Anyone else made a small start this weekend?

[Pegasusmail]

Just got paid and decided to put away a, few things to ease the cost and pressure. I've two dc. I just buy pyjamas for nieces and nephews.

I bought 6 hot wheel cars. Lots of soft toys (online from H&M home- the stingray and a few big bears and smaller little pocket teddies in store from Tesco)
Manchester United Jersey (its this year's not the new one but its very nice and less than 20 quid)
Pokemon cards and coin (Tesco)
Minecraft t shirt and PlayStation t shirt (tesco)
Got everything fairly reasonably.

Just interested in ideas from others about what's nice for young ish dc (7 and 8)

No, but I must start. Thanks for reminding me, OP. Some nice ideas there.

I started at the beginning of the summer holidays. Every time we have a trip out I look for things that will make good presents, including second hand things. I’ve got an app on my phone called the gift lists to keep track of it! I’ll have almost finished by September

Yes I bought ds a book by Marcus Rashford, and some good quality hiking socks for Dh. Will keep getting bits and pieces as I see them.

No but just thinking I should start to spread the cost. DS seems to have sussed about father christmas, but sure he will still want a stocking! I tend to get him a mug and a football shirt to go in stocking. Then some other bits. I am going to try and sell a few bits to help with the overall christmas cost.

Good idea to sell a few bits. I was thinking of doing the same if I get a day off while they are back at school to sell on marketplace.
I thought the Guiness Book of Records wouls go down well. Also the fake oodies.

I haven’t purchased anything but as soon as one Christmas is done I start to put away money for the next one.

I've been jotting down gift ideas when they come to me, or saving items on amazon. Just changed jobs and bought a new house so will be more like October before money has settled enough to start shopping.

I want to ask kids for ideas (12, 10, & will be 9) but it seems so early although I'm sure I usually get them this early?? Moving house has thrown my timeline out of whack

I’ve done quite a bit this month, I’ve done one of my DDs already. I just need 1 thing for my oldest, although it’s the most expensive and just decided what I’m getting my youngest, I’m hoping to get them at the end of the month. After that I just need to pick up Christmas novelty bits when they come out as I wasn’t able to get my usual supplies in the sales this year.

Being done absolutely won’t stop me buying more when the shops are full of Christmas goodies though 🤶🏻

Yes two games from Smyths, Ninja slap and another one where you cut wires. They had lots in the ‘clearance’ section yesterday!

Nothing. I have no ideas what to get ds (13) or dd(10). None at all. 😢

@Pegasusmail

Good idea to sell a few bits. I was thinking of doing the same if I get a day off while they are back at school to sell on marketplace. I thought the Guiness Book of Records wouls go down well. Also the fake oodies.

We got the eldest dd an oodie off Amazon was less than £20 and she wears it loads. Great for slouching round the house.

Yes I bought some Harry Potter socks, a minecraft t shirt and watercolour pencils that were on sale. These will be stocking bits along with a chocolate santa.

I also bought a Harry Potter advent calendar that was half price.

Really wanting to experience a snow type Christmas so don’t want to go overboard with presents.

Ive usually started by now but
a) ive started to become a minimalist so want to limit what comes into the house. I don't want to get stuff just for the sake of it

b) mine are now 7 and nearly 10 and I have to get them to give ideas - and its too early really

For my 7 year old's birthday he wasn't sure what he wanted. We got him a couple of things which he liked and then we (and grandparents) gave money. He was thrilled and has spent it since, after very careful consideration of what he wants (ie several visits to toy store/looking online)

My nearly 10 year old has asked to also get money for his birthday. We are also getting him a book full of scientific facts (he loves science) and possibly a light sabre (his other passion!)

Actually they've both asked for youtuber tshirts/hoodies so will get them nearer the time if they're still keen and I have a better idea of sizing

Got DD (13) a milk frother for her stocking off Amazon (5 euro) but I've aleady given it to her She absolutely adore it

I haven't bought anything this weekend, but my lovely lovely friend has just given me the most enormous bag of Brio and Thomas trains for DS (2) and wouldn't take a penny for them. It will see him through several Christmases I think!

I have started, I've ordered a Playmobil space rocket for DC1 and a playmobil dolls house for DC2 off the bargain prequel thread. I've also got a book, a wooden toy tractor and that's it at the moment. I tend to try not to buy loads for them as they get so much off extended family but I love browsing and noting things down on my list of present ideas for them. It's helpful when family want ideas as to what to buy them as I already have some ideas and I set camelcamelcamel alerts for anything on Amazon that I want to price watch.

That was so kind of your friend Incywinceyspider

Milk frothers would actually go down well with my dc for their nightly hot chocolate

Good idea OP, it will be here before know it. DD birthday is this month so normally start at the end of this month, but really it’s only four months then till Christmas!? Good buys so far , they sound great!

I've started my planning this morning.
DS(8) will get an xbox. I have money put aside for it so will get one as soon as I can find one in a shop.
DS (2) - I have no idea what to get for him so deciding that is my plan for today.

I have been collecting a few stocking bits each week for a while. My dd's are older (21,20,17) and they just get more expensive! Two have just had birthdays as well. I have a few ideas for larger presents for the youngest but other than that I'm stumped. These threads gave me some great ideas last year, fake Oodie and cheap smart watch both went down well.

Not buying but have filled my Amazon basket ready for payday at the end of the month. Trying to find out what the dc might want but ds(5) told me it’s a secret and he can’t tell me, only Santa, otherwise he won’t get what he wants

However I am also a minimalist so don’t buy much. I follow that 4 present rhyme (ish) so something they want/need/wear/read. Plus 5 small stocking gifts and chocolate. Dh also buys them a couple of presents each from their wish lists.

So my currently To buy list:

Dd: new dressing gown and book about starting uni (she goes next year so Christmas will be practical things for her to take)
Ds1: FNAF graphic novel and an outfit of some description (gaming related though), a Lego set, then something off the wish list
Ds2: catkid book, outfit (gaming/Roblox/superhero related), lego set, something from the wish list.
Ds3: candy floss machine, hamma beads kit, outfit, activity book.

Advent calendars:
Dd - body shop
Ds1 - lego avengers
Ds2 - lego start wars
Ds3 - smiggle

For advents I usually just go to flying tiger and pick up some random bits - juggling balls, bubbles, pens etc and a gift card for their interests - roblox/primark/smyths etc

*Stockings I go to flying tiger. Not advent. Wish we could edit posts

Great ideas on this thread ☺ I snaffled a butterfly house and some seeds for butterfly attracting plants for my Dad

@Summernamechange2021 - if Xbox supply is still tight in the shops, it might be worth keeping an eye on Costco. I managed to get DS an Xbox off there a few months ago when everywhere else was sold out. If you're not a member, there's an online-only option for £15 p.a. which has been really useful for me as a non-driver in lockdown.