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Christmas

From present ideas to party food, find all your Christmas inspiration here.

Original poster

Age 7&10 DD’s - is it a cop out buying beds as Xmas presents?

92 replies

flissity · 28/10/2019 08:25

Am trying to decide this...

They both need new beds and ideally I know they’d like something like a high sleeper/cabin bed.

Would it be an acceptable xmas present?? Along with other stuff as well of course. Plus they have 6 aunties/uncles who they get presents off and 3 sets grandparents. So won’t go short on stuff.

There’s just no other ‘big’ presents they really need.
Was thinking can get bed covers and lamp etc to make it all exciting f...

OP posts:
HelenaJustina · 28/10/2019 08:28

We got two of ours their bunk beds as a Christmas present one year. I wrapped some parts and they looked enormous under the tree! DH put them together while I made the lunch and they slept in them that night...

Like you they have lots of extended family to spoil them and we were in a budget, for everything, not just Christmas! 7yrs on they don’t seem damaged by the experience!

EleanorReally · 28/10/2019 08:28

no, it sounds a great idea

BlueEyedFloozy · 28/10/2019 08:28

I would, my 13yo is getting a desk and chair though so I may be biased 🤣

backinthebox · 28/10/2019 08:29

A bed is something you need. Buying an essential item for kids is a bit mean really. By all means buy them a new bed and spend a bit less on them at Christmas, but don't pretend a piece of furniture is an exciting present. I would think that fancy duvet covers, fluffy pillows etc would be a perfectly acceptable present as they are nice to have. But most people don't go to bed on a night and think 'ooh, isn't it nice to have a bed?'

TheEmojiFormerlyKnownAsPrince · 28/10/2019 08:29

I wouldn’t. A bed is an essential item. Presents on the whole are not essential.

Original poster
flissity · 28/10/2019 08:30

Ah thanks. Glad others think along same lines!
We are on a budget too. But can get them better beds if we incorporate into Xmas.. :)

OP posts:
JustAnotherMammi · 28/10/2019 08:33

Not at all. Especially if it's a style bed they'd particularly like, like a high sleeper or cabin. 😁
You can always do something they want, something they need, something to wear and something to read! Nothing wrong with practical presents.

Winteriscomingfast · 28/10/2019 08:36

Yes, get them toilet roll and soap as well. When they are teens a years supply of tampax is the only acceptable gift.

No of course it isn't acceptable. What joy is there in that? Would you have wanted a bed?

Bed covers and a lamp exciting?
I still remember being given a duvet cover for Christmas- it was and still is a crap present.

FrivolousPancake · 28/10/2019 08:37

Bit mean tbh

Winteriscomingfast · 28/10/2019 08:40

Ah thanks. Glad others think along same lines!

5 responses- 3 agreed and 2 didn't?

MrsElijahMikaelson1 · 28/10/2019 08:40

Very mean giving an essential thing as a Christmas present. It would be the same as your DH gifting you an iron or vacuum cleaner for Christmas.

Cocoismydog · 28/10/2019 08:41

I think it’s absolutely fine and it’s how you can afford the beds so it’s how it has to be. I agree with other poster, get them some bedding they will love, sparkly cushion etc (great ones on amazon for under a £5). Christmas is all about the magic and family, presents of things they sometimes need are absolutely fine. I hope you have a lovely Day.

TeenPlusTwenties · 28/10/2019 08:41

Give them a choice?
Basic bed plus big present, or super duper bed but no big present.

Cocoismydog · 28/10/2019 08:44

Oh the other poster was saying bedding was crap present! I disagree, Happy Potter bedding was loved here and sequin cushions were very popular. Maybe it’s just different kids, but having lovely things in bedroom has always gone down well with my DC and also young nieces and nephews.

TheCatInAHat · 28/10/2019 08:44

I think it’s a lovely idea. It’s all too easy for kids (and adults) to take home comforts for granted. I’m so often grateful to have a warm and cosy bed- I love my bed. It’s not as if they won’t have lots of other things to enjoy from extended family.

AmIThough · 28/10/2019 08:45

Could you redecorate their room instead of just buying a bed? If you're getting new bedding and accessories anyway, wallpaper and paint isn't really very expensive.
Then it'll seem like a massive gift and they can choose it.

cccameron · 28/10/2019 08:50

A bed is something that as a parent you are expected to provide. It's not an appropriate present. Neither is bedding. What child wants to open a duvet cover for Xmas? Fair enough to explain that as they need new beds there won't be as much money for presents but to pretend that is their present is pretty shit

Original poster
flissity · 28/10/2019 08:58

I do provide beds lol.
They have both expressed interest in more ‘exciting’ beds. With desks underneath or whatever.

Which are a luxury really!

I don’t currently make them sleep on a mattress on the floor.

OP posts:
Goldenphoenix · 28/10/2019 08:59

My DD wanted a high sleeper so we said she could have it as her main birthday present, it was hundreds of pounds so not mean at all I don't think previous posters. We bought her beanbag chair, fluffy throws, curtains for it, lava lamp to pimp it out. She absolutely loves it and is delighted. If a kid picks an expensive version of a necessity i think it's a great gift. We explained to her it was expensive and she totally understood. Money isn't unlimited and kids do need to understand that.

JustAnotherMammi · 28/10/2019 08:59

Some of the responses here are a bit unreasonable Hmm
I think OP should do the:
^Something they want
Something they need
Something to wear
Something to read
^
Plenty of people do this poem and a bed is a very generous 'need' present, it may even be their want too. I really wanted a mid sleeper with desk etc under as a child, never got it as I already had a standard single bed. I'd of been delighted with it as an only present. If you really think that's a mean gift then your privilege and entitlement is showing.

milliefiori · 28/10/2019 09:02

It's fine if they are special beds. That's not an essential. They already have beds! It's a design choice. Just make sure you give them some toys and frivolous stuff as well in their stockings - a few toys from Tiger and some sweets etc.

CameraTime · 28/10/2019 09:02

I don't think there's anything wrong with giving essentials as presents, if it's something they've been wanting and they get some other bits as well. Loads of people give things like pyjamas, underwear etc for Christmas, and they're essentials. If it's a bed they've really wanted, they'll be delighted!

katewhinesalot · 28/10/2019 09:03

Mine both got doubles at different times but they were wants - not needs.

Bbq1 · 28/10/2019 09:06

Sounds like a good idea. My ds had a high sleeper for7 years and loved it. Somebody commented it's an essential but you're not just buying them a really basic single bed each, bunks and high sleepers don't come cheap. Good idea to buy duvet sets, cushions etc to go with it.

MilkTrayLimeBarrel · 28/10/2019 09:06

I think it's perfectly OK to give them beds as a Christmas present - especially as they have so many other family members who are likely to give them 'fun' presents. Could they perhaps go with you and choose the bed, bedding and other bits? I remember having a desk and chair for Christmas when I was about 10 - absolutely loved it!!