Cheap Crockery?

TheShrew

Hi!
Has anyone got any advice on the best place to buy cheap crockery/tableware sets? Its for my sister, who last time we visited had to eat her dinner off a baking tray because she's so lacking in the plate department!!
So I'd like to get her some as a present. They need to be cheap as thats all I can afford, especially as an un-birthday present! But I would like them to be nice looking too.
Any suggestions would be gratefully received.
I've tried doing general internet searches, either I'm doing the wrong thing or there is no such thing as a cheap dinner set!
Thanks
Salx

ukchriss

You could do a search on ebay distance nearest to you then if you find one pick it up to save on postage.
http://home-garden.search.ebay.co.uk/dinner-set_Dinner-Services-Sets_W0QQfromZR34QQsacatZ36032


Studio
http://www.browse.24studio.co.uk/shared/search/viewresults.asp?p=1

Argos Value Range 12 Piece White Porcelain Dinner Set. £5.00
http://www.argos.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Search?go.x=4&jspStoreDir=argos&catalogId=651&referredURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.argos.co.uk%2Fwebapp%2Fwcs%2Fstores%2Fservlet%2FSearch%3FstoreId%3D10001&cmpid=COJUN&langId=-1&searchTerms=801%2F0858&referrer=COJUN&storeId=10001&go.y=11

Loft 16 Piece Stoneware Dinner Set. £10.00
http://www.argos.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Search?go.x=4&jspStoreDir=argos&catalogId=651&referredURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.argos.co.uk%2Fwebapp%2Fwcs%2Fstores%2Fservlet%2FSearch%3FstoreId%3D10001&cmpid=COJUN&langId=-1&searchTerms=801%2F0841&referrer=COJUN&storeId=10001&go.y=11

Venice 30 Piece Porcelain Dinner Set with Decoration.£12.50
http://www.argos.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Search?go.x=4&jspStoreDir=argos&catalogId=651&referredURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.argos.co.uk%2Fwebapp%2Fwcs%2Fstores%2Fservlet%2FSearch%3FstoreId%3D10001&cmpid=COJUN&langId=-1&searchTerms=801%2F0360&referrer=COJUN&storeId=10001&go.y=11

Where are you? If you are near me I have one in my attic which i dont need!

calleyw

I know it is probably not what you are looking for but if you have a local Ikea they do plates and bowls for 19p each.

http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/categories/rooms/dining/11444?sorting=price the Motto range. They look white but are beige. The deep bowl is small but the other deep dish and plate are a good size and great for everyday use. And they are both microwave and dishwasher safe as well.

I known they are not fantastic looking but they do the job and are cheap.

I know someone will pop there head up and go on about how ethical they are. That is not the question being asked.

And when you have a husband who only has use of one hand, dishes and bowls and glasses are often broken and I am not going to pay vast sums of money to see it broken on the floor.

Yours

Calley

PasturesNew

I bought the 19p plates and bowls from Ikea. Colour was oatmeal which isn't inspiring, but they're cheap! I bought two plates. Used them every day for 6 months already, no deterioration whatsoever in the quality/colour/finish.

hollydays

Asda often have dinner sets for £4,or try ikea

geri1965_2

Tesco have some plates, bowls etc. for £1 at the moment.

gunsandbanjos

Pier were doing plates, bowls, side plates and mugs for £1 each a couple of days ago. Might be worth a look, i had to restrain myself as i'm trying to save money:o

http://www.pier.co.uk/catalogue/Tableware/chunky_hand_paint_dinnerware_-_spice

They have other ones too

http://www.pier.co.uk/catalogue/Tableware/square_essential_ice_blue_dinnerware

Thats the ones i was originally on about.

Fenella

Charity shops always have quality china at knockdown prices.

unrich

Just buy white too.

If you get something too distinctive in either pattern or shape it will be difficult matching it.

We're surviving on 3 cereal bowls, 1 side plate etc as I love our stuff but it was discontinued and the ebay prices are still too high.

TheShrew

Thanks for all the replies everyone! :-)
I've seen the cheap ones in tesco before, but they rarely seem to have enough of them to make a whole set.
I agree that charity shops ought to be a good place, but must admit my local ones seem to expect a lot for sets of crockery. I keep an eye on my local free-cycle too so something might come of that.
Ikea is a great suggestion, I dont know why I didnt think of that before! I'm not really close to one, but I can make it a bit of an outing.
Anyway, you're suggestions are all great, so I'm off to check them out!
Thanks!