so who has started for 2008?

earthmother

Amongst the crackers in Sainsburys 75% sale are cracker kits - two styles - pale blue ones in a box, and red foil ones in a flat pack - at £1 a pack (6 crackers with hats, mottos and ribbon to tie them shut).

You'd struggle to make them from scratch cheaper (my last lot came in at 19p before the snap & novelty was added - crepe paper, ribbon and a sticker) and it solves the problem of those who are 'funny' about using loo roll inners, and of rubbish novelties.

wannabe_a_mum

I have already bought presents for birthdays (in our extended family there is a birthday or 2 each month of the year!) and other occasions in the first 6 months of 2008. This was my aim for the year as I can get away with spending around £5-£7 per person as opposed to £10-£20 which happens at the last minute!

I will store them all in a suitcase in the spare room. I've kept a list so that I don't forget what I have bought (not very MSE!)

I don't celebrate christmas as I am muslim, but I love the time of year purely for the build up to the sales!!!!

SugarSpun

I've almost finished for 2008 now ........ I'm not sure whether to feel very accomplished or very obsessive. I have been sitting here for fifteen minutes admiring my spreadsheet, and over the next few days I'll buy wrapping paper and cards.

earthmother

SugarSpun wrote: »

I'm not sure whether to feel very accomplished or very obsessive.

I know the feeling

I was just saying to my mum earlier about how I seem to be getting ahead of myself this year despite not intending to - she said I'd end up lapping myself at this rate :rotfl:

mary43

You have done well.............I've set myself a finishing target for Christmas stuff for end of August.
Got birthdays in March (3), April (1), June (2), August (1) so have to think about those as well, plus easter for grandkids and Mothers day.

wornoutmumoftwo

Well I've officially bought my first xmas pressie for 2008, only 99p on Ebay with low postage but I am starting as I mean to go on.

postingalwaysposting

wow you all seem to be doing so well

SugarSpun wrote: »

I've almost finished for 2008 now ........ I'm not sure whether to feel very accomplished or very obsessive. I have been sitting here for fifteen minutes admiring my spreadsheet, and over the next few days I'll buy wrapping paper and cards.

:eek: nearly finished. you will be starting 09 before long :rotfl:

earthmother

If anyone wants ribbons and bows, Wilkinsons have got them half price (65p) - you get 6ft of shiny gold wide ribbon, and either a gold fabric ruffle-y rosette that clips on, or a gold and burgundy spiky rosette stick on.

I never got around to pull-bows this year, so these are a great easy option.

sonee2405

Im done-Birthdays and xmas sorted for 7 nephews and nieces all between the ages of 1 and 8, birthday and xmas sorted for little sister who has managed to find some of the things i got for her and has decided to use them now(btw she is 22 and a final year student but very impatient).Only valentines day left now but i don't mind getting oh something nice then .Sis does some parttime work for clinton cards and they have all being given some of the excess stock which they can't shift-I now have a box full of various occasion cards and wrapping paper, ribbon bows etc so thats another problem sorted for free.Only got a couple of things left which hopefully the debenhams clearance will help with such as socks and boxers etc for brothers and dad.
For the children I have shopped mostly in debenhams -Got the older 3 who are 7 6 and 5 the horrid science packs for their birthdays, some lazy town bits and some fifi skates for a 3 year old-all for less than £20 plus nectar points.For xmas I have put away some books from whsmith who have some great bargains for 75% -I stick to classics such as peter pan, peter rabbit etc which are always enjoyed and I know will be kept, used boots points for mum, sis and friend presents and picked up a couple of baby type gifts in case anyone falls pregnant this year.All organised and put into plastic boxes with a calendar marking dates so I don't forget.
Have also picked up candle type gift packs which don't have xmas packaging incase anybody moves home .I feel very organised but am wondering what do do now as Oh thinks I am a nutter for doing this.

tab1967

Hi all, I have got quite a few bits for 2008 already, managed to get 2 sets of the baskets that were on another thread so ready for my hampers. Also i managed to get in Argos a good deal 2 games for ages 3 and up but there is a glitch as well as getting them half price you also get a free game, so for £3.49 i managed to get 3 pressies (this is also on the Argos section if anyone is interested) the item no. for the 2 games is 369/6662 then you have to hit the red bit that says special offers and it lists the free games you can choose from. I went into my local Argos today and got a set so they are still available. HTH