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.

It’s worth a look at Smyths as they are currently BOGOF on Thomas diecasts

Don’t feel bad @Sideorderofchips you’re a brilliant contributor to these thread.

CC but not loads so I'll just hope and put it down to experience

Another vote to stick with the Brio. I have a thomas obsessed child who has been bought multiple sets from different brands (brio, tomy, minis, trackmaster, hornby), none of it is compatible with each other so takes up absolutely loads of storage (god forbid we should part with any).

Anyway at nearly 9 years the brio is still the most played with. No instructions or adult help needed like the rest of the sets. We have many thomas brio trains, quite a few scouted second hand through Ebay and vinted when he wanted specific trains.

If you are anywhere near the midlands I would recommend a trip to thomas land. They do a lovely Christmas thing there too.

Can’t believe I fell for a bloody scam with the first thing I’ve bought from these threads this year 😣

I wasn’t feeling too well and even though it must’ve been screaming “too good to be true”, my tired head went and spent the best part of £40! Typical but should’ve checked!

Thanks - I just placed a big order 👍🏻

I placed an order with the American candy last night, but it didn't give me the option to pay with PayPal did everyone else have to pay with card too? Not sure how easy it will be with my bank but fingers crossed it doesn't come to that. It reminds me of that time a few years ago where pound toy had major issues where they were moving warehouse but had been great before.

Are you specifically looking for Apple branded pencils? I’ve bought several amazing ones from Amazon before for less than £20 which all do the job. I’ve shared links in previous years and everyone was impressed with how they work.

my daughter uses it for amazing illustrations on Procreate so it is very precise.

anyway, happy to check and share the links for those I’ve bought before if that’s helpful otherwise look on Amazon and check reviews.

I think it’s finished unfortunately. Thank you though @Loveaginger

Fabulous, thank you so much for the Thomas Land recommendation too! We’re in the NW but we do always plan lots of little trips for Christmas - we did The Paddington Bear Experience in London last December. He loved it! Think he’ll appreciate it even more this year so a Thomas themed event / attraction would be magical!

Thanks so much to everybody that has posted codes, suggestions, endorsements for Brio etc - truly appreciate it!

Laithwaites has now got a good range of gifts available to order and these were popular on these threads last year, because if you use a referral code from the referrals board, you can get £40 off an £80 spend which generally gets you a BOGOF offer on these hampers.

The nicest ones I spotted are below. If you’re not quite at £80, you can add a bottle of wine for yourself to take you to the threshold.

There’s loads of referral links on the bargains & referrals board so pick one and make someone’s day 🤩

Wine & snack hamper £35
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/product/beautifully-bite-sized-wine-&-snacks-hamper/Q09899

Cheese & wine tray hamper £45
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/product/cheese-and-wine-tray-hamper/45251SI

Birthday hamper £42.50
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/product/happy-birthday-hamper/45256SI

Thank you @NancyCarey, no not particularly a branded pencil but definitely an Apple iPad. My dd also wants it for artwork

This. Please don't feel bad @Sideorderofchips, many of us flag up bargains because we've had previous orders / good experience with a company and previously big solid traders can get into difficulties very quickly too, but at the end of the day it's also up to us all to check when buying from somewhere new too or if something looks too good to be true.

Ok - this is the one we use at present. Me and my daughter have this in purple which looks lovely and her artwork is outstanding. The current price is only £11.74 but the rose gold version is less than £10 I see.

a colleague I shared this link with was absolutely amazed at how good it is compared with the Apple one which his 10yo had just broken.

at this price you can buy a few but they come with spare nibs too.

https://amzn.eu/d/3GHDMRY

edited to add that we both use these with iPads

@Sideorderofchips please don’t feel bad. And I’m going to be honest, I’m still probably going to take a punt on it.
It’s a bit like the cheese and wine from a few years ago in my opinion. I never did get my money back from that.
i will however see who gives me the most protection in case it doesn’t arrive so i can claim it back.

not sure where else has discounts but worth a try here

For the American candy order, it will take a while but you should be able to claim your money back through chargeback with your bank. Once the delivery time has passed, email the company and jsut keep emailing. When they don’t refund you (which they probably won’t) then you can raise it with your bank as undelivered goods x

Crocs sale pretty good and free delivery.

Crocs sale

Got a pair of sliders for MIL for 20 down from 50

Just picked up a Jean Paul Gautier gift set for my daughter at a good price here: www.perfumeprice.co.uk/jean-paul-gaultier-divine-eau-de-parfum-100ml-spray-10ml-set.html

Fabulous thank you 🌟

Thanks for this. Code gave me 12% discount 😊

Any advice on a PS5? Are they ever reduced for Black Friday?

@tiredandannoyed I dont think the ps5 are usually reduced but i think they sometimes do a bundle with a cheaper game, extra controller something like that.

The best I've seen over the years is when they package the console with a game, usually resulting in the game being free. However, the console price remains the same.
They will likely release the bundle deals after the likes of COD and FC26 have been released. I think last year they bundled the console with a Hogwarts game too.
I've purchased 2 bundles one was with an extra controller and the other a game.
These bundles deals are generally sale though not specific to Black Friday.

I did notice on the American candy site there was a message at the top saying they are working through a backlog of orders or something like that so maybe they are just snowed under. Will wait and see if anything arrives and chargeback if necessary.