Mums have shared their concerns about creating a magical Christmas for their children this year, as they struggle to put money aside in preparation due to the cost of living crisis. On the Mumsnet forum, many women have shared their cutback ideas, from shopping sustainably, and using bargain sites, to explaining to their children that Santa will only give one main present this year.
On the 'Am I being unreasonable' thread, a mum questioned if she should lower her Christmas spending this year as the cost of living continues to rise. She said: "Will they notice if they don’t get as many presents this year? How much does everyone spend on their children at Christmas? I always overspend and end up getting them things I wish I hadn’t or didn’t need so I want to set a limit and only get them a few really nice presents but they don’t understand money and I don’t want them to think Santa thought they weren't as good this year because they didn’t get as much as last year…they will be nine, five and three at Christmas time.
"They are each getting a bike as their main present as they all need a new one (that will be at least £100-150 each, slightly more for the nine-year-old and slightly less for the three-year-old) so the majority of the budget will be going on those but working out what is a reasonable amount to budget to spend on other presents etc."
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This sparked a huge response from other users, who shared how they will be saving and spending their cash on Christmas presents for their family. One mum shared her savvy tips on saving money on presents, saying: "Once I gave [my] three-year-old lots of lovely gifts that were all free. We don't have uncles, aunts, GP [grandparents] to buy either. Each month I then started to put £10 aside into a tin for Christmas and added to it from eBay sales. Now we do it online and are able to save more. What we have managed to save is what we spend. Obviously, some may be left over. However, doing it this way around really steadies the ship. Why not start to save each month and look at charity shops. I'm just thinking with your incredibly large budget I could easily get second-hand bikes that look new as well as loads of other gifts and probably buy panto/theatre/ attractions tickets!"
Another commenter said: "Mine are slightly older than yours, but I've been trying to cut down their presents for a few years, as they get so much that they barely use. Here are a few tips: I add some practical items along with their presents - water bottles, umbrellas, lunch boxes, gloves, PJs, and body wash that smells like sweets. A lot of it is stuff they will need over the coming year and put it aside until it's needed, after it'/ been unwrapped. I make up hampers e.g. sweets or toiletries. I display them to make them look a bit wow, even though they are really cheap items.
"I spread out some of the gifts so it lasts a bit longer. They get a Christmas Eve hamper, which had their Santa plate for his mince pie and Santa key. I buy them new PJs (non-Christmas ones they wear throughout the year) toothbrushes and hot chocolate). I keep back a small gift, which they 'find' on Boxing Day evening. I make sure they know there are lots of people who go without and they should be grateful for whatever they get."
One mum said: "Go and have a look on the Christmas bargain thread on the Christmas board. I've saved loads of money over the years buying bargains & using discount codes posted on the threads." While another added: "If people ask you for gift ideas, ask them for experience gifts like zoo passes etc that you can use throughout the year."
Many other users suggested only spending what the parents could afford, as Christmas is a time to spend with family. One commenter said: "Spend what you can afford and nothing more. No one should be getting into financial trouble for Christmas. A happy household free of debt is more important than cr***y presents.
A few mums decided to share with their children the reality of the cost of living crisis. One wrote: "Honestly, I think it would be a useful life lesson for the 9-year-old. I know you don't want to disappoint her but there are good reasons why you are cutting back. We've discussed with our two how, at the moment, everything is a lot more expensive because well, lots of reasons. They've already seen some stuff on Newsround. So this year, they get to pick things they really, really want- (rather than stuff I think they will like.) So far, the youngest has asked for air-dry clay and a jewellery box with a cat on it. Oldest has asked for a 'proper' piece of jewellery she can keep rather than fashion jewellery. I've been picking up stuff in Tiger and TKMax for the stocking (pens, scrunchies etc). But, we have been making jam together, so we can 'put it up for Christmas.' I've bought a garland kit and I've started sewing them one each. Daddy is having one bigger present this year, which they helped me choose (a kitbag in the sale) and Mummy has asked Father Christmas for a certain pair of slippers because they help her sore feet.
"Two years ago, heating oil was 26p a litre. Now it is 96p a litre. To heat our home this year, we are all going to have to economise. As lots of people have said, you can make it special in other ways. My youngest has a special tiger toy- so last year, I knitted it a special blanket. She loved it and it always 'sleeps' tucked under its blanket." Another user added: "I think you can be honest with them about money and how it’s earned and spent. Important they understand that. I think £50 per child is plenty - why not get secondhand bikes and talk to them about how buying secondhand is good for the environment."
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