Christmas 2020 purchases

Loughc

stephmcd wrote: »

Only read there the other day that they aren't doing it this year in order to keep the crowds away. I could be wrong but I know I saw it somewhere.

Yeah I read the same. That they couldn't guarantee socially distancing with larger crowds.

Sheep Shagger wrote: »

Lower than normal stock levels cold be a factor too

Don't think that's an issue at all, did you know most retailers stockpilled months ago for the event for a hard brexit, there is barely a warehouse left in ireland to be gotten, all the big names have months of stock, stock piled away for crisis like hard Brexit or COVID.

DvB

Loughc wrote: »

Don't think that's an issue at all, did you know most retailers stockpilled months ago for the event for a hard brexit, there is barely a warehouse left in ireland to be gotten, all the big names have months of stock, stock piled away for crisis like hard Brexit or COVID.

That I can confirm. Warehousing has become a real problem in Ireland in the last 6 months. A lot of our clients are having to pay huge rates for warehousing a lot further away than they'd normally have as nothing along the east coast between Dundalk & wicklow is available.

TRS30

Better half's main present bought, should be here during the week

Lots of things out of stock on Symths and lots of places out of stock of girls bikes :eek:

SarahLil

TRS30 wrote: »

Better half's main present bought, should be here during the week

Lots of things out of stock on Symths and lots of places out of stock of girls bikes :eek:

Yes I have heard that about bikes, a neighbour was picking a pick up for her little girl as a communion present, she got sorted somewhere in Liffey Valley in the end

TRS30

SarahLil wrote: »

Yes I have heard that about bikes, a neighbour was picking a pick up for her little girl as a communion present, she got sorted somewhere in Liffey Valley in the end

If we end up going for a bike will be getting in the next few weeks as don't want to be panicking trying to find one late Nov!

SarahLil

TRS30 wrote: »

If we end up going for a bike will be getting in the next few weeks as don't want to be panicking trying to find one late Nov!

If you need the name let me know I can ask
My boss is big into cycling and adults bikes are order now for Christmas

jellybear

Bought my mam's present at the weekend, a Willow tree Grandmother figurine, and I'll get some of her favourite chocolates too

Also sorted my brother's present for my sister...I know what she likes so it's easier for everyone!!:D

Now have my brother, our nephew, my bestie, neighbours and our little man left to buy for

My husband and I are getting to the stage of wondering if we'll even bother with presents. It will be our 15th Christmas together so between that and birthdays we just don't have anything we actually need. Thinking of maybe putting money together and buying a new Eoin O Connor print...I have my eye on this one...

byhookorbycrook

My husband and I used to tell each other to buy x big present for ourselves from each other which was a bit pointless. Now there’s a budget of around €50 for a small “ under the tree “ gift I need to sit down and do an inventory of what I have actually bought . The Joules site has good offers and the brand aware equestrian kids like their stuff .

TRS30

byhookorbycrook wrote: »

My husband and I used to tell each other to buy x big present for ourselves from each other which was a bit pointless. Now there’s a budget of around €50 for a small “ under the tree “ gift I need to sit down and do an inventory of what I have actually bought . The Joules site has good offers and the brand aware equestrian kids like their stuff .

We've been saying that for the last few years, spend the money on the kids etc however every year my wife finds something she 'really' wants

jellybear

Last year we did a €50 limit hamper. It was actually good fun and we just got about 5 little gifts and it was nice to see the thought he'd put into it

SarahLil

Jellybear that's a great idea, cool painting
love the Hamper Idea too

Over the past week I picked up some loungewear for myself over the Christmas 2 sets so far...:D
some fancy bath stuff for my Pal online she loves her baths for her me time, small bits for himself struggling for ideas on a big present for him,
I have decided on what I am getting both his sisters so its just a matter of picking them up,

Any idea what dates the full Boots Christmas is online, any idea what dates the Boots advent calendars will appear too please?

Sheep Shagger

Am devastated, the main present I had earmarked for the other half....she mentioned in passing yesterday that she doesn't want iX or anything like that.

Back to the drawing board

Re kids bike, we were about to start looking for a 9 year old. Earlier posts have me worried we won't be able to get one now

TRS30

Sheep Shagger wrote: »

Am devastated, the main present I had earmarked for the other half....she mentioned in passing yesterday that she doesn't want iX or anything like that.

Back to the drawing board

Re kids bike, we were about to start looking for a 9 year old. Earlier posts have me worried we won't be able to get one now

Never good, however better to hear it now then Christmas eve!

I have only looked in a couple of place so didn't mean to freak anyone out. Also antidotial evidence based on a couple of conversations with family.

CheerLouth

Got a lovely delivery of books this morning from The Works - they've a lot of bundles on offer at the minute - 10 books for £10. I got a Christmas bundle and another bundle, will keep some as presents from the Big Man and some will do as presents for nieces and nephews or later in the year for emergency presents

TRS30

CheerLouth wrote: »

Got a lovely delivery of books this morning from The Works - they've a lot of bundles on offer at the minute - 10 books for £10. I got a Christmas bundle and another bundle, will keep some as presents from the Big Man and some will do as presents for nieces and nephews or later in the year for emergency presents

Got this as well. Lovely books. Going to spread them out over birthdays and Christmas for the three of them.

Loughc

TRS30 wrote: »

We've been saying that for the last few years, spend the money on the kids etc however every year my wife finds something she 'really' wants

You and I have the same problem haha.

Jude13

Ditto, the same problem here. I also find, and this is going to sound fake, when I say I only want really thin socks for work and some chocolate coins then that is all I want or need. Really. Its not to save cash or that I am trying to be a stoic or martyr, that's all I want.

*This is year 7 of asking for really thin socks for Christmas. Christmas' past = 6, Pairs of really thin socks = 0.

TRS30

Jude13 wrote: »

Ditto, the same problem here. I also find, and this is going to sound fake, when I say I only want really thin socks for work and some chocolate coins then that is all I want or need. Really. Its not to save cash or that I am trying to be a stoic or martyr, that's all I want.

*This is year 7 of asking for really thin socks for Christmas. Christmas' past = 6, Pairs of really thin socks = 0.

Sounds like your other half thinks it's fake

DvB

Jude13 wrote: »

Ditto, the same problem here. I also find, and this is going to sound fake, when I say I only want really thin socks for work and some chocolate coins then that is all I want or need. Really. Its not to save cash or that I am trying to be a stoic or martyr, that's all I want.

*This is year 7 of asking for really thin socks for Christmas. Christmas' past = 6, Pairs of really thin socks = 0.

Sounds like me, I'm at the stage in my life if i really want something I just go out and get it so when Christmas rocks around theres not a lot I really want (having a realistic budget obviously) so usually ask for something small, but never actually get as herself insists on spending lots more on stuff I don't a)need or b) really want... this year I hope the penny will drop or I may just do what I do for her present, which is let her pick it herself & I just go and pay for it, so if I see something nice when we're out shopping tell her to get me that. I know its not the most romantic or exciting way to get one another presents but I'm genuinely not that fussed and prefer to put my energy into the kids & making it an occasion for them.

Jude13

Very well put DvB, exactly how I feel.

TRS30

DvB wrote: »

Sounds like me, I'm at the stage in my life if i really want something I just go out and get it so when Christmas rocks around theres not a lot I really want (having a realistic budget obviously) so usually ask for something small, but never actually get as herself insists on spending lots more on stuff I don't a)need or b) really want... this year I hope the penny will drop or I may just do what I do for her present, which is let her pick it herself & I just go and pay for it, so if I see something nice when we're out shopping tell her to get me that. I know its not the most romantic or exciting way to get one another presents but I'm genuinely not that fussed and prefer to put my energy into the kids & making it an occasion for them.

This.

The last few years we both know what we are getting from each other. I'm useless at picking clothes/make up/girly things in general so always ask her.

I do usually try to get her something small as a surprise. This is usually the most stressful present!!

DvB

TRS30 wrote: »

I do usually try to get her something small as a surprise. This usually the most stressful present!!

Have done this myself & sadly have found more often than not tends to be something she ends up not using/wearing etc. Hence it getting harder every year to even get the simple little surprise right.

Agree, easily the most stressful item to get between now & Dec.25th

Jude13

My OH is good at keeping a wish list during the year, if she is still thinking about something for months on end it stays, if not it goes. Mainly yoga stuff. There is of course the obligatory garments present for her that is really for me if you know what I mean.

DvB

Jude13 wrote: »

There is of course the obligatory garments present for her that is really for me if you know what I mean.

Think you'll need to expand on that a tad, pictures would help

TRS30

Jude13 wrote: »

There is of course the obligatory garments present for her that is really for me if you know what I mean.

I'm really hoping this is a Homer bowling ball situation and not something best kept to yourself

SarahLil

Ordered some Christmas cards from barnardos Ireland still more to purchase

Sheep Shagger

Smiths toys have said they won't be doing their €10 off when you spend €50 this Christnas as they don't want crowds in store given social distancing rules.

Loughc

Sheep Shagger wrote: »

Smiths toys have said they won't be doing their €10 off when you spend €50 this Christnas as they don't want crowds in store given social distancing rules.

They might do an Online equivalent.

TRS30

Loughc wrote: »

They might do an Online equivalent.

Lets hope so.

Have heard of other reasons why they are not doing it!

Sheep Shagger

TRS30 wrote: »

Have heard of other reasons why they are not doing it!

Stock availability?

Loughc

Sheep Shagger wrote: »

Stock availability?

You should listen to Dermot and Dave’s podcast from last week. They had someone from retail Ireland so explicitly said there wouldn’t be shortage of toys.

Party clothes are in short supply as suppliers stopped ordering as people stopped going out.

Toys will be fine. Gifts in general fine. Food plenty. Going out clothes might not have a great selection.

Posy

So what you are saying is that they are RUNNING OUT OF TOYS AND WE NEED TO PANIC, is that correct? :pac:

freshpopcorn

Posy wrote: »

So what you are saying is that they are RUNNING OUT OF TOYS AND WE NEED TO PANIC, is that correct? :pac:

We’ll have a photo of an old lady in Smyth’s looking at empty shelves!

TRS30

Sheep Shagger wrote: »

Stock availability?

From what I heard (second hand) they reckon they will be so busy they dont need to have a sale.

DvB

I'd say its basically a business decision that the 20% off sale not be done purely to try & claw back some of the losses incurred earlier in the year due to the store being closed and is based purely on that. Its a given Smyths will be extremely busy between now & christmas and is their peak operating period of the year and if they want to maximise turnover in that period thats simply a business decision and has nothing to do with crowding or stock availability etc. They're easy sounbytes to throw out there but in reality like most business related decisions it'll be economics pure & simple.

Loughc

DvB wrote: »

I'd say its basically a business decision that the 20% off sale not be done purely to try & claw back some of the losses incurred earlier in the year due to the store being closed and is based purely on that. Its a given Smyths will be extremely busy between now & christmas and is their peak operating period of the year and if they want to maximise turnover in that period thats simply a business decision and has nothing to do with crowding or stock availability etc. They're easy sounbytes to throw out there but in reality like most business related decisions it'll be economics pure & simple.

This. Absolutely this.

Sheep Shagger

Given I havn't worn socks since March (WFH) Happy Socks have their Christmas socks reduced with free delivery.

Often in TK Maxx for a bit less but you never know when...

https://www.happysocks.com/eu/search?q=christmas

TRS30

Sheep Shagger wrote: »

Given I havn't worn socks since March (WFH) Happy Socks have their Christmas socks reduced with free delivery.

Often in TK Maxx for a bit less but you never know when...

https://www.happysocks.com/eu/search?q=christmas

I'm sure they have some thin ones Jude, if you want to drop a hint with the OH

SarahLil

I bought some bath bombs as part of other presents from Boots last night
along with some wellness teas for my pal, she is big into her teas so that will be part of her present

SarahLil

I am having a successful Rudolph Day shopping, just bought my Christmas bed linen, some hand towels and some spare candles from Irish Retailers
Woohoo its getting real!

mirrorwall14

SarahLil wrote: »

I am having a successful Rudolph Day shopping, just bought my Christmas bed linen, some hand towels and some spare candles from Irish Retailers
Woohoo its getting real!

Any links to shop suggestions? Thanks!

DvB

SarahLil wrote: »

I am having a successful Rudolph Day shopping, just bought my Christmas bed linen, some hand towels and some spare candles from Irish Retailers
Woohoo its getting real!

My Mrs bought new bed linen online last night, including a new christmas set for our bed. Not quite as colourful as the last set but still quite christmassy.

She also asked if I'd like a set of Peaky Blinders bed linene as my present from her this year... I must admit I was tempted, but probably a little old for TV themed bedrooms at this stage

SarahLil

mirrorwall14 wrote: »

Any links to shop suggestions? Thanks!

https://www.mcelhinneys.com/home-gifts/shop-bedroom/christmas-bedding/
https://guineys.ie/christmas-present-gift-ideas/christmas-bedding.html

mirrorwall14

SarahLil wrote: »

https://www.mcelhinneys.com/home-gifts/shop-bedroom/christmas-bedding/
https://guineys.ie/christmas-present-gift-ideas/christmas-bedding.html

Oh I love the Christmas fleece throws. I wonder how big they are on a bed? I’ll have to get my measuring tape out!

SarahLil

mirrorwall14 wrote: »

Oh I love the Christmas fleece throws. I wonder how big they are on a bed? I’ll have to get my measuring tape out!

Me too always have to do that for shopping online

Caranica

Just FYI, the McIlhenny's bedding is considerably cheaper on Amazon

SarahLil

Caranica wrote: »

Just FYI, the McIlhenny's bedding is considerably cheaper on Amazon

Thanks for the heads up I am just trying to do my fair share of shopping with Irish retailers where I can...keep everyone Happy

Caranica

SarahLil wrote: »

Thanks for the heads up I am just trying to do my fair share of shopping with Irish retailers where I can...keep everyone Happy

Oh absolutely, I do that where I can, mostly clothes. However I also can't afford to pay over the odds so I always check the alternatives too and where there's a big difference I can't justify it.

Sheep Shagger

Caranica wrote: »

Just FYI, the McIlhenny's bedding is considerably cheaper on Amazon

Amazon is very good price wise for most Christmas homeware.

Loughc

Sheep Shagger wrote: »

Amazon is very good price wise for most Christmas homeware.

I do agree with Sarahlil’s approach. Buy local this year is more important than ever this year.

Yes it’s more expensive but you’re keeping local families employed and more dinners on tables and presents under the tree.