The Christmas 2007 merged thread

buxtonrabbitgreen

Yes I am planning to do this too. I already bought all my christmas cards for next year when they were reduced in Sainsburys last week. I also have the first series of bay Watch box set, which appeared in the post, I dont know from where. Mind you I coulndt think of anyone to give them to this year, so I dont think I know anyone who will want them next year, unless I make a new friend who is a Pamela Anderson fan. LOL

in_my_wellies

I have collected Goldfish points and this year I redeemed them for M&S vouchers, 2 presents sorted

dlb

I am in too!!

Still have piggypoints boots vouchers left over and have enought to order 3 more, all of which will be going towards next xmas.

My family and friends loved the hampers i made them this year, so i will be picking up a few things each week and storing away ready for making them next year.

I will also be putting £15 a week away towards kids presents and hope to go and get reduced xmas cards and paper this week too.

prophecy_grrl

Christmas 2007 challenge sounds great - Count me in!

Debt_Free_Chick

Just remember to avoid anything that looks or smells like a Farepak type of scheme :eek:

If you want to "save" for Christmas, please use a savings account. Even if you don't get the absolutely best rate for the whole year, some interest is better than losing everything. ING has a consistently good rate, for example - not always the top rate, but always a good 'un (at least, so far, to date).

fesdufun

Jamtart6 - this sounds like a great idea. Can I join you? Although I buy stuff when it is on offer I always end up spending a small fortune. The trouble is I end up giving people more because I feel tight spending less than I usually do. So I don't save anything and end up having to wrap up more.

I am also going to cut back right back on those I buy gifts for, try to make as many gifts as possible and recycle by using charity shops, boots sales etc.

With the money I save I plan to sponsor two children through World Vision to help my children to appreciate the simple things in life like having enough to eat, somewhere warm to live and clean water to drink.

I was just wondering if anyone else has done this in the past and if so did you tell people what you were planning in advance? I thought about putting a small note in the thank you letters.

auntie_brenda

Me too - have already started with Boots BOGOFs and free mini shampoos etc. In my sig already!

I have £60 piggy Boots vouchers, and £15+ on card (was down to 62p in November. Only spent £8 cash, rest was piggy vouchers, and not that many of them, so thanks Boots for all the points, double points vouchers etc!)

Will also get some John Lewis/Waitrose vouchers.

This Xmas has cost me £329 cash for £412 presents. £250 of that was cash for DD, DS and pressie for DP from non-voucher taking outlet:eek: :eek: :eek: . My plan is to persuade them they want presents, not cash, and from 'proper' shops like Boots & Argos!!!

Target - £450 value, £150 spend :eek: :eek: :eek:

loopylass30

Im up for this 1 also, i really need to cut back on my spending so ive a challenge ahead i think
Im gonna save my piggy points for vouchers, boots.
save all online survey points up and cash them in at the end of 2007 for vouchers
oh and im really gonna get my 20p anad 50p saving club built up, really wanna do the £2 saver but my son use to end up using them for his dinner money...lol

lil_me

I can't go out and buy a lot unfortunately due to lack of space to store it, but I would be up for the challenge, managed to do this years without getting into debt/struggling so will try to do it again. For weeks I have been forgetting about pigsback/quidco etc so need to start that again, same with eBay. I usually manage by buying cash/vouchers myself. Lost all confidence with companies like Farepak etc so not willing to even go there.

caravanlover

i have now added a few bits more for next christmas, got four pressie that are not really me, and my mum got another couple, so did the kids that they did not really want

i know it seems a bit tight or some may say harsh. but hey, i am just recycling;)

the less i spend on next christmas, the more we have to spend in disney on christmas day:T

most of the bits will go to helpers and teachers and football helpers things like that, wont scrimp on the family, but them i only have my hubby 2 kids and mum and dad to buy for

merry christmas everyone and keep those new bargains coming on here

lets see who can get finished first