Christmas bargains thread 1 - just in the (Saint) Nick of time

[Reastie]

I feel like this year is going to be my year of terrible cheesy Christmas pun thread titles

Greetings and welcome one and all to a friendly and joyful corner of mn - the Christmas bargain thread. Here, we share Christmas present purchases, ideas, links and discount codes, with the aim to spread the Christmas magic and joy and reduce the financial stress.

It's a very busy thread, so see the tips below for helping everything run smoothly and avoiding repetitions of Cookiegate etc al. It's a lovely, friendly bunch and I'm so grateful to each and every one of you for building such a warm, fuzzy and generous spot on mn. I know I've save so much over the years and am so grateful to all of you for sharing.

Pull up a sleigh and relax with a mulled wine and mince pie, for Christmas has nearly arrived!

Some of the below is copied and pasted from previous years, so do @ me if the links don't work

Stock informer is a handy site http://www.stockinformer.co.uk/default.aspx?fullsite=1

Camelcamelcamel is a great amazon price tracking tool http://uk.camelcamelcamel.com

The following links compare price products including postage
www.find-book.co.uk
www.find-cd.co.uk
www.find-dvd.co.uk
www.find-game.co.uk (as in PS4/xbox etc)

@ me if you need anything or you want to let me know anything - the thread moves so fast I can't always keep up so this really helps

I got a £35 one from Boots when they were half price. The other half price one was more expensive- £65, maybe?- but thicker.

@LemonTurdCart I think it was this, I got the faux fur one, they're not half price anymore 😐 typical! Dreamland throw

Sorry @Flubadubba I didn't know you'd replied already 🙈

Hi, I think I know what you are talking about, try this , second post down.

Hi
Does anyone know anything about Instax cameras please? Are they likely to be reduced in Black Friday deals and (most importantly) can you get non branded film? Pretty sure DD would burn through it

Thank you :)

But you included the link :)

It was both throws in their current offer. I can't find anywhere that matches the previous price- sorry @LemonTurdCart! Throws and heated blankets quite often turn up on Prime Day or on Black Friday if you have a strong stomach...

Ive just bought socks and pants for stocking fillers from Oddballs. I’ve bought from them before and like the quality. Also bought a mystery box of knickers for me and ended up getting free postage and a free gift. I chose the picnic blanket as I’m making a picnic kit for my dad.

There’s this heated throw down to £39.99 on Debenhams for the person looking for one…

Thank you both @Flubadubba and @ShinyPrettyThings87 I will keep eyes peeled on Black Friday in the hope of another offer . I feel like it’s good to have something specific to hunt for!

Got my Ohh Deer stationary boxes today ( late as the outside wrapping had torn, luckily it was put into a plastic bag by the post office).

One was clearly made for kids with recipe cards for fairy cakes. The other two were nice enough outside but inside there's a whole thing about it being a subscription box. So basically if you gave it as a gift it looks like something you had bought yourself and were regifting ie no thought.

I have a request for all you super shoppers please!

Can anyone recommend a lighter weight adult size oodie style thing please?

Teen DS has a proper oodie (from the bargain place last year) but gets far too hot in it and wants a thinner version but it's so hard to judge weight online!

Dunelm do lighter weight oodies. I have one so can recommend!

Primark also do thinner ones

Amazing, thank you both!!

@random123456 last year I became slightly obsessed with Oodies, Primark’s snuddies and M&S oversized hoodies, (basically all the same thing with variations in thickness, material and texture!)

My spring/autumn wear one is my M&S bargain one from the kids’ department.

It’s this sort of thing, (mine’s got cats on it!):

https://www.marksandspencer.com/lilo-and-stitch-oversized-hoodie-7-16-yrs-/p/clp60683696?prevPage=srp#intid=pid_pg1pip48g2r2c2

NOTE: M&S don’t do proper - what they call ‘oversized hoodies’ - in adults’ sizes, just those really short ‘teddy’ material things. The bigger kids’ sizes are huge. I am 5”4 and the 13-14 year old version is massive on me - it’s lightweight and I am wearing it tonight!

Primark’s thinner/softer adult ones are about the same thickness as the M&S kids’ ones - I have their Fairisle Xmas one, which is lovely, but thinnish:

Primark’s thicker adult range are more bulky and warmer - I have the eggs and bacon one that was popular last year.

Then, of course, at the weightiest end, the Oodies!

Quick question for posca experts. DD (7) has used paint pens, which she calls 'poscas' and seems happy enough with them. Is it worth investing in the real thing? If there's a difference in quality I'm happy to fork out, but there's not a lot of point if they're much of a muchness.

I'm also curious about posca pens / pens in general. I have a very soon to be 7yo ds and he Loves drawing and colouring. I'd like to tap into this and encourage it as a grown up hobby. We only have Crayola stuff ATM. I'd love to know what I can get him. Also note he has two to younger siblings (5 and 2yo) so it'd be good to recognise his hobby but also be mindful if I need to keep it separate from the little ones (i.e. permanent marks!!)

to the person who asked about the instax camera - i have found that they are often on a special offer at Black Friday. i bought a bundle including the case, some film etc at a reduced price the last couple of years in a row.

i dont think there is non branded film. they make good stocking fillers.

Has anyone spotted a large Pokemon squishmallow? I can only find small ones 🙄 Also on the lookout for bargainous (is that a word?) Crayola sets

@weareallqueens @YeahWellWhyNot Posca pens are great. However I also use a brand called Flysea via Amazon. I use them a lot for my crafts that I sell. I have also used them with my girls to decorate pebbles and they have withstood all types of weather. Amazon have a huge selection of acrylic paint pens, a lot of good reviews on them. Hope that helps.

Aldi have this coming on on Sunday.

www.aldi.co.uk/xl-pokemon/p/735461807644700

@weareallqueens amazing thank you 👏

My local Asda had one. Not sure if they’re online?

Oh I’ve ordered three - 2 being for presents 🤦🏻‍♀️