Give a Young Music Fan the Popstar Treatment This Christmas

Finding a Christmas present for a child or teenager who seems to have everything can be difficult. 

Toys, gadgets and clothes are soon forgotten, but an exciting experience can create memories that last for years.

For young music fans aged from seven to 16, a recording session with CoverStar Experiences in Liverpool could make a wonderfully unusual Christmas gift.

Based at Prohibition Recording Studios in Liverpool’s Georgian Quarter, CoverStar Kids Parties allow young people to experience what it is like to become a pop star for the day. Instead of visiting another soft play centre or trampoline park, the recipient and their friends can walk along a VIP red carpet before entering a genuine fully-equipped professional recording studio.

Inside the soundproof vocal booth, the young performers wear professional studio headphones and record their favourite chart hits with the help of an experienced sound engineer. Children do not need to be accomplished singers: the emphasis is on having fun, gaining confidence and enjoying an unforgettable celebration with friends.

The newly refreshed experience also includes a stylish party room for rehearsals, festival-style glitter make-up and a photo booth prop session. Every child receives a personalised “Vinyl Style” keepsake CD, giving them a lasting souvenir of their moment in the spotlight.

“Our popstar parties have always been about creating core memories, building confidence and delivering a genuinely special celebration for children and their best friends,” Graham Mac of CoverStar Experiences told That's Christmas 365.

“Whether a child is an aspiring singer or just wants to laugh and celebrate with friends, our sound engineers and hosts ensure everyone feels like a VIP star.”

Established in 2013, CoverStar Experiences is a ten-time TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award winner, supported by hundreds of five-star reviews from parents. Its recording experiences are also available for hen parties, corporate events and adult music enthusiasts.

Gold, Platinum and Ultimate children’s party packages are offered, with options capable of accommodating as many as 50 guests. Upgraded studio amenities and bar facilities are available for accompanying parents.

The studio is open seven days a week, with sessions offered from 9am until 9pm, Monday to Saturday, and from 10am until 6pm on Sundays. Its new website also allows families to check the availability of dates instantly.

A CoverStar experience could be revealed on Christmas morning with a homemade backstage pass, microphone or decorated gift box. It is a particularly appealing present for a budding singer, or any youngster who has ever dreamed of hearing their voice recorded in a professional studio.

For prices, packages and date availability, visit coverstarkidsparties.co.uk or telephone 0800 689 7827.

Want to organise something similar for older teens or adults? They have you covered, too! https://www.coverstarexperiences.co.uk

The Christmas Bouquet: Bring Fresh Festive Magic Straight to the Door with 123 Flowers

As the countdown to Christmas has already begun, flowers are fast becoming more than a thoughtful gift, they are an easy way to transform a home, elevate a festive table and add a little extra magic to those all-important seasonal celebrations.

This Christmas, the UK’s leading online florist, 123 Flowers is encouraging shoppers to embrace fresh blooms as part of their festive decorating. 

From snowy winter textures and rich seasonal reds to romantic roses and vibrant statement stems, the collection offers something for every Christmas mood, whether you're dressing the dinner table, sending a thoughtful gift or simply making your own home feel that little bit more special. 

A touch of winter wonderland: Winter Snow 

For those dreaming of a white Christmas, Winter Snow brings the beauty of the season indoors. Featuring chrysanthemums and carnations, finished with lush foliage, cinnamon and pine-cone picks, the arrangement captures the cosy essence of winter. An ideal yet affordable finishing touch for a hallway, dining table or festive gathering, as well as a thoughtful way to send a little seasonal cheer to someone special. 

The Winter Snow bouquet is available with free next-day delivery from November 1 across the UK and Northern Ireland, from www.123-flowers.co.uk. RRP: £19.99 – £29.99 

Step Into Christmas with full festive glamour 

When only a proper Christmas bouquet will do, Step Into Christmas delivers seasonal drama. Created by artisan florists, the bouquet combines Stargazer lilies and roses with Pistacia and festive Hypericum for a rich, celebratory arrangement designed to make an impression. It’s a standout choice for sending to family and friends - or for taking centre stage in the home throughout the festivities.

The Step Into Christmas bouquet is available with free next-day delivery from November 1 across the UK and Northern Ireland, from www.123-flowers.co.uk. RRP: £29.99 – £39.99 

A timeless Christmas charm: Winter Rose and Tulips  

Nothing captures the spirit of Christmas quite like a classic arrangement of rich red blooms. Winter Rose and Tulips combines velvety Red Rhodos Roses with elegant red tulips and seasonal greenery, creating a beautifully traditional bouquet with instant festive appeal. Perfect for sending heartfelt winter wishes, it’s a timeless choice for anyone who loves the classic charm and warmth of Christmas.

The Winter Rose and Tulips bouquet is available with free next-day delivery from November 1 across the UK and Northern Ireland, from www.123-flowers.co.uk. RRP: £34.99 - £49.99 

A colourful Christmas surprise: Peruvian Lily & Rose 

The Peruvian Lily & Rose bouquet is a best-seller offering a brighter take on festive flowers. Combining White Belle Roses with Peruvian lilies in cerise, pink, white and yellow, with a seven-day freshness guarantee, it's a gift designed to keep bringing a splash of colour to the Christmas period. 

The Peruvian Lily & Rose bouquet is available with free next-day delivery across the UK and Northern Ireland, from www.123-flowers.co.uk. RRP: £24.99 – £34.99

Alex Biggart, Head of Brand at 123 Flowers, told That's Christmas 365: “Christmas is all about bringing warmth, colour and personality into our homes and festive flowers are becoming a must-have for seasonal styling. 

“From traditional reds and soft winter whites to colourful statement blooms and elegant arrangements, there’s a bouquet to suit every style.

“We’re also seeing a growing demand for more thoughtful choices, so at 123 Flowers, our blooms are sourced from British growers and Fairtrade farms and arranged by local florists – and are proud to be the first UK online florist to introduce fully recyclable packaging for all our fresh flowers and gifts. 

“Whether dressing the home, setting the Christmas table or sending a beautiful bouquet straight to someone’s door, flowers are an effortless way to add a final flourish of festive magic and say ‘thinking of you’, ‘thank you’ or simply ‘Merry Christmas’.”

Known for its hand-tied bouquets, signature hatbox arrangements and thoughtful gifting collections, 123 Flowers is one of the UK’s leading online florists. Offering free next-day delivery across the UK and Northern Ireland, seven days a week, the brand combines quality, convenience and value with responsibly sourced blooms. 

123 Flowers’ full Christmas collection is available online at https://www.123-flowers.co.uk. 

That's Christmas 365 has Found Wonderful Christmas Gifts for You!

Sylvanian Families Biscuit Bear Family

Featuring fur with a special extra-fluffy feel, the Biscuit Bear Family includes mother Elena, baby Noa and father Lloyd the architect who has some exciting plans for the village! He's got all the tools he needs for the job, plus a miniature model house and car.

RRP: £39.99

Age : 3+

Stockist: www.sylvanianfamilies.co.uk 

Sylvanian Families Citrus Bird Juice Stand

The newest stall at the amusement park! Pop the fruit in, watch it tumble down, and pour the juice into a cup! With six types of toppings in cute animal shapes, there are 24 different juice combinations to make! Also transforms into a vehicle! 

RRP: £26.99

Age : 3+

Stockist: www.sylvanianfamilies.co.uk 

Aquabeads Ice Cream Party Craft Studio

Make colourful 3D ice creams and other sweet-themed creations with this innovative craft set. Includes 800 beads, an ice cream bead dispenser pen, a host of cute toppings to add the perfect finishing touch, and an ice cream shaped storage container to keep everything neat and tidy.  

RRP £29.99

Age: 4+

Stockist: Amazon, Smyths, Hamleys and our own online affiliate shop, https://link.amazon/B0fKm4uHN

Super Mario Micro Game Series

These portable, handheld, arcade-style games fit neatly in your pocket. 

There are six games to collect in each series including Marble Mazes; Jump and Seesaw Games where you must move the coin from one side to the other; and Skill Shot games with a pinball.

RRP £4.49

Age: 4+

Stockist: Selfridges, Firestorm Games

POSCA 5M Portrait Colours 8 Pack 

Create your best and most authentic portraits yet with this pack of POSCAs in a selection of eight skin tones. Blend and layer to create warmth, depth and natural expression via smooth non-bleeding ink that works on almost any surface.  

RRP: £25 

Age: 10+ years 

Stockist: Hobbycraft

POSCA 12 Paint Markers and Pouch Pack 

Uncap creativity wherever you go with this versatile set. POSCA’s fade-proof, water-based acrylic is designed to work on most surfaces, making it easy to customise everyday items from windows to trainers! Includes 11x 5M medium markers in standard colours, 1x 7M bold black paint marker and handy pouch. 

RRP: £32.99 

Age: 10+ years 

Stockist: Hobbycraft, The Range

POSCA Marker Pen and Water Bottle Set, RRP £39.99 

The POSCA Marker Pen and Bottle Set puts personalisation in your hands! This innovative set includes four fine and four medium tip paint markers in a selection of vibrant colours, which can be used to customise the water bottle. 

Using a variety of techniques, including controlled, detailed painting, lettering and illustration, decorate the water bottle to make it completely unique to you. 

Water resistant and fade resistant, the acid-free paint is quick-drying, blendable, and layerable, allowing for smooth coverage and creative freedom.  A great gift for school age children or arty friends and family.

RRP £39.99

Age: 10+ years

Stockist: Hobbycraft, Ryman, Cass Art

KidBearID

Each blind box 7" bear has its own unique streetwear style, inspired by music, art, and urban fashion. 

With a weighted freestanding base to stand upright for display, there are 12 unique bears to collect with interchangeable outfits and accessorie to mix, match, and style your own custom crew.

RRP £9.99

Age: 3+

Stockist: Smyths

i love aromie Bakery

Fill your sweet treat with the scent pod provided. Give their ear a squeeze to light up their cheeks and release a soft, visible mist that magically floats into the air, filling the space with the special, signature scent. 

Six treats to collect, each with their own distinct character and fragrance.

RRP £14.99

Age: 4+

Stockist: Smyths

Tamagotchi Original

Celebrate 30 years of Tamagotchi with the iconic virtual pet that started it all. This timeless collectible is packed with retro charm and nostalgic appeal; fans can feed, nurture and care for their digital companion wherever they go.

RRP £19.99

Age: 8+

Stockist: Amazon or our own online affiliate shop https://link.amazon/B0hQTjwpb

Littlest Pet Shop Pet Pairs

Collectible, colourful and full of personality,the Pet Pairs feature two adorable bobblin’ pets, themed accessories and a collector card revealing their unique traits. 

With four duos to discover, they’re perfect for imaginative play, collecting and gifting.

RRP £7.99

Age: 4+

Stockist: Smyths, Amazon or our own online affiilate shop https://link.amazon/B0cNwBWao

That's Christmas 365 thinks there's definitely something for everyone, there. Including adults who had a Tamagotchi back in the day!

Model Railways, Cats and Parrots: Can They Live Together?

Our recent That’s Christmas 365 article about buying model railway gifts prompted a rather important thought in our own household.

We have an African Grey parrot and a very large Maine Coon cat.

Would introducing a model railway into that combination be brave, or completely foolish?

Fortunately, pet ownership doesn't necessarily mean abandoning dreams of miniature steam trains or classic vintage diesel locomotives winding through beautifully detailed countryside. However, some sensible precautions are definitely required.

The railway may look like a giant cat's toy

Cats and model railways aren't necessarily natural companions.

A locomotive moving around a layout could prove irresistible, while delicate trees, signals, telegraph poles and buildings aren't designed to withstand a large cat deciding to walk across them, or spend an afternoon catnapping on them.

Then there are tunnels.

What self-respecting cat wouldn't investigate something repeatedly disappearing into a hole or coming out again?

Rather than hoping your cat simply loses interest, it's better to design the railway on the assumption that curiosity will eventually win.

And don't underestimate a parrot!

African Greys are extraordinarily intelligent and inquisitive birds, equipped with a remarkably powerful beak.

Small model railway accessories could be picked up or chewed, while exposed electrical cables present an obvious hazard.

For households with parrots, wiring should therefore be properly enclosed and inaccessible. We'd also disconnect the railway from its power supply when it wasn't being used.

Tiny detachable scenery and accessories shouldn't be accessible to either cats or birds.

Consider a railway in a cabinet

One particularly attractive solution is building a layout into a cabinet.

Transparent acrylic doors or panels could allow everyone in the family, including the pets, to watch the trains while preventing paws and beaks from reaching the railway.

Open the cabinet when you're operating or maintaining the layout and close everything securely afterwards.

A folding layout offers another possibility. A compact OO, N or 009 layout could be brought out for an evening's railway operation before being folded or stored safely away.

A railway room?

If you're fortunate enough to have a spare bedroom, box room or other suitable space, turning it into a dedicated model railway room could solve most of the problem.

Simply keeping the door closed when you're not there provides an extremely effective first line of defence.

For larger homes, garages, lofts and suitable outbuildings can offer other possibilities, although temperature, humidity and security need considering.

What about a garden railway?

Going bigger could be another answer.

Garden railway equipment is generally much more substantial than its indoor cousins, and constructing a railway amongst real plants can become a fascinating hobby in itself.

However, cats may still regard the railway as part of their territory, while pet birds obviously shouldn't be allowed outdoors unsupervised.

Pets don't mean giving up the railway dream

Perhaps that's the important point.

If somebody in your family receives a model railway for Christmas, the presence of cats, parrots or other inquisitive pets doesn't mean trains and animals can't coexist.

It simply means thinking about where the railway will live, how it will be protected and how its electrical equipment and small components will be secured.

In fact, designing a pet-proof railway could become an interesting modelling challenge in its own right.

In our household, a substantial cabinet layout with clear protective doors sounds increasingly attractive.

After all, a model railway is supposed to provide relaxation and enjoyment.

Watching your lovingly constructed signal box disappear beneath the paws of an enthusiastic Maine Coon probably doesn't qualify.

And as for an African Grey parrot presented with dozens of miniature trees, buildings and telegraph poles to dismantle?

We suspect the parrot might regard that as the best Christmas present of all.

Merry Christmas, and happy (pet-proof) modelling from That’s Christmas 365!

Seasonal Living by SJ Axelby. A Book for Christmas and Every Season

At That’s Christmas 365, we’ve always believed there’s something rather lovely about appreciating the changing seasons.

Christmas might be our particular passion, but part of its magic comes from its place within the rhythm of the year, the darkening evenings, autumn giving way to winter, fires being lit and homes becoming warmer and more welcoming.

That makes Seasonal Living: The Almanac for Home and Garden by artist SJ Axelby a particularly appropriate book to discover as we head towards Christmas.

Published by Pavilion in August 2026, this beautifully illustrated 176-page hardback takes the traditional idea of the almanac and gives it a contemporary twist. Rather than rushing from one occasion to another, Seasonal Living encourages us to notice, enjoy and celebrate what each part of the year has to offer.

SJ Axelby is an interior portrait artist with a background in textile design and a particular love of pattern, colour and interiors. She also created the Room Portrait Club, and her work has appeared in publications including The World of Interiors, Architectural Digest and Elle Decoration.

From spring flowers to Christmas cocktails

The book travels through all four seasons, combining Axelby’s illustrations and reflections with contributions from designers, gardeners, food enthusiasts and other creative figures. Contributors include Lulu Guinness, Clodagh McKenna and Butter Wakefield.

Spring brings ideas for flower arranging, preparing the garden and tablescaping, while summer moves outdoors with picnics, barbecues, afternoon teas and entertaining.

Autumn feels particularly cosy, with preserving and pickling, hearty soups, seasonal walks, pressing leaves, foraging and getting the home ready for winter.

And then, of course, comes winter.

Here Seasonal Living moves into territory that should particularly appeal to That's Christmas 365 readers, with ideas surrounding festive entertaining, welcoming house guests, making cocktails, designing menus and place cards and, that perennial Christmas challenge, beautifully wrapping presents.

A rather lovely Christmas present

There’s also an obvious second reason for featuring Seasonal Living: the book itself would make a splendid Christmas gift.

It isn't a Christmas book in the conventional sense. Instead, it celebrates the little rituals and pleasures that help distinguish one season from another, something perhaps increasingly valuable in a world where strawberries can be bought in December and Christmas chocolates sometimes appear in the shops before the summer holidays have quite finished.

The hardback has an RRP of £12.99, making it a reasonably priced present for someone interested in gardening, interiors, food, entertaining, nature or simply making a little more of everyday life.

And perhaps that's the idea we like most.

Christmas doesn't exist in isolation. Part of the pleasure is watching it approach: autumn leaves, colder mornings, darker evenings, the first frost, Christmas lights appearing in windows and finally the gathering together of family and friends.

Seasonal Living reminds us that rather than wishing the year away as we wait for Christmas, there is something worth celebrating in every season along the way.

Seasonal Living: The Almanac for Home and Garden by SJ Axelby is published by Pavilion. Hardback, 176 pages, RRP £12.99. ISBN 9780008774509.

And to make things a bit easier for you and to make us a small fee, we've arranged for you to be able to buy the book here at our Amazon-powered shop https://link.amazon/B07yZqjVE

A Beautiful Christmas Gift with a Greener Touch: Belula Beauty Brushes

Finding a Christmas present that is attractive, useful and a little more thoughtful than the usual stocking filler isn't always easy. 

That’s why beauty and personal-care products can make particularly good gifts, especially when there’s an ethical story behind them.

One brand worth considering this Christmas is Belula, whose range includes hairbrushes and beauty accessories designed to turn an everyday grooming routine into something rather more luxurious.

Of particular interest are Belula’s 100% soft boar bristle brushes.

A traditional approach to hair care

Natural boar bristle brushes have been used for generations. Rather than simply pulling through the hair, the closely packed natural bristles help distribute the scalp’s natural oils along the hair, while providing a gentle brushing experience.

Belula says the boar bristles used for its brushes are ethically sourced, an important consideration for shoppers who want to know more about the origins of animal-derived materials used in the products they buy. The boars are sheared, rather like sheep are sheared for their wool.

The result is a traditional grooming product that feels rather special, exactly the sort of thing that can work well as a Christmas present for someone who enjoys beauty, hair care or a little everyday pampering.

And unlike many novelty Christmas gifts, a good-quality hairbrush is something that can continue being used long after the decorations have returned to the loft.

Buy a brush, plant a tree

There’s another element of the Belula story which caught our attention at That’s Christmas 365: the company plants a tree for every brush sold.

We rather like that idea.

Christmas inevitably involves a great deal of consumption, packaging and gift buying, so initiatives which put something back into the environment are welcome. Planting a tree doesn't remove the environmental impact of manufacturing and delivering a product, of course, but it does add a positive dimension to a purchase.

It also makes the brush an interesting gift to give. You aren't simply handing someone a beauty accessory on Christmas morning, their present is also associated with a newly planted tree somewhere in the world.

A gift that doesn't have to be complicated

Christmas presents don't necessarily need flashing lights, batteries or complicated technology.

Sometimes a beautifully made version of an everyday object can be a much more satisfying present.

A Belula boar bristle brush could be teamed with some favourite shampoo, conditioner or other beauty products to create a personalised hair-care hamper. Add a ribbon, perhaps a few chocolates, and you've got a thoughtful Christmas gift without resorting to another generic gift set.

For someone who appreciates traditional beauty products and would also welcome the tree-planting commitment behind their present, Belula could be well worth putting on the Christmas shopping list this year.

And here at That’s Christmas 365, we think there’s something rather appropriately Christmassy about giving someone a present while helping another tree to take root.

My wife's Belula tree is already ready for planting, which was the inspiration for this post.

All Aboard for Christmas! Model Railway Gifts for Every Gauge

There’s something wonderfully Christmassy about a model railway. Perhaps it’s the sight of a little steam locomotive passing snow-covered cottages, the glow from miniature station lamps or simply memories of train sets appearing beneath Christmas trees.

If there’s a railway modeller in your family, Christmas offers an enormous choice of presents,  and you certainly don’t have to buy them another locomotive. 

Buildings, scenery, figures, vehicles, signals, trackside details and modelling materials can provide hours of enjoyment.

First, find out the gauge!

Before buying anything railway-related, discreetly discover which scale and gauge your modeller uses. Railway modelling ranges from remarkably tiny trains to substantial locomotives designed to run outdoors.

At the smaller end there’s 009, popular with modellers recreating narrow-gauge railways. Then there is N gauge, where an impressive railway can be squeezed into a comparatively small space.

Britain's enormously popular OO gauge offers perhaps the widest selection of ready-to-run trains, buildings, vehicles and accessories. HO, similar in size but built to a slightly different scale, dominates in many other countries.

Moving upwards, there is O gauge, followed by larger scales including Gauge 1 and the various scales commonly grouped under the heading of garden railways. These substantial models can turn a garden into a miniature railway landscape.

Look beyond the train set

Once you've established the scale, the possibilities become much more interesting.

A modeller might appreciate station buildings, signal boxes, engine sheds, bridges, tunnels, retaining walls, fencing or platform furniture. There are miniature passengers, railway workers, farm animals, cyclists, cars, buses and delivery vans.

Scenic materials can be excellent stocking fillers. Think trees, hedges, grass fibres, ballast, rocks, bushes and miniature flowers. For someone building an urban layout, there are shops, factories, terraced houses, pubs, garages and street furniture.

Even tiny details such as milk churns, luggage, parcels, postboxes, benches and advertising signs can transform a layout.

For garden railway enthusiasts, meanwhile, Christmas presents could include buildings, figures, trackside accessories and weather-resistant scenery, or perhaps plants suitable for creating convincing miniature landscapes.

Don't overlook second-hand treasures

One of the pleasures of railway modelling is that something doesn't necessarily need to be new to be desirable.

Model railway exhibitions, specialist dealers, collectors' fairs, auction sites, online marketplaces and model shops can turn up discontinued buildings, unusual rolling stock and accessories that haven't been manufactured for decades.

A battered box needn't matter to a modeller who wants the contents for their railway rather than a display cabinet.

There is also a thriving world of cottage-industry manufacturers producing resin models, laser-cut buildings, 3D-printed accessories and highly specialised detailing parts. These can make particularly thoughtful presents because you may discover something the recipient has never seen before.

How about a layout itself?

For somebody who has always wanted a railway but lacks the time or confidence to build one, you could even investigate ready-built or professionally constructed layouts.

Second-hand layouts regularly change hands, while specialist builders can produce everything from compact shunting layouts and portable narrow-gauge railways to extensive bespoke installations.

Just remember that buying a complete layout requires some detective work. Check its dimensions carefully, particularly whether it will actually fit through the recipient's doors!

Garden railways require even more planning, but helping someone begin their long-dreamed-of outdoor railway could make an extraordinary family Christmas project.

Gift vouchers are not a cop-out

Railway modellers can be extremely particular. The wrong locomotive, period, railway company or scale might be completely unsuitable.

That's why a voucher for a favourite model railway shop can actually be an exceptionally thoughtful present. It allows the enthusiast to choose precisely the locomotive, wagon, building or obscure packet of tiny brass components they've been coveting.

Alternatively, make a day of it. Offer to take them to a model railway exhibition or specialist shop, provide lunch and give them a Christmas budget to spend.

The railway beneath the Christmas tree

And perhaps model railways and Christmas belong together particularly well.

From a tiny 009 locomotive pottering through a Welsh-inspired landscape to an N-gauge express, a busy OO station, an imposing O-gauge steam engine or a garden locomotive steaming through real plants and miniature buildings, railway modelling offers something for virtually every age and budget.

So, if you're struggling to find something for the railway modeller in your family this Christmas, do a little detective work.

Find out their gauge, scale, period and interests, then start exploring.

You might discover that the perfect Christmas present isn't a train at all. It could be a tiny station porter, an engine shed, a packet of trees or the little signal box that finally completes a scene they've been building for years.

And if all else fails?

Ask them.

Railway modellers generally don't need much encouragement to tell you exactly what their layout needs next!

All aboard! Christmas is coming!

Tie-Dye Christmas: Make Unique Gifts That Nobody Else Will Have

Finding a genuinely unique Christmas present can be surprisingly difficult. 

Shops and websites may be overflowing with gift ideas, but many of them are mass-produced and rather impersonal.

So why not make something yourself this Christmas? Tie-dyeing is inexpensive, creative and wonderfully unpredictable, which means no two gifts will ever be exactly alike.

Better still, you don't need to be particularly artistic to achieve impressive results.

What can you tie-dye?

Cotton and other natural fibres generally take dye particularly well, opening up plenty of possibilities. You could transform plain:

T-shirts and sweatshirts

Tote bags

Scarves

Pillowcases and cushion covers

Tea towels

Aprons

Socks

Fabric shopping bags

Pyjamas

Table runners and napkins

You could even make tie-dyed Christmas stockings for the whole family, giving each person their own combination of colours.

Buying plain white or pale cotton items in multipacks can make this an especially economical way of producing several Christmas presents.

Creating your designs

Tie-dye kits are readily available from craft shops and online retailers and normally contain several colours plus basic instructions.

The classic technique involves pinching or folding the fabric and securing it tightly with elastic bands before applying different dyes. Spirals, stripes, circles and crumpled patterns can all be produced simply by changing how you fold and bind the material.

And don't worry if your first attempt doesn't look exactly like the picture you had in mind. That's part of tie-dye's charm!

For Christmas gifts, you don't necessarily have to use the traditional rainbow of bright colours either. Red and green can create an obviously festive design, while dark green and gold tones can look surprisingly sophisticated. Blues and purples can produce a wintry appearance.

You could also choose colours specifically because you know the recipient loves them.

Make it even more personal

Once your tie-dyed item has been washed, dried and properly fixed according to the dye manufacturer's instructions, you can personalise it further.

Fabric pens or suitable fabric paints could be used to add somebody's name, initials, a small Christmas motif or even an amusing family saying.

Children can get involved too, making presents for grandparents, aunties, uncles or teachers. Obviously, youngsters should be supervised and the safety instructions supplied with dyes should always be followed.

Remember to protect clothes, tables, worktops and floors while you're working. Dye has an extraordinary ability to reach places you were absolutely certain you'd covered!

Presentation makes the difference

A homemade present deserves thoughtful packaging.

Wrap your creation in tissue paper, tie it with ribbon or string and add a handwritten label explaining that the item was individually tie-dyed especially for its recipient.

You could even photograph the process and include a small picture with the gift.

At That's Christmas 365, we're great believers that the best Christmas presents aren't necessarily the most expensive ones.

Sometimes a simple present made with your own hands, complete with its little imperfections – can mean considerably more.

And with tie-dye, you can safely promise the recipient one thing:

Nobody else in the world will have one exactly like it.

I have made tie-dye presents for people and they were all very well received. 

With OGGS 2026 Christmas Range, Christmas is For Everyone

OGGs. Festive Bakes Everyone Can Enjoy!

From festive treats and party desserts to spectacular Christmas centrepieces, OGGS' Christmas 2026 range has every celebration covered. 

The collection is designed to make festive entertaining effortless, offering beautifully decorated bakes that are egg and milk free, without any compromising on taste. The OGGS range is backed by an average consumer rating of 4.6 stars. 

Whether shoppers are hosting Christmas Day, attending an office party, visiting friends or simply looking for something special to share with family, there's an OGGS bake for every festive occasion. From bite-sized cupcakes to a show-stopping celebration cake, the range delivers all the indulgence of homemade Christmas baking, without any of the preparation.

Festive Hero Products:

OGGS Festive Mini Vanilla Cupcakes  

The Perfect Festive Treat for Every Occasion 

RRP: £3.95 | Stockists: Tesco, Sainsbury's, Waitrose, Asda, Morrisons and Ocado 

Adding a little sparkle to Christmas has never been easier. These light and fluffy vanilla cupcakes are topped with generous swirls of creamy vanilla icing and finished with elegant golden pearls, making them ideal for everything from festive afternoon teas and family gatherings to school events and office treats. Beautifully decorated and ready to serve, they're a simple way to bring a touch of Christmas magic to any celebration. 

OGGS Festive Chocolate Cupcakes (2 Pack)  

A Little Christmas Indulgence 

RRP: £2.25 | Stockists: Tesco Express, Sainsbury's Local and Waitrose 

Perfect for festive lunches, Christmas shopping breaks or a seasonal treat to share, these indulgent chocolate cupcakes are generously topped with rich chocolate frosting and festive decorations. Ideal for smaller celebrations, stocking fillers or an afternoon pick-me-up, they're a convenient little luxury that's full of festive flavour. 

OGGS 3-Tier Chocolate Celebration Cake  

The Christmas Table Centrepiece 

RRP: £17.00 | Stockists: Sainsbury's 

Designed to steal the spotlight, OGGS' spectacular three-tier Celebration Cake is the ultimate dessert for Christmas Day and festive entertaining. Layers of rich chocolate sponge are filled with smooth chocolate frosting before being hand-finished with luxurious golden decorations, creating a show-stopping centrepiece that's guaranteed to impress. Ideal for larger gatherings, it delivers all the theatre of a homemade celebration cake without any of the preparation. 

OGGS Chocolate Snow Cupcakes 

A Winter Wonderland in Every Bite 

RRP: £3.95 | Stockists: Tesco, Ocado 

Rich chocolate cupcakes topped with snowy icing and festive snowflake decorations make these the ultimate seasonal indulgence. Perfect for Christmas movie nights, dessert tables or festive get-togethers, they're as eye-catching as they are delicious. Backed by OGGS' 4.6-star average consumer rating, they're proof that festive favourites don't need eggs or dairy to deliver on flavour. 

OGGS Mega Party Cupcakes 

The Ultimate Christmas Party Showstopper 

RRP: £7.50 | Stockists: Tesco, Ocado 

Whether it's an office Christmas party, festive drinks with friends or a Boxing Day buffet, OGGS' Mega Party Cupcakes are made for sharing. This box of nine generously topped cupcakes is swirled with rich chocolate and creamy vanilla icing before being finished with shimmering golden decorations, creating an instant festive centrepiece. 

With no baking required, they're the perfect grab-and-go dessert for hosts looking to impress. Like the entire OGGS Christmas range, they're egg and milk free, making them a delicious option that more guests can enjoy. 

Why Everyone Loves OGGS®  

4.6-star average consumer rating 

Egg free and milk free, making festive entertaining more inclusive 

Five products covering every festive occasion, from individual treats to Christmas Day centrepieces 

Beautifully decorated, ready-to-serve bakes that look homemade without the effort 

Available nationwide in leading supermarkets, making them easy for everyone to find and to enjoy. 

https://www.loveoggs.com

Christmas in September? When Is Too Early for the Shops to Deck the Halls?

It’s 5th September. For some children, the summer holidays aren’t even over yet. 

There may still be buckets and spades in the boot of the car, half-used bottles of sun cream in the bathroom and memories of ice creams on the beach still reasonably fresh.

And yet, in some shops, Christmas has already arrived.

Retailers including The Range already have their Christmas sections up and running, with festive decorations, ornaments and other seasonal goodies beginning to appear on the shelves.

Now, you might think that That’s Christmas 365 would be wholeheartedly in favour of this.

After all, the clue is rather prominently displayed in our name.

We do our very best to promote the spirit of Christmas for all 365 days of the year. We firmly believe that kindness, generosity, friendship, good food, family gatherings and the occasional bit of festive sparkle needn’t be packed away with the decorations on Twelfth Night.

In that respect, we like to think we have something in common with the redeemed Ebenezer Scrooge, who famously promised to honour Christmas in his heart and try to keep it all the year.

But even we’re wondering: is early September perhaps a little too early for the shops?

And the answer is... we genuinely don’t know.

There are good arguments for getting Christmas stock out early. Some people like to spread the cost of Christmas over several months rather than face one enormous spending spree in November or December. Keen crafters and Christmas decorators may also want to start planning their displays well in advance.

And, naturally, there are those wonderful Christmas enthusiasts who simply enjoy seeing the decorations appear.

On the other hand, there’s something slightly surreal about encountering Christmas baubles and festive ornaments when some youngsters haven’t even returned to school after their summer holidays.

Does starting Christmas retailing this early make the season more enjoyable by extending the anticipation? Or does it risk making Christmas feel less special by stretching the commercial season across a quarter of the year, or even longer?

Perhaps there’s an important distinction between keeping the spirit of Christmas throughout the year and selling Christmas throughout the year.

At That’s Christmas 365, we’re decidedly ambivalent about this one.

We love Christmas. Obviously. We wouldn’t be here otherwise. But does seeing Christmas displays in the shops on 5th September fill you with festive joy... or have you reaching for the calendar and muttering, “Not yet!”?

We’d really like to know what our readers think.

Is September the perfect time to start Christmas shopping? Should retailers wait until October? After Halloween? November? Or would you happily browse Christmas decorations in the middle of July?

Please let us know your thoughts.

Because when it comes to the spirit of Christmas, we’re happy to celebrate it 365 days a year.

But whether the Christmas retail season should last quite that long is another matter entirely!