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Parenting

For free parenting resources please check out the Early Years Alliance's Family Corner.

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Original poster

How do I get my daughter anything with no money?

27 replies

MommaBee97 · 21/07/2018 17:27

I'm in such a tough position.
I gave birth to DD2 a week ago, and recently my partner lost his job and managed to find another within 2 weeks. However, financially we're behind on bills, we have final demand letters and everything is just a complete mess. My DD1 is 4 next Saturday and I haven't even managed to buy her a single present, let alone afford to do anything during the day. As a mother you want to give your children everything and it's breaking my heart.
Does anybody have any suggestions what I can do that's inexpensive please?

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

twoheaped · 21/07/2018 17:30

Can you afford food?
Take her to the park for a picnic, have a really fun day. Make her a cake.
because you are sad.

Thedutchwife · 21/07/2018 17:32

Bake cakes together then make a pic Nic and all go to the park and play games.

TwoGinScentedTears · 21/07/2018 17:32

I've just sold a load of toys and books on Facebook for a few quid. There's always loads of great quality toys, clothes and books on my local selling group. Join some and see what bargains there are! People also do wanted posts on there if you have something specific in mind.

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Nanasueathome · 21/07/2018 17:32

I was also going to suggest a picnic in the park
She could help you make and decorate a cake too
Buy some cheap paints and go on a search for nice round pebbles that she can paint

flissfloss65 · 21/07/2018 17:36

Are there any art workshops on or museum days near you? They’re normally free. Then picnic, park and play.

TheHalfBloodPrincess · 21/07/2018 17:37

Picnic in the park? Are you near any free museums?

haribosmarties · 21/07/2018 17:42

Facebook selling and charity shops. I always get something for my son from these places for cheap. Got a lovely wooden castle with all wooden knights and horses included for £15 quid off of facebook marketplace! Had it as a birthday present for him and he loves it... just put a big bow on it to wrap it! Children of 4 do not know when something is second hand so just look around because often you can get some lovely things for very cheap.

I agree with PP who said to do a picnic for a 'party'... or if you live within reasonable distance could you do a beach day dependant on weather? Failing that even just going to the park with some sandwiches might be a good idea?
For my sons first birthday we were pretty broke so we just sat in the park with some fairy cakes... I made him a birthday crown out of cardboard and some glitter stuff I had lying around.

Original poster

MommaBee97 · 21/07/2018 17:43

I've made sure we have food in, I was thinking of a picnic but never thought of the idea of painting pebbles! Love that! I've managed to get her a bike from Shpock, not too expensive but looks in great condition. She's obsessed with slime at the minute so I was thinking of making some of that at home with her, yack!

OP posts:

NoSquirrels · 21/07/2018 17:45

What does she like? Pick a ‘theme’ e.g. mermaids and then do free things related to that e.g call her regular breakfast something themed (seahorse scrambled eggs, mermaid milk), have a bath with a bit of green food dye in the bubble bath, go swimming, have a ‘mermaid’ picnic, watch the Little Mermaid and have cake.

Or you can do the same for fairies, super heroes, dinosaurs - whatever her current obsession is.

AC14MUZ · 21/07/2018 17:46

Have you had a look on freecycle? People give away things they no longer want for free, I've come across stuff for my kids on there, not always in perfect condition but my little ones at too young to know the difference. Gumtree also has stuff for free too.

Alwayscommuting · 21/07/2018 17:47

If you were looking for maybe a party decoration or 2 I was in a pound world today and as they're closing down some things are either 30p/50p Aldo card factory have decent birthday cards for about 30p x

Original poster

MommaBee97 · 21/07/2018 17:55

Some really good ideas! THANK YOU! I feel a bit more at ease now

OP posts:

mintich · 21/07/2018 18:01

Definitely facebook marketplace! I've got so many cheap toys from there that look as good as new!

Alwayscommuting · 27/07/2018 18:08

OP hope your daughter has a lovely day tomorrow.

divafever99 · 27/07/2018 18:18

I'm sure she will be made up with the bike op that is a fantastic present. This story might make you feel a bit better... it was Christmas and I think my dd was around a similar age to yours at the time. She had received several gifts from family and friends and was feeling rather overwhelmed by it all. My mum had bought her an arts and crafts box which contained some post-it notes. We got home after being out most of the day, unpacked all the presents from the car, first thing she says is "where's my post-it's" in a room full of new toys! I've never worried about the actual cost of presents since - to them at that age I don't think it matters. Hope she has a lovely day.

FranticallyPeaceful · 27/07/2018 18:53

I hope you both have a wonderful day funnily enough, my kids always preferred Christmas and birthdays back when we didn’t have much money

AnnieOH1 · 27/07/2018 19:04

You know something, she'll probably have a more meaningful and memorable birthday (for all of you) in the circumstances you're in than if you were to drop £300 on a toy she'll fall out with in 6 months time. Your worry and concern comes from a place of love, and there's nothing more valuable than that (however trite that might sound it's still true).

stayingaliveisawayoflife · 27/07/2018 19:09

Why not do a spa afternoon? Some bubbly water in a washing up bowel then paint her toe nails and do yours matching! Avocado face mask and cucumber slices on her eyes, what she wants on the tele....1-1 time is better than expensive presents any day!

worstmotherintheworld · 27/07/2018 19:10

A bike is a great present. You will probably find that she will be so delighted with it that she won't think about anything else. And she's only 4, I am sure she will be happy whatever you do.

Chocolala · 27/07/2018 19:15

Spend a lot of time out at the park. For physical stuff- join ou local freecycle groups on Facebook and keep an eye on what comes up.

Books from the local library, rather than buying. And if you still have one there might be a toy library at your children’s centre or similar.

JenFromTheGlen · 27/07/2018 19:20

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

MNHQ

LornaMumsnet · 27/07/2018 19:24

OP, we're so sorry you're having a difficult time.

We're just popping by to remind folk not to give more to another poster, either financially or emotionally than you can afford to spare.

MaverickSnoopy · 27/07/2018 19:30

Around my way people often post on Facebook selling groups sending out pleas for free items. You could always ask if anyone is getting rid of any children's toys and explain the situation.

Also could you do a book of vouchers for things she'd like...

Hot chocolate in bed
day at a museum
trip to the park
breakfast in bed
movie afternoon Etc Of course you can include some things which you can pay for when financially better off.

3boys3dogshelp · 27/07/2018 19:36

A bike is an amazing present! You really don’t need anything else. If you have paint and paper get the baby to ‘make’ her a card with a hand or footprint. Then take new bike and picnic to a park.
I have a 4 yo who has had all sorts of days out. We took a very boring picnic (ham sandwich, diluting juice and a mini gingerbread man) to the beach. Built a sandcastle. Went for a walk. Found a single shell. Played bat and ball. He declared it the best day ever and asked if we could live there in a tent! I completely agree with PP - attention and fun is all they want at that age. I hope she has a lovely day.

IamReginaFalange · 27/07/2018 20:34

I have older children and I will bet none of them can tell you what I got for their 4th birthdays. I had probably spent ages planning and choosing and worrying for no reason. Just spend time that’s all that matters.
Teddy bears picnic is a good idea and it means she can have ‘guests’ but they won’t cost anything.

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