omg i have started getting ready for xmas 2009

cady

im trying to be organised this xmas too and i want to be even more organised next xmas hoping to hit the sales for bargins!!!

bank_of_slate

Our tips for Christmas are:

Morrison's saver stamps - Yes I know we'd get more if we saved in an account but we're useless at doing that so saver stamps works for us.
This year we have £148 worth + the £20 voucher they did with their collecting receipts offer. It feels like doing a free christmas shop when it comes to using them.

doing the surveys to get vouchers and save them.

Buying many of the gifts online via Quidco for cash back.

Set strict spending limits for each person - next year I'm going to suggest that all the family adults do the secret santa thing so we only have one well thought out gift to buy each, we can then concentrate more on the kids in the family.
...Linda xx

Damita

Wow congrats for getting a head start!

mummy2mygirls

Well done on getting started on next xmas already!!!

I really feel un prepared for this xmas.......so next yr i am really going to try and get a little more organised.
I will be keeping all my cards to make up some tags. will be saving the stamps for tesco (did this this yr but only have £12....so will be more by next yr!!!)
Will also buy wrapping paper etc in sales and look out for presents as i plan to have draw(or somewhere....) to keep things i find as bargains in for the kiddies parties in the yr and will also look out for things that might be good for family next xmas!

I WILL be more organised for next yr and not add any to my cc!!!!!!!!

MRSMCAWBER

:T to everyone

I have picked up a few bits n bobs towards next year.. and have been sat for the last couple of days knitting part of a gift too .....Im planning to make as may gifts as possible -a bonus as not only is it cheaper and nicer -but it keeps me out of the shops :j

jenki2

Wow! Super organised! I would love to be that organised, infact i say every year i will start earlier and never do!

I always worry about buying presents early in the year, just incase other people buy it for them for Birthdays or what not. My last family birthday is October, so I guess I will start then

I have also joined the Sealed pot challenge and if i can fund Xmas off of that I will be one happy camper

Congratulations on your acheivement this year, its what i am aiming for this time next year!

xxx

Lemon_Tree

i wonder why people have a problem with others buying card, paper etc in the sales. i was brought up by my mum to get them in the sales it's something we have always done. This January i introduced OH to it, i got £6 packs of WH Smiths cards for 75p, they are fab and a complete bonus. I have also always bought things in the sales as i go through the year to get pressies for family & friends. I see it that they get more as i spend the same amount anyway, i don't understand why people think that's being cheap and tight.

SarahNeedle1872

Started today.... put £10 onto a giftcard ready for Xmas 09.... If I can put £5 pw on there out of the food shopping money, I'll have £260 by next Christmas, which is more than enough!

Burlesque_Babe

I did pretty well this year - did all the family for about £8 with pigsback vouchers and quidco money, but have ended up doing food and OH's pressies with 'real' money. The only cards I will write are for the neighbours and I give a small donation to charity for family ones and send them an e-card which they know I do each year.

I have a 'present drawer' which seems to have been busily re-producing its own wrapping paper through 2008 as I have loads in there so won't need to buy any for next Christmas!

I have a sealed pot which feels about 2/3 full, so when that is full I'll try to stay focused and use it for a couple of presents, depending onhow much is in there.

Need to get back into click thrus etc in 2009.

pavlovs_dog

great to see you all getting organised, but to those of you you buy stamps/gift cards thorughout the year PLEASE be careful. if those companies should fold during the year (as several companies are predicted to do) then you could lose all your cash.

in the current uncertain climate you may just be safer sticking your money in the bank or a sealed tin.