Presents to myself

It was my birthday last week and my family bought me some lovely gifts and I am very grateful. However I treated myself to a book none of my family are prepared to buy for me as they think the author is inappropriate 😳😄

Yesterday my DH asked me what I was laughing at and I said ‘The little book of Miriam’ by Miriam Margolyes, just a page or two a day keeps my smiling, laughing, a little shocked and lightens the mood. Should be read with CAUTION.

I think that’s a really lovely thing to do Karmalady (and others) and a lovely reason for doing it. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 I still have DH but he only occasionally buys me something I really like (but he does try, bless him!) so I quite often buy something and give it to him to wrap (sometimes in the magazine from the Sunday paper! 😂😂😂😂).

I have done this for years! I call it my “Me to Me” present!
Like many other posters, I am now on my own, have no children, so presents are for and from friends (and one second cousin)!

I’m impressed and intrigued by your spinning wheel karmalady. I’ve often wondered about your Gransnet name and feel it fits so well with the image you painted of yourself, relaxing as you spin
Mr I often bought me a piece of silver jewellery . He never failed to get something special. I’ve not wanted to continue this without him but, I treat myself to something more expensive than usual

I think that is wonderful! We all need to cheer ourselves up and there is nothing like bath shower and perfume. Much more fun than Advent calendars 🙂 xx

The last present my DH gave me was Chanel Allure eau de parfum. It's getting low, but can I really spend £90 on another bottle?
Does anyone know a good "dupe"?

Romola - dh will be shouting go on, treat yourself x

Does " stuff" make people happy I wonder?

StripeyGran

Does " stuff" make people happy I wonder?

Well, why shouldn’t it? Some of us live alone, children flown the nest, no access to GC……….so what is wrong with treating ourselves from time to time? And a particular lovely gift for Christmas sounds just perfect!

Good for you Karma. Keep on keeping on.

Have been single all of my life buy still have something special for birthdays and Christmas.

Tally ho
Xxx

StripeyGran

Does " stuff" make people happy I wonder?

Bit grumpy and insensitive there StripeyGran. My reading of this thread, especially karmalady’s OP is of many bereaved women keeping up some emotional connection with their much loved and always missed, life partner.
Nothing will replace my husband’s loving presence, or a thoughtful gift he would have given me of Christmas Day. I’m blessed with adult children, sisters and four friends with whom I exchange gifts. Some posters aren’t so fortunate. The gift to self even more important

I admire you so much karmalady. You come across as measured and pragmatic. I’m heartened to hear you treat yourself to something special every Christmas. And the DVD to relax with and enjoy over the festive season is such a good idea! I’m sure your late husband would definitely approve. 💕

Good For You.

FAB

If you have never had anything from anyone you may think so.
No gifts as a child. Treated badly. Other half who hasn't a clue about me. What I would like or do. Sad really after waiting years for him to discover me! Or just lazy!

Great keep treating yourself. I might start!

I don't buy myself presents but have a wish list if anyone wants an idea.
I never say no to wine and chocs.

I like to know what others want too. My DGD was 8 recently and I didn't know what to give her. I asked her mum and spent a happy half hour in Hobbycraft buying a rather adult collection of watercolour paints, paper and brushes.
I told her I expect to see the results.

I also have a spinning wheel and agree it's very satisfying to spin and then knit with "your own" wool.
So many things to enjoy.
You always come across as very organised Karmalady

Lallylou

I think that is wonderful! We all need to cheer ourselves up and there is nothing like bath shower and perfume. Much more fun than Advent calendars 🙂 xx

My advent calendar from Beyond the Pink Door will absolutely be fun with 12 very carefully selected gifts from small or independent companies. Some may be sewing related others definitely won't be, but all will be good quality. My Hotel Chocolat calendar will satisfy my sweet tooth.

I agree it's lovely for grans to treat themselves to an indulgent gift, whether in memory of a deceased or ill partner or not.

Sorry didn't mean to sound either grumpy or insensitive. It was a genuine question.

I'm not sure, one of the reasons I struggle with Christmas.

Overthinking probably.

The Mister has always admitted insecurity with buying gift, so for years has had me pick something out and ask for the shop to set it aside, so he actually does go to town and purchase something, wrap it and tuck it under the tree.

For my birthday I usually plan a trip to visit DD, so I treat myself to something then. As a child I hated a November birthday as being too boring, but as an adult, it is boot, handbag or jumper season. I have no issues finding something for myself!

I've always told the kids that nice smellies (bath or candles) and chocs are a treat without spending too much.

I've reached the stage of life where I have most things I need and am trying to get rid of 'stuff' not get more. My kids know this so usually suggest something to do together. Last year it was my 70th so we had a weekend away in an AirBnB on the coast, a meal out in a pub and a picnic on the Sunday before driving home to our respective homes.
At Christmas I did actually request 'stuff ' as there were a couple of gadgets I wanted and couldn't afford to buy for myself. Last weekend was my 71st birthday and I got a phone call apologising for the fact that my card would be late and saying to think of something I'd like to do when I visit next month for my grandson's birthday. If I could afford to I would treat myself but at the moment I'm just content that I can just about afford the things I need even if the luxury treats are currently beyond my budget. Besides I get pleasure out of tying to come up with a good treat for my grandchildren. Seeing them really enjoy something is treat enough for me.
Last year I made a nativity scene with 24 felt characters that velcroed onto a background. I packed it into an empty advent calender box that had contained toiletries - it even still smelt nice - and added a few chocolate treats too. I couldn't believe how excited and emotional I got on December 1st when I got a picture of them sitting by the board with the first piece attached. I'd expected to spend Christmas with them and be there to see them open the last few boxes but caught covid and had to spend Christmas alone. Missing those last few days of box opening was the thing I missed most. Hopefully they will open it all again this year and I'll get to share the excitement, but the surprise element won't be the same this time! I hope they enjoy it again each year as I put hours of work into making it.

I buy the 3 for 2 from Boots but always give the 3rd item to myself, so no one feels 'slighted' thinking that they got a free present.

One of these Christmas's I WILL definitely treat myself to half a wheel of Stilton. It's a traditional Yuletide cheese, isn't it, and I shall probably make myself sick scoffing it but I'll cross that bridge when/if I come to it.

But it will be mine, all mine! And not sharing either.........

Oreo

The good thing about buying yourself a present is that you always get what you want.😄

Absolutely, and not just Christmas.

My treat to self for winter are number of really pretty all over big fleeces to keep me warm and my they feel good. I mean, having two would be "ordinary" but having 5 to choose from is a "treat". I don't have a lot of money but I usually always buy the "taste the difference" type option and 2 days ago bought a cardi much much more than I'd usually spend as it was such a pretty boxy red one.

all the year round treats - brunch at a posh ish cafe ..why not...😊

...I'd actually rather have small all the year round treats than splash out on an expensive holiday, they come and go....