Category: Christmas

1. Frugal Christmas Shopping

   Posted on 12:00pm Friday 28th Sep 2018

   It is almost October, I have seen Christmas cards in the shops so I am sure that it is okay to start mentioning Christmas. There has been a lot of talk online and on TV this week about not being excessive with Christmas shopping and remembering that being with family is the most important thing, not the latest gadget.

   Last year I worked out that I had 25 children to buy for and that is without my own children and all my family, so with a list that long how do you remain frugal with your Christmas shopping? 

   

   Start Early

   It is never too early to start Christmas shopping and it is always good to have the list of the people that you need to buy for close at hand so you can buy what you need, rather than what you like.

   Take advantage of the sales

   This week I had an email to say that the Paperchase sale was on and I quickly clicked through and ordered 3 presents online for less than £30 and because I spent over £25, I also got free next day delivery. They were 3 presents that I needed to buy, within my budget and great quality, so it was a win all round.

   Find out what they want / need

   I love buying gifts but get so much satisfaction buying a gift that I know someone really wants or needs. It is lovely to get indulgent gifts or the typical bath and moisturiser sets but how many of them get put to the back of the cupboard or regifted to someone else? This year I have resolved to spend a bit more time finding out what people want so that I spend more wisely.

   Cash in those points

   All those points that have been building up this year on my Tesco clubcard, Boots advantage card and even my Costa card, now is the time to cash them in and turn them into "free" gifts.

   Tap into your creativity

   Whether it is taking advantage of your childrens cute school photos and making frames for the grandparents or getting the children to handmake gifts for their friends this Christmas, a present doesn't have to be bought from a shop.

   

   We have talked previously about how to stay debt free this Christmas and with the cost of everything rising, hopefully we can all be a little more frugal and spend a little less this Christmas.

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2. Win a "Baby & Me" washbag by Cuddledry® worth £24.99

   Posted on 7:00am Thursday 25th Jan 2018

   When you have a baby, packing for an adventure can be a little daunting, especially when there is so much to pack and remember. So we were intrigued by the new washbag launch by Cuddledry® but unlike other washbags on the market, ‘Baby & Me’ has been cleverly designed to share with your baby, so no need to pack twice. 

    

   

    

   The spacious bag has two separate wipe clean sections, one for parents and one for baby, clearly colour coded, with plenty of room for all the different toiletries you might need. Each compartment features a wet and dry section, and the parent compartment includes two refillable BPA free 100ml toiletry bottles – ideal for travel.

    

   

    

   Helen Wooldridge, co-founder of Cuddledry® says: “As a new parent, getting out and about can be daunting as there is simply so much to remember. Our new ‘Baby & Me’ washbag has been designed to make being on the go with baby so much easier. The separate sections mean that everything you need for yourself and your baby are easily to hand, in one place, so no need to pack twice.”

    

   

    

   ‘Baby & Me’ by Cuddledry® costs £24.99 and will be available to buy from www.cuddledry.comfrom late January 2018 but we are thrilled to be able to give you the chance to win one for yourself. Competition launching Monday 29th January 2018!!

     

    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    

   Terms & Conditions

   The Prize: 1 x Baby & Me set from Cuddledry
   The winners will be chosen at random by the random winner generator on Rafflecopter and notified within 7 working days by email
   By entering this competition, you understand that your details may be retained for future mailings. You can unsubscribe from this mailing list at any time.
   There is no monetary equivalent.
   Little Lilypad Co take no /responsibility for loss or damage in the despatch of prizes
   If the prize is unclaimed within 7 days we reserve the right to redraw the winner.
   End Date 11/02/2018 at 12am

    

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3. When to be extravagant at Christmas ... and when not to be

   Posted on 6:00pm Wednesday 20th Dec 2017

   Without a doubt, Christmas is the season of over indulgence. From October onwards – some of us sooner – we begin to plan just how excessive we can be, come the 25^th December. Whether we’re drafting out Christmas lists as long as our arms, stocking up on bottles across the weekly shops, or planning a festive feast fit for kings, we’re prepared for extravagance at any cost.

   A one way road to tinsel town

   Whoever you are, you’re well within your rights to go all out over Christmas. Don’t let anyone tell you any different. Yet, amidst all the excitement, it can become all too easy to go way overboard, spending savings, racking up the credit bills, plummeting down to the breadline just in time for the January blues.

   But it doesn’t have to be that way. There’s definitely a fine line between nailing the niceties and going OTT. If you sense you’re on a one way road to tinsel town, reign yourself in and assess what’s important and what’s not. Once you know where to place your efforts, your time, and your hard-earned money, you’ll know exactly when to be extravagant at Christmas and when not to be.

   

   Personalising your Christmas

   We have all sent those Christmas cards with the family photos on them (haven't we) but this could be the just start, you could personalise almost everything about your Christmas by creating your own family logo like our Lilypad one above. We tried out the company Logojoy who make creating logo childs play. You could use your logo for a seal on your Christmas cards or have your Christmas napkins embossed to really be extravagant this year.

   Christmas with the kids

   Many of our Little Lilypad readers have children, and definitely place personal value on creating the magic of Christmas for their young ones. I think it is fair to say that when your Children are small, going all out to see those eyes sparkle is certainly a priority.

   Most would agree that the ‘parenting era’ is when you can go OTT, for sure. Yet, while it’s a pleasure to pile presents under the tree, it’s sometimes more worthwhile to spread out those festive feels throughout the month.

   Rather than ploughing all your pounds into prezzies, make Christmas an event. Look at experiencing theatre shows, pantos, Christmas markets, ice skating, Santa visits, woodland walks, Christmas craft activities, Elf on the Shelf, Christmas films and snacks… there’s so much to do around Christmastime, it really is the perfect opportunity to create family memories.

   

    

   All I want for Christmas is… 

   While giving gifts to loved ones can be a particularly pleasurable gesture, seriously give your budget the once over. What can you afford without dreading the sight of your bank balance? Often thoughtful, personal gifts are worth so much more than fortunes spent on the high street. If you have time, consider crafting some homemade creations with the kids.

   And remember, not everything has to be so matchy-matchy. Don’t buy a new dinner set because you’re plate short, and don’t buy a new set of chairs because Auntie Eileen has invited herself along for a bit of your best turkey.

   Cast your mind back to when you were young. Much of the charm was in the family being together, along with the odd bits and bots that made the day perfect in its own imperfect kind of way.

   

   Be as extravagant as you want this Christmas but remember to be extravagant with children, with love, with well wishes, and with warmth this Christmas.

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4. 5 Gifts that last long past Christmas

   Posted on 9:00am Saturday 16th Dec 2017

   You’ve not got long left, guys and gals. Christmas is a mere week away. If you’ve yet to get gifts to pop under your Nordmann Fir, you’re cutting things mighty fine. But, maybe you don’t need to trawl the highstreets after all. While everyone loves a pair or two of plush fluffy socks, some festive flannel PJs, and a box of Lush’s best bath time treats, think outside of the box and gift a prezzie sensation that lives on long past Christmas morning.

   

   Transforming present buying into a dreamy process, these are the easy-to-get gifts that just keep on giving, even long after the season is done and dusted.

   5 of the best gifts that keep on giving

   1.    Gift experiences

   Is your hubby into all things aeroplanes. Forget those Airfix models and PC pilot games, and book him in for a flight simulation or even a helicopter adventure. Perhaps mum fancies herself as a bit of a gin connoisseur? Ditch the wine glass set, and send her on a gin tasting event. Brother a Game of Thrones fan? Cancel the limited edition box set and arrange a visit to the show’s set in Ireland. Groupon is fantastic for a range of gift ideas and whatever hobbies and interests your friends and family have, there’s a gift experience out there that hits just the right spot.

   

   2.    Magazine subscriptions

   From FourFourTwo to Vogue and all that’s in between, if you have an avid rag reader in the family, then a magazine subscription is a priceless prezzie. With on the pulse topical info delivered to their door every issue, this is truly twelve gifts rolled into one. Browse online for hot deals and discounts on popular glossy titles.

   

   3.    Handcrafted gifts

   Homemade gifts have made quite the comeback in recent years. Along with the Kilner jar, homemade jams and chutneys are right up there on Santa’s delivery list. People can’t get enough. From bakes to makes, whatever your creative vibe, let it flow over the festive season and delight your nearest and dearest. If you’re not so good with arts and crafts, check out Not on the Highstreet. This online store will link you up with some of the best of British personalised presents.

   4.    Craft courses

   Invest in your loved ones interests. From watercolour art and to felt animal creations, cupcake decorating to flower arranging, craft courses run all across the country. Have a Google and see what’s near you. You’re a few keywords away from a pretty spectacular surprise prezzie.

   

   5. Cinema membership

   Let’s face it, we’re not all wine-tasting, wreath-making, cake-decorating enthusiasts. Some of us simply prefer to sit in front of the big screen and get lost in the latest blockbuster. If that sounds a bit of you or your significant other, a cinema membership is the one. Or, if you prefer to stay cosied up indoors, Netflix subscriptions, Sky Movies, and even specialist channel subscriptions, such as the WWE Network, make for a valued and unexpected gift.

   So you see, it might not be long till Christmas but you can still find the perfect gift that will last long after the tree has been taken down. 

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