Sneaky ways to save the pennies

suebfg

Any unwanted birthday/Christmas presents get recycled and given to other friends/relatives. I don't feel great about doing this but at least nothing goes to waste and I do try to give the present to someone I think would appreciate it. Note that you do have to remember who gave you what!

purplevamp

suebfg wrote: »

Any unwanted birthday/Christmas presents get recycled and given to other friends/relatives. I don't feel great about doing this but at least nothing goes to waste and I do try to give the present to someone I think would appreciate it. Note that you do have to remember who gave you what!

I do this, and sometimes they end up on ebay or Amazon :whistle: . It does seem to only be the presents from my DH's family. I'm not ungrateful but it seems the gifts they get me are after thoughts, which makes me feel like they "have" to get me something. This year I got some big pink fluffy slippers in a size 7. I take a size 5 and never wear slippers . I'd rather not get anything then get something I won't use or need.

angela110660

Poor you purplevamp. I agree though - hate getting things that you know will not get used, played with or looked at. Think sometimes it is worth mentioning that maybe the family could club together as you want XXX which might be costlier but is what you really want. It works in our family.

suebfg

You can get a huge bag of 'horse' carrots for about a quid from your local farm shop. They may be a bit misshapen but are absolutely fine for us to eat too.

Similarly, if you keep rabbits, don't waste money on small bags of woodshavings. Buy a big bag designed for horses and it'll be much cheaper

purplevamp

angela110660 wrote: »

Poor you purplevamp. I agree though - hate getting things that you know will not get used, played with or looked at. Think sometimes it is worth mentioning that maybe the family could club together as you want XXX which might be costlier but is what you really want. It works in our family.

I've tried this, but they're oblivious to my needs . DH and I always get them something they really want, even his mum gets him "odd" things, this year she got DH a floral hammer set . He doesn't even do D.I.Y. :rotfl:

redmandarin

I've thought of two sneaky cosmetic money savers that I do!

To use the last of a lipstick, Lypsyl, blemish stick or most push up/twist up tubes, I bought a Rimmel eye brush from a pound shop (a child's paint brush will do) and I rub it over the product and use as much as I need.

To use the last of a stick deodorant (the solid twist up type, not roll on) [I use this in summer when my crystal stick fails!] I use a rubber glove and scoop a little up with my fingers and rub it on. A thin latex glove (like the ones in home hair dyeing packs) is best. Please don't be tempted to use your bare hand, though! I found out to my cost, that it leaves such a barrier that even hot soap and water won't remove it!

Both of these tips work well and make valuable savings (and it's very satisfying to do)!

arhino30

When going out for the day, rather than waste money buying takeaways, we carry the camping stove in the boot of the car, and take some hotdog sausages, rolls and ketchup, and maybe some fresh pasta with us (along with the camping kettle and tea and coffee). As we have 4 chldren, it saves us a fortune!! (we do get some funny looks from passers by though while cooking!

JayJay14

arhino30 wrote: »

When going out for the day, rather than waste money buying takeaways, we carry the camping stove in the boot of the car, and take some hotdog sausages, rolls and ketchup, and maybe some fresh pasta with us (along with the camping kettle and tea and coffee). As we have 4 chldren, it saves us a fortune!! (we do get some funny looks from passers by though while cooking!

This reminded me of when I was a kid and Mum used to cook breakfast in the first layby in Cornwall after an overnight drive down from Cumbria.

When we did the same with our kids the guy with the bacon buttie van at the other end of the layby came and thanked us as the aroma of our breaky sent loads of people down to his van:rotfl:

phizzimum

purplevamp wrote: »

even his mum gets him "odd" things, this year she got DH a floral hammer set . He doesn't even do D.I.Y. :rotfl:

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

maybe she was recycling an unwanted present that she'd been given?

Raksha

suebfg wrote: »

You can get a huge bag of 'horse' carrots for about a quid from your local farm shop. They may be a bit misshapen but are absolutely fine for us to eat too.

Similarly, if you keep rabbits, don't waste money on small bags of woodshavings. Buy a big bag designed for horses and it'll be much cheaper

I've been doing this all winter, saved a fortune (on human carrots and chews for the dog - he goes and helps himself to a carrot when he fancies :T ) BUT I find at this time of year they don't keep so well and start to go soft and squidgy within a couple of weeks Still a saving to be had, but just be warned.

Sacks of potatoes from farm shops are normally around £7 and good value too, although again, at this time of year, they start to shoot and go wrinkly if stored too warm and in the light (mine go out to the garage)