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Original poster

I need an advent calendar...

36 replies

ShowOfHands · 09/12/2021 20:16

I ordered a Paperchase advent calendar for my teen DD. I never usually buy anything other than a picture one but after a v tough year, I decided the £40 was worth it. I've been chasing why it hasn't arrived and they've today admitted they didn't have enough stock so cancelled the order at the point of picking. No communication about this at the time or since and no refund as yet.

This leaves 14yr old DD without an advent calendar which in the grand scheme of things doesn't matter but I'm so disappointed for her after a crappy time of late.

Is there anything comparable? That would arrive quickly? Although, without the refund, I can't realistically afford anything else. I might try and get one from a supermarket.

I think I might just be frustrated and venting. Oh well.

OP posts:
RodneyIsDave · 09/12/2021 20:18

I got a chocolate from Sainsbury’s on Tuesday for 49p, reduced from £2.50

Firkinhavinalaugh · 09/12/2021 20:20

Accessorise?

Geepee71 · 09/12/2021 20:29

Lidl had some the other day, but it's hit or miss.
When you get the refund, could you take her out for tea and cake or something inst
ead?

Original poster
ShowOfHands · 09/12/2021 20:31

I'll try Sainsbury's tomorrow.

I have just told her and she said not to worry about it but she looked a bit gutted.

She would probably like a chocolate one if I can get one. I tried Tesco and Asda on my way home but they didn't have anything.

She likes art and literature, stationery is one of her biggest passions. Doesn't like beauty stuff, make up, is allergic to everything and can't eat sweets really due to her brace.

It's just frustrating. And I want my money back!

OP posts:
Original poster
ShowOfHands · 09/12/2021 20:32

I might take her out for tea and cake instead. That's a great idea.

OP posts:
stripetop · 09/12/2021 20:34

Amazon have loads of different types on offer

Thesechipsdontlie · 09/12/2021 20:36

Would you D.I.Y one? You could find a refillable fabric one (the works had them) and find some nice stationery (wilkos is actually nice) and maybe on the 24th pop in a gift voucher for paperchase?

Tinkywinkydinkydoo · 09/12/2021 20:38

Smiggle have an advent calendar in stock for £10

Stokey · 09/12/2021 20:44

Is she into jewellery at all? My dd1 got this Avon one.

Original poster
ShowOfHands · 09/12/2021 20:51

I can't afford a DIY one really. Even if I found some stuff for £1 a pop, that's 24 days, plus the calendar and I work full time so can't go shopping any time soon. And I'm forty quid down before I even start. Money is pretty tight and this was a splurge as it was. And I'm definitely not giving Paperchase more money!

She's too old for Smiggle really. I went for Paperchase because the reviews suggested it contained decent, usable items she'd like rather than novelty stuff for a younger audience. I'll see if there's any art stuff she'd really like instead. I know she's been looking at white gel pens and blenders so maybe that's a compromise.

I did look at Amazon before the Paperchase purchase but there was a lot of tea, plastic tut, jewellery and beauty and none of that's really her thing.

OP posts:
Sleepyquest · 09/12/2021 20:52

Tomorrow is the 10th - it seems pretty pointless. Can you just give her a bonus Xmas pressie?

Original poster
ShowOfHands · 09/12/2021 21:08

I'm just pissed off. They've even been emailing and asking me to review the product. Now they're saying that I and one other person bought the last one at the same second which sometimes happens and mine was therefore cancelled and I was refunded. Which is odd considering I have no refund and have had no contact from them re this issue. I think they've just missed our order somehow.

DS has kindly said she can open his calendar tomorrow and I'll put the £40 aside for now.

OP posts:
Original poster
ShowOfHands · 09/12/2021 21:09

Or put it aside if I ever get it back.

OP posts:
QuebecHouse · 09/12/2021 21:09

If she's into art, how about getting her a page-a-day art calendar for a Christmas present? It's like having an advent calendar to open every day of the year.

This one from the Metropolitan Museum of Art is £14.99

I need an advent calendar...
Original poster
ShowOfHands · 09/12/2021 21:14

Have you a link @QuebecHouse?

OP posts:
Wowwellokthen · 09/12/2021 21:15

My 14 and 15 yr olds don't care...bought them lovely candy kitten ones and they aren't interested...won't bother next year.

Original poster
ShowOfHands · 09/12/2021 21:19

Aah see DD would have loved a new piece of stationery each day and was really looking forward to it.

OP posts:
QuebecHouse · 09/12/2021 21:23

@ShowOfHands

Have you a link *@QuebecHouse*?
I don't know how to link on my phone, sorry, but if you google 'page a day art calendar 2022' there are several on Amazon and the Waterstones website
bloomingheather · 09/12/2021 21:25

Ah, that's rubbish - what a pain. Paperchase refunds take ages - I speak from experience!
I'm also a stationery lover and had a look online for you - Not on the High Street have a nice 12 days one which would last your daughter up to Christmas if you got it in the next few days - here
Martha Brook also do lovely stationery and they have a Self-Care bundle that your daughter might like but it is pretty expensive - here

SunnySideDownBriefly · 09/12/2021 21:36

What about getting her a beautiful stationery gift as a surprise? Papier do gorgeous notebooks, planners and diaries for around £20 with her name printed on the front.

Have a look: www.papier.com

I got my daughter one last year and have just ordered her another one for this year.

If you do decide to go ahead then you can get £15 credit with this link: mention-me.com/me/referee/registerko/92025548/369405291/em/e977b494ba4f3fadb68d64f89d900ed11bacfdd1/fe/cw?epr=1

HairyScaryMonster · 09/12/2021 21:57

Could you get a self fill one and buy her some nice bits? I've got one going for my 4yo and 7yo and I fill it the night before.

HappySonHappyMum · 09/12/2021 22:03

If I were you I'd be getting myself straight down to a stationery shop and buying 24 (small) things you think she'd like and wrapping them all individually overnight and numbering them. She's then got a hand wrapped advent gift to open each day. Do it yourself - it's easy Smile

herestoyoucolinrobinson · 09/12/2021 22:03

What about an advent candle? There's still loads online, just checked amazon.

CaputApriDefero · 09/12/2021 22:04

Smiggle have theirs at 50% off

Rizzoli123 · 09/12/2021 22:30

Get a box of chocolates and her to pick one a day