The online source for all things Christmas
Tuesday, 22 September 2026
That's Food and Drink: Limoncello by Tea Towel: Possibly the Most Enterta...
That's Food and Drink: Limoncello by Tea Towel: Possibly the Most Enterta...: Recipes can turn up in the strangest places. My wife recently found this rather splendid tea towel bearing a recipe for homemade Limoncello....
Sunday, 20 September 2026
Is September Too Early to Start Preparing for Christmas?
So, naturally, some of us are starting to think about Christmas.
But is September simply far too early?
There are broadly two schools of thought. The first can probably be summed up by the wonderfully uncompromising philosophy: “If you can’t get Christmas things done in one day, they don't need to be done.”
Buy the presents, put up the decorations, purchase the food and get on with it. Preferably sometime around 23 December.
For people in this camp, seeing Christmas cards, wrapping paper and decorations appearing in the shops during September can provoke something approaching horror.
And, actually, there’s something rather appealing about their approach. Christmas shouldn’t become a four-month endurance event.
But here at That’s Christmas 365, we think there’s another way of looking at it.
Starting preparations in September doesn’t mean putting the tree up or serving mince pies for breakfast. It can simply mean spreading the workload, and the cost.
September is an excellent time to start making a Christmas present list. If you spot the perfect gift for somebody now, why wait until December to buy it?
It’s also a good opportunity to start looking for unusual presents from independent retailers, craft fairs, charity shops and small businesses. Leaving everything until the last minute often means settling for whatever happens to be available.
Early preparation is particularly useful if you make your own presents. Homemade jams, chutneys, knitted gifts, Christmas cakes, infused drinks, crafts and personalised decorations all take time.
There’s a financial argument, too. Buying a few presents during September, October and November can be much easier on the household budget than attempting to pay for Christmas almost entirely from December’s income.
You can also begin quietly putting aside non-perishable food and drink when you see genuine bargains.
However, we’d draw the line at allowing Christmas preparation to become a source of stress.
If your ideal Christmas really can be organised in one day, excellent. If you enjoy spending months planning presents, making decorations, preparing food and hunting for bargains, that’s excellent too.
Christmas should fit you – you shouldn’t have to fit Christmas.
So is September too early?
For putting the turkey in the oven, definitely.
For putting up the tree? We’ll let you argue about that one.
But for making lists, spreading the cost, finding interesting presents and enjoying a little anticipation?
We reckon September is just about perfect.
What about you? Are you already preparing for Christmas, or do you refuse to even think about it until December?
Thursday, 17 September 2026
Give a Young Music Fan the Popstar Treatment This Christmas
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
Wednesday, 16 September 2026
The Christmas Bouquet: Bring Fresh Festive Magic Straight to the Door with 123 Flowers
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.
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.
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.
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!
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
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
RRP £29.99
Age: 4+
Stockist: Amazon, Smyths, Hamleys and our own online affiliate shop, https://link.amazon/B0fKm4uHN
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+
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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.
Friday, 11 September 2026
With OGGS 2026 Christmas Range, Christmas is For Everyone
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
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.
Saturday, 5 September 2026
Christmas in September? When Is Too Early for the Shops to Deck the Halls?
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!
Friday, 4 September 2026
Christmas 2026 Gift Guides - Siren's 24-Beer Deluxe Advent Calendar Is the Perfect Place to Start
We believe we have found such a gift in the Siren Craft Brew beer advent calendar.
Siren Craft Brew's incredible beer advent calendar is absolutely jam-packed with 24 mouth-watering beers and extra special presents and is back for 2026.
Pre-orders are now open for the sensational gift that will excite the countdown to Christmas and begin a journey of exploration across beer styles with some Siren favourites, collaborations and limited edition beers.
Pre-orders will open on 14th September 2026.
Inside the 2026 Advent Calendar, you'll find 24 brewery-fresh beers, including some new treats alongside returning festive favourites, a festive glass and a bonus 25th door. Plus, there's:
Exclusive calendar surprise beers
A festive glass
Four limited edition Christmas cans
Bonus surprise behind door 25
Free guaranteed delivery by 1st December
As always, there are limited quantities of their advent Calendars available, when they are gone, they are really gone.
Is there a better way to celebrate the Festive season? We don't think so!
To get notified of the pre-order window, go to https://www.sirencraftbrew.com/products/beer-advent-calendar-2026
Thursday, 3 September 2026
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Wednesday, 26 August 2026
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Tuesday, 25 August 2026
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Monday, 24 August 2026
Send Christmas Cheer and Support Clean Water with Hope Spring’s Corporate Charity eCards
The Hereford-based organisation has expanded its festive range with dedicated corporate charity Christmas eCards, combining personalised seasonal greetings with fundraising for clean water, sanitation and hygiene projects.
Designed for businesses, charities and other organisations, the corporate collection includes professionally illustrated static cards alongside animated and video Christmas eCards. Greetings can be personalised with a company name and message, while businesses can also speak to the Hope Spring team about incorporating their logo and other branding.
Joshua Ojo, Manager at Hope Spring eCards, to That's Christmas 365: “Our digital Christmas eCards are designed to make festive greetings straightforward, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses that may not have the time or resources to organise large traditional Christmas card mailings.”
The digital approach certainly has some practical advantages during the busiest time of the year. Instead of buying cards, addressing envelopes and arranging postage, businesses can prepare their greetings online and send them by email or share them through WhatsApp.
Scheduled delivery also means Christmas messages can be prepared well ahead of the December rush.
Businesses can create different greetings for employees, customers, suppliers and other contacts, making it possible to tailor messages to each audience.
Importantly, the eCards also support Hope Spring, a UK-registered charity working to tackle water poverty. Money raised through the eCard platform contributes towards clean-water and hygiene projects in communities in Africa, including boreholes, wells, sanitation projects and hygiene education.
Hope Spring spokesperson Lolade Aderibigbe told us: “Small businesses often want to do something thoughtful at Christmas without adding another complicated job to an already busy December.”
For companies looking to reduce their reliance on physical Christmas cards, digital greetings also remove the need for printing, envelopes and postage.
There is something particularly appropriate about combining Christmas wishes with charitable fundraising. Businesses are already taking the time to say thank you to the people who have supported them throughout the year; Hope Spring’s approach gives those greetings an opportunity to support communities experiencing water poverty too.
For organisations starting their Christmas planning early, the new corporate collection offers another way to spread some festive goodwill, both to the people receiving the greeting and much further afield.
A Personalised Bedtime Story That Can Be Ready in Minutes From Little Dipper
Little Dipper is offering a charming solution: a storybook written and illustrated especially for the child who will receive it.
Rather than simply inserting a name into a standard story, Little Dipper creates the book around one particular child. Their first name, age and those small personal details that only family members know can all become part of the adventure, helping to make the finished story feel truly special.
The result is a personalised bedtime book in which the child becomes the star. For younger readers, there is something wonderfully exciting about hearing their own name in a story and recognising familiar details as the pages are read aloud.
What makes the service especially useful at Christmas is its speed. Little Dipper says the finished, print-ready PDF is normally delivered around ten minutes after an order is placed. At $14, it could be an appealing option for parents, grandparents, godparents, aunts, uncles and family friends looking for an affordable personalised present.
Because the book is delivered digitally, there is no need to wait for printing, packing or the Christmas post. Families can print it at home, use a local printing service or read it on a tablet or computer.
That makes it one of those rare personalised presents that could still rescue Christmas gift plans on 23 December. While many personalised products require several days or even weeks to arrive, Little Dipper creates the book that evening rather than promising delivery sometime after Christmas.
The digital format could also be particularly useful for families who live far apart. A completed story can be sent electronically to relatives elsewhere in the UK or overseas without worrying about international postage deadlines.
Little Dipper is inviting people to see the idea in action by replying with a child’s first name. The team says it will create a finished sample book free of charge and return it the same day, allowing families to see exactly what they would receive before ordering.
You can view a complete sample book and learn more about Little Dipper.
For anyone caught in the last-minute Christmas panic window, a personalised adventure created especially for a much-loved child could be a thoughtful gift, and a bedtime story the whole family will enjoy sharing.
Friday, 21 August 2026
Step Inside The Mythical Land Zoo A Magical New Book for Young Readers
Cambridgeshire children’s author Joanne Hutchinson launches The Mythical Land Zoo on 22 August 2026, introducing families to a collection of funny, lovable and completely impossible creatures.
Forget about lions, elephants and penguins. At this particular zoo, visitors can meet teacup-sized Gigglephants that sneeze confetti, Dreammuffs that snore clouds of candyfloss when disturbed and wonderfully dramatic Moopacas that take themselves very seriously as they strut along their own runway.
The Mythical Land Zoo forms part of Joanne’s growing Mythical Land story world, which also includes Og, Hagwitch and Hettie the Talking Yeti. Rather than being entirely separate stories, the books are connected through recurring characters, magical locations, strange creatures and new adventures.
Joanne told That's Christmas 365: “I wanted to create the sort of zoo children would invent themselves, somewhere completely ridiculous things are perfectly normal. A Gigglephant can be the size of a teacup, a Dreammuff can snore candyfloss and, of course, a Moopaca can believe it is the star of its own runway.”
The fun also continues beyond the printed page. The official Mythical Land website allows families to learn more about its characters, explore the expanding world and enjoy free children’s activities inspired by the stories. These resources give youngsters the opportunity to carry on playing, creating and imagining after the book has been closed.
Launching in both paperback and Kindle editions, The Mythical Land Zoo could make a charming Christmas gift for children who enjoy funny creatures, magical adventures and stories that celebrate the sheer joy of imagination. It could also be a lovely choice for a Christmas Eve book box or a festive family reading session.
The Mythical Land Zoo launches on 22 August 2026.
More information, character introductions and free activities are available from www.mythicalland.co.uk.
Thursday, 20 August 2026
The 12 Gifts of Christmas? 12 brilliant finds to bring something different to the Christmas home
The best homes are rarely the ones where everything matches. They are built over time, with useful things, beautiful things and the occasional find that simply makes you smile.
This edit brings together 12 pieces that deserve a closer look. There is technology for keeping houseplants alive, a wireless charger designed for the sofa, playful Italian glassware, very good olive oil, craft worth clearing an afternoon for and, yes, a corkscrew shaped like a salmon.
Anyone who has stood over a drooping houseplant wondering whether it needs more water, less water or an entirely different owner will understand the appeal of this.
Plant Parent uses three sensors and a WiFi hub to monitor soil moisture, light, temperature and humidity, providing plant-specific information to help you understand what is actually happening in the pot.
Three plants can be monitored at once, making it particularly useful for anyone whose collection has grown beyond the odd succulent on a windowsill. It takes away some of the guesswork without taking away the pleasure of looking after plants yourself.
There are plenty of chargers designed for desks and bedside tables. Far fewer acknowledge that the sofa is where many of us actually spend the evening with our phones. Krafted Couch is a fast wireless charger with a flexible silicone pad that sits neatly over the arm of a sofa, keeping the phone within reach while it charges. No stretching towards a plug socket or leaving it on the other side of the room.
It is MagSafe compatible, Qi2 certified and supplied with a two-metre charging cable. There are three colours, Deep Blue, Matcha and Latte, allowing it either to sit quietly against the upholstery or provide a deliberate contrast.
The nicest craft projects are often those that earn a permanent place in the home when they are finished.
This Crystal Art® kit creates a hanging butterfly decoration embellished with crystals and finished with hanging feathers. Everything required to complete it comes in the box, making it easy to settle down and start rather than discovering halfway through that another trip to the craft shop is required.
Once complete, hang it somewhere the light can reach it: beside a window, in a bedroom or in a conservatory.
Ichendorf Milano Blue Goose Tumbler, 350mlIchendorf Milano Glass Set of 6 Animal Tumblers | Buy online UK – Sous Chef UKDrinking Glasses | 80+ Handpicked Designs | Sous ChefIchendorf Milano Amber Turtle Coupe Glass, 250ml | Buy online UK – Sous Chef UKIchendorf Milano White Tail Cat Tumbler, 350mlIchendorf Milano Glass Lemon Tumbler, 300ml
If your glass cupboard is dominated by matching sets, Ichendorf Milano provides a persuasive argument for breaking ranks.
The Milanese brand is known for glassware that combines traditional craftsmanship with a wonderfully playful approach to design. Across the collection, delicate fruits, flowers, animals and other tiny forms appear within otherwise simple glasses.
There are tumblers, mugs, jugs and other pieces to discover, and there is no particular need for them to match. In fact, collecting different designs is rather the point.
They bring interest to an everyday glass of water and look particularly good grouped together on open shelving or across a summer table.
Wild Salmon in a Tin Corkscrew
A corkscrew is hardly the most exciting object in the kitchen drawer. A corkscrew disguised as a wild salmon and presented in its own tin is another matter.
There is something pleasingly eccentric about this one. It performs an entirely ordinary job while looking nothing like the utensil you expected to pull out when opening a bottle of wine. Leave it somewhere visible rather than consigning it to the back of the drawer. Practical kitchenware is allowed to have a sense of humour.
Olio Guglielmi Tales Terra Pregiata Extra Virgin Olive Oil in Gift Box, 500ml
There is everyday olive oil, and then there is the something special, a bottle kept within reach for finishing a plate just before it reaches the table.
Olio Guglielmi's Terra Pregiata belongs firmly in the latter camp. Produced in Puglia from native Coratina olives, it has an intense fruity character, with notes of almond, artichoke and tomato followed by the bitterness and peppery finish associated with the variety.
The Guglielmi family has been producing extra virgin olive oil for more than 60 years, and this is one to taste rather than simply cook with. Try it over grilled vegetables, meat, aged cheese, soup or pizza, or pour it into a shallow dish and give it nothing more complicated than very good bread.
Inspired by Edinburgh in spring, Paraffle's Cherry Blossom Hoop Kit captures one of the loveliest moments in the city's calendar.
The floral embroidery brings colour without becoming overly twee, while the included pattern and guidance make the project approachable for those still finding their way around a needle and thread. Finished in its hoop and displayed on a wall, shelf or gallery arrangement, it has the charm that comes from knowing somebody actually sat down and made it.
Botanical Rum Infusion Kit
A well-stocked drinks cupboard is all the more interesting when there is something in it you have made yourself.
This Botanical Rum Infusion Kit provides a selection of spices and botanicals for experimenting with different combinations at home. Add them to rum, adjust the ingredients and infusion time to taste, and eventually arrive at a house blend of your own.
It adds a little ceremony to the drinks trolley and provides an excuse to experiment beyond the usual bottle and mixer.
Cookut Miam Easy Pancake Shaker
Pancakes are simple. The collection of bowls, whisks, jugs and spoons they somehow leave behind is less appealing.
Cookut's Miam Easy Pancake Shaker pares the process back. Ingredients go directly into the shaker, are mixed inside and the batter is then poured straight into the pan.It means fewer utensils, less washing up and, perhaps most importantly on a slow weekend morning, less fuss between deciding you want pancakes and actually eating them.
We take more photographs than ever, yet remarkably few make it beyond the camera roll. Crystallise Me offers a rather different way to bring a favourite into the home, turning your own photograph into a personalised Crystal Art® canvas to complete by hand.
Choose a picture of the children, a wedding, holiday, favourite place or much-loved pet, then select from Vintage, Black & White or Pop Art. After uploading the image online, a personalised pattern is created to follow using the crystals supplied in the kit.
The mounted canvas, crystals and tools are all included. The result is personal without relying on the usual photo frame, and you have the pleasure of making it yourself.
There is a particular pleasure in doing something slowly when almost everything else in the day encourages us to hurry.
Paraffle's Bee Embroidery Kit is intended for beginners and includes what is needed to work through the design stitch by stitch. There is no requirement to arrive with years of needlework experience, just the willingness to give it a go.
Once finished, the bee can remain in its hoop and be hung straight on the wall. A few quiet hours well spent, with something tangible at the end of them.
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Serax Carte Blanche White & Black Ceramic Espresso Cup & Saucer, 90ml
The morning espresso may only last a few minutes, but that is no reason to drink it from an uninspiring cup.
This 90ml ceramic cup and saucer from Belgian design house Serax uses a restrained white and black palette with graphic detailing that gives it far more presence than its diminutive size might suggest. It is distinctive enough to leave on display beside the coffee machine, while remaining perfectly suited to everyday use. A small upgrade to a daily ritual.
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