to think buying toiletry gifts in the Boxing Day sales for next Christmas is tacky?

[crinkle8]

So today I was talking to a colleague about Christmas, and how quickly this year is going. She then said she's done all her xmas shopping I said you must be very organised! She said she did it all in the Boxing Day sales.

She then said she broughttoiletry sets from Boots for all the women in her family when they were 90% off. Is it just me who thinks this is a little TOO cheap? I'm all for a bargain if it's something that can keep, but I'm not convinced toiletry products can lost that long. I've had toiletries I've left unopen for a year, and when I open them they've either lost their scent or really runny.

Also, anyone who shops at Boots will know the packaging is from last year, and know the person got it at 90% off a year ago.

Does anybody actually like receiving those box sets?

I don't.

They are half price on Boxing Day and not on a 3 for 2 so it's not even a big saving.
75% off usually happens mid January and 90% off a few weeks later. The 90% off is dire stuff you couldn't give away and there's not a great selection left when it's 75% off.

Id do this and id also love to receive this. Not for anyone I thought wouldnt like it however.
I really dont personally care what someone has paid for my gift... if theyve got me something nice in the sales id prefer that to something less nice but that was full price.
Love fancy toiletry sets as gifts because I dont usually have the disposable income to buy myself stuff like that.

GreatDuckCookery there are some lovely sets in fairness but what's left for the sale isn't great. I buy it to use for our household wouldn't gift it to anyone unless it was a token gift.

I think people misunderstand me. There's nothing wrong with toiletry sets, but buying them a year in advance means you are giving someone old soap that's probably past it's use by date.

Even unopened, they still go funny, as I've seen myself.

I agree with Anotherangel has hot the nail,on the head. Ie. Buying in the sale isn’t wromg, but buying impersonal gifts is. Therefore, it’s fine to buy reduced make-up sets for teen girls, lynx sets for teen boys etc. Not okay to buy bubble bath sets for someone who only has a shower, like poster above.

Better than the starbucks coffee beans and mugs DH got from his auntie on year. The beans had gone out of date the previous January.

It’s sensible. I buy gifts year round in the sales.

Nothing wrong with buying stuff in the sales the year before.
I’ve finished all my Christmas Shopping too - I didn’t start until April though and no toiletries sets! (Although I did get my mother 2 bath melts as a stocking filler)

No issue with buying stuff in the sale. I do this all the time. Means you get more bang for your buck. I still put thought into the gift though and tailor it to the individual.
I do hate the boots smelliest though. Totally impersonal. I have drawers of unused body lotion!!!

Because toiletries don't stay nice and scented for a year

Of course they do. A year is no time.

I don't think buying ahead or at a discount is tacky. I know some people just hate those toiletry gift sets, but I am always delighted to get a few Sanctuary sets at Christmas.

Impersonal, thoughtless and probably past their best.

I think those gift sets are great IF it's something that the person would actually use. My mum always buys me the soap and glory sets and I love those, but if she bought me one of the Sanctuary sets then I'd think she hadn't put any thought into it.

I think this is genius. If the products stay ok and the person receiving them likes them, then I can’t see a problem with it. I personally love posh bath gift sets and lotions. I’m so thrifty that I only buy cheap for myself so it’s such a luxury when my in laws get me nice bath stuff for Christmas (because they don’t know what else to get but after ten years of me going “eeeeeek I love it!” they still do it, thankfully).

Each to their own I say.

Toiletries have a very long best before date. (Usually 2 years) and are virtually indestructible until you open them. Then it's about 6 months. Having said that, although it's safe, it's a bit crap to give a gift beyond the best before

You sound a bit snobby tbh.

Unopened toiletries don't go off in a year. I personally like receiving toiletries at Christmas as I don't treat myself to stuff like that throughout the year. Some people really have to budget. If I was as organised my life would be a lot easier

I don't really see it as any tackier than buying all the women in her family toiletry sets at full price. But I really think this sort of thing illustrates why present giving at Christmas should generally be just for the kids and a few people you can be bothered putting real effort in for.

I like to put a bit of thought into presents, some people don’t and will give you any old shit. Discounted toiletries spring to mind.
They’re ok as stocking fillers and better than giving nothing, but any I get are usually given away.
Yet to receive one in all my 40 odd years on this planet that I would actually use.

I’ve never understood the Mumsnet hate for toiletries either.

I wash at least once a day, so it won’t be wasted, and body lotions make excellent shaving creams.

YABU

Still being such a snob 🙄

Hmmm. I'm now very much planning a trip to Boots in January - if you can really get Sanctuary stuff at 90% off I'm going to buy myself a year's worth.

I love a box set!

Crinkle, soap kept for a while is perfectly ok. DGM always kept hers as it hardens and lasts longer.

Does anyone actually use body lotion? That's what I always have left over.