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Christmas

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Original poster

How much on the children - am I mean?

63 replies

SilverDoe · 19/08/2018 17:37

We are stretched financially at the moment; I have 2 little ones who will be just turned 3 and 11 months come Christmas.

We both, DH and I that is, adore Christmas and want it to be magical. But the fact is I don’t have a lot to spend on presents - will this ruin the day for them do you think?

On the one hand, I feel guilty feeling the need to make sure that at least the 3 year old who can understand what’s going on has a big pile of presents. On the other hand, I feel guilty at the thought of not providing that! I had pretty wealthy parents growing up and remember the excitement of opening the presents - but surely it’s exciting regardless, especially at such a young age?

So my question is, at what point does being frugal become being miserly and Scrooge like? I have an idea of what I’d like to get DD, and I don’t think the not even 1 year old will be too fussed as long as the day is nice. I’d rather focus on the fun and magic and food without stressing about presents but I’m genuinely worried and stressed about affording enough to make the day special. What is normal to spend and roughly how much stuff do you/did you buy for your little ones when they were toddlers?

OP posts:
silkpyjamasallday · 19/08/2018 17:52

At that age they are happy with almost anything imo, there’s no point going OTT on presents at an age where they can’t properly appreciate it. Little bits and bobs are likely to be more popular than huge expensive presents like trikes, spending even £50 on little bits would go a long way. We are fortunate that we have a large family and DD (almost 2) is the only child so she is very lucky and gets a lot of gifts from others, so I tend to try and get something that will be appreciated for a bit longer. I’m getting her a beautiful illustrated quilt this year (as well as some little stocking fillers) as I know toys and books will be covered by other family members. Children really don’t need that much stuff, I think it’s time with family and little traditions that makes it magical, not piles of plastic tat.

Curious2468 · 19/08/2018 17:56

At that age anything is a gift! A big box full of balloons with keep them occupied for ages both with the balloons and the box!

TheTartOfAsgard · 19/08/2018 17:59

I’m quite envious. I’m strapped this year and am already panicking about how we’re going to afford Christmas this year. My dc are older and from a young age I’ve always done the big piles and gone over the top with presents (grew up with wealthy parents too and wanted to emulate what I had) but I really wish that I had have done things differently as it’s just expected now, and I don’t want the dc to be disappointed on Xmas day or feel they’ve been ‘naughty’ so in all honesty I’ve set myself up for years of stretching myself.

You have a clean slate in that your dc don’t have expectations of what Christmas is, and can start your own traditions now.

RJnomore1 · 19/08/2018 18:01

God no keep it cheap while you can, at that age you can get a lovely big present for £25. Add some pound shop sweets and toys, cheap pjs and fun socks, some picture books and the 3 year old has a huge pile for £50. Wrap some of the 3 year olds outgrown things for the baby, Bring financially secure is so much more important and they are too young to even wonder, it will be all excitement.

Queenofthebrae · 19/08/2018 18:07

I don't think they'll notice the amount you've spent. Please try not to stress over it, they'll have a lovely day without huge piles of gifts. How about stocking up on wee bits and pieces, if you can, over the next couple of months. I've picked up books, puzzles, magnets, and crafting things in pound shops or local shops closing down sales.

ChellySmuff · 19/08/2018 18:34

The works do 10 books for £10. They also have craft sets for a few pounds each.
B&M sell a lot of toys cheaper than in Smyths or argos.

If you put into google ‘argos clearance’ then your town name it will show you a page with all the clearance items that are in stock in your local store - I’ve just looked on mine and they have shopkins and paw patrol toys for a few £ each. Their 2 for £15 range has lots of decent toys too.

Wrap up some of oldest dcs toys they’ve grown out of for dc2

Original poster
SilverDoe · 19/08/2018 18:56

Thanks so much everyone for both the kind words of reassurance and the helpful advice; I did find a load of DDs forest themed baby toys that would be great for DS. I actually feel great now and like we can have a lovely Christmas 😊

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Moonflower12 · 19/08/2018 19:36

There is a thread on here too,linking to lots of Christmas bargains. I don't know how to link to a thread- I'm sure someone can for you.

I love the idea of the box of balloons. My daughter will be 6 at Christmas and she will love this. Going to pinch the idea.

Moonflower12 · 19/08/2018 19:38

And you're not mean. I'm sure they will love all the excitement.

HermioneWeasley · 19/08/2018 19:40

11 month old doesn’t need anything -they can play with wrapping paper and boxes

3 year old can ask Santa for one thing and get an exciting stocking. Don’t forget, there will be family and friends getting them stuff too

chuckiecheese · 19/08/2018 19:44

As the parent of a ten & thirteen year old enjoy the years before they request stuff !

My suggestion would be get little inexpensive gifts as they tend to like volume over cost at this age Wink

Bananarama12 · 19/08/2018 19:44

We used to get a stocking from father Christmas and we were allowed to choose one present from parents. I always loved the stocking and my mum may still do me one at the age of 26 Wink

marmiteloversunite · 19/08/2018 19:57

Keep
It a manageable size now and you will be thankful in the future that your kids have normal expectations at Christmas.

Things like watching Christmas films with hot chocolate, making reindeer food with oats and glitter, baking together, making paper snowflake decorations will be the magical things they remember each year.

marmiteloversunite · 19/08/2018 19:57

Keep
It a manageable size now and you will be thankful in the future that your kids have normal expectations at Christmas.

Things like watching Christmas films with hot chocolate, making reindeer food with oats and glitter, baking together, making paper snowflake decorations will be the magical things they remember each year.

marmiteloversunite · 19/08/2018 19:58

Keep
It a manageable size now and you will be thankful in the future that your kids have normal expectations at Christmas.

Things like watching Christmas films with hot chocolate, making reindeer food with oats and glitter, baking together, making paper snowflake decorations will be the magical things they remember each year.

marmiteloversunite · 19/08/2018 19:58

Sorry internet went mad!!

Littlelambpeep · 19/08/2018 20:02

Try charity shops- you would be surprised what you can find (even stuff with labels on) lovely books and puppets. B&m had a castle tent yesterday that would look really 'wow' on Christmas morning and it was only 6 pound. Only a few left.
Get stuff they would need anyway. Themes bubble bath. Pjs. Duplo is great and useful for a few years.

Beetlebum1981 · 19/08/2018 20:07

Aldi and Lidl do great toys too.

Otterseatpuffinsdontthey · 19/08/2018 20:14

Charity shops have some amazing bargains.
Sainsburys Toy Sale - October ?? You'll need to be there early Grin
Lidl
Aldi
B & M
The Works
Visit to Santa (essential). Take your own photographs. Possible to do a charity Santa visit.
Good advice from previous poster. 3 year old doesn't need much - 1 year old even less.
Spend quality time with them.
Enjoy Christmas!

user1471453601 · 19/08/2018 20:17

The most magical Xmas i can recall as a child (over 60 years ago), was the one when my Mam made a skating rink from a mirror, with the skaters made out of pipe cleaners and tissue paper. Years and years later, I can recall that mirror. On the other hand, I cannot recall any present from around that time .

So, no, I don't think not being able to spend money on a child matters that much. I'm retrospect, I am so touched at the work my Mam put into that skating rink.

BakewellGin1 · 19/08/2018 20:20

Keep an eye on ebay... we got my son a huge lot (15) of Bob the Builder trucks which at the time were selling for up to £15 each for £30... Remember at that age they dont know things come in boxes.
ELC sometimes have offers on their more expensive (Happyland) etc join their birthday club and you get discount vouchers (we used these toward Christmas presents)...
The Book People do flash sales a lot and often have big book sets for cheaper prices...

BakewellGin1 · 19/08/2018 20:22

Also Primark do nice PJs too...
My son when he was younger loved balloons so we bought christmas coloured ones and had them all across the front room and he loved it.

KanielOutis · 19/08/2018 20:24

Keep it manageable and don't stretch your finances for one day. My eldest is 10, and we still don't spend more than £50 each for Christmas. We can't afford to.

CloudCaptain · 19/08/2018 20:26

I got loads of gifts for my ds age 3 last year and he got bored with opening them. Also try eBay for 2nd hand bargains. They don't care at that age. Got my 2yo an amazing castle with all the gubbins.

Original poster
SilverDoe · 19/08/2018 20:43

Thank you everyone :)

I think you are right and I am placing too much importance on material things. I have unfortunately spaced birthdays with my littles ones; DD is September, DS is November and then it’s Christmas! My birthday is in the middle there in October too, but that’s not too important. We shouldn’t always be skint either; just the way we have arranged things to be around for the kids while they are tiny has meant a lot of financial sacrifices.

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