OMG I just bought a Christmas 2023 present.

[OperationMalena]

It was in the sale, massively discounted and I know I can give it to someone next Christmas.

Feels mad though.

My kids are not 'buying themselves toys' and people are unlikely to spontaneously buy my kid a harmonica. I have never encountered a harmonica with a warranty or issues and they don't have a 'fad' for wind instruments etc... that an example of one gift bought so far.

I know my children well (I literally created them, wiped their arses and spend every day with them) and I'm pretty certain I know what they like. So far non have ever gone of the fun surprise presents (that they didn't even know about) before Xmas and hated them. I have been doing this for over a decade and a half so if it was a risk I think it would have happened by name.

Normal people do not entirely change personality and suddenly go off things and if you for some reason have a child that would decide they forever despise something the loved last week on a whim and refuse to use it then regardless of buying it now or at Xmas won't matter because when that happens a week after Xmas you STILL wasted your money on a spoilt and ungracious receiver.

• by now not name

We haven't booked our August holiday yet.

I aspire to these levels of organisation and preparedness.

I was generally advising people about warrantees as I work in debt, benefits, housing, employment and yes consumer rights. Of course there are things which can be bought which are unlikely to need to be returned but lots of people buy things which might like electrical and tech items.

My advice isn’t to suggest that nothing is ever bought in advance just a suggestion that consumers might want to consider how an item might be best bought closer to the time if it’s something where a warranty might be a good fall back.

Its not a personal attack it’s just a bit of food for thought. I’m sure the harmonica will be okay. A good choice of instrument. Nice and portable. Doesn’t need replacement parts or tuning.