Practical gifts for financially struggling family?

esmer

I thought of this idea one morning when my shampoo ran out. I was thinking that I would appreciate the stuff I use than a fancy gift from boots. So I said to my family about it, to have a christmas of essentials, rather than fancy gifts. Times are hard for a lot of people, and half the stuff I get from boots, ends up in a charity shop or a raffle prize for a charity I do work for.

So I have asked for an essential beauty hamper, with Deoderant, shampoo, conditioner, razers etc..... I would rather have a month off from buying the stuff I like than getting fancy stuff I dont use.. It might look pretty....

My mum has asked for a Friday night hamper, they dont get to have a wee drink anymore, as everythign goes on essentials. So I will be getting them some alcohol, favourite chocs, and going to put in some other essentials that they like but dont buy anymore. I will be speaking to the rest of my family to do the same if they want that?

So I think if you make it special and thoughtful, they will be happy and not put off

moonpenny

I like the "Hamper for all" idea but would put more of the "treat" type things in then basic items.

I know if I was struggling it would be these things I wouldn't be able to buy and although the gift is really well meaning, think how boring it is.:( There are children and it's Christmas. :j:j:j

Why don't you put small wrapped individual pressies hidden in the Hamper for each person. You could even do more than one pressie if you could run to it! :T

quinechinoise

threeplustwo wrote: »

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

Beshki wrote: »

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

Are they really struggling or just short of spare cash? If they are desperate enough to graciously accept a food parcel as a Christmas gift, they should really contact their local food bank to receive regular food parcels. (The local church will probably have contact details for the food bank.) Tbh, if they are that poor, I think the cash - or something they actually need for the house/kids - would be more useful. However, I'd still include a few small gifts for the kids (quantity over quality, even at 13) of both the edible and entertaining variety e.g. chocolate coins, sweets, paper chain kit, colouring pens, books, etc. I imagine it may be a hard Christmas for the teenager, who'll be old enough to understand her parents' troubles...

sweetilemon

I think you can include essentials without looking like they can't afford to buy them like a finest loaf, extra special coffee, pate, crackers, breadsticks...a treat type hamper but still staples. chocolate treats for the children maybe tree chocolates would be a good idea? I think luxury food hampers are a great idea for familys wheather struggling or not

zzzLazyDaisy

Sorry if this is obvious, but please don't mix food stuffs and smellies in the same hamper.... I can still taste the taste of a chocolate mouse I received in hamper as a child that had come all the way from america snuggled up to some bath cubes :eek:

threeplustwo

Hiya, thanks all for your replies. Still not sure what to do but am still leaning towards an essentials foodie hamper type thing but obviously with the more luxury/branded items. Theres always loads of BOGOF's around that I could take advantage of and I know what they like but dont often/ever get due to cost.

Years ago a friend gave me a gorgeous fruit basket a few days before Christmas and I was chuffed to bits. I was a single parent at the time and struggling somewhat and this small gesture meant a lot to me. This is probably where a food hamper idea came from!

Im going to sit on it for a few days and have a think :undecided

fawd1

maybe do a hamper with the nice stuff they can't/ wouldn't buy for themselves and then add in a giftcard for a supermarket? That way, they have all the nice stuff, can go and get their essentials and they won't have their pride too badly hurt by being given real basics, like flour and pasta.

zzzLazyDaisy

I would do a proper christmas hamper with some of the christmassy extras (I remember being a single parent and unable to afford the extra trimmings that make an ordinary meal into a christmas meal)

Some ideas - christmas crackers, sweet decorations for the tree, a large tin of quality street, a bottle of wine/small brandy/couple of cans of beer (depending on their tipple), a christmas cake, luxury mince pies, luxury christmas pudding, a jar of special cranberry sauce, apricot and stilton cheese, cheese biscuits.

You could check out local charity shops for silver or gold dishes/plate or nice glassware - I have had some new still boxed bargains

You can get nice home made produce at reasonable prices if you go to farmer's markets and local producers fairs.

Of course you would have to give it early so they don't go out and buy the stuff first.

joelchang

Aside from those suggested above, you can give them a nice bedsheets and pillow cases for their house. For the kids, a nice cookie jar with cookies and sweet stuff in it will surely hit them.

susan42

I would make "a night in at the movies hamper" for the kids.
Some family films , some drinks/ coke. Maybe a small bottle of wine or a couple of beers for parents. Some popcorn. nachos and dips, and some sweets....all in home bargains
I do them for mine and partners kids , 35, 33 , and 2 x 20 year olds. ...they even reminded me not to forget this year.