That's Christmas 365

Wednesday, 11 November 2026

A Little Disney Magic, A Lot of Sparkle for Christmas Gifting!

Craft Buddy's new £9.99 Sparkle Studio kits bring Stitch, Frozen and Disney Princess favourites to the craft table.

Craft Buddy has launched three new Disney Crystal Art® Sparkle Studio kits, combining crystal crafting and sticker activities in one spiral-bound activity book. Featuring Stitch, Frozen and Disney Princess favourites, each kit costs £9.99 and offers a creative way to spend an afternoon.

Each book includes six Crystal Art® projects, six illustrated sticker activity pages and two sheets of stickers. Using the included pick-up pen, jelly wax and gem tray, crafters apply coloured crystals to the adhesive artwork to create sparkling pictures of their favourite Disney characters.

The sticker pages offer something different, with illustrated backgrounds that can be personalised to create scenes and stories. Once completed, the included fold-out card stand allows the completed artwork to be displayed on a shelf, desk or bedside table.

Suitable for ages 14 and over, the kits include everything needed to get started, including crystals, tools, instructions and zip-lock bags for storing leftover crystals.

Disney Stitch Crystal Art® Sparkle Studio Kit £9.99, from Craft Buddy

Featuring six Crystal Art® projects starring Stitch, this kit includes tropical-themed backgrounds and colourful stickers for creating scenes inspired by the popular Disney character. Fans can complete the crystal artwork, decorate the activity pages and display their favourite finished pieces.

Disney Frozen Crystal Art® Sparkle Studio Kit, £9.99 from Craft Buddy

Featuring Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff and Sven, the Frozen kit includes six Crystal Art® projects alongside illustrated winter-themed sticker activities. Fans can create their own Frozen scenes using the stickers and backgrounds, with plenty to keep them busy.

Disney Princess Crystal Art® Sparkle Studio Kit, £9.99 from Craft Buddy

Disney Princess fans can enjoy six Crystal Art® projects featuring favourites including Ariel, Jasmine, Belle, Cinderella and Moana. The kit also includes illustrated backgrounds and stickers, giving fans the chance to create their own scenes featuring the much-loved characters.

A Creative Gift for Disney Fans

At £9.99 each, the Disney Crystal Art® Sparkle Studio kits make affordable Christmas gifts and stocking fillers for teens, adults and Disney-loving kidults.

They're also a lovely activity for a quiet afternoon, offering a chance to switch off from screens, relax and enjoy some mindful crafting.

With six Crystal Art® projects, six sticker activity pages and two sheets of stickers in every kit, there's plenty to do, whether crafting alone or spending time together.

Available now from www.craftbuddyshop.com.

Nostalgia Noel: Christmas Food Gift Ideas Under £10 from Opies

Looking for affordable Christmas gift ideas with broad festive appeal?

Opies' Fruits with Alcohol collection makes the perfect present for home cooks, Secret Santas, stocking fillers and those notoriously difficult-to-buy-for friends and family, all from just £8.

They will also make super additions to your own Christmas pantry or Christmas store cupboard.

Beautifully presented, these hand-packed fruits are infused with premium Luxardo® spirits and are as stylish as they are delicious, making them ideal for gifting and festive entertaining alike.

Why they're gift-worthy:

Three indulgent flavours, each packed in premium Luxardo® spirits:

Black Cherries in Kirsch (570g) – makes the best Black Forest Gateau; or create an indulgent chocolatey trifle or rich, decadent brownies.

Baby Pears in Amaretto (570g) – upgrade a Sticky Toffee Pudding or use to top meringue

Peaches in 12-Year-Old Brandy (570g) – what a fruit crumble calls for or thinly slice over the top of a duck salad

Under £10 RRP (from £8.00) – perfect for Secret Santas, stocking fillers or adding to a luxury hamper.

Suitable for a range of diets – gluten free, dairy free and suitable for plant-based diets.

Beautiful enough to gift individually or mix and match for a bespoke foodie hamper.

They can even be eaten
straight from the jar. (We won't judge you!)

A festive kitchen favourite

More than just a gift, Opies Fruits with Alcohol are a festive pantry essential. Enjoy them straight from the jar with cream or ice cream, or use them to elevate everything from crumbles, trifles and tarte tatins to soufflés, cocktails and meringues. Don't forget the syrup! It's perfect for creating boozy ice cubes, grown-up jellies or a rich glaze for roast meats. Or sipping!

Looking for even more inspiration? Each jar includes recipe ideas on the label, with plenty more festive recipes online, from Christmas leftovers and side dishes to desserts and seasonal cocktails. Opies has ideas for leftovers, homemade food gifts, starters, sides, veggie and vegan option and sumptuous desserts. Please visit https://www.bennettopie.com.

Available from: Morrisons and Morrisons.com, Amazon.co.uk and specialist independent retailers (e.g. farm shops and delis)

30th Anniversary for Paper Starlights

Paper Starlights is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, and there's a brilliant story behind the Chesterfield-based business.

It all started when the founders discovered traditional paper star lanterns during Diwali in India.

Their first shipment arrived in the UK in an old aluminium trunk, and they began selling the stars at music festivals and independent shops, travelling around the country and even sleeping in their Ford Sierra along the way!

Thirty years later, Paper Starlights is still working directly with the artisans in India who make the stars, and the business has become a familiar sight at Christmas markets across the UK.

To celebrate their anniversary, they're also donating ex-display stars to local charities, schools and community groups around Chesterfield, giving something back to the community that has supported them over the years.

You'll be able to find Paper Starlights at the following Christmas markets this year:

Chatsworth Christmas Market: 7 November – 13 December

Haddon Hall Mercatum: 11 November – 20 December (six separate market periods)

York Christmas Market: 12 November – 21 December (closed Tuesdays)

Blenheim Palace Christmas Market: 13 November – 20 December

Belfast Christmas Market: 14 November – 22 December

Chester Christmas Market: 18 November – 22 December

Leeds Christmas Market: 19 November – 23 December

Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market: 20 November – 22 December

Bath Christmas Market: 26 November – 13 December

Their stands are always a lovely sight, filled with colourful illuminated stars, and would make a great backdrop for photography, filming or a festive feature.

Over the years the founders have developed long standing relationships with the artisans in India and have developed relationships with customers and fellow traders on the Christmas market circuit.

Please learn more at https://paperstarlights.com

Donutelier unveils a fairytale-inspired Christmas collection for 2026

London bakery Donutelier is bringing a touch of storybook magic to Christmas with a limited-edition collection of festive pastries.

Available from today, 11 November 2026 onwards, at its Central London boutiques, the range combines familiar seasonal flavours with the bakery’s French patisserie-inspired style.

There are four creations to discover: three signature donuts and one pastry. Apples, coconut, orange and pistachio provide the festive flavours, with each item finished with carefully crafted toppings and fillings.

The Apple Crumble Suisse (£7) is a pain suisse layered with almond cream and filled with vanilla ganache and caramelised apples. Vanilla crumble and a dusting of sugar complete this pastry, which brings the comforting flavours of apple crumble to a buttery bake.

For a snowy-looking treat, the Coconut Snowflake Donut (£6.25) is filled with coconut praline and coconut crème pâtissière, then coated in desiccated coconut. Chantilly cream and an almond sablé and coconut disc give it its snowflake-inspired finish.

Chocolate orange fans may enjoy the Enchanted Orange Donut (£6.75). Orange jam and chocolate orange ganache sit inside the donut, while toasted meringue, chocolate crumble and a candied orange slice decorate the top.

The Gilded Pistachio Donut (£7.25) takes pistachio in several directions, with pistachio crème pâtissière, a pistachio crust and pistachio Chantilly cream. It is finished with an almond sablé disc and pistachio praline.

The collection can be enjoyed in store or taken away in Donutelier’s limited-edition Christmas gift boxes and bags, making the pastries a possible present, a treat to share or a festive centrepiece for a gathering. They could also add something special to an office celebration or make a thoughtful thank-you for colleagues.

Donutelier’s Christmas 2026 collection is available from 11 November at its boutiques on Carnaby Street, Charing Cross Road, the Strand and Oxford Street. Prices range from £6.25 to £7.25.

Please check with Donutelier for current availability and opening hours before travelling.

https://donutelier.co.uk

Dainty Christmas Gifts from Luna Lee Jewellery

Discover Christmas gifts from family-run Luna Lee Jewellery, including delicate cross jewellery and elegant tennis bracelets and necklaces.

When you’re looking for a Christmas present that feels personal and can be worn every day, a thoughtfully chosen piece of jewellery can be a lovely choice.

Luna Lee Jewellery is a family-run brand specialising in dainty, minimal designs.

Founded by Sharna, formerly of British Vogue, the brand offers delicate pieces for people who appreciate simple, understated jewellery.

A thoughtful gift from the Faith Edit

The Faith Edit features minimal cross necklaces, bracelets and hoop earrings. These graceful designs could make a special gift for someone whose faith is important to them, or for anyone who appreciates jewellery with personal meaning. Prices start at £25.

Explore the Luna Lee Jewellery Faith Edit.

A little sparkle with tennis jewellery

For a touch of sparkle, the tennis collection includes marquise, baguette and classic bracelets and necklaces. These elegant pieces could be worn for a special occasion or added to an everyday outfit. Prices start at £35.

Browse the Luna Lee Jewellery tennis collection.

A festive offer for Black Friday weekend

From Black Friday to Cyber Monday, 27–30 November 2026, Luna Lee Jewellery is offering free UK delivery and a free gift on orders over £50. The offer is applied automatically at checkout, with no code needed.

With delicate designs, meaningful details and options at different prices, Luna Lee Jewellery is worth exploring if you’re looking for a thoughtful present this Christmas.

https://lunaleejewellery.com/collections/faith-edit

https://lunaleejewellery.com/collections/tennis-collection

New Christmas Showstoppers: Festive Recipes with Bonne Maman Blackberry Conserve

Add a jewel-bright touch to Christmas with Bonne Maman’s new Blackberry Conserve, featured in a three-tier gateau and indulgent Black Velvet cupcakes.

Christmas baking is a lovely way to bring colour and a little extra indulgence to the festive table.

This year, Bonne Maman is giving its seasonal recipes a rich plum-and-purple flourish with its new Blackberry Conserve, starring in two bakes made for sharing.

Whether you are planning a centrepiece for a family celebration or a small treat to serve with a glass of fizz, these recipes offer a delicious way to make the most of the fruity conserve.

Blackberry and Hazelnut Gateau

For a true Christmas showstopper, Bonne Maman’s Blackberry and Hazelnut Gateau is a striking three-tier celebration cake. The nutty, citrus sponge is layered with luscious Blackberry Conserve and silky white chocolate ganache, bringing together fruit, chocolate and toasted hazelnut flavours.

Its finishing touches make it especially suited to the season: fresh berries, sugar snowflakes and sprigs of rosemary create a festive decoration, while the deep blackberry tones lend the cake a vibrant colour. Set it in the middle of the table and it is sure to attract admiring glances before anyone has even taken a slice.

Black Velvet Frosted Cupcakes

If you are looking for a smaller festive bake, the Black Velvet Frosted Cupcakes are a tempting choice. These rich, chocolatey cupcakes have a fruity surprise tucked inside: a centre of juicy Blackberry Conserve, revealed with every bite.

A generous swirl of blackberry frosting completes each cupcake. Fresh blackberries and herbs add a pretty seasonal finish, making them easy to arrange on a platter for guests. They would be a lovely addition to a Christmas get-together, afternoon tea or a relaxed evening of festive treats.

Both recipes bring together the familiar pleasure of home baking and the bold fruitiness of Bonne Maman’s new Blackberry Conserve. With their jewel-like colour and festive decorations, they offer plenty of inspiration for anyone planning a Christmas dessert with a little extra sparkle.

Recipe inspiration and product information supplied by Bonne Maman. You can check the recipes out here:- https://www.bonnemaman.co.uk

A Timely Christmas Gift: John Lewis Men’s and Women’s Grooming Kits: Christmas Gift Ideas

The John Lewis Men’s Grooming Kit arrived at just the right time, with a muscle rub that I found helpful for a painful pulled muscle. Could the men’s and women’s kits make ideal Christmas gifts?

Some Christmas gifts are useful, some are a treat, and occasionally one arrives at exactly the right moment. That was certainly my experience with the John Lewis Men’s Grooming Kit.

I have been dealing with a painful pulled muscle in my lower back, so the muscle rub in the kit was especially welcome. I tried it when my back was troubling me and found it helpful. It could hardly have arrived at a better time, and it turned a grooming gift into something I was genuinely pleased to use.

That personal experience got me thinking about the John Lewis Men’s and Women’s Grooming Kits as Christmas presents. They make a thoughtful choice for someone who enjoys looking after themselves, but they also have the practical appeal of products that can be put to use rather than left forgotten in a cupboard.

Grooming gifts can be tricky to choose. People often have their favourite products, and it is easy to worry about picking the wrong fragrance or something they will never use. A kit offers a little variety and a chance to try something different. The muscle rub was a particularly useful surprise for me, and it showed how a well-chosen set can be both a treat and a practical addition to someone’s routine.

The men’s and women’s versions also make the idea easy to adapt to the person you are buying for. They could work as a main present, or as a generous extra alongside another gift. They might suit a partner, relative or friend who appreciates useful self-care products, especially if you are looking for something a little more personal than the usual socks or toiletries.

Of course, everyone’s preferences are different, so it is always worth checking the kit’s contents before buying. But my experience has made me look at grooming sets in a new light. The John Lewis Men’s Grooming Kit arrived just when I needed that muscle rub, and I can see the appeal of the matching women’s kit as a present too.

So I thought: “The John Lewis Men’s and Women’s Grooming Kits will make ideal Christmas gifts this year.” Sometimes the best gift is one that feels like a treat and proves useful at just the right moment.

www.johnlewis.com

Make Christmas Gifts Extra Special with Decoupage

Discover how to use decoupage to make thoughtful, personalised Christmas gifts for family and friends, from decorated boxes to picture frames.

Christmas presents do not have to come straight off a shop shelf.

With a little imagination, paper, glue and a suitable object, you can create a personal gift that family members and friends will treasure.

Decoupage is an enjoyable craft that lets you transform everyday items with decorative papers, napkins, fabric or cut-out pictures.

The word comes from the French découper, meaning “to cut out.”

Designs are arranged on a surface, fixed in place with a special adhesive and sealed with further coats. The result can be as simple or as elaborate as you like, making it a lovely project for beginners as well as experienced crafters.

What can you decorate?

Many clean, smooth surfaces can be used, including wood, glass, ceramic, metal and some fabrics. For a first Christmas project, try a small wooden box, picture frame, trinket dish, plant pot or a plain decoration for the tree.

These can become thoughtful presents for a friend, a relative, a teacher or someone who enjoys a particular hobby.

Choose papers that suit the person receiving the gift. Floral patterns might be perfect for someone who loves gardening, while maps, music, vintage illustrations or favourite colours can make a present feel especially personal. Christmas napkins and festive papers are another option, but your design does not have to be seasonal: a useful gift can be enjoyed all year round.

Getting started

You will need an item to decorate, paper or other lightweight materials, scissors, a decoupage medium and a soft brush or foam applicator. Specialist kits are available from art and craft shops, as well as online retailers such as Amazon and eBay. Check the kit instructions to make sure the glue and sealant are suitable for the surface you have chosen.

First, clean and dry the object. Cut out your chosen shapes and arrange them before you begin gluing, so you can see how the finished design might look. Brush a thin layer of medium onto the surface, place the paper carefully on top, then smooth it gently to remove wrinkles and trapped air. Work slowly, especially around corners and curves.

Let each coat dry fully before adding the next. Several thin coats usually give a neater finish than one thick one. Follow the product instructions, and add extras such as ribbon or beads only when the sealed design is dry.

Start with a small project and allow yourself time. Little imperfections are part of the handmade charm, and you can often cover a mistake with another piece of paper. Most of all, enjoy the process. A decoupaged gift is more than a decorated object: it is a present made with someone in mind, and a lovely way to add a personal touch to Christmas.

Incidentally the decoupage cat shown was the first item I ever made from a decoupage kit I bought to try my hand at the craft. I think he turned out rather well!

If you have someone in your life who is interested in crafting you can buy them decoupage kits as Christmas gifts. Maybe next Christmas they'll be presenting you with a decoupaged gift that they made themselves?

Monday, 9 November 2026

All I want for Christmas is… TRUFFLE!

Forget novelty chocolates. This Christmas, it's all about a little edible luxury, and truffle is having a serious love affair with the foodie crowd.

From truffle fries and decadent pasta to bougie snacks and loaded toasties, the obsession with this luxurious ingredient shows no signs of slowing down.

And the good news? You don't need a Michelin-starred budget to get involved!

Belazu, the cult-favourite ingredient brand loved by Britain's top chefs, has two delicious little truffle treats starting from just £3.60 – perfect for foodie stockings, Secret Santa gifts and festive grazing.

THE ONE FOR TRUFFLE-OBSESSED GIRLIES: TRUFFLE & PECORINO NUT MIX

Belazu Truffle & Pecorino Nut Mix, 120g | £4.45 | Ocado & Waitrose

Move over boring salted nuts. These are the ultimate bougie Christmas snack!

Think buttery cashews, crunchy almonds, pecans and macadamias, roasted in small batches and coated in rich Pecorino Romano and irresistible truffle seasoning.

Perfect for Christmas drinks, grazing boards, foodie stockings or a seriously indulgent night on the sofa.

THE £3.60 TRUFFLE TOASTIE UPGRADE

Belazu Truffle & Artichoke Pesto, 165g | £3.60 | Waitrose & Ocado

For the friend who orders truffle fries EVERY time.

Made with artichokes, black truffles and Parmigiano Reggiano, this deliciously rich pesto is the ultimate shortcut to restaurant-worthy comfort food.

Slather it into a gooey cheese toastie, stir through pasta, swirl into mash or elevate your Boxing Day leftovers.

Two little luxuries, both under a fiver and guaranteed to delight anyone whose love language is truffle.

ALSO...🍀 A LITTLE IRISH MAGIC – BALLYMALOE RELISH

Ireland's cult tomato relish has a fresh new look for British shoppers. Sweet, tangy and gently spiced, it's the £2.20 upgrade your cheese toastie never knew it needed. And did we mention Ballymaloe has teamed up with Graham Norton on a festive cranberry sauce in Ireland? Nice little foodie sticking filler.

210g | £2.20 | Tesco and Sainsbury's

Sussex-based Dapper Souls has the perfect gift for the chaps in your life. Magnetic Socks!

Dapper Souls is a brand new small business based in Hassocks, West Sussex.

Founder Josh Baxter told That's Christmas 365: "I designed a pair of men's white crew socks with a small magnet in the label tab at each cuff, so the pair clips together for the wash." (EDITOR: Wow! That's a unique idea, right there!)

"I thought they might suit a stocking filler or Secret Santa feature for him. They're UK size 9-11 and sell online only at https://dappersouls.com.

"Prices:

One pair is £7 plus £3 UK postage (£10 delivered).

A Christmas 3-pack is £17 plus £3 UK postage (£20 delivered).