If things get tougher?

Olliebeak

Every year, I buy my grandkids their usual present plus an outfit of clothes and new set of pj's. They also get a present and an outfit for their birthday as well - and I usually help, where I can, with things towards school uniform in September. I know that my children struggle to keep the necessities of clothing going - so what I buy them helps to stretch the budget a little further. I'd rather buy a few school tops/skirts/trousers/sweatshirts so that my daughter can afford really good school shoes and weatherproof coats for the winter.

sammy_kaye18

Olliebeak wrote: »

I know that my children struggle to keep the necessities of clothing going - so what I buy them helps to stretch the budget a little further. I'd rather buy a few school tops/skirts/trousers/sweatshirts so that my daughter can afford really good school shoes and weatherproof coats for the winter.

we had our families offer to help out with school uniform too and i think its a wonderful gesture. Bfs mum and dad offered to buy bens school jumpers, my dad offered to buy him a decent pair of school shoes and my mum offering to buy his lunchbox - we havent taken up their offers yet although thanks to the school being unorganised we have paid for jumpers as we had the letter the day before they had to be ordered:mad: but it is reassuring to know its there if we are strugglign adn at the minute our main concerns are keeping him, fed, clothed and housed because all the bleeding price rises.

HAve been told my tv license is goign up today. from £22 up to £28. :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

Valli

I'm not talking about things - clothes etc they HAVE to have. I would never, and have never bought school uniform as a gift, or school required sports gear. But when they ask for extra clothes which are not necessary that's different. By the way - how many kids get team kit as a gift? If you're a Man Utd, Arsenal etc supporter those shirts don't come cheap. And they are definitely not a necessity they are a luxury.

carriebradshaw

when I was a kid we used to get clothes for christmas & maybe one or two items like a book or a record and a stocking(one of dads old socks clean though lol) which would have the shiny 2p coin,an apple,an orange,chocolate money some sweets,bubble bath and then pocket money type toys like little dolls, felt pens etc.We used to be chuffed with the clothes just as much as the other things because we didn't get new clothes very often,but it didn't stop you wanting the same things your mates had though once you were back to school and you saw the bikes and skateboards etc. I did get a bike one Christmas when I was 11, it was second hand and painted and polished up too look like new and oh how I loved it

Tashja

My mum is a star too - helping with school uniform costs and she also buys them their school shoes each year. I am so greatful to her for doing this because it really does help.

I really am going to have to get organised and sorted this year - the news are just reporting that gas is going up a third next month (currently only BG but sure the others will follow) and we are just about to have centeral heating fitted - doh !!!

I also need a good declutter because there is loads we can put on ebay/car boots but I just don't seem to be able to get around to it - always something else that needs doing !!! Any ideas for motivation ??

I am also going to really pay attention to some food stocks too - think we will need it soon !!

T xx

Olliebeak

I just buy items whenever I see them on offer and then stash them till the appropriate time of year (often means buying a size bigger than currently worn) - always have eyes peeled for red and white reduced labels in the George section of Asda (great for socks, undies and polo shirts) and I raided Ethel Austins when it was under threat of closure a few months back.

DD doesn't get them until August though, otherwise she would perhaps be tempted to use the new items if she had no uniform clean for them. This way she HAS to make sure that the uniforms are washed and dried.

Pipkin

If we need something for the house and cant afford to buy it then I will ask for it as a present, and I'm really happy with that.

OH always says, but its for the house not you.. but I say, but it makes a difference to me in the house, it makes me happy, so Im delighted.

I'd much rather get a new kettle or a set of mugs, or a new duvet cover that I can get pleasure from everyday than some jewellery or perfume that I use once a year.. I kind of view stuff like that as dead money for me, as I use it so rarely.

ZoeGirl_3

Pipkin wrote: »

I'd much rather get a new kettle or a set of mugs, or a new duvet cover that I can get pleasure from everyday than some jewellery or perfume that I use once a year.. I kind of view stuff like that as dead money for me, as I use it so rarely.

Yes, I am a bit like that, someone gave me an apron last year and a new rubber scrape and I was pathetically delighted!!

I am only under such tight budgeting restrictions due to my goal to be a MFW by the time I am 30 :eek: :eek: :eek: so if things got harder I could ease up a bit and survive, but I think that I could also do more to save money. Am looking at improving my sewing so I can do clothing alterations to cheap out of date second hand clothes to make em nice. I have learnt to alter my sons clothes to make em bigger and this saves me lots.:o

MRSTITTLEMOUSE

Pipkin wrote: »

If we need something for the house and cant afford to buy it then I will ask for it as a present, and I'm really happy with that.

OH always says, but its for the house not you.. but I say, but it makes a difference to me in the house, it makes me happy, so Im delighted.

I'd much rather get a new kettle or a set of mugs, or a new duvet cover that I can get pleasure from everyday than some jewellery or perfume that I use once a year.. I kind of view stuff like that as dead money for me, as I use it so rarely.

I'm with you I don't realy care what I get as a present as long as whatever it is makes me happy,that's all that matters.I'm a bit funny with my children and grandchildren over cards though.I have a rule and that is they must make them themselves.I don't care if it's a piece of paper with a picture drawn on it.It's personal and from the heart.

Gigervamp

My daughter would be very disappointed if I didn't give her a set of fleecy PJ's every christmas. It's become a tradition now!

I have occasionally asked for something "housey". Those Flylady feather dusters I asked for one year, and I like the Flylady calendar too. I love Cath Kidston, so if I was given something for the house from her range, I'd be happy, but as we usually buy what we need for the house, if asked what I want, I usually have a list of books!