I’m Britain’s meanest gran – I’ve saved £20k giving my grandkids rubbish Xmas presents that I’ve scavenged off streets
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SCROOGE has got nothing on tight-fisted gran-of-five Emma Parsons Reid, 57, who proudly reveals why she refuses to splash out on loved ones at Christmas. Relaxing in a hot tub with bubbles tickling her chin, Emma Parsons Reid laughed to herself. The spa break cost £400, but the self-confessed “meanest nan” and husband Kevin knew they could afford it after deciding to spend a total of just £80 on Christmas gifts for their family.
![[Emma Parsons Reid is Britain's meanest Gran]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/emma-parsons-reid-britains-meanest-956010513.jpg?strip=all&w=751)
Emma’s daughter Hannah, 34, a single mum and community worker, and her five children, Elise, 17, Isabella, 14, Scarlett, 12, Lacey, nine, and Ivy, eight, get just one present each. And Granny’s gifts are usually from a charity shop, or sometimes even scavenged from the street.
![[Emma proudly reveals why she refuses to splash out on loved ones at Christmas]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/emma-parsons-reid-britains-meanest-956010541.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
“I’m Britain’s meanest nan and mum,” 57-year-old Emma, from Ely, Cardiff, proudly says. “I will use the money I save on buying presents for the grandkids on a fancy trip for myself and Kevin, usually a day at a five-star spa. “We’ll have a lovely time relaxing in the hot tub, swimming and enjoying a meal. I don’t feel guilty. Why should I? I work hard for my cash and I want it spent on me.
![[Emma buys her gifts from Vinted]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/000-spa-trips-luxurious-hotel-950910976.jpg?strip=all&w=447)
"Children should learn the value of money — and Nintendo Switches and Lego sets don’t teach them that.”. Emma’s “tight” attitude is in stark contrast to the nation’s more generous one. A survey by SunLife revealed nearly a third of grandparents expect to spend more than £150 on their grandkids.
![[She bought some used slippers for a bargain present]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/000-spa-trips-luxurious-hotel-950910977.jpg?strip=all&w=447)
