Homemade booklet for fun free-ish things to do... mani pedi with dollar store stuff... time to play with hair...curls, braids, whatever... learn how to knit together... taking on her chores for a day... picnic... time for papermache...baking...

Your mom gave you $100 for SD and you took it to buy groceries? That's a hard place to be in.

Go with the baking idea. Most of that stuff is in most kitchens. Or go out for a drive to see Christmas lights and decorations.

Your mom gave you $100 for SD and you took it to buy groceries? That's a hard place to be in.

Go with the baking idea. Most of that stuff is in most kitchens. Or go out for a drive to see Christmas lights and decorations.

You can always find something for less than $10, sometimes even $5 at Target. Her own ornament. A cute holiday pin or necklace. Holiday socks. Dressy scarves.

You can always find something for less than $10, sometimes even $5 at Target. Her own ornament. A cute holiday pin or necklace. Holiday socks. Dressy scarves. Nutella!

Sent you a pm.

Hit a dollar store (one where everything is exactly a dollar.) Fill a couple of bags with several things that fit a theme: nails, perfume, makeup, hair, books/puzzles or candy. Try the 1 to 3 dollar section of Target - it is usually up front by the registers and often has some pretty cool stuff.

Would she like to keep a diary? Get her one with a fancy pen. I have seen journals at thrift stores for less than a dollar. You would be amazed at what you can find in a thrift store.

Give her an IOU for an activity that you can't do until the wetaher warms up! Can DH make her something or do something special for her or with her?

Brings back some memories for me too.

Blondeambition has a great ideas We sure didn't have so many options years ago. We collected change in a jar all year round and THAT was what we had for Christmas gifts. NO joke.

Tempting to use the change for other stuff but it was the change jar OR no Christmas.
A few bucks a week adds up over 52 weeks a year.

Nice of your Mom to give you money. Gotta do what you gotta do.

Maybe let SD stay with her Mom this year for the Christmas break and invite her after Christmas when you have a little more money?

I have heard of people doing that too who were too darn broke.

Have you thought of reaching out to a local charity or church organization? I am guessing you have already investigated programs to assist with food/rent/utilities.

I know by now many of these organizations have already closed their lists to new applicants, but sometimes there are groups (like churches) that may have a fund and be willing to help you out of a jam.

On another front, is there anything you own that might be able to be sold on craigslist or other classified site? I have been where you are and holidays that center around gift giving can be even more depressing when you can't participate the way you might like.

If the child is 12, it's likely that she won't need a LOT to make her happy. The dollar store as others have mentioned can have some inexpensive makeup and such. It sounds like that may even be beyond your resources though since you are behind on your other bills and can see the next month looming.

Maybe an edible gift? Bake cookies together?

I am wondering why two able bodied adults are having such financial difficulties? Do you two don’t work?

Isn't your mom going to ask you what you got SD with her money? I would not do dollar store, I would explain what's going on. No need to waste even more money on things that will be tossed the next day when she goes back to BMs.

You do need to tell your mom what happened with the gift cash she sent for SD. It's Mom, she'll understand. But you don't want your mom thinking poorly of the child for not saying thank-you on the phone or writing a thank-you card or however SD usually acknowledges and thanks SGMa for gifts.

Sit down as a family and watch the old cartoon version of the Grinch.

"What if Christmas he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas perhaps means a little bit more."

We've had tight Christmases, and the kids were aware of our cash flow problems. But, those Christmases are the ones they remember fondly because we did dorky family stuff.

Dogs, where did all your ash go? Your blog a week ago was saying how SD wanted to hang out with you and you were going to go with her and your girlfriend to get pedicures. You were talking to BM's Dad about your decent job. You were drinking mixed drinks. What has happened over the last few weeks where frivolous spending on pedicures and alcohol were doable but aren't now? You were even hoping to be pregnant and didn't seem overly concerned about timing, which makes me think you had cash.

I'm not trying to be accusatory, but I am sending hat there is a HUGE money issue that you either didn't know about or weren't willing to face.

If this is due to an unexpected bill that has come due, then this year will suck. However, if you all have a pattern of overspending, then you need to come up with a budget and stick to it. Cutting out alcohol and any other fun things is a must. Look at getting cheaper phones. Look at finding cheaper housing (if you are who I think you are, your lease should be up very soon). Both of you can find second jobs. There are ways to get out of this, but none of it is going to be fun.