Christmas bargain prequel 2023 thread 1 - the one with the sales

[Sideorderofchips]

Hi all!

Thank you @reastie for all the Christmas bargain threads. Time to get my hat on and start the prequels!

So far online sales I've seen are :

New look
Smiggle
George
Claires
Dunelm
Boots
Superdrug
Paperchase
Peacocks

Add yours when you see them!

I’ve given up with Smashed Grapes. I ordered 4/11 from a recommendation from a friend, indicated I was happy to wait until 1st week December and thought it would be here by Christmas. Saw their general update that they’d get most orders out mid December and thought surely it would be in that batch and I’d have it in time for Christmas. No delivery - emailed them and got an auto reply asking not to email as they are busy, saw they posted on Facebook a few days later and put a comment on it - ignored, they put out a second update and I put a comment on that - ignored, I wrote to them two days ago and it’s unlikely I’ll get either my delivery or a response from them. I get they are new, busy and overwhelmed but this is ridiculous

I think this has already been mentioned, but I can't find it now so may have imagined it. WHSmiths have all their annuals reduced to £1 in store.

Tesco wrapping paper and Chrismas cards have been further reduced to 35p a roll/35p a pack.

Card Factory had 75% off their wrapping paper and gift bags, including some metallic paper which is fine for birthdays too.

My Smashed Grapes order turned up today. It was dispatched on 2nd December which was nearly two weeks after I requested it.

I ordered the cheese and wine kit and the cheese is completely mouldy. Do you think the wine will be OK or will that be vile?

It says the wine (even the red) needs to be kept refrigerated so personally I wouldn’t risk it. The pouches clearly aren’t well sealed (I had a carpet ruined when the box was posted through the letter box but the contents had leaked).

@BigGreen you’re very welcome! I have actually bought some bits as gifts as I was so impressed. The pillows are beautifully bagged too.

Thank you. I'll bin it all.

It's a real shame that it's ended like this for them (and us!). It had the potential to be a good business but I think they've shot themselves in the foot by not limiting the number of voucher codes and then the Royal Mail strikes making a bad situation a whole lot worse

Boots has 15% off ”almost everything” including sale if you spend £60+ between 11am and 1pm today. Use the code SAVE15

Perhaps a good time to stock up on basics.

I hope smashed grapes gets their act together because the tasting kit would be perfect birthday present for SIL. Her birthday in in August so there is still time.

Blacks have an extra 20% off selected brands with the code BRAND20

Just ordered a eurohike daysack reduced from £40 to £11 and then went down to £8.80 after the code.

Further reductions at m&s clothing!

I think the worst thing that smashed grapes did was issue the vouchers. They should have just cancelled all the orders and given refunds.

Books for bugs warehouse clearance live from tomorrow evening- books from 25p apparently.
Anyone who hasn't seen me recommend the company before they are amazing for cheap kids books. Really good service and supporting a family business too

This sounds great, thanks - might get a batch for party bags if they have suitable books for 6+ cheap! Is there a code or a link or should I just Google the website?

@RainbowPhilosophy

booksforbugs.co.uk

Toys for a pound have buy one get one free on most items using code BOGOF

It’s actually Poundtoy that have this offer, and based on recent reports of buyers not receiving their items I’d proceed with caution!

I’ve already ordered- just got mixed up what site! I did vaguely recall people having issues… I’ve ordered in the past with no problem, but guess it’s got 2 chances! It’s only party bag stuff so if it doesn’t come I’ll have to get something else instead

Has anybody seen the Toys'r'us sale. I think I'll be getting some bits ready for birthdays and Christmas.

Thanks for this. Found a difficult to buy for present- not because said child is difficult but because it has to be sent to the US so something small and light is needed!

Sale starts at 7pm!

There are some bargains to be had on the argos clearance section. Some trawling to do to see if there is stock at a store near you but there are some good decoration and presents that you could use throughout the year

Chess set £1.20 www.argos.co.uk/product/5662292?clickPR=clearance:4:586

Rocket neon sign £1.25 www.argos.co.uk/product/9578021?clickPR=clearance:39:1214

Embroider your own tote craft set £1.20 www.argos.co.uk/product/9541319?clickPR=clearance:21:302

Mini baubles 80p www.argos.co.uk/product/9574355?clickPR=clearance:2:1214

Has anyone seen any offers on roller skates or heelys. Thanks

Did anyone buy the non-cashmere Turtledoves from the eBay outlet, and can say what they are like?
Ideally someone who also has the original cashmere ones- I'm trying to work out how soft these will be in comparison and if they will be a lovely present or not. It's not easy to tell from the picture how much like the 'real' thing that are.
Thanks in hope!

I did @Questionsquestionsquestions, they were both lovely but one was more woolly than the other - seemed like two kinds of cashmere mix. The 'cashmere' on the label was crossed out in black pen so it was clear they were seconds. I removed the whole tag. They don't come with the brown paper wrapper either.

That's helpful- thank you!