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Christmas

From present ideas to party food, find all your Christmas inspiration here.

Original poster

Thread 6 - pull and play noo noo

999 replies

Reastie · 30/09/2018 18:56

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.

Referral thread here

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 Thanks

OP posts:
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Original poster
Reastie · 30/09/2018 18:56

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!
OP posts:
QOD · 30/09/2018 19:05

Boiiiiing

fraggle84 · 30/09/2018 19:12

Does anyone know what size baby clothes would fit a baby Annabell doll?

Dd would love a few outfits so thought real clothes would actually be cheaper

yumyumpoppycat · 30/09/2018 19:16

Thanks Reastie! I need this thread - Christmas is not making its way on to my radar this year for some reason.

margaritasbythesea · 30/09/2018 19:30

Fraggle I know this! The dolls are 45cm. This usually equates to Tiny Baby size. And yes you can get the real clothes cheaper. I like the dog end of the H and M sales and Matalan.

Thanks for the new thread Reastie

margaritasbythesea · 30/09/2018 19:30

And if you don't mind second hand ebay baby bundles are good.

Original poster
Reastie · 30/09/2018 19:33

Thanks giveitalittlebit

OP posts:
Beagadorsrock · 30/09/2018 19:42

There are a couple more bits that are heavily reduced at Amazon:

Lego creative box 10693

Large Stretch Armstrong for just under £15, which is comparable to John Lewis I think but the lowest I've seen on Amazon

smartiecake · 30/09/2018 19:51

Just asked this as the last thread was closing but does anyone have a code for the disney store, if they even do any codes?

NotPennysBoat · 30/09/2018 19:52

@ziggy or whoever was looking for party bag ideas....

Inflatable instruments - great fun and go down a treat at parties!
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07FC9GJHK/ref=cmswwrcppapi_iSrSBbG48HZF4

MsMiaWallace · 30/09/2018 19:55

Checking in.
Argghh torn whether to put a last minute order in with Argos.
Amazon just seems cheaper.

duckling84 · 30/09/2018 20:08

Placemarking, not entirely sure why as I am just about done. Guess I still need bargains for the remaining bits.... anyone seen a cheap red tangle teezer anywhere?

yumyumpoppycat · 30/09/2018 20:14

Smartie cake - Don't know how helpful this is but if you sign to Disney life I think you get codes for 10% off at Disney store. It is £4.99 a month but there is a 7 day free trial - not sure if you can get a code during the free trial. Disney life gives you online access to Disney movies etc a bit like Netflix. disneylife.com/uk

Disneystore will def do a code for about 20% off though before Christmas prob on Black Friday if not before.

yumyumpoppycat · 30/09/2018 20:15

well not definitely - but they have done a code for the last few years!

OhHolyFuck · 30/09/2018 20:17

Checking in Xmas Smile

Alanamackree · 30/09/2018 20:23

Aldi have just got their florentines in Sad so now it’s only a matter of time before I eat all the savings I’ve made on these threads

FireflyGirl · 30/09/2018 20:27

Ooh, have they Alana! I've been waiting for those! Need to start stockpiling...

Needmoremetime87 · 30/09/2018 20:36

@duckling84 there's a red tangle teeter available on Amazon. I paid £7.99 last week the prices got up and down constantly.

Needmoremetime87 · 30/09/2018 20:37

Oops * 'teezer'

CheekyFucker · 30/09/2018 20:38

Shamelessly place-marking.

IHopeYouStepOnALegoPiece · 30/09/2018 20:38

Bloody hell! Thread 6! Thanks Reastie x

Betsy86 · 30/09/2018 20:40

Lol alanamackree eating all the savings made me chuckle and feel glad i wont be the only oneGrin

Theonlyoneiknow · 30/09/2018 20:40

Thanks for the new thread Flowers

BrieAndChilli · 30/09/2018 20:44

Will the echo dot get any cheaper do you think?

smartiecake · 30/09/2018 20:45

Yumyumpoppycat - thanks. Not sure whether to hold out for black Friday codes. I begrudge paying full price for anything especially when these threads are so useful