What Xmas presents have you bought yourself, or plan to?

[Spooky2000]

One of the things that I absolutely LOVE about being single is the time on Xmas Eve and Day that I get to surf the 'net and shop for bargain price goodies for myself. I put away money every month in a savings account throughout the year to buy gifts for people - but mostly for me! 😂

Last year I bought myself a DAB radio/CD player for the kitchen; this year a laptop and a new phone. I've also hit Boots as that's amazing and has 20% off online only order atm - so I bought a new MAC foundation brush and some make-up - now holding fire for the reduced perfume gift sets...😈😁

What do you get yourself?

I've just bought a necklace I've had my eye on for months. Very happy as it was reduced a bit in the sale and I would happily have bought it full price.

I also have a £50 Amazon voucher to spend. Any good suggestions? I have mounds of books to work through so am on a book buying ban for a while. I find it hard to filter through all the crap on Amazon these days!

My final treat I am looking for is a nice throw blanket for the bed in my study (I am ill so work from bed when not well enough to sit at my desk). Any suggestions where to look?

I bought myself a nice necklace and earrings. I agree about looking after yourself. I am about to start doing so this year after not prioritising myself and my own health for a long time.

I bought myself some more things this morning , I had some lovely gifts at Christmas but just fancied a few bits , merry people wellies , large bottle of Jo Malone perfume , some more Chelsea peers pj's and a drinks tray things I came across and liked .

Some New Balance trainers, SO comfy!

I got myself two pairs. One for the gym and a pair for mooching about that look like air force 1’s.

A new dress and some lipstick and considering some earrings.

And this is what I'm talking about really :) Sorry people, I didn't mean for it to come over as a 'singles only' thread; I really believe (and particularly in the light of the shite present thread 😂) that we need to be our own BF at this time of year and get some treats, some thoughtful gifts for ourselves. We work bloody hard as women and it goes unnoticed a lot of the time :(

I totally identify with the poster who said about buying something to counter the potential crap gifts received! As I say, I'm single, but I do save for myself and others and I think the idea of buying stuff throughout the year and chucking it in a 'surprise' box is also excellent! I think I'll do that too, in 2025! 😂

@Spooky2000

I was surprised at how many items were in my self-purchased surprise box and it was great fun opening everything yesterday. I had totally forgotten what was in there and really enjoying it all.

Tweezers with an LED! Where do I find these?!

This is such a lovely idea but I would never have the self restraint to wait

I do get the liberty beauty boxes quarterly and love the element of suprise.

@chocolatespreadsandwich

It's not self-restraint so much as absent mindedness 🤣

Actually the box is a shallow one under the guest bed and I generally forget about it, and am usually so busy when another item arrives that I chuck it in and immediately forget. At my age (61) the years flash by so fast that the wait doesn't seem long.

I don't open the outer packaging but by Christmas Eve I put it all in a hamper by the sofa, covered with crumpled wrapping tissue so I don't ponder the contents, and a big bow.

This year I "received" from myself five books (second hand), a Babyfoot peel, three craft items, some vegan lip salve from Etsy, raspberry colored slippers, vegan shampoo/conditioner from Etsy, leather gloves,,a vintage silver & garnet ring from eBay (£18) and some garden seeds.

I exchange small gifts with SO and a couple of friends but it's nice to know that for £100 or so spread over the course of the year, there will be some treats. Highly recommend.

But why don't you just use the items when you buy them, instead of saving them for Christmas?

I don't understand this idea where adults with their own money can't just buy the things they want when they see them (within budget of course) without having to pretend they're a Christmas gift.

OP I think there is a difference in meaning behind the gifts single people get for themselves and people with loving partners getting themselves something as well.
I think there is a place for both but I think the sentiment is different and it's ok to recognise that.

I lovely Jaeger jumper from M&S. Not in the sale or anything but I'd waited ages for it to come back in stock.

I do get what I want through the year but Christmas is a festive occasion. My SO goes to his very elderly mum and my sister lives 400 miles away.

I like to sit by the fire of a Christmas morning with a glass or three of Chambord and leisurely open my little basket of "from me, to me" presents. It's a tradition I established for myself after most of my family died off, and it's fun. I totally forgot what's in there so the element of surprise is enjoyable.

So why wouldn't I do it?

I do it because I spent years with no/cheap no effort gifts from XH making me feel like crying. I want to show myself that I can have treats on Christmas Day.

Cooking tweezers,, hydroponics set and herb seeds and a rose you from Amazon.
Morphe pallet and L' oreal lipsticks (all still sealed) from Vinted.

For me the key is "within budget".
I can't justify spending nearly £50 on a pair of wetsuit gloves just because I need/want them.
Xmas is a time to treat myself to the more indulgent things. No one else spends that much on me.
The delayed gratification (knowing they are under the tree) gives me a wave of nostalgia of the excitement of being a child.

I bought myself the Boots beauty box and I love it. Both DDs want one next year.

Technically this isn't buying myself something, but... DH and DM both got me exactly the same necklace for Christmas, it's a silver seashell pendant on a silver chain from an Etsy seller who designs and makes items inspired by nature. I messaged her and asked if I might be able to exchange one if I were happy to pay the postage and she's agreed, so I've been able to spend some time browsing through her Etsy store and picking out some earrings to exchange the 'spare' necklace for 🙂

On Christmas Eve I treated myself to 2 luxury makeup items. I knew I was getting no presents from certain people, and I was sending back the gift from my DH as it was 2 sizes too big.

It felt nice to treat myself to something luxurious.

In the past I’ve been asked/ told what to buy certain people in the extended family. I did my darnedest to find them cheaper via Black Friday or sale, and then I worked out the difference, added it up, and spent that money on ME. It felt good, but I know that’s also fcked up. I did in the end tell these people I wasn’t buying them flash gifts anymore, which caused a fall out, but don’t care.

I wasn't going to but DH strongly persuaded me to buy myself a bag on sale with a cartoon dinosaur on definitely a dopamine purchase!

I spent a ridiculous amount on something I've been wanting for months - A Remarkable Pro. It's due to be delivered today and I am so excited. Just try not to think of the cost, and convinced myself I am going to turn into a super organized person because of my new gadget!

I wanted flat boots to wear with leggings etc for easy walks etc, so placed a bit muddy but not anything that would need full on hiking boots. DH bought me heeled Chelsea boots. Have quietly ordered myself some different ones and will mention sending back his ones now the main Christmas hype is over, as didn’t want him to feel disappointed about them over Christmas.

I bought one a couple of months ago and it's amazing. Could not love it more. I can't believe how much less stressed about work I am.