Christmas Chat
Printed From: OHbaby!
Category: General Chat
Forum Name: General Chat
Forum Description: For mums, dads, parents-to-be, grandparents, friends -- you name it! And you name the topic you want to chat about!
URL: https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=35490
Printed Date: 22 August 2025 at 6:43pm
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Topic: Christmas Chat
Posted By: _SMS_
Subject: Christmas Chat
Date Posted: 29 August 2010 at 9:14pm
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I thought id start up a Christmas Chat Thread.
So people can post gift ideas, get gift help etc, Share recipes, and ideas 
I really need help finding cheap or hand made gifts. I also want to try make soaps & bath bombs etc this year. -------------  
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Replies:
Posted By: lizzle
Date Posted: 29 August 2010 at 9:28pm
| I made bathbombs last year Sabrina. they were awesome! and cheap as chips. will try and find you the recipe I used. I bought some silicone trays to make some more for this year - butterflies and airplanes! |
Posted By: _SMS_
Date Posted: 29 August 2010 at 9:35pm
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Where did you by Silicone trays from?
Id love a recipe  -------------
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Posted By: WestiesGirl
Date Posted: 29 August 2010 at 9:49pm
Oh me too. What a great idea  ------------- Our Angel July 08  Gone but not forgotten
And to complete our family, our princess has arrived 
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Posted By: kiwi2
Date Posted: 29 August 2010 at 9:49pm
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Flavoured oils with garlic and rosemary and chillies are always good. Start saving pretty bottles or any glass bottle that you use stuff out of now.
Another thing to start is a pot of succulent type plants or terracotta pots with herbs in. If you plant them in the next month or sow the herb seeds they should be ready for christmas. I made mince meat pies one year and put them on a christams plate with cellophane as a present. I am so excited about christmas already. Bought heaps of lights of trademe the other day as we had to sell them before moving back to nz. We are also having lots of family over from overseas so it should be lots of fun. Expecting about 30 people for christmas day. |
Posted By: AandCsmum
Date Posted: 29 August 2010 at 9:59pm
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Funnily I decided on my kids presents yesterday. Rollerblades and a skate board.
I'd be interested in the bath bomb recipe too! ------------- Kel http://lilypie.com"> 
A = 01.02.04 & C = 16.01.09 & G = 30.03.12 |
Posted By: TheKelly
Date Posted: 29 August 2010 at 11:19pm
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oh my gosh its nearly christmas .
Bums !!!! last christmas we did the "home made present " thing , I made gift baskets for my parents with fudge and stuff inside, for DH I made a book "50 reasons why I love you " with a reason each page . Blush , how naff ------------- 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: MonicaMouse
Date Posted: 30 August 2010 at 12:09am
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My Mum and I are doing a $20 Christmas Challenge for each other (and her Mum with a slightly reduced amount)
The rules: gifts must be homemade, materials for the gifts must not cost more than $20, unless we already have them in the house! I'm loving the idea, and get brainstorming every now and again, but am also on the lookout for more. Can't really comment too much about my ideas as Mum often lurks on the forum. ------------- 
Blair 15/10/2007 Daniel 30/07/2009 |
Posted By: _SMS_
Date Posted: 30 August 2010 at 7:32am
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Well i have had Taylahs Xmas & birthday presents now for months. I got the last of hers at the toy sale. I got her 1st xmas present in Feb, an outdoor table & chair set for $10 at the warehouse. Im one for bargains lol
Ive been starting to save bottles, i might have to try harder, i just always forget. Its a great idea, im sure there are lots you can make with old jars & bottles etc Awwww thats so sweet Kelly that you made that, jeepers i would really struggle to find 50 things to say about DP, i know that sounds bad but it seems hard to try and think of what i would say. -------------
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Posted By: Panda289
Date Posted: 30 August 2010 at 7:57am
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we are super prepared this christmas as we are trying to spread the cost because we are going away and want to save my bonus this year for if we get UTD so have already got a few gifts. We are taking advantage of our wedding we had in Feb and the family photos which were done then and are gettting them on canvas print to give to our parents (who have no up to date family photos) as we havent done the photos thing for them yet. Also going to give my mum an old cd of cliff richards christmas songs when i find it on Trade Me because we grew up listening to them on her cassette tape!
------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">  
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Posted By: T_Rex
Date Posted: 30 August 2010 at 8:10am
 My baby will be one by christmas!
At least I'll get christmas this year - last year I was home with a very newborn baby  ------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: mummyofprinces
Date Posted: 30 August 2010 at 8:11am
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Oh Christmas.. I would love that bath bomb recipe too... I am making gift baskets this year and it would be nice to put in the girls baskets!
I usually make short bread too. Hmm, love the herb idea actually... I know my SIL LOVES basil so might just have to go find a nice indoor pot for it -------------   
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Posted By: jazzy
Date Posted: 30 August 2010 at 9:15am
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Oh I love xmas, cant wait
mel what are you putting in your gift baskets? I send boxes of baking/ slices, chocs, nuts to family we don't see at xmas. I think I might do the herbs or oils for MIL & SIL. We do a family xmas the weekend before at the IL's. |
Posted By: jazzy
Date Posted: 30 August 2010 at 9:18am
| What do you do for kids presents...do you have a limit of what you spend, or amount of presents? |
Posted By: _SMS_
Date Posted: 30 August 2010 at 9:38am
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I think ill be doing alot of baking this year too.
Where do you ladies get baskets from? I got out an awesome book from the library that had a recipe for hair rinses etc. Made with stuff from home, they were really cool. -------------
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Posted By: isabel
Date Posted: 30 August 2010 at 10:19am
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hey!i love homemade pressies! last year i did differnet types of fudge and rom balls!
for my siblings and parents we put everyones name in a hat and each person draws one name to buy for max $40. apart from that we play a xmas game, where everyone has bought 5 silly/ odd stuff from the $2 shopa and flea markets, they are all wrapped up and we use a dice and if you score 6 you get to open a package or swap with someone if they have something you would like.There is always something that everyone is fighting for, hilarious!!last year it was a couple of fairy lights! this is great for big families and kids as you get the exictment of opening lots of pressies but at a low cost! Anyone got the water bomb recipe? ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: kiwi2
Date Posted: 30 August 2010 at 11:02am
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I get baskets from second hand stores. Habitat in hamilton have heaps at the moment. But sallies and red cross, st vincent depaul etc. I don't think of it as cheap but recycling. Or a box from the supermarket wrapped in christmas wrap and then the cellophane. These shops are good for indoor pots too but bunnings for terracota plain pots is always cheap.
Kids are hard for homemade. You can do bubble mixture. play doh. My mum is knitting snakes for the kids this year. Pictures for the walls. With my first daughter I had her 3 weeks before christmas and had no money or motivation. Someone gave me a flinstone plate and cup set for her when she was born. I liked the pictures on the box so I framed them and wrapped them for her for christmas. I also made a bead and wire toy on a wooden base. I also once picked up a toy cot from a garage sale for $2 and painted it white and made the bedding for it. With a few toys from the $2 shop and some lollies it was quite cheap and fun. I would start trolling trademe too. |
Posted By: caliandjack
Date Posted: 30 August 2010 at 11:16am
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If anyone knows of places to get nice not to expensive picture frames I'll be on the look out. ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">   [/url] Angel June 2012 |
Posted By: tishy
Date Posted: 30 August 2010 at 11:40am
| 75% off Xmas decorations/wrapping paper at the warehouse currently. |
Posted By: AandCsmum
Date Posted: 30 August 2010 at 1:10pm
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I should go get some!
I can keep the glass baby food jars if anyone in PN or nearby wants them. The little girl I look after has them so I get a few. ------------- Kel http://lilypie.com">
A = 01.02.04 & C = 16.01.09 & G = 30.03.12 |
Posted By: caliandjack
Date Posted: 30 August 2010 at 1:48pm
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I make foodie presents as that's what I like doing, I made chai sugar last year. ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> [/url] Angel June 2012 |
Posted By: _SMS_
Date Posted: 30 August 2010 at 2:03pm
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Caliandjack the warehouse always do deals closer to Xmas by 2 get 1 free deals on photo frames. Last year i gave everyone a Xmas photo of Taylah. Nice & cheap.
Chai Sugar sounds nice, do you have a recipe for that? Im going to start hunting online this week for some good ideas -------------
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Posted By: caliandjack
Date Posted: 30 August 2010 at 2:11pm
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I got the recipe off the tele, http://aww.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=791423 - http://aww.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=791423 ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> [/url] Angel June 2012 |
Posted By: kiwi2
Date Posted: 30 August 2010 at 3:56pm
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9 year old girls depends on the girl.
Girlie girl, nail polish, small handbag, posters of twilight stars. I only know girlie girls as mine are. Boyish girls I would get a gift voucher to the warehouse or rebel sports. I usually get one of those big lollipops and stick the gift cards to them to make it a bit nicer. eta my daughter got an ipod for her 9th birthday and christmas (dec baby) and everyone asked me what to get her and I told them itunes gift cards so you could ask her mum what they are getting her and compliment it. |
Posted By: caliandjack
Date Posted: 30 August 2010 at 4:59pm
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She's a girlie girl into pink and ballet. Will go for nail polish etc. ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> [/url] Angel June 2012 |
Posted By: kiwi2
Date Posted: 30 August 2010 at 5:32pm
| a girlie mag is good too. For my 10th birthday I got some impulse deodorant and a tv hits mag and I thought I was so grown up. lol |
Posted By: High9
Date Posted: 30 August 2010 at 6:07pm
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We do the $20 challenge (well just my mum and me because my grandma won't have a bar of it!)
Mil does home made gifts, she does chocolates, cookies... I have a recipe for bath bombs: Single bath bomb recipe. In a bowl mix together 1/4 cup baking soda and 1 TBSP citric acid. In another bowl mix 3 tsp oil (almond or grape seed is good!) drop of colour (I found you need a few drops to get good colour!) and 3 drops of essential oil or lavender, etc. Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and mix quikly until it is all mixed in. Spoon into a mould (I found something about egg cup size is good!) and pack down really firmly. Turn the mould over and tap out. Leave to dry for 24 hours. (I put mine in cellophane and tied a ribbon round it and left it to dry that way) Photo books of the year or your kids are always a great gift for grandparents etc. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: nuts_nats
Date Posted: 30 August 2010 at 6:10pm
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Snapfish sends out discount offers often, discounts on photobooks, photo gifts etc. I've gotten a few good deals to make inexpensive personalised gifts for family and friends. Problem is most of them have gotten something like that by now lol
I love op shopping and am always keeping an eye out for things to give as gifts. You can pick up nice kitchen stuff, vases, frames etc, or baskets like someone else on here mentioned to make gift hampers. My sister makes amazing homeade choc truffles and puts them in pretty gift boxes and we always get so excited about recieving them
Something else I have done in the past since I like scrapbooking is to do a framed collage with photos and scrapbooking stuff, makes a really nice gift! ------------- http://lilypie.com">  
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Posted By: _SMS_
Date Posted: 30 August 2010 at 6:32pm
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I got the free photobook from Snapfish through OhBaby. I think it was crap, not really worth paying. Im glad i didnt pay.
Caliandjack is the girls name short? i made some girly things recently which were quite cheap too, just little bits & pieces from $2 shop & spotlight, here are some pics. Name wall hanging 
Hairclip holder  -------------
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Posted By: caliandjack
Date Posted: 30 August 2010 at 6:37pm
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The hairclip holder is a good idea, she's got loads of hair ties and bits and pieces. ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> [/url] Angel June 2012 |
Posted By: nuts_nats
Date Posted: 30 August 2010 at 6:39pm
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That bath bomb recipe looks great, can't wait to give it a go!
I got the free photo book from OB also, gave to my Mum for mothers day with pics of DD, I thought it was awesome... My mum loved it so much she cried and said it was the best present ever
Each to their own I guess! Gorgeous wall hangings, might have to have a go making one to hang on Ju's door... hm have to go to Spotlight tho and thats dangerous lol ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: TheKelly
Date Posted: 30 August 2010 at 7:22pm
haha , I looked at it last night there are things like " you have nice eyes " "cos of the Will Smith impersonation you do " " You like Harry Potter " " you like Friends " etc etc -------------
http://lilypie.com">
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Sabrina0007 wrote:Posted By: TheKelly
Date Posted: 30 August 2010 at 7:24pm
This is what DH made me
 -------------
http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: TheKelly
Date Posted: 30 August 2010 at 7:25pm
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oh , and he framed it -------------
http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Mucky_Tiger
Date Posted: 30 August 2010 at 7:57pm
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im thinking i will get a picture made into canvas for my parents for xmas
either this one: 
or this one: 
PS: hope they work edit to change to photobucket pictures. Oh and i cant decide which one so if anyones got any preferences im all ears |
Posted By: _SMS_
Date Posted: 30 August 2010 at 8:12pm
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I love the 2nd photo Mucky. They are both gorgeous though -------------
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Posted By: Lexidore
Date Posted: 30 August 2010 at 8:16pm
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Oooh some great ideas here, I am hoping to be able to do Xmas on the cheap this year since we have the wedding a week later! ------------- 
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Posted By: High9
Date Posted: 30 August 2010 at 8:48pm
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2nd pic here too! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: jazzy
Date Posted: 30 August 2010 at 9:38pm
| Pic 1, love it you can really get lost looking into it, the 2nd one is a nice scenery one, pic 1 looks professional & dreamy. |
Posted By: TheKelly
Date Posted: 30 August 2010 at 10:24pm
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I like first pic ! -------------
http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: HoneybunsMa
Date Posted: 30 August 2010 at 11:04pm
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I like the first one!
You can buy epson/m? salts from the supermarket and grate chalk for colour and put essential oils in them and wahlah bath salts. Could probably grind down some oats and add them in too
------------- http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker"> 
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Posted By: WestiesGirl
Date Posted: 30 August 2010 at 11:33pm
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Sabrina I love the hair clip holder, what a great idea.
MT I like the first pic ------------- Our Angel July 08 Gone but not forgotten
And to complete our family, our princess has arrived
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Posted By: mummyofprinces
Date Posted: 31 August 2010 at 8:47am
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MT you could do both! Snapfish have 50% of canvas' atm so I would assume they will do it closer to chrissy too!
If they do MIL/FIL will get a pic of Jake and bubs on canvas and a wedding pic on canvas for christmas plus a gift basket. Jazzy I have not decided what I am going to do for the baskets yet... I do go to bodyshop after christmas and get stuff from their bins so will put some of those in for ladies, shortbread, bath bombs (now I have a recipe), chocolates and then something personal (like the basil pot for SIL, framed photo of the kids for MIL if we dont do the canvas). for the guys, biltong is the only thing on the list so far.... boys are so hard! -------------
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Posted By: 4thtymlucky
Date Posted: 31 August 2010 at 9:48am
Ooo yes please so far so good, my wee man turns one on Xmas day so at this stage we will be having our traditional family gift sharing in the morning, (as usual) then bubs birthday cake and more gifts (lol) in the afternoon
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Posted By: jazzy
Date Posted: 31 August 2010 at 9:55am
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I have decided to do gift boxes, on the cheep for the rest of the family. I will get the boxes from spotlight or w/house I think, want red or green ones & do the insides in xmas paper with bows & ribbons on the outside. Now trying to decide what to put in them...might do fudge, coconut ice, white christmas (found a recipe for that & looks nice), not sure what else...any ideas? I will start stocking up on ingredients now.
I also looking at getting cards done at snapfish with a photo of the boys to send off. Most of the kids in our families that are in NZ & that we would do something for are older except for our 3 & 2 cousins & 1 new baby. So can do sweet gift boxes for the older ones. An outfit for baby. My niece loves girly things & making stuff, so I can get her some arty stuff like scrapbooking kits or friendship bracelets. My nephew likes building stuff so I may get either lego or the science packs. I usually have a limit of $20 each. |
Posted By: sweetpea
Date Posted: 31 August 2010 at 12:04pm
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hmm i have no idea this year i will have to be super organised not a problem though i just will have to find gifts for my brother and his partenr they are in LA and won't be home for xmas :( but are comming home in Feb :) . I guess i will do my usual baking too. ------------- http://daisypath.com"> 
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Posted By: LG
Date Posted: 31 August 2010 at 2:08pm
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Good time for this to start because i've just started christmas shopping and getting stuff organised.
Love the bathbomb recipe so will add that and will give chilli oil a go too. We do packages of homemade chocolate rum balls and apricot balls, after dinner mints and christmas decorated mallowpuffs for our mailman, tanker drivers, neighbours etc. We spend $15 on each of our nephews/nieces and keep an eye out during the year for books, board games, toys, clothes etc -------------  Angel Baby Aug '12, Feb '13 |
Posted By: kiwi2
Date Posted: 31 August 2010 at 4:26pm
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Anyone got a fudge recipe that is to die for? I really would like one. Might post this in the recipe section too.
Also if you have lots of kids to do start collecting your kitchen rolls and make them into crackers minus the cracker part. Just stuff them with lollies and tie them up like a cracker. Cheap little something and shows that even if you can't afford it you thought of them. Also good for teachers etc. |
Posted By: Lexidore
Date Posted: 31 August 2010 at 4:47pm
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Kiwi2, there is a great fudge thread I will bump it up for you now -------------
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Posted By: jazzy
Date Posted: 01 September 2010 at 10:43am
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thanks bex yummy
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Posted By: Kellz
Date Posted: 01 September 2010 at 11:36am
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In the past someone on here had a great idea for kids-
Get a recipe for gingerbread men and print it. Put all the ingredients in little jars, add some $2shop cutters etc, put all the things in a $2shop mixing bowl. You could add some little lollies and a packet of those glitter icing pens from the supermarket too! |
Posted By: kiwi2
Date Posted: 02 September 2010 at 5:02pm
| Just emptied all my spice bottles. (glass bottles with lids or shakers from the supermarket) If anyone wants them for bath salt shakers etc you can have them. Or any other creative idea for christmas. I'm hamilton based. |
Posted By: mrsturtle
Date Posted: 02 September 2010 at 9:52pm
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Kellz - thats a great idea might just have to borrow it.
this is from the better homes and gardens magazine: Creating your own crayons using up broken or scrap pieces. Snap the crayons into approx 1cm bits and sort into colour groups fill a microwave safe silicone muffin mould with the bits set on high and cook the crayons for approx 5 min or untill the way has melted, set aside to cool then pop out. I dont have any scrap bits but thought i would just buy some and break up. the pic in the mag has heart ones Would be cool with a colouring in book.
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Posted By: kellie
Date Posted: 03 September 2010 at 12:57am
I would love them but am in Auckland 
Wow there are some great ideas in this thread. it has totally inspired me to make some presents this year.
I love biltong from FFFs in Albany...everytime we go to the shore we always make a special trip there |
Posted By: jazzy
Date Posted: 03 September 2010 at 10:06am
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went shopping at a mall last night & ended up at the warehouse & wow some great savings. Kids shoes were 50% off so grabbed a few, lol. But they also had really good toys sales but with the kids with us I could not get any for xmas & did not get a chance to do a layby...& the sale finished yesterday bummer, hope they have another one soon.
I was going to try & get most of the kids stuff done before Oct 1 with the increase in GST but don't think it will really add to much to it in the end. I want to get the boxes & wrapping stuff for the home made gifts next week. I think I might add school & kindy teachers to that list also. I always used to wonder with all the gifts they got if they recycled some, lol
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Posted By: kiwi2
Date Posted: 03 September 2010 at 11:30pm
I would love them but am in Auckland
Where are you. I am coming up next wed to akl city. I will be cleaning an apartment on queen st we have just bought. If you are south of the city or don't mind a trip in I can bring them with me. I have about 16 of them. pm me the details if you are keen. |
Posted By: kiwi2
Date Posted: 03 September 2010 at 11:30pm
| also epsom salts are 19cents per 100g at bin inn at the moment. I saw an add in their window in hamilton. |
Posted By: jazzy
Date Posted: 04 September 2010 at 8:27am
| I was thinking of making home made sweets for xmas gifts to send to family around NZ but am now wondering if it is a good idea, will they travel well & how far in advance can I send them? |
Posted By: jazzy
Date Posted: 06 September 2010 at 12:14pm
I made coconut ice yesterday, as a trial run it did not turn out as I wanted although the kids & DH polished it off fast. I would need to make heaps to fill all the xmas boxes I was looking at doing 
My main reason for doing the gift boxes were to save money but they are turning out to be more costly than wanted according to my calculations.. |
Posted By: kiwi2
Date Posted: 06 September 2010 at 5:13pm
| If you are doing foody things. What about caramel popcorn. Or little kits to have hot chocolate in a box. Little bag of hot chocolate mix, marshmallows, shortbread. Maybe some paper cups etc. |
Posted By: kiwikid
Date Posted: 07 September 2010 at 3:33am
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Hokey Pokey is easy to make and travels fairly well - even if it ends up being hokey pokey dust that can still be good on ice cream! ------------- 
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Posted By: jazzy
Date Posted: 07 September 2010 at 7:30am
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yum some great ideas thanks....
Now to work out wrapping etc. I am doing sm boxes to send to family. But not sure for teachers if to do boxes so cellophane or what. I need 16 all up. 7 for family. 9 for kindy & school, so they can be smaller ones. |
Posted By: _SMS_
Date Posted: 20 October 2010 at 2:19pm
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Just bumping.....65 days until Xmas...
How is everyone's Xmas shopping going? Does anyone have any ideas on what i can use jars for? Ive been saving up jars for months now and have a good stash lol. I was thinking of putting fudge in them. Any other ideas?? -------------
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Posted By: Bizzy
Date Posted: 20 October 2010 at 4:08pm
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the way my finances are looking we will be having a home made xmas too.
My boy toby was looking through one of my recipe books the other day and saw some xmas cookies shaped like trees etc and he said he wants to make them to give for xmas... i scored him a cute little baking set the other week - it has a muffin pan and an apron and wooden spoon, a recipe for cupcakes and a little packet of sprinkles for the topping... i want a real tree this year and had picked out the spot where it is going from the moment we moved into the house! oh and i like the first pic for the canvas! ------------- http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker"> 
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Posted By: MyPeas
Date Posted: 20 October 2010 at 4:31pm
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Some fantastic ideas in here!
I'm thinking of purchasing some of the oxfam unwrapped gifts for family this year with the cards to be given with some baking of some sort and if I end up with lots of strawberries some of those thrown in as well. I also thought I may get some christmas ornaments made with DD's photo on them to go with the gifts. Sorry not many ideas for jar uses as yet except for sweets or homemade bathroom supplies. ------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: kiwi2
Date Posted: 20 October 2010 at 7:14pm
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Uses for jars
The sand art cookies that have been posted about before. Basically all the dry ingredients for cookies with a recipe with a nice bow around them. Fudge, or preserves (I made lemon honey the other day, never made anything like that before) Marinated feta etc. If they are bottles then you can do garlic and chilli oil. Or bulk buy some sweets and put in there or make coconut ice. |
Posted By: _SMS_
Date Posted: 20 October 2010 at 8:17pm
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I think im going to make bath salts & bath bombs.
Does anyone know where i can use the ingredients for these cheap? The nearest Bin Inn is an hours drive, so i might have to just make the trip. -------------
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Posted By: DzinerGirl
Date Posted: 20 October 2010 at 11:10pm
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There are some great ideas here!
We're on a tiiiight budget this year for pressies so I thought I would do some baking - fudge or cookies or possibly even some cupcakes decorated in xmas colours and decorations. More ideas: SIL - Homemade cupcakes on a cake-stand or something similar and wrapping up in cellophane. Parents & ILs - "brag" books with photos of Noah and also a photo album of wedding photos (we got married in feb 09 so looooong overdue )
Coffee group - home baking in pretty bowls/plates from op-shops or from the warehouse Any ideas for guys? |
Posted By: amme_eilyk
Date Posted: 21 October 2010 at 11:16am
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We are broke this xmas also. I did a scavenge around the house and found some platters that I had won several years ago and a few bottles of wine that people had left at our house which we dont drink so am doing a bit of regifting as bad as that it is. I also fortunately had been picking up presents during the year as I saw stuff for people so I have about 3 pressies left to get.
My mum is getting a platter. Brother is getting wafer straw things that he really likes they had a huge container for about $10 at the warehouse Brothers gf is getting cooking book and flower tealights DH is getting a sextant My uncle is getting an address book that we got in italy. MIL, SILs are getting a bath pack and some candles that we found. We will get some Biscuits for his grandparents BIL will get the wine we found. So we just have my dad and FIL to find. |
Posted By: jazzy
Date Posted: 25 October 2010 at 9:15am
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I am not sure what to get MIL & FIL, will do some baking & I was thinking of photo coasters & smellies not sure but need to be cheap.
I have 2-3 that need to be sent in NZ & I was going to do baking but not sure how that will hold up so am looking at doing gift boxes with chocolates or nuts...something along that line. We only buy for the 2 young cousins as we see them all the time & there is a new baby in the family so will buy for him also & send his. I have decide to do little boxes of baking for the teachers at kindy & school. We have totally over spent on the kids, about 3x more than I planned. Have a few on layby & only a few more to get. DH is getting a game & a t-shirt that is about computer  that he spotted when out shopping. I got him a home brew beer kit for his b'day so I will get him some beer glasses & have them engraved with his name.
I am off to find a new perfume as DH needs help when buying for me, lol...or body shop stuff. |
Posted By: TheKelly
Date Posted: 25 October 2010 at 11:55am
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Got the kids sorted out, (thanks TM) but will be looking on here for ideas for the rest of the family .
The kids,are getting a barbie house, van, plane, playhouse,and slide set,all for less than $150. Score -------------
http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: jazzy
Date Posted: 25 October 2010 at 12:59pm
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wow well done Kelly
we are getting a pool, 8ft & will put it up xmas eve & get the kids a few pool things & tell them its funny how they get pool stuff from Santa & no pool..
I love xmas can't wait to do more shopping
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Posted By: MyLilSquishy
Date Posted: 25 October 2010 at 8:11pm
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lol jazzy mum n dad did that to us one year but with bike helmets wrapped under the tree and brand spanking new bikes outside.
I LOVE CHRISTMAS!!! pressies here this year.... DPs family does a secret santa for everyone over 18. so have one secret santa each (me and DP) plus 3 kids (1yr, 13/14 and 15/16) if we get women, will make bath bombs for one, and buy some handmade soap from a woman on FB. (only about $5 for a large bar, so will get 2 or 3) kids will be $20 clothing voucher ea for the teens. the 1yr old boy will be a book or 2. (asked the mum lol. grandparents meets xmas n all hehe)
mum - an oven roasting dish with a lid (she wants one) and im going to fill it with lollies she loves and misses from Aus. dad - dunno yet lol. his birthday is in 2-3 weeks so will see what he gets from other people and go from there bro 1 - a slow cooker bro 2 - an xbox game he wants (from TM) extended family I will prolly just do some baking. maybe some xmas cookies or some fudge. DS will be 9 months old... making him a beanbag chair, get one of those inflatable pools with the balls (like a mini ball pit) coz can fill up with water too lol. a couple of small toys and that will probably be it coz grandparents and 1st xmas n all lol!
oh also making DS an 'All Whites' soccer outfit (and going to print out an all whites logo and his name onto iron on transfer and put them on) - this will be named "to DP and DS from mum" coz DP is a soccer nutcase lol. and is really upset he cant find all whites gear for DS but all blacks is everywhere) for DP - dont know yet lol. we are wanting to get one of those love-seat swing chair things, so might get that as our pressies to each other for the deck. |
Posted By: _SMS_
Date Posted: 25 October 2010 at 8:13pm
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I have just booked in to get a family photo done at Pixi. The sitting fee is $10 and you get a free large photo. So im going to give that to the parents.
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Posted By: Natalie_G
Date Posted: 25 October 2010 at 9:43pm
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Im being naughty and spend about $100 on Arianne, she will be getting accessories for her dolly and a dolly to put in the bath. Acessories are like a pram and highchair I saw at Farmers for around $20 each.
Her birthday is the 28th December and she will be getting a bike only. Everyone else will be getting something to the value of $20. After the year we have had im spoiling my little girl. ------------- http://lilypie.com">  
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Posted By: jazzy
Date Posted: 30 October 2010 at 6:56pm
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We ended up getting the pool yesterday & the kids were with us so it will go up before xmas now. I will buy them a pool toy each for xmas still.
8 weeks to go & I have nearly finished the kids
now to sort out DH's I am trying to be sneaky & if I can hide enough money he will get the best xmas present ever but it is big $$$$ |
Posted By: kellie
Date Posted: 30 October 2010 at 8:20pm
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Thats a great idea SMS, I might do that too.
Good present for the inlaws on the cheap ------------- 
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Posted By: Bizzy
Date Posted: 30 October 2010 at 9:40pm
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i got some cool stuff from the parent child show today for the kids xmas pressies. got these packs for boys from http://www.seedling.co.nz/ - seedlings , it has juggling balls, dominoes, balloon powered boat and some other bits and pieces all for $20. scored a recorder for toby for nothing and some twistable crayons for eden for nothing as well. i think we have done with the kids shopping now - except maybe one more thing for eden. ------------- http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker">
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Posted By: jazzy
Date Posted: 31 October 2010 at 7:06am
| Bizzy seedlings look great. |
Posted By: millymollymandy
Date Posted: 31 October 2010 at 8:21am
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Great ideas. DD is all i have sorted. I have a old dolls house, which was mine, made by my Grandad. We are going to repaint it, and go to the decorators shop and get new wallpaper and carpet off cuts. We are asking the rest of the family to contribute to the furniture etc.
Will either be making stuff or buying online for the rest. I hate the shops at the best of times and December is not the best of times! |
Posted By: jazzy
Date Posted: 02 November 2010 at 1:20pm
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For us there are 4 pays till xmas
I was out at the Warehouse yesterday & saw heaps of little things like 3pks of soap wrapped with a bow, candles, hand creams, shower stuff & all around $5-$8...it makes me wonder if it is really worth baking for people as that will turn out to cost more & be time consuming. By the time I get the boxes, decorate them & bake it all adds up $$$ I have just redone the xmas budget. The whole plan was not to have to buy any thing in December as we were going to get a zoo & Motat pass after xmas. But as I am trying to hide money from DH I may need to do some in December & tell a few porkies The MIL told me they are only buying for the kids & for us to do the same, but will do baking & photos for them. eta spelling |
Posted By: Bel
Date Posted: 02 November 2010 at 1:35pm
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I am quite organised this year - I have bought most of the kids presents and a few for friends kids etc. Need to do the adults now! Am thinking about making the sandart cookies in a jar - but need to find jars, m&ms etc.
I made fudge last year and it was a hit! Used the recipes that Janine put on here a few years ago - will bump if I can find it. Also have some credits at the Snapfish store, so might make a few photo books for the family - was even wondering about getting the kids to do some drawrings to put in as well. I guess I scan them and put them in... ------------- Mum to two beautiful kids
Luke (09.11.2007) Amy (01.04.2009) |
Posted By: jazzy
Date Posted: 02 November 2010 at 2:03pm
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Speaking about snapfish they have 2 photo books for the price of 1 for the next 2 weeks. They even have kids artworks books were you can create a book of their art work, so cool.
I am doing photo cards for free thanks to the OB mag. Will go look up the fudge recipes. I saw one for rocky road with white chocolate & you could use green & red jubes to give it the xmas look...problem is I will need to practice them & will eat too much....
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Posted By: Bizzy
Date Posted: 02 November 2010 at 2:13pm
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my husband gets paid monthly so we have two pay days before xmas... i still dont know where we are spending xmas day yet, we cant really afford to put it on at home this year. and dont know what crazy idea the MIL has - last year we did secret santa but she included our kids so we had to get five people presents! ------------- http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker">
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Posted By: jazzy
Date Posted: 02 November 2010 at 5:23pm
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Bizzy you must be great at budgeting, 1 pay a month must feel like a long time till the next one, but a nice big amount on the day.
DH was meant to be on call this week & it was to be paid next week so I was going to clear everything but he swapped as we have a few things on so now he will get it paid at the end of the month so I have to juggle things, not that he knows cause it is to get him something. |
Posted By: Bizzy
Date Posted: 02 November 2010 at 9:26pm
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jazzy i suck at budgeting! this pay cycle was especially tough as we had 3 mortgage payments come out! thankfully i shop for presents all year! ------------- http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker">
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Posted By: _SMS_
Date Posted: 07 November 2010 at 8:20pm
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Ive got all my stuff for making bath bombs. I really just want to make them all for me though
Im also making gingerbread men
Does anyone know of cheap websites for making photo Xmas Cards. Snapfish are $20 for 20 cards which is a bit dare i thought -------------
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Posted By: jazzy
Date Posted: 07 November 2010 at 9:09pm
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I am doing photo cards through snapfish free cause of the OB mag. I made mine 1yr that turned out to be really cheap & fun.
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Posted By: _SMS_
Date Posted: 07 November 2010 at 9:20pm
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Hehe, i tried making them but gave up. Silly computer wasnt doing what i wanted it too.
I might wait, snapfish might have another discount soon for Xmas things. -------------
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Posted By: jazzy
Date Posted: 21 November 2010 at 9:23am
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With xmas only 5 weeks away it is time for me to get organised.
I have 2 laybys to pay off & a couple of other things to get the kids. Still trying to think of what to get & send to family, boxed chocs of biscuits...not very exciting but easy & its the thought that counts. Still thinking of what to do for teachers easy option is a little gift pk with soap etc, harder option is home made fudge & then I have to get boxes to put it in & decorate so that will work out more costly. |
Posted By: _SMS_
Date Posted: 06 October 2011 at 1:19pm
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Thought id give this a bump again. Just over 11 weeks until Xmas
Well last year my baking & handmade gift ideas didnt go as well as expected. So this year im not going to bother. Farmers, Warehouse & Kmart have great toy sales at the moment. Great time to layby for Xmas. I do it so i dont have to store it all 
Also The Book Depository is cheap as. Great idea to give books for Xmas -------------
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Posted By: Dee_firsttimer
Date Posted: 06 October 2011 at 4:43pm
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Hi ladies - just had a wee read! You all have some fabulous ideas!
We are pretty stuck as the MIL goes NUTS at xmas - and DP gets like that too to keep up but hes on night shift this year so I might try and encourage we keep costs down! We are having our first baby in Feb and I'd much rather set us up in cloth nappies than big presents!! On facebook and also a website there is this amazing group - aussie based but dam handy! It is: on FB http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1122805524#!/StayHomeMum and on internet http://www.stayathomemum.net.au/ they specifically are looking at xmas and how to save money etc lately and have a whole tab on it - though this one with 100 gifts for around $10 each http://www.stayathomemum.net.au/christmas/gifts-christmas/christmas-gifts-100-gifts-under-10/ On the tab at top under Christmas you will also find ideas for Dads and other ideas! ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://daisypath.com"> 
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Posted By: jazzy
Date Posted: 06 October 2011 at 5:45pm
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wow funny reading back through this thread, lol
SMS The Book Depository now does NZ$ so that great...I have a few things in my "basket" lol. Dee_firsttimer off to check out those web sites... I do so love xmas chat lol
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Posted By: _SMS_
Date Posted: 06 October 2011 at 7:09pm
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As soon as i realized its in NZ dollar. My wish list has grown ALOT lol!! -------------
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Posted By: jazzy
Date Posted: 08 October 2011 at 9:22am
why did it not work out? |
Posted By: Bexta
Date Posted: 08 October 2011 at 11:46am
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Thanks for bumping!! Some great ideas in here and I'm just about to head off to find a fudge thread in the recipes section
I've had to start Xmas shopping early as we're off to Oz to see my sisters in November and my mum's over from the UK in Nov too so everyone's saving on posting stuff around the world! ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
Angel Baby June 2010
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Posted By: ....
Date Posted: 08 October 2011 at 4:19pm
| So far I've laybyed a couple of things for DS, I'm going to struggle so much to wait until Christmas to give them to him, though. |
Posted By: _SMS_
Date Posted: 30 October 2012 at 9:43am
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Bumping this up again so i can have a read ;) -------------
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Posted By: AandCsmum
Date Posted: 30 October 2012 at 5:37pm
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LOL I was like...I'm missed a chat of 5 pages!!!! I've mostly done my Xmas shopping, just need to get stuff for the stockings so efficient this year------------- Kel http://lilypie.com">
A = 01.02.04 & C = 16.01.09 & G = 30.03.12 |
Posted By: _SMS_
Date Posted: 30 October 2012 at 8:32pm
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I have the kids sorted like every year. Just everyone else i forget about haha Does anyone have any good baking gift ideas???? -------------
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