Cant afford to get my parents a gift for Christmas

[hl8]

I have an 8yo daughter and have brought her quite allot of presents this year. Moneys been really tight but still managed to get her pretty much everything she wanted, but that meant I ran out of money and I don’t get paid again until Boxing Day. I feel like maybe I shouldn’t have brought her so much and feeling really guilty that I can’t buy my parents a gift.

Is anyone else in the same situation where they can’t buy someone they love a gift this year?

I think a lot of posters are being a bit harsh. Obviously your dd is your priority and im sure your parents will understand that. Are they coming to you or are you going to them? You could always buy something on payday ( in the sales, win win) say you forgot it on Christmas day. I doubt they'll really mind or notice.

I think that you'll probably get paid on the 24th so try not to worry. You've done your best and can plan better for next year. Your parents will just be pleased to have you with them - that's the important thing after all.

All your replies are defensive. You know people are right.

You have budgeted poorly with regards to presents. Your choice.

However, I'm sure most reasonable adults would be happy seeing their grandchild's happiness when they get their presents.

Don't bother with credit card or overdraft purchases. It's just harder to pay off if finances are already not great.

Could you make something for them or get your child to make something for them instead? Or make a date to treat them somewhere nice next year.

Bloody hell I would be angry if my child was struggling and bought me something when I don’t need it, over my grandchild having presents at Christmas!
Presents aren’t the point of the bloody thing anyway. You’ll be together, they get to share a happy time with you; that would make my day personally!

Get a refund on one the presents for your DD and but your parents something.

Sending you some love as some of the responses on here although honest are not in the Christmas spirit. We all make budgeting mistakes and I’m sure as a parent if you put yourself in your Mums shoes she’d far rather your money went on your daughter. Maybe make it up to her in the new year. Take care of yourself it’s not the end of the world x

OP, I know you think it's OK. But you're asking opinions, so I absolutely think it's a rubbish way to treat your parents.

200 on gifts for an 8 year old is loads, particularly when it's left you unable to buy for anyone else. It's pretty poor to not to give a gift to those who are hosting you.

Return one of the gifts and use the money to buy your parents something.

I would do them a nice IOU voucher with a promise of something you’ll do or buy in January. E.g a home cooked meal at yours or come round for a takeaway.
Money being tight right now doesn’t mean you can’t make a promise of a future kind gesture. It doesn’t have to cost a lot.

They will understand. Make or bake something with your DC for them to give to their grandparents.

Could you bake them a gingerbread cake and some biscuits op?

It's important not to buy children everything they want, as they are less likely to appreciate what they have, and grow up expecting everything they ask for, which won't bode well as they get older.
It is good that you haven't gone into more debt over Christmas, and are currently focusing on paying off your debts. As a parent of adult children this would be more important to me than a present, as would helping me in a practical way. Hopefully next Christmas will be easier financially and when you have some spare money you can buy your parents a belated gift.

I do a lot for my grandkids. I would be hurt if I didn’t get a little token. The OP sounds a bit thoughtless and selfish.

Another great idea. Is there a treat they like which is easy to make? I love rum balls, but am very particular - shop bought just don't cut it. I never make them. Last couple of workplaces I've had a "supplier" LOL someone I worked with regularly who'd make me some as a thank you present. I no longer have a supplier, but remembered my niece makes good rum balls so I called her and said if she's looking for something for me for Christmas I'd love some rum balls.

You've been buying for Christmas since August and didn't consider getting your parents a token gift at all in that time? I think it's pretty rubbish tbh.

Make a voucher to take them out for tea or coffee and cake. And don't let them redeem.ot until you have been paid.

200 on a child and your parents get nothing? That is crap budgeting. Your daughter does not need indulging to that extent. Christmas is about presence, not presents, and leaving your parents out is not on.

Or gather together some art materials and encourage your daughter to draw a picture of your parents. Make it a fun exercise; a remembering game, what colour is granny’s hair, what colour shirt does grandpa wear etc?

And frame it with some cardboard from an Amazon box that you both decorate with cut up old cards or wrapping paper?

Attach a little note wishing them a merry Christmas? I bet they would love it. And then buy your mum a lovely bunch of flowers for when she takes the decorations down and your dad a bottle of wine in the NY?

I would definatly want my adult DC to focus on their DC when older

Just forewarn them.

However we never got everything on a list or even nearly !
We aimed for two things and lots of surprises.

Try and save a bit each month for Xmas .

Well there’s not much you can do about it now.
I would either make them a “voucher” saying you’re taking them out for dinner/lunch/afternoon tea or whatever they’d like in the new year.
Or buy something on klarna/paypal pay in 3 etc for them to open on the day

It’s okay, you’ve gone a bit overboard this. Mas and your parents will no doubt understand. I get why you’re feeling guilty but don’t lose sleep over it. I wonder if there’s a subscription to something they’d line that you can pay monthly, or a cake you can make, or a hand made gift voucher you can make for a meal or day out in the New Year. I’d hate for my daughter to be as worried as you are about this and I’m sure your parents will feel the same. Some great ideas in this thread though.

particularly if your parents are hosting you, including cooking Christmas dinner for you and your dd, and presumably buying presents for both of you, then yeah, I think it's a bit tight. Surely you could have just spend £185 on your dd and got them a nice bottle of something and some chocolates?

If you're not actually skint, just don't have the money to hand right now but aren't in debt or anything, and will get paid next month, I would put a token present on a credit card or klarna or paypal in 3 or something.

Will they give you a present? It might be awkward spending Christmas with people who you don't have a gift for.

Sorry op but that's a bit crap that you think so little of them. You could have easily got something earlier in the year as you did for dd
People are asking if you have an emergency credit or overdraft to get them a small something.
Could you make a voucher offering them a day out with you and dd. Doesn't have to cost money now and you could make it something which wouldn't cost and do a picnic on the day

Could you make them something?
If you're spending Christmas with then you really need a thoughtful gift for them

I would prioritise my kids over parents at Christmas and I’m sure your parents will understand. Christmas is about families and giving what you can. You’ve maybe spent more on your child than you should have but she, probably, still believes in Santa and the magic of gifts arriving. I would be honest with your parents and gift them afterwards when you can afford. They won’t thank you for using a credit card or overdraft. Merry Christmas to you all x