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Christmas

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Original poster

How many presents without inc lists have your dc got.

251 replies

MincedMuffPies · 16/12/2013 23:47

Mine have about 35 each Shock 10 of those are stocking fillers of things around a pound nothing more then a fiver.

I haven't spent loads but as they're older and its things like dvds and ps3 games it really doesn't look like much compared to previous years of bikes and large similar presents.

OP posts:
ShoeWhore · 19/12/2013 20:28

I always read these threads with interest and slight bewilderment. I don't know if it's partly because I have 3dcs close in age and the same sex but I really struggle to think of things they need . I couldn't think of 35 things to buy them if I tried! I don't buy throughout the year either, although they do get 8 or so presents from other members of the family.

If I'm honest I do wonder if the children do actually appreciate them all? Do they not just get overwhelmed by it all?

My dcs get one main present each (usually in the £50-100 bracket, although last year ds1 got an ipod touch so obviously that was a bit more) This year they wanted Harry Potter wands which are actually pretty cheap so they have a little Lego set each as well.

Then they have a stocking with small things in (satsuma, chocolate, a Christmas decoration, top trumps, spy glasses) plus a DVD and a couple of books each.

They will be really delighted with all of this.

Lizzylou · 19/12/2013 20:33

Shoewhore, my boys are 2 years apart and this year has been hardest yet. Ds1 couldn't think of anything he wanted. Between them they have so much lego/play mobile, wii, tablet etc, I would never buy for sake of buying.
Luckily Ds1 has discovered his inner peacock gelling his hair into a stiff mess so his stocking is all about the male grooming.
They have had no more than £200 spent on them between them this year.

MoreThanChristmasCrackers · 19/12/2013 20:41

Our older dc 22 and 19 have a med size gift bag of undies, smellies, x box game, etc and money. I will have spent £150 on each of them.
DD is only 9 and I have spent £250 on her, but that includes many necessary bits and pieces for her musical activities.

msmiggins · 19/12/2013 20:49

shoewhore I don't find that difficult to spend money on things my kids need.

DD-
foot thongs- £17.50
Ouch Pouches- £15
Mobile phone £85
Dance bag £18
Hoodie £20
Brush set £6
Toiletries £20
Stationary £12
Electric toothbrush £17
Books £25
Leotard £18
Invisible undies £12
and more I can't remember.

It all adds up. And is all useful.

Elsiequadrille · 19/12/2013 21:32

I'm buying DC Ouch Pouches for her stocking, msmiggins. She uses plasters and lambswool usually. Funny to see them on another Christmas list!

working9while5 · 19/12/2013 21:36

Flameprincess I tend to begin buying in September and split it that way. Major deal hunting.

Not loaded at all. We don't drink, smoke or go out or do many other things others do like weekends away but even if we did I would want to spend money on good toys in the early years.. toys are a huge part of my daily life, I am down on the floor playing with other people's kiddos and toys on any given Monday so I have had the opportunity to see what kids like and respond to and I want to have the chance to share that with my own.

People's views on discretionary spending are hugely personal I think but play is such a fundamental part of my own life and timr with my kids 350 once a year really doesn't seem that excessive to me. I don't expect or think it should be a key expenditure for others though or think it makes me a better parent or others' worse parents for having different priorities. It's just what I want to spend my Christmas pennies on.

Luggage16 · 19/12/2013 21:55

different situations play a real part too. My 3 year old isn't in nursery - if he was I would be looking for one with a range of toys and equipment for him so he could learn a range of skills. If a nursery had barely any toys I would probably avoid it. Because he is home with me (well out and about with me really) I probably have a 'need' for more bits than someones whose kids are in education/childcare full time. Likewise my 6 year old isn't in school so has more time to play with her toys and partake in crafts etc than the average child her age. All their toys are in constant use with a range of children too as we have a house full of children very frequently too.

msmiggins · 20/12/2013 07:07

Elsiequadrille - ouch pouches are great- make such a differerence. My DD wasn't allowed to wear them for the first year, but things are a lot easier now wearing them.

Fantail · 20/12/2013 07:24

I do buy for DD during the year. She isn't 3 yet and her birthday and Christmas are in close proximity. I bought her a lovely wooden kitchen just after we moved house earlier in the year and she got a scooter + helmet during winter so she could get our and about when it was too wet to go to the park.

As she gets older she will have to wait, but as a toddler/preschooler she has no concept of what other people get and certainly no one to compare with.

VivaLeBeaver · 20/12/2013 07:48

Dd has about 20 presents from us. She's nearly 13

Her main one is a proper drum kit. She's been playing for ages and her teacher says she needs a kit at home to practice on. We got one second hand but its still more than what we'd normally spend. But its her only hobby.

Then she's got a small lego set. Everything else is stuff like books, a DVD, earrings, makeup, a hat, a onesie, a jigsaw, nail polish.

msmiggins · 20/12/2013 08:06

Viva- what lego set did you get her? My DD is 13 too and has loved lego in the past, but the ones i have been looking at seem the wrong age or character themes she has no interest. She used to enjoy Legocity, not sure if that's still suitable.

VivaLeBeaver · 20/12/2013 11:08

Got her a minecraft one but think they're sold out. Also if she's not into minecraft it would be useless I reckon.

How about one of the lego creator houses? Dd has a few of those and they're good.

CalamitouslyWrong · 20/12/2013 11:13

I was in forbidden planet yesterday and they had lots of mine craft Lego sets. Very expensive though.

VivaLeBeaver · 20/12/2013 11:27

They are more expensive than a non minecraft set. Dd is minecraft mad so it'll be worth it.

CalamitouslyWrong · 20/12/2013 11:37

We bought Ds1 some Star Wars Lego, which is also much more expensive because of the co-branding. My mum's bought DS2 some ninjago sets, which are much cheaper because Lego don't need to buy in the rights for that.

I think the minecraft ones feel relatively more expensive because they only need a small box for the teeny tiny bits. But, the important thing is to buy what they'd actually like, however big the box!

YellowDahlias · 20/12/2013 14:18

My 4 year old is getting from us/Santa

Furreal friends Daisy cat
Box of basic Lego
green Lego base board
Lego Friends bunny house
3 long sleeve tops
1 cardigan
1 pair leggings
3 books
new 4 person doll family for her doll house as the current ones are really manky and I want to bin them.
chocolate Santa beard
wooden spinning top + another little stocking stuffer

She's also getting pyjamas and two DVDs the night before.

It feels excessive as she'll also be getting stuff from other relatives. I bought some other stuff but I've squirrelled it away for upcoming birthdays / Christmases.

The only thing she has asked for is the walking / talking cat. I didn't buy it originally as I thought it was only a passing fancy.

AnneWentworth · 20/12/2013 14:25

They have about 9. This includes pjs, pants, socks and clothes for the day.

They will get 4 more from relatives.

ThePlEWhoLovedMe · 20/12/2013 17:14

hmmm not sure ...

DS2 (11) has asked for 12 books, a blanket, 2 dvd's, 1 box set DVD ...strange kid - I also got him chocolate, jeans, hoddie, pens and paper and an egg cup (don't ask!!) I offered to buy him an ipad ...he said he didn't need one. So the above is what he is getting ... everything will be in the stocking apart from the dvd box set which will go under the tree.

DS1 (23) asked for earphones. Helpful. He will be getting chocolate, smellys, couple of books, bottle of vodka and some money.

ThePlEWhoLovedMe · 20/12/2013 17:18

Sorry just wanted to say that money is not an issue for us (very lucky I know) but I will generally only buy what they (or some of what they) ask for. Some years I have spent £500 on a main gift (laps tops) and other years like this year I doubt I have spent more then £100 in total

Original poster
MincedMuffPies · 20/12/2013 17:31

I'm really surprised I've added it all up and I've only spent almost £200 each. That's really good for me!

OP posts:
oneofthosedays · 20/12/2013 17:32

2 DCs and they have got 6 presents each including their 'main' present and then their stockings which cost £15 each and have 9 small pressies in - it's a lot less than last year but I know they will be over the moon with what they have got, there was far too much with everyone else's presents last year, it was just ridiculous! Also got them nice fluffy pjs/onesies from primark for xmas eve.

AnneWentworth · 20/12/2013 17:48

Lolo can I ask why your DS needs 4 aftershaves? What seems excessive to me is buying more than one of something. It all sounds lovely but can't get my head around that aspect.
Of course each to their own and all that and it sounds like it will be a lively Christmas.

curiousgeorgie · 20/12/2013 23:25

A lot of people are saying how crazy it is to have loads of presents but equally I can't imagine a christmas when it's just one or two presents under the tree... Surely it's over in seconds??

Original poster
MincedMuffPies · 20/12/2013 23:27

curiousgeorge I can't help thinking how flat and boring it must be.

OP posts:
MoominsYonisAreScary · 20/12/2013 23:38

Flat and boring? I think that's really rude! I've seen loads of people in the last couple of weeks talking about not being able to buy morw than a couple of presents