So what are we all getting ourselves for Christmas this year?

[TheDonald]

One of the best things for me about being single is choosing my own "main present"

It started when dd was younger and got upset when her dad and step mum opened their presents from each other, and she got upset that I didn't get one.

She's 16 now and understands / doesn't care but I still do it. I wrap it and put it under the tree and write myself a lovely uplifting message! It's become a bit of a joke.

But I can't decide what to buy myself this year. Budget is £40 max if it's totally frivolous but for something I would need anyway I could pay more.

Anyone else do this? What are you getting from the person who knows you best?!!

I always want someone to buy me one of those ridiculous chocolate slabs from Hotel Chocolat- maybe I will just have to buy myself one!

Last year i got myself a babyliss big hair and a charm.

London do it! I'm not going for chocolate because I've been working really hard to lose weight and I'm hoping Christmas won't undo all my good work.

Last year I got some fancy trail running shoes and the year before I got a lovely bedding set. I could go for some nice towels to replace the rubbish 20 year old ones I have.

I feel like being more indulgent though, like a piece of jewellery or an ornament.

I think I might get myself a ring. Xh moves out almost 5 years ago and my wedding ring came off that day....I have felt naked ever since!

Is there anything you need from Marks and Sparks like a pair of jeans and a jumper? If you spend £35 on Home, beauty or clothing you can get a beauty advent calendar for £35 which is really lovely and has lots of nice products in, and you will be able to have a little surprise every day of December leading up to Christmas. I know it’s more than you were budgeting for, but I thought in case you have a clothing or ‘needs’ budget too and the £40 was extra to this, this might be doable. I’ve got one and I will feel very spoilt something every day.

thedonald you've reminded me I need some new trail runners. Should get my act together and get them this Xmas.

I’ve got myself a Ted Baker purse it’s all wrapped up in tissue, a box and lovely bag oh and a bi monthly Gin Subscription Treat yourself to something indulgent it’s bloody hard work being a lone parent. X

Ooh I like the sound of the advent calendar. I can never find anything in m&s clothing that I like but I do like their underwear and I've asked dd for pyjamas so if we get organised we could do it.

A ring is a lovely idea.

Their jeans or jeggings are pretty good if you’ve not tried them before. Or maybe a hat and scarf plus the pyjamas?

Already bought myself a big bottle of perfume. Will be wrapped and under the tree.

Meglet I got these

shoes

I love them. Great for all sorts of terrain and can cope with a bit of tarmac each end too.

Actually underwear plus pyjamas would hit the threshold, I’m sure. If you decide on the calendar don’t leave it too long as they tend to sell out.

Oooo, I like them . It's going to be a toss up between Brooks and Salomon I think.

I would like someone to offer me morphs Richards set of pots and cutlery but I will just buy it for myself once I have put the money together

I'm getting nothing and neither is dh. A bit skint at the moment and I really don't care about gifts for myself and dh doesn't either. As long as my kids are happy that's all I care about

I've bought myself a little camera. STBXH took ours. I'll wrap it up and put it under the tree.

Last year I bought myself a beautiful bag. This year I've bought myself a wallet, scented candle and some bits in Paperchase. They're wrapped and DD has written the tags for me, even though she doesn't know what they are. We joke about it every year. I always thank her for such lovely presents and say things like "you must have spent a fortune!"

This is a great idea! I have a December birthday and my DC are all quite young (3 under 10), and so they usually speak to my sis and she helps them to organise me a gift.

But I feel like treating myself this year, so I have booked a spa day for when they are with their dad over Xmas. He hardly sees them, so I am looking forward to the time off parenting for that week.

You should treat yourself. I hope you enjoy your spa day and have a lovely Christmas.

When the kids are older you can give them some money and lead them to your favourite shop to pick something for you. I've also done this.