The 2008 Money Neutral Gift Challenge

jamtart6

Haha! I don't know how I'm going to start earlier for xmas! Well had a good chat with the family tonight and we've all decided Xmas is totally OTT, especially when we don't actually NEED anything at all, but obviously want to buy something for them. So hurrah this has probably just reduced my xmas spends by 50%.

I definitely still need to buy:
1. a Nintendo DS (at least £10voucher for Amazon, may be cheaper in Argos therefore approx £10 in Nectar points) Estimate: £80cash
2. a foot spa Estimate: £30cash
3.a wine hamper (made by myself) (hurrah just remembered I have some tesco vouchers this year!) Estimate: £30cash
4. Magazine subscription (Tesco vouchers) Estimate: FREE!

= £140 cash needed but hopefully can reduce this + 3 other people to buy for ....

mum2one

jamtart6 wrote: »

Haha! I don't know how I'm going to start earlier for xmas! Well had a good chat with the family tonight and we've all decided Xmas is totally OTT, especially when we don't actually NEED anything at all, but obviously want to buy something for them. So hurrah this has probably just reduced my xmas spends by 50%.

I definitely still need to buy:
1. a Nintendo DS (at least £10voucher for Amazon, may be cheaper in Argos therefore approx £10 in Nectar points) Estimate: £80cash
2. a foot spa Estimate: £30cash
3.a wine hamper (made by myself) (hurrah just remembered I have some tesco vouchers this year!) Estimate: £30cash
4. Magazine subscription (Tesco vouchers) Estimate: FREE!

= £140 cash needed but hopefully can reduce this + 3 other people to buy for ....

While that sounds good re the family meeting, sounds like you can cut your xmas list down, we reduced ours this yr but would still want to come and scissor next yrs list.
Seem to buy more for xmas then bdays, our xmas budget was twice that of bdays....
:rotfl:
have to start next yrs shopping soon!!!! xx

jamtart6

haha i know we're all keen for 2009!!

I buy 4 friends christmas presents which costs me max £20 cash as I do it through vouchers etc. I buy my OH (who has had over £250 the last 2 years, although this year it is likely to be £50 max), and buy my parents who I spend about £100 each so its quite hard to cut it down!

scattymam1

jamtart why don't you see if you can get a foot spa from ebay - there are some new ones on there going at a lot less than £30 or does it have to be a certain one??

For amazon vouchers for the DS could you not trying some of those writing reviews sites - a few seem to give away amazon vouchers if you can find them - maybe on the up your income board??!!

jamtart6

scattymam1 wrote: »

jamtart why don't you see if you can get a foot spa from ebay - there are some new ones on there going at a lot less than £30 or does it have to be a certain one??

For amazon vouchers for the DS could you not trying some of those writing reviews sites - a few seem to give away amazon vouchers if you can find them - maybe on the up your income board??!!

no eBay is a great idea, forgot about that!

I have written 15 reviews so hoping that will get me £10 for amazon! Good thinking batman!

mum2one

Yes halfcost again!!!

But if anyine does go on
www.halfcost.co.uk
and enters FF15 on the discount box, you get free p+p (normally £3.99 for orders under £50.00) and 15% off your order as well.

They have just got the christmas section up and running, and all xmas stuff is 4 for 3

Got bagpuss crackers, £3.99, 30metre xmas wrap £1.99, new skating deer light for thewindow £3.99 and a few extras! x

mum2one

Just thought Id pop by and say hi.
havent had chance to update clicks, should get round to that.

Doing good so far have £40.00 towards dd next term ballet, awaiting £20 chq from Mutual points, needs paying Dec.
Had £40 from one poll, so that has pd for dd, ballet shoes, tap shoes and leotard, so plzed with that.
next £40.00 (upto £39.00) thats allocated for next batch swimming lessons.

Need to cover £150.00 - taking dad to Glasgow on a special train trip (feel guilty as I didnt ask him did he want to come on the Orient Express), dd wants to come. So thats costing £150 for the 3 of us..........Any money making ideas will be gladly recieved. xx

jamtart6

How are we all getting on lads and lasses? I'm going to have to start e-baying but have NO time!

I've had a rethink of this challenge to spur me on and concluded up to now that:

• All friends and family birthday presents bought (birthday) from now until the end of the year

Therefore Birthdays this year have been 100% neutral :T:D:T:D:T:D

• All friends Christmas presents are bought

Therefore Birthdays this year have been 100% neutral :T:D:T:D:T:D

• Family Christmas presents are going to be my focus from now until the end of the year

Therefore I need to get myself in gear! :eek::eek::eek::eek:

I've worked out cheaper ways of getting by having a good search around and here is what I definitely need:

1. a Nintendo DS - Estimated cost with bits WAS: £115cash, NOW: £85cash plus £10 Amazon voucher = Saving of £30

2. a foot spa Estimate: WAS: £30, may be able to get it at a cheaper wholesale price so hopefully £20cash = Saving of £10

3.a wine hamper (made by myself) WAS: £30cash but I've cashed in my tesco vouchers to 'double up' wine coupons so now have £50vouchers for this = Saving of £30

4. Magazine subscription: WAS £FREE with Tesco vouchers, but now will have to re-think this whole present as redeemed them for wine. I am feeling my Boots points may be spent on this (have about £60 on the card or £10 argos voucher) EDIT: Decided on a book which is £10 but waiting for a voucher which may come through for 10% off or a couple of quid off as they usually appear nearer to xmas. Also a Boots smelly set so that is sorted now too

5. Remembered about a friend ! Thought I had hers but I don't! I will be making a snapfish calander (£3.50 cashback) and currently 33% off!! so was £14.99 will be £6.40

So by having a good old think I've managed to save approx £70 cash!!


Thanks you guys for sticking with me for the last few months! Its been great fun

mum2one

jamtart6 wrote: »

I've worked out cheaper ways of getting by having a good search around and here is what I definitely need:


2. a foot spa Estimate: WAS: £30, may be able to get it at a cheaper wholesale price so hopefully £20cash = Saving of £10

Hi

Hope you dont mind me being cheeky, just got the Woolworths xmas catalogue (out today), and theres a foot spa for £13.00 pg 353 catalogue number - 280010330

Also if you go throu quidco you get upto 8% back,

To be honest I love woolies, i cheat order throu quidco, unless its free delievery I order to collect at store, its all bagged up nicely ready for collection. xx

jamtart6

thanks mum2one! that is really helpful and not cheeky in the slightest!! It's what we are here for!!

Are you all sorted now? I got £10 amazon voucher which was a great help! Pleased with how xmas is going up to now!!


How are the rest doing? I feel they could be lurking but not posting?! XX