Great Virtually Free Stocking Fillers Hunt

olderthanhelooks

When you've found all the bargains for your Christmas stockings, why not give something to a child really in need.

A Christian charity, Samaritan's Purse distribute thousand of shoeboxes filled with little cheap presents but presents which mean so much to impoverished kids around the world, most of whom have never received a Christmas present before.

It should only cost a few quid to fill a shoebox but it will give you a good feeling at this time of goodwill.

See link below for details of drop-off points and how to go about it..

http://www.samaritanspurse.uk.com/occ/index.asp

Tim_L

My little one is mad for Nick Jr....I went to their web site and downloaded loads of printables  - games, colouring sheets  etc - I then made his own activity book with a personalised cover with his name and piccie all big and bright.  He loved it!  We did this a while ago but I may just do another for his stocking  :)

Bear in mind that with the cost of consumables, a printout costs something between 3p to 7p an A4 page, more for colour. So this isn't necessarily cheaper than a pound shop colouring book, though I think much nicer because personalised.

Sarahsaver

I have saved most of the free samples of body lotion, shampoo etc... plus the boots hair shots and the toe separators so i can make little goody bags for friends. Also useful if you know anyone who is going into hospital. Friend of mine went in so I got stuff with my points that was on a 3 for 2, plus a (free) copy of the boots magazine.
Don't forget 'little old ladies' they still like to pamper themselves, and a few sachets of handcream would be a useful little gift.

amd

We have a kind of ritual that we do every year.   The kids love it and I do too cos it's so cheap!!  

When my eldest daughter was a baby, a relative bought her one of those fabric advent calendars with little pockets and I was stumped as to what to put in.  In the end we have come to re-use plastic moulds from the inside of those vastly overpriced kids chocolate advent calendars.  

Each year at the end of November we buy a bar (or two) of Lidl or Tesco Savers choc (which are both very good - high in cocoa solids!)    The kids have a great time melting the chocolate, filling the moulds (put in fridge to chill) and filling the pockets later.

They look forward to this every year without fail!     So keep your old moulds from this year until next, and look out for a fabric calendar in the January sales.   Or make one if you're feeling crafty!

Spendless

Bear in mind that with the cost of consumables, a printout costs something between 3p to 7p an A4 page, more for colour. So this isn't necessarily cheaper than a pound shop colouring book, though I think much nicer because personalised.

I think the poster was making the point that it used resources you may already have in your home. Though I take your point Tim

janeytel

Please can you tell me which Shrek 2 website you used ?

We used shrek2.com.  You have to select a character and name for your travel papers - my kids loved this part.  

Then move onto the game using the easy road.  Click on the stagecoach as it drives past and a treasure chest appears where you can select "make your own T-shirt activity".  

haziec

SORRY - Andypandy (andrea) only just got your message, I dont have any more codes for the Book people. Didnt see any bin ends lucky dips for younger kiddies.
regards
Rosemary

Claudie

There are some great tips here thanks!  We will have a great time  ;D

Oh and thanks Tim L for the reminder...I should have mentioned it myself but I forget not everyone may be as lucky as I am!  I rarely use "proper" paper for home use unless it is a v impt document - I have an unbelieveable mountain of paper from a former employer who changed letterheads and needed to get rid of the old stuff .... and as it is an Activity Book everything bar the front page is B&W

Galstonian

Maybe not ideal for the kids but I like stockings to be filled with legs

Squidgy

Thanks guys. Hawkins Bazaar is excellent. Ordered loads of musical instruments for my daughter on Sunday. They turned up today. I'm very impressed! ;D