Reeling from the Reality Check

in_need_of_direction

For my mum's most recent birthday, I got her a homemade loaf, a jar of her favourite marmalade, some toffee and fluffy bed socks. She appreciated that more than the expensive presents I've bought in the past.

chevalier

How about going on the World Vision site and buying everyone something from there. You can buy a chicken for a 3rd world family, or a goat, or school books. So you still give a gift but people in the 3rd world benefit too.
chev

gallygirl

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chevalier wrote: »

How about going on the World Vision site and buying everyone something from there. You can buy a chicken for a 3rd world family, or a goat, or school books. So you still give a gift but people in the 3rd world benefit too.
chev

I did that last year - in fact it started on MSE - I made someone a spreadsheet and they insisted on giving me something. I think we settled on a fruit tree for an African OAP . Then I bought chickens. And a goat. Still waiting on them to arrive here. Along with the tiger I adopted although my garden really isn't big enough .

Historybuff

Great ideas. Thanks, everyone. I'm seriously thinking of culling the list or at least just doing token gifts.
On another note, I heard today that I have an interview for one of the jobs I applied for next Tues. Woo!

sweetpea26

Great news about the interview HB .

chevalier

Here is the link to the animals page.
http://www.musthavegifts.org/gifts.html?&audience=35&price=1%2C

A pair of rabbits is 9 pounds....

Yeah to the interview, hope that goes well. I hear you about the work clothes. I am starting from a very low base, as I have just had school run clothes for years. I don't even really know what suits me any more, when it comes to 'work' or 'posh' clothes, as I haven't worn either for over 10 years!!!!!
chev

Historybuff

Thanks, sweetpea and chev. I'll be turning my wardrobe out this weekend. I should be OK, but will need shoes and new tights. I have to remember that my outfits might be well worn, but they are not worn out and the new place won't have seen them before.
Up extra early today as at a conference all day. Hate getting up in the dark, but enjoying my early morning cup of tea and a day out of the office is all good. Thankfully I am not driving.
Finances doing well. Third NSD today and I have a code for TXMaxx 20% this weekend, Fri to Mon. Apparently you just give this when you check out at the till - 603836. Might be worth a look.
Have a good day all!

in_need_of_direction

Maybe you could keep an eye out on your wardrobe rummage for a scarf that you wouldn't normally wear with your interview outfit. It could just freshen it up.

Eager_Elephant

Just read Martin's latest email, he was talking about ways to save at Xmas.


No.5 says:
The UK's first Giving Tuesday. If you don't know what to buy, and are just doing it out of a tick box-type obligation, STOP. #GivingTuesday is 2 Dec, it's happened in other countries but it's the first time for the UK.

So this Christmas instead of doing tit-for-tat giving (which means most people end up with tat), simply tell your list of extended family and friends you're making a donation instead. Or we've compiled a list of top Charity Gift Catalogues, options include buying a £5 Xmas dinner for someone homeless, adopting an animal or the awesome Good Gifts.


So you are not mean or tight you are actually on trend and stopping spending for the greater good of everyone:rotfl:
You've got a week to get ready to tell extended family you can't buy for them

NoOneAround

Good luck with the interview HB, that's great news!
I know exactly what you mean about worrying what other people think ref presents - so much so I have a real problembuying any presents, so I aske my siblings what nieces and nephews want and I then I get it (sometimes even ask them to buy it for me then I wrap it! Have found it very efficient!
NOA
xx