Thursday, 30 July 2026

Amplify will be the key wellness gift for women for Christmas 2026 and beyond

Most wellness gifts offer a brief moment of calm before being used up, packed away or forgotten by New Year.

Amplify is different. Amplify is the 2026 Christmas present designed to offer comfort and joy long after the decorations come down.

Created by Scottish wellbeing mentor and “Joy Alchemist” Debbie Lucas, Amplify is a self-led wellbeing app for women who want to feel calmer, clearer and more connected to themselves, without turning wellness into another demanding routine.

Inside the app are guided meditations, subliminal audio, journal prompts, coaching, downloadable workbooks and Debbie’s Daily Joy Notes. 

Users can choose the support they need in that moment, whether they are navigating a difficult season, struggling with an overcrowded mind, rebuilding their self-worth or trying to set stronger boundaries.

Unlike apps built around rigid routines and guilt-inducing streaks, Amplify is intentionally designed to be dipped into whenever it is needed. It is a thoughtful gift for the mother, sister, friend or colleague who spends much of her life looking after everyone else.

Debbie told That's Christmas 365: “At Christmas, we often give women something lovely for the day, but what many really need is a place to exhale throughout the year. 

"Amplify gives them something they can return to when life feels noisy, overwhelming or out of balance. It is comfort and joy, not just for Christmas, but for the months that follow.”

To learn more and to source wonderful, helpful gifts for Christmas 2026 visit Debbie's site at https://debbielucas.me 

https://debbielucas.me/amplify and the cost is £27 a month or £279 for the year.

Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff or Ravenclaw? These gifts are designed for all young witches and wizards in your life

This Christmas our friends at Decathlon are inviting young wizards to bring a little magic into their everyday lives by launching an exclusive collection of products ranging from sportswear to clothing and accessories inspired by the world of Harry Potter.

Perfect for Christmas gifting, the collection brings together everything fans could wish for at affordable prices and with excitement continuing to build ahead of the highly anticipated new Harry Potter television series next year, Decathlon’s latest collection is set to be a must-have for fans this festive season.

The range spans everyday wardrobe essentials, fun accessories and standout gift items for Christmas stocking fillers and presents alike, making it easy to find something for everyone. So start planning your Christmas gift buying now!

Decathlon’s Must Have Gifts for Christmas:

Kids’ Harry Potter Hard-Wearing Playventure Multisport Shoes (£24.99)

Kids' Harry Potter Warm Fleece Hoodie (£19.99)

Warm Children's Harry Potter Fleece Jogging Bottoms (£13.99)

Adjustable Harry Potter Velvet Cap (£11.99)

Harry Potter Long-Sleeved Top (£9.99)

Domyos Harry Potter Kids’ Knitted Hat (£9.99)

Kids' Mid-Calf Socks Harry Potter (£9.99)

The collection will continue to grow and expand with a wider range of apparel and outdoor play products arriving next year.

New additions will include warm-weather outfits like caps, belt bags, shorts and t-shirts, alongside outdoor activity-led products such as cornhole sets, flying discs and beach rackets, ensuring the magic stays alive season after season.

The collection launches in Decathlon stores and online at www.decathlon.co.uk from July 2026.

Got a Christmas Product or Service to Shout About? We'd Love to Hear From You!

Christmas may still seem a little way off, but here at That's Christmas 365, the festive season never really ends. 

We're already on the lookout for the latest and greatest Christmas gifts, festive food, seasonal drinks, decorations, experiences and everything else that helps make the most wonderful time of the year even more magical.

If you're a business launching a new Christmas product, planning a festive campaign, or simply have something you think our readers would love, we'd be delighted to hear from you.

Throughout the year we feature a wide range of Christmas-related products and ideas, including:

Christmas gifts for all ages

Festive food and drink

Hampers and gourmet treats

Christmas books, games and toys

Decorations and home accessories

Christmas events and attractions

Charitable Christmas initiatives

Sustainable and eco-friendly festive products

Stocking fillers and luxury gifts

Advent calendars and seasonal experiences

Our aim is simple, to inspire our readers with fresh ideas while helping great businesses connect with people looking for something special for Christmas.

Whether you're an independent artisan, a family business, a growing online retailer or a well-known national brand, we're always happy to discover products that deserve a place on our pages.

If you have press releases, product information, high-quality images, review samples or news about an upcoming festive launch, please get in touch. The earlier we hear from you, the more opportunity there is for your products to be featured as part of our Christmas coverage.

We also welcome opportunities to work with PR agencies, marketing teams and independent creators who have exciting festive stories to tell.

Every Christmas is different, and our readers are always searching for unique gift ideas, delicious festive treats and memorable experiences. Your product could be exactly what they're looking for.

So if you've got something festive to showcase, don't keep it under wraps!

Get in touch today and let That's Christmas 365 help spread a little festive cheer by putting your Christmas products in front of our growing audience of Christmas lovers throughout the UK and beyond.

We can't wait to discover what you've got planned for this Christmas!

You can email us at afj_uk@yahoo.com and we'll take it from there. And the good part? We generally don't charge for our services.

Wednesday, 29 July 2026

Keel Toys' Eco-Friendly Recycled Cuddly Toys Are Perfect Christmas Gifts

Discover why Keel Toys' Keeleco recycled cuddly toys are thoughtful, eco-friendly Christmas gifts that combine sustainability with timeless festive charm.

Christmas is a magical time for giving, and few presents bring as much instant joy as a beautiful soft, cuddly toy. Whether it's tucked under the Christmas tree, peeping out of a stocking or waiting to be discovered on Christmas morning, wrapped in eco-friendly wrapping paper, a plush companion is a gift that often becomes a treasured friend for years.

If you're looking for a present that combines festive charm with environmental responsibility, the Keeleco range from Keel Toys deserves a place on your Christmas shopping list.

Keel Toys has been delighting families for generations, but in recent years the British company has taken a major step towards sustainability with its award-winning Keeleco collection. Rather than relying on newly manufactured polyester, every Keeleco cuddly toy is made and filled using 100% recycled polyester created from discarded plastic waste, helping to give thousands of plastic bottles a second life. In fact, around ten recycled 500ml plastic bottles can provide enough fibre to produce an 18cm soft toy.

The company's commitment goes far beyond the cuddly toy itself. FSC-certified card is used for the swing tags, cotton replaces plastic fasteners, and recycled cartons sealed with paper tape help reduce unnecessary waste throughout the supply chain. 

Keel Toys has also invested in greener manufacturing and transport, with solar panels at its UK headquarters, electric vehicles and factories certified to recognised environmental standards.

Of course, being environmentally friendly would count for little if the toys weren't irresistibly huggable. Fortunately, the Keeleco range is wonderfully soft, beautifully designed and available in an enormous variety of animals. From adorable puppies and kittens to woodland creatures, dinosaurs, sea life and safari favourites, there's something to delight children, and quite a few adults too.

A cuddly toy is often much more than a toy. It becomes a bedtime companion, a comfort during difficult moments, a travelling buddy on family holidays and sometimes even a keepsake that survives well into adulthood. Choosing one made from recycled materials allows parents and grandparents to give a gift that offers comfort while also encouraging conversations about caring for the planet.

For many families, Christmas is increasingly about buying fewer, better-quality presents that will be loved rather than quickly forgotten. A Keeleco soft toy fits that philosophy perfectly. It combines quality craftsmanship, timeless appeal and a genuine effort to reduce environmental impact without compromising on softness or character.

If you're hoping to put a smile on someone's face this Christmas while making a slightly greener choice, Keel Toys has shown that sustainability and festive magic really can go hand in hand.

For more information and to explore the full Keeleco collection, visit Keel Toys https://www.keeltoys.com

Whilst out on a walk in our county town we saw a Keel rabbit, so I bought him for my wife and later that evening my wife said: "I think we need to write about this rabbit and the other toys Keel makes as they are really very eco-friendly." So, here we are.

Sunday, 19 July 2026

Elizabeth Arden Blue Grass: A Timeless Christmas Gift for Every Generation

Looking for a classic Christmas gift? Discover why Elizabeth Arden Blue Grass perfume remains a timeless festive present, combining elegance, nostalgia and excellent value.

Some Christmas gifts are enjoyed for a season, while others become treasured traditions. 

One fragrance that has quietly earned its place among the classics is Elizabeth Arden Blue Grass, a perfume that has delighted generations and continues to prove that timeless elegance never goes out of fashion.

If you're searching for a thoughtful Christmas present for someone who appreciates classic fragrances, Blue Grass deserves a place on your festive shopping list.

Originally introduced in 1934, Blue Grass has remained one of Elizabeth Arden's most enduring perfumes. While countless fragrances have come and gone over the decades, this beautifully balanced scent continues to attract loyal fans thanks to its fresh, floral character and unmistakable sophistication.

Blue Grass opens with bright citrus notes before revealing a heart of lavender, rose, jasmine, lily and geranium. As it settles, warm woods, musk and spices create a comforting finish that feels both elegant and reassuring. The result is a fragrance that manages to be light enough for everyday wear while still feeling special enough for festive occasions.

One of the reasons Blue Grass makes such a lovely Christmas gift is its versatility. It suits a wide range of ages and styles, making it an ideal present for mums, grandmothers, aunts, sisters or friends. Many people also associate it with cherished memories, as it has been worn by generations of women, meaning a bottle can evoke warm feelings of Christmases past and family traditions.

Unlike many premium perfumes that now carry eye-watering price tags, Blue Grass remains remarkably affordable. That means you can give a luxurious, well-known fragrance without stretching your Christmas budget. It also makes an excellent stocking filler or Secret Santa gift when paired with matching body lotion or dusting powder, if available.

The elegant blue packaging also feels wonderfully festive. Wrapped beneath the Christmas tree alongside other carefully chosen presents, it has an understated charm that reflects the perfume inside.

For younger fragrance lovers, Blue Grass offers something refreshingly different from today's sweeter, fruitier scents. Its refined floral bouquet provides an opportunity to discover a true perfume classic that has stood the test of time.

At That's Christmas 365, we love gifts that combine quality, nostalgia and genuine value. Elizabeth Arden Blue Grass ticks all three boxes. Whether you're introducing someone to this iconic fragrance for the first time or replacing a much-loved bottle that's almost empty, it's a gift that says you've chosen something with care.

Sometimes the best Christmas presents aren't the newest or the trendiest. They're the ones that continue bringing joy year after year.

For our family, Blue Grass carries a very personal story. My wife first discovered the fragrance through a much-loved aunt who always wore it. Whenever they met, the elegant floral scent became forever associated with warmth, kindness and happy family memories. 

Even as a young girl, she promised herself that one day, when she was grown up and earning her own money, she would buy a bottle for herself. True to her word, after receiving the second week's pay from her very first job, she treated herself to Elizabeth Arden Blue Grass

That bottle marked the beginning of a lifelong affection for the fragrance, and decades later it remains her favourite perfume. 

Every spray brings back treasured memories of her aunt while creating countless new ones of her own, making it much more than a perfume – it's a connection between generations and a reminder of how the most meaningful Christmas gifts often become part of a family's story.

Wednesday, 8 July 2026

An Ideal Christmas Gift? Pet Memorial Jewellery Offers Comfort as Families Remember Beloved Animals

A Brighton family business is helping pet owners treasure memories with handmade jewellery created from fur, whiskers and ashes while offering free bereavement support ahead of Pet Remembrance Day.

Remembering Our Beloved Pets in a Truly Personal Way

For many of us, pets are far more than companions. They are members of the family, sharing our homes, routines and celebrations throughout the year. Losing them can leave an enormous gap in our lives, making it only natural to seek meaningful ways to keep their memory close.

A family-run jewellery studio in Brighton is helping people do exactly that by transforming treasured pet fur, whiskers, feathers and even cremation ashes into handcrafted keepsakes designed to last a lifetime.

The inspiration for many of these pieces comes long before a pet reaches the end of its life. Suellen, from Utrecht, commissioned a ring and heart-shaped necklace using the fur of her much-loved Lhasa Apso, Arya, after the dog underwent surgery and needed a significant haircut.

"Arya has always had very long hair," Suellen explained. "After her recent surgery and grooming, I wanted to preserve some of it in a meaningful way. I love knowing I'll forever carry a little piece of her with me."

The jewellery is created by Brighton-based family business Fur & Forever, founded by Jack and Mel Lockyer after they struggled to find high-quality memorial jewellery following their own experience of pet loss. Today, the studio carefully handcrafts rings, necklaces and other keepsakes using only small amounts of sentimental material, with any unused fur, hair or ashes safely returned to the owner.

Ahead of Pet Remembrance Day on 5 July, the business has also launched a free Pet Loss Support Hub, offering practical guidance for families coping with the death of a beloved animal. The resource includes advice on the first days after a loss, dealing with feelings surrounding euthanasia, supporting grieving children and signposting trusted UK support organisations.

Jack Lockyer believes many people feel their grief is misunderstood. He told That's Christmas 365: "People sometimes feel they ought to be coping better because it was 'only a pet'. But for many families, the animal they have lost was part of the rhythm of every day."

His comments reflect growing research into pet bereavement. A 2026 study published in the journal PLOS One found that, among people who had experienced both the death of a close person and a cherished pet, more than one in five described the loss of their animal as their most distressing bereavement. Researchers also found levels of grief comparable with several forms of human bereavement.

Alongside creating meaningful keepsakes, Fur & Forever places a strong emphasis on sustainability, using recycled packaging, plantable wildflower paper and offering free repairs wherever possible. The company has also supported charities including Cats Protection through fundraising initiatives.

Here at That's Christmas 365, we know that Christmas memories are often made with our four-legged family members curled up beside the tree, joining festive walks or eagerly unwrapping their own presents. Their paw prints remain on our hearts long after they have gone, and thoughtful keepsakes like these can provide a comforting reminder of the love and joy they brought into our lives.

https://furandforever.com

https://furandforever.com/pages/pet-loss-support-uk

Saturday, 4 July 2026

Tuesday, 30 June 2026

Wednesday, 24 June 2026

Tuesday, 23 June 2026

Dumfries & Galloway Carnival Set for Spectacular Expansion in January 2027

(c) Stuart Walker
Winter celebrations in Scotland are about to get even brighter, with the announcement of a major expansion for the Dumfries & Galloway Carnival, which will return from 29–31 January 2027 as one of the country's largest free winter events.

Building on the success of previous community carnival projects and the popular Northern Lights programme, the expanded festival promises a magical mix of dazzling light installations, live music, street entertainment, family activities, food stalls and a spectacular town-centre carnival parade.

Taking place across Dumfries, the three-day celebration is expected to attract thousands of visitors from across the region and beyond, creating a vibrant winter showcase of creativity, culture and community spirit.

One of the highlights will be the Carnival Parade on Saturday 30 January at 5pm, when colourful floats, performers and community groups will make their way through the heart of Dumfries. The event will involve 26 schools from across Dumfries and Galloway, alongside local artists, volunteers and community organisations.

Schools from communities including Sanquhar, Moffat, Annan, Castle Douglas and Newton Stewart will begin workshops and rehearsals in September, embarking on a five-month creative journey leading up to the festival.

(c) Stuart Walker 
The announcement marks a significant new chapter for the organisation behind the event. Following the conclusion of the much-loved Big Burns Supper after an impressive 15-year run, organisers are now focusing on delivering larger-scale, community-led cultural experiences throughout the year.

Founder and Producer Graham Main said the growth of recent carnival projects had demonstrated a huge appetite for accessible, community-driven events.

He described Dumfries & Galloway Carnival as a celebration built by the people who take part in it, with everyone from schoolchildren and volunteers to artists and visitors helping to shape the experience.

Alongside the parade, visitors will be able to explore the Northern Lights Dumfries trail, featuring immersive installations and stunning light displays designed to transform the town centre into a magical winter wonderland.

Organisers believe the expanded format will encourage greater participation, strengthen community connections and provide new opportunities for people of all ages to engage with the arts.

For Christmas and winter festival lovers, the event offers another reason to extend the festive season beyond December. With sparkling lights, family-friendly entertainment and a strong sense of community, Dumfries & Galloway Carnival looks set to become a cherished winter tradition for Scotland.

The free event runs from 29–31 January 2027, with the Carnival Parade taking place in Dumfries town centre on Saturday 30 January at 5pm.