Six months till Christmas - how prepared are you?

Darren.B_2

Definitely have a look at http://www.flubit.com/ as somebody has mentioned before. Really can save you a lot of money. Surprised it isn't such a well known site. Just put the link of any product you can find and they'll offer you it cheaper.

Rummer

I have my cards and wrapping paper in as well as a few bits and pieces for my DD as I try to pick up bargains for her throughout the year.

Now turning my thoughts to other peoples gifts, we only really buy for close family and we have decided to do couples hampers this year. Once I have decided on the theme I will buy a few bits each month to spread the costs.

Starting early also makes me happy

aberdeen

After speaking to a couple of friends have been inspired to finally go up into my attic, and have made a list of all the little extra bits and bobs bought over the years that you think you will use but just end up sitting there.
We have decided to have a swap/exchange/sell day of all the things that we have collected but dont really need ie bows and tags that dont match the paper we have left, cards left from packs that are unsuitable for who we have to send to (one of my friends has only boys and they have girl cards left etc).
Ill let u know :T

C_J

I was desperately in need of some inspiration for small, fun but inexpensive gifts to give a few coworkers (and also for my daughter to give to friends/teachers at the primary school where she works as a TA) and I think I have come up trumps this week .....

The 99p Store had some lovely metal tins, about 12" x 10" x 3" deep, embossed with the word "Brownies" on the lid and containing a little recipe book, some clear cellophane bags and some strips of silver ribbon. I haven't checked what the recipe book is like as the tins are shrink-wrapped in clear plastic and I haven't opened one yet - but it looks really nice. I had intended to open them up and re-package them filled with home made brownies before giving them, but on reflection they look pretty great as they are.

Secondly, I found some little round money boxes in the shape of "Emergency Break Glass" fire alarm boxes for £1 (obv) in Pound World. I am going to fill them with a handful of Heroes chocolates, and though these would be great little TA gifts.

nikifm

Starting to work out my Xmas shopping and planning ideas from now. Got a few bits and bobs for people and can get a few more quite cheap from OHs work but gotta start looking for the rest properly!

MrsChristmas

I also need to make a list of the presents that I have to get. I seem to just be trawling the sale sections of sites & the Argos clearance section at the moment, buying & grabbing things that are a bargain but not with any real purpose or plan, although I'm hoping that the items I have purchased already will be gratefully received?! :eek::rotfl:Mostly stocking up on stocking fillers at the moment but have 3 or 4 main presents.
I'm really struggling to think of what to buy my OH. He doesn't ever want anything or have any hobbies except work (office). I did think a briefcase but it's not really something he would use so am instead planning a night/weekend away at the place we spent our wedding night ... maybe? It's 10yrs next year & will probably be a welcome change to the usual boxers, socks & smelly set that he usually gets!

Talking about my OH... OH HOW I WISH HE'D GIVE IN TO WEARING A CHRISTMAS JUMPER!

Linz4383

hi thought id just have a browse and see if anyone else is gettin prepped for xmas! so many people are yet most people i no havent even bought there first gift!
i have had £375 high street vouchers from park (plus £40 in commission but i dnt tend to count it) im going to ring them up and get them to send out early as they are all paid
also have £40 on boots card, £35 on nectar and £73 on tesco clubcard! also save in a sealed tin so not sure whats in there!
have started buying a few bits and bobs but will sit and do a proper list later! gettin rather excited now

katie1812

I've got two packets of Christmas cards... That's it!

Was in town the other day with my friend, went into *a card shop* for a couple of birthday cards, and they had Christmas stuff out :0 we both agreed that splitting up the pay,ends for Christmas is a good sensible grown-up idea lol, so we both bought a couple of boxes of cards.

Becky_Boo

I have ALWAYS been a last minute 'middle/ end of December' Christmas shopper. Having been inspired by the MSE way of life this year - I have actually (for the first time EVER!) started my Xmas shopping already! Done my list, picked up a few bargains and even a couple of the larger pieces.

It feels good Why oh why have I never done this before?!?

Coxy11

I bought up a lot of giftsets etc. in the 75% off Boots sale, some of which I've used over this year for birthdays/teachers gifts but the larger 'hatbox' giftsets will be for 2 x SIL this year.

Bought giftwrap in the sales but will need to buy cards this year for the first time in ages as used my stash up last Christmas.

In terms of this Christmas, I have made a list and am buying bits and bobs as I see them eg. just got back from holiday in Norfolk and got a couple of bits at a craft centre, which I've put away in the loft

Noticed in Ts yesterday that the large tins of chocs are out already - £5. Don't think they would last until Christmas in our house if I bought them now :rotfl: