Less money available this year

[thegreylady]

I love Christmas and dh and I have always tried to make our gifts for dc and dgc really special. I always buy Christmas Eve pyjamas, a book, a much wanted gift and some stocking fillers every year. My husband died in May and my income (pensions) is less than half. I have accepted that I can’t do what we used to. I have bought pjs from TJMaxx for all dgc and some books from Bibliophile. The adults, 4 couples have opted for a stocking per couple instead of one each because I couldn’t bear to give up. They are all sorting their own dc and won’t let me contribute (talking about teens and 20 s dgc and 45+ dc) . I need inexpensive suggestions up to £25 each for 4 dgs and 4 dgd stocking fillers for ages 14 to 25. And stocking fillers for couples in their 50s. I can’t bear not to do it it’s either do this or not bother at all. I cry whenever I contemplate being without him. I will be with my dd and family for Christmas Day and will see my step families before Christmas. Please suggest something (not photographs I have already done that).

For the kids i would go for a night in theme, so hot choc, mug, travel smellie, popcorn, chocolate, a miniature drink for older ones, fluffy socks. All can be got within your budget. My dc 16 and 23 would really love that.

@thegreylady I’m so sorry for your loss.

You have probably already seen it but the bargains thread in this Christmas board is amazing and people are always happy to help with suggestions.

Gosh I'm sorry @thegreylady , it sounds like you've had a difficult year. I'm not sure what age the girls are, but Sephora have released some beauty crackers for between £18 and £30 that might fit the bill. Or you could buy the more expensive collections but split between a few of them (this may also work for the adult couples too). Sol de Janeiro is apparently popular on TikTok, you could get something like this and give them one each.

I'm struggling more with the boys but edible stuff seems a safe bet. If the adults like booze there are some gift ideas here, or again you could get the advent calendar and split the gins between them all.

For the adult stockings I would go to M&S food or similar and buy some nice treat food items that they will enjoy.

I think the night in and smellies suggestions above are good

It is silly buy the advent and split- much cheaper to buy small gins directly as about half the price

I get old crystal fruit bowls from a charity shop- less than £5 each and as I am lazy buy hyacinths in bloom from M&s (2 for £6 odd- need 1.5 per bowl) and put them together . But you could plant hyacinth bulbs now to bloom at Christmas

They look great and really expensive

@LovelyGreenCushions Is it? Can you link where you get them please? That would be £3.80 per gin for a 50ml measure so I'm struggling to find much online cheaper than that, unless it's like Gordons. For example, I can see York gin is in it. That's £7 for a 50ml miniature buying direct.

Sainburys- they have 4 for £13 in a set and on 3 for 2- so 12 for £26- they have at least 3 different sets including sipsmiths Usually the odd ones are under £3- they have a wide range of miniatures

Waitrose- they have really nice ready mixes like Ophir with tonic as well as others at less that £3 each

Morrisons have premixed cans at 4 for £6.

Tesco have 3 Edinburgh for £8

5cl is a double gin

Plus craft gin club bottle their own- so they are often not in the manufacturers bottles. They do tend to have very good Black Friday offers

Silent pool have them online for £4 (too pricey) but again they usually have very good black Friday offers including free miniatures etc

Not sure about York gin or the attraction. If you want Yorkshire gin then Masons is good- free on Lner

Should add on the hyacinths

My Dsis is very London media- very well known.

She took insta pictures of her hyacinths last year and the comments were pretty amazing.

@LovelyGreenCushions Ah I may have identified the issue - I'm in Scotland so no promotions allowed on alcohol up here

Maybe a friend over the border can smuggle it!
Does it stop you ordering on black Friday at a reduced price?

Hi op.you sound alot like my mam and stepdad.They always did exactly what you said yous did.the pjs, gifts stocking etc..when my stepdad died, my mam still wanted to try and keep the tradition going but we knew she couldn't afford too. Us ( her children ) were happy to recieve nothing but I know she wouldn't allow that so it was token gifts for us.
She got my stepsisters/ step brother silver keyrings with his photo on one side and a personalised message on the back( something he would say to only them) his grand daughter a personalised necklace with his picture on and handwriting on the back.They still have them and they cost less than £15 each. I know you said no photos though.
I know it doesn't make it feel easier for you but all your family will want is for you to be there with them. I know my mam still wanted to make it special for us( as do you) but honestly your family will understand.
Sending love and hugs to you xx

Good question. I don't actually know, as I don't know what things would cost if I was in England IYSWIM. I assume if it's shipped from outwith Scotland minimum unit pricing might not apply, but I'm not sure. We're not massive drinkers tbh (unlike the stereotype!)

I'm so sorry for your loss OP. I'm glad you have family around you.

For my birthday a friend treated me to some Nuxe products which I love. I then found this, perfect for a holiday and some luxury for a great price

https://www.marksandspencer.com/bestsellers-travel-kit/p/hbp60609641?intid=mobileappppdpshare

OP, are you in the US? Only as I noticed the TJMaxx reference and it may affect some of the suggestions people are giving you.