Old style Preparations for Christmas 2011!!

snookey

Okay its nearly that time of year again and hints and tips needed to make sure that its an affordable one.

My tips;

Get the childrens christmas list now and start buying,

Argos has an offer on buy three pay for two,

Look on ebay charity shops or free cycle for toys,

Set a limit on the amount each child will be allowed and stick to it,

Let your child know the amount allowed for presents if they are old enough,

Food;

Try to set aside an amount each week for christmas food. If like me you tend to spend it buy food stamps.

squeaky

Hi

We have a long thread on preparing for Christmas, so I'll add your post onto it.

Thanks for the tips

snookey

Oops sorry thanks squeaky.

squeaky

No problem

chirpychick

Hi
Im just starting to panic a little bit about Christmas now!
I usually buy everything throughout the year from charity shops, carboot sales and freecycle or in the January sales.
But we have had a tough year and now spent so much time doing the above and i now find myself with a few things but completely unprepared and completely lacking in money.
Stuck with the inlaws again (i love them but would also love a break).

So my plan at the moment is

BIL, SIL, Niece, Nephew- Gingerbread "people", mince pies, peppermint creams in a nice box - This has to be posted and should be appreciated as SIL doesn't ever bake. We stopped doing proper gifts as they never ever say thank you and i find it really rude so this is a token to say thinking of you.

MIL - WW cookbook (already got),
FIL - WHSMITH £10 voucher
plus also a small hamper with gingerbread, mince pies and christmas cupcakes.

Mum and step dad - Gingerbread, cupcakes & peppermint creams in a nice box.

Nan and grandad - stockings (already brought) gingerbread, mince pies, peppermint creams (have to be posted)

Hubby- gingerbread, cupcake, secret book storage, sat nav case, and completely stuck for ideas

Goddaughter - already got - 2 disney princess dress up outfits (need to wash and stitch on a button) £3 carboot, disney princess books £3 dora explora bits from freecycle and pink smarties.

best friend and bf - christmas cupcakes

3 dogs - hm biscuits, carrots and oranges (their fave)
guinea pigs - sticks and plants, carrots, other bits i can find on walks
hamster - chew toy
mice - chew toy
cat- dentabits

So its very foodie based but thats the only thing im any good at!! I cant knit, dont have a sewing machine etc.

I need to find either cheap tins or sturdy boxes (preferably tins though) please does anyone know where i can find them?

I also need some more ideas for hubby.
its hubbys birthday on 2nd october and i brought him hankies, socks, gloves, walking trainers, raincoat, from the sports direct sale and a cd and hacksaw from amazon but its left me completely stumped about christmas! he doesnt really have any hobbies except he likes DIY.

For the person looking for jam jars have you tried the local recycling centre? also freecycle.

TrixieB

chirpychick wrote: »

3 dogs - hm biscuits, carrots and oranges (their fave)
guinea pigs - sticks and plants, carrots, other bits i can find on walks
hamster - chew toy
mice - chew toy
cat- dentabits

For the person looking for jam jars have you tried the local recycling centre? also freecycle.

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

Jars - check out tesco/asda value apple sauce or mint sauce - they are regularly as low in price as 10p a jar, and if you have a large jar to decant into - or freeze the apple sauce - then you can reuse the jars I did this 2 years ago

findingmyfeet

morning all,
well this threads been extremely quiet this week, where is everyone? hope its because you are all working hard on your preps............

Finally got my list of gifts done and budget set-although i would like to get it down as low as possible-i have put £350 aside for gifts and food but if i can save anywhere i will. think most of the budget will go to dd as she is desparate for a new phone-her words not mine!!

have started a knitted squares blanket managed to do ten so far they are in different shades of purple and cream for dd to have in her room at uni.
Iam also thinking of doing scarves and hats for my 3 nephews to go with bits and pieces i will buy them, they are all into pirates and skeletons so a pattern with those on would be great.

i have started buying a couple of extra tins in for the store cupboard so hopefully by christmas i will just need fresh stuff and this week i am hoping to source some good priced fruits etc ready for the cake.

hows everyone else doing??

ifonlyitwaseasier

well i'm working on my list,

Outlaws have said we'll not do pressies which means they'll get us things so i'd better be prepared!!
Parentals - no bliddy idea!!
Siblings - most likely vouchers for their fave gaming store
Hubby - well i have been given a list..... he isn't getting half of it!! lol,
Friends - i think i'm going to say to all that as i'm skint i'm card sending with love

food wise
Lidl have started with the yummies, mini stollens are back plus the choccies

Changingme

I think I will have to follow this site as never very organized,I have paper and cards in and some money put buy but not made any lists yet.Last year made christmas cake when school broke up but as I'm of for a month after op on legs there is no excuse.Am now of to get sorted.:snow_laug
1.List for pressies.:xmassmile

2.List for food and drink.:beer:
Might even write cards out.

Cheapskate

Hello all

I'm doing a lot more home made things this year, for all the usual reasons - economy, like making stuff, been given some fruit to use, can raid my mum's material stash :j .... you get the idea!

Got some spicy tomato chutney on the go today, need to find a nice apple jam or cheese recipe to use 2 huge carriers full of Bramleys. Got some brambles in the freezer (vodka) and going to get sloes next week (gin).

There are some lovely ideas here - hope people don't mind me pinching some!

A xo