Advent Ideas

minimacka

I would like to make some kind of advent parcels i.e little gifts that i am going to wrap up so that they can be opened each day on the follow up to Christmas. I would like to make one for a girl which i am finding it very easy to do, some of the gifts will include pens, ribbon, buttons, pins, gems, jewelry, cupcake cakes, sprinkles, she is 19 and is very easy to buy for. The others are for 2 boys one ages 16 and the other 19, i am a bit stuck for 24 gifts, i know i can put some sweets in there, socks and deodorant but apart from that I really need ideas. I also wanted to do it without spending very much and to be as cash neutral as i can i,e, if i have a £1 off voucher i will put the £1 into a purse to buy the advent gifts. So any ideas would be very much appreciated Also maybe any freebies?
Many thanks

MM

murie

I do this for 6 people ranging from 16 (DD) to 68 (mom). I collect freebies all year round,mascaras (maybelline have always got a promotion going on), perfume samples (Boots are good for this). I keep an eye on the Freebies board for most of mine.
I agree that the men are the most difficult- aftershave samples (Boots),socks (multipacks can be split), sweets and chocs. Cups (£shop) filled with sweeties. This year I intend to make hot choc on sticks wrapped in acetate. (basically melt choc and stick a marshmallowon a stick and set it in the choc-there is a link on this thread somewhere). I often duplicate the pressies on diff days.
Have a look in The Works if you have one-they very often have bargains on books etc.
Look on the grabbit board too as there are always little things going on that can add up to an impressive advent calendar! (ie multiple buys and glitches- especially good one last christmas on chocolate oranges !)
hth

dw85

have a look on firebox.co.uk or menkind for some inspiration. I think they also do a £5 and under section. If not, find something you like and see if its on ebay.
Deck of playing cards, drinking game sets(for the 19yr old), keyfob lights (actually keyfob tools...i.e bottle opener), mini-nerf guns (even grown up boys like toys!).
Hawkins Bazaar also do some nifty little joke presents and niknaks.
You can get boxes of 'Reindeer poo' (chocolate raisins), silly christmas hat or santa hat, M&S usually do small chocolate father christmases.
Small microfibre towels (Millets but TKMAXX and Sports Direct do them cheaper).
What are the boys into? Outdoors?Sports?music?Movies?

If they are outdoorsey types, theres loads of little bits and pieces you can get, just have a browse round camping shops then have a look in Tesco, Sports Direct or online to (usually) find it cheaper!

kingfisherblue

Boots had travel size Original Source men's shower gel yesterday in my local branch - 10p each

You could also put in mini metal puzzles. Home Bargains often have packs with about nine in the box, but they could be split up. I can't remember if they are £1.99or £2.99

Sachets of decent coffee or cappucino

Mini spinning top - I have yet to meet a man that doesn't play with these when given them :rotfl:

Coaster

Maybe a mug if it isn't too big

Pens

Compass

Keyring

Comb

Mini puzzle book (most supermarkets have a selection)

Miniature whisky/similar for the 19 year old

Car tax disc holder (for 19 year old, if he has a car)

Packs of dashboard wipes/mini squeegee/bottle of wash & wax/air freshener (as above)

Mouse mat

Phone screen covers (packs in pound shop for popular phones)

Stapler/hole punch/paper clips if student

Pack of cards

Bookmark

Small diary

Book

sethsgran

How about a yoyo and also a game of Jacks.

minimacka

Wow thank you so much for all your suggestions i am now on a mission lol.

I didnt think i would be able to find 24 things but i think with a bit of thought it will be very easy now.

x