Step Inside The Mythical Land Zoo A Magical New Book for Young Readers

If you are already searching for an imaginative Christmas present for a young reader, a wonderfully unusual new zoo is preparing to open its gates.

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.

Filled with humour, colour and playful ideas, the illustrated book has been created to make children laugh while encouraging them to use their imaginations. Who knows what peculiar animal might be waiting around the next corner?

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.”

She added that Mythical Land has grown far beyond a single story, creating a world in which there is always another character to meet, another place to explore and “another bit of nonsense” waiting to be discovered.

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.

The 12 Gifts of Christmas? 12 brilliant finds to bring something different to the Christmas home

From clever plant care and Italian glassware to good-looking tech, kitchen finds and pieces to make yourself, which will make ideal and interesting Christmas gifts.

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.

1. Plant Parent, £74.99 from PlantWithWillow.co.uk

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.

2. Krafted Couch, £39.99 from KraftedTech.com

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.

3. Boho Butterflies Crystal Art® Hanging Decoration Kit, £17.99 from CraftBuddyShop.com

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.

4. Ichendorf Milano Glassware, Various from £15.99 from SousChef.co.uk

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.

5. Wild Salmon in a Tin Corkscrew, £13.99 from SousChef.co.uk

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.

6. Olio Guglielmi Tales Terra Pregiata Extra Virgin Olive Oil in Gift Box, 500ml, £29.99 from SousChef.co.uk

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.

7. Cherry Blossom Hoop Kit, £25 from Paraffle.com

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.

8. Botanical Rum Infusion Kit, £19.99 from SousChef.co.uk

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.

9. Cookut Miam Easy Pancake Shaker, £22.99 from SousChef.co.uk

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.

10. Crystallise Me Crystal Art® Canvas Kit, £29.99 from CraftBuddyShop.com

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.

11. Bee Embroidery Kit, £25 from Paraffle.com

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.

12. Serax Carte Blanche White & Black Ceramic Espresso Cup & Saucer, 90ml, £28 from SousChef.co.uk

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.

Nervous of having a Christmas holiday Abroad? Try this!

Across Europe, “Tourists Go Home” has become one of the defining images of the growing backlash against overtourism.

Graffiti. Protests. Residents pushing back against visitors in some of the world’s most popular destinations.

But over the past few days, something unusual started appearing on the streets of Barcelona, Lisbon and Rome.

The familiar “Tourists Go Home” message was being hijacked.

TOURISTS GO VISIT SAUDI.

The intervention is part of a new campaign from Saudi Tourism, taking one of the most provocative conversations happening in global travel right now and turning a message of rejection into an invitation.

It’s a simple cultural juxtaposition: while some of the world’s most established destinations are grappling with having too many tourists, another is actively asking them to come.

Rather than creating another conventional tourism campaign, Tourists Go Visit Saudi inserts itself directly into a conversation already playing out on Europe’s streets.

https://saudilifeguide.com/how-people-celebrate-christmas-in-saudi-arabia

https://www.budgetyourtrip.com/saudi-arabia/tours-t_christmasnewyears

Paraffle: embroidery made for everyone, ideal Christmas gifting for creative folks in your life!

Sammy at work

Modern kits, mindful making and the simple satisfaction of creating something yourself.

There’s something incredibly satisfying about making something with your own hands. Learning a new stitch, watching a design take shape and eventually reaching that “I actually made that” moment.

That feeling is at the heart of Paraffle, the independent Edinburgh craft brand making modern embroidery approachable for everyone, whether you’ve never picked up a needle before or have been stitching for years.

Founded by Sammy Bishop, Paraffle began after Sammy rediscovered embroidery while completing her PhD. The methodical repetition of stitching gave her a creative escape from the pressures of studying, while finishing a project brought a sense of accomplishment she could see and enjoy.

Today, Paraffle wants more people to discover that feeling.

Embroidery without the intimidation

Starting a new craft can feel daunting, so Paraffle's kits are designed to give beginners everything they need to have a go. Kits include materials and stitch guides, with step-by-step video tutorials and online tips available for extra support.

There’s no pressure to be perfect. The idea is to learn, make and enjoy the process, with a welcoming community of crafters sharing projects, asking questions and celebrating what they create along the way.

Paraffle also takes a conscious approach to crafting, focusing on quality, more sustainable and ethically produced materials where possible, while being open about where the business can continue to improve.

Ready to give it a go? Here are 10 Paraffle picks to discover:

Cherry Blossom 6” Embroidery Kit – £25

Inspired by Edinburgh in spring, this colourful botanical design is a beautiful project for anyone ready to develop their embroidery skills. Bright, detailed and made to be displayed once the final stitch is finished.

Mini Bee Embroidery Kit – £15

A little project with plenty of charm. This beginner-friendly bee design is an easy introduction to embroidery and a lovely choice for a relaxed afternoon of summer stitching.

Paisley Puffin 8” Embroidery Kit – £25

Bright, bold and full of character, Paraffle's colourful paisley puffin makes a brilliant beginner-friendly project. A fun choice for wildlife and coastal lovers with an eye-catching finished piece at the end.

Victoria Street 6” Embroidery Kit – £25

Inspired by Edinburgh's famously colourful Victoria Street, this detailed design brings a little piece of Paraffle's home city to the embroidery hoop. Created for improvers, it's a satisfying project with a finished piece worthy of display.

Highland Cow 8” Embroidery Kit – £25

A Scottish favourite given Paraffle's colourful paisley treatment. Designed with beginners in mind, this characterful Highland Coo is a fun way to learn new stitches and create something you'll be proud to hang on the wall.

Circus Lane 6” Embroidery Kit – £25

Inspired by one of Edinburgh's prettiest streets, this detailed design recreates the colourful doors, greenery and character of Circus Lane in stitch. A beautiful choice for improvers and anyone who loves travel-inspired crafting.

Elephant Tote Bag Embroidery Kit – £30

Take your handiwork with you. This beginner-friendly project transforms an organic and Fairtrade cotton tote with Paraffle's colourful paisley elephant design, combining the enjoyment of embroidery with something practical to use afterwards.

Mini Squirrel Embroidery Kit

Small, colourful and full of personality, this little red squirrel makes a manageable project for anyone new to embroidery. A lovely nature-inspired kit for some quiet creative time.

Mini Puffin Embroidery Kit

Bring a little coastal character to your crafting with this miniature puffin. Beginner-friendly and compact, it's an easy project to pick up at home or pack for a creative holiday activity.

Mini Robin Embroidery Kit

Robins aren't just for Christmas. This charming mini design makes a sweet year-round wildlife project and an approachable introduction to embroidery for beginners.

And don't lose your needle...

Paraffle's Magnetic Needle Minders – £8.50 are a small but clever addition to any stitching project, using magnets to keep your needle safely in place whenever you stop stitching.

There are 19 designs in the current collection, including the Puffin, Scottish Thistle, Highland Coo, Scottish Terrier, Elephant, Bee and Whale, making it easy to choose one to complement a favourite kit or add a little personality to your sewing box.

Just give it a go, you don't need to consider yourself creative. You don't need to know all the stitches. And you certainly don't need to get everything right first time.

Pick something you love, learn as you go and enjoy being able to say: “I made that.”

https://paraffle.com

123 Hampers Launches Christmas 2026 Collection with 10% Off Corporate Orders Throughout August

123 Hampers has unveiled its 2026 festive collection, giving businesses a thoughtful way to thank clients, reward employees and celebrate valued business relationships this Christmas.

Inspired by the traditional festive markets of Scandinavia and Germany, the enhanced collection brings together beautifully presented hampers featuring a carefully selected range of food, drink and seasonal treats. 

From traditional Christmas baskets packed with indulgent favourites to family-friendly gifts and Christmas Eve treats, the range offers options to suit a variety of recipients and budgets, with free next-day delivery available across the UK and Northern Ireland.

With a strong focus on quality British products, the collection showcases a selection of home-grown festive favourites, with all bakery items lovingly made in Yorkshire, alongside carefully selected seasonal treats.

To help businesses get ahead with their Christmas planning, 123 Hampers is offering 10% off corporate orders throughout August, giving companies the opportunity to secure their festive gifting early while making their budgets go further.

Picture the scene: It's mid-December and some poor soul is dispatched from the office to cobble together some Christmas treats to show staff and clients how special they are. They'll know exactly how "special" they are, right?

But with 123 Hampers it doesn't have to be like that and they can help you get everything sorted well in advance plus there's a 10% discount! 

Alex Biggart, Head of Brand at 123 Hampers, told That's Christmas 123: “We know that corporate Christmas gifting can be a time-consuming task, particularly for businesses buying for multiple clients, customers and employees. 

"We want to make the process as simple as possible, while creating gifts that feel genuinely special and thoughtful. Our 2026 collection has been inspired by the warmth and atmosphere of traditional European Christmas markets, with a particular focus on showcasing quality British products. Whether it’s thanking a valued client, recognising employees or celebrating an important business relationship, our hampers offer an easy and memorable way to spread some festive cheer.”

A Christmas Gift for the Whole Family

For businesses looking for a gift that can be enjoyed beyond the recipient themselves, the Traditional Family Basket brings together a generous selection of festive treats and family-friendly surprises.

Presented in a handwoven wicker gift basket with a charming blue lining, the hamper includes a mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, chocolates, savoury snacks and Christmas favourites. It also features a gingerbread reindeer decorating kit and a cuddly Charlie Teddy Bear, making it a gift designed to be enjoyed by both adults and their children.

The Traditional Family Basket is available from www.123-hampers.co.uk. RRP: £125

A Timeless Christmas Tradition

For a more traditional approach to festive gifting, the Luxury Christmas Basket has stood the test of time.

Beautifully presented in an 18-inch handwoven wicker basket, the hamper is packed with everything needed for a luxurious Christmas celebration including, a selection of fine wines, handmade treats from Yorkshire’s Valley Bakery, a traditional brandy Christmas pudding, festive cakes, chocolates, preserves, crackers, crisps and English tea.

The wicker basket also provides a useful keepsake long after the contents have been enjoyed, giving recipients something practical to reuse throughout the year.

The Luxury Christmas Basket is available from www.123-hampers.co.uk. RRP: £100

A Magical Christmas Eve Treat

For businesses wanting to send something a little different, the Christmas Eve Box offers a fun and thoughtful festive gift for families and younger recipients.

Filled with handmade chocolate chip cookies and festive chocolates from Yorkshire’s Valley Bakery, alongside a Christmas-themed popcorn treat, the box is designed to help families create a new Christmas Eve tradition and build excitement ahead of the big day.

The Christmas Eve Box is available from www.123-hampers.co.uk. RRP: £35

The full Christmas gifting range is available online from https://www.123-hampers.co.uk. For larger corporate orders, the 123 Hampers Corporate team can manage bulk orders, multiple delivery addresses and personalised messages through one dedicated point of contact. To place an order or redeem the 10% corporate discount, call 0344 310 0123.

Feeling Hot in the Heatwave? Cool Down with Christmas in August!

Here at That’s Christmas 365, we firmly believe Christmas is far too good to be restricted to December.

And with Britain sweltering through, multiple,  summer heatwaves, we’ve come up with a rather unconventional suggestion for taking your mind off the soaring temperatures:

Have Christmas in August!

Yes, really.

While everyone else is talking about the barbecues they can't have, paddling pools they can'r fill, electric fans that are out of stock and wondering whether it is socially acceptable to stand in front of the open fridge, why not draw the curtains, put on some Christmas music and organise your very own festive celebration?

There is something wonderfully ridiculous about eating mince pies while the thermometer outside is nudging 30°C.

Christmas dinner, with a summer twist

Nobody wants the oven running for hours during a heatwave, so forget the enormous roast turkey and create a cold Christmas buffet instead.

Think sliced turkey and ham, pork pies, sausage rolls, cheeses, cranberry sauce, salads and plenty of crusty bread.

Add bowls of crisps and nuts, perhaps some chilled prawns or smoked salmon, and you've got a Christmas feast without turning your kitchen into a sauna.

For pudding, Christmas cake and mince pies are perfectly acceptable, but we'd also suggest ice cream, strawberries and perhaps a wonderfully extravagant Christmas trifle.

And instead of mulled wine, how about chilled Prosecco, sparkling wine, alcohol-free fizz or a festive fruit punch packed with ice?

Get the decorations out

You don't need to retrieve the entire Christmas decoration collection from the loft.

A small artificial tree, some tinsel, fairy lights and a few strategically placed baubles will instantly transform your living room, dining room or garden.

If you're celebrating outside, decorate a tree or shrub with battery-powered Christmas lights.

Then create the ultimate surreal summer photograph: everyone wearing Santa hats and sunglasses while holding cold drinks around a Christmas tree.

Christmas music is compulsory

No Christmas in August party is complete without festive music.

Traditional Christmas carols, Wham!, Slade, Wizzard, Shakin' Stevens, Mariah Carey and all your other favourites can finally escape their eleven-month imprisonment.

If the neighbours complain that it's far too early for Christmas music, simply remind them that That’s Christmas 365 says Christmas can happen whenever you want it to.

You can also watch your favourite Christmas films, too, or listen to an audio book of the Charles Dickens Christmas classic, A Christmas Carol.

Secret Santa in August?

Why not?

Set a modest £5 or £10 limit and ask everyone to bring a silly, useful or unusual present. You could even make it a charity-shop Secret Santa.

Children could make Christmas cards, decorate biscuits or create homemade decorations.

Make your own traditions

That's really what Christmas in August should be about.

It doesn't need to recreate 25 December perfectly. It's an excuse to gather friends and family together, eat something delicious, exchange a few inexpensive presents and have a laugh.

So, if you're sitting there feeling hot, bothered and thoroughly fed up with the heatwave, don't just dream about cooler December days.

Put up some tinsel, pour yourself something cold and have Christmas in August.

After all, we're That’s Christmas 365.

The clue is in the name!

Give a Bookworm Something Truly Special This Christmas with Stella & Rose’s Books

There are book lovers, and then there are book lovers, the people who can happily lose an afternoon browsing shelves, who appreciate the smell and feel of an older book, and who become genuinely excited when they discover an unusual edition of a favourite title.

If you have somebody like that in your family, we think we've found a rather wonderful place to do some Christmas shopping: Stella & Rose's Books.

Based in the beautiful village of Tintern in the Wye Valley, Stella & Rose's Books has been established since 1991 and specialises in rare and collectable books. With thousands of books to explore, it's the sort of website where a quick browse can very easily turn into a fascinating hunt for something special.

A Christmas present with a story of its own

There's something particularly lovely about giving an older or collectable book for Christmas.

A brand-new bestseller can make a great present, of course, but imagine the reaction when someone unwraps an early edition, an illustrated childhood favourite, a beautiful Folio Society volume or a book connected with a lifelong hobby.

That's a present which has already had a life before arriving beneath your Christmas tree – and which could potentially remain treasured for decades to come.

And sometimes an old book can contain a story that goes far beyond the words printed on its pages.

A remarkable discovery in our own family

We have a very personal reason for recommending Stella & Rose's Books here at That's Christmas 365.

My wife recently bought a book from them dating from 1904. By sheer chance, when she examined the book she discovered a personal inscription inside, and, remarkably, that inscription has a link to her own family.

It was completely unexpected.

There is something quite extraordinary about buying a book that's more than 120 years old and then discovering that somebody wrote a personal message inside it all those years ago which, more than a century later, has a connection with your own family.

It's the sort of discovery you simply couldn't plan.

And that's one of the magical things about old books. They aren't merely copies of texts. They've had previous owners, sat on shelves in other homes, been given as presents, carried from place to place and sometimes contain handwritten inscriptions, dedications, bookplates and other little clues about the people who once treasured them.

Our experience turned what was already an interesting old book into something with a very special personal significance.

Who knows what you might discover?

Something for almost every kind of collector

The range at Stella & Rose's Books is impressively varied, covering everything from children's books and natural history to transport, military subjects, history, art and numerous specialist interests.

For anyone of a certain age, finding a beautifully preserved copy of a book remembered from childhood could make Christmas morning rather emotional.

And you don't necessarily have to be an established collector. A carefully chosen vintage book could be the present that starts someone's collection.

Prices naturally vary according to the book, its edition, rarity and condition, which means it's worth spending some time browsing to see what you can discover within your Christmas budget.

A little detective work makes the gift even better

If you're buying for a serious bookworm, try doing some subtle detective work before ordering.

What authors do they love? Is there a book they remember from childhood but no longer own? Do they collect first editions? Are they fascinated by railways, natural history, motoring, military history or beautifully illustrated children's books?

Perhaps there's an author, place or subject with a particular connection to your family's history?

You never know where that search might lead.

That's Christmas 365 says…

We love Christmas presents that demonstrate someone has really thought about the person receiving them.

A collectable book can do exactly that.

Instead of simply buying "a book", you could find their book, an edition of something they adored as a child, a volume devoted to their favourite subject, a beautifully illustrated classic or perhaps the beginning of an entirely new collection.

And, as our own family discovered completely by chance, sometimes the book you buy can bring with it an unexpected piece of history that makes it far more precious than you could ever have imagined.

Wrap it in tissue paper, add a ribbon and pop it beneath the tree.

For the bookworm in your family, it could be one of those wonderful Christmas presents which is still being talked about years later.

Visit Stellabooks.com to start exploring the shelves.

Happy Christmas book hunting from That's Christmas 365!

Bello! Minions & Monsters Join the Crystal Art® Family

If you are already beginning to look for cheerful Christmas gifts, stocking fillers or activities to keep younger family members entertained, Craft Buddy’s latest Crystal Art® collection could be just the thing.

Following the arrival of one of this summer’s biggest family films, Craft Buddy has launched a brand-new selection of officially licensed Minions & Monsters Crystal Art® Buddies. The collection gives fans an opportunity to enjoy their favourite characters away from the cinema screen, and create something colourful to display at home.

Each kit invites crafters to place hundreds of sparkling crystals onto a numbered template. It is an easy-to-follow, hands-on activity that gradually brings the chosen character to life. Once all the crystals are in place, the finished Buddy becomes a freestanding display piece.

The new collection features several familiar faces, including Gru and the wonderfully entertaining Minions Ron, Tim and Gus. Each design captures the personality and humour that have helped make these characters firm favourites with children and adults around the world.

The kits currently available include:

Gru Crystal Art® Buddies Kit – £4.99

Minion Ron Crystal Art® Buddies Kit – £4.99

Minion Tim Crystal Art® Buddies Kit – £4.99

Minion Gus Crystal Art® Buddies Kit – £4.99

At just £4.99 each, these kits could make excellent stocking fillers, additions to Christmas Eve boxes or small gifts from grandparents, aunts, uncles and family friends. Young fans may also enjoy collecting several characters and displaying the completed Buddies together.

Everything needed to get started is included in each kit, making them a convenient choice for families. There is no need to purchase lots of separate crafting materials before the fun can begin.

Crystal Art® is designed to be both creative and relaxing. Carefully positioning the colourful crystals can provide a welcome break from screens while giving children, and grown-ups, a satisfying project to complete. The kits would be ideal for rainy afternoons, school holidays, quiet weekends or a family crafting session during the Christmas break.

They could also provide a useful activity while everyone waits for Christmas dinner or settles down after an exciting morning of opening presents!

With their bright colours, familiar characters and affordable price, the new Minions & Monsters Crystal Art® Buddies offer a delightful combination of crafting and collecting.

The complete collection is available now from the Craft Buddy website

https://www.craftbuddyshop.com

Bello! And happy crafting!

Give a Little Piece of Scotland This Christmas with ARRAN

Christmas gifts feel all the more special when they have a genuine sense of place and a story behind them. 

That is certainly true of the beautifully scented creations from ARRAN Sense of Scotland.

Proudly island-made since 1989, ARRAN produces its bath, body and home fragrance collections on the Isle of Arran using the island’s mineral-rich water. 

Each fragrance takes inspiration from the landscapes, gardens and coastal character of this remarkable Scottish island.

One of its best-known fragrances is After the Rain, inspired by the scent of an Arran garden following a summer shower. Its blend of lime, rose and sandalwood can be found across fragrances, hand care, bath products, candles and reed diffusers.

For an affordable stocking filler, the After the Rain Discovery Gift Set is priced at £10.50 at the time of writing. Other discovery sets introduce recipients to scents including Glenashdale’s grapefruit and green leaf, Kildonan’s orris and violet leaf, and Apothecary’s seaweed and sage.

Those looking for something more substantial could consider an After the Rain Hand Care or Body Care Gift Set, both currently priced at £35. The £42 Home Fragrance Gift Set could be a lovely choice for someone who enjoys making their home feel warm and welcoming during the winter.

ARRAN has not forgotten the men on your Christmas list, either. Its gifts for him include bath and shower sets, shaving products, fragrances and wash bags. The collections range from the sea salt and rockrose notes of Machrie to Lochranza’s patchouli and anise and the richer combination of amber, oud, leather and pink pepper found in Sannox.

If choosing a single fragrance feels a little daunting, ARRAN’s discovery sets offer an excellent solution. Alternatively, its online Fragrance Finder can help narrow down the options.

For a particularly personal present, shoppers can use the personalised gift builder to select individual products. Bundles have a minimum value of £60 and include a presentation gift box and delivery. Gift-set orders can also include a complimentary personalised message.

There are thoughtful choices for different budgets, with categories for gifts under £15, £20 and £35, as well as luxury presents. Free UK delivery is currently available on standard orders over £45.

Whether it is a fragrant candle for a cosy Christmas evening, a luxurious bath set for some post-festivities relaxation or a beautifully presented fragrance, ARRAN offers the opportunity to place a little piece of Scotland beneath the Christmas tree.

Prices and delivery offers were correct at the time of writing and may change. Visit arran.com for the latest information.

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Temi & The Crew Add a Joyful New Sound to Celebrations

Birthdays are already filled with cards, candles, cake and plenty of smiles.

Now Hope Spring eCards has partnered with exciting new music collective Temi & The Crew to add an original soundtrack to the festivities.

Their debut single, “Happy Birthday It’s Your Special Day”, has been created to bring fresh energy and warmth to birthday celebrations of every size. 

Whether it is played during a quiet family gathering, shared with a personalised digital greeting or turned up at a lively party, the song offers a fun alternative to the familiar birthday tune we have all heard countless times.

The idea grew from Hope Spring’s experience of creating and sharing digital greetings. One of its birthday eCards already features the new song, allowing users to combine their own personal message with an original musical celebration.

Temi & The Crew is not a conventional band with a fixed line-up. Instead, it is a flexible creative collective bringing together different singers, musicians, songwriters, producers and other collaborators for each release. This format should give the project plenty of room to experiment with different sounds, styles and occasions.

Emmanuel Nmaju, a volunteer with experience in music production and recording, explained that the aim was to create something capable of setting the mood, energising the celebration and making the occasion more memorable.

That combination of music and digital greetings could prove especially exciting for Christmas lovers. Imagine opening a festive eCard and hearing a brand-new Christmas song written especially to accompany it! The same idea could also work beautifully for weddings, anniversaries, congratulations, friendships and other important milestones.

Volunteer Lolade Aderibigbe told That's Christmas 365: "The project adds another layer of warmth and personality to something people already do every day: sending wishes to those they care about.

“Happy Birthday It’s Your Special Day” is intended to be the first release in a growing catalogue of original celebration music. Future Temi & The Crew songs are expected to cover additional occasions and explore a variety of musical styles.

For those of us at That’s Christmas 365, the possibility of original festive songs being paired with personalised Christmas eCards sounds particularly appealing. A thoughtful message accompanied by the right music can make a digital greeting feel much more personal, joyful and memorable.

The candles are lit, the cake is ready and Temi & The Crew has supplied the soundtrack. Let the celebrations begin!

https://www.hopespring.org.uk

Give Someone a Piece of Their Own History This Christmas. With an Original Newspaper

Finding a Christmas present for someone who already seems to have everything can be surprisingly difficult. 

There are only so many jumpers, bottles of whisky, boxes of chocolates and novelty socks one person needs.

So why not give them the day they were born?

Specialist companies such as Papers Past have preserved huge collections of original newspapers and can supply genuine editions from significant dates in a person's life. It is a wonderfully nostalgic Christmas present and, unlike many gifts, one that is likely to be kept for decades.

What Happened on the Day You Were Born?

Imagine opening a Christmas present and discovering an original copy of The Times published on your birthday 50, 60, 70, 80 or even 90 years ago.

Rather than a modern reproduction, Papers Past specialises in genuine original newspapers. Its archive contains more than 200 tons of carefully preserved newspapers, collected from sources including libraries, government departments and private collections. The archive was established in 1981.

The recipient can sit down after Christmas dinner and discover what Britain and the wider world were talking about on the day they arrived.

And it isn't only the big news stories that make old newspapers fascinating.

The advertisements, prices, fashions, job vacancies, property advertisements, entertainment listings and wonderfully dated language can be every bit as entertaining as the headlines.

An old newspaper is almost a time machine made from paper.

A Particularly Good Milestone Gift

This idea works especially well when Christmas coincides with a milestone birthday year. Someone celebrating their 50th, 60th, 70th, 80th or 90th birthday could receive an original newspaper from their actual date of birth.

Papers Past currently offers a standard gift featuring an original Times newspaper for a chosen date, together with a certificate of authenticity, dedication panel, conservation-grade acid-free wrapping paper, gift bag and presentation packaging.

There's also a deluxe version with a cloth-bound presentation folder to help protect and display the newspaper.

Not Just Birthdays

You could choose another important date instead.

Perhaps the day your parents or grandparents married, the day somebody graduated, started a business or another date that has particular significance to your family.

There's an especially lovely idea here for couples: the traditional first wedding anniversary present is paper, so an original newspaper published on their wedding day is about as appropriate as an anniversary present can get.

For Christmas, you could even combine the newspaper with a photograph, handwritten family memories or a few notes explaining why you selected that particular date.

A Christmas Present With a Story

We often talk about giving experiences rather than possessions. An original newspaper manages to be a little of both.

It is something physical to unwrap on Christmas morning, but the real present is the experience of exploring another time.

Younger family members may soon gather around too, asking questions about what life was like then. Before you know it, the newspaper has started a family conversation about childhoods, grandparents, old cars, forgotten shops and Christmases many years ago.

That's what makes an old newspaper such a delightful festive gift.

It isn't simply an old piece of paper.

It's a little piece of someone's life story, wrapped up for Christmas.

For original historic newspaper gifts, visit Papers Past https://www.paperspast.co.uk

Catnip Queen Catnip with Silvervine. A Purr-fect Christmas Gift for Cats

Looking for a Christmas present for your cat or a cat-loving friend? Catnip Queen Extra Fancy Catnip with Silvervine Fruit could make a fun festive treat.

Christmas shopping tends to concentrate on the humans in our lives, but anyone who shares their home with a cat knows there is one member of the household who absolutely expects to be included in the festivities.

And preferably expects their present to be considerably more interesting than another pair of socks.

For the feline member of the family, Catnip Queen Extra Fancy Catnip with Silvervine Fruit could make a wonderfully entertaining Christmas gift. It is also a fun present or stocking filler for friends and relatives who are owned, sorry, who own, cats.

Catnip with something extra

Catnip is well known for the rather amusing effect it can have on some cats. A sprinkle on a favourite toy, scratching post or play area can encourage rolling, rubbing, purring and energetic bouts of play.

However, not every cat responds strongly to ordinary catnip. That's where the inclusion of silvervine fruit makes this Catnip Queen product particularly interesting.

Silvervine (Actinidia polygama) is a climbing plant native to parts of Asia. It contains naturally occurring compounds that can produce a response in cats similar to catnip. Importantly, some cats that show little or no interest in conventional catnip may respond to silvervine.

Combining the two therefore gives your feline friend an intriguing Christmas treat to investigate.

A Christmas present they'll actually use

There is something rather delightful about putting presents under the Christmas tree for our pets. Admittedly, cats have a tendency to decide that the wrapping paper, cardboard box and ribbon are considerably more exciting than whatever you actually bought them.

Catnip Queen Extra Fancy Catnip with Silvervine Fruit gives them another reason to join in.

It could be sprinkled onto suitable cat toys or scratching areas to add a little extra excitement to Christmas Day playtime. As with any catnip or silvervine product, follow the manufacturer's instructions and offer it in sensible amounts.

And if you're visiting cat-owning friends over Christmas, taking along a little present for their cat is a lovely gesture. You might even find that the cat is considerably more pleased to see you than usual.

Don't forget the feline stocking

At That's Christmas 365, we think Christmas gifts don't necessarily need to be expensive or elaborate. Sometimes the best presents are the ones that provide a little happiness, entertainment and amusement.

Catnip Queen Extra Fncy Catnip with Silvervine Fruit ticks those boxes rather nicely, particularly when the recipient has whiskers, four paws and an inexplicable desire to sit in every cardboard box that enters the house.

So, while you're making your Christmas shopping list this year, don't forget the cat.

After all, they've been supervising you for the other 364 days of the year. Surely they've earned a Christmas treat?

Our Cat Gave It His Own Five-Star Review!

We didn't have to persuade our own cat that Catnip Queen Extra Fancy Catnip with Silvervine Fruit was worth investigating.

In fact, the moment I opened the bottle, he apparently detected the aroma from elsewhere in the house and came running through the rooms, sniffing as he went, until he tracked down exactly where it was coming from!

I sprinkled some onto one of his toys and the verdict was immediate: he absolutely loved it.

Watching him enjoy it so enthusiastically also reminded us why something like this makes such a good little Christmas present. It's inexpensive compared with many pet gifts, but if your cat reacts anything like ours did, it can provide plenty of entertainment for both the cat and the humans watching them.

Our experience obviously doesn't mean every cat will react in exactly the same way – cats are famously independent-minded creatures, but ours certainly didn't need any encouragement.

As far as he's concerned, Catnip Queen Extra Fancy Catnip with Silvervine Fruit has already passed the feline quality-control test.

And considering how particular cats can be, that's quite an endorsement!

To learn more or to put your orders in please visit https://thecatnipqueen.com/collections

Why Skates.co.uk Is a Goldmine of Wonderful Christmas Gifts

Discover why Skates.co.uk is a Christmas gift goldmine, with scooters, skateboards, roller skates, Heelys, safety equipment and stocking fillers.

Finding a Christmas present that produces a genuine “Wow!” rather than a polite “Thank you” is not always easy. 

Fortunately, Skates.co.uk is packed with exciting gift ideas for children, teenagers and adults who enjoy life on wheels.

As the UK’s specialist wheeled-sports shop, Skates.co.uk offers far more than its name might initially suggest. Its enormous selection includes stunt scooters, foldable children’s scooters, skateboards, longboards, quad roller skates, inline skates, ice skates, Heelys, mini BMX bikes, pogo sticks and an impressive collection of accessories.

In other words, it is something of a Christmas goldmine for active people.

Big presents with plenty of excitement

A new scooter, skateboard or pair of skates makes a spectacular main present. Imagine the excitement of discovering one beneath the Christmas tree, followed by the pleasure of taking it outside for its first proper outing during the festive holidays.

The available choice means shoppers can find products for complete beginners as well as experienced riders looking to improve their equipment. There are colourful designs for younger children, stylish options for teenagers and performance-focused products for serious skating or scooter enthusiasts.

Skates.co.uk also stocks Breezy Rollers, clever trainers which can be switched from ordinary shoes to roller shoes using removable wheels. They could be an especially memorable gift for youngsters who enjoy footwear with an additional element of fun.

Excellent stocking fillers

You do not need to buy an entire scooter or skateboard to find a worthwhile present. The accessories section contains plenty of smaller items which could make excellent stocking fillers.

Stickers, wristbands, grip tape, carrying straps, tools, replacement wheels and other customisation products allow riders to give their equipment an individual look. These smaller gifts could be ideal for a child or teenager who already owns their dream skateboard or scooter.

Parents and grandparents who are unsure about a major purchase could discreetly ask which brands, colours or parts the recipient prefers. Enthusiasts can be surprisingly particular about their equipment, so a little detective work may be worthwhile!

Don’t forget the safety equipment!

Christmas presents can be exciting and sensible at the same time. Skates.co.uk carries helmets, knee pads, elbow pads and wrist protection for different ages and riding styles.

Protective equipment may not sound like the most thrilling present, but modern designs are comfortable, colourful and suitably stylish. A helmet or complete pad set could accompany a new pair of skates, skateboard or scooter, helping the recipient begin their adventures more safely.

Remember to check sizing guides carefully when buying skates, shoes, helmets or pads. If in doubt, ask the recipient’s parents or measure an item they already use.

A British specialist with experience

Skates.co.uk began in 2004 as a Heelys shop called Flywalk. The Southampton-based, family-focused business has since developed into a major specialist retailer covering numerous wheeled sports. It currently delivers to UK mainland addresses, offers next-working-day delivery and provides free mainland delivery on qualifying orders over £100. Delivery terms and availability should always be checked before ordering. Skates.co.uk

Whether you are seeking a show-stopping main present, practical protective equipment or an affordable stocking filler, Skates.co.uk deserves a place on your festive shopping list.

Just be prepared: once that scooter or skateboard has been unwrapped, Christmas morning in your household may become considerably more energetic!

Elizabeth Arden’s Eternal Aura Could Be the Perfect Fragrance Gift This Christmas

Leighton Meester

Choosing a fragrance as a Christmas present can feel rather personal, but that is also what makes it such a thoughtful gift. 

For anyone hoping to place something elegant, uplifting and beautifully presented beneath the tree, Elizabeth Arden’s new Eternal Aura Eau de Parfum deserves a closer look.

The first flagship fragrance launched by Elizabeth Arden in eight years, Eternal Aura has been created as a celebration of modern femininity, confidence and self-expression. 

Actress Leighton Meester is the global face of the fragrance, representing the idea that beauty is not about striving for perfection, but recognising the strength and confidence developed through life’s experiences.

Eternal Aura is described as a floral amber fragrance with a bright, contemporary personality. It opens with a sparkling combination of dragon fruit, golden pear and pink pepper. Magnolia and peony bring a soft floral character, while an exclusive co-distillation of rose and ambrette forms the fragrance’s distinctive heart.

Warm sandalwood, creamy musk and a subtle touch of tonka bean complete the scent, giving it a smooth and sensual finish. The result promises to be both fresh and comforting – an appealing combination for a fragrance that may be worn throughout the year.

The presentation makes Eternal Aura particularly suitable as a Christmas gift. Its elegant bottle takes inspiration from Elizabeth Arden’s famous salons, where generations of women visited to enjoy treatments and leave feeling their best. A decorative monogram originally used as salon wallpaper has been reimagined in brushed gold, complementing the brand’s recognisable Arden Pink.

Senior perfumer Natasha Côté-Mouzannar and master perfumer Anne Flipo co-created the fragrance. It also uses IFF’s Science of Wellness™, with natural ingredients selected to promote feelings of energy, happiness and self-esteem.

For an even more indulgent festive present, Eternal Aura can be accompanied by the matching Body Balm. Lightly fragranced and designed to leave the skin feeling nourished and smooth, it contains shea butter, cocoa butter and sweet almond oil. The combination of perfume and body balm could make a particularly luxurious Christmas gift set.

Elizabeth Arden has been associated with beauty innovation for more than a century, producing classics such as Eight Hour Cream and the legendary Blue Grass fragrance. Eternal Aura continues that heritage while offering something distinctly modern.

Whether bought for a wife, partner, mother, daughter, friend or simply as a well-deserved present to yourself, Eternal Aura could bring a little extra confidence, fragrance and sparkle to Christmas morning.

Created by women, for women, Eternal Aura Eau de Parfum features actress Leighton Meester as the global face of the campaign, embodying the journey of female transformation and self-expression.

An unusual Secret Santa? Get them Vamoosh

Vamoosh evokes the comforting scents of Christmas; spiced apple, cinnamon, clove, ginger and warming vanilla. 

Not only does this keep your washing machine sparkling clean, but also fills the home with a fragrance that perfectly captures the Spirit of Christmas.

Vamoosh Washing Machine Cleaner is the first and only product of its kind to dissolve hair using patented technology. I wonder if this works on reindeer hairs? If so, I think it'll be on Santa's list!

Price: £3.29 from www.vamooshcleans.com

Ideal Christmas gift? Tickets for The Big Retreat in Pembrokeshire or Cambridgeshire

The Big Retreat brings its unique blend of wellbeing, live music, inspiring speakers, great food, wellness and feel-good experiences to both Pembrokeshire and Cambridgeshire for 2027.

A festival that combines yoga, fitness, live music, inspiring speakers, great food and hundreds of feel-good experiences.

Early bird tickets options are available from www.thebigretreatfestival.com

I feel sure tickets in an envelope this Christmas for the 2027 Big Retreat will certainly give the recipients a very merry Christmas indeed!

Teletubbies are back in time for Christmas

Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa and Po! Shop the full range of officially licensed Teletubbies soft toys at Character Online. 

Amazing talking plush figures for all four characters, each of which respond to a squeeze so that the little ones can bring a familiar face to life whenever they want. 

Designed for children aged 18 months and over.

Price: £10.99 from www.character-online.co.uk

Teletubbies x Glisten

Get ready to reignite the magic of '90s childhood nostalgia with our latest collection in collaboration with Teletubbies! Enter a world of vibrant and playful colours, inspired by beloved characters, reimagined for today. 

The Teletubbies are back, and they're ready to brighten up your beauty routine. The collection includes wet liner palettes, wash bags, brushes, higlighter and more.

Price from: £16.00 from www.glistencosmetics.com

Teletubbies x Rubies

Teletubbies antenna headbands that brings instant character recognition to any adult costume look. 

Crafted with a soft plush finish and in the bold colours and antenna detail that fans will recognise straight away. It sits comfortably on the head and is designed to complement a full outfit or work as a standalone costume piece or kids who love the Teletubbies.

Price: £9.99 from www.amazon.co.uk

Teletubbies x Warmies

BEh-Oh, it’s cuddle time! The Warmies® x Teletubbies™ Collection brings the colourful world of Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa, Po and Noo-Noo to life as heatable plush pals. Lightly scented with real French lavender, they deliver warmth, relaxation, and endless smiles.

Ideal Christmas gifts for children, teens and adults.

Price: £29.99 from www.warmies.co.uk

Strawberry Shortcake x Truffle Shuffle Ideal for teen girls

Yes! That’s right, the itty-bitty character from the beloved ‘80s cartoon has skipped her way over from Strawberryland, bringing her berry sweet touch, and a little extra sprinkle of retro, too, to this hand-picked selection of Strawberry Shortcake t-shirts and sweaters. 

They’re making major heart-eyes at the vintage-style printed and ditsy details that define this dreamy collection, all inspired by the cutesy character herself.

Price from: £24.99 from www.truffleshuffle.com

Strawberry Shortcake x L.O.L. Surprise!

Get ready for a berry sweet surprise with the L.O.L. Surprise! Tots Strawberry Shortcake Scented Character assortment in a one-of-a-kind collaboration that brings vintage charm and scented fun to your favourite collectible dolls!

Each Tot is uniquely scented just like its Strawberry Shortcake character! Discover strawberry, blueberry, orange, lemon, and more - with each scent giving a hint at which character is inside.

Price: £13.99 from www.smythstoys.com

That's Christmas 365 believes this may well be a surprise top Christmas gift for Christmas 2026 so we think you should put your orders in early.