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Christmas

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

Original poster

£100 in the bank now for food and presents for both parents and sibling. Can I do it?

116 replies

LetterBug · 12/12/2021 18:59

just that really. 100 pounds until January. I haven't gotten my parents anything or my DB. Or done the Christmas shopping.
Any ideas on cheap gifts but not gift sets as my family hate them read: are drowning in them

I really can't think of what they need maybe a household item?

OP posts:
Bushkin · 12/12/2021 19:00

How many people is your food shop for OP?

Gregsprinkles · 12/12/2021 19:02

Do you have to get gifts? Can't you agree to not get each other gifts this year?

Gregsprinkles · 12/12/2021 19:03

If you can't think of what they need then it's likely they don't actually need anything.

Original poster
LetterBug · 12/12/2021 19:03

Oh my gosh dhs grandparents! I started in October, how did I forget all of these people?!

OP posts:
Starcaller · 12/12/2021 19:03

Be honest and say you can't afford gifts right now and prioritise food and having some spare for contingency.

OnlyHereForTheClothes · 12/12/2021 19:04

I'd limit spend to £5 on each of them and just concentrate on food. Or else not do presents this year. Sad as that is, it's better than going hungry or getting into debt.

OnlyHereForTheClothes · 12/12/2021 19:05

Get them food or drink with that budget. Or maybe a tshirt or something for your dbro in a sale?

TheSpottedZebra · 12/12/2021 19:06

My mum would be horrified at me spending money I didn't have on a present she didn't need.

Just tell them you can't afford it this year, but that you'd love to see them and sing carols / play Monopoly / whatever Christmas thing you do together.

QuitMoaning · 12/12/2021 19:07

Can you bake something for them? Some nice cookies or biscuits wrapped in tissue paper or something? I love shortbread or flapjacks and they don’t cost much. Spending time on something is the greatest gift as time is not limitless.
If they do not appreciate it then they are not worth worrying about.

TheYearOfSmallThings · 12/12/2021 19:07

Just explain you can't afford gifts this year. If anyone in my family was short of money I would absolutely hate to think they would waste a penny on something I don't need.

OnlyHereForTheClothes · 12/12/2021 19:08

Secondhand books are another good one. I love getting secondhand books. I think I'd prefer that to new. You can find them really cheap in some places.

Readytogogogo · 12/12/2021 19:08

Can you bake? Make Christmas biscuits etc as a present?

kikipie · 12/12/2021 19:09

Make a voucher for a treat next year, a trip out or a lunch, it doesn’t have to be expensive, and do it when you can afford it.

Nonicknamesforcatapillars · 12/12/2021 19:10

Box of chocolates for each of the family. No more than £5 each.

If you’re not cooking Christmas dinner, then you’ll easily do it on the remaining £85 if you are then it’ll be a bit of a challenge, I’ve done it on that much before, but everything’s more expensive now. I’d go to supermarkets in the evening, but reduced things and freeze them for Christmas.

Nonicknamesforcatapillars · 12/12/2021 19:11

Second hand books would also be a great shout. I have brought a whole series of books my dad wants this year, all second hand. He won’t mind at all that they’ve been read before.

TunnelOfGoats · 12/12/2021 19:12

How about a well thought out book from a charity shop for each person? That would put thought into it as opposed to money

ApplesinmyPocket · 12/12/2021 19:12

Your parents and your brother? your closest family? Honestly, just say 'can we not do gifts this year, things are a bit tight, we'll make up for it when we're flush haha'

Benjispruce5 · 12/12/2021 19:12

Secret Santa? I’d hate someone I loved to be going without to buy me a Christian present I don’t need. Be honest. If you feel bad then give them a time gift. Offer to do something for them like a babysit or make them a meal etc

Benjispruce5 · 12/12/2021 19:13

*Christmas not Christian

ItsSnowJokes · 12/12/2021 19:15

We couldn't afford presents for family last year as we had just moved house and extended our mortgage and then I got made redundant out of the blue. They completely understood and this year we have made it up to them. Be honest with them. Don't get into debt or not eat for Christmas, that is not what the spirit of Christmas is about.

TooManyPlatesInMotion · 12/12/2021 19:16

Agree with pp - just be honest and say you can't do presents for extended family. Prioritise some nice food.

Scandisaurus · 12/12/2021 19:16

I really can't think of what they need maybe a household item?

Your parents need, and want, their child to prioritize having food in the fridge.

MadMadMadamMim · 12/12/2021 19:17

If you can't bear the idea of not giving presents - even though it sounds like you can't afford to - how about making them a home made voucher for something?

Offer your services in some way, or perhaps A Sunday lunch in January.

tillytoodles1 · 12/12/2021 19:17

Just do a secret santa if you're spending the day with them.

revea · 12/12/2021 19:18

Be honest with them or if you really want to get something try charity shops, vinted of fb market place. Myself and others have a big clear out before Christmas and so there's lots of things new in boxes or with tags.