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Things I so badly needed

(47 Posts)
jocork Fri 09-Jan-26 15:12:30

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.

Furret Fri 09-Jan-26 15:05:20

Seven hours sleep - or even longer.

jocork Fri 09-Jan-26 15:03:02

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!

Nicolenet Fri 09-Jan-26 14:29:58

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

Cossy Fri 09-Jan-26 14:11:25

GrannyGravy13

ferry23 I often treat myself, if I can afford to, why not πŸ€·β€β™€οΈ

You do what is best for you πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘

There are no pockets for our money in a shroud.

πŸ‘πŸ‘ My mantra exactly, life’s far too short and YOLO!

WelshPoppy Fri 09-Jan-26 14:10:25

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.

Matelda Fri 09-Jan-26 14:06:57

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.

Norah Fri 09-Jan-26 14:04:46

We prefer to give holidays, no excess.

icanhandthemback Fri 09-Jan-26 13:48:08

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

Doodledog Thu 08-Jan-26 15:13:38

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.

Romola Thu 08-Jan-26 15:04:24

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.

GrannyGravy13 Thu 08-Jan-26 14:28:40

ferry23 I often treat myself, if I can afford to, why not πŸ€·β€β™€οΈ

You do what is best for you πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘

There are no pockets for our money in a shroud.

Gran22boys Thu 08-Jan-26 14:23:43

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 Thu 08-Jan-26 14:11:32

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.

Luckygirl3 Thu 08-Jan-26 10:42:24

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."

Fallingstar Thu 08-Jan-26 10:41:09

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 πŸ˜‚ 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 β€˜needed’ and are slowly giving to charities.

kircubbin2000 Thu 08-Jan-26 10:39:25

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!

eddiecat78 Thu 08-Jan-26 10:33:01

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.

petra Thu 08-Jan-26 10:24:52

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

Samsara1 Thu 08-Jan-26 10:23:59

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.

Cossy Thu 08-Jan-26 10:18:25

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

ferry23 Thu 08-Jan-26 10:13:14

First of all, why is it that my kids nag me for weeks leading up to Christmas to give them some ideas as to what I would like, and rarely can I think of anything that I really would appreciate.

However, come January 2nd I have a mental list of things I really do need to buy and kick myself for (yet again) not jotting them down as potential presents.

So off I go to that well known online retailer who will deliver these things I'm desperate for the next afternoon.

And duly delivered they are on the afternoon of 3rd January. It's now the 8th January and the two cardbord boxes remain unopened in my hall where I first put them.

So I've lazily gone even longer without a pair of decent kitchen scissors, a small non-stick frying pan and a new phone charger. Along with tumble dryer balls (who knew?) moisturiser as mine will run out soon(ish) and lip balm to join its many companions lurking in drawers and handbags and pockets.

Must have really needed it all hmm.

(I'm off to open the boxes now!)