What are you buying for yourself (single parents)

[Worriedwakinghours]

Single parent getting to my fourth Christmas since my marriage ended. Last year I had the idea that I would start buying myself some gifts so I have presents to open as I don't have many people in my life, child is too small to buy something and definitely do not have a partner. I'm a saddo I know. Last year I bought some books, nice pyjamas and my favourite chocolates. I do buy myself nice things throughout the year but want to mark Christmas with some smalls gifts to myself.

Anyone else in the same boat and what are you buying yourselves?

I do this but don’t wrap - I just surround myself with lovely things - for me this is expensive candle, bath oil, face oil, wine, Bailey’s, chocolates. Kindle charged. And I think of twixmas as my lovely luxurious time.

I am in my late 60s, and started to do this in my late 20s. I would buy and wrap a couple of gifts, in case I did not get anything I liked. My friend’s cat used to buy her gifts, after his death, his ghost stepped up!

I am currently thinking that the cats next door might get together and buy me a new coffee machine, another quilt kit and maybe a KitchenAid

Oh yes.Birthday eternity ring from Monica Vinada. Reminding myself of my own love for myself. Christmas going for a nice perfume. Doing this every year from now on!

Nothing

@Worriedwakinghours
i read ‘lessons in chemistry’ earlier this year and really enjoyed it.

I do my own stocking otherwise I would be the only one without and kids would notice. I have a DH who buys presents but the concept for the stocking just never crossed his mind, when I mentioned in passing I did my own he seemed surprised and I'm like 'who the fuck did you think did it?'.

I usually just buy random little bits this year 2 necklaces (not fancy just costume jewellery), a set of earring (same again) and a little jewellery box to keep them in and a selection of some old school sweets.

I usually do, but I've bought myself some bath bombs, wool and pens recently so will probably leave at that.

I'll get something small from DD (21) and probably some cash and a stocking of Temu tat goodies from my mum, maybe a book or two from the FWB...so it's not a disaster.

Im married and I do this. I've ordered some framed prints off the Internet.

I do my own stocking and then I’ve got myself a painting of a photo I love! I love it as I splurge. My family don’t get gifts for adults and as I’m single, I’m the only adult not receiving a gift so my family all look awkward when I open my gifts to myself 😂 fuck ‘em.

I do my own stocking, mainly with small inexpensive things and my favourite snacks.

I have bought myself a pair of dungarees (similar to Lucy and yak) and I might get some nice PJ’s. I need some new boots but I might wait until the sales after Christmas.

This really made me chuckle thank you. The cats next door sound very generous, hope you've got them a bag of Dreamies in return 😀

Yes i do this! I think what I might spend on a partner, then buy myself stuff to the same value + 50% for my general amazingness 🤣

Usually some expensive skincare, pyjamas, jewellery or a bag, and some nice chocolates!

@housethatbuiltme I’m genuinely curious as to what his response was. Has he started making a stocking for you now?

My DC and I have birthdays close to each other and second year running now, l've bought and wrapped presents for myself. He asked what I was going to get for my birthday and I wanted him to see I had things to open too. He's too little for present giving. I'm glad I'm not the only one doing this 🙃

I got myself a choc advent calendar, some wool, a crochet book and cushion covers. And baked myself a cake.

Nothing! I’ll be spending every penny on my child. The spirit of Christmas (these days, at least) isn’t about us, it’s about children, it’s magical for them. Buy for them, not yourself.

Don’t think many will agree with this . You do your best for your children by taking care of yourself and showing how to appreciate , respect all members of the family .

A lego set I've had my eye on for a while. I don't tend to go out as their dad only has them very ad-hoc so I don't usually splurge on myself. He has requested them Chriatmas day evening so I also intend to buy myself some delicious stollen for then.

I think martyring yourself is really unattractive.

I think kids should see you value yourself too. And that you are deserving. They will learn that you are valuable. And worth it

You do you but I think we all deserve a bit of joy, be that from a £2 chocolate bar or a £200 thing. If things were tight, sure I'd understand this but I still think as a single parent it isn't outwith the spirit of Christmas to treat yourself. Anyway do what you fancy and leave others to it.

Don't worry you're really not alone in this. I also bought myself something for the last few birthdays and wrapped it up😄

I bought myself some Christian Louboutin shoes. As soon as I’d bought them, I panicked (because they’re $$$) and tried to return them but the order couldn’t be stopped. I was going to return them but then they arrived, beautifully Christmas wrapped, and I thought it’s a sign, and now they’re the only present under the tree. 😊

The best thing about buying your own Christmas present is that you get something you really like. Last year my ex bought me things he wanted (sound bar / gadget stuff) and tried to pretend they were presents for me.

I’m so happy to be single this year.

He didn't respond just looked shell shocked.

Also he didn't start making a stocking but now every year he has an epiphany moment on xmas morning half way through when everyone is unwrapping and he will pull one small present from the pile under the tree and proudly say 'this is your stocking present'... like yeah thats not how stockings work but I guess the idea landed a bit.

I'm so use to it it would be weird to not make my own now though, Ive been doing it 16 years and no one has ever surprised me with one they done so if I hadn't the kids would just be like 'where yours'.

I treated myself to the Nivea advent calendar when it was reduced to £20. I will use some of it to add to presents for others though, the bits that I won't use, so it was dual purpose .

DD was 4 when XH left, and my mum has always taken DD shopping to buy presents for me from her.

Now DD is 17, mum gives her £20 and I give her £40 in vouchers that I get for free via Top Cashback, usually Boots and M&S, and DD buys me presents using those. She loves the Boots 3 for 2 offers.

It means that DD has fun buying things for me, and I have something to look forward to.

For PP saying spend it all on your DC, my DD has a fortune spent on her. I sell stuff on Vinted and buy presents for her on there using that money. DD understands that second hand means she can get twice as much stuff. Some books on Vinted are read once and sold on, so literally like brand new. She gets loads of books for Christmas thanks to Vinted.

I also give her vouchers, again from my Top Cashback money, so free money again, and give her Primark vouchers, Costa vouchers and book tokens.

She also has a Lego set every year, and a stocking full of sweets and bits.

I have bought myself a picture for the living that I wanted And I will go wild and buy myself the best Christmas dinner money can buy

I (we're) skint and not single but dh doesn't do enforced celebrations (I'm working on him) so I've bought myself some hey harper earrings at fifty percent off. If we had more cash I'd be after a pair of decent quality joggers, nars the multiple minis and a woollen pillow. I'll be getting him a new mug since most of our good coffee mugs are broken.