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From present ideas to party food, find all your Christmas inspiration here.

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From present ideas to party food, find all your Christmas inspiration here.

Christmas

Thread 4 - I want a revenge penguin

999 replies

Reastie · 09/09/2018 10:09

Thought I’d do a ‘how to’ for a couple of things people often post about not being sure of

To do click links you do this put link in here then a space then the name or phrase you want to go with the link . Don’t put a space between the start of the link and the and then last word and the like I have or it won’t work but I had to to demonstrate.

To follow the thread without using up a post to mark place you can click on ‘watch this thread’ at the top of the first post.

Second message has a few links and info which I’ll slowly build up, let me k ow if there’s anything you’d like me to add to it

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Reastie · 09/09/2018 10:10

Aliexpress have lots of stuff very cheap, order early as it’s all delivered from China here see sockeatingmonster’s useful tips on this site at the bottom of this post

Camelcamelcamel is a brilliant site that tracks prices on amazon here

Learning resources can have good bits in their sale here

Lisa angel sale is popular when on, apparently arrive nicely packaged too here

Magazine subscription offers here and here

Netpricedirect has discount toys and party bits here

Toys for a pound here

Sockeatingmonster’s top tips for using aliexpress

Check reviews
Be wary of plastic toys. There have been concerns about toxic plastics from China, and I have binned plastic figures for having very unpleasant smells. I no longer buy any 'low-end' plastic items (UPDATE: I wouldn’t buy squishiest either, for the same reason) and only ever from sellers with lots of positive reviews
Aliexpress refund/complaints procedure is actually way more straightforward than eBay, and stacked in the buyer's favour
Beware of mains operated electricals, many of which are supplied without fused plugs. Always message the seller first if in doubt, don't rely on the photos
I don't trust dress up clothes to be flame retardant, although I don't believe this is UK law anyway?
Clothes can come up very small. Quality can be variable (excellent to awful). Photos are often of similar items, so take them with a pinch of salt and check the reviews.
Actually, all photos on Aliexpress should be taken with a pinch of salt. Again, check reviews (where buyers often post photos of the actual item received)
I wouldn't trust toys to meet UK safety standards and wouldn't buy anything that could pose a risk (e.g. Paint might not be safe for children to gum, there could be sharp edges/choking hazards, etc)
Lego alternatives don't tend to stick together as well as genuine Lego. Minifigures are still excellent value, but the odd one might benefit from a few drops of superglue.

10. Barbie and other doll clothes can be excellent value, but check reviews for fabric quality and finish (UPDATE: Type “18 inch doll” for clothes that will fit American Girl/Our Generation/Designafriend dolls. Shoes are particularly excellent value. Wash dark clothing first as dyes can stain dolls’ limbs)
11. Stationery is generally excellent value, although paper quality can be lower than expected. Type 'kawaii' into stationery and be prepared to spend a fortune!

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