Thread 14 - the one where we definitely don’t ask IveGotALovelyBunchOfCoconuts’ dh to hide our presents

[Reastie]

Hope you don’t mind the title @IveGotALovelyBunchOfCoconuts !

please post any bargain info IN BOLD to make it easier to scroll through the thread.

To make things bold you:
Put a star each side of what you want to make bold like this but without the space between the star and the writing *


Just a reminder you can watch the thread by clicking on ‘watch this thread’ at the top of the first message. It’s much easier for everyone than so many place marking every time which can use up a fair chunk of each thread to scroll through

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Here’s Barbarara’s instructions from last year on doing clicky links:

Open double square brackets
No space
Paste link
Space
Name of link
No space
Close double square brackets

Like this
[[www.amazingbargains.com bargain ]] but with no space after/before the brackets.
If I do it again without the extra spaces only the word bargain will appear in blue

For more links etc see message 2

If any link doesn’t work or you want to add something please let me know by @ing me

[Reastie]

Referral link here . Use this to post any links where you can refer a mner and you or both of you get an incentive. For ease and fairness please don’t post these on the main thread.

Cash back sites. You can order through cash back sites like Quidco and topcashback. It’s really simple, you just create a free account and then when you’re purchasing anything online you search on the cash back site the lace you’re ordering from and see if they do cash back and if so follow the link to place the order. You usually have to earn £5 minimum to cash the money back but it easily adds up. Go to the referral link page to join if you haven’t before.

Thank you fireflygirl for the info on when supermarkets opened Christmas delivery slots last year:
Last year, Morrisons opened their Christmas delivery slots to pass holders on 6 November, and non-pass holders on 27th November, Tesco opened theirs 3 days early for pass holders (27th as opposed to 30th), and Asda 5 days earlier (13th as opposed to 18th). Sainsbury's likely opened theirs 3 weeks in advance to everyone at the same time.

camel camel camel is a great page for price tracking amazon

A great website for looking up items of specific price so you hit the £20 free delivery at amazon here

Sockeatingmonster’s age old but very useful top tips for using aliexpress (note these are also relevant for wish website and anything shipped from China on Amazon and Ebay - you can usually tell by the estimated delivery time and multiple same pictures but different companies. Although you can filter search by country on Ebay. - thanks scrappydappydoo for that bonus point).

“1. Check reviews

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

Also to add I’ve seen a fair few posts from fb this year from small businesses where aliexpress have posted photos of their products and photos without permission, so be wary and be warned the photo might not be exactly what you get.”

Bargainmax here

Laser cut outs which have been popular on the thread here

Lisa angel is a very popular site with great regular sale discounts on jewellery etc here

Toysforapound has some well priced items here

[NoWordForFluffy]

@XFPW, download the Nectar app. You can then convert points when you need them in store. You don't have to get posted vouchers if you have the app.

[myhobbyisouting]

@XFPW and in case you miss it on old thread, go to a Sainsbury's that doesn't have Argos

[MsMiaWallace]

Thanks for new thread xx

[Fridgeandkitchen]

Moving fast now. What’s the most Threads we’ve ever had?

[UselessInDisguise]

Thanks for the new thread

Oh, why do you have to double up nectar points at a store without an argos? Or have I missed something?

[XFPW]

Thanks for the new thread @Reastie.

I still have a bit left to buy - 2 nephew’s presents as well as main gifts for 3 of my 4 DC. Most of the small bits and pieces are done, but I have some things still to buy to even up the piles a bit. We’re due to move house end Nov/beg Dec and it’s hard to know what to buy without being in the new house so it’s likely I’ll be doing a fair bit of last minute shopping this year, which I hate!

I need a pair of inline skates and a cruiser skateboard - have a few open on the iPad and waiting for discount codes to appear. No clue what to buy DS for his main gift - he doesn’t know what he wants either [helpful emoji]

[Luxplus]

@
Youhavewonaprize I have PM you

[NoWordForFluffy]

@UselessInDisguise, you don't to, but if it has an Argos it's less likely to have a good stock of console games, as they want you to buy those in Argos, not Sainsbury's (and probably not have the chance to get them for free from Sainsbury's during Double Up).

[Dreamingofwalden]

@tildaturnip are you still looking for a Lakeland code? If so pm me

[Someaddedsugar]

I've got a Hotel Chocolat code if anyone wants it - it's the one where you can get £20 off an £80 spend (and two other lower prices/discounts).

[myhobbyisouting]

@UselessInDisguise both my Sainsbury's now have little signs on the shelves that stock computer games saying "buy me in Argos" - therefore you can't use nectar double up on them

[Lockdownlumpy]

Almost tempted to buy £80 of hotel chocolat just for me

[UselessInDisguise]

@NoWordForFluffy and @myhobbyisouting ah I see! Makes sense. Many thanks.. Can tell I'm a novice at all this

[ChristmasCantComeSoonEnough]

The person who said to do the double up on the app whilst in store, how do you get the voucher is it emailed?

[Phoebewillow]

Free delivery at Victoria’s Secret until 9 - normally £8. And 20% off

[NoWordForFluffy]

It's stored on the app, @ChristmasCantComeSoonEnough.

[noodledoodler]

Hello @Someaddedsugar I would love that code please, I am not great at sending pms but can receive them ok 😀

[ChristmasCantComeSoonEnough]

So you show the app at the checkout? Sorry total double up novice but have loads of points.

[NoWordForFluffy]

Yes, scan it as a coupon when you're paying.

[Someaddedsugar]

@noodledoodler

Hello *@Someaddedsugar* I would love that code please, I am not great at sending pms but can receive them ok 😀

I've pm'd you

[MsMiaWallace]

Not sure if mention but Disney Store large plush toys half price. There's a few discount codes about too for free delivery.

[EwDavid]

Was somebody on here looking for a Sports Direct code? I have one for 20% off if so.

[Ewock]

Thanks to pp for the Sapling code. Has anyone tasted it yet? I'm very tempted but wondered if it was a smooth vodka, if you know what I mean, which I prefer . Thanks.