FabSwingers.com > Forums > The Lounge > How can I raise £2000 before xmas?
How can I raise £2000 before xmas?
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Bills xmas shopping etc my kids always come first so will put them before my bills and suffer the consequences lol"
Do your bills first, get your kids whatever you can afford now and tell them you'll take them shopping in the new year sales! Then do what I did this year and save with park all year for the high street vouchers. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Bills xmas shopping etc my kids always come first so will put them before my bills and suffer the consequences lol"
Kids would rather have your time and are actually quite understanding when you tell them you can’t afford stuff. |
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"If you can't afford it, don't have it.
"
Now there’s a thing. 
OP why 2k if you are struggling ? I’m not struggling and I won’t be going anywhere near that amount and that’s factoring in the whole dam event from tree to turkey to presents to food and alcohol.  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"No had a break up and moved in place and everything got on top of me etc "
Been there, debt will not help. And neither will spoiling them to gain their affection.
Make it special in a way other than with stuff. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Bills xmas shopping etc my kids always come first so will put them before my bills and suffer the consequences lol"
How foolish are you  .. Great pressies but leccy gets cut off. |
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"Bills xmas shopping etc my kids always come first so will put them before my bills and suffer the consequences lol"
That's foolish.
A debt ridden depressed father is not going to help your kids is it. Children need to know the value of things. Get them to make a list of the things they would like and let them know they'll get only one.
Christmas dinner can be a family affair everyone chipping in.
Christmas is about spending time with those you love: not stuff and debt.
One of my daughters just phoned asking what I want for Christmas. I said nothing, just to see you and my grandson.
I won't see all my children and grandchildren this Christmas for the first time and I'm not sad as I've seen them all year, for mother's day, my birthday, shopping trips etc. They're making Christmas memories with their families like they had...and will not be in debt come January.
Focus on what's important: love doesn't cost a thing. |
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"Bills xmas shopping etc my kids always come first so will put them before my bills and suffer the consequences lol
That's foolish.
A debt ridden depressed father is not going to help your kids is it. Children need to know the value of things. Get them to make a list of the things they would like and let them know they'll get only one.
Christmas dinner can be a family affair everyone chipping in.
Christmas is about spending time with those you love: not stuff and debt.
One of my daughters just phoned asking what I want for Christmas. I said nothing, just to see you and my grandson.
I won't see all my children and grandchildren this Christmas for the first time and I'm not sad as I've seen them all year, for mother's day, my birthday, shopping trips etc. They're making Christmas memories with their families like they had...and will not be in debt come January.
Focus on what's important: love doesn't cost a thing."
Amen. Far too much importance and pressure for just one day of the year. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I’m not in debt yet but it’s heading that way don’t wanna do owt foolish "
So don't get into more debt. Manage what money you have available and crack on. |
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Pay your bill's first,it's no good for the kid's if you don't have a roof over your head! You do not need to spend a fortune on children,especially if you don't have it.
If they're young just buy a few game's and give them your time playing with them. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Just fee bad cus it’s not their fault and they deserve nice stuff! They r 6 and 3 Year’s old "
Get them a small present each. Get boxes from a store and make things. Play games. Recall your favourite memories from their ages and recreate. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Just fee bad cus it’s not their fault and they deserve nice stuff! They r 6 and 3 Year’s old "
How much do you consider to be a reasonable about to spend on a child’s Christmas present?
Mrs |
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By *iss SJWoman
over a year ago
Hull |
"I’m not in debt yet but it’s heading that way don’t wanna do owt foolish "
I work for a large utilities company and if people are struggling to pay we’d much rather they rang and let us know and offer some arrangement to pay rather than ignore letters and not pay at all. As long as you don’t rant and rave at them they should offer you a payment plan to tide you over. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Yes Christmas is obviously based on religion that for most obviously doesn't apply anymore its a deluge of shop until you drop and do the same old thing every year eat and drink to much and spend more money than you earn ,I love Xmas but because I enjoy people and the social aspect and that's what I will focus on last Xmas day I spent on my own the first time and last time that will happen ,enjoy it for what it is a party  |
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These days there’s so much choice on shops, you can shop clever with cheap stocking fillers that will create an illusion of lots of presents if that’s what you want for them. Try places like the Range, I think there’s one at Colwick retail park. Your time is what will be remembered in the future not the presents you couldn’t buy. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Just fee bad cus it’s not their fault and they deserve nice stuff! They r 6 and 3 Year’s old "
Well at their ages I would find out what they both want the most and concentrate on that and a few other presents. When I split from my ex I had to make hard decisions come Christmas and I got their list together of what they wanted most and started at the top. They really didn’t notice they had less because they got what they wanted. It’s usually us that want more for them. Other than that just spending time with them is the important thing x |
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"Couple hundred at their age! More If was with their mum
Wow!! OMG we must be the meanest parents ever. We probably average at about £60 a child  "
No, you're sensible and not crying poverty to a bunch of strangers. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I'm glad I only have one kid to buy for.
I had £650 in high street vouchers and that's gone but I've bought stuff for other family members too. Think I've used about 100 out of my wages for presents and 40 quid of that was my Nans fancy gin.
Just need to get stuff from Claire's accessories and smiggle, some bath bombs from lush and then some new build a bear outfits and then I'm done, Romeo done. |
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"These days there’s so much choice on shops, you can shop clever with cheap stocking fillers that will create an illusion of lots of presents if that’s what you want for them. Try places like the Range, I think there’s one at Colwick retail park. Your time is what will be remembered in the future not the presents you couldn’t buy. "
This!
My adult children said they're making Christmas memories with their families like they had...no one mentioned toys. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Just fee bad cus it’s not their fault and they deserve nice stuff! They r 6 and 3 Year’s old "
You can get a pile of stuff for that age group for next to nothing. Doesn't need to be flash and expensive. That comes later when they want phones, computers etc.
For two years I bought 'big' presents second hand. Bikes etc. Half the price and practically as new condition.
The youngest will just want stuff to open. The eldest probably has an idea of what they (think) they want but will likely be the same.
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"Get them a small present each. Get boxes from a store and make things. Play games. Recall your favourite memories from their ages and recreate."
^ This
Things don't mean anything, experiences and the love of their father is what matters.
Don't go spending money you don't have; that's exactly what consumerism is all about getting people to think things will be better or their lives enriched by buying stuff; it won't it's just a short endorphin release.
You can have a great Christmas for £100 walking in the hiils/park/beach, going to the cinema/theatre, having an inexpesive treat or even a winter picnic.
Don't let the business machine get hold of you; you don't have to play the consumer game.
We have a comfortable lifestyle but I doubt we spend more than £150 in total on Christmas including presents.
Wishing you a great Christmas. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I hate this time of year, it can spark a cycle of debt that some folk will never escape. For what? A few fleeting moments of imagined happiness before the return to the daily grind.
Take them the park and do stupid stuff. Have a simple family meal, you don't need to spend hundreds of food that will likely go to waste. Grab a couple of cheap board games from eBay or local Facebook selling groups.
You'll have a more fulfilling time than those who will likely spend 100's or 1000's buying the latest tech that will ensure total silence in a house instead of real interactions. |
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Google some fun days out where you live thatbdont cost the earth or even free activities etc.
Then list what you are going to do with the kids in a card.
Speak to the ex and hopefully get them understanding the situation and take them to the above over the holidays.
My Dad was great with the presents but shite with his time with us. I know what I preferred.
Don’t get yourself in debt fella. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Bills xmas shopping etc my kids always come first so will put them before my bills and suffer the consequences lol"
Never buy what you can't afford!
Always make your bills a priority. Yes, your kids are important so, you need to make sure you keep a decent roof over your head. You want somewhere that they can visit and feel comfortable. Cardboard boxes aren't appealing!
You would hate to think of your children having problems like this so, lead by example. Teach them some core values. How to look after their money, hard work and that sometimes it's better to go with out.
Kids might think they need the latest this and that but, what they really need is your love, your time and your attention. Don't let them convince you otherwise.
Don't get sucked in by all the hype at this time of year. It's about time off work, if you're lucky. It's about people and family and friends not, PlayStation, iPad and plastic shit you'll spend the next year paying for.
I hope you can get yourself out of your mess and that you have a nice Christmas with your children |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Personally I'd say re-evaluate yours and their lives because if that is the sort of money you're looking at spending, then sorry, your values are wrong."
Agree. One of the best lessons one can teach a child is the value of money. Research has shown that too many toys leads to children having a flippant attitude to material possessions, eg not valuing or taking care of their things. Also if there is an abundance of money, there’s other ways of spending it on children that will have longer term value.
Mrs |
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By *izzy.Woman
over a year ago
Stoke area |
Children that age have no idea what things cost. They love the excitement of unwrapping gifts. I would buy them one main pressie that they really want for £10 or £15. Then lots of bits n bobs from Home Bargains, the Range, supermarkets. Open a selection box and wrap all the bars individually. £30 to £35 each should get them loads. There really is no need to spend lots. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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It's hard work to try and get your head to rule your heart as a dad who isn't with his kids over Christmas, that first year is hard as hell, but it's the critical one because what you do this year will reflect every year from here on out, go mad and buy a truck load of pressies. And it's only going to be a disappointment when you realise that it's unsuitable next year.
I would suggest what I did, I bought my daughter a bear from build a bear workshop, you can get a box that goes in the belly and record a message so when they squeeze it, it plays your message, so at bed time, even if you can't be there, you can say goodnight to them, it helped me and my daughter through the transition, she still has it 14 years later. And it still works, even if she won't admit to giving it a squeeze every now and then lol  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"£200 win on a 10-1 shot at the races today . Sorted ( before anyone lambasts me it is a joke )"
Is that name of the horse,"It's a Joke"? Right, grand going on, quids in! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Bills xmas shopping etc my kids always come first so will put them before my bills and suffer the consequences lol
Never buy what you can't afford!
Always make your bills a priority. Yes, your kids are important so, you need to make sure you keep a decent roof over your head. You want somewhere that they can visit and feel comfortable. Cardboard boxes aren't appealing!
You would hate to think of your children having problems like this so, lead by example. Teach them some core values. How to look after their money, hard work and that sometimes it's better to go with out.
Kids might think they need the latest this and that but, what they really need is your love, your time and your attention. Don't let them convince you otherwise.
Don't get sucked in by all the hype at this time of year. It's about time off work, if you're lucky. It's about people and family and friends not, PlayStation, iPad and plastic shit you'll spend the next year paying for.
I hope you can get yourself out of your mess and that you have a nice Christmas with your children "
Having said that there are ways of affordably buying children something that’s a bit more costly. One of our more extravagant years was buying the WII for both of them to share. Yes a WII is pricey, but shared between 2 children is affordable and should last for years. Then they might have a new game for their birthday. Doesn’t all need to be done in one go. And presents can come from other family members, so it’s not like children only have 1 thing.
Mrs |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Just fee bad cus it’s not their fault and they deserve nice stuff! They r 6 and 3 Year’s old "
A 3 year old in particular won't give a shit how much Daddy spent on their christmas present. As a father to a 6 year old daughter I can safely say most 6 year olds won't either, unless they've been raised to be "divas" or materialistic. Seen on estates across the land by parents getting 2 year old Courtney the best Ugg boots "because she deserves the best" whilst wondering how the fuck they're going to feed her through January. And raising a kid like that is stupid as it sets them up for a massive fall when they finally have to stand on their own two feet as chances are they'll become the kind of person in their early 20s who really doesn't have a clue, going to swanky wine bars and posh restaurants and racking up tens of thousands on store and credit cards "because I'm worth it." Then or 10 years down the line they're fucked when it comes to actually getting a mortgage or such like as they're massively in debt, working all hours just to clear the interest and any decent lender won't touch them with a barge pole.
Kids like big presents, they like small presents too, but what they'll remember more than anything is presents that can involve both of you in some quality Daddy-kids bonding time. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Remember when you were a kid, the cardboard box was more fun than the contents.
That is still true, it's just marketing departments job to make you believe otherwise.
Give the gift of time and fun, make them a go kart with free wood from Ikea packing crates and old wheels from something broken. Then go out and play with them. |
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"
Wow!! OMG we must be the meanest parents ever. We probably average at about £60 a child "
Shop at Pound stores,Home Bargains, B&M.
Get 10 items @ £5 each = £50 x 2. = £100.
Wrap them up nicely, sit back and enjoy the children faces.
 |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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OP, your kids are 3 & 6. My god daughter's almost 3, for Christmas I went to Poundland, got her some chocolate, a mermaid doll, a proper Disney Beauty and The Beast storybook, fairy wings and a Frozen fancy dress outfit, and the only thing that cost more than a pound was the fancy dress which was £5 and I know she'll thrilled, because at that age it truly is the things they'll enjoy that's important to them rather than the value. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Christmas should not be about money and this and that
Christmas should be about seeing loved ones spending time with them. i couldn't care about gifts long as everyone's healthy and bills are paid thats more important, than a gift that may be thrown in the bin at some point |
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By *inaryGuyMan
over a year ago
Near the River |
The sensible advice is avoid debt and then only if you can afford to repay it quickly. Try to spend more time with your kids. It’s difficult doing things that doesn’t cost money so try to plan ahead on activities and try to put some money aside for this |
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Madness spending that much, especially on kids so young, never in my life did my parents spend anything like that, I think it's a really bad idea! If you're hard up buy small thoughtful gifts and wrap them nicely and they will be just as thrilled. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I should add that the year we splashed on the WII for them to share, they were so amazed. Our son said ‘I didn’t think you bought presents like that.’ I wonder if their reaction would have been that good if they had something like that every year. If it became just the norm. We’re not mean parents, but we rather spend our money on our children by giving them experiences as opposed to material possessions that get broken.
Mrs |
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"£200 win on a 10-1 shot at the races today . Sorted ( before anyone lambasts me it is a joke )
Is that name of the horse,"It's a Joke"? Right, grand going on, quids in! "
No it's not lmao !! If I gave a tip out and it didn't win id feel responsible for some poor sods debt problem  |
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OP your children are still very young and don't need expensive presents.
All they really need is to spend time with their father and to know that they are loved.
Kids just love ripping the paper off Christmas gifts and don't care what is inside so spend much less on several small gifts.
B+M bargains have stores all over Nottingham and their range of toys is fab. Home bargains have a couple of stores that I know of, one in hucknall and one in beeston next door to Mecca bingo. The range have a couple, one at lady bay retail park and one in fadford where dunhelm mill used to be - there could be others elsewhere. You can get some good stuff in the pound shops too.
Get them craft stuff so you can make things with them. By a couple of board games so you can all play them together.
Spending time with them and doing things together is far more special than buying them the big, must have gift of the year. Make memories rather than getting yourself into financial difficulty. |
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Get a credit card with 0% interest. Pay off a little bit every month, so it's cleared by the time interest kicks in. Just watch you don't max it out though, the kids really don't need very expensive presents, especially when they're that young.
I've got a credit card like that for emergencies, works great for me x |
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Right Mr, let me tell you something.
I don't have a pot to piss in. I'm not exaggerating. I'm on SSP at the moment and once my major bills have been paid I'm left with £-7 per month. I have no savings, no large overdraft... nothing.
I have a roof over my head (albeit a shit hole) but having that roof is the most important thing.
Go cheap. Seriously, I mean pound shop stuff, get things you can do with them therefore giving your time too, things you can share with them. Making memories.
As a kid I got things I needed for xmas, one year I got an umbrella! I'd much rather have had a board game or something that would have given me my parents time.
If they don't appreciate it, then I'd suggest the need this lesson in not being spoiled brats. May sound harsh, but life is a harsh lesson at times. |
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"Right Mr, let me tell you something.
I don't have a pot to piss in. I'm not exaggerating. I'm on SSP at the moment and once my major bills have been paid I'm left with £-7 per month. I have no savings, no large overdraft... nothing.
I have a roof over my head (albeit a shit hole) but having that roof is the most important thing.
Go cheap. Seriously, I mean pound shop stuff, get things you can do with them therefore giving your time too, things you can share with them. Making memories.
As a kid I got things I needed for xmas, one year I got an umbrella! I'd much rather have had a board game or something that would have given me my parents time.
If they don't appreciate it, then I'd suggest the need this lesson in not being spoiled brats. May sound harsh, but life is a harsh lesson at times."
Shit, forgot to actually put on there that my kid... the one who got fuck all from me (at least that's what I thought when I couldn't provide extravagant gifts) at Xmas and birthdays has turned out to be an amazing person. He doesn't resent anything. He knows I tried. He knows I worked hard to keep the roof over our heads. He watched me break.
He got spolied at his dads. Whatever he wanted he got.
He now has 2 jobs at age 17, is the most respectful, thoughtful young man you could ever wish to meet. He's seen both sides of life and as a result is a well rounded individual with goals and drive. He knows money doesn't grow on trees and appreciates every little thing.
He fills me with pride every damn day. |
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"Right Mr, let me tell you something.
I don't have a pot to piss in. I'm not exaggerating. I'm on SSP at the moment and once my major bills have been paid I'm left with £-7 per month. I have no savings, no large overdraft... nothing.
I have a roof over my head (albeit a shit hole) but having that roof is the most important thing.
Go cheap. Seriously, I mean pound shop stuff, get things you can do with them therefore giving your time too, things you can share with them. Making memories.
As a kid I got things I needed for xmas, one year I got an umbrella! I'd much rather have had a board game or something that would have given me my parents time.
If they don't appreciate it, then I'd suggest the need this lesson in not being spoiled brats. May sound harsh, but life is a harsh lesson at times.
Shit, forgot to actually put on there that my kid... the one who got fuck all from me (at least that's what I thought when I couldn't provide extravagant gifts) at Xmas and birthdays has turned out to be an amazing person. He doesn't resent anything. He knows I tried. He knows I worked hard to keep the roof over our heads. He watched me break.
He got spolied at his dads. Whatever he wanted he got.
He now has 2 jobs at age 17, is the most respectful, thoughtful young man you could ever wish to meet. He's seen both sides of life and as a result is a well rounded individual with goals and drive. He knows money doesn't grow on trees and appreciates every little thing.
He fills me with pride every damn day. "
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"I should add that the year we splashed on the WII for them to share, they were so amazed. Our son said ‘I didn’t think you bought presents like that.’ I wonder if their reaction would have been that good if they had something like that every year. If it became just the norm. We’re not mean parents, but we rather spend our money on our children by giving them experiences as opposed to material possessions that get broken.
Mrs"
This for us too.
Heartwarming to see my kids doing the same with their children and saying they want to create happy memories like they had.
I'm divorced and my proudest achievement is hearing my girls talk about their happy childhood. Their father and I never lost sight of what was important: the happiness of our children.
Sad irony it was the death of our son that broke us apart not the love of our daughters to keep us together. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Children that age have no idea what things cost. They love the excitement of unwrapping gifts. I would buy them one main pressie that they really want for £10 or £15. Then lots of bits n bobs from Home Bargains, the Range, supermarkets. Open a selection box and wrap all the bars individually. £30 to £35 each should get them loads. There really is no need to spend lots. "
Some selection boxes cost more than buying the contents individually.
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Bills xmas shopping etc my kids always come first so will put them before my bills and suffer the consequences lol"
As does 20 odd million other people dude. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Right Mr, let me tell you something.
I don't have a pot to piss in. I'm not exaggerating. I'm on SSP at the moment and once my major bills have been paid I'm left with £-7 per month. I have no savings, no large overdraft... nothing.
I have a roof over my head (albeit a shit hole) but having that roof is the most important thing.
Go cheap. Seriously, I mean pound shop stuff, get things you can do with them therefore giving your time too, things you can share with them. Making memories.
As a kid I got things I needed for xmas, one year I got an umbrella! I'd much rather have had a board game or something that would have given me my parents time.
If they don't appreciate it, then I'd suggest the need this lesson in not being spoiled brats. May sound harsh, but life is a harsh lesson at times.
Shit, forgot to actually put on there that my kid... the one who got fuck all from me (at least that's what I thought when I couldn't provide extravagant gifts) at Xmas and birthdays has turned out to be an amazing person. He doesn't resent anything. He knows I tried. He knows I worked hard to keep the roof over our heads. He watched me break.
He got spolied at his dads. Whatever he wanted he got.
He now has 2 jobs at age 17, is the most respectful, thoughtful young man you could ever wish to meet. He's seen both sides of life and as a result is a well rounded individual with goals and drive. He knows money doesn't grow on trees and appreciates every little thing.
He fills me with pride every damn day. "
This....
I think OP maybe you could use this as a lesson to teach your children that they don't need expensive gifts. The fact they feel loved, have shelter should be more important. Remind them some people have less than that.
Before Xmas we always had a toy clear out, and my boys would choose items to go children's ward at the hospital and we'd take toys to the women's refuge.They understood that the children there were away from all they knew with Mummies who couldn't afford presents because of their circumstance.
It taught them a very valuable lesson in life. Now as adults I raised two very kind young men who never look down on anyone unless they are helping them up.
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Children that age have no idea what things cost. They love the excitement of unwrapping gifts. I would buy them one main pressie that they really want for £10 or £15. Then lots of bits n bobs from Home Bargains, the Range, supermarkets. Open a selection box and wrap all the bars individually. £30 to £35 each should get them loads. There really is no need to spend lots. "
I'm quite an appreciative person but if I'd received a twirl or a wispa wrapped up as a Christmas present I'd have said, is this the joke present before the main things!? |
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By *G LanaTV/TS
over a year ago
Gosport |
"Sell one of your organs
I might be interested in purchasing some organs!  "
Am I the only one worried about what MissWilkes is up to. Is it really Frank-N-Furter's account with a good disguise. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Just fee bad cus it’s not their fault and they deserve nice stuff! They r 6 and 3 Year’s old "
You don't have to spend loads of money for them to have nice stuff |
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"Couple hundred at their age! More If was with their mum
Wow!! OMG we must be the meanest parents ever. We probably average at about £60 a child
No, you're sensible and not crying poverty to a bunch of strangers."
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"I'm glad I only have one kid to buy for.
I had £650 in high street vouchers and that's gone but I've bought stuff for other family members too. Think I've used about 100 out of my wages for presents and 40 quid of that was my Nans fancy gin.
Just need to get stuff from Claire's accessories and smiggle, some bath bombs from lush and then some new build a bear outfits and then I'm done, Romeo done. "
Did you get her the rhubarb one ? |
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"Bills xmas shopping etc my kids always come first so will put them before my bills and suffer the consequences lol
did you forget Christmas was coming up?"
Don't...... fnarrrrrr..... that was my first thought too.
Like they go .......ooopsie ! When did this happen before ? |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I'm glad I only have one kid to buy for.
I had £650 in high street vouchers and that's gone but I've bought stuff for other family members too. Think I've used about 100 out of my wages for presents and 40 quid of that was my Nans fancy gin.
Just need to get stuff from Claire's accessories and smiggle, some bath bombs from lush and then some new build a bear outfits and then I'm done, Romeo done.
Did you get her the rhubarb one ?"
I got that sharish blue magic gin the one that turns pink when you put the tonic in and I'm gonna get some fancy juniper berries and the fever tree tonics. |
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"I'm glad I only have one kid to buy for.
I had £650 in high street vouchers and that's gone but I've bought stuff for other family members too. Think I've used about 100 out of my wages for presents and 40 quid of that was my Nans fancy gin.
Just need to get stuff from Claire's accessories and smiggle, some bath bombs from lush and then some new build a bear outfits and then I'm done, Romeo done.
Did you get her the rhubarb one ?
I got that sharish blue magic gin the one that turns pink when you put the tonic in and I'm gonna get some fancy juniper berries and the fever tree tonics. "
I haven't heard of it. I'm going to look it up I like a bit of good gin I do. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I have never really had money to go out and buy lots for my kids over Christmas. My parents were always the ones that spent a small fortune (no matter how much I protested it’s onlt now when my kids are teenagers my dads had to slow down and there is an extra 2 grandkids!) but my kids were always the kindest and we’re never bored over Christmas, yet I have friends that spend hundreds and hundreds yet they moan their kids are bored come Christmas night.
I would always without fail though put a bill off until the next month to make sure everyone had a gift and then it is a rolling cycle (like a lot of people) but now I’ve met Ads things have changed, we were both crap with money apart but together we make a good team, so now we set a budget for each child which isn’t a great amount (we have five between us) we’ve told our siblings we will only buy for the kids now and this has really helped us.
Geeky x |
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By *igeiaWoman
over a year ago
Bristol |
I was a lot older when my parents broke up but one of my fondest memories amongst all of the chaos was me, my mum and my brother deciding as a new family unit how to decorate our new, much smaller place together. Didn't cost a fortune but painting the living room on boxing day listening to music, singing along and being allowed to drink fizzy pop instead of squash is a treasured memory. I couldn't tell you exactly what present I got that Christmas (although it was probably a book I wanted in the days when you had to order them from an actual bookshop months in advance) but I remember that day. And the fact that when me and my brother went to visit my dad's new flat the first thing he had done was put up framed charcoal sketches of us both. Feeling secure and like a family is what matters, not presents. |
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Having read all the replies, I have the perfect solution to all your problems.
Can’t believe no one has thought of this....
First off, choose which child you like best. Choose carefully though. Which one will cost you less in the future, which one is brighter and more likely to get a well paid job etc...
Secondly, e bay the ‘loser’.
Voy lar!!!
Money in the bank and cheaper Christmas!!
Win win my friend
You’re welcome |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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As others have said.. they are little they don't know what things cost. You can get things cheaply in b&m and home bargains. Kids do not need £2000 spent on them and you dont "have" to even do turkey etc if you don't want to.. we had a chicken because the kids like it and it was cheap. Xmas dinner is only a roast dinner after all... you could do it for a tenner.
You can probably sort a few nice things for the kids for £100 easily.. so where's the other £1900 coming from and what for? Also how long will it take to pay it back and at what interest rate? It's just not worth it for one day |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I've never spent 2k on Xmas in my life and we have a big family and 3 kids. Christmas isn't about flashing the cash, if you and your partner have split the kids will be getting more presents anyway as you are buying separately, they are NOT going to feel badly done to, they will however notice if dad is struggling and miserable.
Look at buying things that you can build or make together, the time spent with you having fun is what they will remember long after the toys have been sent to the charity shop. |
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By *atsun xxxMan
over a year ago
Nr LOUTH Lincolnshire |
"It's hard work to try and get your head to rule your heart as a dad who isn't with his kids over Christmas, that first year is hard as hell, but it's the critical one because what you do this year will reflect every year from here on out, go mad and buy a truck load of pressies. And it's only going to be a disappointment when you realise that it's unsuitable next year.
I would suggest what I did, I bought my daughter a bear from build a bear workshop, you can get a box that goes in the belly and record a message so when they squeeze it, it plays your message, so at bed time, even if you can't be there, you can say goodnight to them, it helped me and my daughter through the transition, she still has it 14 years later. And it still works, even if she won't admit to giving it a squeeze every now and then lol "
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"As others have said.. they are little they don't know what things cost. You can get things cheaply in b&m and home bargains. Kids do not need £2000 spent on them and you dont "have" to even do turkey etc if you don't want to.. we had a chicken because the kids like it and it was cheap. Xmas dinner is only a roast dinner after all... you could do it for a tenner.
You can probably sort a few nice things for the kids for £100 easily.. so where's the other £1900 coming from and what for? Also how long will it take to pay it back and at what interest rate? It's just not worth it for one day "
I hate turkey so either had a chicken or some lamb, it’s true it’s just a roast dinner with just a few more bits, you can do it cheaply in Aldi or Lidl x |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Just fee bad cus it’s not their fault and they deserve nice stuff! They r 6 and 3 Year’s old "
OP they are still little and this is the time you teach them that Christmas isn’t about gifts but time together, my kids are teenagers but because they were brought up with simple gifts they don’t ask for the latest phone or whatever, they know the value of things, my 12 year old asked for a build a bear or a book, he could have said the new iPhone or something but he didn’t. Use this time, now that your situation has changed that new traditions have formed (and can you really remember when you were five or six because I’m willing to bet your now 6 year old remembers not much of last year or the gifts he got). You got this OP x |
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"Having read all the replies, I have the perfect solution to all your problems.
Can’t believe no one has thought of this....
First off, choose which child you like best. Choose carefully though. Which one will cost you less in the future, which one is brighter and more likely to get a well paid job etc...
Secondly, e bay the ‘loser’.
Voy lar!!!
Money in the bank and cheaper Christmas!!
Win win my friend
You’re welcome "
I shouldn’t laugh,but  |
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OP, the simple answer is you do not need to raise anywhere near the amount you are thinking is necessary to treat them which given the circumstances is understandable..
many, many good and sensible idea's on the thread to ponder and also good advice..
if you do go down the getting in debt needlessly route then you will only regret it, don't do it..
hope it goes well.. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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At that age they won't have a clue how much you have spent on their presents, lots of smaller things will probably make them more excited that one expensive thing. If you have £200 a head to spend on your kids that's great but getting yourself into debt to achieve it is bonkers. |
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"Just fee bad cus it’s not their fault and they deserve nice stuff! They r 6 and 3 Year’s old "
Simple things are 'nice stuff' for children that age.
Getting into debt to impress them, with things they won't understand the cost of, is not going to make them love you more. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I have similar probs op but have debts which come from family before I split and the court case due to split.
My son is eight I’ve got him one main present. He wanted a go pro. Got an equivant from eBay for £25.00. Then he’s got lots of stocking fillers from home bargains type of stores. They do great gifts for a pound inc games books bubble bath stuff. Things you can do with them too.
Hope it works out for you. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Bloody hell!! If you're spending that much money now on stuff that'll soon become yesterday's toys just wait until they're teenagers ~ you'll be taking out a fecking mortgage to satisfy their needs! |
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By *abs..Woman
over a year ago
.. |
My parents didn’t have much money when I was a young child. I wasn’t ever aware of it until I was a young adult. I didn’t and don’t feel like I missed out on anything OP.
My parents made it exciting for us with their enthusiasm and traditions, making decorations, decorating the tree together, music, leaving something for Santa and Rudolf. Opening our Christmas stockings with our parents on Christmas morning.
We received a few presents each but we were never aware of their monetary value or counted how many gifts we received. What I do remember though is being together, the games, the laughter, the fun.
My advice is to keep it simple. You can buy gifts cheaply enough at the shops people have mentioned above. They don’t need a lot, they don’t need expensive. A few well chosen gifts is fine for young children.
What will be important to them is being with you, being together and being happy. They probably won’t remember the gifts in years to come but they will remember the excitement and fun and it being special. Those things don’t cost money.
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"If you can't afford it, don't have it.
"
Best advice, I've always lived by that! It blows my mind seeing people that I know have little money spending an absolute fortune on Christmas. It must be a nightmare having kids these days when they all want iPads, GoPros, Xboxes, smartphones etc, none of which come cheap! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Look on facebook, ebay and other online places that can get nearly new or used items in good condition for fraction of the cost. Or if give money to your kids give them less this year.
I've had to tell mine they not getting this year but have managed to scrape together £50 each for them both . Food etc I started adding a few things to trolley for xmas etc over the last few wks to spread the cost out. Having not much income you have to prioritise bills and food then anything spare on presents. Dont get in debt not worth it!! |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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thanks everyone for the advice u have all been helpful made me realise what’s more important Iv Had all sorts going through my head stressing myself out! The craziest thing as happened today had a £20 footy accumulator and have Just won £1426 and was thanks to one of you giving me the idea of having a bet today even tho a lot of the games I didn’t fancy! I can’t get over how after all this today this as happened a lot of u won’t belive me I’m lost for words! I’m just happy I can just relax now and enjoy my xmas with my kids without the worries now |
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"thanks everyone for the advice u have all been helpful made me realise what’s more important Iv Had all sorts going through my head stressing myself out! The craziest thing as happened today had a £20 footy accumulator and have Just won £1426 and was thanks to one of you giving me the idea of having a bet today even tho a lot of the games I didn’t fancy! I can’t get over how after all this today this as happened a lot of u won’t belive me I’m lost for words! I’m just happy I can just relax now and enjoy my xmas with my kids without the worries now"
Please, please, please don't think gambling is the way out of financial problems.
In reality it is the EXACT OPPOSITE it's the WAY IN! |
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"thanks everyone for the advice u have all been helpful made me realise what’s more important Iv Had all sorts going through my head stressing myself out! The craziest thing as happened today had a £20 footy accumulator and have Just won £1426 and was thanks to one of you giving me the idea of having a bet today even tho a lot of the games I didn’t fancy! I can’t get over how after all this today this as happened a lot of u won’t belive me I’m lost for words! I’m just happy I can just relax now and enjoy my xmas with my kids without the worries now"
And then you woke up |
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"thanks everyone for the advice u have all been helpful made me realise what’s more important Iv Had all sorts going through my head stressing myself out! The craziest thing as happened today had a £20 footy accumulator and have Just won £1426 and was thanks to one of you giving me the idea of having a bet today even tho a lot of the games I didn’t fancy! I can’t get over how after all this today this as happened a lot of u won’t belive me I’m lost for words! I’m just happy I can just relax now and enjoy my xmas with my kids without the worries now"
It’s not too late to e bay one of them......... |
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"I'm glad I only have one kid to buy for.
I had £650 in high street vouchers and that's gone but I've bought stuff for other family members too. Think I've used about 100 out of my wages for presents and 40 quid of that was my Nans fancy gin.
Just need to get stuff from Claire's accessories and smiggle, some bath bombs from lush and then some new build a bear outfits and then I'm done, Romeo done. "
Check out smiggle website for the new promotion |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"thanks everyone for the advice u have all been helpful made me realise what’s more important Iv Had all sorts going through my head stressing myself out! The craziest thing as happened today had a £20 footy accumulator and have Just won £1426 and was thanks to one of you giving me the idea of having a bet today even tho a lot of the games I didn’t fancy! I can’t get over how after all this today this as happened a lot of u won’t belive me I’m lost for words! I’m just happy I can just relax now and enjoy my xmas with my kids without the worries now
Please, please, please don't think gambling is the way out of financial problems.
In reality it is the EXACT OPPOSITE it's the WAY IN!"
OP it's great that you got lucky but remember that luck is what it was. |
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"thanks everyone for the advice u have all been helpful made me realise what’s more important Iv Had all sorts going through my head stressing myself out! The craziest thing as happened today had a £20 footy accumulator and have Just won £1426 and was thanks to one of you giving me the idea of having a bet today even tho a lot of the games I didn’t fancy! I can’t get over how after all this today this as happened a lot of u won’t belive me I’m lost for words! I’m just happy I can just relax now and enjoy my xmas with my kids without the worries now"
Yeah...right!  |
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"thanks everyone for the advice u have all been helpful made me realise what’s more important Iv Had all sorts going through my head stressing myself out! The craziest thing as happened today had a £20 footy accumulator and have Just won £1426 and was thanks to one of you giving me the idea of having a bet today even tho a lot of the games I didn’t fancy! I can’t get over how after all this today this as happened a lot of u won’t belive me I’m lost for words! I’m just happy I can just relax now and enjoy my xmas with my kids without the worries now
And then you woke up "
Not just me then.  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"thanks everyone for the advice u have all been helpful made me realise what’s more important Iv Had all sorts going through my head stressing myself out! The craziest thing as happened today had a £20 footy accumulator and have Just won £1426 and was thanks to one of you giving me the idea of having a bet today even tho a lot of the games I didn’t fancy! I can’t get over how after all this today this as happened a lot of u won’t belive me I’m lost for words! I’m just happy I can just relax now and enjoy my xmas with my kids without the worries now
Please, please, please don't think gambling is the way out of financial problems.
In reality it is the EXACT OPPOSITE it's the WAY IN!
OP it's great that you got lucky but remember that luck is what it was. "
I was worried too. OP I’m glad you’ve had some good luck to get you out of a hole. Luck like that probably won’t ever happen again. So I hope you use that money very wisely, with thought for the future. You never know, if you are careful, you may have enough money to treat your children to a special experience next year.
Mrs |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"thanks everyone for the advice u have all been helpful made me realise what’s more important Iv Had all sorts going through my head stressing myself out! The craziest thing as happened today had a £20 footy accumulator and have Just won £1426 and was thanks to one of you giving me the idea of having a bet today even tho a lot of the games I didn’t fancy! I can’t get over how after all this today this as happened a lot of u won’t belive me I’m lost for words! I’m just happy I can just relax now and enjoy my xmas with my kids without the worries now
And then you woke up
Not just me then. "
Fuck me, can you choose my lottery numbers this week!! |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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Hahaha I don’t care if no one believes me I’m just happy right now that I don’t have to worry now! Iv always has a flutter on bets I love my footy and play myself but I’m sensible with it and cus of my situation I haven’t bothered for few weeks but yesterday decided to! One thing I won’t do is play on the machines they are awful and seen people get in awful positions with em x |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Not really.
You start your thread complaining you can't pay bills or give kids a Christmas they want/deserve/whatever. But then in the next breath, you can afford to risk frittering away much needed cash. I don't get the logic behind that. If times are that tight, the very last thing you'd be doing is thinking 'I'll just stick a bet on'.
I'd be thinking 'how far can I stretch that £20'
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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And all the advice we have given him will now fall on deaf ears, he will spoil his kids with expensive gifts with the ‘money he won’ and then next Christmas be in dire straits because he won’t be able to afford to keep up with this Christmas. If this is true, please OP follow everyone’s advice and keep the presents lovely but sensible in price because you will only start something you may not be able to afford in future years.
Geeky x |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Not really.
You start your thread complaining you can't pay bills or give kids a Christmas they want/deserve/whatever. But then in the next breath, you can afford to risk frittering away much needed cash. I don't get the logic behind that. If times are that tight, the very last thing you'd be doing is thinking 'I'll just stick a bet on'.
I'd be thinking 'how far can I stretch that £20'
"
i agree |
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By *sGivesWoodWoman
over a year ago
ST. AUSTELL, CORNWALL |
"Just fee bad cus it’s not their fault and they deserve nice stuff! They r 6 and 3 Year’s old
How much do you consider to be a reasonable about to spend on a child’s Christmas present?
Mrs"
£50 each max. |
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By *sGivesWoodWoman
over a year ago
ST. AUSTELL, CORNWALL |
"Look on facebook, ebay and other online places that can get nearly new or used items in good condition for fraction of the cost. Or if give money to your kids give them less this year.
I've had to tell mine they not getting this year but have managed to scrape together £50 each for them both . Food etc I started adding a few things to trolley for xmas etc over the last few wks to spread the cost out. Having not much income you have to prioritise bills and food then anything spare on presents. Dont get in debt not worth it!!"
|
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"Not really.
You start your thread complaining you can't pay bills or give kids a Christmas they want/deserve/whatever. But then in the next breath, you can afford to risk frittering away much needed cash. I don't get the logic behind that. If times are that tight, the very last thing you'd be doing is thinking 'I'll just stick a bet on'.
I'd be thinking 'how far can I stretch that £20'
"
That’s gambling for u! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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What is this all about this is not a site about how to manage and sort money out good god you are 30 years old you are not the only person with bills and xmas etc just get on with it instead of moaning its called thats life |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"What is this all about this is not a site about how to manage and sort money out good god you are 30 years old you are not the only person with bills and xmas etc just get on with it instead of moaning its called thats life"
But this forum is 'The Lounge'. A place where anyone can post topics about anything. |
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By *SAchickWoman
over a year ago
Hillside desolate |
"What is this all about this is not a site about how to manage and sort money out good god you are 30 years old you are not the only person with bills and xmas etc just get on with it instead of moaning its called thats life"
Harsh! |
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