xmas on a budget

[zzxxee]

what ideas do you have for cheap or even freebie presents?
for people of all ages
we are shopping on a shoe string this year
for mum and dad im thinking of two big baskets filled with fav smellies, drink home made cookies ect what do you think???

[divegirl]

I'm all for the saving money at Christmas but do find it hard not to spend on my kids, I only buy for them and my nephew, but I miss the tradition of seeing my two open their gifts. They're 18 and 13 now and I have told the oldest that he won't be getting all the silly bits I normally buy and it's not just about the money, it's the stress of trying to find new and unusual things to give!
Over the years they've had every sort of trendy light [fibre-optics etc] bathe submarines, mini helicopters....you get the picture they are all good on the day but are soon forgotten and left in a cupboard!
Talking of which, anyone want an inflatable rugby game!!!!

Lisa x

[zzxxee]

wouldnt it be good if we could do a swap shop stuff with other answerbankers lol

[annie0000]

Yup - a couple of times I have got my mum and mil (when she was alive) a box of "nice" groceries. Things they wouldn't necessarily buy but enjoyed and some stock things for their cupboard. topped it up with a couple of the small bottles of wine and some home made cake/fruit loaf. You can also get some of these calendars that you put your own photos on pretty cheap, try Vistaprint online.

[annie0000]

My favourite thing to get for Christmas is a nice bottle of wine, a good book, a box of chocolates and a bit of peace and quiet. Not really bothered about anything else.

[zzxxee]

sounds heavenly annie x

[annie0000]

it is zzxxee, but I do worry that i maybe emphasis the peace and quiet a bit too much. When we were chatting about what we were going to have for dinner, my youngest walked into the room just as I was saying "what I'd really like...." and he butted in with "is some peace and quiet?" Poor boys probably think I wish they weren't there!

[zzxxee]

awwww :)

[zzxxee]

what about gifts for teens and younger kids any ideas??

[annie0000]

There are loads of bragains about -for younger kids, what about art supplies or you could make tubs of homemade coloured dough. For older ones, might be worth a look on play.com at their £5 gifts - delivery is free so you can get some good bargains (and some tat!) Try looking on the Grabbit while you can board on the Money Saving Expert website.

[zzxxee]

cheers annie x

[zzxxee]

hi red checked out your link some good stuff on there xx