What do I want for Christmas?

[DrWhy]

So DH, my Mum and my sister are all asking now me for birthday and Christmas present ideas and I’m totally stuck!
I’m really lucky that if I genuinely need something I can go out and buy it and can occasionally treat myself but this is the first year that I’m really struggling to come up with things.
I have a 2 year older DS, am pregnant and work full time so my hobbies have died a death. By Christmas the new baby will be here and I’ll (hopefully) be breastfeeding so doesn’t really seem any point in getting clothes I’ll only wear for less than a year. I rarely wear make up or perfume, don’t have space for my household ornaments and will probably spend the next year reading books one handed on my phone rather than proper books.
I’ve asked DH for an eternity ring so that’s his main one covered but other than that all I can come up with is PJs, slippers and a gardeners diary!
What do other people consider little treats that would make them smile when they opened them? I really don’t want my family to waste money on things I don’t want and we all enjoy giving gifts so if I don’t suggest something they’ll guess!

A chilly's water bottle and an ecoffee bamboo coffee cup?

Gardener's diary - do you garden? Something for that? Or even just a nice garden chair or something?

Unscented hand cream. You wash your hands so much when you have a baby.

Good quality spork for one handed eating

Thermal mug with lid to keep drinks warm longer.

M&s voucher to buy really nice new undies in a few months.

Magazine sub - private eye to make you laugh?

Or fancy food you wouldn't normally buy yourself?

Ooh - or a professional magazine sub related to your job?

I knit and crochet so ask for naice wool and accessories i cant justify spending on myself.

Also amazon vouchers so i can buy kindle.books

Slippers, a nice purse o r handbag

Thanks folks, a magazine subscription is actually a really good idea, I’ll have a think about what - Private Eye is a good call and might keep me vaguely in touch with the world while I’m on Mat leave, or National Geographic.

A good thermal mug is a good call too, I have a lidded mug I use for for work but it’s not insulated. And a spork is something my husband would totally go for getting me! It might mean that this time round he doesn’t have to cut my food up for me

I like looking at handbags but realistically I take a work bag to work and a changing bag everywhere else :-(

Vouchers generally might be a good plan, then I could have a wardrobe overhaul (undies included!) once I’m done with feeding - although based on last time that might take more than a year!

I’d normally ask for crafty bits, sports kit or things for gardening but we got the greenhouse really well set up this year and I can’t think of anything I immediately need for that now and I just have no time for crafting anymore.

Thanks so much for helping with this totally first world problem!

It’s a shame people can’t buy you extra hours in the day or sleep!

If you read books on your phone, what about a kindle? Would be easier to read.
A voucher for a beauty treatment, with the offer to look after the children while you go for it?

Maybe ask people to club together and get you a kindle and voucher? I hate reading in the phone or tablet and am addicted to my kindle.

Really nice gloves, scarves and boots for long walks in winter with the pram?

Yes to a Kindle.
Waterproof coat?
Lovely bubble bath/shower gel?
A nice scarf?
Maybe a voucher for getting your hair or nails done, or for a massage?

How about tickets for events like concerts, Chelsea flower show, theatre etc

They could club together if the prices are high

These are really good ideas - a friend got me a voucher to get my nails done the Christmas after DS was born, it took me a while to use it but was a lovely treat. Unfortunately the childcare will fall to DH regardless as family are all at the other end of the country!
I do have a kindle but it’s a really ancient one. I love it for reading on holiday but because it doesn’t have a backlight I can’t read it whilst feeding a baby and trying to teach it that it’s nighttime! Might be worth looking at newer ones.

New coat, nice scarf, gloves and lovely shower gel are all great ideas!
I really need to sort out the coat peg, I still have one on there that I think I bought in 6th form...

I always have room for another house plant! I’m also asking for a nice watering can for the above!

Nice gloves for pram pushing

New throw or blanket for sofa

Seeds.
I'm always happy with seeds and nice perfume.

Kindle paper white
A lovely soft cosy throw for when you're up breastfeeding in the night
Nice scented candles
A robot Hoover!
Alexa or similar or nice Bluetooth speaker and headphones for listening to podcasts

Houseplant and one of those lovely little indoor watering cans for it - that’s a great idea! Might also work to water the Christmas tree without soaking the floor!

Seeds are tricky, I am quite fussy about what I want and like reading about different varieties. Flower seeds might be worth a gamble though.

I’m afraid I already have a bit of a thing for soft cosy fleece throws/blankets so there are a few of them around the house! Good idea to have one by the bed for night feeds though.

You folks are great! Thank you!

Oh and I’d love candles - just have to find somewhere I can put them that’s safe from DS!

Posh pyjamas

If you are thinking of a new insulated mug, can strongly recomend a Contigo one. Also, you may prefer a Kindle, but I love my Kobo, which is worth looking into.

I was going to say a contigo travel cup too!

Kindle or different brand is great for night time feeds.

I would ask for some posh shower gel as it will probably be the only time you will vaguely get to yourself for a while. I have heard good things about boots sanctuary moisturing stuff that you use in the shower.

I don’t get to shower on my own! I usually have DS under my feet demanding I fill a jug with bubbles for him or similar! Although when I’m on Mat leave DH will probably have taken him to nursery by the time I manage a shower.
I’ll look into the contigo travel cups - sounds like they are recommended. Mum is on the case for warm button down pjs - although they may not be posh (Fat Face are my favourites but they are so expensive when she can get something fairly similar in Asda!).

Yes, I know that rarely washing by yourself feeling. I normally just hop into DD’s bath to save time.

If what you really want is a few hours... a voucher for some childcare so you can go for lunch with husband? Redeem in few months when little one is bigger?
I know they are other end of country, but if that’s what you would most like I’d happily plan a mutually acceptable date and lan a journey!

Oooh a voucher for a lovely massage or trip to hairdresser/beautician so you get some you time!! Your DH could also give you some 'lie in' vouchers so you can cash in and get a guaranteed uninterrupted lie in while he does childcare!!