Before You Wrap the Christmas Presents, Check You’ve Got the Sellotape!

Get ready to wrap your Christmas presents with this handy checklist for wrapping paper, Sellotape, string, gift tags, Christmas cards and stamps.

You’ve bought the Christmas presents, put the kettle on and cleared the dining table for a spot of wrapping. 

Then you look at the roll of Sellotape and realise there’s just enough left to stick down one corner. And where have the scissors gone?

This is how a perfectly ordinary Christmas evening ends with somebody rooting through the toolbox and asking, “Do you think black insulation tape would do?”

A quick check of what you’ve already got can save a dash to the shops. And while you’re at it, count the Christmas cards. An impressive stack of cards is considerably less impressive when you discover only three of them have envelopes.

Your Christmas wrapping and card checklist

- Wrapping paper. Check how much is actually left on each roll. Set aside a full roll or a large sheet for the biggest presents.

- Sellotape or paper tape. Give the roll a quick test and keep a spare handy if you’ve got a pile of presents to wrap.

- Scissors. Find a sharp pair before you start. Paper that tears halfway across a sheet rarely tears in the direction you had in mind.

- String, ribbon or twine. Check you have enough to go round the larger parcels and still tie a bow.

- Gift tags and a pen. Write the tag as soon as you wrap each present. Six parcels in identical paper can turn into quite the guessing game.

- Gift bags and tissue paper. Handy for awkward shapes. A mug with a handle can make surprisingly short work of a sheet of wrapping paper.

- Christmas cards, envelopes and stamps. Make a list of who’s getting a card, check you have their current addresses and look up Royal Mail’s last posting dates if you’re sending cards by post.

Wrap the big ones first

Start with the biggest presents while you still have full sheets of paper. Save the offcuts for books, small boxes and stocking fillers. If you’re posting a present, set aside a sturdy outer box, something to cushion the contents and a roll of parcel tape as well.

And if you’re tempted to leave everything until Christmas Eve, try wrapping a few presents now. You’ll soon discover whether you’re short of paper, tags or ribbon, with time to do something about it.

After all, there’s only so much festive cheer you can get out of a roll of black insulation tape.

Will They Love It After Christmas? The Lucky Cat Test

A noisy solar-powered lucky cat inspires a humorous Christmas gift guide to choosing presents people will still enjoy in January.

My wife and I indulged in a spot of self-gifting recently  and bought ourselves a solar-powered Chinese lucky cat for our conservatory. 

It’s lovely. A little solar cell powers its waving arm, so whenever there’s enough daylight, the cat sits there cheerfully waving away, and, according to ancient legends, dispensing good luck with every wave of its paw..

There’s just one thing. It’s so darn noisy!

Imagine a super-powered demented grandfather clock. Now imagine it’s discovered renewable energy.

It’s quite something to buy a present for yourself and still manage to surprise the recipient. We knew what it looked like, where we’d put it and how the waving arm worked. The one question neither of us thought to ask was, “Will we be able to read the paper next to it?”

Which brings me to the Christmas presents we send other people. It’s easy to picture someone opening a gift and saying, “Oh, how lovely!” The trick is to picture them on a perfectly ordinary Tuesday in January, when the wrapping’s in the recycling and the gift has moved in.

Give it the January test

A set of enormous gin glasses might delight someone who loves a G&T. It might also leave them wondering which of their existing possessions has to move out of the cupboard. A kitchen gadget sounds ideal for a keen cook until you discover they’ve already got one and use it to prop the door open.

And if you’re buying something that moves, sings or flashes, read a few reviews. I’d pay particular attention to phrases such as “you get used to it” and “the children think it’s hilarious”. If it’s a gift for a child, ask yourself whether the parents will still be speaking to you by Boxing Day.

If you’re stuck, think about something the recipient already enjoys. A bag of coffee from their favourite roaster or a box of the chocolates they always pick first can feel surprisingly personal. And when you’reguessing at a size or colour, tuck in a 

gift receipt. It gives them an easy way to swap it without having to ask you where it came from.

As for our lucky cat, I’m still rather fond of it. I just never thought I’d sit in the conservatory on a British winter’s day and hope for a bit more cloud. Or perhaps build a tiny cover for his solar cell?

A noisy solar-powered lucky cat inspires a humorous Christmas gift guide to choosing presents people will still enjoy in January.

A FOREO Toothbrush Might Be Their Best Christmas Gift This Year

Could a FOREO ISSA 4 plus sonic toothbrush be their best Christmas gift? Here’s why it could delight someone who takes their dental routine seriously.

A toothbrush under the Christmas tree? For someone who takes their teeth seriously, a FOREO sonic toothbrush could be the present they’re still pleased to have opened come next Christmas.

We all know someone who packs their electric toothbrush for a single night away and has a spare brush head ready before the old one has worn out. You could buy them another box of chocolates, of course. 

But if they’ve had their eye on an upgrade, there’s a fair chance the toothbrush will get more use than anything else you put under the tree.

I bought a FOREO toothbrush for myself and, to be honest, it’s a game changer. Using one is what convinced me it could be a cracking Christmas present for someone who takes their dental routine seriously.

What makes the FOREO ISSA 4 plus different?

The ISSA 4 plus has a replaceable head that combines silicone and polymer bristles. Turn the head over and there’s a textured surface for cleaning the tongue and cheeks. The brush also has a lower-intensity setting for anyone who prefers a gentler feel, and a timer that prompts you to move on to the next quarter of your mouth. 

Those are the sorts of details a keen brusher is likely to appreciate long after the novelty of a new gadget has worn off.

Then there’s the battery. FOREO says the ISSA 4 plus can run for up to 365 days on one USB charge. Even if your recipient ends up charging it sooner, the prospect of packing the brush for a weekend away without having to fish out the charging cable is appealing. It comes with a travel pouch, too.

Make it feel like a Christmas present

A toothbrush is quite a personal gift, so I’d give one to someone who enjoys a good bathroom gadget or has already mentioned wanting a new electric brush. If you want to make a little more of it, wrap it with a compatible spare head and a washbag they can take on their next trip.

And yes, I’d still put a chocolate orange in their stocking. It is Christmas, after all. The chocolate orange will probably be gone by Boxing Day. The FOREO could be the gift they use every morning and night until it’s time to put the tree up again. That’s a pretty good case for calling it their best present of the year.

Could a TENS Machine Make a Good Christmas Gift?

Earlier today I was using a TENS machine to help ease the pain in a muscle in my lower back. As I lay on my stomach, a thought occurred to me: “TENS machines would make excellent gifts this Christmas.”

Admittedly, a little box with sticky pads is an unlikely candidate for the Christmas gift guide. But I’ve always liked presents that earn their place in the house once the decorations come down. 

If someone on your list already uses TENS and would welcome a machine of their own, or has been advised by a healthcare professional to try one, it could be a thoughtful gift.

What does a TENS machine do?

TENS stands for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. The machine sends a mild electrical current through pads that stick to the skin. You feel a tingling sensation, and for some people it can temporarily ease certain types of pain. The NHS says it doesn’t work for everyone, so it's always useful to check with a medical professional.

What to look for when buying one

I’d look for clear instructions, controls that are easy to read and adjust, and replacement pads you can buy without having to hunt for them. Check what’s in the box, too. A spare set of compatible pads is a practical extra, and it’s worth checking whether the unit takes batteries or comes with a charger. The NHS advises choosing a device with a CE or UKCA mark.

I’d also ask before buying. The NHS advises checking with a healthcare professional before trying TENS, especially if the cause of the pain is unclear. People with a pacemaker or epilepsy should avoid using it, and anyone who is pregnant should use it only if their doctor or midwife advises them to. 

For someone who already knows TENS suits them, I’d happily wrap one up. And if they’ve got a machine they like, a pack of the pads they actually use could make a rather good stocking filler.

Could a TENS machine make a thoughtful Christmas gift? Here’s who might welcome one and what to look for, from clear controls to replacement pads.

TENS machines can cost anything from £30 to over £100 and are available at Boots, Amazon and other retailers.

Fine Wine, Beautifully Mapped: A Christmas Gift to Treasure

A beautiful map can open up a whole new way of looking at a favourite place – and these remarkable Bordeaux vineyard prints do exactly that for wine lovers.

Created with award-winning wine writer Jane Anson, they combine elegant cartography with specialist insight into the vineyards, soils and landscapes that help shape some of the world’s most celebrated wines.

Expanded from the maps produced for Anson’s acclaimed Inside Bordeaux, the prints bring together information that was presented separately in the book. Each view shows château locations alongside appellation boundaries, topography, streams and the soils and geology beneath the vines. 

The result is both a striking piece of wall art and a practical reference for anyone who enjoys learning more about what is in the glass.

The maps cover the contrasts that make Bordeaux so fascinating: the limestone and clay soils of Saint-Émilion, Pomerol and neighbouring appellations, and the gravel terraces of the Médoc. They also encourage wine enthusiasts to look beyond the best-known estates and explore places with exceptional potential, including areas that may be less familiar to many drinkers.

Behind the detail is years of research and expertise. Anson worked with Professor Kees van Leeuwen and the specialist publishing and cartography team at Segrave Foulkes to create maps that give a distinctive perspective on Bordeaux’s terroir.

Anson says the prints can reveal how the high-quality limestone plateau of Saint-Émilion extends into nearby Castillon, Francs, Côtes de Saint-Émilion and Fronsac. She also finds the maps useful when hosting tastings, helping people see how differences in soil around Pomerol and Saint-Émilion can help explain the distinctions between wines such as Lalande-de-Pomerol and Montagne-Saint-Émilion.

That combination of beauty and insight makes these maps a thoughtful Christmas present for the wine enthusiast who enjoys more than simply opening a bottle. They can deepen appreciation of familiar favourites, inspire new discoveries and provide a fascinating talking point at home or during a tasting.

Each 70 x 50cm print comes with detailed background notes and is available from janeanson.com, priced at £81 or €95. For a collector, a keen Bordeaux drinker or someone who loves beautiful maps, it is a special gift to enjoy well beyond Christmas.

Jane Anson Bordeaux Maps Christmas Gift https://janeanson.com

SantasNote for Your Children

What is Santasnote? It's a personalised letter from Santa plus a Nice List certificate, sent as a printable PDF. 

Parents share a few details about their child, and the letter uses those details to personalise the letter.

It costs $7.99. Same day by email; orders after 9 PM ET arrive the next morning. Also in Spanish and as a Reyes Magos letter. An advantage is that there's no postage delays, because families print it at home.

https://santasnote.com.

Caroline Hirons’ Skin Rules: expert advice you can trust. And a Wonderful Christmas Gift

Looking for a thoughtful Christmas gift? Caroline Hirons’ Skin Rules offers clear, practical skincare guidance, and gets a glowing recommendation from my wife.

Finding a Christmas present that will be used and appreciated long after the decorations come down can be a challenge. 

But when I asked my wife what she thought of Caroline Hirons’ book Skin Rules: Expert Advice That You Can Trust, her answer was immediate: “Every home needs a copy of this book. I rate it that highly.” That is quite an endorsement.

Caroline Hirons is a skincare expert and bestselling author, known for making skincare easier to understand. Skin Rules is a no-nonsense guide to modern skincare, designed to help readers make more confident choices and see through the noise of beauty marketing.

The book explores how skin can be affected by different stages of life and changing hormones. It also looks at nutrition, GLP-1s and common skincare myths, alongside advice on where it may be worth investing in a routine. The aim is to help readers understand what they are choosing, rather than simply following the latest trend or buying every product that promises miraculous results. Caroline Hirons

That makes Skin Rules a thoughtful gift for anyone who enjoys skincare, but it could also suit somebody who feels overwhelmed by the shelves of lotions, serums and creams on offer. Clear, practical information can make it easier to work out what might be useful and what may simply be clever packaging and persuasive advertising.

It would make a welcome present for a partner, friend or family member who likes to look after their skin, or for someone ready to refresh their routine. And it is the sort of book that can be dipped into whenever a question comes up, making it a useful addition to the home bookshelf as well as a Christmas gift.

My wife’s verdict says it all: Skin Rules is not just another beauty book to leave unopened. She believes every home needs a copy, and rates it that highly. If you are looking for a present with lasting usefulness, Caroline Hirons’ expert skincare guide deserves a place on your Christmas list.

You can buy it here on the That's Christmas 365 online shop at £12.50 https://link.amazon/B0481iEGV

You can learn more about Caroline Hiron's skincare company at https://skinrocks.com

Snowflake Gelato’s Festive Snow Collection for Christmas 2026

Winter menus are beginning to fill with familiar festive favourites, but Snowflake Gelato is giving seasonal treats a playful twist. 

The company is adding three new creations to its Snow Collection: a chocolate-coated tiramisu gelato, a gingerbread matcha drink and a miniature chocolate-orange Christmas tree.

The new arrivals are part of The Little Gelato Cabinet, Snowflake’s boutique-inspired winter experience, where handcrafted frozen treats are presented as little edible showpieces. The Tiramisu Bean and Gingerbread Matcha launch on Friday 13 November. Frosted Fir is expected to follow during the week beginning 16 November.

Coffee and chocolate lovers may be tempted by the Tiramisu Bean. Made to look like an oversized coffee bean, it has creamy tiramisu gelato beneath a chocolate coating. It brings together the flavours of the much-loved Italian dessert in a fun format that looks ready for a place in a festive display.

For a warming seasonal drink, Gingerbread Matcha adds gingerbread flavour to Snowflake’s matcha offering. It is a festive take on the matcha ritual, combining the distinctive drink with a familiar winter spice.

Frosted Fir is a miniature Christmas tree made from chocolate-orange gelato, dipped in chocolate and individually hand-painted. 

Designed as a festive centrepiece, it sounds almost too charming to eat, though the chocolate and citrus combination may make that decision easier!

Snowflake says each creation is made one by one by its team of skilled Italian gelato chefs. 

The treats use artisan gelato, organic Jersey milk and cream, while their chocolate shells and decorative finishes give each one its own character.

“We love taking familiar flavours and turning them into something unexpected,” Asad Khan, founder and CEO of Snowflake Gelato told That's Christmas 365. 

He describes the Tiramisu Bean and Frosted Fir as treats that look almost too good to eat, adding that Christmas is a good excuse to have fun with gelato.

Snowflake Gelato was founded in 2012 and is known for its handcrafted gelato and imaginative treats, including earlier Snow Collection flavours such as Snow Mango and Snow Peach.

The Tiramisu Bean and Gingerbread Matcha are due in participating Snowflake Gelato stores across the UK from 13 November, with Frosted Fir following in the week starting 16 November. Availability may vary between locations, so check with your local store before making a special trip.

snowflakegelato.co.uk

From Five Farms Irish Cream Liqueurs to Your Christmas Drinks Table, or as Gifts for Special People

Consumers may be keeping a closer eye on spending this Christmas, but that doesn't mean they're willing to compromise on quality.

Crafted in County Cork using cream sourced exclusively from five family-owned farms and blended with 10x more Irish whiskey than the usual supermarket brands, Five Farms offers the kind of craftsmanship and provenance typically associated with far higher price points. 

Its distinctive milk churn-inspired bottle design also gives it strong shelf appeal, making it a gift that feels special from the moment it's unwrapped.

Whether for foodies, festive hosts or anyone who appreciates a premium pour, Five Farms is a standout addition to any under £30 Christmas gift guide.

Five Farms 70cl is available from Mole Valley Farmers, Ocado, Selfridges, Master of Malt, Amathus and Amazon, with prices starting from £27.00.

You can learn more here https://fivefarmsirishcream.com

You can also buy it from our Amazon-affiliate That's Christmas 365 online shop https://link.amazon/B04afSGhd where we can earn a modest fee.

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.