Old Style Christmas Preparations for Christmas 2013

ajmoney

I have been busy reading this thread today to get some ideas for Christmas presents so thanks guys. Can anyone suggest something to send to Australia? I would like to get something better for my brother in law than a calendar which is the normal last minute resort.

WantToBeSE

Hi All

Due to the severe lack of funds and the desperate need to save as much as possible this year, i have already told my family that they are all getting £10 gift vouchers this year

So, i only have to buy for my children who also know that they wont be getting loads of gifts. Instead, we are going to buy 3 or 4 board games and spend Christmas Day playing them as a family.

I have also spent today writing out my CD Menu and the shopping list to accompany it. My plan is to get 1 or 2 items every week.

Skint_Catt

ajmoney wrote: »

I have been busy reading this thread today to get some ideas for Christmas presents so thanks guys. Can anyone suggest something to send to Australia? I would like to get something better for my brother in law than a calendar which is the normal last minute resort.

Something like this?
http://www.houseofbath.co.uk/shop/family-tree-picture-stand/kv227/product/details/show.action?pdBoUid=8008&promo=1116&cm_mmc=GoogleBase-_-HOB-_-Product%20Feeds-_-na&CAWELAID=520006060000071430&cagpspn=pla&gclid=CJnkl5K-37kCFYfMtAod1jAACQ#colour:,size:

C xx

whitesatin

I bought some gents' valet trays as table gifts. They were reduced in the JL sale a few months ago. Looking online now, I am so pleased with what seems to be a real bargain (unless they are reduced again). That is a nice feeling when you know you have reasonable gifts for the difficult to buy men in your life and don't still have to face the task of buying them, not to mention the expense. I bought one for my husband, one for my son and my son in law, all of whom are disorganized and leave stuff lying everywhere. They will have no excuse come Christmas. LOL.

Uniscots97

WantToBeSE wrote: »

Hi All

Due to the severe lack of funds and the desperate need to save as much as possible this year, i have already told my family that they are all getting £10 gift vouchers this year

So, i only have to buy for my children who also know that they wont be getting loads of gifts. Instead, we are going to buy 3 or 4 board games and spend Christmas Day playing them as a family.

I have also spent today writing out my CD Menu and the shopping list to accompany it. My plan is to get 1 or 2 items every week.

Not sure how old your kids are but how about the candy cane santa sleighs? Also Poundland have some great DVD's, Home Bargains for popcorn/sweets. Also when SS was younger I got some extra games from freecycle and wrapped those.

double_mummy

ajmoney wrote: »

I have been busy reading this thread today to get some ideas for Christmas presents so thanks guys. Can anyone suggest something to send to Australia? I would like to get something better for my brother in law than a calendar which is the normal last minute resort.

could you make a website or a facebook page for just you and him and fill it with pictures and little notes of memories and silly things that he might like then he can add to it and a promise to go on it at least once a month to do like a family exchange blog

Missmarple

I'm just getting some things together to make Chilli Jam for presents. I've never done it for gifts before so I would like to make them look nice. I just use old jars for mine which are fine but I don't mind buying some cheap jars. Does anyone know where I might get these jars cheap and the paper tops etc, I can make my own but I really don't have any idea how to do it as it's my first time trying to make them look nice and Christmassy.

I have read some of this thread but not all of it so I am sorry if preserving have been covered before. I don't mind being pointed in the right direction.

Thanks

mramoeba

Missmarple wrote: »

I'm just getting some things together to make Chilli Jam for presents. I've never done it for gifts before so I would like to make them look nice. I just use old jars for mine which are fine but I don't mind buying some cheap jars. Does anyone know where I might get these jars cheap and the paper tops etc, I can make my own but I really don't have any idea how to do it as it's my first time trying to make them look nice.

Thanks

Hate to say it but Ikea have the cheapest Kilner jars i know of. They start from about 80p, very traditional with the flip liddy thing, and I use them for chutney, bath salts and sweetie jars. I've even been known to pile fairy lights inside (with the lid ajar) and it looks brilliant.

WantToBeSE

unixgirluk wrote: »

Not sure how old your kids are but how about the candy cane santa sleighs? Also Poundland have some great DVD's, Home Bargains for popcorn/sweets. Also when SS was younger I got some extra games from freecycle and wrapped those.

Thanks They are 9 and almost 14.
Good idea about poundland stuff, that'll do for the stocking fillers. My mum and sister always buy the books and computer games that they like too.
I have 1 or 2 things that they have on their list. Oldest wants some headphones for his xbox and i think youngest will want the new Skylanders that comes out nearer to the time.

Uniscots97

WantToBeSE wrote: »

Thanks They are 9 and almost 14.
Good idea about poundland stuff, that'll do for the stocking fillers. My mum and sister always buy the books and computer games that they like too.
I have 1 or 2 things that they have on their list. Oldest wants some headphones for his xbox and i think youngest will want the new Skylanders that comes out nearer to the time.

I got wireless headphones in home bargains last year for SS for his playstation. They were £7 then, I've seen the same this year but didn't take note of the price.