OK,we have just realized we're pretty skint....so,if we're getting kids bikes for Christmas...is it ok to not buy too much in the form of stocking pressies this year?

[eighteenstonesix]

They're 10,9 and 8.I think they've all an idea about Mr Christmas IYKWIM?!
Bikes are between us and my Mum.What extra would you do for them?

You could always do really simple stockings (well, proper stockings like they used to be ) with choc pennies, satsumas, a few sweets, a comic and a couple of really, really small presents?

IMO bikes are a really massive Christmas present (we always had secondhand bikes to put it in perspective) so I really don't think you need to go overboard.

is it ok?
well of course it is ok.
or better get a free cycle from freecycle

We always do modest stockings (even if the presents themselves are modest too) because imo that is what stockings are about.
So some choc pennies, sweets, socks, satsuma, a comic or small book each, a new pen for school, and other assorted items taht they actually need but get disguised as stocking gifts at this time of year (ds needs a new black belt for school, dd needs new vests etc)

well stockings in my family always resembled a giant party bag- ie tiny token gifts. only in adulthood have i realised that some people put proper big prezzies in them!

i would go for nick -nacks like :
pants
socks
mug
lip gloss
hair grips
diary
fancy pen
..nothing over £3

sorry, you can tell i've got girls, cant you?

So...a visit to the poundshop is in order then?
We're so trying not to go back into debt...which is hard enough atm.I was thinking of maybe a game each and just loads of sweets etc?

Not sure what you have decided and have not read all the messages but if it were me I would do small stockings and get the bikes in the sales when they will be half the price.

I'd get them new bikes, adn fill thier stocking with stuff from the pound shop.

I've done "quality" stockings in the past, and really the stuff has ended up in the same "misalaneous" box as McD's toys.

This year I shall be doing "traditional" stockings like I used to get. ie filled with stuff to keep me satisfied untill it was time to open the real stuff.

Try ebay for secondhand bikes. Collection only items often go cheap!

you could get some foodie things, like microwave popcorn (usually 3 in a pack so could seperate), cereal boxes, toothbrushes, sock - things they need

well...this is it.
anything too small to notice ends up in the bin with the old MC'S toys.!
i seem to remember a load of rubbish+a diary with a lock on .... this was always my favourite .... with an annual.
my kids just don't seem to have that appreciation though.mind you,i am old...maybe i'm just too old fashioned...!

BTW,we have part-bought the bikes from Halfords.....all half price at the moment.(although no doubt there'll be a better offer on again soon!...Just wanted to get things sorted).(Without sounding like we're loaded-which we are definately NOT-the bikes are the cheapest pressies for years!..compared to gaming machines etc.!)
It's just filling the kids stockings that bothers me...hubbie's a scrooge who keeps telling me that bikes are enough etc.Which is probably true...but in this day and age...i'm sure you all know what i'm talking about.....?

Stockings are from Father Christmas not you! You can blame him if the contents are a bit crap.

Can't you get a few bits from Poundland? The kids won't know they're cheapies.

i ahve three children and the boys aged 11 and 6 are havign enw bikes for xmas, these in themselves cost a lot of money ds1 was £180 and ds2 was £150 and they need new helmets and locks for school and they know that mum and dad buy the main presents and father xmas brings the stockings on the end of the bed.

i have brought a couple (2 or 3) small pressies for about £5 a match of the day annual for ds1 and a dr who dalek watch for ds2 thats type of thign so they have a couple of openign rpesents that are surprises, but the stockings usually contain thorntons choc lollipop, pair of xmas socks, those egg things you soak in water and a dinosaur or alien comes out of them, top trumps cards, flannel, bubble bath squeezy items, toy cars and basically anythign decent i cna find int eh £1 or 99p shop.

dd is 2.8 and we brought her a toy kitchen form elc and some bit and peices to play wiht the kitchen such as pots and pans and a plate set and she will aslo get a stocking form santa wiht tights, lollipop, hair clips, etc in.

i think the kids sometimes love the opening of the stockings sat on our bed more than they do the big pressies.

last years they got a nintendo wii whihc i hunted high and low ofr and ahs been played with about twice! plus about a million other thigns costing far too much money.

atwt,you know where im coming from then...!
SO:
TOP TRUMPS/MATCHATTAX FOR 9YR OLD BOY
EAR RINGS/JEWELLERY BOX etc for 10/8 yr old girls plus a load of junkie jewellery???
CHOCOLATE AND SWEETS????????
Is this acceptable?

OH...AND THE ANNUALS EACH!

And the helmets...I'd forgotten about them!!!

Do you know halfords are doing £20 of free accessories if you pick up your bike by mid November

means you can get little things like shin pads, bells , water bottles etc that you can wrap up under the tree

YES...as long as you agree to pick up by the 23rd,you get £20 worth of goodies with the bikes..just gotta figure out where to put everything before Christmas!!!

of course, in other words, little extras can be stocking pressies....never realized until now...THANKYOU!!!