DFD:A Tantalisingly Terrific Thread 4 a Super-Saving,Cracking Christmas! All Welcome

Buffythedebtslayer

I am very sleepy but want to be in on this. I have been saving for Christmas and have all my wrapping paper and cards (stick to just sliver and gold colour scheme buy throughout the year) but must get in on the list thing and planning

be back tomorrow

xxx

EssexHebridean

Excellent thread!

We did some homemade stuff last year -Lemon curd for my Auntie and Mum as both of them adore it - it's simple enough to make but does require some time standing over it, and a good grasp of exactly how the different levels on your cooker work as you need to be quite precise about controlling the heat. Personally, I think it's one for people with gas, rather than leccy, hobs - thanks to the controlability (Is that even a word?!) of gas. Fudge for my Dad - first batch we made went well, the second (which was intended to be for BIL & his GF) ended up in a jar as "rum & raisin fudge spread" - very tasty, but just didn't want to set. Haw jelly for MIL - simple as any other jelly and the Haws (fruit of the Hawthorn bush) are free!

This year we're intending to do pickles of some sort - I bought 2kg of shallots at the farm shop last night and a gallon of vinegar. Also we have some jars of marmalade from what we made earlier in the year and might do some chutney as well. I'm keen to look for something sweet to do for my dad (who always reckons he's not got a sweet tooth, but loves anything like fudge!) so might have a go at Scottish Tablet for him.

Other than that, I have two £10 boots vouchers and a Lakeland one from when Pigsback was actually worth doing, those will go towards christmas presents, and we will hopefully pick up a few bits and pieces when we go to the good food show. Paper and cards are picked up in the sales at New year and put aside for the following christmas, and I shall be making the cards for nearest and dearest.

jo1972

I shop all year round, depends if I have any 'spare' money when I see a bargain. Like Fay, I often buy stuff in charity shops, new stuff obviously, unless I see something that is secondhand that is good quality and clean for my kids, for everyone else I'd buy new.

Only problem with me is, that I hide stuff all over the house and then forget about it, so some presents don't get given out for a year or two :rotfl:

sortingitout1980

I always take advantage of boots when they have the 3 for 2. Last year (before my LBM) i decided to keep most of the free gifts for myself as a treat but this year they will be used as gifts for people to try and save some money.

For my side of the family instead of everyone getting presents for everyone we are all buying one present for £30 and it has to be suitable for everyone and we will then all pick one out of a bag this has saved £60 on Xmas presents straight away plus its lots more fun.

I also have a drawer of presents given to my that aren't to my taste, i put notes on as to who gave them to me and when so i can re-use them as presents for other people.

I try and save my Xmas money early on in the year so i know it is safe and sorted.

poet123

I have lots of nieces who are around the same age, so to simplify the process I choose a "theme" and buy the same type of thing for them all. So, one year it may be a handbag, or earrings, bracelets,books, perfume etc. I have also picked up some nice bnwt stuff on ebay.

september09

Morning Everybody. My internet was down at the weekend Boo!! So I couldn't get on.

Some really good posts here (Well all of them actually!) really enjoyed looking through.

Missy - I daren't leave mine till the last 2 weeks, I'm a real panic-er. I just end up thinking all the good stuff will be gone. Probably not true but I'm just a total ''waht-if'' kind of person. :rolleyes: I probably should though cos then I'd get better value for money with all the offers.

Buffythedebtslayer - Love the name! I love the idea of a colour scheme for gifts, I usually just buy whats cheap but this would look soo pretty. My wrapping is poor though. Think I need a ''how-to'' guide. :rotfl: Anyone got one?

EssexHebridean - I think controllability is a word!? I love the sound of those HM goodies. One question though - where do you buy/get your jars etc? Making cards for nearest and dearest is a great idea but I always think mine would end up more expensive than buying packaged ones - but I only get my stuff from HobbyCraft.

Jo1972 - I know just what you mean about hiding stuff then not being able to find it! I do that and also, if I wrap before Christmas Eve, like well in advance, I end up unwrapping everything in a panic that I've left price tags on. :rotfl:

Sortingitout - That sounds a great idea on your side of the family - kind of like a secret santa?! I may have to suggest that one year.
:T

Poet123 - This is my first year with Neices and Nephews but we've decided not to buy presents as we can see it getting waaaay expensive in the future. Now we just have to stick to it! Sounds a bit Scrooge but will be better in the long run.

september09

Ok, starting to panic now.

We need new decorations, food, presents, and all on a very tight purse string!!

Cards will probably be my first purchase. But what to do. I worry value cards will look to cheap and flimsy, dont think I could make my own cheaply enough, and dont know where to buy them from?

:eek:

*Jellie*

We do a Secret Santa at work and for extended family. It was getting to the stage where we were buying way too many presents as our family is quite large

september09

Ours is only £5 and I dont usually do it, cos it all adds up, but then I get some funny looks (we're only a small company).

Is it worth the hassle of not doing it?

Does anyone else have this problem?

Moneytroubles_2

Hi September!

I start my shopping on Boxing Day for the following year, but that's only because my sis goes to the sales and rings me up with "bargains" so I tell her to get them me

I tend to get my cards from Card Factory, again I usually buy these after Christmas for the following year, but I used to buy everyone an indvidual one i.e. all my nieces and nephew get their own card, well this year, each house hold will just get one saying "to all of you".

I used to pay for the shopping vouchers, but lost faith in them when a couple of companys went bust. My sister opened a savings account, and bought a note pad, and people paid into the savings account, and she kept track of who paid what into it and then when they were ready she withdrew it for them. It was good, as it seemed like hardwork having to ask her to fetch the money, where as if it was something I did myself I would have just withdrew it and spent it. Although I need to be honest, I haven't paid into it this year :eek:

My mum also collects saving stamps for local supermarket, and for the past couple of years has given me and my siblings a card with £50 on each which comes in use when stocking with the christmas food.

Again I started saving these stamps myself, as I figured if mum saved £50 and I saved £50 that would be £100 - although you guessed it I haven't done it this year :eek::eek:

As you can see from my signature I've been too busy spending the saving :rolleyes: woopsie! (lesson well and truly learnt!)

So I did a list of who I need to buy for and its as follows:

Other Half
Mum
Dad
Grandma
Sister
2 Brothers
Brother in law
2 sister is laws
Mother in law
3 nieces
1 nephew
3 children (close friends children!)

So thats 18 in total, there is also another 4 people who last year we bought for but I'm trying to get out of buying for friends, i'd rather go for a meal or something!

Also I've made the decision this year not to buy for siblings and partners who have kids, as I always end up spending a fortune as I spend 25-30 pound per person, which comes in to at least £100 per house hold! Still planning on getting a tin of chocs or maybe doing a hamper per couple though so any suggestions greatly appreciated!

I will send OH up into the loft soon, to dig out christmas presents, as I can't actually remember who I bought for last year

Oh my goodness, sorry september I've really gone on - Sorry!