How to do Christmas on the 'cheap' when you're a struggling DFW thread

petrafyde

Hiya everyone.

Hope you don't mind me starting this, but with Christmas looming and three kids to provide for, I really really want to be able to give them a great christmas on as tight a budget as possible, so I thought perhaps we could post each others ideas for cheap presents and utilise our money saving ways together so we can maintain paying off our debts and not jeopardise anything on the run up to christmas! It's such a time of pressure it will be hard for some not to give in and with my record I'd be at the forefront of the runners!!! So I want to make sure there's no excuse to do it!

My first contribution to start with is of course re-using last years stockings (pound shops are great for these) and filling them to the brim with things like shiny pennies (the new pennies have a pattern on the back that all matches together and I've started collecting them for the middle one who loves jigsaws AND money ) Tangerines and other cheap niceties.

Using last years christmas cards to make tags for the parcels.

I'll endeavour to update this first post with all of the ideas as we go along if people would like

Your turn!

masterkay

Sounds like a good thread.

I know this one is a bit late now but good tip for next year. As soon as Christmas is over I stockpile anything that does not go bad that I would need for next year at low sale prices. This includes, cards, decorations, wrapping paper, even those small gift sets etc. I use cheap Christmas paper to wrap many presents, people don't seem to mind. You can even get good discounts on Christmas eve on wrapping paper etc.

This may be frowned on by some but recycle unwanted gifts as well. Make sure you don't recycle it to the person who gave it to you or anyone that could work out where it came from.

Try comping to win prizes. I don't do it myself but there is a big comping forum here and while it is a lottery it may be worth a shot. My opinion is only comp for things that you want or can give to someone you know.

What I noticed last year is the big online companies would start their sale before Christmas but too late for the items to arrive in time for the big day. So if there is someone who you won't be seeing until after the big day, hold off for the big online sales of play, amazon, iwoot etc.

Send items via snail mail (not airmail). If you are sending presents/cards to other countries try surface "snail" mail instead of airmail. You have to be on the ball with this one as I think the Australia date is soon or just wizzed by for surface mail to arrive in time for Christmas.

I'll post more when I have a think

MrsAudus2b

I am doing four shoe boxes for my neices and nephews (ages 8,6,2 and ten months) I wil be wrapping the boxes in pretty paper and filling with lots oflittle cheap gifts - poundland, tescos etc. Aiming for no more than £5 per box.

Have also used my local freecycle group...one lady was giving away 5 brand new colouring books...was well chuffed!

I also did a car boot about a month ago. As I was sorting it all out I put aside things that were still really nice that could be given as present...for example I will be giving my cousins (ages 14 and 16) a necklace each (from when I was in my big chunky jewellary stage) Also found a photoframe that had been given as a gift over a year ago in my spare room - giving this for my work secret santa.

x

SmellyOldSock

I've already bought crimbo cards and wrap from the pound shop.

I buy alot of my childrens toys from ebay, especially second hand ones, as they don't notice, they are 5, 3 and 2 years. The older ones get told we have budget and they choose accordingly (they are my step children 16, 13 and 11 years). I must also admit I start buying about July/August as the demand for stuff increases along with prices! Yes I've done most of mine already!

I also allow in my monthly budget a small amount to put aside for Christmas. My hubbie and I don't buy for each other.

This year most relatives are going to get a personalised joint prezzie from the children.

As for food, i tend to do a regular shop with perhaps some treats'. The children get lots of sweets etc so we put them all together and share.

Can't wait to read other ideas.

best wishes
Charlotte

aliwali

I'm going to make my cards this year. I have loads of craft bits lying around so I'm sure I can knock something together. If people are local I will hand deliver them to save on postage.

I don't know how old your children are but they are sure to appreciate some homemade sweets or chocolates. Also some family games that you can all play together. I think investing your time is equally if not more important that a big pile of gifts.

Can't think of anything else at the minute, will pop back later to see if there are any more ideas.

petrafyde

Our local shop has offers on with huge bags of mixed sweets for a pound. Instead of buying them a box of matchmakers each or a tin of quality street to share, this year I'll buy two of those bags for £1, share them out and wrap them in spangly silver star tissue paper which I've had for years but never used! (that also cost 50p from a poundshop!)

Skippycat

If buying books, cds or dvds first check the prices of on-line companies such as amazon and play.com. I normally find them cheaper than the high street retailers. You can normally get free p+p too! :beer:

moneymabel

This year i have bought my xmas presents using income from survey sites,bingo scratchcards,clicks and quidco ( i started very early!) It's a good way of doing it as you are not tapping into your precious wages.

savingholmes

Hi I'm a fellow DFW however I am also active on the special occasions board. Check out how do I make this, gifts in a jar, finished baskets for ideas on thoughtful presents that don't cost the earth.

I still have 2 nephews, my mum, a friend and OH to buy for but pretty much the rest are now sorted! Just as well as my job security is rather iffy!

Gifts in a jar
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=571440
Finished baskets - photos only
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1175727
How do I make this
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=622943

I also used the £10 a day challenge to help fund pressies plus the freebies section - got 2 grolsch glasses, 3 perfume samples and a few other bits and pieces so far. Also started entering competitions...
HTH

petrafyde

Some great stuff coming there guys, thanks a lot for taking the time to post. I know there are other boards but I'm not sure on the other boards they are maybe struggling the way we are with so many outgoings etc. Would be good to have our own little place where we really can babble about being skint without looking too stingy! (if you know what I mean!)

hattie_pea

I often give my sister and sister in law pampering packs - I buy the BOGOF's on nice shampoo/Conditioner/Treatments etc and save them throughout the year!