Things I so badly needed

Haha You sound just like me!

However, we now, when asked, suggest combined from all 5 of our children, vouchers, mainly eating out/afternoon tea/hotel stays - it’s great for us and easy for them. We always all buy each other a couple of under the tree pressies too, but small inexpensive things

I am so grateful for the large amount of top end toiletries my sister, daughter and DH gave me for Christmas. I could buy them myself but it wouldn't be so lovely. I buy the same for them so its juts a circle of the same things. DH wanted a wheelbarrow and a weeding tool so that's what he got as well as socks and hankies.

Now in January I find I needed a new patio, an autumn holiday, jeans and jumper and more books so I have lots of cardboard and plastic again.

My daughters got the message some years ago. spend the money on yourself. There’s nothing I need or want

Sorry to sound judgemental but people buying loads of things they don't need is one reason why the planet is now drowning under discarded stuff.

My son got his delivered to my house as his area is not a safe place to leave parcels. He called at the weekend and forgot to take them home. Must have been important!

We asked for an online shop just before Xmas, all the family contributed so I imagine it was not too much for anyone. Better than a hamper. And very useful even if the family ate most of it 😂 I simply gave a list and they paid for it and booked the delivery. We gave the family money to get what they needed. Only buying for the GCs.
Spending becomes silly at Christmas and at our ages the only thing we need is good health, we have cupboards stuffed with things we ‘needed’ and are slowly giving to charities.

My children gave me a 6 month subscription to National Theatre at Home so that I can enjoy plays on my TV during the dull winter months.

They know that I absolutely do not want any more "stuff."

Are you judging me eddiecat for buying a few things for myself? If you are, enjoy your moral superiority, I couldn't care a jot.

You may be content in your sackcloth and ashes, others not so much.

eddiecat78

Sorry to sound judgemental but people buying loads of things they don't need is one reason why the planet is now drowning under discarded stuff.

So true.

ferry23 I often treat myself, if I can afford to, why not 🤷‍♀️

You do what is best for you 👏👏👏

There are no pockets for our money in a shroud.

I love getting presents of things I don't really need, like scented candles and special coffee. And the suggestion of National Theatre at home has got me thinking.

Anything I really need, I'd rather choose for myself.

A friend of mine gets a cinema voucher/membership (not sure) from her children. She and her husband can go very regularly (once a week?) and I think there are vouchers for sweets etc included. As you can see, I don't know the detail, but I think that's a great idea for anyone who lives near a cinema that offers it.

You sound like my husband but I have to limit what I "need" because the list would be long!

We prefer to give holidays, no excess.

What with Christmas and my birthday soon after and then Mothers' Day, I really like to receive vouchers for that "well-known online retailer". I can then treat myself throughout the year to the little things that I really want, mostly online books.

My daughters and I have a WhatsApp group and pop ideas for birthdays and Christmas on there with links if it's a specific item. I ordered my first gift for one daughter in June last year.

GrannyGravy13

ferry23 I often treat myself, if I can afford to, why not 🤷‍♀️

You do what is best for you 👏👏👏

There are no pockets for our money in a shroud.

👏👏 My mantra exactly, life’s far too short and YOLO!

Why post here if you don't like getting opinions? Get a grip!

While trying to clean up my house for a visit from my DS and family my rather ancient vacuum clearer literaly bit the dust and spat it out again. I'd hoped it would keep going until I downsized so I could afford a decent replacement. Why didn't it die a couple of months ago when I was being asked what I wanted?! Money towards a new one would have been much appreciated!

Seven hours sleep - or even longer.

eddiecat78

Sorry to sound judgemental but people buying loads of things they don't need is one reason why the planet is now drowning under discarded stuff.

My family are increasingly trying to pay for experiences rather than stuff. My DS said not to buy for their children as they have too many toys. I bought a small toy for each and then clothes which should be useful. I made up a hamper for the adults filled with things I know they like and gve my DD cash towards a swimming course she has booked herself on.
I only need stuff when something breaks down as at my age I have most things I need.

I always tell me children that I don't need anything for Christmas which is pointless as they then get me things I don't even remotely want or need. My daughter buys me things to eat, which we can all share over Christmas so that's fine. But this year my son bought me a furry hot water bottle in a cover. I live in a centrally heated flat and use a summer weight duvet all year round as I get very hot at night. I waited a couple of days and then asked him for the receipt, he arranged a return and then lost money as the bottle is now selling for less. Such a waste of money.
I've suggested that he just slips a £20 note in next year's Christmas card!

Gran22boys

eddiecat78

Sorry to sound judgemental but people buying loads of things they don't need is one reason why the planet is now drowning under discarded stuff.

So true.

I find that I put more thought into buying things online than I used to do when I used to go shopping a lot and would impulse buy.

My son bought me kitchen knives last year. He was horrified by the state of my blunt ones.
His wife was a little concerned " You can't buy your mother knives .."
They were a brilliant present .