/2019 16:30

Yep do. It.
Even some nice Shower gels, some chocs again pound land malteser boxes. Choc coins or whatever.

Original poster

Minionbums · 06/12/2019 17:04

She'll be worried that you think that she has a personal hygiene problem.

I never thought of this, good point!!!!

OP posts:

Fros · 06/12/2019 17:28

Small puzzle book
Postcard sized colouring book & colouring pencils
Pack of playing cards
Mini 2020 diary
Mini manicure set (clippers, file, mirror usually)
Pair of really fluffy socks
Hand cream / lip balm (small and pampering type)
5cl alcohol of choice or a premixed can of something like g&t
£1 box of lindor balls
Bag of picknmix or fudge
Bathbomb

InACheeseAndPickle · 06/12/2019 17:33

Awww how lovely. I would love a nice pair of socks, little flavoured lip balm, one of those really small boxes or just bars of posh chocolate from hotel chocolat or similar. Mini bottle of something. Small notebooks, Really small bath bomb from lush, One of those posh hot chocolate on a stick things.

AllergicToAMop · 06/12/2019 18:02

I wouldnt get single bottles of shower gel/shampoo/conditioner. She'll be worried that you think that she has a personal hygiene problem.

My mum used to (jokingly) ask us if she stinks, after Christmas, birthdays and any other gift occasion 😂
One side of the family didn't have much of an imagination and didn't care for her much i guessso for decades mum was getting 3 sets of bath/shower stuff on every occasion from them😂

I think 1 nice shower gel or bubble bath is fine, but don't put more than that

Littlemeadow123 · 07/12/2019 07:04

@AllergicToAMOP A nice bottle of shower gel/bubble bath or bath and body gift set - yes.

Random bottle of head and shoulders shampoo and conditioner - no.

Bluerussian · 07/12/2019 07:13

I think it's a lovely idea. Tights/stockings, socks, shower gel, a toothbrush, the sort of thing you might put in your basket when in supermarket. Chocolate coins and a satsuma, maybe a chocolate Father Christmas.

You're a nice friend.

Mummadeeze · 07/12/2019 07:20

As someone in the same situation as your friend (with a not otherwise nice partner however), this would make my year. Definitely do it, she will be so touched and happy. My friend at work bought me a vegan advent calendar (as am allergic to milk) and I can not tell you how much I appreciated it. Good for you. Xx

Newmeboys · 07/12/2019 07:23

Some socks. Xxx

Jodie77 · 07/12/2019 07:27

Maybe if you want it to be a nice gift that doesn't come across as a hygiene comment then some nice bar soap instead of shower gel?

LadyAllegraImelda · 07/12/2019 07:44

lovely!!!

WWlOOlWW · 07/12/2019 07:47

I do a theme for my friends. This year it's the perfect night in..

Bubble bath
Face mask
Slipper socks
Pj's
Wine
Chocolate

Apolloanddaphne · 07/12/2019 07:55

That sounds lovely. I am sure she will love it. My DB is a tight arse and I suspect he doesn't buy gifts for his DW either. Maybe my SIL is your friend!

Sizeofalentil · 07/12/2019 13:03

When are you planning on giving it to her? If you wait until after the 15th loads of places (eg. Primark etc) will have started reducing stocking fillers.

Have you tried the online shop Rex London?

Try Googling 'free samples' and seeing if you can get any free chocolate bars etc.

Youseethethingis · 07/12/2019 13:06

That’s a lovely gesture. Maybe it will shame the shithead “D”H into action for next year!

WhataMissMap · 07/12/2019 15:46

I think if I were your friend I would feel worried on two counts.

One that I hadn’t thought of buying you a reciprocal gift and two, that I felt I had disclosed a bit too much about my relationship with my husband. No one likes to feel they are being pitied.
Take her out for a coffee and a natter instead, but that’s only what I would prefer.
Best of luck with whatever you decide!

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