Anyone else have less money for Christmas?

[reviera]

I have a lot less money this year for Christmas (due to the pandemic) and I would love ideas how to save money. Also, will a 3.5 year old notice a lot less stuff than last year? I feel like I'm letting everyone down but I just don't have a lot of money this year and normally go all out. Is anyone else in the same situation?

Totally agree with everyone else. Don’t worry and think out of the box a bit. Can you get some things on eBay or a local marketplace? Lots of things such as Lego, dolls
House, bikes sell like new. Bulk out some presents with things you would buy on a normal shop, shampoo, bubble bath etc. I got my daughter a set of craft drawers at that age and then filled with lots of things, she loved it and used it for years (and lots of the things I filled the drawers with were already in house, she didn’t notice at all that I’d just popped them in there!). Have a great Christmas x

Yep.. to be honest I have no money now we are going into a second low down. Myself and DH have our own company (just us) and I won't go into it but no government help due to how we paid ourselves, basically following our accountants advice. Sucks, but that was a mistake. I mean what do I know about tax. We don't have enough turnover for VAT so we aren't taking it in between the two of us in the SE. Very happy to work, but won't be able to.

Just having a look on eBay and FB marketplace for some bits on my DS' Christmas list. The problem is postage adds a bit whack if things aren't local and makes a bargain unaffordable. I don't know what to do. I have my DD's birthday just after Christmas too. Luckily she is a baby, so I can get away with not getting her anything for Xmas and her 1st birthday, but it's just a bit sad. I'll prob find something we already have to wrap incase my DS gets suspicious, although he'd probably recognise it

I've already told relatives I'm not buying presents which again is awkward, but how do you deal with a 4 year old who he honestly being so good to get gifts from Santa. My DS a lovely boy. I just hope once we get through this period to be able to have my M&D to a roast (not turkey, prob just a cheap chicken for Xmas.) I just wish it was different. I'm not materialistic and we literally sold everything on eBay we could last lockdown. I have very few clothes now, no jewellery, not that I had loads just some inherited stuff, which got the measly sum of £36, but it's better than nothing. No idea what to do, hope I can get a delivery job or something.Breaks my heart.

Anyway don't they say presence not presents. Could be an interesting Xmas.

Definitely scale back and buy second hand. Ive done this for years for my dds. Bonus as I don't have to build things too! Also practical things like a fleece blanket for snuggling on the sofa/in car/buggy. I buy the £6 primark ones with different characters they wash v well.

@ooowooo is there any local free sites on Facebook you could put a wanted ad on? Near me people give away all sorts which when cleaned up and wrapped would make lovely gifts. Personally I've had near new books, dressing up, bundle of peppa pig toys and ride on toys from free sites for my dds/the nursery I work in.

i never have much money because im unable to work because of ill health. Usually i buy and put away all year round as and wehn i see things but obviously, we had the first lock down before so that stopped me then. Ive bought what i can and havent done bad but its not a patch on most years but everyone will be grateful for what they have, i know that. Im positive your 3.5 year old wont be counting gifts and wont have a clue if they have less or more than last year and PP are right,y ou could easily buy some things 2nd hand them not care a single bit. I know that YOU care about providing but 2nd hand is no bad thing and good for the environment and your dd really wont care at all, not even a little bit. Christmas is going to be very different for most people this year.

I agree with colouring and sticker books, ingredients to make cookies and cupcakes. Also if you aren’t on the bargain thread the toys for a pound website is great and you could get plenty of nice bits. If your DD is anything like my DS the gift she’ll enjoy the most could be a tiny, cheap stocking filler you didn’t think she’d look twice at. I hope you have a fantastic Christmas.

I would decide what your budget actually is OP and set it at that amount. So if it is £50 you don’t spiral out of control getting little bits here and there. A tenner on the stocking in Poundland will go far...a book, a bubble bath and three toys plus a satsuma and some sweets plus all wrapping paper. So £40 left, B & M do two big toys for £25 so a big dolly set and a shopping cart or whatever she is in to. Leaves £15 for some colouring stuff, books, a puzzle, hat, gloves, pants in primark. All wrapped in brightly coloured paper and that will be magic for a three year old. If you can get books in charity shops even better.

I would then start a proper Christmas savings account for next year or when they get older and want more, start now and it will add up but this year, you definitely do not need to spend much. I hope you have a good one OP
And stay off social media, there will always be the tone deaf who post piles of presents as others lose their livelihoods all around them.

If your budget were ten pounds, you could get enough in Poundland to make a three year old incredibly happy. So please don't worry.

My little boy is the same age he loves Mog books which i get from evay second hand and also Lanka Kade wooden animal figures which are around £2.50 on the little footprints website, he loves playing with those.

Jump on Facebook market etc and grab something second hand! I just got a few things for DS age 2 this way - i think lots of people are selling at the moment as they are clearing space anticipating Christmas. The toys are new to him, I'll wrap them nicely, job done!