Practical gifts for financially struggling family?

threeplustwo

Close family of mine are really struggling at the moment and I really dont know what to give this Christmas which will be useful, practical and economic for me also...

Its for a family with children of 3 and 13 (girls). I was thinking about an "essentials" hamper with everyday stuff in it like coffee, cereal, bread, fruit etc... to give a few days before Xmas and a more personal family hamper with smellies, toys, small gifts for everyone really... for Xmas day.

Does anyone think this would be ok? Or does anyone have any better ideas? I'm loathe to give cash really. Im stumped!

:rudolf:

mum2one

The hamper sounds a great idea, I don't know whether by giving 2 hampers, they may feel pround to accept it, I don't know the people so am playing devils advocate.

Maybe do it as an xmas eve surprise hamper, - you could include some coffee, biscuits, jam, cake, - smellies as presents, that way the hamper will look llike a pamoer hamper, - coffee, cake, won't come across as you haven't got these things, but more like a little treat for you all xx

Miss_Havisham

it's a great idea. perhaps include some luxuries, something for the children such as foil wrapped xmas tree choccies etc. the possibilities are endless

kingfisherblue

A food hamper is a good idea. My mum is a pensioner on a low income and this year, my kids have made her a hamper of food essentials with a few treats in it as well. My daughter checked dates so that everything will last, and she bought things when on special offer so that Nan gets more without the kids going over budget.

BAGGY

I love the idea of a christmas eve hamper. You could put bath bombs and bed socks for the girls and munchies for the adults. They may feel obliged to return a gift but you can use the 'excuse' that it's not an xmas pressie just a treat to get you in the festive mood?

Beshki

I would also ask them - there may be something they are desperately needing/wanting. I know it isnt a surprise then, but it is still lovely and thoughtful x

moos_mummy_2

I think the hamper is a lovely idea.

For Christmas my gran always gives her brother a £20 gift card for his local supermarket, as do their other sister because he is on his own and they know if they give cash it will get spent on bills like sky but they take him to the supermarket so can see him buy things like name brand coffee that normally he could say is to expensive.
This could be an alternative to cash as well

Almo

it feels like a distasteful question to ask but how badly are they struggling?

If they can cover the basics but there is no money for fun then (depending on budget) how about a day out hamper? Tickets to something local (minimal transport costs) and picnic food in a picnic basket for example.

If they can't afford the basics then food is definitely a good way to go - nice versions of essentials would be good.

over_flo

I would say that an essentials hamper would seem more like a food parcel or charity handout and you may risk offence.
i would say go for special Chrismassy treats.

queenlizard45uk

I am struggling with money, but I dont think I would like a hamper which contains 'basics' like bread etc. I would feel abit weird about it.

I would however, like a food hamper which contained luxury type items. Food that when I went to the supermarket, I thought 'ah, best not buy this as we need bread more'

so things like, nice jams, crackers, pasta, popcorn, chocolates, nice drinks (not so much alcocholic but better than squash or cola!
I dont have children, but i would appreciate little treats for them too, maybe some sweets?

hope this helps

kjmtidea

queenlizard45uk wrote: »

I am struggling with money, but I dont think I would like a hamper which contains 'basics' like bread etc. I would feel abit weird about it.

I would however, like a food hamper which contained luxury type items. Food that when I went to the supermarket, I thought 'ah, best not buy this as we need bread more'

so things like, nice jams, crackers, pasta, popcorn, chocolates, nice drinks (not so much alcocholic but better than squash or cola!
I dont have children, but i would appreciate little treats for them too, maybe some sweets?

hope this helps

I agree with this. I would definitely put something special in for the kids, if the parents are struggling with money then they are probably stressing about not being able to get much for the kids. It doesn't even have to be expensive, you could make candy sleighs for them?