Rudell The Jewellers Can Help You Plan Ahead for Christmas Gifting as They Unveil Their Exclusive In-Store Sale at Their Wolverhampton Showroom

Luxury Christmas Gifting for Less: A Hidden Jewellery Sale Worth Discovering

If you’re anything like me, Christmas shopping starts early, especially when there’s a chance to pick up something truly special without paying full festive-season prices. 

And right now, there’s a little gem of an opportunity that feels tailor-made for savvy Christmas planners.

Tucked away in the West Midlands, Rudell The Jewellers is hosting an exclusive in-store sale at its Wolverhampton showroom, and it’s exactly the kind of event that turns thoughtful gifting into something extraordinary.

A Smart Way to Shop Ahead for Christmas

We all know the pressure of December: crowded shops, rushed decisions, and prices that rarely feel like a bargain. This is the opposite.

This limited-time sale offers up to 50% off a beautifully curated selection of fine jewellery, making it the perfect moment to quietly tick off those important names on your Christmas list. 

Whether you’re buying for a partner, a parent, or even planning a well-deserved treat for yourself (no judgement here!), this is luxury gifting at a far more comfortable price point.

Designer Names Without the Designer Price Tag

Part of what makes this sale so exciting is the calibre of brands included.

Pieces from Marco Bicego bring that unmistakable handcrafted Italian elegance, organic textures, warm gold tones, and designs that feel both timeless and wearable.

Then there’s Chopard, a name synonymous with true high jewellery craftsmanship. These are the kinds of pieces that usually sit firmly in “aspirational” territory, yet here, they’re suddenly within reach.

Beautiful In-House Collections for Thoughtful Gifts

Alongside these big names, Rudell’s own collections, such as the Daisy and Halo ranges, offer something equally appealing: understated elegance.

These designs are ideal if you’re looking for gifts that feel personal rather than showy. Think refined, easy-to-wear pieces that will be appreciated every day—not just brought out for special occasions.

Why This Sale Feels Different

What really sets this apart is the experience. This isn’t a frantic online scramble or a crowded department store. It’s an in-store, personal shopping experience, where you can take your time, explore options, and actually enjoy choosing something meaningful.

And because many pieces are limited, there’s also that quiet thrill of finding something unique, something that won’t be everywhere come Christmas morning.

A Little Festive Strategy

If you like the idea of a calmer, more considered Christmas (and better value while you’re at it), this is exactly the kind of opportunity to embrace.

Shop now, wrap later, and enjoy the smug satisfaction of having your most luxurious gifts sorted well before the festive rush begins.

Because sometimes, the best Christmas presents aren’t just beautifully chosen—they’re brilliantly timed.

You'll find their Wolverhampton branch at 97 Darlington St, Wolverhampton WV1 4HB.

www.rudells.com

World Art Day: Commissioning Bespoke Art for Truly Meaningful Christmas Gifts

Every year on World Art Day (15 April), people around the world celebrate creativity, imagination, and the power of artistic expression.

 While the day is often marked by gallery visits or creative workshops, it can also be the perfect moment to start planning something rather special for the festive season: commissioning bespoke artwork as a Christmas gift.

In a world where so many presents are mass-produced, a commissioned piece of art stands apart. It’s personal, thoughtful, and completely unique, the sort of gift that can become a treasured heirloom rather than something that disappears into a cupboard by January.

A Gift That Truly Means Something

Commissioned artwork allows you to create a gift tailored to the recipient. Popular ideas include:

Portraits of family members or pets

Paintings of a beloved home or childhood place

Illustrated family trees

Seasonal winter landscapes with personal significance

Custom Christmas-themed illustrations

These gifts carry a depth of meaning that shop-bought items rarely match. A painting of a family home, for example, can evoke decades of memories every time it’s seen.

Support Local Artists

World Art Day is also a wonderful reminder of the talent within our own communities. Across the UK, countless independent artists create beautiful work but rely heavily on commissions and local support.

Commissioning a piece locally offers several advantages:

You can discuss ideas directly with the artist

You’re supporting creative businesses in your area

The final piece often has a deeper connection to the local landscape or culture

Local art societies, craft fairs, galleries, and even social media platforms such as Instagram are excellent places to discover artists working nearby.

Start Early for Christmas

One of the secrets to commissioning art successfully is planning ahead. Many artists become extremely busy in the months leading up to Christmas, and bespoke work can take weeks, sometimes months, to complete.

World Art Day in April therefore arrives at the perfect moment. Commissioning now gives the artist plenty of time to design, sketch, revise, and complete the work without rushing.

It also allows you to collaborate on details such as:

Size and framing

Medium (watercolour, oil, pencil, digital illustration)

Colour palette or seasonal elements

Creating Future Heirlooms

A bespoke artwork is more than a gift, it’s a story captured in colour and form. Whether it’s a portrait of a beloved pet, a snowy painting of a favourite cottage, or an illustration celebrating family life, these pieces often become part of family traditions.

So this World Art Day, why not think beyond the usual Christmas shopping lists? By commissioning a local artist, you’ll give a gift that is personal, meaningful, and likely to be cherished for generations.

And perhaps most importantly, you’ll be helping creativity flourish in your own community, which is exactly what World Art Day is all about.

Perfume Day: Why Fragrance Is the Perfect Christmas Gift

Celebrate Perfume Day by discovering why fragrance makes a timeless Christmas gift. From festive scent notes to beautifully boxed sets, find the perfect perfume for the holiday season.

The Scent of Christmas: Why Perfume Makes the Perfect Festive Gift

Christmas is a season filled with sensory memories, the smell of pine trees, warm spices, mulled wine, and fresh baking drifting from the kitchen. It’s no surprise, then, that perfume has long been one of the most treasured gifts tucked beneath the Christmas tree. 

With Perfume Day offering a moment to celebrate fragrance, it’s the perfect time to think about how scent and Christmas traditions beautifully intertwine.

A Gift That Feels Personal

Few presents feel as thoughtful as a carefully chosen fragrance. Unlike socks or chocolates, perfume carries personality. It says you’ve taken time to think about the recipient, their tastes, their style, and the kind of mood they enjoy.

A light floral scent might suit someone who loves spring gardens, while warm notes of vanilla, amber, or sandalwood feel perfectly suited to the cosy atmosphere of winter celebrations. Many luxury fragrance houses even release special Christmas gift sets, making perfume one of the most beautifully packaged presents under the tree.

Why Fragrance and Memory Go Hand in Hand

Science tells us that scent is strongly linked to memory. A single whiff of a familiar fragrance can instantly transport us back to a moment in time, perhaps a Christmas party, a winter walk through frosty air, or the excitement of opening gifts on Christmas morning.

That’s why perfume often becomes part of someone’s personal story. Years later, a fragrance received as a Christmas gift can still bring back memories of the person who gave it and the festive season when it was first worn.

Festive Scents That Feel Like Christmas

Certain fragrance notes naturally evoke the holiday season. When browsing perfumes for Christmas gifts, look for scents featuring:

Cinnamon and clove – reminiscent of mulled wine and festive baking

Vanilla and caramel – warm, comforting winter sweetness

Pine and cedarwood – the smell of freshly decorated Christmas trees

Orange and spice – classic Christmas pudding aromas

Many perfumers intentionally incorporate these ingredients into seasonal fragrances designed to capture the spirit of winter celebrations.

A Tradition Worth Reviving

Perfume gifting isn’t new. For centuries, scented oils, colognes, and fragrances have been exchanged during the winter season as symbols of luxury and affection. Today, the tradition continues in modern form, with designer scents, niche fragrances, and artisan perfume makers offering something for every taste and budget.

The Perfect Finishing Touch

If you’re planning your Christmas gift list early this year, Perfume Day is a wonderful reminder that fragrance can be one of the most elegant and memorable presents you give. Beautifully boxed and deeply personal, it’s a gift that lingers long after the wrapping paper has been cleared away.

After all, Christmas may last only a day... but the right scent can last all year.

National Scrabble Day: The Perfect Christmas Game for Word Lovers

Every year on 13 April, word enthusiasts celebrate National Scrabble Day, honouring one of the most beloved board games ever created. 

While the date marks the birthday of Scrabble’s inventor, Alfred Mosher Butts, the game itself has long been a staple of family gatherings, especially during the festive season.

For readers of That’s Christmas 365, National Scrabble Day offers the perfect excuse to revisit a classic that has entertained families for generations during cosy winter evenings.

A Game Born From the Love of Words

Scrabble was created during the Great Depression when Alfred Mosher Butts set out to design a game combining skill and chance. He analysed newspapers and magazines to determine how often each letter appeared in English and used that research to balance the game’s tile distribution.

The result was a deceptively simple game: players create words on a board using letter tiles, earning points based on letter values and bonus squares. Yet beneath that simplicity lies endless strategy.

Since its commercial launch in the late 1940s, Scrabble has become a global phenomenon played in dozens of languages and enjoyed by millions.

Why Scrabble Feels So “Christmas”

Although National Scrabble Day falls in spring, the game’s spirit fits beautifully with the festive season.

Think about the traditional Christmas afternoon:

The turkey has been eaten.

The crackers have been pulled.

The television is murmuring in the background.

Sooner or later someone suggests a board game.

For many households, Scrabble appears on the table alongside other festive favourites. It’s quiet enough for relaxed conversation, competitive enough to spark playful rivalry, and satisfying when someone lands a brilliant word on a triple-word score.

Festive Scrabble Traditions

Some families even develop Christmas-themed twists on the game:

Christmas Word Bonus

Extra points for seasonal words like tinsel, reindeer, pudding, or mistletoe.

Team Scrabble

Ideal for larger festive gatherings. Couples or family members play as teams, debating the best words together.

Christmas Dictionary Rule

Allow unusual festive terms or dialect words to keep the game lively and unpredictable.

A Perfect Screen-Free Christmas Activity

In a season often dominated by screens, Scrabble offers something refreshingly analogue. It encourages creativity, vocabulary, and conversation, all while bringing people around the same table.

It also spans generations. Grandparents, parents, and children can all take part, making it one of the rare games that truly bridges age gaps at Christmas.

Celebrate National Scrabble Day

So when National Scrabble Day arrives on 13 April, it’s worth pulling the board out of the cupboard and giving it a spin. You might even discover a new family tradition ready to take centre stage when Christmas rolls around again.

After all, few things feel more festive than sitting by the fire in December, cup of tea in hand, quietly plotting how to place QUIZZED across a triple-word score.

And yes, arguments about whether a word is “real” are absolutely part of the tradition.

Holy Week and Easter: Walking the Road from Darkness to Hope

For Christians, Holy Week and the Easter season are not simply dates on the church calendar. They are a journey, a deeply reflective walk through sorrow, sacrifice, silence, and ultimately, overwhelming hope.

Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday, when Jesus entered Jerusalem to cheers and waving palm branches. 

The crowds welcomed Him as a king, laying their cloaks on the road before Him. Yet within days those same streets would echo with very different cries. 

Palm Sunday reminds Christians how quickly human loyalty can shift, and how easily we misunderstand the kind of king Jesus truly was.

The week then moves toward Maundy Thursday, when Jesus gathered with His disciples for the Last Supper. This was not just a meal; it was a moment of profound humility and service. Jesus washed His disciples’ feet, the work of a servant, showing that true leadership in the Kingdom of God is marked by love and sacrifice. 

The command He gave that evening, “Love one another as I have loved you,” remains one of the most powerful and challenging teachings of the Christian faith.

Then comes Good Friday, perhaps the most solemn day in the Christian year. It is the day when Jesus was crucified. To the world watching, it looked like defeat, a teacher executed, a movement crushed. 

But Christians see something deeper: the ultimate act of love. The cross represents sacrifice, forgiveness, and the belief that God entered fully into human suffering in order to redeem it.

After the agony of Good Friday comes the quiet of Holy Saturday. It is a day often overlooked, but spiritually significant. It represents waiting in uncertainty, a space between despair and hope. Many believers recognise this feeling in their own lives.

 There are moments when God seems silent, when answers do not come quickly, and when faith requires patience.

Then comes Easter Sunday, the heart of the Christian story.

The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of Christian faith. The empty tomb proclaims that death does not have the final word. Where the cross represented suffering, the resurrection reveals victory, renewal, and life. Easter tells Christians that despair is never the end of the story.

This is why the Easter season carries such deep meaning. It is not merely about springtime celebrations or chocolate eggs, though those have become part of modern tradition. At its heart, Easter is about transformation.

It reminds believers that God brings life out of death, hope out of grief, and light out of darkness.

For many Christians, Holy Week becomes a mirror for life itself. There are moments of praise like Palm Sunday, times of service like Maundy Thursday, seasons of pain like Good Friday, and periods of waiting like Holy Saturday. But the message of Easter is that none of those moments are final.

The resurrection promises that renewal is always possible.

In a world often marked by anxiety, division, and uncertainty, the story of Easter offers something deeply needed: hope that suffering is not meaningless, forgiveness is possible, and new beginnings can emerge even from the darkest places.

That is the enduring message Christians carry beyond Easter Sunday, the belief that love ultimately triumphs, and that life, in the end, is stronger than death. And that Jesus Christ in risen. Amen.

From ‘He Is Risen’ to ‘Water Is Flowing’: How One Easter Message Can Change Lives

As Christians across the UK and the rest of the world prepare to celebrate Easter, a new digital trend is transforming how people share the message of hope, renewal, and resurrection while also changing lives far beyond their immediate communities.

Hope Spring, a UK-based water poverty alleviation charity, is encouraging people to send Easter eCards that do more than deliver heartfelt messages. Each digital greeting helps fund clean water projects in underserved communities in Africa, turning simple seasonal well-wishes into tangible acts of impact.

Easter has long been a cornerstone of the Christian calendar, symbolising new life, redemption, and the triumph of hope. Now, that message is taking on a deeper, more practical meaning as individuals embrace digital ways to express their faith while contributing to global change.

A Message of Hope with Real-World Impact

The phrase “He is risen” has echoed through churches and homes for centuries. Today, Hope Spring is building on that powerful message with a modern extension: “Water is flowing.”

By sending an Easter eCard through the platform, users directly support the provision of clean, safe drinking water to communities where access remains limited. For many recipients of these projects, access to clean water represents a profound transformation improving health, education, and economic opportunities.

A spokesperson for Hope Spring told That's Christmas 365: “Easter is about renewal, hope, and life. Clean water embodies all of those things. When someone sends one of our Easter eCards, they are not just sharing a message—they are helping bring life-changing resources to communities in need.”

Faith in Action in the Digital Age

The growing popularity of digital Easter greetings reflects broader shifts in how people connect and give. With rising costs and increasing environmental awareness, many UK consumers are moving away from traditional paper cards in favour of digital alternatives that are both convenient and meaningful.

At the same time, there is a noticeable desire, particularly among younger generations, to align everyday actions with personal values. Sending a charity eCard offers a simple yet powerful way to live out Christian principles of generosity, compassion, and service.

The platform also allows users to share cards instantly via email or messaging apps such as WhatsApp, enabling Easter blessings to reach loved ones across continents in seconds.

Connecting Communities Through Shared Purpose

For families separated by distance, digital Easter cards provide a way to maintain meaningful connections while celebrating faith together. For recipients in water-scarce regions, the impact is even more profound.

Each card sent contributes to sustainable water solutions, including borehole construction and clean water systems, projects that can serve entire communities for years to come.

This dual impact—spiritual and practical—is resonating strongly with users looking for more purposeful ways to celebrate religious holidays.

A New Easter Tradition

As Easter 2026 approaches, Hope Spring is positioning charity eCards as part of a new tradition: one where sharing faith goes hand in hand with making a difference.

By combining technology, faith, and philanthropy, the initiative offers a compelling example of how small digital actions can create lasting global change.

https://www.hopespring.org.uk

Looking for unique jewellery for next Christmas? British jeweller VICKISARGE has the answer

Top British jeweller VICKISARGE has announced the launch of Milandes, a high-octane 28 piece jewellery collection, blending 1930s Surrealism with the structured opulence of Art Deco, the collection arrives in an era where "Quiet Luxury" is being replaced by "Identity-Driven Adornment," Milandes offers a rebellious alternative. 

The collection centres on the repurposed vintage watch face; a surrealist nod to the fluidity of time, reimagined as the heart of sculptural brooches, necklaces, and earrings.

Each piece is a masterclass in mixed-metal alchemy, featuring a high-contrast palette of 23k Gold plating and Oxidised Silver. 

The aesthetic is further elevated by intricate insect and bird motifs, symbolising nature’s persistence within an industrial framework, and hand-set with premium Austrian crystals.

Inspiration was sought from iconic figures of the time such as Mae West, Josephine baker, Salvador Dali and Elsa Schiaparelli.

"Milandes is opulent, it is historical, but it is also deeply subversive," Creative Director Louis Circé told That's Christmas 365.

"We are taking the glamour of the 1930s and combining it with a surrealist edge that feels incredibly relevant for today’s fashion landscape."

Collection Highlights:

Brooches: The collection features four unisex brooches in a variety of motifs.

Surrealist Earring Drops: Birds and upcycled watches replace the expected gemstones on our statement earrings.

Assemblage: Mixed chains, ombre metal treatments, and repurposed decorative elements are mixed to create uniquely detailed and textured pieces.

Statements: The collection contains four one-of-a-kind statement pieces including a choker, two bodypieces and a skirt.

Availability:

The Milandes Collection is available now exclusively at the VICKISARGE boutique at 12 Kensington Church Street, London, W8 4EP  and online at www.vickisarge.com.

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Charity eCard Platform to offer Free Digital Greeting for Mother’s Day

Charity digital greeting card platform Hope Spring eCards today announced a special reminder, and special offer for people planning to send Mother’s Day greetings to their mothers digitally this year. 

In a recent blog post published on the organisation’s website, the platform highlighted that users can send Mother’s Day eCards free of charge by using a promotional code available for the occasion.

In the blog post, Hope Spring eCards explained: “Quite a number of the users of our platform are not aware that they can send eCards free of charge. Whether you are sending a birthday eCard or a Mother’s Day eCard, you can send it free of charge if you have a promo code. The promo code for this year’s Mother’s Day is mothersday2026.”

The reminder comes ahead of Mother’s Day celebrations, a period during which many people send greetings to mothers, grandmothers, and maternal figures. Digital greeting cards have grown in popularity in recent years as more people choose environmentally friendly and instant ways to send messages to loved ones.

Hope Spring eCards platform manager Mary Adeotan explained that while the platform encourages donations, the option to send cards without making a payment remains available through the promo code system. 

She told That's Christmas 365: “Our platform is actually free, but of course we would like users to make a donation because the funds support our charitable activities.

“Before we switched our system to one that made a donation mandatory, people could simply send an eCard without making any payment. After sending the eCard, they could then decide whether or not to make a donation.”

She further explained that the change to a mandatory payment system was introduced after the platform experienced significant issues with spams.

“Our system was swarmed with spam, and that was when our web developer advised us to introduce mandatory payment during the sending process,” Adeotan added. “At the same time, we created a promo code system so that people who genuinely wish to send eCards without making a donation can still do so.”

The developer’s recommendation also led to the creation of a dedicated free charity eCards page on the Hope Spring eCards website. The page lists promo codes that allow users to send eCards without making a donation, and these codes are available throughout the year.

The latest announcement about the Mother’s Day promo code is therefore intended to raise awareness among both existing users and new visitors that free options remain available.

Hope Spring eCards offers a wide variety of digital greeting cards for occasions including birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and seasonal celebrations. Users can personalise their eCards with messages and send them via email, Whatsapp, or through shareable links.

As Mother’s Day approaches, the organisation hopes the announcement will encourage more people to send messages of appreciation to their mothers while also raising awareness of the charity’s mission.

Hope Spring eCards is part of the broader activities of Hope Spring Water, a charity organisation focused on providing clean and safe water to communities in need in Africa. Donations made through the eCard platform contribute towards the charity’s water development projects.

https://www.hopespring.org.uk.

The Handmade Magic of Kathy Gagliardi’s Crochet Business

In a world of mass-produced decorations and factory-made gifts, there is something wonderfully special about handmade craftsmanship. 

Crochet artist Kathy Gagliardi has built a small but much-loved business creating handmade crochet items and patterns, proving that traditional skills still have a meaningful place in modern gifting and seasonal celebrations.

Kathy’s work centres around crochet, the timeless craft of creating textiles using yarn and a hook. Through her business, often associated with the name KJHDesigns, she creates a range of handmade pieces and crochet patterns admired by fellow crafters and customers alike. 

Her designs include elegant items such as shawls and blankets, along with other crocheted creations that showcase both creativity and technical skill.

Handcrafted businesses like Kathy’s are part of a wider revival of interest in traditional crafts. Crochet, knitting, quilting and sewing have seen a surge in popularity over the past decade as people rediscover the joy of making things by hand. For many customers, buying from a maker such as Kathy is about more than simply purchasing a product — it is about supporting an individual craftsperson and owning something unique.

From Yarn to Finished Gift

Crochet is a labour-intensive craft. Each item is made stitch by stitch, often taking many hours to complete depending on the complexity of the design. A single blanket or shawl may involve thousands of stitches and careful attention to pattern and tension.

Kathy’s designs demonstrate the artistic side of crochet. Patterns like shawls or decorative pieces highlight how yarn can be transformed into intricate textures and delicate shapes. These pieces often become heirloom gifts — something that can be treasured for years rather than used briefly and discarded.

For the Christmas season in particular, crochet items can play a beautiful role. Handmade blankets, shawls, ornaments and decorations all carry a warmth that factory-made items simply cannot replicate. They embody time, effort and care — qualities that align perfectly with the spirit of the festive season.

Why Handmade Matters at Christmas

The appeal of handcrafted gifts is especially strong at Christmas. Many people are actively looking for presents that feel thoughtful and personal rather than generic.

Crochet businesses like Kathy’s help meet that demand. A handmade piece might be given as:

A cosy winter shawl for a loved one

A soft crocheted blanket for a new baby

Decorative ornaments for the Christmas tree

Personalised handmade gifts for friends and family

Each item carries a story — not just of the person who receives it, but of the craftsperson who created it.

Supporting Small Craft Businesses

Small craft businesses are often run by individuals working from home studios, turning their passion for creativity into a livelihood. Purchasing from these makers helps sustain traditional skills and keeps handmade artistry alive.

For readers of That’s Christmas, businesses like Kathy Gagliardi’s are a reminder that Christmas doesn’t have to be about mass production. Sometimes the most meaningful gifts are the ones made slowly, carefully, and with genuine care.

In a season built around warmth, generosity and creativity, a handmade crochet gift captures the very essence of Christmas.

You can reach out to Kathy Gagliardi at https://www.facebook.com/gagliardi1957

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Ryman Has some lovely Easter Gifts, including these cute, exclusive pens

National stationery store Ryman (they also have a printing service and as an aside they printed my thesis several years ago!)  is stocking some really  cute, limited edition, Easter themed pens.

The Legami Lovely Friends Hoppy Easter Gel Pens, a fun, and adorable stationery product that is currently in high demand and available as a click & collect exclusive!

However please remember that these are a special limited edition Easter line so stocks are limited.

Legami Lovely Friends Hoppy Easter Gel Pens Pack of 2 – RRP = £6.99 (Limited Stock Click & Collect Exclusive)

To learn more about these and other Easter goodies and craft items (and printing services!) please visit https://www.ryman.co.uk to buy online and to find your nearest shop.

Fixing Before Replacing: How a New Tool Could Help Save Christmas

Everyone needs help sometimes

For many households, the festive season depends on a few hardworking appliances. 

The washing machine tackling piles of post-Christmas laundry, the oven roasting the turkey, or the dishwasher handling the aftermath of a big family meal. 

When one of those appliances fails, especially during the busy winter period, it can quickly turn festive plans into frustration.

A UK family-run retailer believes a new tool could help prevent that scenario by making it easier for people to repair appliances rather than replace them.

Spares2Repair, an appliance spare parts retailer based in Fareham, Hampshire, has launched a new AI-assisted chat tool called Fixit Fox Finder designed to help customers identify the exact spare part needed to repair household appliances.

The company says the biggest obstacle to successful repairs isn’t usually finding a replacement part — it’s correctly identifying the appliance model.

Why the Right Model Number Matters

Many appliances have very similar model numbers, often differing by just a single character or suffix. That small difference can indicate a different production run or internal configuration, meaning the wrong spare part may be ordered even when the appliance looks identical.

According to Spares2Repair, this confusion is one of the most common reasons DIY repairs fail.

Fixit Fox Finder aims to solve the problem by guiding users through the process of identifying their appliance model in simple language. If the model number plate is difficult to read, customers can upload a photograph of the rating plate or sticker. The tool then extracts key identifiers and checks them against the company’s internal model and parts catalogue.

Once the model variant has been confirmed, users can describe the fault, such as a washing machine that will not spin or a dishwasher that will not drain, and the tool highlights parts that are compatible with that specific appliance.

From Photo Search to AI Assistance

The new system builds on a previous tool launched by Spares2Repair in 2024 called Smart Search, which uses image-based optical character recognition (OCR) to identify appliance model numbers from photographs.

MD Thomas Broad said the company noticed a common pattern among customers trying to repair appliances outside normal business hours.

“People don’t plan for a washing machine to fail at 10pm,” Broad explained to Tat's Christmas 365.  “Customers often try to solve the problem with an incomplete model number and either order the wrong part or give up entirely.”

The new Fixit Fox Finder tool expands on that earlier technology by combining photo uploads, model verification and guided chat support to help customers move from identification to ordering the correct part.

Helping Households Keep Appliances Running

For households preparing for busy occasions like Christmas, when appliances often work their hardest — the ability to repair a machine quickly can make a big difference.

Spares2Repair says the tool is designed to be transparent about what it can and cannot do. While it can confirm whether a part is compatible with a specific appliance model, it does not guarantee a full diagnosis based solely on a description of the fault.

The tool is free to use and available without creating an account on the company’s website.

For families hoping to keep their kitchens and laundry rooms running smoothly, especially during the festive season, the ability to identify the right part quickly could help turn a potential holiday disaster into a straightforward repair.

You can find the app here spares2repair.co.uk

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New UK Energy App Launches as Wholesale Gas Prices Double - Helping Households Lock In Deals Before They Disappear

With many households even now already looking nervously toward next Christmas, with energy prices surging as ever, people are wondering how they'll be able to afford Christmas, let alone keeping the house warm and the family fed next winter.

However, there's good news on the horizon for UK households, because a new energy monitoring platform has launched to help UK households find and lock in better tariffs as wholesale gas prices surge and suppliers begin reviewing their fixed-rate deals.

EnergyScan (energyscan.co.uk) combines AI-powered bill analysis, whole-of-market tariff comparison, and smart meter data to track energy prices daily and alert users when a cheaper tariff becomes available.

The launch comes as wholesale gas prices briefly hit 151p per therm this week, following disruption to Qatari LNG production amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East. 

Prices rose an eye-watering 93% in a week, reaching levels not seen since 2023. Analysts warn suppliers could begin withdrawing their cheapest fixed deals if wholesale volatility continues.

Households on standard variable tariffs are currently paying up to £1,758 per year under the Ofgem price cap. While the cap will fall to £1,568 from 1 April 2026, the calculation was made before the recent wholesale spike, meaning future caps could rise if prices remain elevated.

EnergyScan aims to simplify switching by analysing real household energy use rather than relying on estimated “typical consumption” figures often used by comparison sites.

Users upload or photograph their energy bill and the platform’s AI automatically extracts usage data, tariff details, unit rates, standing charges, exit fees and contract end dates. The system then compares the information with tariffs across the market in under a minute.

Subscribers receive alerts when a deal appears that would save them money after accounting for any exit fees. Those who connect their smart meter can also access an energy dashboard showing daily costs in pounds, bill forecasts, direct debit checks and tariff modelling based on real half-hourly usage data.

EnergyScan costs £29 per year, although a one-off bill comparison is available free of charge.

The company receives a flat commission of £20 per fuel (£40 for dual fuel) if a user switches supplier through the platform. The commission is disclosed during comparisons and does not vary between suppliers.

“Most comparison sites earn variable commissions that aren’t always transparent,” EnergyScan founder Steve Middleton told That's Christmas 365. 

“We charge a clear subscription and a fixed commission so our incentive is simply to keep finding customers better deals over time.”

EnergyScan is operated by SCM Digitech Limited. The platform uses tariff data from The Energy Shop and smart meter data from n3rgy Data Ltd through the UK’s national DCC network.

A free bill check is available at app.energyscan.co.uk/free-check.

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Why Audible Memberships Make the Perfect Gift for Book Lovers

Discover why Audible memberships make the perfect gift. Learn how to subscribe through That’s Christmas and More and enjoy thousands of audiobooks anywhere.

If you are looking for a thoughtful, modern, and genuinely useful present, an audiobook subscription is hard to beat. Services like Audible, the audiobook platform owned by Amazon, have transformed how people read, learn, and enjoy stories.

For readers, commuters, busy parents, students, and lifelong learners, an Audible membership opens up a world of books without needing to sit down and turn a single page. That is exactly why it also makes a brilliant gift idea for birthdays, holidays, or Christmas morning.

Here’s why more people are choosing Audible memberships for themselves—and why they make such fantastic presents.

Audiobooks Fit Into Real Life

One of the biggest barriers to reading is time. Many people want to read more books but struggle to fit them into a busy schedule.

Audiobooks solve that problem beautifully.

With Audible, books can be enjoyed while:

Commuting to work

Cooking dinner

Walking the dog

Cleaning the house

Exercising

Travelling

Instead of replacing reading, audiobooks extend it into parts of the day that would otherwise go unused. For anyone who feels too busy to read, Audible can make books accessible again.

A Library That Travels With You

An Audible membership allows users to download audiobooks directly to their phone or tablet and listen anywhere.

The Audible App works on:

Smartphones

Tablets

Computers

Smart speakers

Car audio systems

This means a whole library of books travels with you wherever you go. Whether someone is on a train journey, a long flight, or simply relaxing at home, they can dive into a story instantly.

Even better, downloads allow for offline listening, which is perfect when travelling or when mobile signal is unreliable.

Thousands of Books Across Every Genre

Audible’s catalogue is enormous. Members can explore:

Bestselling novels

Classic literature

Crime and thrillers

Science fiction and fantasy

Memoirs and biographies

Self-development and business books

Podcasts and original productions

For people who enjoy learning, the selection of history, science, psychology, and professional development titles is especially impressive.

It is essentially a portable library that grows with your interests.

Narration Brings Books to Life

One of the magical aspects of audiobooks is the narration.

Talented voice actors and authors often read the books themselves, creating an experience that feels almost theatrical. Characters gain personality, humour lands better, and emotional moments feel more powerful.

Some productions even include:

Multiple voice actors

Music and sound design

Dramatised storytelling

For many listeners, audiobooks become a completely different experience compared with traditional reading.

Audible Credits Make It Great Value

Most Audible memberships include monthly credits that can be exchanged for any audiobook in the catalogue.

This system works brilliantly because:

Credits can be used on expensive titles

Books are yours permanently once redeemed

Members get exclusive discounts

Even if someone pauses their membership later, the books they redeemed remain in their library forever.

For regular readers, it quickly becomes one of the most affordable ways to build a large collection of books.

A Perfect Gift for Christmas

For a blog like That’s Christmas and More, Audible memberships are particularly appealing because they make excellent gifts.

Unlike many presents that get used once and forgotten, audiobooks deliver enjoyment for months.

Reasons Audible makes a brilliant gift include:

No need to guess clothing sizes or tastes

Instant digital delivery

Suitable for all ages

Perfect for people who “already have everything”

You can even gift 3, 6, or 12 months of membership, making it ideal for stocking fillers or larger festive presents.

Imagine someone unwrapping a gift that gives them dozens of stories to enjoy throughout the year.

Subscribe Through That’s Christmas and More

Readers of That’s Christmas and More can also subscribe to Audible directly through our website. By using our recommended subscription link, you can start your Audible membership in just a few moments and immediately gain access to thousands of audiobooks, podcasts, and Audible Originals.

Subscribing through our site is a simple way to begin enjoying audiobooks while also supporting the blog at the same time. If you’re planning a gift, it’s also an easy way to send someone a thoughtful present that will provide entertainment and inspiration throughout the year.

Ideal for Reluctant Readers

Audiobooks can also help people who struggle with traditional reading.

They are especially useful for:

People with dyslexia

Those with visual impairments

Busy professionals

Teenagers who find reading difficult

Listening to stories can build confidence, improve vocabulary, and spark an interest in books that might otherwise never develop.

For parents, it can be a wonderful way to encourage children and teens to engage with literature.

A Gift That Lasts All Year

Unlike chocolates or novelty gifts, an audiobook subscription continues to deliver value long after the wrapping paper is recycled.

Every month brings a new credit and a new story waiting to be discovered.

Listeners might find themselves exploring:

A gripping crime series

A historical biography

A personal development book

A comforting classic novel

Over time, their library becomes a personal collection of stories they can revisit whenever they like.

If you are searching for a gift that is thoughtful, practical, and genuinely enjoyable, an Audible membership is hard to beat.

It encourages reading, fits into modern lifestyles, and opens the door to thousands of books and stories.

Whether you are buying one for yourself or giving it to a friend or family member, it is a present that keeps delivering long after the festive season has ended.

And in a world where time is precious, the ability to enjoy great books anywhere might just be the perfect gift of all.

To place your orders, please follow this link:-

https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=audible+membership&crid=K5J6192DL8WQ&sprefix=Audible%2Caps%2C608&linkCode=ll2&tag=bookworms05-21&linkId=d25abee2933223fb8e1a42d7a2a853fa&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

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