Christmas 2017 mega index/christmas chat!!!! Yes, it's early I know :)

I've put a hold on Xmas stuff as I'm really toning it down tgis year especially as the kids are getting older (8&4) so they have stuff they choose more than just what I find. I'd rather they both had a small pile of great presents that get loved and used rather than stuff I'm charity shopping in a few months time!

We have had birthday in he last few months and there is so many toys still in the house! I'm going to do another couple of charity bags for older unused stuff then look at what is wanted and needed for Xmas as it's crazy the amount of stuff they have. We have a big family so they get loads of presents, so I'm sure we don't need to buy even a quarter of the stuff we do! I'm going for quality and use this year with a couple of wants from the Santa list and THATS IT!! We are in our new home this year with a bigger mortgage and lots of work to do to the house it's just conpleatly crazy to go mad for one day!

My health is not great and winter is really hard for me I'm hoping for relaxation and less stress!

We always go and see the pants on NYD and I'd love to have more Xmas experiences and less stuff!

Hope everyone's shopping and prepping is going well - I will come back when I have made a list!

Was looking at GH recommendations and the Favorina (Lidl brand) marzipan stollen bites are on that list. Can I hold out until December, I wonder? I promised myself a single pack of mince pies and no more this year

Sorry I know it's late but I have just ordered two toys from Ar*os and one from Ama*on. Whoo hoo ! that makes 4 . ( one arrived earlier in the week ). I have also bought some mince pies bb date - end of Nov. They'll be lucky to get to the end of this week :rotfl:. Will be going to town tomorrow so will see if I can cross anything else off my list.

donnajt wrote: »

Hi All - having lost my job due to illness, I'd really like to make a little family hamper for each of my brothers and sister - money is an tight - so thinking homemade/poundland,range,home bargains etc

any ideas to start me off?

Can't offer much advice myself, but wanted to say I am in a similar boat. My contract at work isn't being extended and I will be out of work on the 26th and at this moment in time I don't have anything confirmed lined up.

I am wondering whether I should suggest to my siblings we don't get each other presents this year, or impose a small budget? I just feel bad because I love getting presents for people, and I don't want them to think I don't care.

donnajt wrote: »

Hi All - having lost my job due to illness, I'd really like to make a little family hamper for each of my brothers and sister - money is an tight - so thinking homemade/poundland,range,home bargains etc

any ideas to start me off?

Add charity shops to your list!....Some of my absolute favourite gifts have come from charity shops/second hand places (I collect books - out of print some of them)...last year I found a delightful wooden ornament for Mum for just a couple of pounds....for the children, books, games and jigsaws can be picked up (just check the condition...some charity shops accept jigsaws with a piece or two missing!!!!...but this will usually be labelled)

If you have 'The Works' near you, then now is the time to start hunting there.....earlier on this thread I mentioned the bargain calendars and diaries....they also have some really good books, art materials and children's games.

It is almost time for the shops to clear the shelves and place the Halloween and Bonfire specials out ...followed in early November by Christmas stuff....so right now is a good time to look for clearance bargains as shops will get rid of items cheap when clearing the shelves...Our W H Smiths have a shelf of offers on felt-tip pens and pencil-cases (left over from the Back To School shelf)

You can get a lovely selection of bath/beauty products from a Pound Store...including some decent brands....also, if there is a gardener amongst the adults you are buying for, I have been reliably informed that the Poundland gardening tools are excellent vfm!

And I will often buy a £1 pack of candy canes ...and some of the cheap chocolate coins...maybe a small Choc Santa/Snowman..and attach a couple of pieces to a cheap present for a child, it makes it look more exciting and Christmassy.