Thrifty christmas

[Elainey1609]

Hi ya everyone

I am sure I'm in the same boat as many other people this year we no money.
I know I am starting to panic already about Christmas
I like many have been glued to the bargain christmas thread and have bought some small bits already but I can't seem to see the light at the end of the tunnel

I have already told many family members that I won't be able to afford buying them Xmas presents this yearned am checking boot sales, free cycle and nearly new sites

The whole thing is just very depressing

So i wanted to start this thread to get people's ideas ideas or tips so we can all help each other to the best of our ability as I know I'm not the only one in this situation

A problem shared is a problem halved and all that

Last year people gave links where free Xmas decorations and samples that can be used as presents were being given away free.
Links to christmas sites with free downloadable things


Just share anything that is free or very low buget that can be used over the Xmas

Hope this helps

[orderinformation]

Marking place

Popcorn in a bag is a great idea.

[Elainey1609]

Fairy Jen I agree that is a great idea
Maybe a new thread so people can identify it easier
Great Xmas spirit

[ValiumQueen]

I just asked my 7yo what she had for Christmas last year and she could not remember. She does however remember the activities we did together as a family. It is these things that make Christmas memories, not expensive presents and bulging stockings.

[Elainey1609]

Thank Valium that's what I think we are all aiming for
Got some great jewellery off eBay today for £0.40
It's lovey putting small organza bags for presses to niece she will love the make her grown up and cheaper than all the toys she normally gets

[CorrineFoxworth]

Thrifty activities also needed please, Valium

And teh craft-materials, gingerbread house, movie night etc

I have saved food colouring for the Elf on the Shelf's green wee (don't ask) and lots of glitter for reindeer food - even the porridge oats- to use again. Last year's DVD didn't get watched as DD was hospitalised so I've saved that too - DC won't remember

[girlywhirly]

When DS was young we used to make our own paper chains from strips of cheap Christmas wrapping paper, and stick the loops together with sticky tape. They didn't fall apart like the gummed paper strips. We found that shiny foil or holographic paper was really effective, or you could choose more matt paper and decorate the loops with sequins. We also used to cut out snowflakes from white paper and stick them on the windows/patio door.

[CorrineFoxworth]

Snowflakes are great to do and cost nothing, thank you

[Elainey1609]

Been to DIY store today to buy some stuff and saw some really nice wall paper samples (free) they are xmasdy colours
Going to use it to make paper chains
So thank girls wouldn't have had the idea in my head if u hadn't said it on here

[girlywhirly]

That's great. It's all about finding alternative uses for stuff really. If you like really 'blingy' tree decs, you could look around charity shops/car boots for inexpensive jewellery and take necklaces apart to use the beads. Those iridescent facetted crystal beads are good to re-thread as 'icicles' (largest bead at the top, graduating to small at the base) or make stars or snowflakes. They really sparkle in the tree lights. Or attach vintage brooches to fabric bows to put on the tree.

I'll stop now as I'm beginning to sound like Kirsty Allsopp.

[mrsdinklage]

chanie - I love the idea of crochet candy canes. I've also had brilliant wrapping paper from Primark. Asda have got some good book deals on at the moment (3 Game of thrones books for £10). I also got a big box of plums today for £1.50 which I'm going to put in brandy (recipe on bbcgood food website).
I'm also making sloe gin, I've also been asked to knit a cardi, and a jumper.
Loving the extra freezer idea I'm quite tempted to get one for the spare room.

[ChunkyMonkeyMother]

We end up with lots of couples to buy for and im sick of having to pay out for 2 gifts so for a few years we've done a gift for both - last year was Christmas biscuits and a bottle of Christmas morning Bucks Fizz - everybody commented and i got over 5 photos from couples enjoying both of them Christmas morning! This year its a Christmas dvd (between £3~£5) and a bag of fancy popcorn and some home made hot chocolate mix - works out less than 7 quid per couple! The recipe for the hot choc is Jamie Oliver's and I've been stocking up on mini kilne jars whenever i see them cheap (usually charity shops etc) so im nearly ready - also easy to adapt for tiddlers, replace fancy popcorn with a.chocolate aldi Santa

Last year we made salt dough decs and painted them - we ended up not needing other.decs so might sell them, it was a lovely activity though - a.bit messy but great in front of Father Christmas or The Snowman!

Love the ebay bargain tool - many thanks for that tip!

[Elainey1609]

Girly just love the idea of beaded necklaces into Xmas decs
I've got a load of my own that was gonna sell but may use them for decorations instead

[VoldemortsNipple]

I saved loads last year by searching the whoops in the supermarket and freezing it. One time I got over £40 worth of meat for under £10. I also found all kinds of deli items like sausage rolls, Samosas, onion bargis etc which were great to add to buffet teas. I find the best time to go to the supermarket is around 3pm on Sundays to get the best deals.

Also, I found having a Christmas present app on my phone really helped me keep to budget and keep tabs on what I had bought or wanted to buy.

[lucysmam]

What app do you use Voldemort? I was going to have a look around for one so my lists are all in one place

[Slainte]

lucysmam I'm finding the app called Quick Christmas List HD quite good but be warned that if you decide to password protect it (which you choose as soon as its uploaded) you cannot undo that.

[Titsalinabumsquash]

[nothruroad]

Last year I printed out lots of these pictures and put them in cheap colourful frames from Ikea. They made good, cheap presents.

[70isaLimitNotaTarget]

Sainsburys Half Price toy sale.
Usually October half term (so easier if you don't have the DC spying on what you buy) but bargains and Nectar Points.

[VoldemortsNipple]

lucysmam I have a new phone this year so I'm not sure which one I had last year but I just look for a free app. The one I had was password protected which was great for me as my kids are terrible snoopers.

[VoldemortsNipple]

I found two packs of pate in the whoops yesterday for 24p. Do you think they would freeze well until Christmas

[lucysmam]

I'd risk them....

[VoldemortsNipple]

That's what I thought. They will only be for immediate family so if they taste off, they can go in the bin

[MadeOfStarDust]

We do the paper chains from Phoenix cards - they cost a couple of quid for enough tasteful ones for our dining room and if you have a friend who holds the parties, they get the commission too....

[ValiumQueen]

No more socks is an ok app, and free.

[Elainey1609]

Lucy and voldemorrt I was upset I was using one of them apps said it was free
Put so much in and then i had to pay was disappointed
Looking for a new free one now.

Got some freebies from boots today
Just some no.7 wipes and make up samples but that will make a small gift in a little bag for someone.

Also signed up for some freebe sites, received some perfume samples the tiny 2-5 ml ones but will also be small gifts when wrapped together
Saving the pennies where ever I can