Christmas Gifts - What’s on Your List?

[Gill635]

Hi All

Bit of an unusual one for me, but I’m after ideas.

Every year my family ask me for a list of things I’d like for Christmas, and they then pick a couple of small things from it within their budget.

It’s always been hard to come up with ideas, but this year it’s impossible! So much so, that I haven’t even bought myself anything (I’m single with no kids, so usually pick myself up a couple of things as a treat)

My fall backs have always been things like makeup, cheap jewellery, perfume etc however I’m still not wearing my makeup, I don’t go anywhere to wear perfume and they got me some jewellery for a special birthday last Christmas which I’ve never worn!

My SIL will often get me a voucher for my nail salon for Christmas or my birthday (they’re 2 days apart) but they’ve raised the prices so much since the pandemic that I’m going to either try somewhere else or stop getting them done, so that’s pointless.

I’ve repeatedly told them all to not bother this year, as it would be a waste. I’d rather they spent the money on themselves or the kids/grandkids, but they’re not having it.

As a last resort, I though about whether I needed anything for the house (which I hate as gifting for a house is horrific in my opinion), but there isn’t even anything I want there!

I should have been in NYC next week with my parents, and we were going to see if anything caught my eye there, but we’ve cancelled.

Please can anyone offer me any ideas? Nothing expensive, I’d be too mortified to ask

Thanks in Advance

Gill

P.S I really hope I don’t sound like a spoilt brat!

[mskitty]

How about vouchers from different people for the same shop (John Lewis is always a good choice), restaurant vouchers for a night out or theatre vouchers so you can get a couple of tickets for a show if you like that sort of thing.

[Taffy1959]

Could you ask them to donate to a charity of your choice?
I did this a couple of years ago and the money went to a childrens hospice

[laney1980]

How about personal vouchers?
Coffee and a cake date - between you and the giver.
Cinema date.
Sunday lunch meal invite.

[Danex]

This year I’ve asked my adult children to pick and donate something to the local toy appeal for my Christmas present.

There’s nothing I really need and I hate the thought of them spending money on something for the sake of it, I’d get much more happiness of the thought of some children opening a lovely gift on Christmas Day.

I’ve specifically asked for them to get presents suitable for teenage boys as I know the local appeal always are short of those in the run up to Christmas.

Do you think your family would like to do something like that?

[lovestoplan]

Do you have any hobbies they could buy supplies for? Or maybe something you fancy trying that they could buy some materials for you to give it a go?

[Rac20]

I was going to suggest a donation to a charity.

I like the idea of a new hobby! Jigsaws? Crochet? Gardening? Wine/Gin/Beer making? Making Disney ears?

[Gill635]

Thanks so much guys, I’m leaning towards the charity idea.

I get free cinema tickets through my bank, so don’t need those. I don’t have any hobbies anymore (don’t have the time between work and life, which makes me sad)

We all do a lot as a family already, meals, days out etc. As one of you already said, I just hate the idea of them wasting money on me, which is why I said to treat themselves or the kids instead

Their hearts are in the right place bless them. It doesn’t help that my birthday is the 27th so I need to think of 2 lots of everything!

[WhereIBelong]

Shower gel (always gets used here) or a nice tin of biscuits/shortbread.

I always tell the kids I don't need "stuff" so something they know I'd use up.

[Gill635]

Originally Posted by WhereIBelong

Shower gel (always gets used here) or a nice tin of biscuits/shortbread.

I always tell the kids I don't need "stuff" so something they know I'd use up.

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I haven’t got a shower ha ha.

I get a bath bomb subscription every month, so don’t really need those either.

It’s hard, the little ones will be gutted if they don’t have a physical present to give me, they LOVE giving people presents