Thinking about Christmas (sorry!!!)

sarah0404

Yes, i know its only August! I'm having a baby in October, so i thought I should at least start to think about Christmas now. I'm not going to have much time when I have a new baby.

I was wondering if anyone had any ideas for Christmas presents for my children. I find this really difficult! They are girl - age 7, boy - age 5 and 1/2 and another boy - age 3. Baby will be a few months old at xmas. We don't know if we are having a boy or a girl yet.

The thing is, none of them are really into anything in particular. They're not really influenced by peer pressure or media, so they won't be wanting the latest fad. They have plenty of toys and I feel like I'm just going to be buying stuff for the sake of it. There really is nothing they need - or want.

So I was thinking, what about a joint family gift. Like a puppy or something. But I don't think puppy + new baby is a very good idea! My mum suggested a Nintendo Wi, but we already have a Super Nintendo (very vintage now!). It just seems like a huge amount of money for something they don't really need. They are happy with the Super Nintendo. They don't know there are better games consoles out there. Plus you can buy games from Cash Converters for £1 for the SNES! The Wi will likely be £40ish a game.

So I'm really stuck for ideas. I only have a small budget this year (one that wouldn't have paid for a Nintendo Wi anyway) I just don't want to waste money adding to the toy mountain we already have. Any one got any inspiring ideas?

welshgirlmel

Hey Sarah
try posting on this thread
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=421179&page=24
There are a lot of us thinking about christmas already! lol

I wouldn`t suggest a puppy with a new baby coming along,you could consider another pet thats easier to take care of for example a hamster.

We are going to a hotel for christmas this year so will be doing something different, which my son will enjoy, probably too difficult and costly for you to consider with all your kids and the baby so young.

Not sure what else to suggest sorry!
Mel
x

sonee2405

From experience children do not like sharing xmas presents much so how about a token present each-ask them to make a list of say 3 items each that they would like or enjoy and then choose one according to budget as their main present then get them 1thing they can share such as dvds. books or a new game.A pet is a responsibility and they can still reject it after they get bored if they lose interest or even argue over who it belongs to most so be careful.Most 7 year old girls love arts &crafts and books so somethng along those lines maybe?Why not take them out to a bookstore to browse and choose books which you can then get for xmas or how about a dancemat game?It's likely that they will get excited over the new babies first xmas that they might want to make it special for him or her instead so let them be involved in making it special by choosing presents etc if they want too for the baby.Prepare them by making cards, crackers and stockings so that half the excitement is over and doen with before the actual day.

somethingaboutshopping

Hey, your kids sound amazing! But I agree with you on 2 points: a dog is maybe not such a good idea (just think of walkies on a cold January morning) and also the Wii is great but I think it may be a little adult orientated especially for your youngest. I'm such a gamer and think the SNES is by far and away still one of the best! (Mario Kart on DS lets you play on SNES retro courses and its amazing).

Would your kids like the idea that a holiday next summer is their Christmas present? Or is that going to be tricky since the baby will still be very young?

Maybe a digital camera for "the family" so that everyone can have a go, upload photos onto their own folder and you can get cheapish cartridges and photo paper to print photos. Can also be used to record baby's first Christmas.

Please do come and join us on the main Christmas thread as there are LOTS of great ideas on there.

xx

MrsTinks

Please please please do not get a puppy at christmas... if come early spring you still want a dog then consider an older already trained dog, especially one that has been tested and you know will get on well with young children.
Do you really want to got through house training a puppy so soon as after having another baby? And trust me you'll be the one cleaning up after it Then you have the teething and chewing of everything... the trying to train it so it doesn't drag everyone down the street, taking it to dog classes at £5 a pop...
Oh and the inevitable play biting with the children...

Can you tell I don't believe in mixing young children and puppies :rotfl:

And DO join us on the christmas thread!

kizzykizzywizzy

If they are anything like my 2 aged 4 & 6 they will have a lot anyway, but why don't you check out the carboots near you. My Mum ( who's recently passed away ) used to buy them loads,some new items, but most of it came from carboots, & where I'm now pulling in the purse strings & not going on so many days out or spoiling them with so many toys, we are actually getting the games out, she bought, that have just gathered dust in the cupboard since last Xmas & playing them, some are like new. My 2 have Nintendo DS's pre-purse string tightening & we usually buy any games second hand or on offer. I think things like putting a carrot out for Rudolf & decorating the tree & spending time together will be remembered more when they grow up, not what they were given as gifts! ( I wish i'd realised this before I "bought" Xmas in the past ) As for a Dog, as lovely as they are, they deserve & need a lot of attention & you will just be too busy. Another thought is sponsering a Dog or another animal?? Good luck with the baby & Xmas

ITeach

sarah0404 wrote: »

Yes, i know its only August! I'm having a baby in October, so i thought I should at least start to think about Christmas now. I'm not going to have much time when I have a new baby.

I was wondering if anyone had any ideas for Christmas presents for my children. I find this really difficult! They are girl - age 7, boy - age 5 and 1/2 and another boy - age 3. Baby will be a few months old at xmas. We don't know if we are having a boy or a girl yet.

The thing is, none of them are really into anything in particular. They're not really influenced by peer pressure or media, so they won't be wanting the latest fad. They have plenty of toys and I feel like I'm just going to be buying stuff for the sake of it. There really is nothing they need - or want.

So I was thinking, what about a joint family gift. Like a puppy or something. But I don't think puppy + new baby is a very good idea! My mum suggested a Nintendo Wi, but we already have a Super Nintendo (very vintage now!). It just seems like a huge amount of money for something they don't really need. They are happy with the Super Nintendo. They don't know there are better games consoles out there. Plus you can buy games from Cash Converters for £1 for the SNES! The Wi will likely be £40ish a game.

So I'm really stuck for ideas. I only have a small budget this year (one that wouldn't have paid for a Nintendo Wi anyway) I just don't want to waste money adding to the toy mountain we already have. Any one got any inspiring ideas?

It seems that this won't be much use to you if you are overwhelmed with toys, but have you considered educational learning products and toys which as you say are not the latest 'fad or fashion' ? The site below has learning games which would both entertain the kids and also support their learning at the same time. My kids have used them and had hours of fun!
http://www.keykids.co.uk

They have got a 25% sale on at the moment using coupon code KEYBS199.

Failing that you could always inflict the kids with the free SATs papers you'll find on the site!

sarah0404

Thank you for all the replies. I will have a look on the Christmas thread in a minute for some more inspiration.

When i think back to Christmas as a child, I can't remember what I got for gifts at all. The things I remember is the excitement, family visiting, the Christmas dinner etc. We used to do a lot of Christmas crafts and baking too. I'd imagine they will all get plenty of junk (sorry i mean toys) from friends and family too. So I probably shouldn't stress too much about finding the perfect gifts.

I wasn't really going to get a puppy for Christmas. I'm not completely mad! We have been considering adopting a retired greyhound for a while, but, with a new baby coming I think we will wait a while. Maybe think about it again next summer. I read that they often aren't house trained as they are used to living in kennels. I really don't need any more poo to deal with!

I think I'll probably go with sonee2405s idea of a book, DVD and a game each. I've had a quick browse around the site sugggested by ITeach, with the educational games. We already have some of those games that they enjoy playing, so with 25% off I will probably buy something new from there too.

Thanks again for the help!

LJM

how about games board games were always a hit with us and they are always on offer somewhere,or a art and craft box each make them up yourself,you can get arty bits in ELC on 3for 2,i do this for my girls they love it,i think moonsand is a must for mine this year though(if any one is after moonsand it was in wilkos cheap other day)

LJM

also books and puzzles are a good idea

Racklen

As like many of you i am trying to get my finances in order and have to plan xmas early so i have started by buying materials from charity shops and in the sales and plan to make all my pressies.

so far ive made a copy of my scraggy ann doll ( holly hobbie doll) that ive had all my life for my nieces hopefuilly they will love theirs as much as i loved mine.

a rabbit pjama holder ( bascially a rabbit teddy wioth and ampty tummy ) again nieces

a wall hanger organiser for my sister which can be put in washing machine and keep things out of young childrens hands as she has little storage at her house.

mother in law and mother tote bags ( shopper bag) helps to promote beong green and reusing bags

pencil cases for neices

and a book holder fro my arty neice to carry her doodle book in

all in all its not costing much just takes some time and have googled for ideas on what to make as im new to using a sewing machine.

just struggling on what to make the men in the family, also doing some paper mache money boxes with paint and wallpaper paste they only cost about £2 each

good luck all and xmas and birthday gifts are about the thought that went into the gift not what it costs

but i am lucky in the sense i have a very appreciative family who like the simple things in life with more thought involved,