Santas challenge 2017

chanie

Am rather annoyed. We asked SIL what she wanted for Christmas and she said a tablet case. Despite us asking loads of times for the make and model, SIL just wouldn’t tell us for ages. We finally got it out of her and bought a case based on that and now she is saying it doesn’t fit. I bought it online, so I’m not sure whether I can return it and I really hate the faff of returning online purchases and I’ll avoid it where I can.

mum2one

A flying visit... have no broadband only been since midday and feels like I’ve lost a limb..... miss hoodie said want am I going to do, ive have to speak to nan....

Stopped from bt to sky... the router was suppose to be delievered on 28th... it’s at the local sorting office.... they have promised to courier one on... waiting patiently....

If it’s ok with everyone change the title to 2018... we’ve got a nice little group here.

Be back soon for proper catch up xxx

chanie

Gift Ideas for 2018

Here are some gift ideas I’m eyeing up this year, in case it helps anyone who is stuck for ideas:

peshtemal towelsthese towels are used in Turkish hamans. They fold up small and dry quickly. Ideal for those who like travelling or into exercise. You can buy them on eBay for about £10.

Travel mug my sister has recently got a coffee machine so she’ll be able to make one ‘to go’. I commute to work and I love mine on those cold days. TK Maxx have lots of different styles. You could wrap them in cellophane with a coffee voucher or some biscuits.

Cashmere wrist warmers these are a great alternative to gloves and come in lots of colours. Try Brora (£40), Turtle Doves (£25) or eBay (under £10, but not sure of the quality)

Cath kidston tote I bought one as a gift a few years ago and are a stylish way to avoid buying lots of plastic bags (better for the environment too). Cath Kidston also sell lots of other items with their iconic prints,like spectacles cases, travel card holders, mugs, etc.

Travel jewellery case or roll I leave my jewellery at home when I go away, but I think they could be a good idea for people who don’t.

Man/coin tray inspired by another poster, my OH empties his pockets of his wallet, coins etc and leaves them in a shelf. This will help him keep his bits and bobs together (and tidy).

crazy-cat-lady_2

Cath Kidston has a big sale on at the moment still. I’ve had a few bags, stationary bits and keyrings from there. The keyrings make nice stocking fillers at £3 and £4 each. Even got a kid’s handbag to put away for my little girl.
Sure I saw totes for £6 and £8 in various prints and sizes.

chanie

Today, I bought a candle for DM from Dunelm for £1. I was waiting by the tills and it smelled nice, so I thought I’d grab it.

I also bought OH a stand for his Tablet from Ikea. He normally props it up with tea towels or whatever else he has to hand, but he’s using it now. They have a couple of different ones in plastic and wood ranging from £1.50 to £10. Could be a good idea for a teen.

Happy_Kitties

DD is currently taking the tree down, feels very final now. Will move bits back into the Christmas tree space tomorrow but feels very depressing.

Have been trying to keep spends low with having a good start with the sales.
Managed to get DD a Lisa Angel necklace recommended on the grabbit board down to £2.40 with free postage for her birthday next month. Originally I thought I would have to send her some presents to uni, forgot I would be seeing her at the end of the month so can take her presents then. I know she won't open them, she hates having to open any present early unless it was intended.

Picked up 5 special cards for a £1 in the C@rd factory. Not alot of stock left now, but was happy with the cards that I got.

Since talking about my niece, found some expensive make up that she likes to go in her hamper-£12 off and I was able to use my B@@ts points....bargain!!!!! My mum ordered a couple of bits online, one she particularly likes and wants 2 more of if I can get. The local store has alot of stock left so will pick up the same time as the make up. Even DM has started early on this Christmas

Chanie- did you manage to sort out SIL tablet case? That's a hassle that u don't need after Christmas.
Will be pinching ur idea of the tablet stand. I also prop mine up on anything I can find. If anyone asks me for present ideas for me that is going on the list!

CCL-I had a look at the Cath Kidston sale that u mentioned as the world and it's wife have been on the look out for a new bag for me with no success so far!

chanie

Happy_Kitties wrote: »

Chanie- did you manage to sort out SIL tablet case? That's a hassle that u don't need after Christmas.
Will be pinching ur idea of the tablet stand. I also prop mine up on anything I can find. If anyone asks me for present ideas for me that is going on the list!

QUOTE]


You've made some good progress already with your gifts. Well done.


No, I haven't sorted the tablet case and I'll just give it to the charity shop. It wasn't expensive and I can't find the receipt or return label.
Whats interesting about SIL is that she normally puts zero effort in to presents. She seems to buy presents exclusively from the Supermarket and grabs the first item she sees (particularly if its on the sale rail!!!). She called up OH before Xmas and asked him his size, whilst she was out shopping. Despite him telling her, she still picked up the wrong size. It wasn't a mistake either, as she bought him two items in the wrong size!!!

Happy_Kitties

Is OH able to change the sizes Chanie or is it one of those situations where it is just best to keep quiet?
My DB and wife bought my DD some footwear, Despite me saying nicely she has so many pairs as she gets sponsored through sport and would they mind not getting as she has to wear the sponsor stuff I got, 'tough we've bought them so she is getting them'. The design on them there is no way she can wear them but have decided it is best to keep quiet. Last years pair is still sitting in the cupboard aswell not even out of the box despite me saying then don't buy.

I am officially all shopped out. DM asked if I was near B@@ts could I get another set that she had bought online for a birthday present. The Card F'actory is right next door so managed to get all of the really nice gift bags down from £1.49 to 37p. While DM was very happy I am frazzled and shopped out but the 75% sale went live quickly with the card place. I just got a couple of gift bags and some more paper but DM wanted bags, bows and paper. I came out overloaded but my DM is happy and raring to go ready to wrap presents for this year!!

LMG1305

I like the idea of a jewellery roll Chanie & I think I might get one for myself too. I usually just take one or two items of jewellery with me whenever I go away, but it's always just thrown in my makeup bag, ends up at the bottom & I forget about it so a jewellery roll would be great because they don't take up too much room but also keep my jewellery safe. Thank you : )

chanie

happy kitties the items have gone to the charity shop - tags still on, so they will be a good bargain for someone.
There was no point in giving them back, SIL would have just sat on them. She once bought DD some shorts for her birthday. I was a bit annoyed at SILs lack of common sense, because DD is born at the end of summer and they wouldn’t have fit her next summer. So, I smiled sweetly and asked her to get the next size up. Needless to say, we never heard back.
I don’t mean to come across as ungrateful, but I really don’t see the point in buying a gift that is useless to the recipient, like the case of your DDs trainers.

LMG1305 I came across this jewellery box in Marks and Spencer today. It’s much cheaper than others I’ve seen. There are some really nice ones out there but they are quite expensive for what they are (something that will be used a couple of times a year maximum) so I’m thinking of getting this for DM.