Christmas Present Challenge

charleybear

This challenge is about doing Christmas shopping cheaper then what it costed you last year or at least,
it's about buying Christmas cheaper then what it would have if you spent normally. Below are the guidelines of this challenge.
There are a few guidelines that may or may not work for you.
You don't have to follow them but it's there to help everyone
or new members to get started.

If you wish to join, post either your total budget for Christmas or the monthly budget (you will have to let us know monthly so we can update your monthly total)

To join, just post "Join" along with your monthly or overall budget and how much you've spent already.
PLEASE Post in bold colour when you want us to update you

Guidelines

• Set either a monthly budget or an overall budget of how much you'd like to spend on Christmas presents
  
• Write a list for everyone you NEED to buy for and a list you WANT to buy presents for
  
• Create a budget for each person.
  
• Brainstorm what items you'd like to buy and then after brainstorm items that will fit your budget
• Don't be afraid to scribble, note, highlight, destroy the page etc… just get a good list of what you'd like to buy. You can visit and edit this list any time.
• Don't forget to write down any DIY/home made gifts like a personalized hamper (I wanted to create an allotment care gift basket for my grandparents with gloves,hand cream, hand wipes etc…)
• You don't have to buy the exact item that is on your list.
• Do some window shopping, look at catalogues, ask the people who you want to buy items for what they like or need. Sometimes it is much better to buy what they need rather then what they like.
• Always use cash to buy Christmas presents, don't use credit cards. This can often loose your focus on your budget.
• When the list is complete or you are happy with it so far, go shopping.
• Buy presents in the sale or at discount stores
• Write down everything you've brought for people. Even if they are tiny stocking fillers. Include the price.
• Compare the actual price you paid or wish to pay to the amount that it is for. If it is cheaper you can spend a bit extra on another present. If it is more expensive then what you have planned, you can buy something for someone cheaper.
• Once you have brought everyone's Christmas presents including the little chocolates for the kids stocking; STOP shopping!
• Put any left over money in your savings or start saving for next year's Christmas or just treat yourself (We won't tell *shh*)

Don't forget to check back with us to tell us what you've brought,
where to, how much and how well or not you are doing.

You may chat here just make sure it stays on topic of the challenge.

charleybear

Username | Spent so far | Budget | How much Left

01. CharleyBear - £158.76 Spent
02. xx_Jo_xx
03. cottage_retreatist
04. LuckyPenny
05. hgotsparkle
06. good advice
07. Nelly11
08. bobsa1
09. candygirl
10. kdalwayskint
11. sefilby - £123.47 Spent

charleybear

If you'd like to get under control for christmas,
Below are some ways to keep Christmas & presents up together.


- Make a Christmas management folder.
* List of people to buy for
* Likes & Dislikes
* Gift ideas
* Presents already brought
* Presents would like to get
* Budget
* Stores to shop in (Present idea, cost, where to shop)

charleybear

Today I went Christmas shopping. I had £30 in my purse,
came out with £4 change and spent £4 on my card for a Christmas present.
I managed to get 3 people sorted in almost 1 day (I brought little bits for one of the people a few days ago).

I've almost nearly sorted out my partner though I am not spending anymore on him as I have spent over £70+ on him without me realising.
My sister's christmas presents are getting sorted slowly as she wants expensive items and doesn't know if she wants small but loads of presents or big present but less of them... (I was thinking of the term "Less is more" for her)

And I'm starting to get good ideas for others though I'm going to hold back on spending so much for a while. I have £15 left of this month to spend on christmas but I have spent enough.

I picked up loads of bargins at B&M today. I'm so going there again before christmas.

xx_Jo_xx

Ooooh I like this... I'm very guilty of ignoring my budget when it comes to Christmas

I will write my list and work out my budget/what I've spent already tomorrow

Jo xx

cottage_retreatist

hey charleybear!

I'm trying to be really organised and try and buy as many presents before December as possible which will need some budgeting so I'd love to join! I've got some paperwork to do but hopefully will be able to post up at the weekend!

So excited - I love Christmas!!!!!

C-R xx

charleybear

Same, I want to get everyone's presents done by at least the 8th of December so I 2 weeks left should I need anything else or forgot a person.


I don't really have a budget I'm just using what money I can however I won't be splashing out on anyone particularly apart from boyfriend, sister , mum and dad.


I brought my other auntie a body care set from B&M and my sister a hair curler kit thing she wanted from B&M . In december i am buying a doctor who sonic screw driver , its been ordered from my boyfriends nan's christmas catalouge but she won't get it until december and so she'd rather me pay for it when it comes (in case it doesn't or there's problems)

I need ideas on what to get my mum and my dad.
My mum doesn't want anything apart from jeans,
my dad doesn't know what he wants and everything he does it's a little expensive.

LuckyPenny

Oh I like the look of this one, can I put my name down.

I usually THINK I am quite organised, but then I usually realise
a) I have forgotten someone
b) I have forgotten I have bought something, and buy another present
c) absolutely terrible at STOP shopping. I just love Christmas and tend to go on buying when I have ticked everyone off my list!!

LuckyPenny

Missed all of my TV soaps tonight. You have really got me started on this one! I have pulled out all of the Christmas pressies I have bought so far and these come to about £69.69. I say about because I haven't kept a log until now.
I have list of who I need to buy for. I have a budget of £500 eek and this is going to be a stretch as my daughter is putting an iPad mini on her Santa list. I am going mad entering all the iPad comps, but I am signed up for a cashback website that gives me 8% off Curry's so that will come in handy if I don't win! [Keep your fingers crossed for me].

I am re-gifting 4 pressies. This year I am going to make up some 'Movie Hampers' ideal for a child, couple or family. I am going to get a DVD for up to £5 and then get a glitsy box from the card factory put in some tissue paper and add in popcorn, maltesers and may be sweets or a small pringles [from Home Bargains]. I reckon I can do it for about £10 or less.

LuckyPenny

Missed all of my TV soaps tonight. You have really got me started on this one! :rotfl: I have pulled out all of the Christmas pressies I have bought so far and these come to about £69.69. I say 'about' because I haven't kept a log until now, I might pull out the receipts to make it more accurate.

I have list of who I need to buy for. I have a budget of £500 eek and this is going to be a stretch as my daughter is putting an iPad mini on her Santa list. I am going mad entering all the iPad comps, but I am signed up for a cashback website that gives me 8% cashback if I shop at Curry's so that will come in handy if I don't win! [Keep your fingers crossed for me].

I am re-gifting 4 pressies. This year I am going to make up some 'Movie Hampers' ideal for a child, couple or family. I am going to get a DVD for up to £5 and then get a glitsy box from the card factory put in some tissue paper and add in popcorn, maltesers and may be sweets or a small pringles [from Home Bargains]. I reckon I can do it for about £10 or less.:T

hgotsparkle

I spent a total of £400 last year but this year I want to get all presents for £100.

I've set a budget of £50 for OH, and so far I've gotten him an led globe hes wanted for ages which I found cheaply at £20, then got him a couple of t shirts this morning in Tescos sale rale, £3 and £2 so thats £25 on him so far.


Then my mum I'm budgeting £20, haven't found her anything.
My stepdad £20 and haven't found him anything either.
Best Friend I'm going to try for £10 and may get her a couple fo things from everything5pounds.com when I need to order my shoes for OHs christmas do.


So, so far I'm at quarter of the way through :snow_grin

EDIT: OH has been put up to £100 budget now somewhow so now mine is:

£25/£150