Christmas bargains prequel 2023 thread 🎄 - the final prequel before the main event

[InDreamland]

Last bargains prequel thread before @Reastie takes over for the main event.

Please don't share affiliate links - however, please be aware that MN do change Amazon links shared by posters into MN affiliate links.

Some of the Gravitrax add ons have £2.50 discount voucher on amazon. I bought this one and the zipline

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ravensburger-GraviTrax-Catapult-English-Version/dp/B07B7KT3G6/ref=mp_s_a_1_9?crid=2Q8OGZEE1FOKE&keywords=gravitrax&qid=1693513910&sprefix=gra%2Caps%2C118&sr=8-9

Apologies to be a Yoto bore but for those interested…

We bought my eldest a full size player for his 5th birthday. He has used it everyday since. He mainly listens to something at bedtime - either a factual card such as the Ladybird ones, which he loves, or a story. When he was younger, and our twins were not sleeping well, it was really helpful for him to have something to listen to whilst we tried to settle them.

In terms of affordability we tend to buy one or two for Christmas but also if family members ask for ideas we often suggest cards. My sister bought him the Roald Dahl collection for last Christmas.

I have also started making MYO cards. I have burnt some of our audio cds to my laptop and then made cards. I have started to make what I think of as mixtape cards of the kids’ favourite songs. Like an old mixtape you can re-record over a MYO card.

Our twins asked for a mini Yoto for their fourth birthday. Our eldest then asked for a mini for his 7th birthday 😂.

Thank you!

A question for any creatively minded people on here... I'm planning to put these into potion kits for my DDs, so will be re-labelling the bottles. For instance, I've got green bath confetti labelled as mermaid scales, washing up liquid as frog slime, etc. What could this foam stuff be? All that comes to mind is something to do with clouds, but don't think eldest DD would be convinced by that!

@LittleRedYoshi
Brain matter, daydreams, belly button fluff, Smurf barf

Fenwicks seems to have some Lego on sale.
I don't know if they are good prices or not as I have a toddler and have never brought Lego in my life but it might help somebody.

This Moana lego looks good if anyone has a lego/Moana fan. Also the same(ish) price at Smyths if you'd rather not use amazon
https://amzn.eu/d/7qJkWbm

Thanks to everyone who commented about the marble runs. I have older children who could join in with the building of the marble rush, so that's a possibility. I've seen some of the sets on sale at Very I think, and then with the 20% discount on top of that, it might make it a good buy.

I knew someone would have some good ideas - thank you!

For those looking for a potion kit I've just purchased this one which looks good (although not cheap!). You get free delivery if you sign up but perhaps worth waiting for a deal?

www.hoodedowls.co.uk/products/colour-explosion-potion-starter-kit?variant=40087991025782

Thanks for the Hype Code, managed to get sliders and hats for the 3 of mine, slippers for my two girls and a pair of wellies for one of them for £55 😁

Not to wade into any Tonies Vs Yoto etc as to be honest I'm a bit limited on understanding about both but I really recommended an Echo Dot, Audible subscription is £6.99 a month so that's decent or you can buy audio books ad-hoc or play via Spotify. Big game changer though has been the library's Borrowbox app where you can loan audiobooks, you can then play these via the Dot which is great. Not as aesthetically pleasing but it's ideal for slightly older children, plus my 8 year old loves chatting rubbish to Alexa, asking bizarre questions 😂

Got a great one from bargain max last year with toys that are played with often still going strong. It was only about £15 too.

Adding to the yoto chat, I'd recommend the mini over the older one as it uses usb c chargers and the big one uses a specific charger which can get broken. I'm hoping they've updated this on the newer ones!

@bizzey if you're still debating marble run for adult kids just thought I'd throw in my opinion.
The Christmas my mum got us all (as adults) nerf guns is still one of the funniest memories I have! Something about childhood toys unlocks all the sibling behaviours from when you were younger. We all got so silly and competitive, partners included!

The new one has the USB charger.

Ive just added the yoto and cards to my basket, you have all convinced me. I'll look for a referral but before I buy just wanted to check if the ever come down in price?

@Dreamingofwalden

We have 4yo twins. Well, they will be by Christmas.

With the minis, do they need one each or can you share one? Can two headsets link to one? Are the headsets compulsory?

@BlairWaldorfOG thanks for that. I was considering a Yoto form my soon to be 9 year old. But think an Echo Dot might be better.

We already use BorrowBox, is it straightforward to get it on the Dot?

dino nerf gun reduced to £10 in the sale on Smyths toys and you get a free dog gun too (although need to add to your basket)

the first gun is £39 alone on Argos so may be a good offer for someone?

Finally got a Hamleys dispatch email yesterday and then an email this morning saying they’d cancelled 4 of the items due to stock issues- so here’s hoping the rest of the order is there… 🤞🏻

Not a bargain but I spotted this on Etsy this morning. Lovely idea for an alternative advent calendar for children.

Advent Calendar

I am persuaded to get a yoto for my 7 year old dd! Can someone point me in the direction of the referral discount code, I have tried searching and can't find it.

Here’s the main thread for codes and referrals. There’s lots of Yoto ones on the last page:

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/christmas/4680742-bargain-referral-thread-5?page=27

Thank you!

Turtle Doves have put their factory seconds cashmere gloves back on eBay again this morning for £12.99.

I've just had a cancellation of an item from Hamleys, 8 days after placing an order. Rather annoying as it's still showing in stock online (Lego set) but obviously a higher price. Not great customer service, and the Lego set was for me, gah!