That's right, I can't think for myself.?

Question

Everyone in my family keeps asking me what I want for Christmas, and since I can't say, "Hey, pay my bills this month", I'm stumped. I'm 20 years old and all I can think of are gifts for my 16-month-old-son and my boyfriend. Does anyone have any ideas? Serious answers only, please!

Also, my nearest family lives 4 1/2 hours away, so like, coupons redeemable for babysitting is kind of out of the questions. And I LOVE gift cards, but my family is the kind that likes to buy a gift and wrap it.

Answer 1

Tell them to surprise you because if they give you money, you're going to turn around and spend it on your son or your bills. I am in the same situation. I am so wrapped up in my children and with paying my bills, I couldn't tell you for the life of me what I want. The best gifts are things you would never buy yourself. For me, those things are:

Journals, Book Sets, perfume, new sneakers, scrapbooking supplies, a night out in lieu of gift certificates to the movies or to dinner. They also make gift cards for like blockbuster and that would be nice for you and your boyfriend.
Other ideas are candle sets, bath sets, pajama sets, a certificate to the hairdresser.

Amazon.com has the best gifts to send too. I saw this retro candy gift set that actually looked like something I would want. Here is the link:

Answer 2

First, don't go into a financial hole buying gifts. The best gifts are the carefully thought out gifts that really show you know the person and care for them. It's not about money !
Think in terms of sports, music, hobbies and for a 16 month old.... well he'll probably end up playing with the boxes anyway. You can get him fun things w/o the big dollars.
Have a Merry Christmas!!!

Answer 3

If you don't want to ask for the bills, maybe ask for some necessities like some nice salon hair care products like Paul Mitchell....or perfume. I have very small children and a tight budget too, and those are the things I love but typically would not by for myself when there are mouths to feed. How about a George Foreman Grill or something in the kitchen that would make feeding the family easier. Think of something that you need or that needs replaced, like a new coffee pot, or curling iron or hairdryer. Something that would save you the money of having to replace yourself.
Hope these ideas help. Have a Blessed Christmas and don't let the mean people get you down!
God Bless You!

Answer 4

I appears that you may not really want anything because you are a selfless and giving person (you can only think of gifts for you bf and son), so I would think that you might ask for something that would help you take care of your family more easily.

For example, a new diaper bag or spa coupon (done time always helps). You could also put together a list of "to dos" that are bugging you that you know you couldn't do yourself and have someone do them as a gift, like putting in an in-sink garbage disposal or painting a room or scrapbooking your son's photos.

Another, thing you could do is think of something you would never buy for yourself because you don't know if you would like it, but migh and ask for that. One person I know asked for drawing lessons, I knew that she would not pay for the lessons herself because she's on a tight budget and didn't think she had any talent, but really wanted to find out. It turned out to be a great gift. She learned to draw, something she never would have explored on her own.

Last thought you could ask someone to get you a term life insurance policy on you with you son as the beneficiary. That way if anything happened to you your son would be covered and it would be really cheap at your age.

Answer 5

I love answering this question. I used to have a hard time answering it. Then I realized if they want to get me something it should be something I want. So I basically tell them things that i want, but I wouldn't buy myself because I rather pay bills. Things like DVDS, music CD'S, gift certificate to get my nails or hair done. Maybe a gift certificate to a restaurant or movie tickets. Little things like that make me happy. Maybe there is a purse you want. Remember it is not what you need, but what you want. Just pretend you have all the money in the world think of things you would buy then you can put those on your list just not the really expensive ones LOL.

Answer 6

How about some sort of time to yourself. If you are 20 and have a 16 month old, I'm sure you could use it. Spa gift certificates, baby sitting services, something that would pamper you. Since you have alot of bills, what are things that you don't get or do for yourself because of it. Never go out to dinner?...ask for a giftcard to your favorite spot.

Answer 7

One of the most wonderful things ever created are gift cards!

If you find yourself doing most of your shopping at a particular store- ask for a gift card from that store.

Also remember when people are asking what do you want for Christmas- they are also saying- I care about you and want to make sure that you are caring for yourself. You may want to think of the things that you love to do, but have not had the money to do lately. Ask for for gift cards for these things you love to do. It may be movies, or a spa day, coffee shop, or classes for a Hobby you always wanted to learn. Have a great holiday!

Answer 8

You sound very responsible for your age, but you need to splurge on YOU. How about a gift certificate to a day spa? We all need to escape once in a while. Being a parent is a full time job and pampering for a couple of hours will help clear your mind. Even if you're way behind in your bills...give yourself a little treat and you'll be glad you did.

Answer 9

Something to pamper yourself such as a manicure, pedicure, or facial would be nice. A gift of baby-sitting services for a struggling single Mom would also be a great idea. If you feel that your family would understand, go ahead and tell them that you can't think of anything you could use more than cash!

Answer 10

I usually say 'surprise me'.

Do you like flowers or gardening? Ask for a potted plant- if you can keep it where the boy can't reach it. Or you could try a nice stationery set, or a CD from a band or artist you enjoy. Do you read? There are plenty of books out there to enjoy! If you enjoy cooking and don't have one yet, ask for a crockpot or some other special kind of cooker.

I hope that helps!