Damp xmas prezzies

pink_phantom

One positive thing to come out of this is that i now know exactly what I have got so no double buying of cards, wrapping paper etc. I always loose track of what I have bought through the year.

earthmother

We lost some decorations to damp in the garage last year, although luckily I'd kept the pressies in the house.

Is there any way you could repackage the gifts that aren't so badly damaged? Turn them into hampers, or get some nice gift boxes and tissue. If they're childrens' gifts, then a plastic toy tub could work well - and be appreciated by the parents (I know I always end up buying extra toy storage after Christmas).

If you really think people will turn their noses up, you could always explain that the packaging got damp in the loft.

pink_phantom

They aren't damaged beyond repair what I mean is that the cardboard packaging had gone bubbly and soggy with the wet and it smells at the moment. Hopefully they will dry out ok otherwise I will just say, sorry and explain and hop they dont think I am lying and picked them up from a car boot!

pink_phantom

MOst annoying thing is the £62 spent at Estee Lauder for a really good pal. Gutted about that but I will try and get some nice gift boxes to repackage.

hollydays

I had a newish house once with the same problem,i think it actually stated somewhere (maybe the 10 yr house guarentee) about damp there. A builder told me i needed to get an air brick-type-thing put up there.Sorry bout your prezzies too.

gyzmo

Soz about your prezzies. Still if your friends are true friends, I am sure that they won't mind about the covers if you tell them what happened, and take teh present as it is meant to be. Wrappings and covers are just that.

firework

if gift boxes are too expensive why not use a cheap gift bag and some tissue paper for the smaller gift - ie perfume etc. i think it looks much nicer than a cardboard box anyway! and don't worry too much about the kids stuff - if there is any. most parents like me are only too pleased not to have all that packaging and cable ties (grrrrr!) to deal with. Also - just explain to people what has happened - most will understand and for the ones that don't - sod 'em! After becoming financially bereft (again) this year I have had to explain to ALOT of people that they won't be getting a prezzie this year and that the kids will only be getting £20 each - as opposed to the usual £40. (that's how I got into this mess!). It was hard to do at first but people were ok about it - and some looked down right releived ! Dunno if that was because they did not have to fork out in return or because they just don't like my presents.

hope it all works out for you.

zappomatic

If you have one near you, Card Factory are really really cheap for nice gift bags and boxes, literally a fraction of the price elsewhere. They don't seem to have a website though they are a fairly big chain.