Helping out family members

onlyroz

What about inviting them round for a sunday roast every few weeks, and giving them the leftovers for packed-lunches?

MatyMoo

I had friends in need a while ago and knew their cupboards were bare so I spent a weekend batch cooking and filled their freezer with home made meals.

I was worried that they would be offended but they were absolutely thrilled.

I did say it was a one off and I wouldn't be doing it every time I came to visit.

butler_helen

MatyMoo wrote: »

I had friends in need a while ago and knew their cupboards were bare so I spent a weekend batch cooking and filled their freezer with home made meals.

I was worried that they would be offended but they were absolutely thrilled.

I did say it was a one off and I wouldn't be doing it every time I came to visit.

I'd be thrilled at this too!

My BF's mum did a hamper of cleaning products when we moved into our first flat and my mum bought us a tumble dryer- I think the hint was to clean once in a while but actually they saved us a fortune! :rotfl:some of the products lasted 2 years or more... but that could be down to my cleaning.:eek:

HelenDaveKids

Me and my bf always swap childrens clothes, we have 3 each and how it falls tends to have clothes going backwards and forwards and saves us both loads, plus the kids love going through the bin bag full that arrives. I always pass on things we don't use (ie fussy cats decides fed up of brand i have a cupboard full, middle child reacts to some products and its always the ones i have a cupboard full) so i just pass on, fortunately i do equally well.

MatyMoo

butler_helen wrote: »

I'd be thrilled at this too!

My BF's mum did a hamper of cleaning products when we moved into our first flat and my mum bought us a tumble dryer- I think the hint was to clean once in a while but actually they saved us a fortune! :rotfl:some of the products lasted 2 years or more... but that could be down to my cleaning.:eek:

That reminds me of when friends got married years ago, they put a dustbin on their wedding list (pre wheely bins). I bought it, got work to half fill it with polystyrene beads and then bought them all sorts of cleaning products, dusters, etc to fill it up - a bit like a lucky dip. They didn't buy any cleaning stuff for the first year of married life :rotfl:

the_cat

Are they going to be able to produce enough fruit/veg to get gluts? If so, you could perhaps ask to buy some of your veg etc from them when harvest time comes (or swap for something else if they balk at the idea of taking your money)

Obv not an idea for now, but may help later in the year

rosie383

Another thing that helped me out of a tight spot once..... my sister sent me some Sainsbury's vouchers in the post. She said she had got them when she took out insurance and wanted to share. As they were a 'freebie' to her, I gratefully received them, and didn't think to question it.

pupsicola

I think the bogof offer is a good idea. Maybe invite them over for dinner every now and then. If you are struggling financially it can cut you off from the pleasure of socialising. Nothing nicer than going to someones house and have themmcook for you and to chat to.

Have read lots of these posts and it bought back a lovely memory. I had a long distance relationship when I was 21. My partner lived in Moscow. Whenever I went over to visit him I use to make little parcels for his friends partners. It had tights, stockings, make-up, all manner of girly things that they struggle to get hold of. Cost me next to nothing grabbing it in Boots but they loved it. Well they were putting me up and cooking for me most of the time.

In Russia then they had what was known as "foreigners shops". The locals couldn't buy things in them, only people with foreign passports. Disgusting way to carry on but they often dragged me down there and asked me to go in and grab what I could. Still makes me feel a bit sad when I think of that.

BabyJayne

MatyMoo wrote: »

That reminds me of when friends got married years ago, they put a dustbin on their wedding list (pre wheely bins). I bought it, got work to half fill it with polystyrene beads and then bought them all sorts of cleaning products, dusters, etc to fill it up - a bit like a lucky dip. They didn't buy any cleaning stuff for the first year of married life :rotfl:

This made me laugh!
All of the suggestions have been wonderful and I shall most likely use every single one of them so thankyou again!