New Thrifty Gifty - Organised for Christmas and all ocassions 2010- Santas Challenges

fedupandskint

I've redone all my present lists and totalled everything up

Done very well on the budget totals

Have about £20 left for brother's present and will see how far I can stretch this (eg itunes card on offer and a jumper or top)

Have about 2 or 3 small things left to get mum - plenty of time left for this

Plus when I was tidying the spare room up I found the Muppets Christmas Carol which arrived a few weeks ago and I'd forgotten all about it! Its now in a safe place ready to watch

Can't wait for the Earlybird Christmas Shopping Weekend to start to cheer me up a bit

djstar80

Thanks mum2one Here's my take on these.
The Freezer
Luckily I did this last week! It's frost free but needed a good clean!
Food List
This is something I must do. I have a box full of xmas cook books and magazines that I have collected over the years which has been sitting in my bedroom for the last few weeks and I keep telling myself that I need to start planning the food and menu's etc... but something else always seems to get in the way - so I must do this soon!


Halloween
I have started this but still need to finish it off and start buying the bits I need. I might do this tonight and then pop into town tomorrow to pick up some bits.
Half term - October
As this half term is on halloween I can fill at least 3 days with halloween activities etc so just need to think of 1 or 2 places to take the kids to get them out the house.

Stockings
Already got this done in my xmas notebook

Ebay
Thanks for the info on this - I've got a few bits that I have been wanting to list for a while but didn't want to pay the listing fees in case they didn't sell.

Christmas Lists
Already got these done

Secret santas presents
I'm hoping to make my £10 on e-bay this week, so fingers crossed!

Christmas Tree
Did this last weekend and made an inventory list.

Christmas paper
I do not have any xmas paper and I'm kicking myself for not getting any in the sales last Jan! This coming Jan sales I am going to make sure that I stock up!
Time for the chat
I always buy for everyone or if money is really tight at least make something as xmas is only once a year and I think it's nic to give something to show you care.
Pampering
Oooh I like this bit lol! Not sure what I am going to do yet but I will def be doing something lol!

Christmas Cakes
No one in our family like xmas cake so no need to do this one.

Hampers
Not sure if I'm making any this year but will keep an eye out for anything that can be used for them.
The School Presents - Mums challenge
Thanks for reminding me about this! Every year I completely forget and then the girls come home the day before they break up for the xmas holls and tell me that they need gifts for their teachers! I then have a very stressful evening running around like a head-less chicken trying to find something that they can give lol! I'm going to sit them down this weekend and get them to decide who their buying for and what type of thing they would like so I can get organised.

The I wants.......
This is a good idea My 2 oldest want an ipod. They asked for an ipod touch but I really don't think that I will be able to afford 2 of those so any info on any ipods and prices would be good as to be honest I have no clue about what they are other then they play music lol!

"Don't forget"
Did this last year as got fed up of never knowing where anything was!

So, quite a bit to do, but looking forward to it

elysia2003

Can I just add something to think about next month. I hope you all don't mind.

Our school and church makes up shoe boxes for OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD with gifts for children in war torn places etc. I do this every year, I feel more christmassy knowing that I've done my bit to help a child who wouldn't otherwise get a gift. Please see the link for details - it really doesn't cost a lot.

Real_Toothfairy

fedupandskint wrote: »

I've redone all my present lists and totalled everything up

Done very well on the budget totals

Have about £20 left for brother's present and will see how far I can stretch this (eg itunes card on offer and a jumper or top)

Have about 2 or 3 small things left to get mum - plenty of time left for this

Plus when I was tidying the spare room up I found the Muppets Christmas Carol which arrived a few weeks ago and I'd forgotten all about it! Its now in a safe place ready to watch

Can't wait for the Earlybird Christmas Shopping Weekend to start to cheer me up a bit

Have a look on Tesco clothing for the jumper for your brother as there is 20% off atm and an extra 20% code floating around.....if u cant find it pm my and I will get it for you x

Legendmum

I was thinking about doing this! Starting now would be good as my son is 2 and he can learn about helping others less fortunate! Although we regularly sort through his toys and clothes to give to the 'babies', charity shop, although he does tend to get carried away and try and give everything to the 'babies! Plus with all the glitches and bargains I do feel I should give something to others! Thansk for reminding me Elysia! x

djstar80

Thanks for the kind welcome mum2one, Susan42, Mary-op, Fedupandskint and Elysia2003

Susan42 - I love your pots of snow - they look fab!

fedupandskint

Thanks Tooth Fairy - just having a look now

I was just compiling a list of drinks to buy from Mr S from their TTD range which have about 1/3 off. Going to use my Luncheon Vouchers to buy 6 bottles of wine and hope they apply a 25% off if you buy 6 (will check first otherwise will buy 4). Aiming to get 6 bottles for £25.48. Lets see how I get on tomorrow and hope they accept the vouchers again like last year!

Then use nectar points to buy some spirits and that's another job ticked off and see if I can withstand the temptation of the washing powder offers on - don't think I'm strong enough to withstand that one!

Real_Toothfairy

Has just occurred to me how rude I am!! I burst onto this thread and didnt even introduce myself!!! lol

Well.....38 years old, married and mum to a 20 year old daughter. My daughter has ADHD and has done really well.......has been a long hard road but we are all getting there. Name Real Toothfairy comes from the fact that I used to be a dental nurse lol and I used to spin stories about the Toothfairy to the kids (still do).....They all think he/she is my friend......all the kids make sure they let me know they have a wobbly tooth so I can let the fairy know in advance lol I tell the kids that the teeth get given to people that dont have teeth!!! Or they get made into false teeth ewwghhhh!! lol
Anyway dont work atm as have a long term illness following an accident. Therefore I have time on my hands to always find the bargains!! Recently got a sewing machine so I could get back into sewing/crafting/making......havent used one since school! But have found it a breeze to get back into.
Well thats me!!!

Edit: Forgot to add that I am from London x

pinkflop

Hi Real toothfairy!

Mum2one - the vodka is so easy - got from a thread somewhere on here! Empty out a bottle of vodka, chop some strawberries up so they'll fit through the neck of the bottle. Roll strawbs in sugar and put in bottle, to fill to 1/3 of the bottle. Pour vodka back in (I have some left - not sure what to do with the little bit - maybe find a small bottle and make more!), put somewhere cool and dark. Shake every day for a week then store for 2-3 months. Yummy!!!

Single doctors - I know there are some - hoping to bag myself one!!! lol!!!!

Legendmum

Oooh shall I do thewhole intro thing now cos I feel rather rude too! Im 26 years old, actually 27 since Wednesday! Keep forgetting that! I have been with my partner for 4 and a half years and we have a 2 year old son who is quite a handful! My mother did nickname him Phil Mitchell! I live in South West Wales and am a qualified teacher although have never got a job due to lack of jobs out htere and then getting side tracked playing Mummy! So most days I spend playing Fireman Sam and on the hunt for bargains! x