Buying for yourself this Christmas/holiday?

[bookbard]

I like getting presents at Christmas, and most of all I like getting books. So for the last few years I've been buying my own books and then putting them under the tree for myself. Many people will relate to the hopelessness of their male partner at buying gifts - so this is my solution, and then I enjoy Christmas without being disappointed.

I feel like books work, because even though you 'know' what you're getting, it's still something you haven't 'opened' yet! I've bought a decent stack and put them away and am really looking forward to opening them up at Christmas.

 

What about you - do you buy for yourself, and if so, what do you get?

[prairiewindmomma]

Noise canceling Bluetooth headphones.

[BusyMom5]

I'm buying sheets and a bigger covered pot- like the kind you make roast in.  I also bought frames for my fall family photo session- it might be fun to wrap those up so the kids feel like they got me stuff- seriously its what I wanted.

[marbel]

I buy books for myself but hand them to my husband to give me. This started many years ago when he was working a lot and I was home. Even with little kids I had more time flexibility than he did, and I could get out to stores. 

To be fair to him, he has given me some great unexpected gifts over the years. But sometimes he needs some help, especially when we need to keep the cost low. 

This year we bought our gift together - a bunch of plants from a native plant nursery - but I like having things to open. I bought a bunch of used books and everyone is getting a couple, including me. 

[Kassia]

I always buy for myself, but it isn't the same thing every year.  If I see something I want and it can wait until for Christmas, I just wrap it early.  The nice thing is I usually forget what I've wrapped and it's a surprise on  Christmas morning!  I like buying for myself.  DH has given me some really thoughtful gifts over the years, but it's not something I expect or even want.  

[mommyoffive]

I don't buy for myself.  Dh is a great at buying things for me.  Better than if I was picking things out for myself.  He knows my style and what I want.  

[BeachGal]

1 hour ago, Kassia said:

I always buy for myself, but it isn't the same thing every year.  If I see something I want and it can wait until for Christmas, I just wrap it early.  The nice thing is I usually forget what I've wrapped and it's a surprise on  Christmas morning!  I like buying for myself.  DH has given me some really thoughtful gifts over the years, but it's not something I expect or even want.  

My mom used to do this for herself. She was so thrilled when she'd open a forgotten present for herself. We also bought her things but probably missed the mark a bit.

To make it easy on my husband and kids, I put together a list that tells them what I like, how much it costs and where to get it. It's "My Favorite Things" list. To make it even easier, I created a board on Pinterest so they'd have easy access. It works, I'm happy, they're happy, and that is all that matters to us. 😄

[Janeway]

I really want to buy for myself. He does not listen to hints at all. He did get something great this past year.

[Monica_in_Switzerland]

I always buy for myself.  DH and I agreed early on simply to not exchange gifts at all, but I feel it sends a bad-ish message to the kids that "only kids" get spoiled at Christmas.  So now I make sure to have a few small things for DH to open and a few small things for me to open.  Then we send the kids to the store and they come back with chocolate for DH and coke for me, in addition to their handmade drawings and so on.  

In addition to books, I think nicer items of clothings could work.  For my birthday this year, "DH" got me an amazing leather jacket.  🤣  Like, that once-in-a-lifetime leather jacket.  I love it, and it was a great reward for the weight I've lost this year.  

 

[JustEm]

I don't buy for myself and put the things under the tree.  Dh and the kids do a great job picking gifts for me.  But this is usually the only time of year I spend money on myself just because.  This year I bought myself the lego treehouse I've wanted since I saw it over a year ago.  I've decided I won't start putting it together until I'm done all my Christmas shopping

[gardenmom5]

I don't buy anything for myself - and I detest the thought even more of wrapping a present for myself.  I like having beautifully wrapped gifts - and have learned to accept I will rarely receive any. (perks of having adult children is I do get some.)  I don't take pleasure in buying gifts for myself even other times of year. I settle for using "things" as a reward for meeting a goal, as motivation so to speak.

I told dh I'd like my grandfather clock repaired (It needs a thorough cleaning and a few other minor things).  So, we'll see what happens.   I know it's cheaper than what he really wants - (having his childhood 8mm films put onto dvd.)

[DawnM]

DH and I don't do much for each other, but I have been known to get my own gifts.    As the kids got older and wanted more expensive items, the gift pile has gotten smaller and smaller.    

But THIS YEAR, we have a 3 year old and we are so excited to see his face on Christmas morning.   

It is all about the kids for us.

However, last year I surprised DH.    I got him a Komodo grill.   It was something he had been wanting for years but wouldn't spend the money.   So, I got it and hid it in the neighbor's garage.   I bought him a bag of charcoal for it too and so I took out some charcoal and wrapped it up and gave it to him telling him he had been naughty and that was what Santa gave him.     It was fun.    He loves it!

 

[Jaybee]

I don't know if it would be considered for Christmas, or just because, but I plan to buy a good planner this year, and one of the vegetable cookbooks suggested on another thread. I'm quitting my job, and want the planner to help organize my days better. I want the vegetable cookbook because our budget is going to feel it, lol!

[stephanier.1765]

If I was buying for myself this year, I'd buy new feet for my sewing machine. There is also a new storage bag that is adorable that I'd love to have too. Oh and fabric. I love fabric. I'm running sort of single minded this year. LOL

[OH_Homeschooler]

I'm divorced so at least I don't have that disappointment that I usually had on Christmas morning when I didn't get anything.

I've always gotten the kids Christmas pajamas to wear on Christmas Eve. This year I ordered myself a pair as well. 🙂 I'm not really planning to buy myself gifts to open, but I should be receiving a quarterly subscription box before Christmas that is basically frivolous girly stuff. Maybe I'll save that for Christmas morning.