Christmas when feeling the pinch

WatchTower · 4 Dec 2013 at 02:08

A lot folks are struggling with money these days and Christmas is just added stress.

So why not put gift ideas here for those really struggling this year. My mum is buying my dad a Tesco Hudl so I thought hmmm what I do buy my Dad? Moneys tight but I want to get him something enjoyable over Christmas and thought of this

Sumvision Psyc Mako Portable Bluetooth Speaker Stand

Just under £20 and supports 3.5mm Stereo Jack incase your device doesn't support Bluetooth. Seemed good to me as I can't imagine the internal speakers in the Hudl being that good so this could be handy for apps like TuneIn , Youtube TV on Demad etc

What do you folks think and hopefully this thread will fil up with more ideas for people at Christmas. Darn Christmas gifts are so hard to choose.

Mr Badger · 4 Dec 2013 at 02:20

Might not be the answer you are looking for, but if we are talking about adults do you really need to give presents at all? I found it a great relief a few years back when my family managed to agree to just give cards for all the adults. Not only did it save the hassle and expense of trying to find presents for people who have probably already got most stuff that you can afford that they might need/want, but also no more having to pretend to like what you had just unwrapped on Christmas day!

WatchTower · 4 Dec 2013 at 02:26

As long as someones bought me some quality Ales I'm happy.

pitchfork · 4 Dec 2013 at 09:21

I'm an adult, all I want is some new socks and the opportunity to get drunk and eat loads of really good food with the family.

I spend way more on food than presents at christmas, the owners of local fine food shops are laughing all the way to the bank.

darkgen · 4 Dec 2013 at 09:37

I have no children, no extended family. Just a wife. We buy what we need, when we need it. Birthdays she gets the choice of restaurant that week on hers and vice versa, all other weeks we alternate venue. Wedding anniversary she chooses. Christmas she cooks on one day and I cook on the next. I have personally never bothered with cards or gifts on any given day since hitting my teens.

Simples.

Indie · 4 Dec 2013 at 09:47

My missus' side of the family have all agree'd a £10 limit this year, which seems to be working. Got her dad a couple of Books. Her mum wants a framed photograph of all of our dogs together (cheap as chips, however will be so hard to get them all to pose). so quite easy really!

My side of the family aren't really into that, but they are quite understanding that they won't be getting much this crimbo, as we've just had to fork out for a new boiler!

Its certainly a good idea for a thread though, I'll be keeping an eye on it

Pressie wise I'm really not fussed, there is nothing that I really want that I haven't got or can't save up and buy for myself. I'm quite happy having all 12 of the family round and cooking an awesome meal, and maybe, just maybe have a few drinks

jas72 · 4 Dec 2013 at 10:22

Mr Badger said:
Might not be the answer you are looking for, but if we are talking about adults do you really need to give presents at all? I found it a great relief a few years back when my family managed to agree to just give cards for all the adults. Not only did it save the hassle and expense of trying to find presents for people who have probably already got most stuff that you can afford that they might need/want, but also no more having to pretend to like what you had just unwrapped on Christmas day!

Agreed and go one better and agree that you have to write something nice about the other persons personality in the card.

We did this recently at work and it was fun I'd imagine in a family environment it would be even better.

Gives everyone a warm glow.

I'm so fed up of the money being passed around at Christmas totally pointless.

dan958 · 4 Dec 2013 at 10:24

Mr Badger said:
Might not be the answer you are looking for, but if we are talking about adults do you really need to give presents at all? I found it a great relief a few years back when my family managed to agree to just give cards for all the adults. Not only did it save the hassle and expense of trying to find presents for people who have probably already got most stuff that you can afford that they might need/want, but also no more having to pretend to like what you had just unwrapped on Christmas day!

This.

My family did the exact same thing. We still get presents for siblings, parents - but not cousins etc.

Makes things much easier.

Haggisman · 4 Dec 2013 at 10:24

I hate Christmas. A time of year when you're obligated to buy things you can't afford for people who don't particularly want them.

[FnG]magnolia · 4 Dec 2013 at 10:28

Overclockers UK Forums > Life > General Discussion > DARFUR WAR ORPHANS HAVE IT EASY I TELL YOU

413x · 4 Dec 2013 at 11:02

Haggisman said:
I hate Christmas. A time of year when you're obligated to buy things you can't afford for people who don't particularly want them.

One of the few good things about the way things are atm is that it is becoming more acceptable to not buy presents. Before if you said you don't I found you got heavily judged.

I think it's disgusting that people are pressured so much to get presents for kids they take out pay day loans

Most of my family aren't doing presents. Going home to see them at Xmas Is much nicer

pitchfork · 4 Dec 2013 at 11:09

I don't quite get cards with just "merry christmas" in them.

If I'm going through the trouble of writing you a card I'll get the basildon bond out and write a nice letter to go into the thing. Don't buy a 100 pack of **** cards and do "a card for every damn person I've ever met" I just send to immediate friends and family and buy nice cards.