Being the 'poor' friend

[Alwaystired4]

Mums tell me im not alone in this!
Ive got some lovely mum friends but i just cant do what they do!
I suggest we just have play dates at each others houses or go to the park but it's always 'how about a play group £10 per child!' Or a 'sensory class just £5 each' and then costa coffee after!
I take my little ones in the garden and for lots of walks and we have a yearly membership for a local wildlife centre but i cant afford what all the other mums do with their kids. I know my babies have plenty to do but when it comes to socialising with mum friends i feel like i always miss out.
I've been honest and said i cant afford it but i just feel like a total loser when everyone is discussing their holidays abroad and decorating their homes and i keep getting asked 'so where are you going for holidays this year?'
I know its so daft to moan i don't care that i dont have that stuff i just feel like an outsider socially.
Anyone else have this? Sitting quietly with your friends whilst they all discuss their 'stuff and new things' and just feeling like an outsider?
Apologies if this all sounds a bit whiney!!

God yes I struggle with this. I go to a more "expensive" baby group once a week (£5) but I've had to stop going for coffee afterwards at the cafe because I can't afford it now, and I've block booked this terms sessions but don't think I can afford it next time. I'm now going to a £1 and a cuppa for free type ones, and although there's less structure to it my dd doesn't give two hoots and I find some more "poor" people like me so I don't feel like I'm not supposed to be there.

My heart bleeds for you jojo that’s the most ridiculous whinge I have ever heard.

Op I agree with the fact people are just looking for things to do. Also when I had DS1 our house was so tiny I had to suggest soft play/ cafes etc for meeting. I envied the friends who suggested meeting at theirs!

You sound like a great Mum to me. It is not all about what you spend, but what you do with them and how engaged and imaginative you are. Raising kids is not competition.