Keeping Christmas costs down with a 8yr old and 3yr old ds

[EnglishRose1320]

I want Christmas to be as big and bright as usual but have just moved to a new area, so new house and job hunting means less money this year.
I normally have a fairly set formula for presents: one big one under the tree and then a fairly big stocking made up of the following: 5 toys, 5 books, 5 useful things (socks, bubble bath etc- normally Christmas themed) and 5 foody bits. Would ideally love to stick to this so basically was wondering what fab bargains people have found so far.
Particularly with Christmas themed gifts in mind, things they will love on the day but we don't have to keep forever.
And just to make it a bit trickier ds2 can't have dairy so cheap novelty chocolate it out

Focus on 'doing things' as treats eg Making Xmas decorations, baking, seeing the Xmas lights.

As you are new in town, you could make a tell your 8 year old that you want to 'explore' town and find xmassy things to do, to get them excited.

I've got a 3 year old and whilst I'm hoping he will 'get' Xmas this year, he probably won't fully understand. You could cut back for the 3year old and they won't realise.

The works is great for small stocking fillers. Do they have to have five of everything? I'm finding as ds (7) gets older he understands that the things he wants often cost more so he actually gets fewer presents

Thanks for the advice, baking is a good idea they both love baking.
Plus your right my 3 yr old will be excited whatever we do and won't fuss over the details.
I think the 5 of everything is just me being a bit OCD, I'm sure they have never counted or mind in the slightest.
My 8yr old is pretty good a knowing that he only gets one thing under the tree- say a scooter or something and his brother will get more because he knows his cost more.
I guess it is more about keeping it the same as last yr because everything else is so different- moving house was a if thing for them and they haven't adjusted yet and also have to cope with their ill gm coming for Christmas- she has dementia so it's tricky.
The works is great and I have just discovered they are online!
Thanks for all the tips

Big not if

Check out the Christmas bargain threads on here. Following a recommendation I bought PJs from Character.com which were £2 and £3 per pair and are fab. Matalan usually have great slipper socks, gloves and pants for under a £5.

The Range usually has a great stock of gifts.

Christmas movie with popcorn and hot chocolate.

Watch Argos for 3 for 2 offers. I think you can still use Nectar points in Argos too. Spend Nectar and Clubcard vouchers if you have any.

Take a walk/drive around your town to look at Christmas lights on the houses.

The school carol concert always makes me feel Christmassy and costs nothing unless they pass the hat around at the end.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/Christmas/1862716-Simply-having-a-wonderful-bargain-time-sung-a-la-McCartters

This thread has good bargains.

We go to see lights in our local garden centre, go to our local museum for activities & go for a walk in our local woods which is decked out in fairy lights. We also go to parties at our local community centre & make up hampers for friends & family. We dont celebrate xmas but have friends & family who do.

Get a couple of gingerbread house kits from Lidl, Aldi or IKEA and let them have fun putting it together.

Argos 3 for 2 offer is on until 1st October.

Yellow moon company for DIY decorations & crafts

www.yellowmoon.org.uk/

Get them making paperchains etc, threading popcorn on thw tree.