Please post all Christmas freebies here

now_a_mum&skint

Hi guys, Thanks again to you all for the posts, am gonna do the vodka and truffles definitely, And, I second that Princessa, would like to know where to get some nice bottles to put the voddy in xxxx

relynutz

thanks for all the tips every1, some of the ideas are really good

Luna69

Hi
Am relatively new to posting here, but I love this thread, some great ideas.
I have 3 children now and so money will be really tight this year, especially since we have a relatively new business and trying to clear off our large amount of increasing debts.
I make my own cards generally so providing I set to soon enough I usually make all my own cards for Christmas maybe have to buy in an odd box just incase... I've ordered some reduced cards from the studio catalogue my sister has, but only a few packs.

I also try to make my own gifts, the grandparents usually get little mini brag books or scrapbooks with photographs of the kids from throughout the year, they usually go down well.
As it happens we've recently started our own photo gifts to add to the business so at least this year we can do something with that regards photo's of the kids.
My brother usually makes a calendar on the computer of his kids for the grandparents too.

I love doing the basket type thing, but I am hoping this year to decorate some tins ( I kept the large sweet tins from last christmas to alter/decorate), then I will fill them with items, not sure what yet however.

Normally at Christmas we buy the kids presents and the adults (about 9 of us) were all putting £10 each in to a kitty, pulling a name out and just buying for that person totalling £80. But we were having to write lists out of what we would like for the person buying for us, it was getting harder trying to think of things sometimes and the likes of my Gran would look in the argos catalogue, work out items to her total and list them. Basically she could have just gone and got them herself, there wasn't much fun in it and I sometimes like to think of gifts for people even if they are only small, so I'd usually add in a small gift, just so it was something they didn't know they were getting.
This year my SIL has decided it's silly so suggested that we just spend £10 per couple and just by consumables.. drink, chocolates, cake, sweets etc then it's a surprise and whatever it is will no doubt be ate or drank.
While I like the idea of spending £10 a couple on a surprise gift, I'm not too sure about it just all being food or drink, usually at Christmas we need to cut down on that stuff! :rotfl:
So looking for suggestions on what else we could do?

I like the sound of the couples nights in baskets, what would you put in those?
Also I have a friend who's baby is due on Boxing day, so want to do her a post pregnancy relaxation tin or basket, not just toiletries though, any ideas?
Also possibly a new parent basket for both my friend and her partner.

Will keep checking out this thread. :T
Yvonne

StudentLife

In my local branch of Poundland (Southend) they have lots of manicure sets/make-up brush sets that come in nice cases, for £1 (obviously!!!)

They would make a great gift for people that you don't know very well but have to buy presents for, or great stocking fillers. I know i always lose my tweezers so they would come in handy for me!!

Also, they often sell full size toblerones (selling for up to £3 elsewhere) and boxes of chocolates (variable brands). People will think you've spent much more than £1!

Keep the ideas coming, it's a great thread. :j

lynsey78

Like others im saving my boots points and my pigs back points - which seems to take ages to aquire!... quite often with remainder boots points i treat myself to a little something for all my hard work lol!

Also use codes for la redoute that get sent to me to get money of things, just got a nice ripcurl handbag for my sister in law and only cost me £7 thanks to a discount i had with a recent statement.

I also write reviews on doyoo and ciao and cash my points gained for amazon vouchers... all helps...

wooo hooo i love christmas

sara1980

i have also posted this for any pipex customers may come in hamdy for xmas pressie or a treat for yourself....

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=254884

Kerryc82

Luna69 wrote:

Hi
Am relatively new to posting here, but I love this thread, some great ideas.
I have 3 children now and so money will be really tight this year, especially since we have a relatively new business and trying to clear off our large amount of increasing debts.
I make my own cards generally so providing I set to soon enough I usually make all my own cards for Christmas maybe have to buy in an odd box just incase... I've ordered some reduced cards from the studio catalogue my sister has, but only a few packs.

I also try to make my own gifts, the grandparents usually get little mini brag books or scrapbooks with photographs of the kids from throughout the year, they usually go down well.
As it happens we've recently started our own photo gifts to add to the business so at least this year we can do something with that regards photo's of the kids.
My brother usually makes a calendar on the computer of his kids for the grandparents too.

I love doing the basket type thing, but I am hoping this year to decorate some tins ( I kept the large sweet tins from last christmas to alter/decorate), then I will fill them with items, not sure what yet however.

Normally at Christmas we buy the kids presents and the adults (about 9 of us) were all putting £10 each in to a kitty, pulling a name out and just buying for that person totalling £80. But we were having to write lists out of what we would like for the person buying for us, it was getting harder trying to think of things sometimes and the likes of my Gran would look in the argos catalogue, work out items to her total and list them. Basically she could have just gone and got them herself, there wasn't much fun in it and I sometimes like to think of gifts for people even if they are only small, so I'd usually add in a small gift, just so it was something they didn't know they were getting.
This year my SIL has decided it's silly so suggested that we just spend £10 per couple and just by consumables.. drink, chocolates, cake, sweets etc then it's a surprise and whatever it is will no doubt be ate or drank.
While I like the idea of spending £10 a couple on a surprise gift, I'm not too sure about it just all being food or drink, usually at Christmas we need to cut down on that stuff! :rotfl:
So looking for suggestions on what else we could do?

I like the sound of the couples nights in baskets, what would you put in those?
Also I have a friend who's baby is due on Boxing day, so want to do her a post pregnancy relaxation tin or basket, not just toiletries though, any ideas?
Also possibly a new parent basket for both my friend and her partner.

Will keep checking out this thread. :T
Yvonne

Yvonne, I have done a few baskets for people leaving on maternity - they usually include stuff for the baby i.e. teddies, clothes. I also wait until Boots have 3 for 2s on their brand of baby products, such as cotton wool, baby lotion, talc etc. We put it in a box, wrap it up and put tinsel in it. We would also get the person some bits for themselves (such as a small bottle of their favourite tipple, like gin or something)...and something from Warren James like a silver bangle/earrings. We put some ear plugs in too as a joke present )

Saving at christmas in general - I usually buy most wrapping paper and bows in the january sales, have some that I bought in Jan 06.

What I do with old christmas cards too is look through them to see if you can cut out any pictures from them and make them into gift tags (either make a hole in the top corner and tie some cotton through it, or just fold a corner over and celotape it to the present).

Maysie

My pet hate is cheapo christmas crackers full of lumps a plastic that drive you barmy when you stand on them!

The last 2 years i have been buying make you own and giving eveyone a personalised cracker. I use the computer and printer to get there name in a fancy font (.my handwriting is terrible). I look out for cute little windup things for the kids and for the adults i used some Free little perfume samples i had been given.

The truffle receipe has given me new ideas for this year though.

Last year Tesco were doing the 6 luxury red and gold make your own sets for £3.17 they came with the cracker,snap and cheesy joke. I am sure there are cheaper ones around but i live in a small town so i don't have much in the way of choice.

nearest poundland is 30miles its not fair lol

vikki_louise

Sallys_Savings wrote:

I have brought christmas baubles in the woolworths sale (16 for 50p) to use as gift labels on my baskets.

Just sit the basket on cellphene, gather up and tie with curling ribbon with the bauble looped through. Write on the bauble like a gift label.

It gives a really professional finish

WOW, i LOVE this idea!

vikki_louise

my bargin of the year was from tesco's, i never have much luck in the sales (nor does my mum) how ever on this occasion mum came across a 1p sale. sadly most of the stuff was gone (I suggested mum went back and cleared th shelf), but i got 2 packs of fairy cards- 20 in each and were nice, for yes you guessed it 1p per a pack! for each card and envelope cost a 20th of a penny! Also got some gift tags, weren't anything special but for 1p for 10 they will be fine! Watch out for this sale after xmas