Christmas crackers .

Thank you Nonu - I haven't got mine yet and will be passing a Sainsbury's tomorrow.

I always buy a few boxes of cheap crackers, some of which look OK but have rubbish prizes. I then ease them open with a knife and add more gifts, then stick back together and add curly ribbon and name stickers. I used to make from scratch, but this is easier and you have the jokes, hats and snappers already, much cheaper.
This year I have added Lego mini figures, car-shaped finger torches, angry birds puzzle erasers, pants, socks, security marker pens with UV light attached for secret messages, shamballa bracelets for girls and leather surfer wrist bands for boys. All were purchased cheaply from ebay.
Thanks Nonu. I need more, so will try Sainsbury's. I have noticed that all those in Asda have only 8 per box, which doesn't work well for my needs.

Bought my crackers from Sainsburys too *Nonu have had them before and excellent value for money. Our local branch of Shelter has a 1/2 price sale on all new Christmas stock at the moment. I bought packs of tiny tree crackers complete with hat and motto for 49p which DGC will love.

Love the sound of your crackers shysal I remember you posting a pic of a wonderful dessert in an even more wonderful bowl. I remember you very kindly telling me where to purchase the bowl from. I actually managed to buy a look alike from Sainsburys with my accumulated points it was practically free. Not sure whether my dessert will look as good as yours though.

You got a bargain there Sook! I have only used my bowl the once, so it was a very expensive trifle! Perhaps I will use it this Christmas for a different dessert.

Shysal, SooK I am going down later to buy 4 boxes. Can never have too many crackers at Christmas , also [don"t laugh] 2 dozen cans of mushy peas , 15p a time .
At those prices can"t leave them , what !!
might make us a bit "windy" but what the heck ?
*Shysal what a lovely idea of yours , re crackers

Nonu I'm not letting on to DH about the mushy peas he is windy enough with out them. He likes the tinned variety best whilst I like the dried ones that you have to soak.

Oxfam have two varieties of Fairtrade Crackers. The more expensive ones have quite good presents. My sister-in-law usually brings them - they won't be Oxfam ones but quite expensive Tom Smith ones. As they are a waste I would prefer to have Fairtrade but it isn't something that crosses her mind.

So pleased with Shyal idea that I went out and bought some little bits to put in the children's crackers.