Frugxmas 16

[Toberich]

Anyone care to swap ideas on frugal xmas 16 ? I love xmas but not the expense - all ideas welcome !

Am glad I found this thread, as spending at Christmas stresses me out. We save all year but it's a struggle every year. I have an 8 year gap between my two so will be recycling toys again for the younger one this year. What I find hard is that my DM often spends a lot on lots of gifts for my DC instead of buying them one useful gift they would actually like. Anyone broached this subject with their parents? I really don't want to upset her..

Have you thought of maybe setting them up eg 'wish lists' on Amazon and then mentioning it to her? (I just don't know whether any other firm does this also.) That way, she could still give them a 'surprise', I think, but some thing(s) that they would really like.

I'm a great one for home made gifts. I like to get a basket from charity shop, and fill it with home made jams, chutneys, etc, that I have made from foraged fruit - damsons, plums, apples. I give individual Christmas cakes to some of my older friends and neighbours who live alone. I want to do some home sewn stuff this year, too.
I know a lot of people don't like that sort of thing, but those sort of people tend not to be on my friends list!
As for Amazon lists, I think you can add things from other retailers to your Amazon list (tho they may have discontinued this by now - sorry, too much wine with an early supper!)

I adore home made gifts - and my mother's damson jam was quite possibly the best thing I've ever tasted. ( Sadly, I didn't inherit her jam-making skills. )

It is now August so STFU no mention of it until December

I join the Christmas bargain threads too.
I save a bit each month for Christmas and start in earnest after October birthdays.
Regarding kitchen a bit each week for non fresh.
For the rest lists, lists, planning and lists.
Being strong about budget and who you buy for once the decision is made. Especially if it is just getting each other a token present. We do handmade vouchers for meet up or days/ meals out for the following year instead.

You do often need to do some serious planning when you're frequently on your uppers.

Well done, lifelong.

I think that in about September/October, tesco do a 3 for 2 on dried fruit, etc. I usually try to get 3 of the same things every few days, so I don't get caught out by having one cheap thing free. I really stock up my baking supplies during that offer (closest supermarket)

Also having a clear out in September, October time of out grown toys and clothes plus anything else that sells helps swell the funds and makes space for the next wave of stuff.

I buy presents through the year but I think its vital to keep a list of what you have so that you don't keep buying

I have a table set up on the computer that has everyone with their age, column for birthday present, column for Xmas present. I also have tiny columns for whether they are finished for birthday/Xmas because sometimes might buy a little something but it's not enough on its own

After Christmas, before the sales, I alter the ages, add any new babies and print off.