A MUM has come under fire for her budget-friendly approach to the festive season.
She revealed that she is only buying her young son one Christmas present this year.
In her viral video, TikTok user Laura (@sidemoneymummy) explained why she has opted to limit her son’s presents this year.
The TikToker, who also has a six-month-old baby, revealed that she spent just £25 on her son’s present.
She gave her audience two reasons why she chose to go for just one gift.
“First of all, he’s two-years-old, I don’t think he knows and I don’t think he cares who Santa Claus is,” Laura pointed out.
As well as his young age, the mum explained that her son only has one real interest at the moment.
“I know my son better than anyone else and what I do know, numbers, letters, and drawing are currently his favourite activities to do,” she said.
She revealed that she purchased him a two-sided easel, which he could draw one.
It also came with 59 magnetic numbers and letters that he could attach.
Laura pointed out that the item combined “three of his favourite activities into one.”
She said she was sure her son was “going to love” the simple present and pointed out that buying him anything else wouldn’t have been worthwhile.
“I find it a waste of money to buy my son materialistic c**ap that he’s only going to play with for a couple of days at best and then never touch again,” she explained.
The TikToker added that her son has “plenty of other family members who will be buying him gifts and toys this Christmas.”
She assured her audience that “he’s not going to be feeling left out.”
However, Laura acknowledged that she was still likely to receive backlash for her decision.
She pointed out that it ” seems to be a trend on this app at the minute to criticise mums for what they bought their own children for Christmas.”
Consumer reporter Sam Walker reveals how you can save money on your Christmas shopping.
Limit the amount of presents – buying presents for all your family and friends can cost a bomb.
Instead, why not organise a Secret Santa between your inner circles so you’re not having to buy multiple presents.
Plan ahead – if you’ve got the stamina and budget, it’s worth buying your Christmas presents for the following year in the January sales.
Make sure you shop around for the best deals by using price comparison sites so you’re not forking out more than you should though.
Buy in Boxing Day sales – some retailers start their main Christmas sales early so you can actually snap up a bargain before December 25.
Delivery may cost you a bit more, but it can be worth it if the savings are decent.
Shop via outlet stores – you can save loads of money shopping via outlet stores like Amazon Warehouse or Office Offcuts.
They work by selling returned or slightly damaged products at a discounted rate, but usually any wear and tear is minor.
TikTok users shared their thoughts on the present in the comments section.
“It’s not about a waste though, it’s about watching them opening presents, the memories, the magic, [to] each to their own though, I suppose,” one viewer said.
“I have two-year-old and I went over board with buying him gifts,” wrote another follower.
“I just don’t understand this ‘They won’t remember, so why bother attitude,’ I’ll remember,” commented a third person.
“Naaaa, I could never buy my kid just one present,” said another TikTok user.
