To ask how you treat yourself ?

[Apologynotaccepted]

I am single and I work really hard - I’m financially stable for the first time ever. I’d really like to buy myself my own special gifts (I’ve been lucky to have lovely partners but never at a time when money was available for treats or gifts so now I really want the experience.
If you treat yourself - how do you do it? Monthly budget? I’d be interested in slightly larger than a weekly bunch of daffs which is my current treat

I buy books. From charity/second hand shops mostly so it doesn’t break the bank. Nothing makes me happier than browsing in bookshops.

Travel. Personal care, nails skin care etc ,

That’s a pretty perfunctory way of going through life. Yes it’s stuff that you’re buying but buying a lovely box of hand made chocolates is much nicer than buying a mop bucket.

Having the money to buy things for yourself, that aren’t utilitarian, can be a real
pleasure, a treat if you like. It may not be something you enjoy doing, which is fine, but to decide someone isn’t being a proper adult if they frame purchases as a treat is ridiculous.

@ApologynotacceptedI set aside money each month from my discretionary spending. Sometimes I save it and go away for the weekend, sometimes I’ll get nice new underwear and sometimes it’ll be chocolates - all of which feel like a treat.

I don't get the macaron love, I'd rather have a Jaffa cake 😂
I'm in the fortunate position of being able to buy whatever I want without having to think too hard about it. I have quite the collection of animals and spend a faIr amount on them but I don't spend much on myself these days. A treat for me could be a €2 mini bottle of nail polish or buying a few of the books in my Amazon basket, or another orchid to add to my collection (although most of my orchids have come from the scratch and dent section in IKEA). Something I don't need but want, that brings me joy. Doesn't have to be spendy.

I’ve always been a cheap treat person but now I’m a bit ‘If not now, when? About the nice stuff

My monthly hairdresser appointment

@JacquesHarlow and @mrbluebirdonmyshoulder why did you even bother to open the thread let alone reply 🤣 what a miserable view of life!

I get my hair and nails done regularly. I buy good skincare products, flowers and plants. Maybe new shoes if I see some I love. Just depends on how I’m feeling really.

My view is that "treating yourself" or whatever you call it, is primarily making sure you look after yourself. Call it mental health, treating yourself, or whatever. My HV (many decades ago) said, "if you don't look after yourself who else will?"

Figure out what you can afford, take into account savings/mad money/etc. Then figure out what works for you.

No-one is going to know what you need more than you

I get a facial every six weeks.

On paper I have everything I need.
I treat myself with holidays to exotic places and I also give myself birthday presents, for significant birthdays, that have longevity, although I am behind on the last one and running up to the next big one - and running out of ideas!
I used to like going out for really good meals, but I cannot do anything more than a small starter and main these days. The cost of living and the fact that I am a good cook has diminished the value in this area.
Scent is usually a good option or a facial or reflexology.

The £1 daffodils in the supermarket are such a nice but cheap treat!

Write a list of a few items you would like to own and work your way down the list
eg a beautiful watch
real pearl earrings
a classic wool coat
a proper hairbrush with bristles
lovely bedding

Then order them in priority and work your way down the list?

Oh this is a great idea!!
I know top of my list is lovely silk pyjamas and matching robe
A really nice umbrella

Don’t forget that my list is just ‘stuff’.
I’d prioritise good food. Time with friends. An annual holiday.

Ooh yeah all of that is OK

I'm.after the material stuff! (Very shallow I know)

Add a beautiful pair of leather boots and a versatile handbag to your list. Avoid the designer label and go for something classic and understated.
A diamond pendant and studs.

I had a grandfather clock on my list and some original art. They make me smile every day.

I have a Prize Cupboard on my phone with all the things I want to buy myself. When I achieve something like going to the gym 3 x a week or managing to go all week with no alcohol, I buy myself a prize from the Prize Cupboard.

Would totally do this if I could (I can't).

OP, there are things I buy when I can afford them and not when I can't - I've got a bottomless list of want, don't need so I suppose they're my treats. They range from really good steak to impulse trips abroad via shoes & handbags, fabulous restaurants, great haircuts and jewellery. A regular cleaner is working her way back up the list.

Also on the list but will never be achievable: one of those high-end cruises in a small group on a swanky yacht; a gorgeous car (with gorgeous driver!); truly excellent jewellery; the beach house of my imagination, with staff; fortnightly consultations with a gifted therapist; world peace.

I don't particularly enjoy beauty treatments. My alternative is two nights at a four-star hotel. Have often done this and never tire.

@Qashgal - you need Aldi's Moser Roth chocolate bars. There are three in my fridge just now 😋

I like the list idea.

I go to the local spa for a treatment and use of facilities. Getting my hair done. Doing my nails. Also going out for dinner with friends.

I eat out twice a week
Massages sometimes
Fresh flowers
Lovely moisturiser it’s £50 for a tiddly pot
Eyebrows done
Sharing a ribeye steak just the cat and myself when DH is away, we have a little girls night

I look on treats as non essentials but that make life nicer

I have a set amount out of my paycheque for “nice things for me” I rarely spend the full amount but it’s nice to get something once a month. I was completely brassic for most of my 20s and just buying stuff i still can’t get my head around so having an allocation of cash works for me