Splitting up from husband a week before Christmas, no money for gifts for dd14

[Kazzawazzawo0]

My husband and I are separating, I'll be moving out a week before Christmas. Money will be very tight, non existent really.

I have no idea how to make this Christmas special for my daughter ages 14. All her wishes are high tech and expensive. I'm used to buying on eBay and second hand, but don't know where to start. I'll also need a Christmas tree and stuff. It seems impossible

Any suggestions? I'll not have much chance to get to the shops, so mainly shopping online.

You can drive a Luton cannon an ordinary licence. Plenty big enough to fit what you're talking about

Also try a quote from shiplys website - you put your job details in and companies bid for it if they are already doing a similar route and have space in their van. I've used it a few times moving furniture and has worked out cheaper than hiring a van + petrol.

OP, when did you take your driving test? I think if it was before 1997 you can drive a larger van than if it was after that date.

Good luck with your move.

That's great news about the furniture and white goods your now taking with you.

I wish we lived closer to where your going OP we'd come and help out straight away.

Thanks

I'll try Shipley, I've requested quotes from a few companies, most are too expensive, hoping some will be cheaper.

I really don't want to drive a large van

B&M do a six foot tree for £10, and loads of cheap decs. Poundworld and Poundland and Home Bargains, all good for decs, or make salt dough ones if you're feeling up to it. Re: present - you can get a refurbished mini Hudl for £49 from Tesco if that's any good? I would get one main present, one book, one soft toy, one pair pjs and splurge on her stocking - lots of stuff but from the cheaper shops. TK Maxx good too for nice bits n bobs. Sending love xxx

Thank you Frazzled. I was in B&M yesterday to see if they had cheap gifts and saw the Christmas trees, they even have pre lit ones.

The suggestions are good. I'll look at the Hudl.

What about your boyfriend and his family? They're all in Newport aren't they? I remember your threads about shopping for dresses for a wedding. Would they help you out with moving?

Kazza I'm PMing you

Glad you got the furniture nonsense sorted. I flitted with a 2 year old not easy. My dd also same age ish. Something I'm doing for her (which she actually asked for I did it last year due to money being tight) was a 'voucher' from me to her promising a January sales shopping trip. Will you have more money in Jan? Dd loves shopping and choosing her own things without me being allowed to veto

Also freecycle etc might get you a bike for her, TV (one year I got dd a TV/DVD player combo out a charity shop still going 4 years later I even borrow it)

Just remember its one Christmas next year I have no doubt will be much better!

Oops meant to say bodycare are good for pamper gifts too often cheaper than £1 eg 3 for 2 on facemasks 99p, loads of make up wee compact mirrors, smellies etc less than £1

At 14 my mum would buy me slippers/socks/dressing gown/nice pjs/chocs/mug type gifts. Nothing fancy. I was more interested in the dinner tbh

Thanks.

I don't think I'll have more money in January tbh.

I'll have a look in Body Shop, see if I can put together a little beauty hamper.

Body shops expensive, bodycare and wilko better

Oops sorry, I misread that

If your husband has agreed to you taking some stuff now (and it benefits his daughter), can't he help you move it?

No He plans to go out for the day.

I've booked a removal company, well, a man with a van and my mum is lending me money to pay for it.

Hi OP

Amazon have Kindle fires going for £34.99 today as part of their Black Friday deals. Could you stretch to it? They're very good and you could load it up with free Apps and books for your daughter. Unfortunately Tesco have stopped making their Hudl's now, so unless you buy a second hand one, they're in extremely short supply (none online).

Poundland and B&M Bargains will be your friend if you're strapped for cash. Poundland always have Replay (used) DVDs and CDs on sale and a good selection of books. Toiletries and nice chocolates/sweeties too.

Have you thought about cashing in your Clubcard vouchers for days out - Alton Towers, Legoland, etc? You and DD could take a trip in the New Year as something to look forward to.

What about buying a cheap photo frame and filling it with lots of lovely pictures for her new room? It's a thoughtful yet inexpensive gift.

Thanks Vino, I did look at the Fire fur £34.99, but I can't really stretch to that.

I love the idea of a frame with lots of photos for her new room, I'll try and do that.

I'll have a look at what I can do with my reward vouchers, I think I've got Boots points to spend too, so might be able to buy her some perfume there too.

Hi again kazza - I saw this morning that Glamour magazine has free gifts from Clinique on them - two lipsticks, a moisturiser or a mascara so really good presents for the money (ie £2 for the mag) X

I have a brand new in box watch from Morgan with a pale pink strap if that sounds like something she might like?

When BFF did a midnight flit (in the day time) her DSS and some of this mates helped move her things and they were 15/16 yrs old. Would DD have some friends who might be able to help the van-man get things in the van? Or box up things before he arrives. Might save you some time.

Thanks quorn, I'll look out for Glamour, that sounds like a good buy.

I think loading the van will be ok, there are two men included in the price to load and unload, I just need to dismantle and pack things.