THE run-up to Christmas feels very different this year.
Money is tighter and there’s never been a better time to spread some festive cheer so DIY stocking fillers are the perfect answer.
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These treats will show you care without costing a fortune — and they are fun to make.
- Preserved pressies: Foodies will love a homemade jam. If you make a big batch, you can really cut the cost of your Christmas gifts — and you might have some left over for the New Year. Get 1kg of frozen berries from Tesco, £2.39, sugar 65p, and then either reuse old, washed, jam jars or head to Wilko where you can grab a pack of 20 mini jars for just £4. Decorate with ribbon, £1, down from £1.50, also from Wilko and you’ll have plenty to go round.
- Sweet saver: Homemade fudge is perfect as you can make a big batch on the cheap, enough to fill plenty of stockings with some left over for yourself. Simply whip up a batch using just whole milk, sugar, butter and vanilla extract. You can add extra ingredients such as nuts or chocolate if you want, then cut into squares and wrap in cellophane with nice ribbon. Easy!
- It’s been a rocky road: This year has certainly not been easy so why not pass on some cheer with a rich rocky road. You can whip it up by melting chocolate and mixing in crushed-up biscuits, nuts and marshmallows before leaving to set in the fridge. For a Christmassy twist, add glace cherries or amaretti biscuits. Pop it in some cellophane and decorate with ribbon (as above) and you’re good to go. This is also a great idea post-Christmas, as you can use up leftover biscuits, fruits and nuts.
- Bespoke biscuits. Whether your giftee loves cookies or prefers a more continental biscotti, biscuits can be made to suit every taste. You can find simple recipes online. I love whipping up biscotti that I then dip in dark chocolate. It looks impressive, saves on buying ready-made from a deli, which can soon add up, and there’s always plenty left over to nibble on.
- PRICES correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
Deal of day
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THE American Originals Chocolate Fountain is now £24.99 at argos.co.uk, down from £34.99. It would make a great feature for the festive period.
SAVE: £10
Cheap treat
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MEMBERS of The Co-Op’s loyalty scheme can bag a 150g bag of Doritos for just 75p in store.
SAVE: £1.15
Giselle’s little helper
PREMIER Inn has thousands of rooms available for just £35 or less this month – in selected locations including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Belfast.
And there are London rooms available for £55 or under. Find out more at premierinn.com.
Top swap
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INSTEAD of paying £2.50 for a 620g box of McVitie’s Family Circle biscuits at Tesco, buy a box from Morrisons for just £1.50.
SAVE: £1
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Shop & save
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SUPERDRUG’S Studio London 196 eyeshadow palette is now just £10, down from £30.
SAVE: £20
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GREEN CHOCS
Do your favourite Christmas treats have more packaging than chocolate?
FESTIVE SPIRIT
Morrisons is giving out free mince pies to elderly this Christmas
SAFETY FIRST
List of businesses that must close in Tier 3 including pubs and restaurants
FEE WARNING
Just days left for millions of PayPal customers to avoid new £9 fee
SKY’S THE LIMIT
Sky customers can watch Amazon Prime programmes from today
FESTIVE FAIL
Tesco customers furious as it ‘sells out’ of festive food online
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- PRICES correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
