A MOTHER has revealed that she has just £60 to spend on Christmas presents for her two children.
As a result, Zoe Hunt is begging strangers to buy items from her Amazon wishlist.
But the content creator, who is on Universal Credit and earns cash by posting clips on social media through TikTok’s Creator Fund, has since been slammed by trolls for not being prepared.
It comes after Zoe shared a clip online asking people to buy items for her seven-year-old son and four-year-old daughter.
As she sat in her car, she urged people to “stop scrolling for a second” and watch her video to the end.
She said: “I’ve been out doing my Christmas shopping today and normally I don’t talk money online, but this year has been a lot – with everything that’s changed recently, I only have £60 to spend on presents for my two kids.”
Read more Christmas stories
Moments later, Zoe filmed herself as she bought items from Poundland and Home Bargains, including Hello Kitty loom band charms, a stress ball, a Lynx set and a Marvel keyring.
As she stocked up on the cheap buys, she added: “I am trying to stretch every single pound so I can make Christmas feel magical for them.”
The mother, who just days ago got back from a Haven holiday, then acknowledged: “I’ve had quite a few comments asking me to do a wishlist and finally I caved – it’s absolutely no pressure at all, but I have linked a little list on my profile.”
Zoe explained that her Amazon wishlist contains “small stocking fillers” her children “would absolutely love.”
There are currently 24 items on Zoe’s wishlist, including a Gabby’s Dollhouse fleece blanket for £11.99, a Bluey Hide & Seek game for £14.99 and a Monopology board game for £17.50.
As well as this, people can also help Zoe out by buying an Anpole Tetra Tower for £14.99, a Chocohugs Chocolate hamper for £9.99 and a PIKOY Galaxy Projector for £25.99.
And that’s not all, as there’s also pyjamas, slippers and oversized hoodie blankets too.
She then added: “But honestly, just watching this video, liking, commenting, engaging, that is all free – because I’m in the Creator Fund, all those views help me put a little bit extra under the tree and it makes a difference.”
Eager to raise awareness of those struggling to afford mountains of presents this December, the mother acknowledged: “I’m sharing this because so many other parents are in the same boat and it’s ok to talk about it – thank you for making Christmas a little less heavy.”
Big divide
But Zoe’s TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @zoewallaceyt, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 186,100 views in just 24 hours.
And social media users were left totally divided by Zoe’s clip – while many were keen to support the mother, trolls were also out in full force.
I honestly do understand everyone’s struggling but we have a whole year to get things, even £20 a month that’s £240…
TikTok user
One user gushed: “Commenting to help you get paid.”
A second wrote: “Reposted. Hope your little ones have a lovely Christmas.”
Whilst a third beamed: “Sent some bits to you. Hope you all have a fab Christmas. It’s not forever my girly.”
But at the same time, not everyone was as kind, as one person said: “I get it’s a struggle but parents have 12 months to prepare. I spend a little each month and look in charity shops, Facebook Marketplace and Vinted throughout the year.
Is it too early for Christmas?
Some say it’s never too early for Christmas, and there are many reasons why.
For example, decorating your home can improve your mood by release dopamine, the feel-good hormone in your brain.
If you’re an early-bird shopper, shops stocking Christmas items may help you prepare, and cut the cost across several months.
You can also look out for bargains across several shopping events – for example, end of summer sale’s or Black Friday.
One of the best things about the festive season is eating lots of delicious seasonal meals and treats – enjoying your favourite beverages and tipples.
“Maybe it’s something you can start for next year. Next year buy a gift each per month and then your children will never be without. So sad.”
Another added: “I honestly do understand everyone’s struggling but we have a whole year to get things, even £20 a month that’s £240…”
Meanwhile, someone else fumed: “Meanwhile some of us are out here working full time just to pay our mortgage, don’t have the luxury of going on holiday but instead of begging we use credit cards and loans.
“Clearly doing something wrong, I might have to start asking everyone else to pay for the kids I chose to have.”
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