I've just done nearly ALL the DC"s shopping online! Need ideas to bulk out piles...

[CheapSausagesAndSpam]

I can't believe it.

I got a bass guitar and amp for DD1 aged 13
Then about 4 things from her fave online fashion shop...basically a top, a dress, a massive wall hanging thing and a necklace...almost bankrupted myself! WHY are teens so expensive!

Then for DD2 aged 9 I got a metal detector, a doll she wants, a couple of board games, a craft/fashion thing set, massive set of scented colouring stuff, and something else I can't remember!

I am worried about lack of quantity though...DD1 only has 6 things to open and DD2 7 things.

I am SURE I normall have about 12 things each...

What can I get to bulk them out please? I'd rather buy things like that in person so I think I'll go next week when I get stocking bits.

I hear what you're all saying but reducing now...when they've always had 12 or so, is that fair on DD aged 9? Not really. Her sister didn't have her pile reduced and I don't buy them much at all during the year

Are they the sort of children who remember quantity or are they happy to receive their wanted gifts?

Try Poundland (or similar shop, Poundland is near me so that's how I know about it). They have great DVDs, Stationary, Shower gels, nail varnish- all for £1 each :)

New pillows, bedding set, calendars, towels, hat scarf gloves set, xmas jumper, lamp shade, clock, food they like, school bag or suitcase, nice basket or box (the cardboard type ones) for keeping stuff in.

Ooh orangecarpet I like those ideas - I might copy them

I always do DD (13) a bag of 'useful' things. So I buy a fancy looking gift bag and fill it with things like make up wipes, nail polish remover, hair products, deodrant etc. It's usually cheaper than a gift set and can pick the things she likes. Wilkos or poundland is fab for this.

Then I wrap the gift bag and it's another thing to open. It's all stuff I would buy anyway but dd loves it and we started when she was about 9 so your younger dd might like it too.

Am going to do something similar for ds who will be just 4 but with art stuff in. And little cars and those pretend lego sets from wilkos.

I always buy them pants, socks, vests too. Some new PJs and they both get a new outfit.

All those things I would buy anyway but wrap for Christmas to give them something extra to open.

After 13 years of plastic cŕap and shit cluttering my house and unplayed with before being passed on I am definitely not bulking out present piles with more plastic crap this year.

Dd is past that and has asked for clothes anyway and ds has only actually asked for 3 things which are relatively cheap and his birthday is in December too.

Dd has always been chuffed with clothes as presents and her bag of useful things.

I agree with those saying that once teens there's no need to bulk (was there ever really?) but if I was going to do it, it would be things I generally buy them anyway, an excuse to stock up on toiletries, socks and pants, maybe treats for their lunch boxes, pens and pencils and anything else they might need for school. Books, especially revision guides etc suggested by school.

Blimey, they have great presents! And ‘big’ too!

However the year DS had an iPod Nano in a tiny box, I added to the sack:

Bottles of posh unusual pop from M& S
Packet of disgusting American cereal from the American section in big Tesco
Dressing Gown
Hoodie (needed anyway )

Slippers?

Themed / attractive lunch box and water bottle

how about bean bags, not too expensive and is a big present

Swiss Army knife

What about one of those giant foot cosy (the ones you put both feet in?) they've got huge ones in Dunlem for £8. My dd nearly 12 bought one the other day and although I thought they were useless she loves it!

Why on earth would you buy more stuff purely to “bulk out” ?!! This is demented. This is Christmas at its most ghastly. If you have money to burn donated it to help people feeling hungry/lonely/ cold this Christmas. Or give to an environmental charity- excessive inane consumption is choking our planet.

Dd always likes a load of everyday toiletry stuff - showergels/ shampoo/ face wipes etc to keep her going for a while. I give her an allowance every month so usually she buys this stuff herself.

Don't bulk out! As Mum to 3 DCs and 4 SDCS now between 18 and 30 I've now got the shame this year of cutting down from 25 presents each in a stocking and 5 main presents. I've been utterly ridiculous and they're left feeling guilty about all the stuff they won't use! !! Honestly save you're money! Spend it on fabulous food for them!

I got mine a fleece blanket photo personalised

Also mine have gone from about 20 to 5 or 6, they are 21 and 16.

It’s not like when they were small and had a mad ripping off of paper and excited faces. I miss it!!! Not the 4am start though

Op, I know you don't want to be judged, and I'm not judging,even though it's going to sound like it but sounds like you might end up bulking up with future landfill. I bet your kids will feel loved and be pleased with presents you give them. Maybe get the paperback Parlour Games For Modern Families, for lots of fun memorable Christmas times.
I get it though , I really do, the urge to really please them, and really treat them.
But I bet you've done enough, and that they'll be delighted.

It sounds like the 13 year old has had a lot spent on her and I’m sure she’ll understand that. Maybe it’s good for her to see that her present pile is starting to reduce as she gets older.

For the 9 year old Primark is your friend. They have lovely sets of fleecy pjs for £6-£8 and who doesn’t need pjs right? They also have loads of Harry Potter things, beauty and the beast things and those sequin tshirts that the picture changes when you brush them the other way.

Oh and the book people do big, cheap box sets of books. Ds always gets a box set from there.

there's lots of judgement on this thread.... everyone does Christmas different. personally I love a big pile and it all gets used.

some ideas my 9 year old has had and is getting
big box of sharpies and adult colouring book (pokemon and Harry potter)
onesie
personalised towel and new goggles for swimming
subscription to beano comic
build a bear
New film wrapped with bag popcorn and sweets
voucher for cinema in New year
school water bottle and backpack
pillow pet
clothes - especially fun leggings and character tops
set of books
star projector for her room
pusheen bedding set
mermaid tail blanket
sleeping bag for sleepovers

Sorry this is s random suggestion. A lot has been mentioned that I would say already. I’m defiantly one for buying useful gifts. Just ordered dd an electric pencil sharpener. She loves drawing, hates sharpening. Win win

We are similar, although two boys (15 and 13) and a daughter who will be 9 early in January.

We have been managing their expectations and gradually reducing their piles of presents for a couple of years now and I always remind them that if they ask for something expensive their pile will be smaller as a result. This year they will each have their main choices, plus a handful of surprises.

I try to come up with something they really won't expect, so my eldest is actually getting a toaster, as he is always complaining he can't use the main one, because of gluten contamination and he loves toast but hates using the grill so rarely gets to eat it. Middle son is into some bands we've seen at festivals over the summer, so he has a band tshirt and hoodie. My daughter is getting a cuddly toy she heads straight for whenever we go into a particular shop. All things they will really appreciate and not expect, but not ott.

Oh and I always buy them an annual or similar. So Guiness World Records Gamer's Edition for the eldest, a Dr Who book for my middle son and a Jacqueline Wlson Annual for my daughter. (Who actually has books for her main present too - her choice.) Luxury lollies are a big hit here too and come in a big box to add to the pile.

oh god, I'm so sorry. I started the 'don't do it' thing and I really wasn't judging. I'm just caught at the youngest now 13 stage and they all want something expensive and a pile of stuff to open...I was trying to save you my pain! Toiletries, cushions, a bean bag, an inflatable air bed for the garden like this, a mermaid blanket, pyjamas, books.

Love the music stand suggestion - if she doesn't have one she will need one and you can get foldable ones in various colours.

Also do they like those sequin tops that change pictures? You can get cushions made of that. I've got one for DD as a calming sensory thing, she's going to love it.

Have you got a big Boots store near you? Lots of things on 3 for 2 and plenty of non-toiletry gifts in their bigger stores.