CHRISTMAS Eve boxes have snowballed in a serious way.
Over the past few years, the packages filled with mini surprises have unleashed Christmas magic for kids before Santa swoops in. I was shocked to find some in shops costing £30-plus.
But you can capture the cheer for far less. Here’s how.
THE PRE-FILLED ONE: Home Bargains sells a Christmas Eve box packed with festive treats for just £2.99.
The cheap-and-cheerful gift contains a Christmas story book, letter from Santa, door hook, stickers and cookies.
A similar box costs £15 at Paperchase.
SAVING: £12.01
THE DIY ONE: Asda sells a range of four festive boxes you can then fill yourself, starting from £2 a piece.
And a Toy Story box is £2.50 — far less than the £6 one at Matalan.
SAVING: £3.50
THE PERSONAL ONE: For a personal touch, save 40 per cent on selected decorations at Marks & Spencer — including wooden boxes with space to personalise the lids.
A medium box was £19.50 but is now £11.70.
Being wood, they will last for Christmases to come.
SAVING: £7.80
THE FESTIVE FILLINGS: If you are filling the boxes yourself, there is no need to spend a fortune.
Popular choices include festive pyjamas — and you can get matching sets for all the family.
I love those sold at Primark, where prices start at £5, and at Matalan, from £10.
Other great choices include sachets of hot chocolate, four for £1 at Asda, marshmallows, 89p also at Asda, a Christmas film or story book and a note from Father Christmas to reassure the little ones Santa is on his way . . . whatever tier you find yourself in.
THE OLE Henriksen Daily Juice Brightening Skincare Set is on offer for £25, down from £51 at boots.com.
SAVE: £26
TREAT yourself to a pack of two Gu lemon cheesecakes, £2, down from £3.29 at Costcutter.
SAVE: £1.29
FORGET paying £8 for the 800g Tesco Finest Christmas pudding.
At Asda get a 907g one for £7 and both serve eight.
SAVE: £1, plus get extra 107g of pudding
TOBY Carvery has launched a takeaway Christmas dinner. Priced at £24.99, the pre-ordered two-course meal will be available for collection on December 25.
Meals should be pre-ordered with your local Toby Carvery by Wednesday December 23. Available in restaurants which remain open under tier rules.
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AN 18-pack of 440ml cans of Fosters is on offer for £10 at Tesco when you scan your clubcard at the checkout, RRP, £12.
SAVE: £2
GET cosy this winter with up to 50 per cent off winter fashion online at studio.co.uk.
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