Old Style preparations for Christmas 2012!!!!!

Possession

SIRENS wrote: »

I would also like to thank whoever mentioned the dotcomshop, i bought some stocking fillers for the kids, also some notebooks and pens, thought i'd wrap them in some cello for the teachers, also one for dd as she gets very excited over a new notebook!?

It was me who put it on here but I'd like to ask people to go and click thank on AutumnGirl's Grabbit thread as it was her spot originally:
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4023777

I'm currently trying to resist placing a second order!

Nanamia

Me too Possession. I popped over and thanked the original poster but wouldn't have seen it except for your post so thank you too:) First not even arrived yet but trying hard not to sneak back on and order a few more bits.

Hmm_2

I'm thinking about making gift baskets that are themed.Either 'January Night In' or 'Holiday Breakfast' items. I've done the night inones before, so would like to try the breakfast one, but I've never made jam orany preserves before. Been thinking about trying this recipe, which seemspretty straightforward, but don't want to risk ruining the fruit and sugar. Cananyone tell me what they think of this please?

http://savelivelove.com/basic-strawberry-jam-recipe/

My in-laws aren't fans of receiving homemade gifts, so I'm hoping that something edible will be more acceptable to them

Possession

Nanamia wrote: »

Me too Possession. I popped over and thanked the original poster but wouldn't have seen it except for your post so thank you too:) First not even arrived yet but trying hard not to sneak back on and order a few more bits.

So far I'm resisting, mostly because I went through my order box of a few months ago, looking for teacher presents for end of term, and saw that I had ordered lots of the same things - spotty umbrellas, heart tissues, sparkly pens etc etc. Really how many do I need?! Next year both my children's teachers are male so that restricts the present list a bit, as I don't think they'd fancy a pink polka dot umbrella. I have mentioned it to the school PTA though as it could be a good source of father christmas pressies for the xmas fair.

Possession

Hmm wrote: »

I'm thinking about making gift baskets that are themed.Either 'January Night In' or 'Holiday Breakfast' items. I've done the night inones before, so would like to try the breakfast one, but I've never made jam orany preserves before. Been thinking about trying this recipe, which seemspretty straightforward, but don't want to risk ruining the fruit and sugar. Cananyone tell me what they think of this please?

http://savelivelove.com/basic-strawberry-jam-recipe/

My in-laws aren't fans of receiving homemade gifts, so I'm hoping that something edible will be more acceptable to them

The recipe looks fine - if you were worried you could use jam sugar instead of regular caster as strawberries are low pectin, but the lemon juice ought to solve that. For breakfast hampers, it's really easy to make marmalade from a tin you can buy in the supermarket called Mamade. It's in the section next to the jams and comes in orange or lemon flavour although I've never been able to get hold of the lemon yet. Last year I made some with a big slug of brandy and my dad said it was the best marmalade he'd ever tasted which was ironic since it was the easiest jam I had ever made! No shredding or chopping involved whatsoever. I think it made about 6 jars. I will be making some more for hampers this year and am going to try to source the lemon so I can make 2 different flavours, as it seemed to be popular with everyone who got some. Personally I can't stand marmalade myself so I couldn't test it.

SIRENS

Thanks possession, have thanked you both xxx
Would have made another order but ds birthday on thur so Have spent too many pennies already!

Possession

SIRENS wrote: »

Thanks possession, have thanked you both xxx
Would have made another order but ds birthday on thur so Have spent too many pennies already!

It's a shame there aren't really many boy presents on there isn't it? Mind you, perhaps just as well, LOL!

SIRENS

True, i got him some little bits and bobs, but he had requested Batman stuff so had already boughts other bits for him.
Mainly bought stuff foe dd for stocking, she loves stationairy bits!

princesskitty29

I just popped into town to buy some shoes and ended up buying some bits for my Christmas box! N Look has a sale on so I bought some pretty underwear and socks for my best friends Christmas bag. Also bought some pretty birthday gift bags that had been reduced to 50p. No shoes though.....!

bossymoo

I have cleared the top shelf in spare room cupboard and have put my Xmas stash up there, couple of happy land playsets and wooden cottage / dolls house from Argos sale, a board game, plus a basket where I can fling DVDs, and any cards or whatever I spot. It's good to be organised then I don't buy anything twice...

I bought my kiddies a tub of these
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Alex-Toys-Fizzy-Tints-Years/dp/B00269974S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1342353807&sr=8-1

They will be so excited!