Christmas Gifts

[jackie j]

This year like most people we are not going mad at christmas so trying to find useful presents instead. Its eldest sons girlfriends birthday this month and she wants a pair of bright wellies so thats what she is getting. Its also great nephews 4th birthday and he likes spiderman so pyjama's pants and socks for him. Then comes christmas and with four sons ( 3 have girlfriends ) one daughter one grandson, one niece, three great neices and one great nephew its going to be tough to find things they want.
My 13 year old niece always gets stuff from her relatives in birmingham clothes that dont fit, make up she doesnt need, bath stuff she doesnt use, we have told them this year to send money or vouchers so she can go shopping in January in the sales and get what she wants. Why do so many people waste money on things they wouldnt use themselves but buy for others, if I buy something its what is wanted not some trash that will end up in the bin or back of the drawer.

[Marthaclematis]

Now you're just being silly and making things up...

This year I'm going to be ruthless; I'm not going to feel guilty and will have a santa sack ready for the hospice... Any of the following items I unwrap will go straight into it:

Candles
Soap
Pot Pouri
ANYTHING from the Body Shop or Lush
Anything from Pr7mark
Ornaments
Minature 'wicker' trinket boxes

I could go on but I think the tree man has arrived. Either that or someone has put a ladder next to my garden wall and is attempting a burglary.

[Marthaclematis]

Jackie J I couldn't agree more. If someone bought me bright red wellies I would be over the moon. Now THAT'S what I call a usefull and stylish present.
The other things you mention just go 'round and round' from person to person each year - I'm sure people sometimes get back what they've given a couple of years before.

[jackie j]

Last year eldest son wanted wellies so he got some and some wellie socks and he loves them, he needed them to take the dog walkies. I need some new wellies, a wheelbarrow, some wooden posts, some wood to edge my paths, there is also some gardening books that I would like, slippers, I would love OH to do some decorating and actually finish one job before starting another like lay the flooring in the hall thats been under the bed for two years. Practical presents these days when everyone is hard up would be fine by me so if my kids want to come round and help then thats fine with me as I know they are stuggling to pay the rent etc. I have always told my kids that the best present a parent can have is to know your kids are safe and well anything else is a bonus.

[Marthaclematis]

Aw, that's so true.

I got a great present two years ago from DH... There was nothing that I wanted that he could buy me so I told him that the present I REALLY REALLY wanted was for him to take one half day a week off work as Annual Leave from January to whenever our Foster child left in order to help me cope with the loneliness and isolation (I was going bonkers, in danger of becoming depressed I think). Anyway he did that and it made my life SO much better for four months (when littlie left). Every Friday afternoon we would meet at the train station and we would go for lunch. It kept me sane.

[Hilary B]

I wouldn't do 'charity' presents for anyone too young, but I have sponsored an owl at the Hawk Conservancy for my OH last 2 years (got to find a new answer this year, because they haven't got any more owls on offer, and he is an owl fan). I have done ones that have some connection to the person's interest several times (eg one person loves sheep, so I bought her a pair of lambs for a third-world farmer).
If you want 'daft fun', in ALL possible price ranges, try I Want One Of Those. Some of the stuff is actually useful.....
The problem with such things as 'bright red wellies' is that they wouldn't appeal to everyone. Home-made (so they are supposed to enjoy THAT) or vouchers is a better bet for the cousin you haven't seen since last Christmas......

[Marthaclematis]

What irks me is that we're expected to buy a present for DH's Nieces partner who treats her bad, doesn't work, doesn't pay tax, fiddles housing benefits etc. A couple of years ago we didn't get him a present and didn't put his name on the card - silly us didn't realise that he had come back after leaving her for the umpteenth time. It was pointed out to us, gently by dh's mum, that we had made a mistake and forgotton him. Grrrrrr. I think this year I'll ring up mil and ask 'is he around or not? - wouldn't want make another mistake'

[maytreefrannie]

I was gonna tell you off for looking Ailsasyl
I think the idea of a scrapbook of photos & family memories would be especially apt for your Aunt & family.Also I agree with getting "silly" cheap pressies....much more fun & don't break the bank.Too often we've exceeded our limit on something we've got someone just for the sake of it.....only for the reciever to pop it in a drawer & maybe never look at!!

You reminded me of something that happened when my children were small - one aunt and uncle sent a toy to each of the young ones - and a pack of knickers to the eldest daughter! The knickers didn't even fit - they were too small!

On top of that, the following year the very same thing happened - the younger ones got different toys, eldest D got the same brand and same size pack of knickers!

She still talks about it!

[maytreefrannie]

Aw, that's so true.

I got a great present two years ago from DH... There was nothing that I wanted that he could buy me so I told him that the present I REALLY REALLY wanted was for him to take one half day a week off work as Annual Leave from January to whenever our Foster child left in order to help me cope with the loneliness and isolation (I was going bonkers, in danger of becoming depressed I think). Anyway he did that and it made my life SO much better for four months (when littlie left). Every Friday afternoon we would meet at the train station and we would go for lunch. It kept me sane.

Martha, that sounds such a beautiful present, and so much better than some 'surprise' that turns out to be something the person doesn't want.

you make me feel that we should think of time as well as money when we think about what presents to get.

[Marthaclematis]

Babysitting 'vouchers' are a great present. It is such a treat to get out for a couple of hours when you have little ones. I'm thinking HeyWayne might like to consider suggesting that his family give some to him and Missus Wayne to be used within 12months of baby being born.

[jackie j]

You can buy a book of vouchers of promises, our daughter gave us some when she was little I think one said ' I promise to go to bed on time ' or ' I promise to be good for a day ' you can write your own promise cos they are like a cheque book, I think these are great for children but they have to understand the meaning of giving one and that the promise has to follow through.

[minipop]

As my OH and i are both students this xmas we have told everyone that pressies will be recycled, 2nd hand or home-made and that we expect nothing more than that in return.
Soppy as it sounds xmas is all about family to me and i wouldn't care at all if there were no presents under the tree, as long as the folks were there, and my 8 year old feels the same! (I have trained her well!)

[hotchick]

The idea of home-made pressies is a good one - this year I have made chutneys, spiced vinegars and oils, jams, mostly from the garden produce. I also intend to make minature Christmas cakes (baked in tin cans), cookies, chocolate truffles and fudge. I will buy some wicker baskets in the Pound Shop and pack mini hampers wrapped in cellophane withe a big ribbon. Ideal for the adults in the family who are difficult to buy for.

Also for the kids' granny/grandads and great grandparents - we gave once DVDs of (edited) home movies and photographs.

You can print calendars off the computer with your own photos on them And it's quite cheap to get mugs personalised with a photograph - fill the mug up with pick 'n' mix and wrap in cellophane.

I have done "as many fun things with £5" before - and also a selection of as many books for £5 from jumbles/charity shops. The best presents from the kids are the ones they think of and make themselves.

and look on www.moneysaving expert.co.uk - there's links there to loads of moneysaving ideas, not just for Xmas and presents.

[ailsasyl]

spoke to my sister last night, her husband has kids from a previous relationship, see them every other weekend and hols, sis said I've to make coconut balls for the kids did this last year and they loved them especially the youngest now 10, so thats them sorted. Already got some prezzies for her baby, they are coming up for a few days sis, her hubby, baby and possible youngest step-kid, just before Xmas will have to go back xmas eve so step-kid is with mum on Xmas day. She was on asking about presents for HB, she's really organised and almost finished shopping.

[lainey lou]

Okay you clever folks, how about good ideas for teachers?
There were some fab end of school year ideas back in July so how about some equally fab xmas ideas?