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

mandco

I’ll do a proper post when I get 5 mins but just wanted to say boots Xmas shop is now live including 3 for 2’s , star gifts & 1/2 price deals haven’t had a proper look yet - I find the boots website hard work for general browsing but did order a couple of the dove hand cream crackers @ £3,75 as it’s great price on branded and we get through a lot of hand cream in the colder months

PennysIntoPounds

Thanks for the heads up @mandco

@Coxy11 I'm always baffled by charity shop stock indicating that its only me who really likes B&H, obviously the rest of the population is posher than me 😂

I have been making decent progress adding a few quid here and there to the Christmas pot, and Mr PIP helpfully told me a book he'd like for Christmas today so that's one of his gifts sorted, a relief to have something that's genuinely wanted on the to-get list as he's so hard to buy for

Spendless

I also find Boots website hard work but love seeing their Xmas stock (why I still prefer their catalogue if you can find one!)

I was bought some B&H last year by parents, who some of you might remember 'cancelled Christmas' over Nan being in hospital but still bought us a little something to unwrap. Its one of the pretty boxes I kept and now unsure whether to keep. Ive used some of it but not all. I dont have a very strong sense of smell so prefer stronger scents like rituals. Im also fine with Lush for same reason, though I know many aren't.

I ordered a set from Valentte of a mini bodywash & handcream in order to get the free diffuser. They came yesterday but by then Id stumbled across another forgotten about brand new handcream and mini perfume which would suit DD stocking(s) more. Might give it Mum instead. Cant believe nowadays my Xmas list is down to buying for 2 females (Mum and DD) but 3 males (DH, DS, DDad) a 4th if I include FIL though I try to not get involved cos its both difficult (hes in a care home) and we risk interference over what is bought. Better to stay out of it! The Valentte set with free diffuser cost £12.99 - £4.99 of that was p&p. You can pay a one off £9.99 (I think) to get 12 months free delivery but then each order has to be a min of £15 to qualify and mine frequently aren't.

mandco

@spendless hope you’re feeling a bit better it’s often the smallest things that tip you over and despite knowing it’s part of them growing up and being happy for them it’s still hard to see them do their own thing and let go of those long held traditions.
The Valentte stuff looks lovely I’ll def be looking out for any deals.
Hopefully you can pin down a date for your mock Xmas it’s tough when your have to try and fit in around drastically different work schedules

@coxy11 I do actually really like the bath and bodyworks stuff due to the string scents it really lingers especially the hand sanitizers & foaming hand washes but uk prices are ridiculous I very rarely buy here unless there’s a good discount offer on. I paid about $6 each for the body washes/bodysprays that are £18 here $5 for the hand soaps vs £12 and $1\$2 for the sanitisers which are £4/£8.
I’m not a fan of the b&h or fuzzy duck sets either but they do seem to be to go to brands for those here’s a gift I didn’t know what to get or wanted something easy type presents. I appreciate anything someone has gone to effort of buying me as ultimately it’s the thought that counts but it’s not something I’d chose.

Dd has had a few beauty advent calendars over the years but usually as a main gift on the day rather than as an advent as they are soo expensive- I would say around 1/3 of the content at least ends up being stuff she doesn’t end up using though value wise it still worked out Cheaper than buying the bits she did use individually if that makes sense and it can be a great way to try new/expensive brands but you definitely need to do your research.

@PenniesIntoPoundsit’s reassuring to see the Xmas pot building knowing it’s takes the edge of the extra spends - I usually struggle with ideas of what to get the boys too but this year they’ve actually given me a few suggestions already which is great

On the Xmas front ds1 main present arrived - he checked it all over and made sure it works ect as its so early I didn’t want to wait and find out there was a problem. I had to get now as it might of sold out if I’d waited.
i found the item dgd1 wanted online but its not turned up despite the fact it should have been her by now and isn’t showing in my order history either though I have a confirmation email to say it was ordered so not sure if it’s going to arrive or not and it’s now oos there as well - I’ve message them but not heard anything yet.

I have a couple of bits on my list I’m waiting to see if I can get a discount in before ordering and I’m saving up my various reward points towards the Xmas shop. Do need to try and do a couple of boots recycling drop offs as there are a few bits from there I’m looking at but not been able to get to a store that takes them recently - I do wish they’d let you do more than 1 a day as it would be so much easier and your capped at 8 per month anyway.

tesco have 4 for 3 on various sauces & condiments so picked up some for the Xmas stash - I’m trying to add a couple of bits a week

Still need to find a new Xmas tree

PennysIntoPounds

For anyone considering beauty advent calendars MSE has done a recent comparison article

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/deals/deals-hunter/2026/09/beauty-advent-calendars-2026/

mandco

sains have the bags of cadburys on offer at 97p picked up various flavoured buttons, twirls bites, mini wisps & bourneville buttons for stocking fillers /xmas stash just need to keep them hidden. They also have wine gums & jelly babies @ 62p & sour patch kids @ 75p.

sains have started putting out some more xmas foods they had quite a big section of mince pies ect. I picked some gf cinnamon bun cookies & gf mince pies to try and a couple of packs of dairy free Xmas sprinkle buttons to put away as taz really liked them last year but they sold out really quickly.

My local boots has has the signage up for the Xmas stock but only a couple of items actually on shelves today guessing it’ll be up and running fully by next weekend.

Coxy11

Thank you for the Sains and Boots info @mandco x I popped into Sains yesterday and picked up 4 bags of Cads for nephews for Christmas. Better still DDad paid as he is back here for 8 weeks and was stocking up on garibaldi biscuits and Eccles cakes - not available where he lives!!

Our Boots is tiny so haven’t seen anything Christmas just yet - will check tomorrow before volunteering.

I’m glad it’s not just me that thinks B&BW is expensive. Glad I left it tbh. Have got DDil some loafers from M&S plus a mixed beauty bag from the discount offer. Can’t open it but contents seem good and the bag is cute too.
https://www.marksandspencer.com/bath-and-body-gift-bag-save-32/p/hbp60761026?intid=mobile_app_pdp_share
Will also get her an M&S or Homesense gift card.

Have told DD about her theatre tickets as it’s for 2 days before her birthday plus she’s in work every day now for a few weeks so will need to arrange to leave on time that day.

As I mentioned, DDad is here and he handed me £100 in cash yesterday for my birthday last Thursday. I also received garden centre vouchers from ILs. DD bought me some Ugg mules and DS2 some home fragrance items including a diffuser and two candles on a tray. DH and I give token gifts and he got me some organic face and body creams.

No cards from SIL or BIL so they’ve gone completely cold turkey(!) both SIL’s and MIL sent a WA message - nothing from either BIL which just goes to show that men don’t have a clue. There was even an article on the BBC news website about it this week - how women shoulder 90% of the household admin relating to school/children/gifts etc. So glad we (I) stopped getting gifts for the entire family from this year.

DH booked the pig walk that I had a voucher for last year and hadn’t got around to using. It was very cute but I was a bit miffed he’d not arranged anything else including dinner out. We went for a sandwich in local market town after - I struggle with crusty bread so chose salad but they didn’t have any so I only ate half a deconstructed sandwich and gave the rest to DH. We then went to a local country Manor House to walk around the gardens with an ice cream. For dinner we ended up at our local with DD who hurriedly booked a table once home from work. Some words may have been said and it’s not nice getting upset on your birthday but there you go. Seems if I don’t arrange things they just don’t happen.

We are going to DS1’s today and he’s invited my DSis, Mum and DDad plus my nephew and niece and partners. I have bought some food to take as it’s a lot catering for that many when you don’t normally - think when he has friends over they usually just do nibbles. The weather is a bit cloudy atm but meant to warm up this afternoon 🙏 Hope so as his house isn’t that big!!

I’m back at the CS tomorrow afternoon so will see how many gift sets we still have - trouble is they price them quite high, only about a £1 less than the new stock in Boots which is literally next door. I do sometimes get the liquid soap for the downstairs loo but wouldn’t buy the range for myself.

Spendless

Oh dear Coxy - well Im glad you decided to stop making the effot with extended family as it was costing you financially and also time and mental load. As for the cards well I'd give yourself a deadline, if your family hasnt received any back by x date, you'll no longer send either. I did this with my sister after she made me the final family member she's estranged from. I rose above it and sent all cards until my DD's 21st birthday (almost 2 years later) when there was still nothing I stopped. Re your own household, my WA falls mid June so if the date clashes with England playing in a major tournament (every other year due to World/European cup) my DH has been known to forget. So this year (tho I dont think England was playing on the actual date), I decided I was saying nothing about it and seeing what happened. 2 people knew, a good friend who was bemused (she has worse issues with her DH) and my Mum. My parents WA is the day before ours. Mum decided to tip Mr S off accidentally on purpose so hed not get into trouble by telling him what her and Dad were doing for theirs and asking what he'd got planned for ours. He then sussed that Id been keeping quiet, denied every forgetting previously due to football (!) and was annoyed with me about it. Might have taught him a lesson though will see in 2028 - lol. Maybe your family now they know theyve upset you will be more mindful going forward.

Re B&BW, though my US visits may be over, we are going to North Anerica later this month, Ill have to look see if they stock too and what prices are like.

Spendless

Bit of a strange recommendation but maybe a stocking filler (though I dont think you can split pack and it remain effective) or to add if doing a holiday hamper.

Background - Im allergic to mozzie bites (recent-ish development). They bite near my eye then it completely swells the area and I need meds to get it down. 1st time landed me in hospital abroad (out patient). Last time was a couple of months ago. So when I woke at 4am and could see some sort of flying insect, I went downstairs to get one of these that Id bought in advance of my forthcoming hol.

https://pestects.co.uk/?tw_source=google&tw_adid=739330252488&tw_campaign=22349605417&tw_kwdid=kwd-2067631459400&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22349605417&gbraid=0AAAAApMy0_eFr3UXxc6G32XeDLJ-a1Hrv&gclid=CjwKCAjwtp7VBhBjEiwAJfpV-2G-Ph8Oe6iIjkCOIh--EAmmQd0HZgxo_PrNFxI8RE7jAkVYR4YgsxoCU4AQAvD_BwE

Only the dog had followed me downstairs believing I had nothing better to do than let him out despite him being fast asleep when I got up. I opened the door several small flying creatures came in (!) flying towards me and then the weirdest thing, I actually saw them swerve and fly in a different direction. Clearly they disliked the bracelet now on my wrist. Went back to bed and flying creature in my room also dissappeared. Can give a better update once back from holibobs, but first brief impressiond are good.

mandco

@coxy11 belated birthday wishes sounds like you got some lovely thoughtful gifts though Shame the thought ended there

Rude if your sil etc to not even bother sending a card but hopefully it means you’re feeling better about stopping gifts now. Less stress and financial burden buying for people who obviously aren’t bothered reciprocating anyway if there nothing in it for them.

Hope your visit to ds went ok the weather is so unpredictable at the moment with blazing sunshine to torrential rain and distinctly chilly temps all in the space of a couple of hours - pick one already. I’ve got a feeling after the summer we had we’re in for a long cold wet winter this year

@spendless I’d have been well peeved at dh for getting annoyed and blaming me for not reminding him - ok you forgot I’m used to that but don’t insult me by saying it’s my fault you forgot it /were distracted by the football you’re a grown up take responsibility.

What is it with men? my oh is the same when it come to occasions honestly if I don’t plan it/arrange it etc we’d never do anything

I’m a bug bite magnet esp mozzies and have often wondered if those worked - initial results look promising so I’d be interested to hear what your thoughts are once you’ve tried them for a while.

Finally got a reply and what a surprise they cancelled my order due to it now being oos despite it being in stock when I ordered. It’s oos everywhere local/online at the moment with an estimated restock date of oct- nov so hopefully I’ll be able find one before Xmas.

Picked up a jar if the m&s everything sugar & spice mix to try as it’s getting good reviews https://www.marksandspencer.com/food/everything-sugar-n-spice/p/fdp61228861 Yes you could probably make your own version but sometimes it’s worth paying for the convenience. Also picked up some holly sprinkles -I left it too late and they sold out last year plus edible snow & salted caramel/chocolate dusts for the Xmas baking/hot chocolate station stash.

it was taz birthday last week and not quite sure what happened but overnight he seems to have grown up dramatically- with requests for a suit & dress shoes, a grown up watch & his first proper adult aftershave/fragrance. I’m proud of the young man he’s turning into but part of me is also kinda sad to see my little boy disappear.

@princesskitty29 hope you’re doing ok