Help with tricky situation re size of gift pile

[CandyStripedCookieJar]

I know this can be a bit of a contentious issue but I have a unique issue that I would really appreciate some ideas to help with
DD1(20) has ASD, presents as NT when you first meet her but faces hugest challenges, is mature is lots of ways but also very young in ways only visible to immediate family.
One thing that's very important to her (in a much younger child type way) is Christmas. She has very rigid thinking around Christmas and what it should be like and one of those is around having a big pile of presents (influenced by Christmas films when she was younger).
I am not looking for a debate on this as I want a nice Christmas day for us all not ruined by a meltdown (not possible for her to control or understand).
Basically, how do I give her lots of presents without breaking the bank and without buying cheap rubbish?
Any idea for bulking out or cheap good quality gifts so the whole family can enjoy the day?(and the rest of the year as it would be brought up daily!)
Sorry for longish post but context was important here I feel 🐧☃️

Direct from the PI website

I also have a child with autism and she tried this once but I just explained to her (over & over again!!) about quantity not being necessarily better. That sometimes the tiniest presents are the best. Now she doesn’t care how many there are or how big they are and actively searches out the smallest presents!
Autistic children still need supportive guidance and (very) gentle discipline, as they need to learn that life as an adult won’t be exactly how they want or demand it to be, unfortunately. Especially at 20 years old.

Thank you!!

Autistic people aren't all the same. I didn't ask for opinions on my parenting. It is a shame you have ruined such a positive and supportive thread

@CandyStripedCookieJar if you want nice boxes, I’ve been really pleasantly surprised by the gift bag/box options in Poundland, and B&M. Nice patterns on them so you wouldn’t even need to wrap the box, but could just add a ribbon.

A large framed A3 poster for her room? A cheap but large A3 sketch pad if she likes art? Maybe a new rug rolled up or if you have pets then accessories for them like a bed or large pack of biscuits.

Super weird, my screen isn’t showing the part where the OP asked for parenting advice

Everyday things she’ll use, shower gels,magazine, blankets, pillows, favourite foods or cereal (excellent size for bulking 😂), socks, pants, slippers, dressing gowns are super bulky!

The suggestion above about making jars with cookie/brownie ingredients is excellent and one I will steal!

No direct suggestions. But a tip to save money and prepare for future years. Shop in January. Lot of gift sets and the like are reduced significantly in January. Especially any christmas themed things. Don't pick up everything or anything perishable. But filler gifts you can get some bargains.

Also pick up clothes and wintery bits in the early spring sales and put them away. Can be bulky and will be alot cheaper than buying now.

Would she like an oodie? They are massive (un vacuum pack before wrapping) and half price at the moment

I tend to buy lots of food and toiletries for my autistic relative who is very similar about size of pile. A multipack of crisps can pad out a pile quite nicely. It also helps with storing the pile after Christmas has passed!

So someone who is concerned about an autistic 12 yo in an online relationship suggests speaking to the parents to ensure it's being monitored and the child is being safeguarded, and they are arrogant and need to mind their own business, but a parent asks for help making an autistic 20 yo feel calm and relaxed on Christmas and you feel the need to stick your oar in with advice on how to discipline her out of the things which she finds comforting?

All suggestions around £10-15 or under on Amazon/IKEA/Sainsburys/Primark:

How about something like a yoga ball - already blown up, and wrapped. Or a yoga mat. Both inexpensive but bulky.
A fleecy dressing gown or throw.
A cuddly toy from Sainsburys or IKEA costs very little, if she is still into them as a 20 yr old with a childlike aspect to her personality.

A salt lamp. They look so cosy on winter nights.
A chocolate fondu set.
Fluffy socks from Primark are about £4 for two pairs - bulky and soft and cosy.

And in TKMax. Really beautifully decorated huge sturdy storage boxes, some with click metal clasps like old fashioned suitcases, for around £7. And loads of more Christmassy themed ones too.

@MrsSunshine2b So what YOU'RE saying is, you've disagreed with two of my posts and decided to target me and imply that only your advice is acceptable, nobody elses?

Someone mentioned baking kits.
When DD was a student I found a book on mug cakes; basically you make a cake in a mug in a microwave. But then I thought that, as a student, she wouldn't have the basic ingredients. So I bought all the basic stuff required - flour, sugar, cocoa etc. All the various flavorings and also a mug of the ideal size. Then packed the lot - book, mug, ingredients in to a box to make a mug cake kit. It actually ended up as a reasonably large package but wasn't an expensive gift

@IHopeYouStepOnALegPiece I didn't ask for your advice either love! Unless you have an autistic child you have no idea!

Primark Home has some good stuff. Big metal baskets in gold and black for storage; maybe start her with her ‘own collection’ of Christmas decorations- nab their wreaths, garland, napkins etc while still in stock.

@CandyStripedCookieJar Please explain, in detail, where I have "ruined the thread?" You asked for opinions and you got well meaning, kindly written opinions. You cannot stipulate and cherry pick what opinions you get. That's not how forums work!

You continue enabling and giving your daughter a skewed view of the world she will eventually have to tackle on her own when you're no longer around.

Pretty glassware and vases from charity shop?

My daughter sounds very much like yours. I often think she comes across as very mature for her age and people would have no idea… or maybe I’m being naive. Regardless, I completely get the ‘anything to avoid a meltdown on Xmas day’!

• an electric blanket
• an electric throw
• a long hot water bottle
• giant Pringle stack
• a pin board / mirror / picture for her wall
• a hamper with ingredients to make fudge / biscuits / cakes etc with a printed recipe card, gift bags & stickers with ‘handmade by… and her name’
• a light up letter board for her room
• novelty slippers / dressing gown / huge fluffy towel with her name on

I am definitely going to pinch some of the ideas on this thread. I’m seriously cutting back this year, but some of these suggestions sound fun and won’t break the bank.

You seem really angry. I'm not really sure what you are getting out of bringing negativity to such a lovely thread. Nowhere in my post did I ask for opinions on my parenting so not sure where you got that idea from.
I want to keep this thread happy and positive as I see it has also helped some others. I have no interest in engaging with you further.

Nabbing the basket idea for my boyfriend!

What about a giant teddy? There are loads on my local pages either for free or up to a tenner. People desperate to get rid I imagine 😂

Disclaimer - I realise she's 20 but I'm 35 and would absolutely love to open a present of a giant teddy on Christmas morning. Just a big cosy pillow really.

This thread is fantastic for big filler ideas, given me lots to think about for lists!

Maybe some pretty storage boxes wrapped up? Or under-bed storage boxes on wheels. TK Max has nice hat box type things, and IKEA is obviously good for storage. You can then stack them and put other presents on top!