Only buying what the children want

[Mallowmarshmallow]

That's my vow this year....no bulking up or last minute panic shopping for stuff they never really wanted and therefore doesn't really get played with.

I've never bought masses before but I genuinely think my DCs would prefer to just get 3/4 things that they actually want....

My Xmas needs careful planning this year as I really want to stick to a budget and cut out the panic buying. Going to start getting stuff from next month.
Nearly got half the money needed for presents in my savings account and will get a few food bits as I see them. I m much better prepared than last year.

Why would anyone buy anything other than what they ask for anyway?
I've never seen the point in having piles of presents just for the sake of numbers.

Same here! To be fair I usually buy pjs/bedding, books, clothes etc for the older ones but they really don't need them!

Traditionally they've also always had a stocking which ends up full of tat they don't need.

So this year they're having a big present from us and better quality things in their stocking.

I'm still going to buy things they didn't ask for because those are often the best presents but no more buying something just because they must all have 5 presents and a full stocking etc.

Hmm, my kids were asked by a friend what they wanted for Christmas just this week.
It is safe to say they will NOT be getting the contents of their list - a cat each, and 18+game and an iPhone (they are at primary school).

@RainOrSun brilliant!

That's my aim this year, not so much just what they want because I like to get a few surprises (nothing huge) that I know they will enjoy and appreciate.

DS doesn't want anything in particular so I'm going to have to wing it for him and DD will NOT be getting all the items she's asked for - a flikr scooter, a hoverboard, heeley's, a twin pushchair with 3 handles, a Hatchimal and a snorkel. Who knows what else she'll add 🤔

Rainorsun killjoy! Just imagine the happiness on their little faces when they unwrap a kitten and a copy of Grand Theft Auto. You want to deprive them of that?

We'll still get them a few surprises, last year my dd asked for 2 things which she did really like but has played with the stuff we bought her a lot too.

Limiting ours this year. We have so much stuff....but the things they asked for they've played with loads.

Think topping up with board games and other bits like a Google play card etc

Part of the joy of a gift is the surprise. It’s possible to buy things off list that will be loved.

Owner given your user name, I'm fairly sure you will be aware of the hazards of wrapping a kitten in paper! The magic of Santa will be spoilt as the scratches on my hands will identify the wrapper of the presents!

Anyway, a cat is for life, not just for Christmas!

What ages are they? If secondary age then best to use the money towards what they actually want but for younger kids it's nice to have a few surprises.

@Rainorsun I agree with you, animals stents gifts - taking on a pet is something that needs to be carefully thought out, planned for and given time - excited kids on Christmas morning screeching and clambering to hold it in a strange new environment is not a responsible way to introduce a living, breathing creature!

Also, just because kids "want" something doesn't mean they have to have it. My DS would like a cat but I'm allergic and my DD would love a dog but we don't have time to care for one properly in my opinion - it's not being a killjoy it's being a responsible adult.

Anyway, a cat is for life, not just for Christmas!

Yes, it's reindeer that are just for Christmas.

My son always has a list as long as your arm and costing as much! My daughter can never come up with anything.

Your plan sounds eminently sensible, Mallow.

Good for you!

I kind of disagree in tactic. Child dependent, but a lot of children ask for what they've seen advertised the most or what Freddie who sits next to them at school is getting. Whereas usually what I choose and isn't on their list or radar is what they play with the most.

Mine wouldn't really know what they want TBH so we buy what we think they'd like.
We do the opposite of padding out - we try and keep presents down, tell friends we aren't exchanging gifts for the DCs, and spread out opening over a few days.

After just selling some unopened lego from last Christmas, I'm doing this. My problem has been getting sucked into the bargain thread and buying stuff off that that they don't want or need. DD always has a list a mile long so I'm used to being selective with her, but DS only ever asks for a few things. Normally I bulk it out so he has a similar amount of presents to her but this year I'm just going to stick with his list and he can have the rest in money (we have a budget and spend the same on both DC). I'm also going to give other relatives 1st dibs on their lists and we'll just buy what's left over/give them money. The only surprises I'm giving them this year is theatre tickets for Horrible Histories.

My children are asked to provide a list of 4 or 5 things. They're usually pretty sensible too.

I'll try to get what they ask for and 2 or 3 surprise bits.

My dc are back back to school soon and I plan on raiding charity shops for Xmas gifts. They don't have any computers or consoles so thankfully we are not slaves to expensive technology.

Mine aren’t short on wants so I keep a wishlist on my phone. If we’re out somewhere and they fancy something I snap a picture for the wishlist. I’m fairly strict about not buying much in between birthdays and Christmas too. They only ask Santa for one gift so I can add a few surprises knowing that they really are wanted.

I know what you mean @MarmaladeTeepee about the bargain thread. I’ve had to learn to be really strict with myself on that thread.