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Christmas

From present ideas to party food, find all your Christmas inspiration here.

Thread 3 - The one with the unhinged crab 🦀

1000 replies

Reastie · 14/09/2025 19:30

I certainly don't want an unhinged crab for Christmas Grin

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.

OP posts:
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Realfastfoodie · 21/09/2025 12:23

sparkleghost · 21/09/2025 10:10

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!

Another vote for Brio. You can get compatible Thomas stuff secondhand or new - eBay is good if you are specific about what you want. I’ve managed to pick up some of the more obscure Thomas characters (Elizabeth, Harvey etc) which you can’t find new.

We also have the brio “real steam” engine which is a bit of a faff but well loved.

Beautifulsunflowers · 21/09/2025 12:53

Went real life shopping today and popped into pound land. They had the sweet tubes for £1 - usually £1.25 in supermarkets. I picked up smarties in a tube - elf treat ones that are green and red! My kids will roll their eyes - they are 19 and 24 🤣 but still get a stocking so these will be ideal!

IlovePond · 21/09/2025 13:06

Hi, I have just been to Aldi and they had very cute gaming cushions for the backs of gaming chairs: Pikachu and Minecraft.

ClaraLane · 21/09/2025 13:52

Thank you for the Regatta mention and codes - just ordered some waterproof trousers for DD for our October holiday.

sparkleghost · 21/09/2025 14:22

Realfastfoodie · 21/09/2025 12:23

Another vote for Brio. You can get compatible Thomas stuff secondhand or new - eBay is good if you are specific about what you want. I’ve managed to pick up some of the more obscure Thomas characters (Elizabeth, Harvey etc) which you can’t find new.

We also have the brio “real steam” engine which is a bit of a faff but well loved.

Amazing! We got the Brio first steam train for him last year and were a bit gutted it was so big. Great for little hands, but didn’t fit on the Brio first railway track! I did have a look earlier after seeing everybody’s recommendations and have seen that they have track size locomotives & engines with real steam for age 3+. I KNOW he’s going to love one of those, so that will be going on the shortlist too! I’ll have to be careful not to get carried away, this is the problem with starting Christmas shopping early Grin

MaverickSnoopy · 21/09/2025 14:38

I ordered from American Candy store last night. I've just done a bit of research. Fwiw I don't think they're a scam, but I do think they're struggling. They have a Facebook page but tik tok doesn't seem to work.

They've had a lot of Director changes in the last year and now have just 1 Director/Shareholder after a very recent termination of appointment. Companies house also says they only have 1 employee. Their assests are very low, but they've also paid some debts (possibly the Director who left, but I'm speculating here).

My impression is that they now have very little ability to fulfil the orders. It may possibly just be one person trying to do it all on their own and hoping to manage, or it may be someone clutching at straws and trying to make as much money as possible before they close.

I noticed that the sale that was due to end yesterday is still going, so likely an ongoing sale and they want people to place as many orders as possible.

I agree with others, not the fault of @Sideorderofchips. I for one never check the reviews of companies I've used successfully before. This is the first time I've ever placed an order and not checked - just because I was so excited by discounted chocolate 😂.

I've used the charge back through my bank before and it was an easy process and I think for something that was very low value. I'll give it a few days and see what happens. I have the Shop app and at the moment it just says preparing shipment.

ChristmasMad1 · 21/09/2025 16:26

Anyone know where I can get cheap mini brands?

User202242 · 21/09/2025 16:29

Who was after baby annabelle? Seems a good offer at BargainMax and £14 off £100 spend for their birthday .. Baby Annabell Interactive Dolls & Outfits | Klarna Available – BargainMax https://share.google/PGJDRL5YPlbXNjZky

Baby Annabell Interactive Dolls & Outfits | Klarna Available

Browse our range of Baby Annabell online and buy at the lowest prices. Free UK mainland delivery from the UK's best kids toy & games store! Pay with Klarna.

https://bargainmax.co.uk/collections/baby-annabell

Londonmummy66 · 21/09/2025 16:31

Anyone got any bright ideas for a present for an ambulance paramedic - dn gets mainly cash but I'd like to get her something that she can pop in a bag for a quick perk me up on shift.

Mumto3thatsme · 21/09/2025 16:45

Hi all,

just brought Ds soon to be 15 a supercar driving experience from Wowcher, considerably cheaper then going through the actual company. He’ll be thrilled with that!

Also real life shopping and picked up a Bulldog Skincare gift set with razor for half price in Boots as well as a Revolution Makeup gift set for half price which new to vegetarianism dd will love. Both are star gifts this weeks so good savings to be had. Picked up a couple of wicked themed gifts in the 3 for 2 section too.

Tesco has giant squishmallows for £30 ( again half price) could be this years unicorn

Arewesureitisntbedtime · 21/09/2025 16:56

I completely ignored the heated blanket chat and typically now have someone to buy one for 🙄 If anyone sees any offers come back around please let me know!

AmazingBees · 21/09/2025 17:18

Arewesureitisntbedtime · 21/09/2025 16:56

I completely ignored the heated blanket chat and typically now have someone to buy one for 🙄 If anyone sees any offers come back around please let me know!

Dreamland still have their sale on, including this one that I got:
https://www.dreamlanduk.co.uk/products/relaxwell-deluxe-zebra-faux-fur-heated-throw
I think there was a 10% code for signing up to their newsletter too

Luxury Faux Fur Warming Throw | Zebra Print

Zebra print faux fur warming throw adds a stylish and exotic touch to your home while providing luxurious warmth. Perfect for snuggling up on cold winter days.

https://www.dreamlanduk.co.uk/products/relaxwell-deluxe-zebra-faux-fur-heated-throw

Blessedbethefruitz · 21/09/2025 17:39

Realfastfoodie · 21/09/2025 12:23

Another vote for Brio. You can get compatible Thomas stuff secondhand or new - eBay is good if you are specific about what you want. I’ve managed to pick up some of the more obscure Thomas characters (Elizabeth, Harvey etc) which you can’t find new.

We also have the brio “real steam” engine which is a bit of a faff but well loved.

Thanks for the real steam train feedback, I always see him and wonder if he's any good. My daughter 3 is entranced with trains...

justnottinghill · 21/09/2025 17:50

What would you buy for an 18 month old? Preferably not tut 😂

GRCP · 21/09/2025 18:01

Debenhams up to 70% off including lots of Christmas bedding. Free delivery tonight only using code FREEDEL

Scout2016 · 21/09/2025 18:16

Londonmummy66 · 21/09/2025 16:31

Anyone got any bright ideas for a present for an ambulance paramedic - dn gets mainly cash but I'd like to get her something that she can pop in a bag for a quick perk me up on shift.

A roll on purfume? Think they are called pulse points. She may well have some horrible smells to deal with, and it could help relax after stressful visits.

Withershins · 21/09/2025 18:27

I took a gift tag from the Dunelm Christmas Gift tree. I need to get a skincare set for a 14 year old girl. I am looking for something gentle, as I obviously don't know the child or her skin type, and maybe something that is also "on trend". I would appreciate any suggestions/recommendations. Thanks 🙂

Justkeepsmilingx · 21/09/2025 18:31

Londonmummy66 · 21/09/2025 16:31

Anyone got any bright ideas for a present for an ambulance paramedic - dn gets mainly cash but I'd like to get her something that she can pop in a bag for a quick perk me up on shift.

How about looking at some of the body spray sets on Boots in the half price bit and some nice hand cream. When you get back in the van after a shout it’s nice to freshen up and feel like you smell nice and clean and fresh ?

Mumto3thatsme · 21/09/2025 18:38

Withershins · 21/09/2025 18:27

I took a gift tag from the Dunelm Christmas Gift tree. I need to get a skincare set for a 14 year old girl. I am looking for something gentle, as I obviously don't know the child or her skin type, and maybe something that is also "on trend". I would appreciate any suggestions/recommendations. Thanks 🙂

If your budget allows I’d recommend something Byoma, maybe a starter kit of some sort, my daughters have asked for this

Streetcornerchoir · 21/09/2025 18:40

Arewesureitisntbedtime · 21/09/2025 16:56

I completely ignored the heated blanket chat and typically now have someone to buy one for 🙄 If anyone sees any offers come back around please let me know!

I’d recommend this one if it’s within your budget (they have it in neutral colours too for a bit more) Sherpa blanket
It’s bigger than most of their others and is so warm with the Sherpa layer you don’t always need to turn it on!

Sherpa Heated Throw | Velvety Tartan Check

Cuddle up in bed or on the sofa with this snuggly heated throw. Fast, 5-minute heat up & 3 timer settings. Costs from 1p to run & free standard shipping.

https://www.dreamlanduk.co.uk/products/heated-overblanket-tartan-check-velvety-sherpa

TryingAgainAgainAgain · 21/09/2025 18:41

Withershins · 21/09/2025 18:27

I took a gift tag from the Dunelm Christmas Gift tree. I need to get a skincare set for a 14 year old girl. I am looking for something gentle, as I obviously don't know the child or her skin type, and maybe something that is also "on trend". I would appreciate any suggestions/recommendations. Thanks 🙂

Bubble is good for that age:

https://www.boots.com/bubble-polar-pair-mini-2-step-routine-10362919

There are also more expensive sets, and they’re in the 3-for-2.

Bubble Polar Pair Mini 2-Step Routine - Boots

Buy Bubble Polar Pair Mini 2-Step Routine collect Advantage Card Points for every £1 you spend.

https://www.boots.com/bubble-polar-pair-mini-2-step-routine-10362919

Ewock · 21/09/2025 18:44

My dh was in sorts direct today and he said they have Squishmallows (notnsure why they have them in a sports shop!) For half price or less he picked up one of the huge ones for our dd birthday £15!

TryingAgainAgainAgain · 21/09/2025 18:47

And if you’re spending a bit more, @Withershins:

www.boots.com/byoma-universal-skincare-heroes-set-10365534

SkinnyOatFlatWhiteForMePlease · 21/09/2025 19:19

Withershins · 21/09/2025 18:27

I took a gift tag from the Dunelm Christmas Gift tree. I need to get a skincare set for a 14 year old girl. I am looking for something gentle, as I obviously don't know the child or her skin type, and maybe something that is also "on trend". I would appreciate any suggestions/recommendations. Thanks 🙂

BYOMA is a good shout.

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