Thread 3 - The one with the unhinged crab 🦀

[Reastie]

I certainly don't want an unhinged crab for Christmas

This post is a work in process and if you have any links you’d like to share or would be good to add then please do let me know. The general consensus for the thread is to share any bargainous links, ideas and/or discount codes or information. No affiliate links (is that the right word?) And any referral links to the separate thread linked below. This is a warm, friendly, kind and cosy corner of mn filled with Christmas cookies and hot chocolate - let’s keep it that way!

If you have any referral links then please post on this thread https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/christmas/5212180-bargain-referrals-thread-7 and share around the joy/referral perks.

Marc Jacob’s dot perfume 100ml and the honey perfume 100ml are £30.99 each on Robert dyas atm with free delivery when you spend £30 with the code FREEDEL30

These Jasper Conran keyrings are reduced to £20 from £50 if you are looking for a spendier stocking filler for a female relative, thought they would also look nice as a bag charm: www.jasperconran.com/products/dual-keyring?_pos=1&_fid=0c4e3346a&_ss=c&variant=44365425377514

Please let me know if anyone sees a Japanese or Korean snack box that doesn’t involve a subscription- thanks!

Do you have a Korean or Japanese supermarket anywhere near by? I filled a large basket for DS’s birthday from one for about £30.

Ok, I managed to resist the crabs but now I've looked at that, I want the witch 🙈

I would imagine they actually come from the same warehouse in China but hey ho

photo of tik tok products

ho onto tik tok app go to shop type crab spoon holder in search bar there you go - sorry if I post link it will link to my TT account

Just realised thread 2 is nearly ending when I just posted there. Wow, I’ve missed so much already. I hope you don’t mind me reposting here.

Can anyone help me please with gift ideas for elderly ladies in care homes? Both have rapidly failing eyesight, so can’t really do the things they used to enjoy (reading, knitting, embroidery). They have limited space in their rooms, so nicknacks are out. One is a relative, so will spend a bit more on her, the other is an old family friend (who I know is already swimming in too many toiletries). Totally stuck🤷‍♀️ Thank you for any assistance or genius ideas. I have both Christmas and late year birthdays for both of them to make it doubly difficult!

Also, thank you @Reastie for these threads. I got so much from them last year, and I’ve just rejoined now for more inspiration and bargains from everyone. Thanks.

Well into 2026

Thanks to the pp who highlighted on a previous thread - the Rex London sale is great! I've just bought a variety of stocking fillers and other items e.g bamboo toothbrushes 75p. Somehow made it to the free delivery threshold of £35...

£3 for mini Articulate

long link as it just missed the hyperlink off when I posted

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Drumond-Park-Articulate-Description-Suitable/dp/B082VTCTML/ref=mp_s_a_1_3_maf_1?crid=2RWXSHWHW20T&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.SRAfPeqVi0lJLhIIed8q7suhDLObxEosG6JQL-C1U5P4x9naF-XViQ7W5o1p9MKDFAUbtE5YC9Ck7Ib20qi2oz9FU4vYQOkDT1B6eYxB8CwmatsgD6nQ1-uSeTtA9heD8j1D6kF4H75qx7pbyLVNq47aULOpTUrdQ9MU61OVWjevCMk3xupyEMytuPlJEoEvrG10Ini6WfltOCVs0l0L7Q.GgZGPWhaFFspKo9_crsa1OHedrHAGEFPYWwDBNungp0&dib_tag=se&keywords=mini%2Barticulate&qid=1757931081&sprefix=mini%2Barticulate%2Caps%2C97&sr=8-3&th=1&psc=1

This Disney baking set is reduced from £36 to £9… I have ordered one for a gift so thought I’d share

If eyesight is the issue consider something auditory, depending on what they like it could be an audio subscription, a simple radio (large buttons etc), talking photo album.

The RNIB has a shop with easy-to-see versions of various games like dominoes, cards, Uno.

@PudgeJudy in case you don't go back to check thread 2, I replied to you there (won't let me add a link to my post here).

Also to add, our elderly partially sighted relative also still appreciates little outings so if they're up to going out you could also consider a home made gift card for somewhere they'd like eg afternoon tea out (with a scaled up print out of a menu to look at in advance), trip to a garden, pub etc

When my mother was in a Care Home I used to find a pretty small pot and plant a couple of hyacinth bulbs to flower near Christmas. They look so pretty and the room smells gorgeous.
she didn’t need anything so I tried to put some thought into it rather than just buy something.

If you click on the 1/2 price items on the page there are loads to look through and loads of stocking fillers . I’ve just brought 10 presents for under £50

Yes I just did the same. Some good 1/2 price gross laboratory bath stuff which is great for kids who like making ‘potions’ in the bath.

Just been to Dunelm, with my printed receipt came a 10% off paper voucher for my next in-store shop.
Valid 29/09/25-12/10/25.
Only spent a few pounds so they’re giving them out to everyone.
Dunelm don’t do a lot of discounts so may be worth it if you’ve got a bigger purchase coming up.

@PudgeJudy
Some ideas: John lewis food gifts: pate/crackers, or fancy tea bags or biscuits.
Or take them out for a christmas afternoon tea (if they are able to go out)
Food hamper? Cookies. New bedding for their bed, or a cosy throw or cushion.

Snap me too! I am so grateful for these threads, as I’ve only got 5 more presents to buy and all adults. Which is always harder.

any train theme ideas would be welcomed!

Any ideas for very, very bright geography/flag obsessed nearly 9yo?

these any good ?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Skillmatics-World-Map-Puzzle-Educational/dp/B0C1NWSCBN/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=2B0KQSTBZGQPY&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.a7yq3ydM-kdvc2wd4XGnZ9Qz3xIFYwppRoAoDGpXM_twCUtdQOJUOxlckGEfjk-WqoNT31gngeyjk1kvEb4tcM6fL5pNH93CBqhkqUO6_BQOgOcJA7jJ3ol3xjiF6TN4LPWmnvmXh1wGz7sYy9-i-8akwrnoQD-66r2AGBcdyb3K3d7wIFnHxjdGYPqXMrUUGHYopqOwLF_X-WaR-VsZZyjDLGuc6mS3A_LKFz9fanJtjV6CzEP_MQDlDD1enryaeOj7_m1aX2GZmrV7iV4uyfD2clT5azdOOy2dsGFCLlU.RAJ2SRlaFw2b8EPN3XT_-0PMevj4ONmIhrvzTQtuNSo&dib_tag=se&keywords=flag+jigsaw+puzzle+for+kids&qid=1757938131&sprefix=Flag+jigsaw%2Caps%2C84&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

https://www.amazon.co.uk/100-PICS-World-Flags-Travel/dp/B07VF6SFMX/ref=sr_1_5_sspa?crid=2B0KQSTBZGQPY&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.a7yq3ydM-kdvc2wd4XGnZ9Qz3xIFYwppRoAoDGpXM_twCUtdQOJUOxlckGEfjk-WqoNT31gngeyjk1kvEb4tcM6fL5pNH93CBqhkqUO6_BQOgOcJA7jJ3ol3xjiF6TN4LPWmnvmXh1wGz7sYy9-i-8akwrnoQD-66r2AGBcdyb3K3d7wIFnHxjdGYPqXMrUUGHYopqOwLF_X-WaR-VsZZyjDLGuc6mS3A_LKFz9fanJtjV6CzEP_MQDlDD1enryaeOj7_m1aX2GZmrV7iV4uyfD2clT5azdOOy2dsGFCLlU.RAJ2SRlaFw2b8EPN3XT_-0PMevj4ONmIhrvzTQtuNSo&dib_tag=se&keywords=flag%2Bjigsaw%2Bpuzzle%2Bfor%2Bkids&qid=1757938131&sprefix=Flag%2Bjigsaw%2Caps%2C84&sr=8-5-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1

@Dinomum24 I got this train tin for FIL and a train book - he loves it and keeps it in his desk now for storage. It’s a fun gift. Sorry for long link!
www.amazon.co.uk/Flying-Scotsman-Green-Metal-Storage/dp/B004J3ZXMY/ref=asc_df_B004J3ZXMY?mcid=a2236a421b28358392cffd18a91a3dc0&hvocijid=3419029996342675701-B004J3ZXMY-&hvexpln=74&tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=696285193871&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3419029996342675701&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1006524&hvtargid=pla-2281435176698&psc=1&gad_source=1

Thank you @Dinomum24 I’ve ordered him the big world map puzzle from Rex London (bargain at £4 for a 1000 piece puzzle) but the flag flash cards look good.

@Dinomum24 The National Railway Museum have some nice things including a train in a bottle whisky decanter

https://shop.sciencemuseum.org.uk/collections/national-railway-museum

not bargains though

Which brand of magnet tiles do people recommend? Magnatiles and connectix are very expensive. Desire deluxe are cheaper on Amazon at the moment but don’t want to get ones which will fall apart or break.