Christas DFW Style

piptom&AndyPandy

Hi
Hubby and I just sat down to look at Christmas - it's our first one really (ignored it last yr because had just gotten married). I was just wondering if anyone has tips on how to do it cheap. I looked at the list of family i'm expected to buy for an almost fell off the sofa!
Any tips gratefully received!

Pip
xx

boredofbeingathome

I would look on the special occasions and celebrations board. Hampers are very popular, with themed ideas.

Also please don't put yourself under pressure to buy, especially if on DMP..it just makes it harder for you. Set a budget and challenge yourself to what you kind get for that..families are very pleased to recieve a tin of sweets, lots of offers at the moment for those or even a selection box each. It really is the thought that counts.Are you any good at crafting, lots of good ideas on that thread as well.
Good luck with the hunt, i personally get a big kick out of bargain hunting.

balmk

For me, step one would be to write a list and stick to it; very hard to do I know, especially when the shops start tempting you with offers! I practically had to do my shopping last year with blinkers on!!

In all seriousness, by making the list it not only lets you budget, but also gives you an opportunity to really think about what you are getting for people. I can't even begin to count the number of times in the past that I've gone on a major spending spree (hence now been a DFW!) thinking that I need to show my love and appreciation for my friends and family with expensive gifts.

Since I've taken the time to really think about what I do for people, I have managed to spread more joy in one Christmas with a re-framed photograph of an old photo that my Gran had of her parents (and thought she had lost) than with all the flashy toys and expensive perfumes from all the previous Christmases put together.

taplady

balmk wrote: »

Since I've taken the time to really think about what I do for people, I have managed to spread more joy in one Christmas with a re-framed photograph of an old photo that my Gran had of her parents (and thought she had lost) than with all the flashy toys and expensive perfumes from all the previous Christmases put together.

I agree with this idea :T - the other year a couple of calendars I made for my Mum and Sister with old piccies of us all in them were the best things they had at christmas and cost virtually nothing.
My 2 boys (16 and 18) really loved their mini hampers with a big mug in them, chocolate flakes, marshmallows and loads of different hot chocolate sachets, much more appreciated than any of the expensive presents.

boredofbeingathome

I had to laugh at the bit about perfumes. I often wonder about the bit on adverts, you know where they have some flash young thing trying to sell you perfume or aftershave..i so know it will not turn me or hubby into those people.
I would be offended if they bought me anti ageing cream as well..i mean who wants to be told this will make you look less like and old bag:o :rotfl: But i will still buy it for mother in law:rolleyes: :rotfl:

buxtonrabbitgreen

I must admit I have been boasting a bit lately. The only christmas presents I still have to get are for my ds and his family abroad and have decided to send them money this year as I usually spend more on postage than the presents. I delivered them personally last year, which was nice but had to pay to check a bag as the presents were not suitable for hand luggage.
Too late for you this year, but try and start buying in the sales after christmas so you can spread the pain, like I have.
I can now afford to go on the 2 evenings out whithout worrying if I can afford them.

mummytofour

My advice is say good bye to the list!

Another idea perhaps would be to get all the family members together and just buy for one each. All names into a hat and do a secret Santa thing??

MrsPorridge

Over the years I have cut down tremendously with Christmas presents and we now tend to buy just for the children in the families. Things came to a head several years ago when I handed my brother a Christmas card with a tenner in it. He opened it said "thank you", then handed me a Christmas card with the same tenner for my present! We both burst out laughing and from that moment on have never bought each other a present or given money to each other. We don't need to demonstrate our love by giving presents I will always be there for him and he for me. Having said that many years later we are now both married and we just buy Christmas presents for each others children and its never more than £5.

Pippilongstocking

HIya
I have to say, we only buy for children - its supposed to be what its about isnt it?

i am also a terrible hoarder of things from charity shops like nail polish sets (75p) (New boots 3.50 job) - anything new and in packaging I tend to buy and stash away in my present box, local soap place has a tonnne of things half price at the mo, so lots candles for 50p (reduced from 3.99) have gone in too - then I take the lot out have a good think and pair the pressies with the right person (if htat makes sense)

My SIL has a great way too, she keeps freebies, any good finds and makes a box up for each of my kids last year my daughter got a collection of childrens books from a paper (black beauty etc), pasta book, hot choc sachets, some socks, some silly sweeties and some hair things - its a great pressie auntie liz's box - maybe something ot think about for next year.

Skippycat

I like to start the xmas shopping early as it is less of a shock to the bank balance in December! Also I love the Boots 3 for 2 offers at xmas for presents as it helps save a bit of money.

This year I'm going to be making my own xmas cards again rather than buying them.

I've been lucky this year to win quite a lot of stuff through competitions. A few of my prizes will be used as xmas presents so that'll mean less to buy as well. :beer:

Burlesque_Babe

Start using the Grabbit, Freebies and Vouchers board religiously to pick up stuff much cheaper (or free!)