7 Weeks until xmas, how are we all doing ?

Seaxwyn

I have no savings and am hoping to get presents for free. I just have to get things for my four kids, my god-daughter, my sister and my sister in law (we have a draw system in the family so each adult only buys for two other adults).

For the kids - outgrown toys/clothes from a friend who has older kids who luckily keep all their stuff in immaculate condition. I've already been promised a box of K'nex which is my son ticked off, fingers crossed they will have something suitable for the girls.

My sister and sister in law are more of a problem as they are both well-off and also generous so I want to get them something special. Any ideas? I had thought of:

- making compilation CDs copied from the library
- setting up a website for SIL to post pictures of her kids (she has relatives all over the world so this might be useful to her)
- planting up a flower-pot with mixture of spring bulbs so they get surprise spring display

I would be really grateful for any other ideas.

sophiesmum_2

Second xmas now sorted without using creditcards etc.
Saved for vouchers over year - next year saving with mum in her account - had £450 for pressies.
Bought good stuff in sales over year for pressies so when actually got vouchers had many pressies already and freed up spends for other items. Just bought myself and kids,some new outfits,shoes, and boots, guilt free.

Also got Boots vouchers from pigsback through year and used with 3 for 2 offer and double points this weekend so maximised value.

All cards, paper etc bought in sales last january- and will be doing same again this year.

Food wise I have saved some vouchers to use for last minute bits and pieces.Have also bought Turkey when on half price offer at tescos couple of weeks ago, and have been adding a couple of luxury items to shopping since August so have nice little stash of goodies ready for the big day.Also going to use tesco clubcard deals to buy some magazine subscriptions for two presents.

Just got stockings to sort out for DS1 DS2 DS3 OH and family friend, already done DD's. and that will be xmas all sorted and no debts:T :T :T
Good luck everyone else on sorting xmas dfw way

sophiesmum

Sophocles_2

Like a few others here my Christmas purchases are coming out of November's wage. Thankfully I have just started a different shift pattern which earns an extra £3k a year, otherwise I would be sunk.

My friends and I took a vote and decided that we couldn't really afford to buy gifts for each other, new families and all that.

For my mum and step-father I have decided to make them food parcel with some nice little treats. Nice cheeses, pickles, biscuits and such. I did the same thing a few years ago and they loved it. The whole thing together cost about £15, box and wrapping paper not included, and they commented on the personal touch.

The only other gifts I'll be getting this year are for my OH.

pms

I managed to finish my Christmas shopping last weekend! :T

I managed to stick to my budget as well!

Very proud of myself

skintasusual

Just to say thanks to the OP

This thread has kicked me into action, just been listing a few things on ebay to help take the sting out of xmas!

yeslek

i still have a fair few things to get and its not stuff i can realy scrimp on ie kids toys / games etc

i;v cut corners where i can but i'v still spent about £130 on stuff.
i'v done 2 for 3 offers and points and cashback everywhere i can which i'v made about £25 on cashback wise but i still have a fair way to go.

i havnt resorted to credit cards as yet which is a plus and i still have novembers payday to get the rest of the presants sorted.

will have to do the ebay thing to raise some more dollar though me thinks

CoD_2

we're making most presents this year, Mr Cod has planted up pots with different layers of bulbs which worked out okay price wise, i have been making jam, preserves etc like its going out of fashion, for hampers, erm I have to buy bro something, make biscuits and buy our food (cost covered) then we're done. made cards so just need stamps.

bobsa1

Most of mine done. Just DH to sort out but that shouldn't be a problem. I've been shopping all year and taken advantage of sales, bargains etc. Amazon really helped.

I've got £40 of pigsback vouchers for waitrose to use for special shopping (hope to get at least another couple) got a £10 voucher from Lightspeed for WH smith so can use it in the sale to get started for next year.

£175 on M&S card (paid a bit on every month) to spend on anything else we need and lovely food over the hols.

£130 on quidco to use for nights out etc.

So all in all I'm really pleased that we won't have to find loads of money this xmas and should be quite painless!!

spud30

I'm ashamed to admit I haven't started yet.

Only have the kids to buy for, me and DH dont buy for each other and we have no other family.

I had some money saved towards food and presents, but the dog had to have an operation last week. She is insured, but we have to pay the vet and claim money back. Not sure what we will do if Petplan dont pay up soon.

livinginhope

I love christmas,but I find the meaning has gone (no I'm not religious),all the shops trying to entice us in actually puts me off,I will do what I do every year,buy the presents on christmas eve when I buy the extra food for the meal,most things are reduced and it's great fun.
I watch some of my friends getting stressed out worrying about presents,food family etc,we just have one mad dash at the end,by the day after Boxing day,we are pooped,but not stressed.
I would love to be organised,but I think I would find it a bit boring.DH is the same as me,so it's last minute for us.