Preparing for Christmas

cmrule

I had a bit of a shock when I realised there were only 2 pay days left before Christmas!!
I'm doing my best to spread the cost and stress by looking for good deals now.
Anybody got any tips?

I came across this site on twitter which has has lots of deals from various shops listed (e.g. half price toy) - some people might find useful: Santas-Little-Helper

Any other tips/ideas would be appreciated!

Since the shopping has officially started.....can somebody pass me the mulled wine!!! :beer:

dizziblonde

I've been buying the kids' stuff for the last couple of months - that's pretty much all done now... just a couple of adults left to buy for and that's that. Eldest's getting a lot of Happyland stuff (since it's nice for the younger to pick up, look at and chomp on as well) which I bought reduced in ELC a month or so back. Then when Tesco do the double up vouchers on toys I'll get birthdays sorted out since they come at the start of the year too (or clothes like I normally do with doubled up vouchers for the next clothes size up).

cmrule

dizziblonde wrote: »

I've been buying the kids' stuff for the last couple of months - that's pretty much all done now... just a couple of adults left to buy for and that's that. Eldest's getting a lot of Happyland stuff (since it's nice for the younger to pick up, look at and chomp on as well) which I bought reduced in ELC a month or so back. Then when Tesco do the double up vouchers on toys I'll get birthdays sorted out since they come at the start of the year too (or clothes like I normally do with doubled up vouchers for the next clothes size up).

Wow, that is super organized! Good idea about doubling up of Tesco vouchers.
Boots often do good deals (3 for 2 etc) this time of year as well - so I'm keeping my eye on that.

bethl79

I've bought nearly all my kids toys during the last week or so, there seem to be sales everywhere at the moment so I have been able to pick up a lot of things that were on my list for half price.

I had a fair bit from the sainsburys and tescos toy sales, but also have picked up half price bits from ELC (& extra 20% discount on top), Isme (signed up as new customer and managed to also get £30 off £60 spend), House Of Fraser (some decent offers at the moment) and Tk Maxx also had some good buys.

Haven't a clue what I'm getting for the rest of the family though!

savingjenny

My best tip is to tell the grandparents what your kids NEED. Whether that is a new duvet cover or wellies or football boots etc.

Also if you do stockings, start a habit of making some of the contents useful - new pair of socks, gloves, new toothbrush, nice sponge etc

ClaireJollies

I have been spreading it out over the last couple of months just because I usually leave it so late... It will be nice being able to get an early night this Xmas eve!!

chanie

I try and buy throughout the year to maximise offers and bargains - plus it spreads the cost out. Due to my maternity leave (reduced pay) this year, I havent been in a position to do as much as I normally would, so am playing catch up.

Look in the boards here (grabbits, low/no spend, old style) for bargains.

I buy a few extra xmas food items with my normal grocery shop - I barely notice the cost e.g. yesterday I bought a roll of wrapping paper and a chocolate Santa for £2 from Aldi.

Rather than buying big presents for people, I sometimes get lots of little gifts, which I pick up as I see them.

Ask people what they would like - saves your trying to think of something and you have time to bargain hunt (sister in law said she wanted a particular perfume which is currently half price so I'm going to get her that).

Prepare some of your Xmas food now. I bought some carrots from Aldi for 50p which I'm planning to prepare and freeze. On Xmas day, I will just need to hear them up - no peeling or slicing.

dizziblonde

bethl79 wrote: »

I've bought nearly all my kids toys during the last week or so, there seem to be sales everywhere at the moment so I have been able to pick up a lot of things that were on my list for half price.

I had a fair bit from the sainsburys and tescos toy sales, but also have picked up half price bits from ELC (& extra 20% discount on top), Isme (signed up as new customer and managed to also get £30 off £60 spend), House Of Fraser (some decent offers at the moment) and Tk Maxx also had some good buys.

Haven't a clue what I'm getting for the rest of the family though!

Kiddicare doing 3 for 2 on their own branded Buzzing Brains stuff too.

flamingo747

Homemade gifts for people "from the kids" but actually from everyone can save loads. Setting a family-wide spending limit.
Next year I'm hoping to start a 'christmas charity shop challenge' so max spend of £5, all gifts much be charity, secondhand or regifted
Oh year, and I usually regift from my family to in laws and vice versa

Yorkie265

I recently found this ebook at CognitasOnline dot com and it has loads of great ideas for traditional family entertainment on a budget. It is called 'Christmas Party Games for all ages' and is available in ebook format from Cognitasonline.com or from Amazon.co.uk.

It is just crammed full of ideas for fun games for everyone from small children to elderly grandparents.

Simple to read, with tips on how to plan and organise your party this little book is ideal for a low cost Christmas at just £2.99.

melancholicscrub

bethl79 wrote: »

I've bought nearly all my kids toys during the last week or so, there seem to be sales everywhere at the moment so I have been able to pick up a lot of things that were on my list for half price.

I had a fair bit from the sainsburys and tescos toy sales, but also have picked up half price bits from ELC (& extra 20% discount on top), Isme (signed up as new customer and managed to also get £30 off £60 spend), House Of Fraser (some decent offers at the moment) and Tk Maxx also had some good buys.

Haven't a clue what I'm getting for the rest of the family though!

very nice idea!! i should do that also..thank you for sharing..:)