Christmas bargain prequel 2023 thread 2 - the one without a side order of chips

[InDreamland]

Hope everyone is okay with me starting this new thread off. Thread 1 is at 992 so thought best get a new one up and running so we don't miss any bargains.

With thanks to @sideorderofchips for all your work keeping these prequel threads going. Hope everything is okay and you'll be joining us again soon to reclaim your fab threads.

The prequel threads are kept going through the year in the run up to @reastie taking over for the Christmas bargains threads late summer/autumn.

@ArthurChristmas22 ive done a Temu order too, was all good (some packing cubes, a neg bag for the beach). I’ve ordered more from Ali Express, mainly jewellery, and been generally very happy for the price I’ve paid.

Don't know. I don't trust the materials they use whatsoever tbh. Those companies like Shein have been found to not meet standards with lead content etc.

I wouldn't buy from them at all.

Aldi have some “That’s not my …” books for £2.99 each

Nice little "gardeners" toiletries set reduced to £5.70 Heathcote & Ivory In The Garden Wellness Gift & Care Hamper | 100ml Body Cream, 50ml Body Wash & 200g Bath Salts | Cruelty Free & Vegan Friendly [[https://amzn.eu/d/2mON0vq amzn.eu/d/2mON0vq

Hope discussion is welcome here, I know it can be frowned upon once Xmas season starts! But how does everyone tell the difference between passing fads and excellent long term gifts for kids?!

Bulk duplo is still the most played with here at 4.5 and 1.5, and the octonauts (seemed like a passing fad) that ds got for his 2nd Christmas, this year will be his 5th and he's still watching and playing daily, especially when sick. Baby sister now asks for them too 😅

They're both heavily into frozen (different films for each), but will it last like octonauts? Or will it be exciting to open and then cast aside like playmobil?!

@10in10 @Bobadi @Blessedbethefruitz hopefully got the right names for magnet chat! We found they're not all compatible and some are definitely better than others. It's well worth reading reviews and comparing measurements, including thickness. I THINK we bought the desire deluxe or sunny sets which seem to be the same pictures but different prices. Don't bother with a really cheap set as if the magnets are too weak they fall apart and don't get played with.

Ee have the Desire Duluxe ones and they work perfectly. Great for tower building!

I think I’d go for frozen duplo to see if it sticks (and if it doesn’t more cool bricks in the mix).
LEGO 10899 DUPLO Disney Princess Frozen Ice Castle Building Toy with Light Brick, Princess Elsa and Anna Mini-Dolls plus Olaf Figure, Gifts for 2 Year Old Toddlers, Girls & Boys https://amzn.eu/d/17LcIvF
something like this but on a price watch?

@Blessedbethefruitz with my boys, it’s a bit hit and miss. Staples which they love like cars, superhero action figures etc are always played with. But then other things like train tracks, musical instruments etc come in and out of favour

it’s why I toy rotate regularly as there’s a lot of things that aren’t favourites but Still played with

@Wait4nothing I was thinking of something like this! But it seems all my ideas are joint gifts. It's really tricky as they mainly play with the same stuff, except ds lego, which I have to keep in a penned off area. I am guilty of buying stuff that never comes back into favour too.

Ah, you know what, I think I remember having a similar conversation on these threads last year!! I reckon I've bought about 5 different rip off sets of magnatiles and magformers and they've all been fine BUT good to know that there are exceptions. Will definitely read reviews if I order again!!

skagen have extra 20% off one item or 30% off two items from their sale - lovely watches and jewellery (men and women), already discounted by up to 70%.

Build a Bear have a Christmas in July sale on:

Build-a-Bear

Some nice stocking fillers in the entertainer sale. 3 pack of these mini rucksack things for £6.66, still £6 individually elsewhere I think. And 2 pack of these little Disney
Matchbox doll toys for £6.66.

Thanks so much for this… don’t suppose you know if you can split the little backpacks up?

I haven't picked mine up yet-but that's what I'll be doing.

Smyth’s have a discount on Lego £5 off £25 and £10 off £50

Skateboard £10 at JL

https://www.johnlewis.com/skatehut-rampage-skateboard/p6373003?tmad=c&tmcampid=7&s_share=jlappios_Y29tLmFwcGxlLlVJS2l0LmFjdGl2aXR5LkNvcHlUb1Bhc3RlYm9hcmQ=

In Tesco today and they have Yankee candles half price with a clubcard, lots of different scents.

Blue Parker ballpoint £3.50 - am getting for DH stocking

Thanks for this. Mine mentioned wanting skateboards last year, and at this price I’m happy to get one even if they play on them a couple of times then forget about them!

Not a bargain but get them to wear helmets with those skateboards.
My brother fell off a skateboard and cracked his head on the pavement.
Ended up convulsing and had a hairline fracture. Couldn't play rugby for 12 months.
I'm not against skateboards and will probably get my little boy one once he's older but just reminding people that they can be as dangerous as bikes or rollerblades. X

Sorry to hear about your brother, Clucket. Thanks for the warning. Mine never go out without helmets whether on bikes or scooters (unlike many of their friends), and it’s great to remind people why they’re so important x

Thank you.
He's fine now but it was a scary time for a bit.
I know I've been guilty of getting so caught up in a good price that practicality goes out the window. But it's another cost to considering and that bargain might get expensive.

There is a Helmet in the sale too and wrist/knee pads - I ordered them with the skateboard. However they’re all big enough to fit me (I’m always guessing measurements online).
Guess it’s a sign to begin my career in extreme sports…