Thrifty Christmas at last!

Hezzawithkids

This morning I got my "Christmas" credit card bill - I call it that because I like to get all my pressie shopping out of the way by the end of November so I can concentrate on menu planning and getting the house ready.

With just one (minor) present left to buy I have managed to cut my Christmas gift spending in HALF this year - and credit for a large portion of this achievement must go to MSE!! :T It's not that I've bought fewer gifts - if anything my list has grown due to some new additions to the family since last year - but by starting even earlier, hoarding some items during the year, careful research, watching out for sales and bargains via the forums, saving loyalty points for presents, agreeing a Secret Santa deal with some members of my family, for the first time since I can remember I won't need to dip into my savings - or my stash of £2 coins (see my sig) - to pay for Christmas! :j

I'm so pleased with myself and just wanted to thank everyone out there in MSE land for making it all possible!! :T:T

springdreams

Well done :beer:

clairabo

Good for you. We've felt the pinch this year and as I don't own a credit card and we have my 1 year old added in I thought we'd be pushed to the limit but I've managed to shop sensibly and found some great bargains. I've even started to put money away for next year without worrying. This site has really helped especially with toys for my kids and I'm forever on Amazon looking for heavily discounted gifts. I might do the £2.00 thing myself so I can treat myself once all next years shopping is done!

joee

Congratulations! Well done!

kdalwayskint

I am definitely feeling the pinch this year OH not been working for a couple of months and its starting to get a bit tight!

He starts work on Monday which is a relief but still leaves things tight for having spare cash for Christmas.

I am not going to be caught out again so I will be putting a bit a side each month starting in January, and buying items that are in sales and stashing them!

chanie

Well done you

Last Xmas, I got most of my shopping done early, but I've been on maternity leave this year so didn't have the money to spare.


I do hope to be more organised next year.

NatalieB23

Hit the Boxing Day sales - Especially Boots for the adults! You'll get some absolute bargains in there! I also found that as stores introduce their Christmas gift ideas, they're a lot cheaper or have much better deals on than nearer xmas.

happydays89

I have nothing to buy:D.........managed to buy everything I needed in the Boots 75% off sale in January and I have enough for next Christmas aswell.:T
Managed to buy wrapping paper for 10p a roll.
All thanks to MSE,we managed to clear a lot of debt with the help of the debt free board and we will never be in debt again EVER.;)

whitesatin

I've got most of my presents now and haven't spent too much, again largely due to the reductions spotted on here.

I have all my crackers and wrapping stashed away from the January sales. I remember M&S were selling off their lovely soldiers rolls of wrap for a song by the end of January.

I will be starting again this January.

starlight29

I love the boots after Xmas sale I always get next christmas almost sorted and peoples birthdays too I also go online just after Xmas I got my daughters converse that she wanted for her birthday for 20 pound best time to shop

Starlight

ERICS_MUM

I'm impressed ! I've "warned" my family that I'm not spending a lot on anyone, not because I can't afford to but just because I don't like wasting money on "stuff" that isn't needed. My sister has invited Mum and me (we both live on our own) and her M-I-L and S-I-L for Christmas lunch and this is her Christmas present to us, which is a brilliant idea.

My nieces and nephews are all working now and will get just a token bottle of wine or chocs. My first great-nephew is due on Christmas Eve so I've spent quite a bit on baby stuff - my one extravagance.