Santa Baby - it's the 2026 Christmas Chatter Thread!!

Coxy11

Hello and welcome to the 2026 Christmas chatter thread! I have taken up the mantle this year to start the thread in replace of long-time poster @princesskitty29 who has been busy of late xx

If you're new to the thread please pop in for a chat, pull up a chair by the fire and get yourself a hot chocolate - we all love Christmas but are also here to chat about anything else going on in our lives and offering each other support along the way. Everyone is welcome, we'd love to hear from you but you are also welcome to just read along and hopefully enjoy the thread!

I’ve posted on this thread for a few years now, and it’s great to share ideas, likes and bargain finds with each other. We all have someone on our list who is challenging to buy for so this is a great place to swap ideas.

My list reduced considerably for Christmas 2025 and I’m looking forward to a year of streamlining birthday gifting too. I have DH, 3 adult children and a DDIL, Mum, Dad and MIL/FIL only to buy for now.

I have included all of the links from past threads to help with ideas or just to give a little bit of Christmas inspiration. Please let me know if any links are no longer working as it helps to keep the thread current.

Thanks to everyone who continues to contribute to this thread – it is much appreciated – especially when we find something mid-year that we can highlight to others or there’s a particular time-limited offer to be had.

Here’s to 2026 – hopefully a happy and healthy year for us all!

Coxy

Coxy11

Elves

100 Elf ideas
http://www.designdazzle.com/?s=100+elf+ideas&submit=

Elf colouring pages (& much more)
http://www.hellokids.com/c_23563/col...-coloring-page

Elf Magic
http://www.elf-magic.com/

Free Printables

Polar Express Tickets
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kedward...n/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kedward...n/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kedward...n/photostream/

135 sheets of labels, tags and games
http://burdart.blogspot.co.uk/2009/1...gift-tags.html

Animal Sewing Cards
http://justsomethingimade.com/2010/1...olor-giveaway/

 

Hampers and Baskets

MSE Hamper Sticky
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/414524

2013 Hamper Thread
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4750954
  

Knitting and Crochet

Directory of free patterns (all year)
http://www.knittingpatterncentral.com/directory.php

Free pattern of the day (all year)
http://www.dailyknitter.com/day.php

Crochet Pattern Central
http://www.crochetpatterncentral.com/

Cut Out and Keep
http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/crafts/knitting
http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/crafts/crochet
also check out the book page, as some have free patterns available.
 

Handmade Gifts

Skip to my Lou
http://www.skiptomylou.org/handmade-gift-ideas/

101 Handmade Tutorials
http://www.everythingetsy.com/2013/0...ift-tutorials/

101 Handmade Christmas Ornaments
http://www.everythingetsy.com/2011/0...ent-tutorials/

101 Simple Handmade Gifts
http://www.everythingetsy.com/2011/0...ift-tutorials/

101 Green Handmade Gifts
http://www.everythingetsy.com/2011/1...ift-tutorials/

101 Handmade Gifts for Females
http://www.everythingetsy.com/2012/1...s-for-her-diy/

101 Handmade Gifts for Kids
http://www.everythingetsy.com/2012/0...ifts-for-kids/

101 Homemade Holiday Ideas
http://www.everythingetsy.com/2011/1...day-tutorials/

Cut Out and Keep
http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/

Art supplies
http://www.craftycrocodiles.co.uk/

Coxy11

Food and Drink

Christmas Recipes (lovely site) (includes some printables)
http://www.razzledazzlerecipes.com/christmas/index.htm

BBC Recipes by the Month
http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/seasons

Nigella Lawson- Chilli Jam & more
http://www.nigella.com/recipes/view/chilli-jam-2692

Flavoured Sugars & more
http://www.food.com/recipe/exotic-fl...and-tea-309969

Chilli Oil
http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/ho...illi_oil_54985

BBC Good Food Christmas
http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/content/seasonal/christmas

Cut Out and Keep
http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/crafts/cooking

 

For the Kids (Big & Small)

Activity Village Christmas & more
http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/printables

Elf Colouring Page (also on Elf post)
http://www.hellokids.com/c_23563/col...-coloring-page

Christmas Countdown
http://www.xmasclock.com/

Animal Sewing Cards
http://justsomethingimade.com/2010/1...olor-giveaway/

Northpole.com
http://www.northpole.com/

Primary Games
http://www.primarygames.com/holidays.../christmas.php

 

Let’s Get Organized

Get Organized
http://christmas.organizedhome.com

Better Homes (has everything - could be in all lists)
http://www.bhg.com/christmas/

 

Let’s Go Shopping

camelcamelcamel (Amazon price tracker)
http://www.camelcamelcamel.com/

MSE Grabbit Board
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/categories/quick-grabbit-while-you-can

MSE Freebie (no spend required) Board
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/categories/freebies-no-spend-required

Find DVD compare prices site
http://www.find-dvd.co.uk/

CeX(UK) Buy and Sell
http://uk.webuy.com/

I Want One Of Those
http://www.iwantoneofthose.com/

Rex London

https://www.rexlondon.com/

Menkind (Mens Gadgets)
http://www.menkind.co.uk/

Campus Gifts
http://www.campusgifts.co.uk/gifts-by-department.html

Everything £5
http://www.everything5pounds.com/

Home Bargains
http://www.homebargains.co.uk/

Not On The High Street
http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/

B&M
http://www.bmstores.co.uk/

Music Magpie

https://www.musicmagpie.co.uk/

Candy retailers in the Uk
http://www.americansweets.co.uk/

Traditional Toys
http://www.mulberrybush.co.uk/

Collectable Figurines
http://www.christmasatdawsons.co.uk/lemax-villages.asp

American Folk Art
http://www.oldeglory.co.uk/christmas.html

Tesco Christmas
http://www.tesco.com/christmas/

Marks and Spencer Christmas
http://www.marksandspencer.com/Christmas/b/44386030

Disney Christmas
http://www.disneystore.co.uk/christm...omSearch=10002

Mamas and Papas Christmas
http://www.mamasandpapas.com/range/c...id/size-medium

John Lewis Christmas
http://www.johnlewis.com/christmas/c5000025

Superdrug Christmas
https://www.superdrug.com

Lakeland Christmas
http://www.lakeland.co.uk/Christmas

Paperchase Christmas
http://www.paperchase.co.uk/promo/ch...post-christmas

Next Homeware
http://www.next.co.uk/homeware/christmas

Boots Christmas
http://www.boots.com/en/Christmas/
 

Books

Christmas Book Lists
http://www.goodreads.com/list/tag/christmas

WHSmith
https://www.whsmith.co.uk/

Bangzo Deal of the Day
http://www.bangzo.com/dailydeal.html

Waterstones
https://www.waterstones.com/

Wordery
https://wordery.com/

 

Candles

The Official Yankee Candle
http://www.yankeecandle.co.uk/?pressID=163

Coxy11

General Ideas and Information

Jar of Nothing
http://www.craftbits.com/project/a-jar-of-nothing-gift

Candy Cane Sleighs
http://ellynsplace.blogspot.co.uk/se...istmas+sleighs

Removing Smells from Bottles and Jars
http://www.getsmellout.com/how-to-ge...s-and-bottles/

Festive Studio
https://festivestudio.co.uk/

Post Pals (put a smile on a childs face)
http://www.postpals.co.uk/

Royal Mail Posting Dates
http://www.royalmail.com/greetings

Track Santa
http://www.noradsanta.org/en/
http://www.google.co.uk/santatracker/#/tracker/world

Amy Powers - let's get inspired
http://issuu.com/inspired-ideas/docs/christmas

Christmas Nail Art
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=DLv7zxea1lI

 

Christmas TV

Radio Times
https://www.radiotimes.com/

Coxy11

Food List (Originally Posted by Quidsy)

Meat
Turkey
Beef Joint
Pork Joint
Ham Joint
Sausage meat (to make stuffing)
Sausages wrapped in bacon (or cocktail sausages & bacon)

Fish
Salmon side
Prawns (for prawn salad starter)

Vegetables
Brussel Sprouts
Cabbage
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Peas
Carrots
Potatoes (for mash & roast)
Mushrooms
Parsnips
Lettuce for salad starter

Fruit & Nuts
Satsumas or tangerines (for stockings)
Chestnuts, Nuts in shells and shelled nuts
Cranberries for sauce
Lemon to garnish drinks

Condiments
Piccalilli
Branston Pickle
Red Onion Chutney
Cranberry jelly
Bread sauce

Breads & cakes
Bread, loaf, rolls
Mince Pies
Christmas Pudding
Christmas Cake

Ingredients & dry goods
Stuffing mix
Crackers for Cheese
Turkey Gravy granules or ready made
Beef Gravy granules or ready made
Mincemeat (to make mince pies)
Puff or filo pastry (for pies tarts etc)
Goose fat
Cooking oil
Bread making ingredients
Glace or maraschino cherries to garnish drinks
icing sugar (to dust mince pies)
marzipan for Christmas Cake
icing for Christmas Cake
Ready made yorkshire puddings

Dairy
Cheese selection board
Custard
Single cream
Double cream
Butter
Fresh Milk
UHT long life milk

Confectionary & snacks
Chocolates
Pringles
Shortbread/other biscuits
Chocolate orange
Twiglets

Soft Drinks
Pop: Juice/Squash
Cranberry Juice
Orange Juice
Tonic
Soda
Shloer (or other grown up non alcoholic drink for any drivers)

Alcoholic drinks
Wine: Red & White
Vodka
Whiskey
Gin
Brandy for setting fire to the pudding
sherry (for santa)

Medicine cabinet
headache tablets
calpol (if you have littlies)
antiacid tablets
spare toilet roll
Kitchen roll
Cling film
Foil

Coxy11

For Old Times Sake

Frosty the Snowman - 2025

Frosty the Snowman - it's the 2025 Christmas thread! — MoneySavingExpert Forum

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer - 2024

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer - it's the 2024 Christmas chatter thread! — MoneySavingExpert Forum

Jingle All the Way - 2023

Jingle All The Way - It's the 2023 Christmas Chatter Thread! — MoneySavingExpert Forum

A Jolly Holly Christmas - 2022

A Jolly Holly Christmas - It's the 2022 Christmas Chatter Thread! — MoneySavingExpert Forum

Driving Home For Christmas - 2021

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6322972/a-jolly-holly-christmas-its-the-2022-christmas-chatter-thread/p1?new=1

Step Into Christmas - 2020

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6086406/step-into-christmas-2020-its-the-2020-christmas-chatter-thread/p1

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - 2019

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5942037/have-yourself-a-merry-little-christmas-its-the-2019-christmas-chatter-thread

Rocking around the Christmas Tree - 2018

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5763929/rocking-around-the-christmas-tree-its-the-2018-christmas-chatter-thread
I wish it could be Christmas every day - 2017

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5577055
It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year - 2016

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/69782434#Comment_69782434
Walking in a Winter Wonderland - 2015

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5140845

Stop The Cavalry - 2014

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4853442

The Holly and the Ivy - 2013

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/....php?t=4357703

Let It Snow - 2012

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3935899

lazysheep

Amazing! Thank you @Coxy11

Spendless

Thanks for the new thread. 

My list has grown smaller over the years and with the sad loss of my 100yo Nan at the end of last year has reduced further still. I have, DH, DS, DD (both adults), Mum, Dad, FIL to buy for.

I try not to get overly involved in FIL's presents and leave it to DH because he lives in a care home due to physical disabilities which are worsening , so its limited what to get him. 

My own Dad though not in FIL's circs is difficult to buy for, but I have had a recent think about the categories where I could get him a gift from. Ive come up 
Clothing inc accessories - he liked the flat cap.I bought him Xmas 25.
Food/drink - Limited due to him being diabetic and he doesnt drink alcohol at home. 
Smellies -  He likes aftershave and doesnt mind any brand. My late Nan used to get him some from Next or M&S. DD says shes nicking that idea though now Ive said as she finds her Grandad difficult to buy for.
Gift card - for dining
Experiences - usually theatre.
Car - Items for, he takes pride in keeping his car shiny. 
Travel - potential here. Parents werent able to go away at all last year due to Nan's health but have just booked a cruise for Autumn
Books - Is another possible, but he likes ones based on true stories especially ones about animals.

Writing down the above list has been really helpful, given me more scope and made me realise that some things Dad would like, just arent in our local.shops and I need to look further afield or online
 
Mum - loads of things she likes from make up to household ornaments but she really appreciates things no one else has thought of. I have already ordered half her Xmas present due to using a code before it expired. Its a book shaped acrylic vase with the name of the book on the front. Ive bought a Xmas themed one as she loves her Xmas ornaments and due to visiting Nan who died 2 weeks before Christmas didnt put any up this year. I will add a last minute floral.display to go in it. 

DS - likes tech, appreciates 
 practical items  either personal or household.

DD - likes brands and the things she cant afford to buy herself. She graduates this year. I need to rethink stocking presents as the 'every gift out should be like a luck dip but personal to your life' which she described to me aged 9, no longer works now shes older and looks like a random pile of items. She described stocking gifts now should be more of a 'taster' of the main event. Her fav stocking gift this year was a freebie, a water bottle by Rhode that was a free give away when ordering items from Sephora. A friend got it and asked if DD wanted it.

DH - Can you usually supply me with ideas. Travel related items as he works away a lot, Clothing, alcohol. 

Hope above list is helpful to others for ideas.

@mandco - Ive certainly had to go down the route of physically removing myself/family from a situation where we were being put on by family members expectations otherwise, so I would agree with going out, being away. I know you'll have to work this round the rest of your family's job and needs but start looking for ideas. We had to break the cycle of 'not available every Saturday' by planning a day trip miles away to get the expectation stopped.

My Dad has already asked me if 'we are all going out for Xmas dinner this yesr'. Maybe he doesnt want to risk  my oven ha, ha. We're currently managing with the air fryer but will replace. Ive said No, because one of my adult kids has never been keen  and would have no alternative to go to add in DD graduates this year so weve currently no idea what she'll be doing or where. I told Dad, Im.not stopping him and Mum going if that's his preference, we just wont be able to join them.

Right best get ready for work. Looking forward to the year long chat. 

Coxy11

@Spendless - just thinking about men’s fragrance - Zara’s scents are lovely. Both my DS’s like them. Appreciate they are a lot younger than your Dad but just wanted to mention as an alternative to Next and M&S, and not a super expensive fragrance house. Might be an option for your DS too if you buy that sort of thing for him?? 

mandco

@Coxy11 thanks for setting up the new thread 

@spendless might be worth having a look at the fragrance gift sets on sale as some of them work out great value and depending on brand start at about £20ish- most are oos online at boots but usually still left in store and- last year they reduced them even further late January. Dd brought her dad a rabane million set for his birthday reduced to £55 last year and I brought another of the same set later reduced to £35 which I gave him Father’s Day.
this year I’ve picked up a Jean Paul gaultier set reduced to £48 which Im putting away for father’s day. I did pay with points which meant it was free so didnt bother waiting to see if it went cheaper later but I’d have been happy to pay it anyway as it includes spray, shower gel & mini spray and the bottle of spray alone is £72 full price.

took the decs down yesterday so now it looks bare & depressing    Ok I’m an a little glad I have some space back but it just makes jan feels so much more meh. 

Spendless

Tree came down yesterday whilst I was at work. Ive taken rest of decs down today. Great ideas for mens fragrances coxy and mandco, Ill keep both in mind. 

I dithered so much about some tanning products on sale online that the offer has now gone! (Or its all sold out). Keep thinking if Id thought it that good a deal Id  have grabbed it - my own fault though I do think its a bit bizarre that nowadays Jan sales are finished by twelth night rather than just ramping up!