Thread 16 - the one with less than a week to go!

[Reastie]

Thank you for all the congrats and messages on the last thread. I didn’t reply to all of them as I thought it might be dull reading for everyone but I really appreciate the advice, understanding and general congratulatory comments. Bad news is I’m still stuck on the sofa feeling sick, but at least it won’t last forever (thank goodness!).

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.

No affiliate links please.

Referral thread here

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

[Reastie]

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

Pouch on fb is worth a look. Woodwaj recommends ‘you just use them via messenger type in the shop and they message back with any valid codes!’

Toys for a pound here

Zeek have discounted gift vouchers here



Sockeatingmonster’s top tips for using aliexpress

1. Check reviews
   
2. 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
   
3. Aliexpress refund/complaints procedure is actually way more straightforward than eBay, and stacked in the buyer's favour
   
4. 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
   
5. I don't trust dress up clothes to be flame retardant, although I don't believe this is UK law anyway?
   
6. 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.
   
7. 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)
   
8. 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)
   
9. 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

[ChristmasDaydreams]

🎅🏻🎄🎁

[AdoraBell]

Place marking. I’ll be back to look at those threads in the New Year 😁

[MonkeyfaceThereturn]

I'm here!

[SantasFavouriteHo]

Checking in!

[dancemom]

Checking in ... but not buying anything else as I twitched on Ariana Grande tickets today 🙈

[dizzygirl1]

@dancemom where and when for Ariana Grande? My DD would love these and there is a birthday coming up!

[dancemom]

She's touring next September, pre sale tickets available currently for O2 customers and American Express I think, general sale available on Friday. All via ticketmaster.

[dancemom]

Sorry that was for @dizzygirl1

[dizzygirl1]

Thanks @dancemom.
We are in London (Gatwick) the day she opens.... But go on holiday the next day.... I'm an O2 customer so could do presale. £88 each for the cheapest I think.....
Birmingham would be the other option and nothing available apart from vip and they are £200+ each 😭😭

[TheDrsDocMartens]

Trying not to twitch yet I’m still joining the thread

[dancemom]

@dizzygirl1 yeah I tried for the £50 odd ones but needed up with the £80 odd ones 🙈

You might get the cheaper ones on Friday with general release?

[DeezMutts]

[whenwillthetwitchstrike]

Just found out that a friend of a friend who we are seeing on Xmas Eve has bought my children presents. Aaaahhh! I have to reciprocate with a token gift. Can anyone think of anything other than alcohol or chocolate (both of which I know she would enjoy, I just want to be a bit more imaginative if I can)? Female, early 60s, flying home (so anything bulky or heavy is ruled out as are vouchers).

[Trumpton]

@Casablanca78
Umm somtimes I put extra stuff in my order and return it straight away 🤭
At the end of the last thread someone suggested SANTA for free delivery

[PickleMeThis]

A book to read on the plane?

Something light like Schott's Original Miscellany?

[GirlWithTheYellowHat]

Trying not to twitch!!

[IHopeYouStepOnALegoPiece]

I wanted this to be the year we beat the thread record! We can do 9 threads in 6 days right?!

[Lurleene]

I did a Primark run at lunch and they have so many reduced Christmas things, and loads of cheap nightwear. Lovely Harry Potter baubles that I paid £5 for the other week are now £2, all the wrapping and gift bags are silly prices, some socks were 5 pairs for a quid, everyone had arms full in there. Tried very hard not to twitch too much!

All The Grinch stuff was reduced, I guess it is out of date by boxing day.

[SleeptightDaisy]

Feeling very annoyed that my bargain hunting savings have been eaten into by a £11 postage charge. Bill & Sil were coming to visit they decided yesterday they aren't so now I've had to post their presents if only if known earlier 😣

[TheBaltictriangle]

Posted on last the thread but will repost if anyone is thinking if buying the Boots star gift. I got the No7 protect and perfect skin care set for my mum as she's a big fan. It's an absolute bargain for the price, £39 for the whole set.

[TheBaltictriangle]

I have saved on double postage fees by having most gifts bought online delivered gift wrapped straight to the recipient. This way I've just paid once for postage and a small fee for gift wrapping. However, some shops have gift wrapped it for free & included a gift receipt too.

[CheekyFucker]

Ho ho ho.

[NaturalBlondeYeahRight]

Checking in, 2 more (ish) to go. I REALLY need to start wrapping!

[NoWordForFluffy]

Checking in, though trying not to twitch anymore than I already have!

I'm just hoping that DS' twitch goods (Lego Batman fleece blanket and lampshade) arrive on time. I'm collecting DD's (dressing gown) on Friday from Next!