The Christmas 2007 merged thread

Leonie

*flutterby* wrote:

I've noticed lots of lovely 'food' christmas gifts half price in M&S... They all have BB dates of Feb 2007, which I really don't believe that choc & alcohol would have SUCH a short date... what do you guys think?

Maybe they are already a couple of years old!

clairg_2

i may seem daft but whats piggybacking and quidco?

Leonie

I've never really given much thought to Christmas in previous years until it's right on top of me, but this year I bought my Christmas cards, wrapping paper, bows and tags from Matalan in October really cheaply - 3 for 2 I think. The paper was very good quality, quite thick - survived even my hapless wrapping!

And there's enough left over for next year too. On Wednesday I added a pack of those 'handmade' cards from the Asda sale - I usually think they are too expensive even to consider buying them.

I was really pleased with myself - but having read this thread, I've just realised I went into town today when the sales are on, and didn't even think of looking for presents for next year, or for birthdays.:o

But I'm inspired now - I shall brave the crowds and go again tomorrow:j

lato161105

I'll jump in to savin my nectar points, ipoints, piggypoints, ipos vouchers, and lightspeed now paying in cash to my paypal account which me an the hubby do then transfer all the money into one paypal account for next xmas already got £12 between both accounts as well as my shop an scan account which will work out about £50 so that ds clothes sorted for next xmas

nicki_2

I have "special" cards bought at 30p each, not all of them but I'm hoping to pick up some more from other shops. I can't seem to get some names like "mum and dad" or "brother" but there are thousands of grandchild and "granny/Gran and Grandad/Pa" ones :rolleyes:

I have normal cards that I bought Christmas Eve 2005 I still have well over a box full so no problems there and I will probably have enough for Xmas 2008 as well as we send so few

I have wrapping paper that I bought in July for 50p per 10meter roll which are Disney Winnie-the-pooh or 50p per 15meter roll for just festive ones :money: May even have enough for Xmas 2008 as well :rotfl:

We have gift tags that Santa passed on last Christmas that I forgot to use this one so they'll do next year As for non-disney ones we make our own on the computer

Next year we'll be at my IL's for Christmas (unless we've moved house) so I won't have any food to buy, just a cake to bake :j

I've already got a standing order set up for £50 a month to pay for all Christmas/birthday (under 18's or special ones only) /anniversary gifts and car tax. Plus I'm working on pigsback to get Boots vouchers or CD-Wow vouchers

I've been planning for future Christmases for ages and it makes my life so much easier and cheaper :money::j

Pollybear

I've got three boxes of cards and a box of crackers, all half price. I've still got plenty of paper and tags left. Need to sort out my "Christmas" drawer now to put it away. I got very excited over Christmas when I got a couple of gift bags without the tag written on......squirrelled them away quickly!

earthmother

clairg wrote:

i may seem daft but whats piggybacking and quidco?

Pigsback and Quidco are cashback sites - go to your usual shopping sites (Boots, Tesco etc) via these sites and you get a percentage of your spend back.

With Pigsback there are also daily and weekly competitions, weekly 'clickthroughs' for instant points, and various mailing lists etc you can sign up to for points. The points can then be converted to shopping vouchers. There's a thread on the freebies board all about it.

Quidco is more a direct shopping site, there are very few sign ups or instant payouts - but it is still easy to build a good balance up as they have so many varied links (shopping, insurance - all sorts). They pay out in cash.

Lillibet_2

I'm already a member of Rpoints, can I use Ipoints & pigsback too? I know there is a lot of info about these on the referer board but I get a bit lost on there:o Can anyone give me a short idiot proof guide? (remembering forum rules on referring!) Might help others on this thread too!;)

Cheers;)

Elliesmum

:T Count me in. I was going to do this challenge on my own, but now I have some good company.

Just got my friend to join pigsback and I am nearly near to 2000 points with them which should get me 2 Boots vouchers.

I've calculated that if I can get between £70-£100 in vouchers I should be able to get most of the Christmas presents sorted on the 3 for 2 deals.

We also give quite a bit of wine and beer :beer: away at Christmas so I'm going to sell stuff on ebay for that. £50 shoudl do it and then it shouldn't cost me anything on paypal transfer fees.

I will update my signature when I get chance

Let the challenge begin :eek:

EM x

kippers

I have 51 birthday pressies to buy for neices nephews aunts uncles sisters brother in laws etc (not incl my two girls and hubby). I have a budget of £10 each but have managed to buy 29 presents for approx £5 each in the sales. Dead chuffed!