Lets get started for Christmas 2011

pinkmami

Already done some shopping for it!!

Already got SIL (Body Shop sale)& niece (Boots sale & stuff my girls didn't really need) presents, 2 teachers (Boots sale), friend 1 kid (something my DS already has 2 sets of!), friend 2's kids (again duplicate stuff), other niece (stuff in the body shop sale & a candle I got to place in a hamper for her).

Wrapping paper bought along with cards in clinton today. Also got 4 presents for my girls in the Boots sale for £2.50 each!

They got the Wii this year so I know its gonna be cheaper next year as they don't need anything else (apart from a bike DD2 will need but that can be the fraction of the cost of the blooming Wii!!). It'll be easier for us as DS isn't in the creche anymore:j and the cash will come in handy to save for bits & bobs.

Last night I cut the nice christmas cards & I'll use them as tags next year. I'm saving £700 in high street vouchers with Park - always come in handy!

pinkmami

elysia2003 wrote: »

Sorry to butt in ladies, but I thought this was supposed to be aimed at making crafty stuff, as it was in the run up to Christmas.

There is a dedicated Thrifty Gifty Money Making/saving thread here that will help you and the Thrifty Gifty Organised one here.

It probably would be better for everyone to keep this thread for the purpose it was intended - making items and crafts for selling/giving.

I think you may be incorrect here Elysia - there's another thread for that xx:)

whitewing

I have got all my 'family' cards for Christmas and Birthdays today so am pleased with that.

I joined Shop and Scan at the beginning of December so will use that for amazon vouchers for DH and DS and me (as DH and I pool all our finances).

I also picked up a beautiful classic style blouse in the sales for my aunty to form part of her present. She is going to a wedding in 2012 that it will be perfect for if she hasn't found anything by then. I'm sure she'll love it anyway.

So far everything I have been bought has come out of Xmas money so not impacting on bills due. I could really do with getting my gift budget sorted and saved during this year for next year's presents. This year has not been a good one really so let's hope I'm more organised for 2011.

elysia2003

pinkmami wrote: »

I think you may be incorrect here Elysia - there's another thread for that xx:)

OK I admit I got it wrong, having see MightnightRaven's new thread. :A

But why so many threads all saying the same thing???

sunshinesquirrel

Hi all

Can I join in?? I'm usually not too bad on the organisation front for Christmas but this year I want to be super-organised. Have been to the sales (:eek: - stress) and bought my cards, wrapping paper and a few gifts. Done a bit online shopping too-Got myself some new winter boots for next year in next sale so at least i dont have to worry about that in another 10 months!!! and have bought a slow cooker recipe book from Lakeland, thanks to a free delivery code i found on another thread to try and cut down on the weekly food bill and perhaps make it a wee bit healthier too! Went to morrisons today and got my first 3 saving stamps towards the food shopping bill for next year too. So, all in all, i think i've made a reasonable start. :D

I have subscribed to this thread though so you all could keep my motivation going!!! :A

xx

whoopidoo

elysia2003 wrote: »

OK I admit I got it wrong, having see MightnightRaven's new thread. :A

But why so many threads all saying the same thing???

I thought this was the craft one too off to find the other one, it does get confusing!

LolaLemon

Can I join too?

Im new to this whole site, only joined in November, and im joining soo many groups haha, hopefully i stick to them all

************

My aims for Christmas 2011 is

• get wrapping paper - ive had my current lot for 3 years now, but im down to the last roll.
• dont need christmas cards - got a few boxes last year and forgot about them! (put them in with the christmas tree, but i didnt go get that down till a few days before christmas - do'h!)
• collect hamper type boxes, baskets etc.
• pick up bargins throughout the year
• aim to wrap as i go, or at least by November - I am NOT doing it all on Christmas Eve again!
• aim to be as homemade as possible - not including my son, who will be 4, and try as i might, i cant replicate many of his prefered toys.

Also, to generate some cash, I aim to make:

• 12 baby blankets (1 a month)
• crochet some toys to sell
• crochet toy cakes for little girls tea sets
• jumbo cupcakes - need to find a stockist of boxes to fit! (pic of 1 is on my blog)
• a collection of 'luxuary' scarves, hats and gloves
• knit baby building blocks
• make those wheat bags to heat up

All to sell at christmas fayres, or carboot sales in September/October.

I will be back here for more hints and tips, keep it all coming

7roland8

Re Cards - have gort all mine now for 2011 - used to write them all eraly around Sept and then add personal notes in December before sending/giving - but last year did the basic messages in January before putting them away when all still fresh in my head.

Update

dont need christmas cards - got a few boxes last year and forgot about them! (put them in with the christmas tree, but i didnt go get that down till a few days before christmas - do'h!)

My sister does that - I find it better to keep cards somehwere accessible - then they can be sorted and done early.

angelaloveschocolate

May I ask a question please, I've recieved some perfume as a Christmas gift. I would like to know if it would be suitable to keep and be regifted next Christmas? Does perfume 'go off'? I really want to reduce what I spend on Christmas next year and I'm planning to do as much regifting as possible and think this would be a good start. thanks for your thoughts.

Kazsaver

Hi everyone

I would like to join in to for next Christmas. I was so disorganised this year what with a nasty cold then all the snow I plan to have it all sorted by end of November 2011.
I would like to make most of what is needed and buy every thing else when in a sale etc.
Look forward to following everyone's progress
Kaz x