What to do with saved money?

[jodybpm]

Ever since I switched to vaping, I transferred across by DD the amount that I used to spend on smoking into a little savings account. I've only been off the stinkies a short time, but already that account has begun to grow and by Christmas I should have in excess of £1K in there.

I'd really like to buy a surprise Xmas present/treat for my family. Something that's really out of the ordinary that we wouldn't normally spend out on. I'm quite happy to spend the full £1K if necessary, but for that I'd want something WOW!

We're a pretty average family, average tastes etc. DH and I are late thirties, children are 6 & 7 (1 boy, 1 girl).

Any suggestions of something amazing that I could get to show my appreciation to my fantastic family for all their support?

[OneDay]

What a fabulous idea and lovely gesture

There's a company called Red Letter Days that does some fantastic special days out

www.redletterdays.co.uk/Home

[Brian]

You`ve saved money? WOW!!!!

Did`nt realise there were sensible people in here

Well done and whatever you decide to do with the money you`ve accumalated, im sure all your family and friends will be proud of you and grateful for anything you treat them to. #icon_bravo#

[DiscoDes]

How about a trip to Disnelyland Paris?

[tobylerone]

Great idea. My problem is I actually didn't notice too much what I was spending on stinkies. I smoked roll ups and probably was at the very most £10 a week that I'd spend. In a week of taking up vaping I've spent over £60! I know long term it'll be much cheaper and also it was less about the money to me and more about my health.

[ciar]

Spending it on my new daughter, coming upto 5 months old growing quicker than a quick thing

[Karma]

Well done Jody

I would spend it on a family trip, Portaventura has something for all ages and you don't have to stay in the expensive hotels on site just find accomodation in nearby Salou!

[kirsty0108]

Echoing Des and Karma why not take family on a day trip to Lapland ? Would be amazing for kids to see "real" Santa

[jodybpm]

Some fantastic ideas, thanks!

Unfortunately I think Disneyland Paris and Lapland trips would be well over budget, although I agree they would be once in a lifetime.

I guess I could hang off til Christmas 2013 to save up more, but I'll never keep a secret that long, plus no doubt some "emergency" will come up meaning we end up spending the money before then!

Will keep my eyes open for some deals on trips though...

[Chrissie]

I can't think of anything to suggest, but just have to say well done Jody #icon_bravo#

[Deleted]

How about taking everyone out for a christmas day dinner, many hotels and pubs provide them these days.
It'll give you and/or someone else the treat of not cooking washing up etc.
we did it last year it was a good day then all back home for pressies
And you save even more by not having to buy turkey and sprouts etc lol

[tobylerone]

*Sigh* Just discovered the free on street parking I use for work will be becoming residents only parking next week so had to bit the bullet and get an official parking permit for the local car park my company uses. £25 a month suddenly gone so there goes most of the money I'm saving from vaping > oh well, one less thing to feel guilty about I guess