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.

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