Planning a frugal Xmas anyone ?

[Snowie2]

I'm so wondering is there a thread for this already ! I'm usually not great at planning (hence paying off v old debts!) but now with 2 small kids I'm being sensible & trying to save for christmas while not spending too much either !

By nov ill have e500 (euro) saved in work savings scheme & have been topping up money boxes the odd time - guess about e200 if we're lucky ! Expenses include santa presents for 2 - was aiming for DS 3D each but now notice they're e235 each might be a stretch!

Any thoughts on saving /present tips ? We may also have to host Xmas day dinner has been up to 10 in the past. Mostly v small presents for family & recent years hardly anything for each other so this year e50 each would be nice for a change ! Although I hate to spend so near sales time too !

[AMessageToYouRudie]

Hi
yes me!
Get on pinterest , I am starting to make presents this year!

[TaraRhode]

Nintendo 3DS are about €185 on Amazon. So that's about €100 saved already!

[Snowie2]

So they are ! Hopefully will stay that way for a while can't afford to buy them yet !

What are you going to make ? I'm thinking crocheted scarves & cushions with appliqué I'm an "easy" level sewer & knitter ! Not much spare time hence planning now.

[MmeMorrible]

I would save a bit more by buying the 2ds as it will play all the 3ds games. If you get the 3ds you'll only switch off the 3d anyway as it's so bad for the DCs eyesight.

[Fluffycloudland77]

Have you seen Reastie Christmas thread?

[TheWorldAccordingToJC]

If you're kids are under about 10 or so, I definitely wouldn't buy things like new DS's. There's really no need. My 7 year old was desperate for one a few months back so I just picked up one on our local FB site for £25. Boxed. With games.

I do the same with a lot of his stuff - you can get some absolute bargains as I find kids have fads of these things and then don't bother with them ( as I have found with the DS! )

I'd also start putting money aside now. I set a budget around July time ( and I don't scrimp as such, I've decided to spend £650 all in this year ) and I start to either pop money aside or pick up bits as I see them. It works better for me this way because I don't like taking a big hit in December with finances.

[TheWorldAccordingToJC]

Definitely keep an eye out now for token gifts for people and just squirrel them away

[Snowie2]

Really ?!

[Snowie2]

Sorry that was really about the DS 3D. They had 2nd hand DS2s which weren't great.

[MmeMorrible]

Nintendo 2ds are £79on Amazon

www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B00E4LGJI8/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1406578117&sr=8-1&pi=SX200_QL40&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

Here's a review of them that confirms they play the 3DS games & explains about the eyesight issue

www.trustedreviews.com/opinions/nintendo-2ds-vs-3ds-vs-3ds-xl

Hope it's helpful

[annielostit]

Ds 3d wasn't recommended by the staff in the game shop recently, said it was waste of money. Opt for the cheaper model.
As for frugal Christmas, up to £800 in gift fund, 60 at the butcher,saved TESCO club vouchers and got some cash. Luckly we don't have debt as we're the wrong side of 45.

[Snowie2]

Thanks Mme so glad I posted this now ! Def not getting the 3DS. What about getting them (the 2DS) from amazon.com?tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21 and using parcel motel would that be cheaper again ?

[chanie44]

Come over to the Xmas boards as we have a fab bargain thread.

I've pretty much done my children's stockings. I've spent about £25 but they have loads of stuff.

In terms of food, we normally go to family for Xmas dinner so there are no costs there, but it would be reasonable to ask the guests to bring a dish. I always start stocking up on Xmas items after the summer - if I see long life items on offer, I stick it in with my normal food shop and don't notice the costs (make sure you hide it away before it gets eaten!!!!)

[AliceDoesntLiveHereAnymore]

Ds1 has a 2DS. It plays all the DS and 3DS games. It's more sturdy as it doesn't have that "hinge" issue - every person I know that has had a 3DS dropped and broken, it's because the hinge snapped apart, rendering it unfixable, including ds1's old 3DS that broke when it was dropped. Ds1 never ever used the "3D" aspect anyway. 2DS was much less expensive, in case any of that info helps anyone trying to decide between 2DS and 3DS.

[Snowie2]

Where are the Xmas boards ? I'm on my phone so when I search for christmas I get every thread ever :)

[Fluffycloudland77]

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/Christmas/2127647-Rocking-around-the-Sylvanian-Families-Christmas-Tree-wearing-a-Disney-Elsa-Dress-Christmas-Bargain-Thread-3?

This is Reasties Christmas thread, were into no 3.

It is the best thread ever for Christmas.

[Snowie2]

Thanks will join !

[catbonnet]

We've had a frugal Xmas for the last two years - year before last we made jam and gave them to everyone, and last year we shopped at charity shops for gifts and got some lovely things. Probably will have one this year too!

[Snowie2]

Hi catbonnet good idea charity shops have some real bargains. I'm going to start hunting now !

[Teddybeau1988]

I'm planning to not go mad this year. I tend to start buying quite early, then stash things away in hiding and forget them. By the time the wrapping up day comes, ( as a tradition I leave it until the last day DC are at school to do it) I have mountains of stuff.
Taking into account the panto tickets, ice skating and tree shopping at the garden centre and the harrods Santa trip we spend too much.

[MsVenus]

www.costco.co.uk/view/category/uk_catalog/cos_6

Join a wholesalers and buy large multipacks of food and drink to save money.