With just nine days to go until Christmas Day, parents across the country will be rushing around to buy last minute gifts for their children's stockings as the festive pressure is truly on. Finding the perfect pressies for your toddlers or teenagers is no small feat - for younger kids, it's all about keeping the festive magic alive, while older children will want more mature - and often pricey - gifts.
One mum has faced serious backlash after she shared the gift idea she has for her 14-year-old son, as many have branded it 'awful' and 'random' as well as 'cringe'. The innocent suggestion has caused quite the stir on Mumsnet after the parent shared her concept onto the forum - as people can't believe that she wants to go ahead with it.
The mum-of-two, who remains anonymous, took to Mumsnet to ask for advice on her gifting conundrum, explaining that her two kids are of quite different ages. She wrote: "I have 14 and 8 year olds, both get stockings and (small-ish) Santa presents plus presents / money from family.
"14 year old has always been full of Christmas magic, never had a conversation about no Santa, last time he asked was 4 years ago and I just reminded him how much he loves the build up and if he doesn't believe he will lose that (8 year old has never questioned, I don't think she ever had any Christmas magic although she still loves the holiday and is my best bet for watching a Christmas film)."
The mum then delivered what she thought to be a clever gifting idea, but it turns out that nobody else agrees. She continued: "My 14 year old doesn't want anything for Christmas, there are a couple of things he wants but to do with computer games and he is very aware that it's all a rip off and he doesn't really want to spend money on it.
"He has chocs, a t-shirt and a couple of things he might like plus money and probably a computer voucher from family, but his stocking is quite empty (compared with sisters and previous years).
"I'm thinking rather than trying to fill it I put a note from Santa (obviously he knows that is me although we haven't discussed it) saying he's growing up, nice to see he appreciates what he has, stocking a bit empty, no child should be without gifts so hope he likes what has been chosen for him and Santa has given an extra gift of xxx to a child whose family can't treat them like his can.
"I feel happy with that and I think he would be but what do you think, is it Christmas ruined for a 14-year-old and what on earth do I do instead if it is?"
Mumsnet users flocked to the comments section on the post to slam her idea, with many left puzzled as to why the mum can't find things to add to her son's stocking.
One person wrote: "I can't believe that you can't find enough gifts to fill a stocking from Santa. He won't still believe so a note from Santa is only for the benefit of the younger child. Put some extra effort in to finding him bits. Even if you get him things like little quizzes the full family can play etc".
While another seethed: "A 14 year old who doesn't want anything for Christmas? You've never had a conversation with him about Santa not being real? Please don't give him a half empty stocking. That's rubbish".
Many pointed out that the woman's teenage son might feel disappointed by the stark difference between his stocking and his younger sister's, as one person wrote: "I think that's a sh** idea sorry. To just do it with his presents? Really unfair. I also don't agree with charity donations as presents. Giving to charity is great but don't do it on someone else's behalf unless they've asked you to".
Other helpful mums suggested other stocking fillers that the woman could use to bulk up her teen son's stocking, with many suggesting smellies like deodorant and shower gel, or more t-shirts.
One parent said: "Lynx, slippers, dressing gown, pj's, new bed spread, sweets, giant chocolate, juggling balls, hat, gloves, fun socks, diabolo, card game, bottle of Prime, led lights, hoody... Loads of options, sometimes Santa needs to find what they want when they don't know."
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