If things get tougher?

thriftmonster

Because we live over the Irish Sea from most friends and relatives, I am often asked for ideas for the kids at Christmas and birthdays (and to purchase said ideas in return for a cheque) and I often direct them in terms of useful pressies - eg a new hockey stick carrier, golf waterproofs, a new sleeping bag, scout uniform etc. The children get an acceptable level of toys (preferably something like Lego), some branded smellies they wouldn't get otherwise and they seem perfectly happy with everything.

The funniest was last year when ds2 who was 8 got a greenhouse and B&Q vouchers for his birthday - he's a keen gardener - but a lot of people thought it was a very odd pressie - but he was thrilled.

oldMcDonald

thriftmonster wrote: »

The funniest was last year when ds2 who was 8 got a greenhouse and B&Q vouchers for his birthday - he's a keen gardener - but a lot of people thought it was a very odd pressie - but he was thrilled.

I love this

Knowing how to grow their own food and flowers, to understand and to provide the nurturing that is involved, is a very valuable gift to give to children IMHO. Well done to you for encouraging this in him:T

newlywed

zarazara wrote: »

Talking of clothes, even the charity shops dont seem to want them any more. Our local place refused 2 bin liners of good clothes from me this morning.

I find it depends on the shop, different shops seem to react differently Some only like taking two carrier bags at a time Another one took the entire contents of the boot and back seat of my ford escort (except the spare wheel of course) - about 8 bin bags full I think it was. They said oooh that's lovely thank you every so much That was PDSA http://www.pdsa.org.uk/pdsashops.html

Oxfam don't seem to want stuff :rolleyes:

DdraigGoch

Oxfam seem to think that we should pay above shop prices on some things :rolleyes: Many's the time I've seen well worn t shirts for 4.99!!!

In my town we have Oxfam, Red Cross & Tenovus - we used to have another 4 but they all closed down. Mostly they were local charities. I'm waiting for the day I can justify a journey to somewhere with "upmarket" charity shops! :rotfl: But I have to say that if I don't put some stuff on eBay or out to our charity shops myself I shan't have room for anything new anyway!

Valli

thriftmonster wrote: »

The funniest was last year when ds2 who was 8 got a greenhouse and B&Q vouchers for his birthday - he's a keen gardener - but a lot of people thought it was a very odd pressie - but he was thrilled.

I bought my daughter a screwdriver as a stocking filler a few years ago. (I just KNEW she'd like it (one of those little chubby ones)). When people asked her what she'd had that's what she told them! The shock on their faces...

She has gone on to buy a toolbox and has quite a collection of tools now. I'm bringing her up to be self reliant!

tramps

Bought son driving lessons for his 15th 16th 17th and 18th birthdays and the xmas's inbetween sort of saved up the money until he was 17 and could take them still owed me when he was 18 -( passed his test at 17 ) now he will be 19 next month he owes me nothing but not had a pressie for 4 years guess what he wants for his b'day? - car tax!

Yategirl

Useful pressies are a brilliant idea - I am in full favour! My ds had a pop-up greenhouse and seeds for his 5th birthday and a toolkit for christmas, he had a telescope for his 6th as he is "into" space - he was over the moon and guess which pressies are still used well? Much better than the plastic tat he got as other presents.....! Trying to think of a good gift for him for this coming christmas now!

Farway

Valli wrote: »

I bought my daughter a screwdriver as a stocking filler a few years ago. (I just KNEW she'd like it (one of those little chubby ones)). When people asked her what she'd had that's what she told them! The shock on their faces...

She has gone on to buy a toolbox and has quite a collection of tools now. I'm bringing her up to be self reliant!

I bought my two [boy & girl] a toolkit each one Christmas, they were about 12 years old at the time, and no doubt a bit cheesed off with such a present, [I taught them to fix their own bikes BTW].

The kits are still in use and they now have their own children

Churchmouse

Valli wrote: »

- As a matter of fact I am referring to those outside :money: MSE's site - those of use who are here - on whatever forum - must have more sense. Cos we all know what our glorious leader thinks of credit cards! We're dealing with our debts - not creating more! :T

I take it the red refers to Martin Lewis? As regards credit cards, I certainly don't get the idea that he is totally against credit cards, especially in view of this section. Spending on a credit card does not necessarily mean debt. I spend a high proportion of my weekly outgoings on a credit card. Every bill is paid in full, on time:D The credit card company give me money back:D Best not to make assumptions about people using cards, whether credit or debit;)
Incidentally, people, how do you know if the card being presented by the customer in front is a debit or credit card????

As regards necessities as gifts, sorry, but by no stretch of the imagination can I call perfume a necessity:rotfl: This from one who uses perfume every day of her life;)

Nomad25

I spend a high proportion of my weekly outgoings on a credit card. Every bill is paid in full, on time:D The credit card company give me money back:D Best not to make assumptions about people using cards, whether credit or debit;)

me too - cash back of course.