Buying on a budget for a completely materialistic family?

borokat

For the people you have never met, I would just get sweets or bath things - generic gifts that nonetheless tend to go down well. At least you will know they will get eaten/used. I assume they will be buying you a gift in return?
I don't see what's so wrong about having a list, in my family we all make a list! It's not mega specific so there is still an element of surprise e.g. my sister will put something like 'a going out top' and since there will be me, my bro, mum and dad, her husband and all her in laws choosing presents for her she will have no idea what she is going to get and from whom. It's better than ending up with things you have no use for. Plus it's my birthday just before Christmas so everyone has to buy me 2 gifts! I think it helps make it a lot easier to have a list. (FYI I am 27, sis is 32 bro is 25 and my parents write lists too!)

Aarons_mummy

I like the idea of the throw away wine glasses (pack of 12 in poundland) box of 36 mini candy canes also in poundland and a bag of chocolate coins (BOGOF in Wilkinsons) or a £1 box of chocolates for the adults. Add in a bag of party snacks (less than £1 in Asda) a box of popcorn (4 sachets in a box for 59p in Lidl to pop themselves) popped in a box wrapped in some christmas paper. Snack hamper for around £4.50. If you can afford it add in a DVD suitable for the family (doesn't have to be current a cheap christmas movie would suffice) and call it a family film hamper.

I think it's downright cheek to ask you to buy for people who you have never met before, not only that but buying for brothers in their 30's who already probably have everything they want anyway is a waste of money that you don't have.

I would just tell your mum that you aren't in a position this year to buy flashy gifts and you will be doing your own thing that you can afford and if it's not to their taste then it's too bad. I would make the point that Christmas is about family, not the presents.

kr15snw

Thank you for your support people.

I 'might' have the boy sorted. He's booked to have a snowboard birthday party next week as apparently he wants to learn.

My best friend is a snowboard instructor and has said he'd happily give him a few lessons if I buy him a pint a lesson. Lol. So if he enjoys his party Ill do that.

On the same thread I'm hoping his sister might like the idea (she's too young to snowboard, need to be 10) of trying skiing. I'm a ski instructor and so could give her a few free lessons..

The snack hamper looks great actually! I have some nice gift boxes at my ex's that I'll have to try and get back.

Was thinking some nice smellies for my brothers missus (again a few cheapy ones in a nice box). Or actually contemplated saying I'll treat them to dinner in the New Year (not much to open, but Ill have a bit more cash then).

The other brother I'm stumped about still??? He only 'wants' blue ray DVDs and he has so many I'd struggle to get him a cheap dvd he doesnt already have.

Could look at doing him a snack hamper if I can remember his favourite things...

Sorted Mum and Dad. Have converted one of dads favourite pictures into a watercolour (oh the joys of using photoshop) and am getting it printed (free in work!) and will pick up a frame for it (hopefully find one at good value).

Great idea about poundland, shall def have a look

Someone asked why they are at home? Well the eldest will be moving in with his missus in the new year and to be honest I'll let him off. Mum refused to take money off him as he had to leave his ex's quickly. The other one is just LAZY.

And thank you again for your support. I can honestly say that Christmas is the last thing on my mind when my divorce is starting in January.

kr15snw

Oh can someone link me to the poundland thread?

Can't seem to find it? x

Gleek

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/1075283 - is this the one?

sarah*a

kr15snw wrote: »

Oh can someone link me to the poundland thread?

Can't seem to find it? x

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/1075283

I wish you good luck - you seem to have good ideas and I hope the kids will go for the lessons As for your Blu-ray wanting brother - if he really is the type to get all huffy if he doesn't get what he wants (and I know a few of those!) you can get some from Play.com from £3.99 with free delivery - might not be exactly ones he wanted but beggars can't be choosers

http://www.play.com/DVD/Blu-ray/0-/Search.html?searchstring=&searchtype=allproducts&searchsource=2&searchfilters=ae212{646566}+c{600}+&ob=4

For years our family have just done token gifts for adults and something for the kids - this year OH's brother moved back from 'foreign climes' and we received a text saying 'this is what I want for xmas'. Costing more money than we'd spend on anyone for years :eek: OH just laughed and texted back 'too late mate - our xmas shopping was finished months ago' :rotfl:

spadoosh

Dunno who makes me more annoyed, them for expecting flashy gifts or yourself for thinking you have to give them anything. Something someone has made would make me far far happier than most of the tat from somewhere like IWOOT or one of the overpriced experience days or any overpriced xmas tat

Good luck, hope you find something you enjoy giving to them. like a punch!! (only joking with the last bit dont really hit them, not at christmas anyway)

Abbafan1972

sarah*a wrote: »

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/1075283

I wish you good luck - you seem to have good ideas and I hope the kids will go for the lessons As for your Blu-ray wanting brother - if he really is the type to get all huffy if he doesn't get what he wants (and I know a few of those!) you can get some from Play.com from £3.99 with free delivery - might not be exactly ones he wanted but beggars can't be choosers

http://www.play.com/DVD/Blu-ray/0-/Search.html?searchstring=&searchtype=allproducts&searchsource=2&searchfilters=ae212{646566}+c{600}+&ob=4

For years our family have just done token gifts for adults and something for the kids - this year OH's brother moved back from 'foreign climes' and we received a text saying 'this is what I want for xmas'. Costing more money than we'd spend on anyone for years :eek: OH just laughed and texted back 'too late mate - our xmas shopping was finished months ago' :rotfl:

I noticed that "Lesbian Vampire Killers" is on that page for £4.99. You should get your brother that one OP. :rotfl:

sugarwalsh

How about a subscription to MSE!!!! I CAN not believe that they are living at home at that age, regardless of the situation.

Megan

Ps - a ski instructor sounds very cool. My family and I are taking OH skiing for his first time this year and will be getting him a lesson or 3 before we go. I can not wait to see him on the snow!

7roland8

Great ideas and the kids are beign spoiled by your super ideas - hope they appreciate it!