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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Things that are impossible to find but really shouldn't be.

393 replies

HairyShins · 30/01/2022 16:00

I want an affordable hard back A3 notebook with lined paper that is thick enough to write on both sides. It needs a pen holder. Not too thick or thin and not spiral bound. Not ugly.
I've been looking for months and can I find one?!

What things are you searching for that really shouldn't be this hard to find?

OP posts:
saturdayhelicopter · 02/02/2022 05:29

@InThePresenceOfWeevil Ikea do small double sized sheets?

mumlikeaboss · 02/02/2022 09:31

@Puffalicious
@IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads

I've tried most of the high street availibilities, including H&M and George... They still come up enormous!

I have one pair of branded ones I got in TK Maxx which are just about working for now but he has to cinch the drawstrings right in and they're still baggy on the waist so they annoy him when he runs.

He's 7 years old and his waist basically still fits into age 3 bottoms.

Puffalicious · 02/02/2022 13:35

[quote mumlikeaboss]@Puffalicious
@IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads

I've tried most of the high street availibilities, including H&M and George... They still come up enormous!

I have one pair of branded ones I got in TK Maxx which are just about working for now but he has to cinch the drawstrings right in and they're still baggy on the waist so they annoy him when he runs.

He's 7 years old and his waist basically still fits into age 3 bottoms.[/quote]
Yup, my 9yo would probably fit age 4-5 waist quite easily. These George slim fit were a real find,but from what you say they've not re-stocked. DS has Nike slim-fit ones with him today- cinched at waist and with a tiny, black tick at the hip they're acceptable. Good luck.

Puffalicious · 02/02/2022 13:37

Astors back despite having a huge store near me I often find this too. I now order via the website and pick up a few days later. Their stock online is pretty good.

Graphista · 02/02/2022 14:13

@MrsGusset omg yes! I'm only 5'2" it's a little helpful when they say the size of the model (usually height and dress size) but this is basically why it's so hard to buy clothes online

Also the bloody lack of standardised sizing in womens clothes which is a WHOLE other thread! This crap of not only am I a size 16 in one shop and a 20 in another and an 18 in a third but even in the SAME SHOP it depends on the item, the style, the fabric etc

Just bloody standardise it like mens! Gimme a cm or inch measurement for waist, length etc be a damn sight easier why the HELL we're still dealing with the arbitrary sizing crap I DO NOT KNOW.

which don't have a ridiculously short jacket,

Yea I've noticed this latest "trend" also seems to apply to hoodies, cardigans etc and AGAIN it seems to be in most shops even the ones that USED to cater to us older ladies who aren't necessarily wanting to or able to wear the latest fashions for the young skinny things! I just want a cardigan that doesn't expose my middle aged apple shaped belly!

@CoalCraft any knitters in your circle or learn yourself? Think even I could knock up some mittens (and I can barely knit!)

I think part of the problem for you is there are no longer any baby clothing/item shops on the high street or even online. When my dd was little I'd have headed to somewhere like mothercare for something like this but while they still exist they aren't as accessible now.

@Puffalicious appreciate the suggestion. £25 is beyond my budget though. It's the kind of thing I used to be able to find easily in the primark work wear section for around £5-10 but now their stock is all puff sleeves and smocking etc

it's as though shops don't realise indoor pools exist.

Totally agree

Post after post after post are about BASIC clothing items that we all wear usually most of the year that we require to be available in classic styling not latest trendy designs...

Anyone reading who is considering setting up as a clothes retailer OR INDEED is a buyer for clothes retailers TAKE NOTE

Sweetleftfood · 02/02/2022 14:33

Haven't been able to find dishwasher salt granules in my last few shops, very annoying, different shops as well

mamabear715 · 02/02/2022 14:46

@Sweetleftfood keep trying, I've eventually found the pitted prunes I was asking about.. OOS everywhere except Amazon.. :-0

Thatkid · 02/02/2022 19:14

@Sweetleftfood
Buy water softener granules instead. Exactly the same as the little packets of dishwasher salt, just in 25kg sacks instead. I've never brought dishwasher salt as I usually use a jugful of my mums softener salt instead.

PigletJohn · 03/02/2022 08:00

25kg is pretty heavy.

I get 10kg bags now.

librarian55 · 03/02/2022 16:28

@dipdye

Cushions for chairs that are hard wearing. Only place is IKEA.

Children's I. E. Small, duvets. Once again, only IKEA.

Dunelm have a good selection of chair cushions.
hannonle · 04/02/2022 22:22

Barr cherryade - my Premier store has cans in a 6 pack for £2. Iceland advertise a 24 pack but its not available at my local store. You may have better luck.

Gaping blouses/shirts - try the trick of using wonderweb to close up the gape. Just a couple of inches at the relevant section. Remember to check if you can put it on over your head first.

Carpediem15 · 04/02/2022 22:36

Where I live in North Wales I have tried for so long to buy jars of ginger/garlic paste and large packets of spices instead of little jars and it is impossible. I go on Asda and Morrisons sites and yes they sell it but when I go in the shop they say there is no call for it here. Annoys the life out of me.

Carpediem15 · 05/02/2022 11:22

Thanks, that is what I have to do or make my own when I can get fresh. Ran out yesterday and no reserves, so annoyed.

icebearforpresident · 05/02/2022 11:31

A replacement pair of boots for the ones i wore to death 5 years ago.

Black, chunky wedge heel, ‘normal’ toe, suede look, ideally a zip inside to get them in and off and NO FUCKING BUCKLES OR STRAPS.

When I find this mythical pair of boots I’m buying 3 pairs.

YouPutTheScrewInTheTuna · 05/02/2022 11:39

@Wingingitsince2018 screwfix... called toolclips!

icebearforpresident · 05/02/2022 12:50

I can’t believe I thought of the boots before I thought of this one!

A sports bra, in a KK cup, that doesn’t have a 4 hook fastening. I have a 4 hook sports bra just now and half the time can’t do it up without help because there’s so much material bunching you and getting in the way of the clasp. If I do manage to get it done up myself I’m sweatier than I am once I finish my workout.

Ukelelele · 12/11/2022 21:28

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