* Step into Christmas * & 2020 - It's the 2020 Christmas Chatter Thread

skogar

Hello - I often read this thread but I don't think I have posted before on it. Great to hear about everyone's Christmas preparations -- you all sound very organised. I wondered if you could give me a few ideas as I thought I might do a stocking each for my Mum and Dad this year (both in their 70s) as Christmas will be a bit unusual this year and I'm not sure if we will be able to go. I am a bit short of ideas, but things that are nice but would get used / eaten and not too expensive would be good. Obviously there will be a satsuma and a few chocs. I have got my Mum some bubble bath and hand cream today but that is it so far. I can make a few foodie things to go in - not thought exactly what yet. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Redredrobin

Looks like we are going to tier 3 ! !!!!!! ! Going to have a quick trip out to the Range in a bit . 

I’m officially finished Christmas shopping although if I see something I may still buy stuff .
Hubby has 3 weeks off work in November so we have a list of jobs to finish and a few days booked in Flambrough head to blow the cobwebs away . 

The guy at work is still suspended he makes allegations, they are investigated not found to be valid then when they tell him he makes more allegations! Some are serious health and safety issues other are what you would expect a child to complain about . Everyone is getting fed up now . I think he knows this isn’t going to end in his favour and for some bizarre reason is just stringing it out ! 

chanie

skogar a few stocking suggestions;

hot water bottle
puzzle book/colouring in book and pens
chocolate orange
gloves
socks
mug/glass

Beshki

skogar said:

Hello - I often read this thread but I don't think I have posted before on it. Great to hear about everyone's Christmas preparations -- you all sound very organised. I wondered if you could give me a few ideas as I thought I might do a stocking each for my Mum and Dad this year (both in their 70s) as Christmas will be a bit unusual this year and I'm not sure if we will be able to go. I am a bit short of ideas, but things that are nice but would get used / eaten and not too expensive would be good. Obviously there will be a satsuma and a few chocs. I have got my Mum some bubble bath and hand cream today but that is it so far. I can make a few foodie things to go in - not thought exactly what yet. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I’m doing a hamper for someone of a (probably) similar age. I’ve included a mini cross stitch (£2 Hobbycraft), handwash, soap, a book, hot water bottle, nice tea and coffee, biscuits, mini Christmas pud, A mug, a warm drink such as Horlicks, just waiting to see how it looks when put together & if needed I’ll fill it out with a cute Christmas glass I saw Tesco are selling for about 90p. 

Beshki

chanie said:

Beshki keep a note on your phone or keep a little notepad and pen with you.  I also find it helpful to browse online before going shopping.  That way, when you do go out, you can go straight to the item you want.

Yes Good idea. I have done that of sorts but not great at keeping up with it - tend to screenshot everything and forget all about it lol!

C_J

skogar - Poundland are usually quite good for little Christmas Stocking fillers, especially for men. I've recently bought a small magnetic work light, set of mini screwdrivers and some cable ties from there to add to my husband's stocking along with (from elsewhere) some of his favourite sweets, some Gorilla twisty tie things, some packets of unusual chilli seeds, eyeglass repair kit, glasses cleaning wipes, some incredibly hot chilli sauce (he loves spicy food), a little jar of his favourite honey, some mint flavoured dental flosser sticks, a nice Parker pen, a Yankee Candle car air freshener, some shower gel and talc. I always add a December issue of a suitable hobby magazine (in his case either motorbikes or woodworking).

skogar

Many thanks for the stocking suggestions. There are some really nice ideas. I hadn't thought of a little craft kit type thing. My mum sews and knits so I will have a look and see if i spot anything suitable. Also many thanks for the men ideas and the poundland suggestion - I was struggling a bit more for ideas for that one and for where to look. I will keep my eyes open for some nice gloves / cute socks, books and who can resist a chocolate orange.....

Treasurequeen

skogar I am making my parents a bag of sweets from their childhood. I’m using some paper sweet bags I got in online auction. And there are some traditional sweet shops online that offer a great selection. Also another idea for your mum, a magnetic needle minder. 

Welcome to the newbies. 
Ive got my hands on mini white chocolate segments, the big ones were sold out. They are gorgeous. 

Ive got a few things left to get: I’ve got to finish my parents stockings, get my mums tree present, and get my dads present. I’ve been picking up bits and pieces in my weekly shop and my Christmas cupboard is starting to fill up with nice treats. 

Spendless

I'm also about to go into tier3 so I'm guesssing Redredrobin, that you're not far from me. Last night I went through the presents I already have and if Christmas day was called tomorrow I'd have sufficient. Daughter wouldn't have her whole list but plenty, son would have a couple of bits, but be placated with cash into his bank account. Extended family none I've actually 'finished' but they wouldn't be able to tell and me and husband would just manage.

Re - stocking filler ideas. Something I once did my Nan was replicate as much as I could the items she's have in her stocking as a little girl. I'd gleaned ideas from her by starting conversations off about bygone Christmases. I put in things like a sugar mouse, an old coin. Also a 'new' chocolate bar. She'd told me there was a newsagents near where they lived in London that always stocked  the new line of confectionery and her Dad would get something from  there to put in. One year it was an Aero. I try to do the same idea with my own kids.

If you're wanting something more in line with the stage of life they're at, I love this idea that my teenage daughter did for her boyfriend to celebrate their 'anniversary'. You take each one of the senses and buy something relating to that. So taste could be food or a cookbook or a utensil. Touch anything that feels soft etc, sight could be a bookmark, smell a candle or diffuser, sound -soemthing that plays a tune. I think it's a really good idea that makes you give a 'varierty' of things. 

Beshki

Well I am still struggling a lot with the couple we need to buy for, and I hate buying things that won’t be used. I don’t know them well enough to do anything personal - they are immediate family but my OH side. I’m wondering whether to go for a pair of slippers each, bottle of wine and some chocolates. Perhaps a game or a cheeseboard or something too. Not sure though. Slippers are always appreciated by me but not sure other people enjoy snuggly gifts like I do? Just don’t want to give them an envelope of money (they will get this also) as so impersonal.