Paying for Christmas

[late30s]

Anyone know of any good ideas as to how to magic money from nothing for Christmas? I have two boys who want countless Nintendo Wii games at 40 quid a pop for Xmas, please help, we're skint. what happened to having a stocking with an orange, 50p and a bag of nuts?

Won't help for this year but I have a standing order that goes into a savings account every week and it pays for the following Christmas. I have been doing this for 6 years and it really helps.

And just because they want all these games doesn't mean they should get them.

You don't have to get them all that they ask for. Set a budget of what you can afford and stick to it. There's really no point in getting into debt for one day then spending the rest of the year paying it off.

yes you're right, maybe 2 games each would do. it's just that when you pay so much money and still get disappointed faces, what do you do?

Seriously, they don't care if they don't get all the games they want. 2 games each is too many IMO, they should be able to share.

You let them learn the lesson.

I remember having to choose between a teddy bear and a pair of shoes for xmas. In the end I used xmas money from GPs (£15!!) to pay for the bear as I really wanted both.

I'm 32 so not Dickensian. Good lesson though.

You teach them to be grateful and understand that money doesn't grow on trees.

Oh and I second the savings account idea. I have about £20 per month going into an ING account. Doesn't feel like much to lose, but feels like a lot to gain when £240 is ready in December :)

I get second-hand stuff. It cuts the price massively and means I can often get better quality things for them.

EBay old things you don't want? Short of that just get them one or two games each! If they are disappointed on the day then it's their problem and lesson to learn about the meaning of Christmas and the value of money.

you can buy pre owned games our local tesco has them also argos do a lot of buy two for £30 works out a lot cheaper

"when you pay so much money and still get disappointed faces, what do you do?"

You give them what you can afford, tell them it's all you can afford and, if they're not grateful, you give them a metaphorical clip round the ear. Do they know you've got money problems? Most children, once they're aware that money's tight, will rise to the occasion and not be so greedy.

Hello to you all, it's been a week since I posted. I just have to say, my kids are not spoilt brats, they've never shown disappointed faces on Xmas day yet! I think it's my own anxiety about having to do Xmas on a budget this year - probably the first real budget Christmas. Thank you so much for your advice,I especially like the Argos 2 for £30......

I second ebay for both selling to make a bit of cash and then buying second hand. Car boots are great too. TBH I think two games each is very generous of you especially seeing as things are so tight! I know you just want to do the best you can for your kids but whilst they might be a little dissapointed now in years to come I'm sure they'll be so grateful for your efforts. I know when I look at back at when I was small I realise how hard my mum tried when money was so tight (although at the time I had absolutely no idea that the pressies were second hand) and am so appreciative!

late30s how old are your boys?

I tend to find that younger kids see BIGGER presents as better, no matter how much they cost.

Also try second hand from charity shops.

They will never notice snd you will all have a lovely Christmas.

All the best!