Christmas in the thrifty household..
Those who have read me before will know that (a) I adore Christmas, the run-up, the excitement, the soppy films and ooh.just.everything! And (b) I adore not wasting money, and finding the thriftiest ways to have fun and live a happy life...
So.
This is blogpost number 1 this year on Christmas: gifts.
At just under 100 days until the day, I have my list written of folk I want to give gifts to.
This gives me time to gather resources and make gifts where appropriate.
My hand-making list includes: two pairs of hand knitted socks, a Norwegian style jumper, a ballet style cardigan, a knitted dog, a crochet cardigan.
This year I'm giving home-made hampers. Each time I pop to the local shop through the year, I buy one of their £1 Christmas saving stamps as in December each filled savings card can be exchanged for an additional amount of money. So each quarter of the family is getting a hamper of bits and bobs designed with their taste in mind; paid for already when December arrives!
One portion of the family (in their early 20s) will have a hamper filled with crisps, snacks, pop and low alcohol beer, while another (who work long hours) will have a hamper of recipe mixes and mini bottles of wine.
I can make a teeny hamper using a shoebox and just a couple of things and a large hamper using a whole range of items - in this way I stick to my budget completely.
The only folk I don't apply this principle to is the grandchildren.
They get games, toys and clothes - including pyjamas and a dressing gown - but I don't gift food to small people.
And now I'm back to knitting a sock.
So.
This is blogpost number 1 this year on Christmas: gifts.
At just under 100 days until the day, I have my list written of folk I want to give gifts to.
This gives me time to gather resources and make gifts where appropriate.
My hand-making list includes: two pairs of hand knitted socks, a Norwegian style jumper, a ballet style cardigan, a knitted dog, a crochet cardigan.
This year I'm giving home-made hampers. Each time I pop to the local shop through the year, I buy one of their £1 Christmas saving stamps as in December each filled savings card can be exchanged for an additional amount of money. So each quarter of the family is getting a hamper of bits and bobs designed with their taste in mind; paid for already when December arrives!
One portion of the family (in their early 20s) will have a hamper filled with crisps, snacks, pop and low alcohol beer, while another (who work long hours) will have a hamper of recipe mixes and mini bottles of wine.
I can make a teeny hamper using a shoebox and just a couple of things and a large hamper using a whole range of items - in this way I stick to my budget completely.
The only folk I don't apply this principle to is the grandchildren.
They get games, toys and clothes - including pyjamas and a dressing gown - but I don't gift food to small people.
And now I'm back to knitting a sock.
Under a hundred days? My goodness I had better get a move on! I am off to make lists.
ReplyDeleteI've not made a proper list yet and I'm liking the hamper idea. I've crocheted a blanket for my nephew and girlfriend. They moved into their first house in May and are in the proses of making it their own. I've also crocheted some cotton scrubbies to go with some hand made soap (from a craft fair) and I will pick up some nice glass bowls to put them togeter in.
ReplyDeleteCarolx
People love thoughtful, and hand-made, or cooked presents. In my family, we do a sort of secret santa. There are just too many of us now to buy presents for all.....
ReplyDeleteThank you for the good and very helpful information. It is very interesting. I love all the things you share and see your beautiful creation. Thank you for sharing with everyone.
ReplyDeleteยุโรป
That such a good idea buying a stamp weekly and then buying hamper items. I will be doing this next year.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to come by educated people on this topic,
ReplyDeletehowever, you sound like you know what you're talking about!
Thanks
Aw, this was an exceptionally nice post. Spending some
ReplyDeletetime and actual effort to make a good article...
but what can I say... I hesitate a lot and never manage to
get anything done.