Struggling

First of all don’t worry please, it’s her first christmas she won’t know the difference! You could wrap up things she already owns and she’d love just trying to open the wrapping, don’t worry yourself too much because she doesn’t understand. Charity shops sell things really cheap, toys barely used or never used as well that’s an option. Aldi do nice toys for a low price, you could always get an argos card and get toys off there and do the pay in 12 months for when you can have the money for it? You can either pay bits of it when you want or wait until it’s been a year to pay, could be helpful. Vinted, facebook, all good places to get cheap toys some people sell them unused, if you’re worried about that, on vinted there is an option for unopened and people do sell them too for a fraction of the price x

Tk maxx also sell a lot of good baby toys at a discount price never opened x

Definitely look at vinted. You can buy a things new with tags on and they tend to be a lot cheaper too xx

How old is she? Aldi wooden toys are good quality.

It’s her first Christmas, so I’m assuming she’s under 1? I honestly wouldn’t worry! You could look at Vinted, or look at some charity shops. A couple of presents will be more than enough. It’s about the memories not the presents.

Sorry. Also just seen first Christmas - honestly to them it’s just another day. You could play Xmas music on YouTube : wear a paper hat : have a Xmas scented candle (nowhere near baby but to make the place smell different). I’ve got mine 3 small gifts and that will be it as it’s to her just a day.

For her first I honestly wouldn’t worry. I’ve even said to family just give premium bonds rather than have a load of things in the house she won’t use.

Charity shops. Vinted. Ask on local fb groups if anyone is getting rid of anything (lots of people have sort outs this time of year!) But as everyone else has said. It’s their first Christmas, presents etc aren’t important for them right now.

Try Vinted and Amazon

Have you applied for child benefit? You are intitled to weekly or monthly pay from the government and this can be backdated up to 3 months. I applied for mine when my LG was 4 months old and within a few days they sent me £360 which was backdated for the weeks i’d missed before applying. This could help get a bit of extra money for you?

Really don't worry about it! A slightly different story - I caught a sick bug from my little boy and was being ill on his second birthday and then my husband got it. We simply didn't celebrate his birthday on the day and moved it until we were feeling better. You don't have to celebrate Christmas with Christmas presents on the day. You can move it if you feel the need to do presents. Alternatively, don't worry about it. They don't need anything other than to be cared for- and you are doing that!

As everyone else has said don’t worry about it as they won’t know the difference or remember this experience! They will just love the decorations, wrapping paper and family time with lots of kisses and cuddles! But do you have a type of ‘baby basics’ charity near you who help people in need (for free) with baby clothes, toys, cribs, nappies and all essential child and baby stuff up to the age of 5. Your local children centre can help put in a referral for you to get some toys and anything else you might need like wipes, baby toiletries, nappies etc to help you! I know they have them in Milton Keynes I’m just not sure how wide the charity goes around the UK! I got some second hand toys from there and will be wrapping them up for my LG from Santa and then just got one main present which I bought for her from me xx

Try Facebook marketplace loads of okay toys, might not be brand new or Amazon as I think tomorrow is cyber Monday so there might be cheap deals. I think I'm in the same boat, I need to be careful too as I have rent to pay and paid mostly my bills too with hardly anything for the rest. I think it's wise to be sensible and one okay present is okay, baby doesn't need loads, and it's all about family. Maybe check in with your local council what extra support you can get too or Google. There is a local church in my area that is giving me a voucher and also one is giving me a hamper with turkey, as I'm on UC which all helps. See if there is a local church doing something near you, I know in London we have the larger churches providing this service. Also the local baby bank referrals via your health visitor or GP you can pick up nappies, wipes, Baby clothes, equipment and I'm sure toys too for free in your local area and there is a big baby bank drive on at the moment promoted by Lorraine Kelly in supermarkets

If you use Vinted I’ll happily put all my LO’s old toys up for £1, I’ve got a few bits from when he was younger (he’s turning 1 soon) I’ve got pram toys, rattle toys and a few other bits. Send me a message if you want I’d be happy to help! Xx