Help me think of some really nice but really inexpensive xmas presents for 3 LOs

[nannyme]

This may seem lazy but it has just dawned on me that we really won't be able to afford to spend anything on Christmas this year due to our horrible landlady.

Made even worse by the fact that the last few weeks have been hellish here in our freezing cold house with no running water (until today, but cold only).

We are forced (but glad nevertheless) to move on 1st Dec so, for us adults, being somewhere habitable will be the only xmas treat we need.

However, the children will be missing out a little.

I know materialistic stuff shouldn't matter but I'd at least like to be able to get them something each that has wow factor without being too gimmicky or expensive.

This isn't supposed to be a whine, just some background because otherwise it will just seem as though I can't be arsed to write a Christmas shopping list for myself.

Budget of 5 pounds per child probably.

Oh, and also some nice ideas for a very cheap but special dinner??

Thanks

Scooters sound FAB! Could get one for dd.

Should have said actually, we have:

DD nearly 7
DS 5
DS 3

Not soooooo sure about chicken nuggets.

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Cheap, yummy dinner? How about a casserole packed full of beef (use cheaper cut) and loads of veggies and potato. Cook all morning and into the afternoon, and even the cheapest meat will simply melt. Add herbs and seasoning for a yummy hearty meal. Serve with either crusty bread or Yorkshire pudding.

My 3 year old is totally in love with his tea set - this is the nearest I could find - his came in a little wicker carrier and I am sure it was only about 4 quid - maybe try The Range, I might have seen them in there?

Woolworths have a bg sale on their toys at the moment.

Aha! I could invent christmassy dumplings to go with casserole/stew type thing. We will have the right kind of oven to slow-cook too! Good thinking.

RubyRioja can you inspire me as to how to make my beans christamssy? Christmas tree cut out toast maybe?

We could have this for tea.

Asda and Tesco toys are sounding hopeful - will check if they deliver to me in France, if not then could ask parents to post.

if you get a shoulder of lamb, and slow cook it through the day, you can make about £6 worth of meat (that is organic, would be cheaper if not) a feast....do veggies around it, wonderful....really really tasty