Using National Trust vouchers for something old style thrifty

Eliza_2

I've been given £30 National Trust vouchers - was very excited for a moment till I looked at their online shop and remembered why I've never bought from them before. It's all really expensive and only suitable for gifts etc if desperate. Someone suggested pretty gardening gloves but to be honest, I bought some lovely ones from Aldi last week, along with matching pretty pots etc so why would I spend silly money?

Has anyone bought anything from a NT shop that would support an old-style thrifty way of life? If I don't find anything for me which would be a real shame, I'll just have to get a few Christmas presents.

I work in a bookshop and get a massive staff discount so books are out. Very fed up about this so any ideas welcome! Thanks - Liz

Lemoncurd

Plants - lots of the properties have plant stalls and some have them outside so you don't need to pay to go into the property.

Eliza_2

Thank you, I don't usually go to NT properties so was just thinking about the shops. That's a good plan, will investigate nearest likely property.

Hermia

What about greetings cards or christmas cards? They have lovely ones and they are not that expensive. They often have multi-packs of last year's selection of greetings cards which are very good value. They are also good for foodie treats if you feel like treating yourself or getting presents. I notice the shops in properties will often have gifts and products from local suppliers that are not listed on the website.

MrsCD

Eliza, why don't you go to your nearest NT shop and have a look at all the new things they have. There are sales two or three times a year as well and you might just find something a bit different!!

Meant to say as well that there are also some good bargains to be had if you get in at the right time.

EndlessStruggle

This weekend a lot of National Trust properties are free to get in with a voucher off their website, there is also a list of properties on there if you want to go into one to use them but don't want to pay.

hex2

Can you use them towards annual membership?

anguk

hex2 wrote: »

Can you use them towards annual membership?

I was going to suggest that, if you can use the vouchers for membership you can have lots of free days out (if you pack a picnic ).

goggler

How about one of the 'rugs' (though I honestly think it is a throw). It can be used to snuggle under in the front room, to save you putting the heating on, and taken to sit on for a picnic, in true OS style

I think they look lovely personally

MrsCD

Yes, you can use your vouchers towards buying a membership. It can be very thrifty if you add up what you would have paid to visit each place over the year. It's worth having a look at the NT website at the places near you to see what events they have on. There are often lots of children's activities in the school holidays which have no extra charge. HTH

Eliza_2

Thank you to everyone, unfortunately I can't visit this weekend as I work on Sat and Suns but it's a great offer for anyone else.

Will investigate all the other options, thank you so much. Years ago I was a member but found I hardly ever went and with the price of petrol, it can still be expensive wherever you go these days!!

Thanks again.