Nice People Thread Part 9 - and so it continues

hjd

Spirit wrote: »

With my rekindled MSE money saving interest I have written a Christmas pressie budget this evening.

Who do NP buy for?

I have 4 siblings, DH has one, 4 out of 5 married so that's 9 people, may get away with not doing adults but usually £20 each.
One mother, who also has a birthday 2 weeks before Christmas - I pick up small food items for months for a hamper so that's on the way to being sorted.
DH, haven't a clue!
DS and DD - will vary, depending on what they want. DD very difficult to buy for, DS looking for some new portable speaker thing as his has bust. His birthday end Jan, so can hit the sales for that. Also stockings for both which I've been doing for a while.
18 nephews and nieces
One great nephew
We don't buy for nephews and nieces in my family (16) once they get to 21 or stop being students so that cuts out 7 of them this year. Usually about £20 each but depends on offers - might be something worth a bit more but got for reduced price. We buy for DH's niece and nephew still, probably the usual £20.
Have never bought for neighbours or friends, moved house this year so don't intend to start here. Will have to find if there are any expectations re decoration/parties etc., as it is a cul de sac of 16 houses and all quite friendly. We refused to participate in Halloween/ T&T though, so they may have marked our cards.

Nikkster

Spirit wrote: »

Who do NP buy for?

Being neither particularly nice nor particularly Christmassy - not many people!

I get something for each of my parents, they give us money. My brother and I don't bother - we'd both rather buy something in the sales. Nothing for or from extended family (never see any of them). I get small silly things (or booze) for a few friends.

vivatifosi

On the subject of Christmas presents, forgot to mention. At work we do a secret Santa. The price limit is £1.00. We all go to a different pound shop and buy the most bonkers gift we can find them stick them all in a sack. The result is hilarious, and worth much more than the cost of the item or the equivalent if we played it straight.

lostinrates

vivatifosi wrote: »

On the subject of Christmas presents, forgot to mention. At work we do a secret Santa. The price limit is £1.00. We all go to a different pound shop and buy the most bonkers gift we can find them stick them all in a sack. The result is hilarious, and worth much more than the cost of the item or the equivalent if we played it straight.


Dh's work is costly for Christmas.

Probably our single biggest gift is to dh's secretary as dh's work have a required amount that must be given by professionals at different levels directly to their secretaries/support staff. Its a good idea IMO, but by heck its costly.

DH and I don't like big gifts simply because of a date, we fill a stocking for each other but I'd rather have something wanted and chosen, not something 'because its Christmas' or a birthday.
For us the real treat is time together . Though we might buy something if we can be bothered to go out in sales afterwards.

Nikkster

lostinrates wrote: »

DH and I don't like big gifts simply because of a date, we fill a stocking for each other but I'd rather have something wanted and chosen, not something 'because its Christmas' or a birthday.
For us the real treat is time together . Though we might buy something if we can be bothered to go out in sales afterwards.

Not counting not being in touch with extended family, these are the reasons I/we don't tend to go overboard with presents - we'd rather have something wanted (and bought on offer at a good price ) than to all rush out on Xmas eve looking for something, anything.

Likewise, although the house isn't very decorated, on Christmas eve night the front door is locked and we don't go anywhere until at least Boxing day. That is a treat (well, most of the time) as my parent's have both worked in retail (shop floor rather than management) for the past 15 years so time off together is not that common.

Spirit_2

My list was our cut down and reduced spend budget for this year, we have yet to try it in practice.

We have not tackled a budget for each other and DD yet which may (OK, does) need an overhaul of our 'traditions'.

Alongside the main gifts it is all of the 'fun' bits that addup. DDs advent calendar is one I made when she was small and I fill the pockets. It is a mixture of cheap (chocolate coins) and not so cheap goodies such as earings or necklaces. Only bought one special gift for it so far this year, it is a Pandora charm, so I have spent £30 on that already:eek: She is happy with the coins it is OH and I that cannot resist the other stuff.

We all have stockings , and our daughter has thoughtfully and generously taken on filling much of mine and OHs.

Then there is a tradition of having 'a lot' under the tree here too. We like giving her things and she in turn buys us lots, none of it junk. Addressing the gifts to us (I think she compensated us for a diminshing the older generation who would have given to us) from the dog, cat, bunnies or chooks as she sees fit.

We reciprocate, and the bunnies have bought her http://www.johnlewis.com/anorak-kissing-rabbits-towels-orange/p312834 a bath sheet, bath towel and face flannel this year. The dog, cat and chooks are still saving up but are planning on buying books.

We all write FC (man in red suit not fashionista) a list to inform his present selection and so there is an element of surprise. We often buy most of the list not just a couple of items on it.

No budget we just spend...and it is that tradition that I think we have to get a grip on.

I also like household gifts as I do not really want things...I was not too chuffed by getting a fish kettle and dualit toaster once though.

Nikkster

Spirit wrote: »

it is a Pandora charm

My mum is getting a Pandora bracelet and a couple of charms this year. She has been talking about getting one for ages (couple of years), and I've been gently and very politely dropping hints that it is a rather costly hobby to take up.
A month or so ago there was a pretty good sale on Achica.com so I thought this was the time to do it. Had to get mum to confirm the correct size, which she did by going into a Pandora store. She was a bit shocked at the prices :rotfl:
At least I have presents sorted out for the next few years now :cool:

PasturesNew

michaels wrote: »

It is a shame Margate is so far from Cornwall as PN knows people there and there is the chance to get in at the druggie prices and see it transform into the English Bohemian Riviera

I don't wish to be part of an area like that - truth is, as it becomes an English Bohemian Riviera it fills with overpriced shops etc and I get priced out of activities. Give me a £1 pier entry and I'll think about it.... turn that into a £6 pier experience and forget it.

It happens - rich people come, high priced goods come .... you get financially excluded.

PasturesNew

Spirit wrote: »

You earn your living online, there are shops, and how frequently would you be taking the ferry?

I am very keen on IOW for you, safe environment, beaches galore, affordable property...and I will visit:)

Well, I meant: the full raft of shops, available within driving distance. e.g. Ikea - IoW's not got that. Not that I've been yet, but I could go from here if I chose to.

The reality is I'd not take the ferry - I'd simply remain cut off from things on the mainland due to fear of the ferry cost + hassle.

It was tough/expensive enough trying to source things in Cornwall, without a ferry being needed.

Also - at the moment I am not earning a living online. I'm earning money, it's not a living.... made nearly £500 this month - well short of even the rent!

Loanranger

Thinking of NDG and hoping she's OK.

I dislike the whole thing that happens on 25th December and would try not to use the word until 1st December if I could. I go along with it but under sufferance. Particularly dislike the shops having displays in September and October. One of the charity shop chains had their cards displayed prominently in front of shop window on 1st September.
Humbug.