budget christmas help

[damnandblast]

Hi guys,

Asking for my mum here. Due to unforeseen circumstances she's been left with £300 for Christmas to cover all present.
she is involved in a saving scheme for dinner costs so that's a relief for her.

Any tips as to how she can cut costs on presents? I realise 300 seems a lot but this is down roughly 50% from her normal budget so quite a difficult adjustment.

I actually buy for 43 people but I've already sorted presents for some of them so they are the ones I have left. Thanks for the Pia tip, I've just got a few lovely bits from there.
Although I buy for a lot of people I hate not getting nice things so I end up spending a fortune. I'm forcing myself to stick to a budget this year though.

43!!! Yikes that's loads! I only buy 8 nieces and nephews £15 limit , my parents £50 each and 2dds. Dh sorts his lot!

It really is awful. It takes all the fun out of it as it costs so much and I have to start so early. I've tried to suggest only buying for kids and some agreed but others say they look forward to my gifts.

Wow - who are all those 47 Turq?
Maybe you just have to get worse at picking things
It must be crippling

Get the couples a joint present with a limit of £20 eg cinema vouchers, bottle of wine/spirits.

Cheapo wrapping paper eg £1 a roll - it's meant to be ripped off. Forget cards.

Look out for discounts - eg a lot of the toiletries sets like Nivea, lynx etc come in at £10, but are always reduced to £5. Body shop tend to have a 50% off day in December.

Cut back on trimmings for Xmas dinner - it's only a roast.