Handmade Crochet Gifts and More with a Personal Touch

When so many Christmas decorations and gifts are made in their thousands, something created by hand has a special appeal.

Each stitch takes time and care, and the finished piece feels personal in a way that mass-produced items rarely do.

Crochet artist Kathy Gagliardi, whose work is associated with KJHDesigns, makes handmade crochet items and patterns for people who appreciate the beauty of traditional craft. 

Her designs include shawls and blankets, alongside other crocheted creations that turn yarn into lovely textures and shapes.

Crochet may be an age-old skill, but it has found a fresh audience. Many people are taking up crafts such as crochet, knitting and sewing for the pleasure of making something themselves. Others enjoy finding distinctive handmade pieces created by independent makers. Either way, there is growing appreciation for the time, imagination and skill behind each finished item.

Gifts made one stitch at a time

Crochet is a patient craft. A shawl or blanket can take many hours to complete, with every stitch carefully worked and the pattern and tension kept consistent. The result is more than a useful or decorative object: it is a piece made with attention and care.

That makes crochet a natural fit for Christmas gifting. A cosy shawl could make a thoughtful present for someone who loves to wrap up warmly. A soft blanket might be treasured by a new parent, while crocheted decorations can bring a handmade touch to the festive home. These are gifts to use, enjoy and keep for years.

Supporting independent makers

Buying from a small craft business can mean supporting an individual maker and helping traditional skills continue. It also gives you the chance to choose something with character, rather than another present from a production line.

Kathy’s crochet work is a reminder that Christmas gifts do not need to be flashy or mass-produced to feel special. A handmade piece brings its own story: the maker’s creativity, the hours spent creating it and the thought behind choosing it for someone.

For a season centred on warmth and generosity, that personal touch can mean a great deal.

To find out more about Kathy Gagliardi’s work, visit her Facebook page Handmade Crochet Gifts with a Personal Touch

When so many Christmas decorations and gifts are made in their thousands, something created by hand has a special appeal. Each stitch takes time and care, and the finished piece feels personal in a way that mass-produced items rarely do.

Crochet artist Kathy Gagliardi, whose work is associated with KJHDesigns, makes handmade crochet items and patterns for people who appreciate the beauty of traditional craft. Her designs include shawls and blankets, alongside other crocheted creations that turn yarn into lovely textures and shapes.

Crochet may be an age-old skill, but it has found a fresh audience. Many people are taking up crafts such as crochet, knitting and sewing for the pleasure of making something themselves. Others enjoy finding distinctive handmade pieces created by independent makers. Either way, there is growing appreciation for the time, imagination and skill behind each finished item.

Gifts made one stitch at a time

Crochet is a patient craft. A shawl or blanket can take many hours to complete, with every stitch carefully worked and the pattern and tension kept consistent. The result is more than a useful or decorative object: it is a piece made with attention and care.

That makes crochet a natural fit for Christmas gifting. A cosy shawl could make a thoughtful present for someone who loves to wrap up warmly. A soft blanket might be treasured by a new parent, while crocheted decorations can bring a handmade touch to the festive home. These are gifts to use, enjoy and keep for years.

Supporting independent makers

Buying from a small craft business can mean supporting an individual maker and helping traditional skills continue. It also gives you the chance to choose something with character, rather than another present from a production line.

Kathy’s crochet work is a reminder that Christmas gifts do not need to be flashy or mass-produced to feel special. A handmade piece brings its own story: the maker’s creativity, the hours spent creating it and the thought behind choosing it for someone.

For a season centred on warmth and generosity, that personal touch can mean a great deal.

To find out more about Kathy Gagliardi’s work, visit her Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/gagliardi1957

Send a Christmas eCard and Support Clean Water and Menstrual Hygiene

Christmas greetings can do more than spread festive cheer this year. A new collaboration between Hope Spring eCards and SuS Pads is bringing charity Christmas cards to SuS Pads’ recently launched eCards platform, giving supporters a way to send seasonal wishes while contributing to causes that matter.

The partnership combines Hope Spring’s experience in designing digital greeting cards with SuS Pads’ aim of developing new ways to support its work. 

Hope Spring designers will create a collection of Christmas eCards for SuS Pads, which will offer them to its supporters. Proceeds will help fund the organisations’ charitable activities.

Hope Spring supports access to clean water in underserved communities. SuS Pads works to address period poverty through menstrual hygiene education and reusable pad training. Both organisations’ work connects with Sustainable Development Goal 6, which focuses on clean water and sanitation.

Access to clean water and menstrual hygiene is closely linked to health, dignity and opportunity. The partnership gives the charities a chance to introduce more people to these issues, while showing how practical collaboration can help strengthen fundraising.

“Christmas is a time when people naturally think about helping others,” Lolade Aderibigbe, a spokesperson for Hope Spring eCards told That's Christmas 365. 

“Through this collaboration, we want to demonstrate how something as simple as sending an eCard can contribute to a wider charitable purpose.”

For SuS Pads, working with experienced designers will help it build its new digital greetings service and develop a Christmas collection for its community. Director Boluwatife Olorunfemi said the partnership reflects the value of working together towards shared goals. She added that the charity is excited to offer eCards as another way for supporters to engage with its mission and contribute to positive change.

A charity Christmas card can be a thoughtful alternative to a traditional card, particularly for friends and family who appreciate a present with a purpose. It lets you share a festive message and, at the same time, help sustain work that continues long after the decorations have been put away.

Supporters are invited to visit the SuS Pads eCards platform and look out for the new Christmas designs. You can also explore Hope Spring’s Christmas eCards to find greetings that support clean water projects.

Whether you are sending a card to a friend, a relative or a colleague, choosing a charitable eCard is a small seasonal gesture that can help support lasting change.

https://ecards.hopespring.org.uk/christmas-ecards

From a 10-Year-Old’s Idea to a Christmas Game for the Whole Family

A fast-paced fantasy card game dreamed up by a 10-year-old is now making its way into shops, giving families a lively new game to add to their Christmas wish lists.

Laurie Buchanan was just 10 when he designed Wizerds, Warriors, & Werewolves. Now 15, he is seeing his creation reach players around the world, with the game published by Tycoon Games and available in the United States. It is due to launch in the UK and Europe soon.

For Christmas shoppers looking for a present that brings everyone to the table, this fantasy card-battling game promises a lot of adventure in a compact package.

Set in the magical realm of Entaria, players use Action Cards and their Champions’ special abilities to take on rivals, survive monsters and werewolves, and try to become the last Champion standing.

Laurie wanted to create a “take-that” fantasy game filled with action and mischief. His goal, as he explains in the rulebook, was to make playing feel like “epic wizard mayhem” in just 15 to 20 minutes. That short playing time could make it a handy choice for family gatherings, while the rules are recommended for players aged eight and above.

Laurie’s love of games began early. He had been playing with his family since he was four, and his childhood idea has since travelled well beyond the playtesting table. The game has appeared at Gen Con in the United States and UK Games Expo, and Laurie is set to demonstrate it to an international audience at SPIEL Essen in Germany, on the Tycoon Games booth, 5A110.

Dan, founder of Tycoon Games, says his first game brought back the “pure, unbridled joy of silly fun adventures around the table.”

Laurie is thrilled that the publisher is helping him share his game with players worldwide. For him, designing games is a way to channel his creativity, and he hopes his ideas will help people feel good and make happy memories together.

With room for two to eight players, an age recommendation of eight-plus and a playing time of around 20 minutes, Wizerds, Warriors, & Werewolves could make a spirited Christmas gift for families, friends and tabletop gaming fans. Its journey from a 10-year-old’s idea to an international release is an inspiring reminder that big creative adventures can begin at any age.

Game details: Wizerds, Warriors, & Werewolves, published by Tycoon Games. Two to eight players, ages eight and up, approximately 20 minutes. MSRP: $25. More information is available at TycoonGames.com.

That's Food and Drink: Will Your Roast Dinner Be Ruined By a Blunt Knife?

That's Food and Drink: Will Your Roast Dinner Be Ruined By a Blunt Knife?: One in four Brits (24%) are struggling with roast dinners because of blunt knives, new research reveals.  It not only makes carving, choppin...

Personalised Christmas Gift to Keep for Years, courtesy of Custtom

Some Christmas presents are enjoyed for a moment and then forgotten. 

A personalised photo print can be different: it turns a favourite photograph into something special to display at home, bringing back a happy memory long after the decorations have come down.

Custtom is a UK personalised photo print brand offering wall art and home décor made with your own photos. 

The company says it has sold more than five million canvases, has a 4.9 rating on Trustpilot and delivers orders within five working days. Its products also come with a lifetime guarantee.

That combination of personal and practical makes photo prints a lovely gift idea. You could choose a family photograph, a treasured holiday memory, a favourite picture of a pet or a special moment from the year. 

The result is a present chosen with someone in mind, rather than another item that may be put away and forgotten.

There is a range of personalised prints and home décor to explore, so you can look for something that suits the recipient and the space they have at home. Browse the collection at custtom.co.uk.

If you’re looking for a thoughtful Christmas present with a personal touch, a photo print could be a gift they’ll enjoy seeing on their wall for years to come.

On the left is a montage we are having printed by Custtom.

VQ Launches Laura Ashley Digital Air Fryer in Iconic China Rose Print

Are you thinking of buying something different, elegant and highly functional for the home chef in your life this Christmas? That's Christmas 365 has found exactly what you want.

Elegant British design meets versatile, healthy cooking in a 4.5L digital air fryer featuring a hand-applied Laura Ashley floral print, intuitive LED controls, multiple cooking functions, and a non-stick basket

VQ, a British lifestyle brand known for marrying classic artisanship with smart design, proudly announces the launch of its latest kitchen innovation, the VQ x Laura Ashley China Rose Digital Air Fryer. This is not your average countertop gadget. 

Wrapped in Laura Ashley’s iconic China Rose floral print, and carefully applied by hand, no less, this air fryer proves that healthy cooking doesn’t have to look utilitarian. Priced at £99.99/$99.99 from Amazon and online at myvq.co.uk, this air fryer promises to be both a statement piece and a practical essential for any modern kitchen.

Behind the elegant façade lies a generous 4.5-litre capacity, making the Laura Ashley Digital Air Fryer perfect for preparing meals for the whole family or entertaining guests. Whether it's crispy chips, succulent chicken, or even baked treats, the air fryer’s rapid air circulation system ensures food is cooked quickly and evenly with little to no oil – delivering healthier results without compromising on flavour or texture. Its large capacity allows for fewer batches and more time spent enjoying meals, not preparing them.

Functionality sits at the heart of this stylish appliance. The digital control panel features a bright, easy-to-read LED display and a range of simple presets, making it effortless to fry, bake, grill, or roast with precision. Temperature settings can be adjusted between 35°C and 200°C, allowing cooks to fine-tune the process depending on the recipe. Whether following one of the ten delicious recipes included in the accompanying air fryer cookbook or experimenting with personal favourites, the appliance offers consistently reliable results.

Every detail of the design has been considered to elevate the user experience. The removable non-stick frying basket ensures hassle-free cleaning, while the intuitive digital interface and tactile buttons provide a smooth and satisfying interaction. At its core, the product is built to make home cooking quicker, cleaner, and more enjoyable, while enhancing kitchen aesthetics with its signature hand-applied Laura Ashley print.

This collaboration marks a continuation of the successful design partnership between VQ and Laura Ashley, uniting trusted British craftsmanship with the timeless appeal of one of the UK’s most celebrated heritage brands. The result is an appliance that’s as beautiful as it is functional — ideal for discerning consumers who value both performance and style.

The VQ x Laura Ashley China Rose Digital Air Fryer is available now at an RRP of £99.99/$99.99 through Amazon and online at myvq.co.uk.

Christmas Gifts for Pet Lovers. And Their Pets!

For millions of people, Christmas wouldn't be complete without including their pets in the celebrations.

Whether your household includes dogs, cats, rabbits, parrots or other much-loved companions, there are plenty of gift ideas for both animals and their owners.

Let's begin with the pets themselves.

Dogs might appreciate a durable new toy, a comfortable bed or a specially designed enrichment puzzle.

Cats often enjoy interactive toys, scratching equipment and places to climb or hide.

For parrots and other companion birds, suitable foraging toys and species-appropriate enrichment items can provide entertainment and mental stimulation.

However, safety must always come first.

Choose toys appropriate to the animal's size and species, avoiding anything that could be swallowed, become entangled or cause injury.

Christmas treats also require care. Chocolate, raisins, grapes and some other festive foods are dangerous for dogs and cats, whilst many human foods are unsuitable for other pets.

But what about presents for the humans?

Personalised pet portraits can make delightful gifts, particularly when created from a favourite photograph.

Other possibilities include pet-themed mugs, calendars, clothing, books and decorative items.

A professional photography session could provide a wonderful keepsake.

Practical presents are worth considering, too. Grooming equipment, storage containers and quality pet accessories can be both useful and appreciated.

For someone who has recently lost a beloved animal, a tasteful memorial gift may be meaningful, although sensitivity is essential.

At That's Christmas 365, we believe pets are an important part of family life.

Including them in Christmas celebrations can be great fun, provided their welfare remains the priority.

After all, the best Christmas present for any pet is a safe, comfortable home filled with care and affection.

The Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide for People Who Have Everything

We all know someone who seems impossible to buy for.

Whenever you ask what they'd like for Christmas, the response is invariably the same: "Oh, don't get me anything. I've already got everything I need!"

Helpful? Not particularly! Though I have to admit this does probably describe me!

But buying presents for these people doesn't have to be an impossible task.

The secret is to stop thinking exclusively about possessions.

Instead, consider experiences, consumable gifts and presents connected with personal interests.

An afternoon tea, theatre visit, museum membership or craft workshop might be far more welcome than another ornament gathering dust.

For someone who enjoys food, why not create a selection of unusual ingredients? Speciality oils, artisan sauces, regional cheeses or luxury biscuits can provide genuine pleasure.

Gardeners might appreciate unusual seeds, a specialist gardening book or a voucher for their favourite garden centre.

Book lovers can be surprisingly easy to please if you know their interests. A beautifully illustrated reference book or a volume about an obscure historical subject might be ideal.

Personalised gifts are another possibility, provided they're genuinely useful.

A notebook embossed with someone's initials, a framed photograph or a calendar featuring family pictures could be particularly meaningful.

Charitable gifts may also appeal to someone who prefers not to accumulate more possessions. Consider making a donation to a cause they support, with their agreement.

And never underestimate the value of your own time.

Offering to cook a special meal, organise a family outing or help with a project can mean far more than buying another gadget.

The important thing is to think about the recipient as an individual.

At That's Christmas 365, our advice is simple: when someone has everything they need, give them something they'll enjoy, remember or genuinely appreciate.

Christmas Presents That Bring Back Childhood Memories

Do you remember the excitement of opening your Christmas presents as a child?

Perhaps you received a train set, a doll's house, a construction kit or a board game that kept the whole family entertained.

Those memories can remain remarkably vivid, even decades later.

This Christmas, why not consider giving someone a present that takes them back to their childhood?

Retro toys and games have a special appeal because they combine entertainment with nostalgia.

Traditional wooden toys, model vehicles, spinning tops, puzzles and construction sets are still available, although modern versions sometimes differ from those we remember.

Classic board games are another excellent choice. Scrabble, Monopoly, Cluedo and chess have entertained generations of families.

For adults who remember their childhood Christmases particularly fondly, reproduction toys and vintage-inspired gifts can provide a wonderful surprise.

Music offers another possibility.

A collection of favourite songs from someone's teenage years, perhaps accompanied by a book about the performers, could make a thoughtful present.

Books themselves can also transport us backwards in time. Reprints of childhood favourites, annuals and illustrated stories may bring back memories of Christmas mornings long ago.

Of course, nostalgia isn't confined to toys.

Traditional sweets, old-fashioned decorations and classic Christmas films can all recreate something of the festive atmosphere of earlier decades.

If you're buying an older or collectible toy, check its condition and suitability. Vintage toys may not meet today's safety standards and are often better treated as display pieces.

What makes these gifts special isn't necessarily their monetary value.

It's the memories they unlock.

At That's Christmas 365, we'd love to know which Christmas present from your childhood you remember most fondly.

Was it something expensive and elaborate, or a simple gift that somehow became unforgettable?

Give the Gift of Good Sight This Christmas. A Present That Really Makes a Difference!

Christmas is a wonderful time for giving presents, but finding something genuinely useful, thoughtful and appreciated isn't always easy.

After all, how many pairs of socks, boxes of chocolates orThis year, why not consider giving someone a gift that could quite literally change the way they see the world?

An eye test, a new pair of glasses or contact lens vouchers could be one of the most thoughtful Christmas presents you ever give.

A Gift That's More Than Meets the Eye

Good eyesight is something many of us take for granted, until we begin to experience difficulties.

Perhaps someone you love has been struggling to read the small print on packaging, finding driving at night increasingly difficult or holding books and newspapers further away to make out the words.

Maybe they've been putting off buying new spectacles because of the expense, or their existing glasses have seen better days.

A voucher towards professional eye care could make an enormous difference.

And unlike some Christmas presents, it's something that could benefit the recipient every single day.

Eye Tests – A Present That Shows You Care

Regular eye examinations are important, not simply for checking whether someone needs spectacles, but because optometrists can also detect signs of potentially serious eye conditions.

Glaucoma, cataracts and certain changes associated with diabetes are among the conditions that may be identified during an examination.

Some people qualify for free NHS sight tests, depending on their age, circumstances and where they live in the UK. However, others must pay privately.

Giving someone a voucher for an eye examination, or offering to cover the cost, is a lovely way of encouraging them to look after their vision.

New Glasses Can Be a Real Confidence Booster

Spectacles aren't simply medical necessities. They're also fashion accessories and an important part of someone's appearance.

A stylish new pair of glasses can help someone feel more confident, more comfortable and happier with how they look.

Why not give a voucher towards a new pair of prescription spectacles, reading glasses or prescription sunglasses?

Many opticians offer a wide selection of frames, from traditional designs to contemporary styles.

The beauty of giving a voucher is that the recipient gets to choose something that suits their face, personality and prescription.

Don't Forget Contact Lens Wearers!

For people who prefer contact lenses, a contribution towards their next supply could be particularly welcome.

Contact lenses can represent a regular expense, especially for people using daily disposable lenses.

A voucher or prepaid contribution towards lenses, solutions or other essential supplies could be a very practical Christmas present.

Just make sure the voucher is suitable for the recipient's existing contact lens provider and prescription. Contact lenses should always be professionally fitted and prescribed.

A Particularly Thoughtful Gift for Older Relatives

For older family members, maintaining good vision can make a tremendous difference to everyday independence.

Being able to read, enjoy hobbies, recognise faces, watch television and move around safely all contribute to quality of life.

However, don't assume that someone needs an eye test or new glasses simply because they're getting older!

A discreet conversation beforehand can help establish whether a contribution towards eye care would be welcomed.

Where Can You Buy Eye Care Gift Vouchers?

It's worth asking your local independent optician or contacting larger optical retailers such as Specsavers, Boots Opticians or Vision Express to enquire about available gift cards, vouchers or payment arrangements.

Not every retailer offers vouchers covering eye examinations, prescription glasses or contact lenses, so always check the terms and conditions before purchasing.

You could also create a personalised Christmas gift certificate promising to pay towards an eye examination or new spectacles at an optician of the recipient's choice.

That might actually be the most flexible option of all!

Give Someone a Brighter Outlook This Christmas

At That's Christmas 365, we love presents that bring genuine pleasure, but we also appreciate gifts that make life better.

A new pair of glasses might help someone rediscover their love of reading. An eye examination might provide reassurance or identify a problem requiring attention. Contact lens vouchers might simply take some pressure off someone's household budget.

And isn't that what thoughtful Christmas giving should be about?

This Christmas, instead of buying another present that might spend its life gathering dust in a cupboard, consider giving someone something truly valuable.

The gift of clearer vision could help them enjoy not just Christmas Day, but every day of the coming year.

That's Christmas 365... celebrating thoughtful gifts, festive inspiration and the joy of giving all year round.

Why did I decide to write this post? I was sat waiting for my eye test in a high street optician and almost at the same time my wife and I hit on the idea that became the basis for this post!