Thread 24 -the one with a shitting flamingo

[Reastie]

Thanks @GoblinDaughter for the title

It’s nearly December, Father Christmas is busy putting the final touches to his toys on the workshop and we are busy elves preparing for a somewhat different Christmas this year.

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

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.

Independent online businesses to look here for links recommended or own businesses.

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

Use a gift tracking app to help keep on top of things and avoid too much (!!!) overspending :)

Sorry to be cheeky but just wondered if anyone had any recommendations for a hamper for one - looking for something savoury ( had my eye on the dirt bun Boxing Day hamper but it’s sold out I think!).

It’s for me . I’m a single parent, been a truly crap year and the kids will be with ex and his new family for Christmas and because of restrictions I will be on my own. I’ve always wanted a hamper and tonight just thought sod it!

Looking for something that feels indulgent but has stuff I can graze on over the few days.

Fortnums no idea where dirt bun came from!!

Why am I even here? I’m pretty much done - just need 1 birthday present for nephew’s birthday at the end of Dec and then stocking fillers for DH. (Might also buy him some new tops seeing as he’s now working from home and therefore not in suits anymore.)

@littlestpogo, the create your own hamper from fortnums might be nicer anyway. Then you wouldn’t be stuck with stuff like chicken liver parfait and could just choose the best stuff. I think you should treat yourself!

Haha I was following the convo about the Flamingos, my DC asked for one after seeing the advert but no way is he getting one!

@littlestpogo have a look at Lewis & Coopers they have a lovely selection of hampers.

What kind of food do you like @littlestpogo ? Do you ever hanker after Italian, Japanese, etc - maybe we can suggest something?
If not, I think what I'd tend to do is hit up a local deli and get lots of lovely things in person :)

Thanks everyone

@Yeknom no local deli unfortunately but yes that’s sort of what I was trying to create! I was thinking of Xmas foods I guess ( although now I’m thinking maybe I shouldn’t!) so cheeses, pickles, crackers, ham type stuff.

@Scampersaur - good point actually! Might have a browse this evening

@IggyAce - thank you will take a look!

@BalaamsAss I’m done too but don’t want to miss out on any irresistible bargains!

Hi everyone, DS1 (13) has put a gaming chair on his Christmas list... I have no idea where to start looking! Does anyone have any suggestions?

Just a reminder to everyone to turn off your amazon notifications on your Alexa's...

My DH got caught out this afternoon after DS got Alexa to play the notification...delivery of Gravitrax... he tried to fob him off by saying it wasn't for him, but didn't do a convincing job as DS told him "I think it might be, because it's on my list!" GRRRRRRRRR so annoyed!!

I would just go to Argos for a gaming chair - from about £65 to £150. Though we did buy ours from eBay and it's been good.

Thankyou &unkindnessofravens for the Throw Throw Burritto alert on amazon! Bought for DS bday which is in December.

@craftymadam

Hi everyone, DS1 (13) has put a gaming chair on his Christmas list... I have no idea where to start looking! Does anyone have any suggestions?

Didn't they have a gaming chair in the Aldi back Friday sale? Might still have some in stock

Still chuckling at the thought of buying David Walliams thongs shudder

FFS. I decided against buying the Hotel Chocolat Black Friday Tipsy collection as it was only for extras, then DP said "oh didn't you buy that one with the mint liqueur?" - turns out he wanted it for his mate's Christmas present. Grrrr. Can you guess which is now the only Black Friday offer out of stock?!

@craftymadam I know zero about gaming chairs, but Argos have some on offer?

Amazon have a delightful Christmas tree hat on offer should anyone need one

Thanks Iggi999, i'll have a look at the Argos site for some inspiration!

@thisisexhausting - the Aldi chair looks good (think its out of stock now though) He would love the LED lights, but I he'd need one that's suitable for a desk. Wish I'd asked him to write his list before Black Friday...!!

@purplepandas I know you had lots of camera related ideas on the last thread, but 2 quick lens ideas for his SLR- 50mm lens (great for taking lovely portraits), or fish eye (has a fun effect- google it).

Anyone who needs a diary for 2021 for gifting or yourselves Amazon have this one www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B087346Q3B/?tag=hugebargains-21&fbclid=IwAR3w8fpE6HrENTdohiq7mW8LIX7g5LsIFYu3blUvvQerjiMMU0VGf_WEGWM#.

There's a voucher for 55% off

A few threads ago someone asked about elf?? Pjs from asda. If you're here and still looking im going to a giant asda Tuesday ( i would have gone last week but a car fire kept me in traffic for 90 mins instead)

Has anyone bought from Just my look before ? They have some good offers on Yankee Candle and I wanted to treat myself

Are there any argos codes about? Have a large spend to make so even 10% would be worth it.