Birthday and Christmas

we’re in the same position at the moment, my partner just lost his job so moneys tight at the worst time!😂 we’ve just got her a couple books, colouring books and pens and pencils.
there are a lot of deals at b&m and argos toys are 2 for £15 or 2 for £20 so we got 2 toys from that deal ans the rest are a couple of bits and bobs xx

I have a list with things on such as toy kitchen, doll accessories like a cot etc, cash register, aqua mat, I will buy some and it’s there if people ask what she wants so it takes some of the pressure off! Just don’t go too mad, they are still only young and will love the simplest of toys still. Also join freebie and second hand Facebook pages people give away all sorts!

We pop to the charity shops often and can find some things that look brand new! They will be happy with a few things 😄

Bless you mama, you shouldn’t worry about the amount. A couple of toys, if they are things she loves and has an interest in, should suffice. It’s completely irrelevant how much me or anyone else for the matter buys for their children. You shouldn’t feel any less only because you’re not buying as much. Is never about quantity and your little one will learn that as well.
I understand the urge of having masses of presents and spoil your child , it comes from a good nurturing place but there shouldn’t be any pressure from anyone (including yourself) to provide a few lorries full of toys. In the end I personally do not think that’s really sending the right message and the children do tend to get overwhelmed.
So, focus on the things your toddler is into and maybe but 2-3 things for b-day and do the same for Christmas. And just make a fuss on the day, sing happy birthday, have a little cake (again in proportion with your budget) maybe some balloons, put music on, her favourite food,

Dance and just enjoy the special day. You ve got this mama 😉

At this age, they really won't know any different and happier with boxes 🤣. Charity shops, car boots and Facebook pages are fab. I got most of my older daughters presents from car boots when was growing up.
I've got my daughter a slide/swing frame that was half price and ill get some block type things, bath paint, book and busy board x

Exactly what Suzana said!!
I'd really recommend Vinted or Facebook marketplace for toys, too! I got a toy kitchen which looks brand new for £15. If you have a little idea what you want, just give it a search in there and I guarantee you'll get loads of stuff come up!
I honestly wouldn't worry about it too much, and they are such a young age too. They won't even remember how much they did or didn't get! 😊 you can just make the day special in other ways 🥰

sorry to hear about your partner losing his job. I hope he can find something else quickly x

Charity shops, pound shops,vinted,FB marketplace!

Do you have any “free to a good home” pages on fb local to you? I just picked up a baby doll crib, car seat and walker all for free on one and that’s my little girls main birthday gift - my mum is going to get her a new baby doll. A couple of months ago I got a Jurassic park track set on there which I put away until her birthday or Christmas too.
I’ve also picked up some bits in the 2€ shop here, colouring books, stickers, teddy, play dough set and wooden numbers board all ranging from €2-€4! Start picking up little bits now when you can so you’re not trying to buy it all at once :) but they’re so young at this age they don’t know what’s going on, and they don’t truly need anything. Just focus on having a fun day

I was just going to say the same thing about marketplace. I wish I’d done it last year. They have loads of lovely things on marketplace. Once you’ve given it a wash and wrapped it up they’ll never know any different x

I follow one « free to a good home » page on Facebook that’s local to me. I haven’t seen anything yet that could do for a gift but I will keep my eyes peeled. I’m guessing some people will be decluttering some of their stuff now to make space for Christmas and new things being brought in. I will start looking on Facebook marketplace regularly in case anything good comes up!

Also if you have a local parents Facebook group don't be scared to just pop a message on there asking for anything people want to part with. I see lots of those and so many generous people offer things in the messages.

We buy a lot of stuff second hand obviously some new things but things that are clearance or on a 2 for offer :) and we don't go over board

Also don’t know if this is any reassurance to you but because their birthdays and Christmas are so close, I actually buy few presents on birthday because she gets so many from family and then I buy her little second hand toys from marketplace and charity shops throughout the year x