In the past few years I've taken advantage of big pre-Christmas sales to get something I've been wanting for myself. Last year it was a plush fleece blanket, before that it was a camera lens, and before that a refurbished sewing machine. One year it was a TV, but I think that sale was after Christmas. This year it's a telephone system for the house.

I'm careful not to buy anything my family would be likely to buy for me--and this year I'm not opening the box of phones until after Christmas, just to be sure.

Yes. Especially after my first Christmas being married. My then husband got me a kitchen clock for a gift.
REALLY?
So, from then on, I got myself something. Oh, he got me things too....like one year it was a car vacuum, another year it was a canner for his mother AND I to share...
Then I smartened up and gave him a list to choose from, but I usually got myself some fun little thing that I wanted. I didn't wrap it and put it under the tree, I just saved it until after Christmas. One year, it was a pair of boots, but usually was just some cute little thing.

Yes, sometimes I find I am buying more for myself than others. Oh well, for almost all of my adult life I have only had enough money to buy small gifts for others. We had many many lean years but now I can spend a bit more. I'm enjoying it. LOL

Every year hubby and I get a gift for our house. Last year it was a new kitchen floor, another year it was a Shark vacuum with all the bells and whistles. And "I" get to pick the house gift! So it's really a gift for me!

This year.....we are getting tattoos. Yes, I'm 57 years old, and getting my first. They won't be matching, or anything like that. I've wanted a little ladybug or dragonfly on my foot for years and years. This year, I'm going to do it! He will get his studio logo on his upper arm. I'm really excited, but a little scared too!

I think finding items with a bonus gift and using one or the other as a gift while keeping one or the other for yourself sounds like smart shopping.

I always buy myself something special for Christmas, something that's a little frivolous and that I know no one else would ever think to buy me. This year, I bought a set of napkin rings that I found appealing. Do I need them? Nope, but I'll smile every time I use them.

Good for you Jeaninwa!!! Two years ago, at age 65, I got a tattoo. My best friend was here visiting for a weekend and we decided we were going to get one.
I got a little lady bug on the top of my foot! Below my little toe. I wanted it where I could still see it with flip flops on.
Since I never wear shoes and it's exposed to the sun all the time the red has faded a bit. I am going to go have some color put in it!
Don't be scared, it really isn't bad at all to have done.
You will smile every time you look at it!!!

I always buy myself things this time of year. Usually, there is some sort of sale and something I want or need. I don't always have time to myself to shop for myself so I enjoy it when I can.

I usually buy my own Christmas presents from Tony. He hates to shop and I love it...so it is just easier on us for me to shop for myself. I get what I like, that makes him happy..but I do make him wrap the gifts...lol Not wrapping my own presents....He will go out and get me some surprises, especially perfume..he knows I want Estee Lauder's newest one Muse....it smell divine on me according to Tony...so I am thinking I might get some for Christmas

Not really, because I wouldn't call this a gift to myself, but a need. I have needed a new recliner for a good while. A couple weeks ago my DD took me recliner shopping. We went to 4 furniture stores and in that many stores I found only one I would consider. Just to be sure I wasn't overlooking the best one, I wanted to go to the last store. (There are only 5 here.) So we went, but then went back to the one I liked best. By then I was exhausted and bought the chair.

I find now that I can't lower the foot rest, because I don't have enough strength in my arm to push the lever back. I didn't realize this was a "all sales final" deal until I looked at the sales receipt a few days later.

So much for buying myself a gift, or a need.

Bah! Humbug!

Sue

DH is difficult to buy for and so am I, so several years ago I decided it was time to start buying myself something special for x-mas and I encouraged DH to do the same. This year I bought myself an oil painting painted buy my art teacher. DH has ordered his gift.

One thing we decided to do as a joke a few years ago was that each of had to spend $25 on the other and could only buy from the dollar store. This way we each had 25 gifts to open. Lots of fun buying and opening lol. It has now become our tradition.

I have done it twice. Once when I ordered some books for my sister's gift, I bought a duplicate on knitting socks for me when I got free shipping if I spent that $8. The shipping was $8, so I ended up with a pattern book I had not planned to buy but which I have used.

Another time, someone on this site said that the Cuisinart ice cream freezers were on sale at Amazon for $7 or $8 each, if I remember rightly. I bought one to give each family we exchange gifts with, and then if I bought one extra, shipping would be free. So I ordered one extra and wondered whom to give it to. Before the 6 or 7 ice cream makers arrived, my older son called to see if I thought his sister would like an ice cream maker for her birthday. I told him I had ordered extra ones, and he could have two of them. One to give her and one for himself. He makes ice cream of all sorts of flavors all the time. They were such a deal, but the offer lasted only another day or two before the stock supply was gone. They were originally $80!

No not at Christmas..because if it's something I want or need we buy when it's a deal.

Oh, Sue, I wish you had considered the type of chair that uses electricity to move the parts and to help you get up. It may seem expensive at first, but I think it's worth it. My mom got one after her heart surgery and loves that thing; she is most disinclined to spend much money unless she's thought it through carefully! Any chance you can return the chair you bought when you explain you can't use it and bought it under duress (exhausted)?

Sue you can buy an extension handle for the recliner. I have the same problem. It's a life saver. Well more of an arm saver.

We just bought a new custom made mattress for the RV that was our Christmas to each other.
Yes I have often times found some things for myself when shopping for others, that's my bonus for doing all the work.

Sue Google recliner extension handle.
Here's the one I am referring to.

Here is a link that might be useful: Handle

Jeaninwa, That is great about getting your first tattoo. The bad thing about tats is that most times you can't stop at one. The pain is not bad at all.

I was 48 when I got my first one on my back, I now have 3.

Good luck.

DH and I don't exchange gifts at Christmas. We buy what we want for ourselves and one another throughout the year. I suppose you could consider our annual trip to Maui as a mutual gift. (And it's always the right size and color!)

Christmas is for kids, IMO -- and for gifts to charities. I guess I don't 'get' buying for yourself at Christmas. Isn't it about giving OF yourself, not TO yourself? Maybe I'd feel different if I couldn't have things I what throughout the year -- no need for an 'excuse'?

Many years ago I read an article about the stresses of the holiday season -- having so many people for whom to buy gifts, wondering what to get for each person, worrying about the amount of money being spent, etc., etc. The article recommended buying something for yourself, to make yourself feel better and ease the stress of the holidays.

I wish that I could paraphrase the article better, but it was a long time ago. But, it made perfect sense to me, and I firmly believe that everyone should "self gift" something while doing their holiday shopping.

Could someone tell me what BOGO is? I've seen that in ads but don't know the meaning.

I think it's important to remember that most people are not fortunate enough to be able to buy whatever they want, whenever they want it.

Most people I know are on fairly tight budgets and make their own wants last behind everyone else, especially at the holidays. And most posts here are people taking advantage of sales and promotions to get themselves a little something.

I think Christmas is a lovely time to splurge on yourself. It's important to take care of yourself and if indulging a bit once a year helps do that, I think it's great.

I don't make a point of buying something for myself at Christmas. If I see something that I want, I just buy it. But never thought of it as a self-gift.

Gabriell, BOGO = Buy One, Get One.

Well said, Chi83.

Exactly after all that's when the best sales and prices are so I definitely take advantage of that to get things for myself and my husband, it would be silly not to. We can't afford to go out and buy willy nilly any time of the year but at a time with reduced prices sure, we can enjoy the splurge a lot easier.

sjerin, I had no idea there were such chairs; I envisioned a recliner with a long extension cord ;) so I googled and saw pictures. Do you know if they are available in any local stores? I would have to actually try one out before I would order it. I don't know if the store will let me return the chair or not. It is THE store where the people-who-have-lived-here-forever shop, but it is my first purchase there.

RC, I googled the handles. That might help, but I'm not sure if it would actually reduce the amount of pressure that is needed to push the lever down. My shoulder is already sore from trying.

Thanks to both of you for the replies and suggestions. Both are helpful.

Sue

My grandma has the electric recliner that raises her up to almost a standing position - it's been a lifesaver for her.

I'm a self-gifter this year. I bought a new camera for my birthday and Christmas. It's a Canon PowerShot SX50 HS, an update to my older Canon. I unpacked it tonight and am getting familar with it. Of course, I got approval from my wife before purchase. She said yes, if I gave her my other Canon.

Oh-oh, I've stepped on some toes. I'm a little surprised at the tone here. The KT has lots of posts that complain about the commercialization of Christmas, yet...here we have 'self gifting'?

I don't buy 'willy nilly' at any time of year. We are careful shoppers. You are more apt to find me at T J Maxx than at Nordstrom's -- on the rare occasion I do shop. Shopping is a chore for me, not a pastime. I probably save bundles by not shopping for diversion. (There was a time...LOL)

The best buys are not only over the holidays. Of course advertisers are going to encourage you to spend -- to 'treat' yourself because...whatever.

Like maire_cate, if I see something I *need* at a good price, I buy it -- but I'm not telling myself that I 'deserve' a *gift*. "because it's Christmas". I still think that's the reverse of the message for Christians.

Speaking for myself, the end of the year is a good time to evaluate my financial status. The school taxes (!) have been paid, etc. I can see how much I earned on freelance work and eBay sales, and figure out how much I'll spend (on gifts for others) for Christmas. If I'm in good shape after that, it's a practical time to buy something for myself.

It's also a fun time. Christmas is celebrated in a non-religious way by many people who don't call themselves Christians. I am one of them. I don't buy into the gross commercialism of the holiday, but the lights, the music, and presents under the tree are a much-loved family tradition.

Whether one celebrates the birth of Jesus or simply the time of year, I see nothing wrong in treating ourselves, along with our loved ones, if we can. And if we want to. When my husband was alive, I never bothered getting anything for myself. He was the best gifter ever.

It doesn't sound like any of us here are going nuts with this. I am incapable of going nuts with spending--and thank heavens for that.

If you're talking about my post, no negative tone intended or implied.
Said it in more of a joking tone in fact.
And believe me shopping is not fun at all these days, stores are definitely not wheelchair friendly and some people seem like they just don't see the big red wheelchair trying to get through either. Lol

Wow! The censure for buying myself a gift seems disproportionate to the gravity (or lack thereof) of the action. I can't believe how hurt I feel by your judgments, Maire_Cate and Chisue. I think I need to be excused from the table for a little while.

For many years when I was a struggling single mom (with an ex who wouldn't pay child support).......I barely had enough money to buy my girls christmas gifts., I went without a lot of things back then ...not just gifts but what most people consider essentials. My parents and siblings never bought gifts for me or my children (a whole other post).
I guess I did a good job of convincing my children that.."mom doesn't need anything"...because they never bought me presents until they were adults . Haha

Then one day I realized I could buy myself a gift. It was usually something
from the dollar store. I would by a candle or bubble bath, or something and wrap it for me from Santa.

Now, even though we are retired and money is tight, DH and I buy things we need or want during the year as the budget allows. We don't really buy each other birthday or Christmas gifts though. And this year, I think we are only going to buy for the grandchildren.

For many years when I was a struggling single mom (with an ex who wouldn't pay child support).......I barely had enough money to buy my girls christmas gifts., I went without a lot of things back then ...not just gifts but what most people consider essentials. My parents and siblings never bought gifts for me or my children (a whole other post).
I guess I did a good job of convincing my children that.."mom doesn't need anything"...because they never bought me presents until they were adults . Haha

Then one day I realized I could buy myself a gift. It was usually something
from the dollar store. I would by a candle or bubble bath, or something and wrap it for me from Santa.

Now, even though we are retired and money is tight, DH and I buy things we need or want during the year as the budget allows. We don't really buy each other birthday or Christmas gifts though. And this year, I think we are only going to buy for the grandchildren.

Fun2Bhere. I have no idea why you think I'm censuring you. Perhaps you're thinking of some other post.

The OP said she had read an article about a new kind of shopper and asked if we self-gift at this time of year. I merely replied that I don't and that I hadn't heard of the concept of 'self-gifting' at Christmas. There's certainly nothing wrong with that - obviously by reading my post you'll note that I buy things for myself too.

I had to go back and read through the posts to find yours. If you or anyone happens to find something that gives you pleasure then more power to you. I think it's important to find things that bring happiness and cheer into our lives.

This post was edited by maire_cate on Sun, Dec 1, 13 at 15:02

We don't have much family, so buying gifts isn't an issue. I get my daughter and her boyfriend something....whatever it is that they need or say they want. That is it. We don't exchange gifts between the two of us....Jody and I. If I want something, and have the money, I buy it. He never spends any money on himself. For my birthday, I "gifted" myself with a mule. I just "gifted" myself a horse for Christmas.

I buy myself things as I need them - usually my skin care when I am down to the last back-up in my case. I have very allergic skin and am always afraid of reformulations or products being discontinued. Then there is the upkeep of my auburn hair colour. I buy most of our clothes at a consignment shop (the store carries men's wear as well) - and this includes purses, scarves and hats. So if something comes in that fits and is a good make - as in it might last - I will buy it because if I don't someone else will and fast. I love to be there when someone brings items in to consign just in case. Re house things, if something breaks and needs replacing, well not much choice there. We have very few to buy for - mostly gifts for people on the Secret Santa office list, my husband's departmental assistant, the groomer, that type of thing. We do buy now for the 2 year old and 3 month old grand nephews but that is it. If I see something in Dec. at the consignment shop that I want that is not cheap the owner will call my husband and tell him that is what I want for Christmas. My husband has his mother's taste and it is pretty awful! He also used to go to the men's shopping nights. I look terrible in yellow gold and I do not like zodiac medallions - of course I got a Leo the Lion on a bright gold chain. I look terrible in purple and am allergic to angora - so I got a purple angora sweater to wear with said Leo the Lion medallion. Then there was the boxed gift said of Chanel perfume and powder - allergic. You would think he would just call the 2 people I buy my skin care from and ask them what I need! But no, he will buy whatever some young lovely is pushing .....Of course the dog lives the life of Riley - we spend a fortune on him year round as well.

I only buy for the grandkids, and I'm so happy my daughter wanted to start this years ago. Xmas used to be NUTS. Now not so much. Although grandson informed me that Hollister is just for young teens now, not him ,after all the clothes I bought him there last Xmas. Now it's JCrew or American Eagle. GD used to be like that but not anymore.

I exchange no gifts with husband anytime thru out the year. He bought me a police scanner one year and other forgettable gifts so no gifts . I self gift year round if I see something I like.

I bet no one will be able to top the gift Marilyn Sue received from her DH one year -- the forklift. Why bother trying? LOL

No, it was not a fork lift, he already has one of those. It was a riding mower. :)

Sue

I would love a riding mower as a gift! It would be a luxury.

Not when you were in your mid 70's and have a lot to mow! Anyway, he never brought it home for me, kept it at his business for a long time and now it is at daughter's house. We already had a bigger mower and our sons in law do our mowing any more. I used to mow it all by myself

Sue

I got a riding mower for Mother's Day in 1978- but then that's what I had requested. We had just bought our first house and it had a huge yard. DH was working long, long hours and I knew I'd be the one to keep the grass maintained most of the time.

Yes, I actually enjoyed mowing and always mowed our place and we own about 6 acres. Then he bought this big zero turn radius mower and I would not use it and by that time I was having shoulder and neck problems when I mowed and the boys started mowing for us, so when he bought this gift mower I think it was actually something he wanted to have to use at his business.

Sue

Oops! Sorry for the mistake. I just remembered it was only 'supposed' to be a gift for YOU, so it fit into this thread's theme about 'self gifting'.

We had a typical suburban home on a quarter acre, but I mowed the lawn there for many years -- at first with a little electric mower. (Took *forever*!)

Sue, I'm 70 and have a lot to mow out here in the country--and I don't have a riding mower. So yeah, it would be a luxury for me. :-)

I used to mow all of our acreage in Oklahoma but I had a nice Snapper riding mower. My neighbor lady and I would have mowing races we had about the same amount of land we managed to have fun and get it done quickly.

When we lived in Dallas area and had a few acres we went and bought a new John Deere lawn tractor, we got it on Mother's Day but I told him it was my gift to him and my gift was that he would now take over mowing! He wanted that Deere so bad he agreed and I have not mowed anything since!

Not exactly self gifting, but last week I was cutting a piece of wood on my table saw when it gave up the ghost. Started running at twice normal speed, motor started burning! I yanked the cord out of the wall. It's now toast, but I did get 20+ years out of it. So later I said 'Gee, my table saw is broken; sure hope Santa has room in his sleigh for a Porter Cable model # PCB220TS'. BTW I haven't posted much lately; been enjoying my retirement big time, it's been 11 months now. I used to post from work but now I'm too busy :)

The tradition in this area is that there are big sales just after Christmas (marooned merchandise), so if I were considering getting something for myself that I'd wanted for a while, it'd most likely have to wait until the day after Christmas Boxing Day Sales!

Actually, I've heard that some folks take a gift that wasn't hugely wanted back to the store on Boxing Day, to get the list price ...

... then go around shopping to get (more stuff) on sale.

I'm more inclined to get needed stuff throughout the year, not more or less save up (for, possibly, some hinting around to family or friends) for hoped for receiving at Christmas.

I share the view that Christmas is more for sharing, of giving of oneself, than of getting something for oneself.

I think that as one ages, one feels less need for more stuff, especially as one looks forward to downsizing as one moves from a traditional home into an apartment, condo, etc.

And after one has selected the stuff to shoehorn into the apt./condo and felt rather sad as one parted with the long-held, and valued, extra stuff ... one may not be enthused about giving scarce house-room to some new thing that one scarcely has any need for: would have preferred one of the items that had been given away, as there wasn't room for it.

ole joyful