Thread 6 - the one where things are getting organised

[Reastie]

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.

Hope you're all well. I've just put in a big Temu order for stocking bits and bits for work. They gave me £8 off my next order yesterday as two orders I had are arriving late and, when I contacted customer services about something, they also gave me a 20% off voucher, so I saved £20 on my order!

Help!
Can anyone recall if M&S ever do offers on their big Christmas hampers?

by ‘big’ I just mean the traditional ones and not just Prosecco and chocolates for example. The one I’m looking at is currently £100 and I’m itching to tick it off the list but I don’t know whether to hold off for a voucher… 😬

Can anyone recommend a nice toiletries bag? Looking to buy sister few different skincare/hair stuff etc but need a way to present it… She is very designer conscious but I don’t have a designer budget! Any 💡?

Please can anyone give me suggestions for a 97 year old man in a care home? He's not keen on chocolate and no booze, please! Thank you.

Hello!
Has anyone seen any offers on Akedo warriors please?
Reluctant to pay much as his sonic ones have broken easily. I was planning to get the teenage turtle ones as they are half price but hes gone off turtles.
Any suggestions greatly appreciated thank you as I really dont want to pay much for this plastic tat that isn't that good quality!!!!

What kind of things does he enjoy doing? Someone put all of my nans favorite music on to an mp3 player which she loved. Audiobooks?

Hello,

I posted this on the stocking fillers thread too but just in case anyone knows.. I wanted to get DP a few mini aftershaves for his stocking rather than a big one as he quite likes a few different brands (Boss, Diesel, Paco Rabanne etc)

Does anyone have recommendations for where to get mini aftershaves please that are still presented nicely? Thank you ☺️

I bought this candle from boots for my friends birthday next week. It was sitting in my bedroom for a couple of days waiting for a gift bag and the scent was gorgeous. Even my husband remarked on it. Obviously It hasn’t been lit it so can’t comment on that but it’s also very pretty and very similar looking to a much more expensive one that I have.

Problem is, he has memory problems (not dementia) and finds technology difficult. He only goes out when I take him (though is on the rota for rare outside visits run by the care home). Our children bought him a Pictureframe and puts photos on it, but he seldom switches it on.He used to love DIY and whisky but his hands are trembly and he's had a tricky relationship with alcohol. He's such a lovely man, but it's difficult to buy him anything!

I got some Clarins with some samples recommended on a previous thread. I don’t normally do complicated skincare and have had bad experiences with some things previously, but I have been very pleased with this and haven’t had any kind of reaction.

It depends what you are trying to do really, because really severe eczema is more of a medical thing, but if she’s got it back under control and it’s more about having some nice things to pamper herself, I can recommend both Clinique (moisture drench range) and the more sensitive end of clarins, like the hydrating gentle foaming cleanser, one of the oils etc. Both seem to be good with offers and samples at various times.

My Mum is in a care home and going by what the men there enjoy ,it's bags of old fashioned sweets that they used to eat during their childhood. Humbugs, mints, cough sweets , they adore Werthers ,Rhubarb and Custards, pear drops and fruit pastilles . Surprisingly they seem to like crisps too l think it's because they are salty and they can taste it because their taste buds aren't as good as we age . They use a lot of paper tissues, Vicks nasal sticks, non elasticated top socks, fingerless gloves because their hands are cold due to their circulation.
Warm fleecy shirt and thermal vests . A tin of biscuits and sweets hth 🤗

Brilliant ideas, @MaryGreenhill. Thank you!

@Threeboystwocatsandadog I don't want to alarm you (sorry), but botanicals in candles are a significant and severe fire hazard. On the off-chance they resulted in a fire in your home the fact you burnt a candle with botanicals may invalidate your home insurance. Some home insurances have clauses about them in the fine-print and there have been instances of claims being denied because the person affected couldn't prove the candle hadn't caused it.

Sorry, I thought I should flag - the reason my business doesn't sell candles and we stick to soaps is because of the cost to me as the business owner and potential user (using botanicals in them would invalidate my business insurance as well as my home insurance - I checked).

Slim chance, but probably not one worth taking tbh.

https://www.rbfrs.co.uk/your-safety/celebrating-safely/candles/ - doesn't cover the insurance issue, but does make it clear how dangerous it is.

Yes, m&s do a 25 or 30% of selected hampers but I can’t remember when. I’d hang on if you can. Or make your own!

My youngest has told me she would like some American sweets for Xmas. Ironic really as I did the order that has never arrived through the American Candy store 🤣 I think I’ll see what random things b&m bring in. I did notice American Candy hampers in sports direct. If anyone has any recommendations of where might be good plse let me know

I forgot to say 😁
Boxes of Spec wipes and the strings that keep them around their necks and stop them getting lost 🤗
You are very welcome 🤗😁

Photo blanket or cushion (I bought one for DS full of family photos and it was lovely)
Engraved book mark
Digital photo frame - I’ve seen some on Amazon where the family can put an app on their phone so everyone can send their pics to it as and when.

Love the PP idea of music for him to access. Music is a bit like smells, always unlocks memories.

@Toooldforlonghair can I recommend you have a look at 47 Skin for eczema, it has worked miracles on my DD after years of prescription steroids.
On makeup, I think it's more about no chemicals, scents, additives. Not sure if you have come across Tropic before? I get products from there and they have just launched makeup. But, any 'good' company should help.

Hi can anyone recommend a small Xmas tree that can be posted please? Looking to send something to my DD at Uni!

For those still looking for heated blankets and throws, Dreamland has some big reductions directly on their website at the moment.

@ArthurChristmas22 https://www.bloomandwild.com/letterbox-tree

@ArthurChristmas22 I’ve sent several from Bloom & Wild over the years and they have always been well received. A couple were repotted and are still going. If you haven’t used them before, the referral code is pretty decent- there might be one on the referral thread already, or I can put mine up.

I don't know if this is what you are looking for, but this pop up tree comes flat in a box like a pizza and doesn't take up much floor space?

Thank you. Yes I’ll try and hold off and keep checking my sparks offers.

@Tryonemoretime digital photo frame with photos preloaded? We got MIL one last year and it went down well. Gave DH's siblings the login details so they can also send pics of their families and keep it updated.

This is great thank you. I ordered another in September, only to discover that the plug in part on the one I bought last year had stopped working.