Frugal Christmas thread

[ThisisCollie2022]

Anyone up for a frugal Christmas thread?

Homemade crafts, gifts, decorations, gift ideas and frugal festive food etc

Also ideas on how to keep the children busy would be great!

I know it's August but the best frugal tip is to be prepared so am thinking ahead now :)

Bumping the thread how are we all?

Doing terribly. I've realised how expensive presents etc. really are and how I have half a dozen immediate family birthdays in December, too, just to add more pressure.

My idea at the moment is to knit everyone a pair of socks and make some fudge. Although I was in Home Bargains earlier today and thought about just buying up a load of £3 gifts to save myself stress trying to get it all done.

Bit depressed, now, but at least I have a little time to think of what to do.

Sorry you are feeling depressed KatherineofGaunt

I’m done with Christmas shopping.

Hope everyone else is doing well.

Well the frugality is going well as I’ve bought v little 🤣. Unfortunately I’ve just kicked the can down the road. I did manage to get DS a pre-loved guitar amp which was a good price and stockings are so far basically things I would have had to get them anyway and a few little fillers. They’re past Santa stage so don’t mind pants and pyjamas. Dh and I have agreed to cross cancel and DH’s family don’t do adult presents- DMIL gives us all cheques which we then don’t cash as we feel bad taking her money.

re food, now I know who’s coming what days I am making a meal plan and a list off that and avoiding the gimmicky stuff or just wandering round the supermarket putting stuff in the trolley. This year no brandy flavoured cream/ custard etc as no one eats it. No bread sauce. Cranberry in a jar and packet stuffing as everyone prefers it. Tiny token Christmas cake and pudding as only my parents like it. Not buying any chocolate/ boxes of biscuits until mid December as they just keep getting eaten and replaced. Even then not buying many as you end up just eating them for the sake of it so as not to throw it out. However, My major money saving win is going out for Boxing Day lunch with ILs as I know they’ll insist on paying 🤣

www.amazon.co.uk/LEGO-75317-BrickHeadz-Mandalorian-Collectable/dp/B084CKR6VP/ref=mp_s_a_1_11?crid=33IOTY404VIRI&keywords=lego+star+wars&qid=1668150562&refinements=p_n_deal_type%3A26901100031&rnid=26901097031&sprefix=lego+star+wars%2Caps%2C79&sr=8-11

probably a bit later but discounted Star Wars Lego.

Rather a late comer, but can I suggest having a look at Thrifty Lesley's website? She has frugal recipes and whole week meal plans. These work out to about £1-2 per person, per day.

She also has Christmas week meal plans. I re-priced it up this week, and it comes to £15 per person for the Christmas week, including a proper Christmas dinner.

I've often used her meal plans at the end of the month, and when I need to save a bit out of the housekeeping budget.

I'll pop the links on in the next message, am on my phone and it'll lose what I've typed, if I look now...

thriftylesley.com/christmas-week-food/

thriftylesley.com/vegetarian-christmas/

I use these recipes throughout December

thriftylesley.com/thrifty-lesley-meal-plans/

This is the link to all of her meal plans. I've been using them for about 6 years, since maternity pay kicked in!

We are making Christmas slideshows instead of buying cards and last year I used a cristmas card collage maker that also helps you create unique cards and avoid buying store stuff.
Visiting Father christmas is on our to do list for the nephews, and for the extended family we do Secret Santa, so that every adult gets a thoughful gift that doesn't break the bank.

Thanks for asking. I am bit angry at myself, that I didn't budget higher food cost. I'm this stupid 😂But seriously, few months ago prices weren't as high as they're now, so I thought my annual budget will cover it! It's not the end of the world, I will just put less money to savings account, but I hate situations like this. I should be more prepared next year.

I popped into Aldi yesterday to buy some bits and bobs like mozzarella sticks etc., so it'll be waiting for NYE. We're visiting FIL this year, he's in charge of hot food. We are bringing some alcohol (Irish Cream and honey Jack Daniels- bought on offer in Asda), I'll make some cold food like salad, will bring some snacks, pringles, biscuits, some cheese and crackers, and my husband will bake apple pie.

I will be sending out parcels soon to my family in Poland, and Germany, but it was budgeted in advance phew. Just some sweets and Christmas cards.

We do personalised mugs for some presents instead of a present and a card. It's a small saving but with Snapfish 50% off it can make a nice present. Then pop a little something in that's specific to them and you've got a nice personal present for less than a tenner.

I’m definitely not getting as much this year, usually would have piles for the kids, nope
started buying food but will look at the site thanks,