Keep the kids entertained over Christmas half term while on a budget with our top tips
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KEEPING kids entertained in the Christmas holidays can be a challenging task.
However, there’s no need to fret if you are struggling — these tips will help you to keep restless youngsters happy and won’t cost a fortune . . .
FESTIVE FILM: If you fancy heading to the cinema to get out of the house there’s no need to fork out full price. Collect Nectar points and use them towards your trip. Every 500 points is worth £2.50 towards tickets at Vue Cinemas. Or, families can save on tickets, food and drink by nabbing the all-inclusive family package — you’ll get four tickets, four drinks, and four snacks for up to 20 per cent off.
DON’T GET BOARD: Christmas may still be a few days away, but you needn’t wait until the big day to keep the kids (and the whole family) occupied with something new.
Go old-school and stock up on a few board games — you can nab a great selection for low prices and there are plenty to choose from. I like Talking Tom 5 In 1 Classical Games Collection from , plus it’s only £6, down from £10.99.
SAVING: £4.99
PIE KNOW WHAT TO DO: Why not make your own mince pies with the kids? You can either go completely from scratch, or use ready-made pastry. I like the shortcrust Pastry Mix from Asda, 74p. Then get the kids to jazz up ready-made mincemeat, £1 from Tesco, with fruits and nuts. Cheap and tasty options include orange marmalade, 45p at Aldi (60p at Tesco) or cranberries, £1.29 (far more expensive at Waitrose, £2.55).
SAVING: £1.26 on cranberries
ARE WE THERE YET? Long car journeys to see family and friends can prove tedious for kids, so pre-plan things to do. Load films on a tablet, play charades, or take playing cards. A standard deck is £1.99 at WHSmith; a saving of £1 compared to Waddingtons No1 Playing Cards, £2.99.
SAVING: £1 on cards
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
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