Thread 5 - my dog ate the elf on Xmas eve

[Reastie]

Thought I’d do a ‘how to’ for a couple of things people often post about not being sure of

To do click links you do this put link in here then a space then the name or phrase you want to go with the link . Don’t put a space between the start of the link and the and then last word and the like I have or it won’t work but I had to to demonstrate.

To follow the thread without using up a post to mark place you can click on ‘watch this thread’ at the top of the first post.

No affiliate links please.

Second message has a few links and info which I’ll slowly build up, let me k ow if there’s anything you’d like me to add to it

Aliexpress have lots of stuff very cheap, order early as it’s all delivered from China here see sockeatingmonster’s useful tips on this site at the bottom of this post

Camelcamelcamel is a brilliant site that tracks prices on amazon here

Learning resources can have good bits in their sale here

Lisa angel sale is popular when on, apparently arrive nicely packaged too here

Magazine subscription offers here and here

Netpricedirect has discount toys and party bits here

Toys for a pound here

Zeek have discounted gift vouchers here

Sockeatingmonster’s top tips for using aliexpress

1. Check reviews
2. 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
3. Aliexpress refund/complaints procedure is actually way more straightforward than eBay, and stacked in the buyer's favour
4. 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
5. I don't trust dress up clothes to be flame retardant, although I don't believe this is UK law anyway?
6. 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.
7. 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)
8. 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)
9. 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

Thanks for the new thread.
Just miniatures 15% off good stocking or advent fillers for grown ups!

Aggh Nephew suddenly majorly into dinos and specifically the Jurassic world indominous Rex. And they are old stock everywhere so only selling for 100s of euros!!!

Thanks reastie checking in. I've heard the Sainsbury's toy sale is 17th Oct.

Wanted to pop on and say thank you to whoever it was who mentioned the sale section of gymnastics gear on stretchy saturdays. They are usually so expensive, so to get them for £15 each is an absolute steal. My daughter will love them

Himalayan Salt rock lamp redeem the promotion and the price drops to £9.99, great reviews. Or a similar lamp but it plugs straight into a socket for £6.99 on the same link.

Everything dinosaur is a brilliant site that sells lots of dinosaur things you may what you need their customer service if fab too.

www.everythingdinosaur.com
Also toys and learning sell dinosaurs cheaper than some shops.

Another thread, thanks Restie!
Gelli Baff was a popular stocking filler last year. Currently £3 at the Entertainer.

Thanks KitKatCHA perfect gift for dsil

Is 49 too old for jelli bath? Asking for a friend ...

If anyone brings some, jelly or putty into my house I'll cry 😭

Thanks for the new thread, Reastie.

This thread has become my pre Christmas tradition. I don't post much, but reading this thread really makes me happy. Thank you all.

Never QOD 😂

Got these unicorn pjs in asda today was really chuffed at the £6 price he price was the same in all sizes. So not a bargain as such just a good price :)

Thanks for the build a bear 25% off heads up whoever posted it! DS is getting one with a sound button that means you can play hide and seek with it 🐻

@TKRedLemonade
Is it Lego? I got DH (and all his friends for birthdays) these from amazon. www.amazon.co.uk/BeneGlow-Liftlike-Multicoloured-Dinosaur-Building/dp/B06XKDC2J1/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?psc=1&ref=plSrch&keywords=beneglow%2Bdinosaurs&th=1&dpPl=1&dpID=51HQ01YdGTL&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&tag=mumsnetforum-21&ie=UTF8&qid=1537558529&sr=8-1
They love them and do t look any different to official Lego, they also do a pack of small dinosaurs that are a hit.

I meant DS not DH!!

Loads of liqueurs left in the High Street Reading M&S. Chap stocking shelves said its because they are rebranding them in smaller bottles. Limoncello in a nice bottle for £6 was the cheapest I think. Some were only reduced by £2 though so be selective.

I didn't buy any but I did get 4 boxes of half price chocolates for my Aunts. The before before dates are mid March.

https://direct.asda.com/george/toys-character/all-kids-toys/D30M1G1,default,sc.html?pmid=toys-toy-sale&displayAs=George&?cmsp=MobileegrgtoysMDDDD--George---panel01-_-180920link01shopnow Link to Asda Big Toy Rollback
Just to see if I've understood how to do it?!

I haven't, clearly! Can someone explain it really simply! 😂

It's [[https://direct.asda.com/george/toys-character/all-kids-toys/D30M1G1,default,sc.html?pmid=toys-toy-sale&displayAs=George&?cm_sp=Mobile--grgtoysMDD--George--panel01--180920link01shopnow&source=2925&promotype=Sub+Networks&cmpid=afc--GEOR--awin--78888-%20-generic&cm_mmc=GEOR-aff--awin--Skimlinks-_-78888&awin_aff=78888_Skimlinks_Skimlinks_Sub+Networks&cwc=afc&cwd=geo&cwf=pm&awc=2925_1537559685_05fa6dbe35766b0429b023fe87c0bf7f&dclid=COv0_5bwzN0CFcXjGwod4WAAiA Asda big toy rollback ]] but without the spaces before and after the square brackets.

Asda big toy rollback

Beyoncé pulse 100ml £8.76

Vera wang princess £15.96 100ml

Katy Perry Killer queen £8.40 100mls all at amazon

Ends tonight at midnight I think!

Elc toys 3 for 2 if full price

These weighing scales not in it. But £4 from £10 great for teaching number balance and sums.

Next sale starts tomorrow instores.

Got some more Harry Potter reduced goodies in primark today, honey dukes string lights bottles led things, £2 , coasters £1 , keyrings £1.

I’m eyeing up the xmas range too but bet it’s reduced nearer xmas 😁

Those weighing scales toys ARE in the 3 for 2. Worth checking then, as it says full price only but comes off some reduced stuff in basket...

Smyths now have stock of the Pomsies Luna if it's on anyone's list. I preordered one for my DD and collected it today.