I'm dreaming of a cheap xmas...

Mozette

When I was a child - admittedly a while ago - most of my stuff was 2nd hand. And I knew that the reason was, my parents didn't have very much money. The nature of my father's job meant that often, and especially in winter, he had very little money.
I remember one year getting a book by my favourite author - cost 2 shillings and sixpence - and my father saying he was sorry, but that was all he could afford. That book meant, and still means, because I still have it, more than all the high priced electronic designer crap that kids seem to get these days. How many kids will still have their PS3s Wiis and all the rest of it when they're pushing 50, because of what it represents?
Most children these days seem to have so much I'm sure they'd never notice what they got. But they'd soon notice not have food, heating and a roof over their heads.
Don't skint yourself.

Nichelette

You shouldn't feel bad. I had quite a few second hand toys when I was younger, it never bothered me and I don't think it would most children. In fact, I still have my old sylvanian families mansion which I'd never have got if it wasn't second hand (they're over £100 new). If I ever have a daughter I'll probably pass it on, but until then it's mine!

firesidemaid

home bargains is a great place for everything, but also for great presents.

take the time to scrutinise all items and the prices on the shelves - even look in the sections you might not normally, as sometimes things are in odd places.

i often buy presents in charity shops - a lot of the time people have donated stuff that they haven't even used - so it is new anyway.

i hope you all have a fab christmas x

RAS

Hi

Also consider signing up to www.freecycle.org as there are loads of things on there that would make decent presents.

Given the age of your younger two, can I suggest something along the lines of presents I put together for the daughters of wealthy parents, who told me that they spent more time on them than most of the expensive stuff. I bought a couple of attractive containers - actually cardboard made to look like animals. Each box had about a dozen little presents, all wrapped up. I bought a set of hair bobs, an animal rubber, silly pencil, glittery pen, a few sweets etc. much of it for a few pence from the cheapest market stalls. I think the only expensive items were an animal soap from the Body shop and a giant balloon each.

Apparently it was the opening of the presents that they enjoyed so much and they spent ages just open the little parcels and comparing notes on the contents. A bit like a second stocking ..

The inportant things were that they were wrapped and that I made sure they could get into the parcels.

Deep_In_Debt

Have to say, I'm very boring when it comes to my nephews and friends kids. I get various free vouchers and discounts through work so save the vouchers.

I also managed to buy a brand new (still in its wrapper!) DVD that one of my nephews wanted, in the local charity shop for £2.00! He knew no different and the DVD was fine!

One year my dad made a dolls house for me. I loved it and it cost him next to nothing to make. Each Christmas, they would buy a bit of furniture for it or mum would make it and I loved it - many years on (and I mean many, I still have it and I still love it - means so much more than any present that was just a passing "fad".)

Young children seem more interested in the wrapping and the boxes they come in present itself most of the time anyway!

SmellyOldSock

Don't feel bad. I use Ebay to buy christmas and birthday pressies, especially for kidlets!

At the end of the day, they are happy as long as its something they wanted. The only thing I've bought brand new was duvet covers for the boys! Everything else is 2nd hand. They won't care.

At the end of the day you are being sensible. I think of it as looking to the future and being able to give them more when they need it.

My stepchildren are older, they want clothes so Asda has been great. Spent alot less for alot more!

Good for you! I'm even going to get up the nerve to tell the 'grown ups' no pressies!

best wishes
Charlotte

Naomim

I want to agree with everyone else, 2nd hand is fine! My DS is three and really doesn't know the difference. I buy plenty of stuff from ebay, amazon market place and charity shops. And I give and receive through freecycle. :A:rotfl:

I have set up a rule with my friends, I do not buy for their LO's at Christmas and they are not to buy for mine, we only do birthdays and generally a limit of about £10. I also don't buy for adults except for my in-laws as they do loads for us throughout the year and this year they are getting baskets as per the Old Style Special Occasions Forum

Naomi x

Deep_In_Debt

I also have a rule with my family and friends that I don't spend more than £10.00 per person and they do the same with me. My friends say that the presents they receive are great as much more thought goes into them rather than just buying because it "cost a lot". I also enjoy having a good shop around and finding some great and appropriate stuff, which I know people will love for the sentimental value more than the cost value.

wrinkled_english_rose

I used to tell my children and my daughter now tells her children that if you have to look in a catalogue to see what you want for christmas you don't really want it!
If you think back on your on childhood I bet you have forgotten all but a few of the presents you received. Little children are more interested in tearing off the wrapping paper than they are in the actual present.
I also think its important that you buy your partner a gift my DH always had a bar of chocolate from me it was all I could afford but at least he something wrapped under the tree.

buxtonrabbitgreen

I am not buying secondhand presents this year but I have in the past. My (now grown up dd) wanted my little pony stuff one year. And by buying secondhand I was able to get her the stable and the mansion as well as a couple of new ponies. If it is what they want, and it is in good condition and clean I think secondhand is fine
/absolutely agree about the catalogue rose