For those who buy in January…

User135792468 · 2021-12-21T08:08:14+00:00

How could you possibly know what people will want a whole year later? With adults it’s slightly easier, but surely their preferences change too? I really don’t understand it with children though as how could you know what they’ll be in to or like? I know it’s cheaper but the whole concept just confuses me. Please help me understand [confused]

00100001 · 21/12/2021 08:17

Because kids generally always like things like... Books, puzzles, games, general toys etc.

Also, some interests won't change really, eg, football or gaming etc so you can pick up stuff in sales.

Chakraleaf · 21/12/2021 08:29

I don't buy main presents.

I buy if reduced:
Xmas pj's in size up
Stocking fillers
Smellies sets
Reduced christmas stuff (paper, mugs)
Books
Playdoh

Etc

FreeBritnee · 21/12/2021 08:30

Same. Just generic stuff that you add to the main
presents.

nocutsnobuttsnococonuts · 21/12/2021 08:47

If I buy anything in January it's the christmas themed stuff that's dirt cheap after Christmas. So the silly Christmas games, stocking filler stuff, Christmas Teddy.

And always things like cards, paper, Christmas jumper/tshirt in the next size up, Christmas socks etc. Last year I bought myself some Christmas leggings for work £2 a pair, Christmas tshirts for £1 and jumpers for £3/4. (I work in a preschool so wear Christmas themed stuff most of December!)

I've learnt to wait on gifts as there are sales all year round, I start my shopping in the summer sales when I have a better idea of interests/wants. But only ever pay what I can get back if I needed to resell due to a change in interest!

Chocolateteabag · 21/12/2021 08:52

Definitely wrapping paper, crackers and Christmas "bits"
Christmas jumpers if they are cheap enough (but I also look for these in charity shops all years round too)

Iseeyoulookingatme · 21/12/2021 08:59

Like previous posters I get Christmas pj's, jumpers in the next size up. Christmas craft stuff. Crackers, wrapping paper, cards etc. Any board games, books, dvds and computer games that I think ds would like, he won't grow out of those. It saves quite a bit of money and then I get main presents closer to the time.

00100001 · 21/12/2021 09:10

Also, generally, adult interests don't change. For example my friend is a keen walker and enjoys puzzles/quizzes so in January I picked up the OS Maps puzzle book.
Another friend is mad for anything Marvel/DC so that's kind of stuff is always around. This year he has a Wolverine Funko Pop thing, that was randomly £1.99 at B&M.

mam0918 · 21/12/2021 13:01

If your kids have such a short attention span that they change their entire tastes, hobbies, and personalities in under 12 years you may want to get them checked for a brain injury or medical issue because it's not normal.

My kids sometimes get into new things during the year but they never completely go off things they like... my 3-year-old has liked paw patrol for 2 years, he's not going to be upset at getting paw patrol even though he has expanded to like PJ Mask and Bluey too this year.

Kids go through phases but don't completely go off things in under a year... I don't watch cartoons anymore because I'm an adult but I still 'like' the ones I watched as a kid (Tom and Jerry, looney tunes etc...) and wouldn't be upset to get something branded like that even now nearly 25-30 years on.

mam0918 · 21/12/2021 13:02

@mam0918

If your kids have such a short attention span that they change their entire tastes, hobbies, and personalities in under 12 years you may want to get them checked for a brain injury or medical issue because it's not normal.

My kids sometimes get into new things during the year but they never completely go off things they like... my 3-year-old has liked paw patrol for 2 years, he's not going to be upset at getting paw patrol even though he has expanded to like PJ Mask and Bluey too this year.

Kids go through phases but don't completely go off things in under a year... I don't watch cartoons anymore because I'm an adult but I still 'like' the ones I watched as a kid (Tom and Jerry, looney tunes etc...) and wouldn't be upset to get something branded like that even now nearly 25-30 years on.

12 months not years... that was a bizarre frazzled brained mistake lol

DropYourSword · 21/12/2021 13:04

If your kids have such a short attention span that they change their entire tastes, hobbies, and personalities in under 12 months you may want to get them checked for a brain injury or medical issue because it's not normal.

HunterHearstHelmsley · 21/12/2021 13:07

@DropYourSword

If your kids have such a short attention span that they change their entire tastes, hobbies, and personalities in under 12 months you may want to get them checked for a brain injury or medical issue because it's not normal.

I was flabbergasted too.

You could surely argue it the other way. If your child's interests don't change with age there is obviously something wrong.

CrimbleCrumble1 · 21/12/2021 13:10

I sometimes buy cards, crackers and fairy lights.

Sn0tnose · 21/12/2021 13:22

I get things like cards, wrapping paper, baubles etc. I wouldn’t buy toys but stocking fillers for the DC in our family are so easy to buy.

Also, if an adult likes a particular brand and I find a bargain, I’ll nab it and put it away for them.

I think you’d struggle if you come from a family where you’re presented with a list of acceptable gifts but, otherwise, it can save you a fortune.

onedayoranother · 21/12/2021 13:31

I buy throughout the year - if I see something X would like I buy it. And kids are easy - the 'in' game or toy you can wait on, but other stuff is pretty safe (a new football, for example).
Harder is to remember you bought it and where you put it!

00100001 · 21/12/2021 13:32

I think it's fairly normal for kids to have a long-term interest such as football or gaming or horses or whatever

JustJustWhy · 21/12/2021 13:35

There's no way I could buy this early and not end up giving the presents out sometime in the year!

Sn0tnose · 21/12/2021 13:47

@JustJustWhy

There's no way I could buy this early and not end up giving the presents out sometime in the year!

Well that can work too. I have a present box in the bottom of my wardrobe and if something in there is perfect for a birthday, then that works too.

Alarmset · 21/12/2021 13:52

Anyone who really does all their shopping in January doesn't care if the presents are suitable, is just looking to get "something" IMO

There are things it does make sense to buy, PJs maybe, wrapping paper, token gifts, but you're not going to get anything someone will be thrilled with like that.

Unless the items are very Christmassy (and therefore shops very keen to get rid) I doubt the savings are worth the cost of the things you end up with, but never give (unless you really don't care that you bought something unsuitable a year ago).

It is worth shopping early in, say, October though. I got some good things on 241 offers that weren't available in December.

SingaporeSlinky · 21/12/2021 14:22

@Alarmset

Anyone who really does all their shopping in January doesn't care if the presents are suitable, is just looking to get "something" IMO

There are things it does make sense to buy, PJs maybe, wrapping paper, token gifts, but you're not going to get anything someone will be thrilled with like that.

Unless the items are very Christmassy (and therefore shops very keen to get rid) I doubt the savings are worth the cost of the things you end up with, but never give (unless you really don't care that you bought something unsuitable a year ago).

It is worth shopping early in, say, October though. I got some good things on 241 offers that weren't available in December.

That’s not true. I’ve bought half price leather gloves from John Lewis in January sales before, and given them to people the following Christmas and they loved them. I didn’t just buy them because they were half price, I knew they were good quality and made them more in my price range.

tentative3 · 21/12/2021 14:30

@Alarmset

Anyone who really does all their shopping in January doesn't care if the presents are suitable, is just looking to get "something" IMO

There are things it does make sense to buy, PJs maybe, wrapping paper, token gifts, but you're not going to get anything someone will be thrilled with like that.

Unless the items are very Christmassy (and therefore shops very keen to get rid) I doubt the savings are worth the cost of the things you end up with, but never give (unless you really don't care that you bought something unsuitable a year ago).

It is worth shopping early in, say, October though. I got some good things on 241 offers that weren't available in December.

Nah. I agree that some people go out and buy any old shite in the boots sale and they aren't worried about the suitability but that's not universally the case for anything bought post christmas. Plus regardless of the rights and wrongs, some people do need presents for people in whom they aren't particularly invested and why not save the money if they can?

If I saw a half price ooni I would know my OH would like it, if not for Christmas then for his birthday. That wouldn't change just because I bought it in January.

thefamous5 · 21/12/2021 14:31

@mam0918

If your kids have such a short attention span that they change their entire tastes, hobbies, and personalities in under 12 years you may want to get them checked for a brain injury or medical issue because it's not normal.

My kids sometimes get into new things during the year but they never completely go off things they like... my 3-year-old has liked paw patrol for 2 years, he's not going to be upset at getting paw patrol even though he has expanded to like PJ Mask and Bluey too this year.

Kids go through phases but don't completely go off things in under a year... I don't watch cartoons anymore because I'm an adult but I still 'like' the ones I watched as a kid (Tom and Jerry, looney tunes etc...) and wouldn't be upset to get something branded like that even now nearly 25-30 years on.

Eh?

My son was 11 and in primary school last Xmas, he played with toys.He's 12 now and in high school and would be bemused if he had toys.

My daughter was just about walking last year and emptying the wet wipe packet was her favourite thing. Now she's a fully walking, talking, potty trained toddler.

Kids change massively over the course of a year. A year is a huge period in development of a child and yes, their changes can change hugely because they go through massive changes.

Pretty offensive to suggest they are ill
Or have a brain injury for growing up.

00100001 · 21/12/2021 15:15

@Alarmset

Anyone who really does all their shopping in January doesn't care if the presents are suitable, is just looking to get "something" IMO

There are things it does make sense to buy, PJs maybe, wrapping paper, token gifts, but you're not going to get anything someone will be thrilled with like that.

Unless the items are very Christmassy (and therefore shops very keen to get rid) I doubt the savings are worth the cost of the things you end up with, but never give (unless you really don't care that you bought something unsuitable a year ago).

It is worth shopping early in, say, October though. I got some good things on 241 offers that weren't available in December.

That's nonsense.

I know my nephew (9) likes Star Wars, and loves hoodies. I got him a Star Wars Hoody in some sale early in the year.

A perfectly suitable present for a nephew. Not just "something"

00100001 · 21/12/2021 15:16

@thefamous5

That's what people are talking about. Not what the latest interest is.

00100001 · 21/12/2021 15:17

I mean, your son probably has king term interests though, such as reading, football, consoles, swimming, Star Wars
.. whatever.

thefamous5 · 21/12/2021 15:27

@00100001

I mean, your son probably has king term interests though, such as reading, football, consoles, swimming, Star Wars .. whatever.

Older kids, yes, not necessarily younger children. I have four and their interests change almost weekly at times.

Still pretty fucking offensive to suggest they're ill or brain damaged because they're interests and things they like change.