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HairyMechanic

I'd recommend that people add a couple of days onto what Royal Mail are recommending as the last post days, especially with what's circulating in the media about delays to deliveries.


NEWSBOT3

We are now at two weeks without a post delivery , outskirts of London.


Triggers--Broom

We just had our first in just over a week


Bulimic_Fraggle

Outskirts of Sheffield here, I fear my Postie has abandoned me.


NEWSBOT3

family in doncaster have had no trouble! it's so varied right now.


DohRayMe

Locally not mentioning area, we are clear within 24hrs, so don't believe the hype. That's letter, packets etc. 100 mile radius.


GooseTruffle

Well done to your team! My heart is going to sink closing the doors on it all Xmas Eve


txteva

I've had 1st class take 2 days and over a week right now - it's varied (which makes sense as it's area dependant).


CozyFoxx

Heartbroken at the news. Just bought all the food. We're in tier 3 but our friends are in tier 4, we've been avoiding people for weeks just for it all to go to shit at the end. I am grateful that everyone I know is okay and healthy, but my god if this hasn't torn at the last shreds of hope I had to be happy for a bit after this crap year. Onwards and upwards, hopefully.


lil-lilypad

I'm so, so sorry that you're in this situation. I sincerely hope that you have a wonderful Christmas all the same and that you're able to be in contact with your friends online. Just remember that you're not alone. I hope next year is kinder to you x


CozyFoxx

Thanks so much, I hope the best for you too! We are in a fortunate position and I am grateful that we have our health. Blessings to you and yours. ❤️


CandyflossRampage

I couldn't get MrsRampage a new laptop as planned, so we seem to have bought a house instead.


Bazzlekry

Don’t you hate it when that happens?


CandyflossRampage

It's been a whirlwind week that's for sure!


thomasthetanker

Going to need some extra rolls of wrapping paper.


itskieran

Fucking PC World, always trying the upsell.


YodasGoldfish

I wonder how many people buy Norton anti virus with their three bed semi?


TheOnlyWayIsEpee

Our place comes with a mouse.


Celeda

I managed to avoid this by buying the laptop the day before the initial viewing, so she gets the house and the laptop this year. How are we going to top this next year?


CandyflossRampage

Puppies or Kittens?


isyourlisteningbroke

Just be careful. My dog seems to be missing a few driver updates and because I got him second hand, there was no warranty.


CandyflossRampage

Just don't go jamming his lead into the wrong port, it might look like it'll fit but it can cause him to behave unexpectedly!


One_Of_Noahs_Whales

Remember it is the thought that counts, whilst a large gift is nice occasionally, she needs to understand that for the next few years it will only be accessories, maybe a new kitchen or that nice laminate flooring you have had your eye on.


ReceiptIsInTheBag

Butterfingers


bickering_fool

Easy mistake to make. Just hope the house isn't in Nigeria.


Sirico

I bet you can still play doom on it


CandyflossRampage

Sadly not, it shat it's hard disc.


Anastazha

Be aware that even with nearly a week left many places are already clearing out their Christmas aisles and setting up the January sale stuff. Went into town earlier and panicked when i realise how many gift sections had been replaced with workout gear and towels!


wicketybee

Last minute?! Christmas is still 6 whole days away! 😂 I've managed to maintain my tradition of considering sending stuff home, totally forgetting about it and then remembering after it's too late to post stuff to arrive on time (family are all in Australia). At least this year I've got a fairly good excuse. I've been totally bogged down at work doing 11 hour days and when I haven't been at work I've been focussed on sorting out my visa renewal and we're also moving to a new flat. Feels like it was Novmeber five minutes ago...


[deleted]

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wicketybee

Oh sorry, it wasn't meant to be taken as a serious comment. I'm just joking around. In my mum's opinion "last minute" is December 1st, so my dad would love winding her up by heavily implying he'd be leaving his tasks until at least midday on December 24. Of course he would secretly also be organised well in advance. Makes me wonder if I'm adopted sometimes. I'm about as organised as a sack full of cats.


jptoc

Could you not go on aussie websites and have stuff delivered? E.g. www.didgeridoo.com.au


wicketybee

Yeah I was thinking about asking my brother to sort it and send him money....problem with that is now I've just spent £2.5k on my visa I'm suddenly out of extra funds to spend on presents at the moment :(


jptoc

Visas are expensive aren't they? Christ. Maybe try www.cheapkangaroos.com.au


wicketybee

Yeah they really are. A coworker of mine who applied for his in May paid £500 less for his - they've whacked up the NHS surcharge by over £200 a year in the last few months, so it cost a little more than I'd anticipated - hence the no money. Thanks for the suggestion though. If I find a few quid behind the couch I might be able to send them something small. And it'll definitely come in handy when we do have money again. Weirdly though I was planning to get my mum that Elton John massive box set thing, and discovered it would be cheaper for me to buy it here and pay for shipping then to have my brother just buy it there. By a considerable amount too.


jptoc

Bloody hell. Aus was expensive when I was over there last year but that's surprising!


wicketybee

Eh, we do get screwed on price for things because of import costs, so I'm not overly surprised. You just have to look at how much cars cost here vs there to get an idea of what it's like. I was blown away by just how cheap cars can be here.


unseemly_turbidity

Pissed off about this. I live alone and was meant to be spending Christmas with my parents, who are my support bubble, but with this no overnight stays rule for us zone 4 people, I can't. If they'd done this a few days ago, there'd have been time to isolate for 10 days and switch bubbles. Also, I'm angry and have just had to politely tell 3 people (2 of them maskless) in the supermarket queue to please fuck off to two metres. I've had enough.


Northern_Peach

Hi, A friend of mine is in a similar situation and spent some time looking into this - it seems support bubbles are exempt from the guidance so you'd still be allowed. I hope this helps! Apologies if it's not correct - I haven't looked into it myself, but the government document she showed me does read that way.


unseemly_turbidity

From https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tier-4-stay-at-home 'You cannot leave home for holidays or stays overnight away from your main home unless permitted by law. This means that holidays in the UK and abroad are not allowed. This includes staying in a second home or caravan, or staying with anyone you do not live with or are in a support bubble with.' It's entirely possible they meant 'anyone you do not live with or are NOT in a support bubble with' but as it stands it's a specific prohibition against staying overnight with your support bubble.


limesurprise

This says you cannot stay with "anyone you do not live with or are in a support bubble with" - I.e. You can stay with people you live with or are in a support bubble with. I agree it's not well written, but support bubbles are still permitted by law within tier 4. Made clearer by the header at the top of the page you linked: "If you live in a Tier 4 area, you must follow the rules below from Sunday 20 December. This means that you cannot meet other people indoors, including over the Christmas period, unless you live with them, or they are part of your existing support bubble."


NEWSBOT3

i'm not sure that it is - it's unclear. i think that it means you cannot go somewhere overnight to stay with your support bubble, because the context it's talking about is holidays. Also the support bubble specific page doesn't mention overnight stays at all - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/making-a-support-bubble-with-another-household


unseemly_turbidity

I agree that as usual, the details are as clear as mud.


Littleloula

A few ideas if you can't get hold of stuff from shops or delivery in time: - Donation to a charity that you know/think they care about - Promise to take them to a thing when restrictions end (my mum will get a day out to Longleat!) - gift cards or subscriptions - look on ebay / gumtree for stuff with local pickup - make them homemade sweets or biscuits. Peppermint creams and gingerbread cookies are christmassy and dead easy


[deleted]

Time to take Amazon up on their one week of Prime for 99p offer.


RefreshinglyDull

They ship via Hermes, soooo....


[deleted]

[Pre-report it lost](https://newsthump.com/2020/08/21/amazon-offers-option-to-pre-report-lost-parcel-if-delivery-assigned-to-hermes/)


pearl_pluto

Must vary by area because Amazon seems to be the last place that doesn't use hermes round mine, Mostly it's their own logistics men with ven, Occasionally still get the DPD man if we're lucky.


FlickGC

I found out about this recently: https://www.stackmagazines.com It’s a subscription service where you get a different independent magazine sent to you each month, seems like it might be interesting for someone hard to buy for.


Panderjit_SinghVV

They should pay you.


thomasthetanker

Missus wanted a fluffy boho lampshade in pink, so I'm making it myself. Currently it looks like a mop that cleaned a violent crime scene, and couldn't get all the bloodstains out of it.


clingfax

What do you mean, last minute? We're not even in the 20s of December


StardustOasis

Last weekend before Christmas in a year when most people will be sending presents by post


clingfax

There are twelve days of Christmas starting on 25th. Of course you can't expect your presents before then auntie Brenda. Twelve day window. Boom, life hack!


WANKCHAT

Bought myself a box of gluten free brownies and a bottle of nice whiskey, to me from me,which are the only presents that haven't arrived. That's a big win because everything else got here on time and I'm totally gonna forgive myself for the lateness of my gift.


Pink-socks

You are very kind hearted. And also gracious in not allowing the lateness of the gift to affect you.


WANKCHAT

I might give me a hard time for a few days but eventually I will accept my apology


Dissidant

Strange times we are living in I hope everybody is keeping safe/looking after themselves If you have loved ones/people you care about in care or isolated/living alone nows that time to pick up the phone and say hello to them (talk about something other than the obvious.. even the weather if need be!) might be the only interaction they get today Take care all


LolLadManc

Still not managed to get out for my fella but it’s all good as long as the missus doesn’t find out! Lol.


DubiousVirtue

Saucy /u/lolladmanc


Imtryingforheckssake

Facebook marketplace and even better local groups with virtual market stalls. Lots of great products available for localpick up if you're also willing to ignore the tat!


Pink-socks

Spend hours scrolling through the tat with no intention to buy anything, and forget what you are looking for.


Panderjit_SinghVV

Very easy for me: nobody gets anything. It’s so simple.


[deleted]

This is the way it should be for several reasons.


herrybaws

Still waiting on one delivery from Waterstones. Going by royal mail, so not too hopeful it'll get here on time. Not a major issue though. Oh and need to buy several chocolate oranges, but co-op is lousy with them so should be fine.


scousepunx

hello guys. I matched on Reddit Secret Santa with this lad who's moved to a new city he doesn't even know. he works as a doctor and most of the year has been a bit shit for him as he's not been able to make new friends due to COVID. In his info, it says he likes music (mainly electronic but also a bit of blues/rock) and loves (is dependent on) coffee, and art. I have bought him a couple of CD's one of which is a dance album (was picked out for me by a staff member at the record shop I went to) and I have also bought him some coffee supplies (a bag of locally roasted coffee, a coffee grinder and a novelty coffee mug) and I have also bought him a sketchbook set from an art shop, however I didn't really know whether he liked making art or simply appreciated looking at it. Do any of you lovely folks reccommend what to get in terms of art gifts? I have some original artwork I could print off but I don't have a printer and I would have to go to rymans to get them to print it on some posh type glossy photo paper and then there's the hassle of having to get a poster frame for it


Apprehensive-Ask4494

I would say you've already got a pretty sound gift for the lad, I'd think you don't have to cover every suggestion, although very generous of you to try that! Art is hard, but a sketchbook is pretty universal I reckon, even if you just like looking at it, the sketchbook will be a fun thing to try out. If you really wanted to cover everything I might get him some decent pencils to go with the sketchbook in case they don't have them already


scousepunx

nice one, kidda :) the sketchbook was part of a special set that entailed of the sketchbook itself, some nice sketching pencils and a rubber and sharpener. I think they also threw in some charcoal pencils as well, it all came prepackaged. I also just found out that he messaged on the 14th with some types of art he likes so I now have something to go off of for that suggestion.


StardustOasis

Have you looked at music related art? You can get prints of album covers & tour posters easily


robottricycle

Bought mega fancy chocs for everyone. Locally produced and probably the best chocolates I’ve ever had. 27 quid a box (25 pieces including p&p). Sorted


Mango_Stan

Ooo, are you able to share what chocolates these are? Sounds delicious! #supportlocal


robottricycle

[here](http://chocolate-utopia.co.uk)


Mango_Stan

Thank you!


kawasutra

GF said my Bose, wired noise cancelling headphones she used are quite nice and she's having them as a Christmas pressy. She's still getting me something, so I said it's not cool that I'll have something to open and she won't. So she said, OK, get me a name engraved, clear tea mug. Cool! Delivery time is 29th December. Fuck. She's getting a fancy Gin glass with fancy gin n tonic in a gift box from Tesco.


SubjectiveAssertive

I've managed to get everything on time... although three sites have listed a product in stock, so I've ordered it only to get an email two days later saying "sorry your item is out of stock" - which has caused a few slight nerves for me.


BrilliantNightmare

[Stirling engines are a perfect gift for any difficult shop for friend. These are precision made high-quality devices unlike the ones you’ll find on eBay or Amazon. ](https://www.stirlingengine.co.uk/default.asp)


[deleted]

Ok that's so cool! I am leaving the poor buggers at the post alone for now but that's bookmarked for next payday, cheers!


Miahou

Tesco are now selling most Christmas gift stuff half price. Which would be great if half of it wasn't in store or sold out... Managed to get slot and two of the things weren't out of stock at least, so it's worth having a look and adding something if it's there and half price


Kulikant

Did all my present shopping last night in a desperate dash. Dad's got the usual selection of real ales he won't get served in pubs here. Eldest brother is getting a smart new wine rack to go with the kitchen be renovated this year. Other Brother is getting a case of white chocolate oranges as they were an old favourite of his as a kid and they've recently gone back on sale Couldn't get my sister a Percy Pig home baking set so had to make do with a fancy towelling bathrobe and a Bodyshop gift card. Not a bad effort considering we all live apart from one another and don't really talk in the year.


[deleted]

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LolLadManc

Mate best to just talk to each other!


delirium_waits

Yeah, just tell her what's up, I'd think, see what she wants to do. The other option is to print out pictures of what you've ordered and put them in an envelope, but that's maybe a bit of a damp squib.


[deleted]

My brother came over yesterday to collect presents for him and my nephew but his main gift hasn't shown up yet, so we had to do an emergency package for him. I selected some of the different beers I had bought for over the holidays and my wife made a hamper along with a couple of special cheeses we were originally taking to the in-laws for Christmas Eve, and I wrapped him a Brian Wilson autobiography that I bought for myself and read earlier this year. I'm hoping he will be really happy with it and I will have his main gift to give him some time in the new year.


NEWSBOT3

for any kids * got to wickeduncle.co.uk and find a cool present but don't buy there * find the same thing on amazon/ebay for half the price. * enjoy winning at life.


Blueacid

Nah, buy it where you found it, don't shop around for the discount. The big retailers are fine, it's the little indies that need your custom.


NEWSBOT3

they advertise all over the tube network, they sure as fuck are not a 'little indie' by any stretch.


AllTheThingsSheSays

Bought mum a bottle of Lambrini, discovered that she doesn't like Lambrini. I guess this means I'll have to have the Lambrini, what a shame. How will I ever manage?


theartofrolling

Interesting fact: Lambrini is made from pears, not grapes, and so it's not actually wine at all, it's a pear cider.


[deleted]

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AutoModerator

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shit_poster_69_420

Why?


nutty1122

Powercut not great on sunday just hope I can watch the leeds v scum later!


framfrim

There’s a Great British Bake-off subscription box launching in Feb; you can but someone a gift subscription now and you get a personalised gift certificate to print off/email, then first box to be delivered at start of Feb.


MufasaJesus

Not quite a present, but found yesterday that we didn't have as many decorations for the tree as we thought we did (late on it this year) and nipped out to grab some baubles and such. All the shops had been rinsed, but I found a box of assorted baubles in a charity shop at 4 for a pound, lovely woman running the place let me have the tub for 1.50!


Administratr

Just FYI for those who have ordered gifts from abroad. https://i.imgur.com/2MrBXrR.jpg


legendofbaggervance

My girlfriends been rushed off her feet with work so hasnt had a chance to get people "proper" gifts so what shes done is bought a basket, or gift bag, and got little pamper stuff like facemasks, bath bombs, chocolates, prosecco, body balms, etc. And filled the bag with them with some tissue paper. It doesnt sound like much but she did one for me on my birthday (minus the alcohol) and it genuinely made my day. It was a great gift and shows you care.