A Timely Christmas Gift: John Lewis Men’s and Women’s Grooming Kits: Christmas Gift Ideas

The John Lewis Men’s Grooming Kit arrived at just the right time, with a muscle rub that I found helpful for a painful pulled muscle. Could the men’s and women’s kits make ideal Christmas gifts?

Some Christmas gifts are useful, some are a treat, and occasionally one arrives at exactly the right moment. That was certainly my experience with the John Lewis Men’s Grooming Kit.

I have been dealing with a painful pulled muscle in my lower back, so the muscle rub in the kit was especially welcome. I tried it when my back was troubling me and found it helpful. It could hardly have arrived at a better time, and it turned a grooming gift into something I was genuinely pleased to use.

That personal experience got me thinking about the John Lewis Men’s and Women’s Grooming Kits as Christmas presents. They make a thoughtful choice for someone who enjoys looking after themselves, but they also have the practical appeal of products that can be put to use rather than left forgotten in a cupboard.

Grooming gifts can be tricky to choose. People often have their favourite products, and it is easy to worry about picking the wrong fragrance or something they will never use. A kit offers a little variety and a chance to try something different. The muscle rub was a particularly useful surprise for me, and it showed how a well-chosen set can be both a treat and a practical addition to someone’s routine.

The men’s and women’s versions also make the idea easy to adapt to the person you are buying for. They could work as a main present, or as a generous extra alongside another gift. They might suit a partner, relative or friend who appreciates useful self-care products, especially if you are looking for something a little more personal than the usual socks or toiletries.

Of course, everyone’s preferences are different, so it is always worth checking the kit’s contents before buying. But my experience has made me look at grooming sets in a new light. The John Lewis Men’s Grooming Kit arrived just when I needed that muscle rub, and I can see the appeal of the matching women’s kit as a present too.

So I thought: “The John Lewis Men’s and Women’s Grooming Kits will make ideal Christmas gifts this year.” Sometimes the best gift is one that feels like a treat and proves useful at just the right moment.

www.johnlewis.com

A Very Vegan Christmas: Enjoying Festive Dining Out Without Compromise

Christmas is a time for delicious food, good company and festive celebrations.

 And whether you're a committed vegan, experimenting with plant-based eating or simply fancy something different, there's absolutely no reason why you shouldn't enjoy a wonderful Christmas meal out.

Not so many years ago, being vegan at a Christmas restaurant gathering often meant being offered a sad looking salad, a rather uninspiring plate of vegetables, perhaps accompanied by a baked potato.

Thankfully, times have changed!

Restaurants, pubs, hotels and cafés across Britain are increasingly recognising that vegan diners deserve the same exciting, imaginative Christmas menus as everyone else.

A Christmas Feast Without the Meat

Forget the idea that Christmas dinner must revolve around turkey, beef or goose.

Today's vegan Christmas menus can feature delicious centrepieces such as mushroom and chestnut Wellington, butternut squash and lentil roasts, festive vegetable pies and beautifully presented nut roasts.

Accompaniments might include rosemary-roasted potatoes, maple-glazed parsnips, braised red cabbage, Brussels sprouts with chestnuts and rich vegan gravy.

And let's not forget dessert!

Vegan Christmas puddings, chocolate tortes, sticky toffee puddings and dairy-free cheesecakes can provide a wonderfully indulgent conclusion to your festive feast.

Book Early and Check the Menu

One of our most important pieces of advice at That's Christmas 365 is to book your Christmas dining arrangements as early as possible.

This is particularly important if you require vegan options.

Although many establishments now offer plant-based Christmas menus, the choice can vary considerably.

Before booking, check whether the restaurant provides a complete vegan festive menu rather than simply one alternative main course.

Remember to ask about starters, desserts, sauces and accompaniments, too. 

Some seemingly innocent dishes contain butter, cream, cheese, honey or other animal-derived ingredients.

And if you're booking a Christmas meal for a large group, make sure everyone's dietary requirements are communicated clearly beforehand.

Christmas Drinks Deserve Attention Too

Did you know that not every wine or beer is vegan?

Some alcoholic drinks are produced using animal-derived fining agents

Fortunately, vegan-friendly wines, beers and spirits are widely available, so there's no need to miss out on a festive toast.

Make Everyone Feel Welcome

Perhaps the most important consideration is ensuring that nobody feels excluded from the Christmas celebrations.

Whether you're organising an office Christmas party, a family gathering or a festive reunion with friends, choosing a restaurant that caters properly for different dietary preferences demonstrates thoughtfulness and consideration.

And here's an idea: why not try a vegan Christmas meal yourself?

You don't have to become vegan to appreciate beautifully prepared plant-based food.

You might even discover a new festive favourite!

At That's Christmas 365, we believe Christmas dining should be about bringing people together, sharing wonderful food and creating happy memories.

And whether your Christmas dinner features turkey, tofu or a magnificent mushroom Wellington, what really matters is enjoying the occasion together.

Here's to a delicious, inclusive and very merry Christmas!

That's Christmas 365. Celebrating everything wonderful about Christmas, every day of the year.

Book Your Christmas Meals Now. Before It's Too Late!

Christmas might still seem a little way off, but if you're planning a festive meal with family, friends or work colleagues, there's one important job you really shouldn't put off any longer: booking your Christmas restaurant or pub meal!

With Christmas Day just two months away, popular restaurants, hotels and pubs are already taking reservations for their festive menus. 

And if you leave booking until the last minute, you could find that your favourite venue is completely full.

Whether you're organising the annual office Christmas party, a family get-together or a relaxing festive lunch with friends, making arrangements now could save considerable disappointment later.

The Best Dates Go First

It's hardly surprising that certain dates are particularly popular.

Friday and Saturday evenings throughout December are especially attractive for company Christmas parties, while Sunday lunchtimes are often favoured by families wanting to celebrate together.

Larger groups can face particular difficulties because restaurants have limited space for big tables.

If you're organising a meal for ten, twenty or even fifty colleagues, waiting until November could mean discovering that your preferred venue simply cannot accommodate everyone.

The earlier you book, the greater your choice of dates, times and venues.

Don't Forget the Family Christmas Meal

Christmas dining isn't just about office parties.

Increasing numbers of families enjoy getting together for a special meal in the weeks leading up to Christmas, particularly when relatives live some distance apart.

A restaurant meal can be an excellent way of bringing several generations together without leaving one unfortunate family member responsible for all the cooking, washing up and clearing away.

Grandparents, parents, children and grandchildren can enjoy spending time together while somebody else takes care of the food.

And let's not forget that Christmas Day itself is an exceptionally popular occasion for dining out.

Restaurants and hotels offering Christmas Day lunches may require reservations months in advance, so anyone hoping to enjoy a traditional turkey dinner without cooking it themselves should investigate availability immediately.

Company Christmas Parties Need Careful Planning

For businesses, the annual Christmas meal is an opportunity to thank employees for their hard work throughout the year.

However, organising a successful celebration involves more than simply reserving a table.

You'll need to consider dietary requirements, accessibility, transport arrangements and whether the chosen venue offers suitable options for everyone attending.

Some establishments require deposits or advance menu selections, particularly for larger parties.

It's also worth checking cancellation policies before committing company funds.

Remember that not everyone drinks alcohol, and providing attractive alcohol-free alternatives is an important part of making celebrations inclusive.

Look Beyond the Traditional Christmas Menu

Although turkey with all the trimmings remains a festive favourite, Christmas dining offers considerably more variety.

Indian, Chinese, Italian and other restaurants can provide wonderful alternatives to traditional British Christmas fare.

Indeed, choosing somewhere different might become the beginning of an enjoyable new family or workplace tradition.

Some pubs and restaurants also offer excellent value festive lunch menus during weekdays, potentially making them more affordable than weekend evening celebrations.

Keep an Eye on Your Budget

Christmas is already an expensive time of year, so it's sensible to establish how much everyone is comfortable spending before making reservations.

Check whether the advertised price includes service charges, drinks and any extras.

A seemingly inexpensive festive menu can become considerably more costly once everything is added together.

Booking early also gives families and colleagues more time to budget for the occasion.

Don't Leave It Until December!

There's something wonderfully enjoyable about sitting down to a delicious Christmas meal surrounded by family, friends or colleagues.

The festive decorations, seasonal music, cheerful conversations and anticipation of Christmas all help create a special atmosphere.

But none of that can happen if you cannot find anywhere with a table available!

So gather your family, consult your colleagues, agree on a suitable date and start contacting your favourite restaurants and pubs.

Because the best Christmas celebrations begin with a little forward planning, and the best tables won't stay available forever!

And remember, here at That's Christmas 365, we believe that Christmas should be about making happy memories, not discovering that every restaurant in town is fully booked!

This Christmas, Give the Men in Your Life the Gift of Great Skin. Whatever Their Age!

Forget the idea that skincare is just for women. Men of every age deserve to look good, feel good and take pride in their appearance. 

And speaking from personal experience, a good skincare routine can make a remarkable difference!

For years, skincare was regarded as something primarily for women. Men were expected to make do with a bar of soap, a razor and perhaps a splash of aftershave.

Thankfully, attitudes are changing. More men are discovering that looking after their skin isn't vanity. It's simply good personal maintenance.

And I can personally vouch for the benefits!

Looking Younger Than I Did 15 Years Ago!

Over the past few years, I've started taking skincare much more seriously, investing in high-end skincare products and incorporating FOREO beauty technology into my daily routine.

The results have been rather surprising.

My wife recently remarked that I actually look younger now than I did 15 years ago!

Now, that's quite a compliment, especially when you're no longer in the first flush of youth!

Of course, I can't claim to have discovered the fountain of eternal youth, but I genuinely believe that looking after my skin has made a noticeable difference.

And if it works for me, why shouldn't other men give it a try?

Good Skincare Isn't Just About Looking Younger

Our skin is our body's largest organ, and it deserves proper attention.

Men's skin faces daily challenges from shaving, pollution, cold weather, central heating and exposure to sunlight.

As we age, our skin naturally loses some of its elasticity and moisture, making fine lines, wrinkles and dryness more noticeable.

A sensible skincare routine can help keep skin hydrated, comfortable and looking healthier.

And you don't need an elaborate collection of lotions and potions to get started.

A gentle facial cleanser, a good moisturiser and daily broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen provide an excellent foundation.

For those wanting to go further, specialist serums, exfoliating treatments and advanced skincare devices can become part of a more comprehensive routine.

Discover the FOREO Difference

One of the most interesting developments in modern skincare has been the arrival of sophisticated beauty technology designed for home use.

FOREO has developed a range of devices intended to complement traditional skincare products, including its LUNA facial cleansing range and BEAR microcurrent devices.

These devices bring an element of modern technology to everyday skincare, making the process feel rather more sophisticated than simply washing your face.

Different devices have different purposes, and results vary, but I have thoroughly enjoyed incorporating FOREO technology into my own routine.

Skincare Is for Men of Every Generation

Whether you're buying for a teenager, a man in his twenties, a busy father in his forties or a grandfather enjoying retirement, good skincare can make a thoughtful Christmas present.

Younger men can benefit from establishing healthy habits early, while older men may particularly appreciate products that help tackle dryness and improve the appearance of their skin.

And let's dispel another myth: there's no age at which it's too late to start taking better care of yourself.

Ladies, Here's a Christmas Gift Idea!

This Christmas, why not give the men in your life something that could benefit them long after the decorations have been packed away?

A quality skincare gift set, a luxurious moisturiser, a facial cleansing device or even a complete skincare collection could introduce someone to a whole new world of personal care.

You don't necessarily have to spend a fortune, either. The important thing is choosing products suited to the recipient's skin.

And gentlemen, don't be embarrassed about enjoying a little luxury. Looking after yourself isn't exclusively a female pursuit!

After all, if my wife thinks I'm looking younger than I did 15 years ago, that's all the encouragement I need to continue.

So, ladies, this Christmas give every man in your life, young or old, the gift of good skin.

Who knows? By next Christmas, he might be looking rather younger, too!

That's Christmas 365. Because looking and feeling your best is a gift worth enjoying all year round.

Christmas Gifts for the Man Who Says He Doesn't Want Anything!

We all know one, don't we? That husband, father, grandfather, brother or friend who, when asked what he'd like for Christmas, responds with the familiar words: "Oh, nothing. I've got everything I need!"

Very helpful. Thank you!

But at That's Christmas 365, we believe that even the most difficult-to-buy-for gentleman deserves something special under the Christmas tree. The trick is finding a present he didn't realise he wanted!

Think Hobbies, Not Just Presents

Does he enjoy gardening, cooking, reading, photography or tinkering with gadgets?

A keen gardener might appreciate some quality tools, unusual seeds or a fascinating gardening book.

For the enthusiastic cook, consider a selection of exotic spices, an interesting kitchen gadget or a cookbook featuring dishes he hasn't tried before.

Technology enthusiasts might enjoy a wireless charging stand, a portable power bank or a clever little accessory that makes everyday life easier.

And for the man who loves a good book? A biography, historical reference work or gripping thriller could be just the ticket.

A Little Luxury Never Hurts

Sometimes the best presents are upgraded versions of everyday essentials.

Think luxurious shaving products, beautifully made socks, a quality leather wallet or a particularly comfortable pair of slippers.

Food and drink gifts can also be winners. Speciality coffee, artisan chocolates, interesting cheeses or a selection of favourite treats can make excellent presents.

Give Him Something to Remember

What about an experience rather than another possession?

A heritage railway journey, brewery tour, theatre visit, afternoon tea or tickets to a sporting event might provide memories long after Christmas has passed.

Better still, choose something you can enjoy together.

Don't Forget the Unexpected!

Sometimes a quirky present is the most successful.

A retro radio, unusual puzzle, nostalgic board game or fascinating piece of memorabilia connected with his childhood could bring a genuine smile.

Personalised gifts can also work beautifully, especially when they reflect his interests rather than simply displaying his name.

It's the Thought That Counts

Of course, if he genuinely doesn't want anything, respect his wishes. Perhaps he'd appreciate a special meal, an outing or simply some quality time with family.

Our advice from That's Christmas 365? Listen to what he talks about throughout the year. That casual comment about a gadget, book or hobby might provide the perfect Christmas inspiration.

After all, the man who says he wants nothing might just be the one who enjoys a thoughtful surprise the most!

Beauty Gifts Aren't Just About Looking Good – They're About Feeling Good, Too!

My wife and I were chatting about beauty products and about gifting them for Christmas. 

My wife said: "It's often not about making people more beautiful, it's more about helping them feel better about themselves."

Which led me to thinking about that very topic which brought about this blog post. 

When we think about giving beauty products or beauty treatments as Christmas presents, it's easy to assume that the aim is to make someone look prettier, younger or more handsome.

But perhaps we're missing the point entirely.

The best beauty gifts aren't necessarily about changing someone's appearance. They're about helping someone feel better about themselves, boosting their confidence and giving them a little time to enjoy being pampered.

And isn't that what a thoughtful Christmas present should do?

Beauty Is More Than Skin Deep

We live in a world where we're constantly bombarded with images of supposedly perfect people. Flawless skin, immaculate hair and impossibly youthful faces and stick-thin people seem to be everywhere.

But beauty isn't a competition, and nobody should feel they need to look different to be valued or loved.

Giving someone a luxurious skincare set, a beautiful fragrance or a voucher for a relaxing facial doesn't have to mean that you think their appearance needs improving.

Quite the opposite!

It can be a way of saying, "You're special, you deserve something lovely, and I'd like you to have a little time just for yourself."

That's a very different message.

The Wonderful Gift of Being Pampered

For many people, everyday life is a constant round of responsibilities.

There are jobs to do, families to look after, bills to pay and seemingly endless demands on our time.

Taking an hour to enjoy a massage, having a professional manicure or simply relaxing in a warm bath with some beautifully scented products can feel like a genuine luxury.

And sometimes, it's precisely the luxury we need.

A beauty treatment can offer something that money alone cannot buy: permission to stop rushing around and concentrate on ourselves for a change.

Men Deserve Pampering, Too!

Let's not forget the gentlemen!

Beauty and personal grooming gifts certainly aren't exclusively for women.

A quality shaving kit, a luxurious aftershave, a beard-care collection or even a professional grooming treatment can make a wonderful Christmas present. (For example I recently treated myself to a Harry's shaving kit.)

There's absolutely nothing wrong with a man enjoying a little pampering.

Feeling freshly groomed, comfortable and confident isn't about vanity. It's about taking pride in yourself and enjoying the experience.

And if a gentleman fancies a relaxing facial or a manicure, why shouldn't he?

Confidence Can Be the Greatest Gift

Sometimes something as simple as a new hairstyle, a favourite perfume or a good skincare routine can help someone feel more confident.

Not because there's anything wrong with how they looked before, but because they've enjoyed doing something positive for themselves.

There's a world of difference between wanting to change someone's appearance and wanting to make them smile when they look in the mirror.

The latter is a wonderful reason to give a gift.

Choose With Kindness, Not Criticism

Of course, there's one important consideration when buying beauty gifts.

Make sure the present feels like a treat, not a criticism.

An expensive anti-ageing cream might delight someone who's specifically asked for it. But giving the same product to somebody who hasn't expressed an interest could send an entirely unintended message!

Likewise, weight-loss treatments, products promising to correct supposed imperfections or anything suggesting the recipient needs fixing should be approached with considerable caution.

Instead, think about what the person genuinely enjoys.

Do they love fragrances? Would they appreciate a relaxing spa experience? Have they mentioned a particular skincare brand or a hair treatment they've always wanted to try?

Listening to people is often the secret to choosing the perfect present.

You Don't Have to Spend a Fortune

The good news is that helping someone feel special doesn't require an enormous Christmas budget.

A beautifully presented hand cream, a favourite bath product, a scented body lotion or a small collection of grooming essentials can be every bit as thoughtful as an expensive spa day.

It's the care behind the gift that matters.

And sometimes, the most meaningful present is simply arranging for someone to have a little uninterrupted time to enjoy it.

This Christmas, Give the Gift of Feeling Good

At That's Christmas 365, we believe Christmas presents should bring happiness, comfort and pleasure to the people receiving them.

Beauty gifts can do all three.

They don't have to promise a younger face, a more handsome appearance or some unrealistic transformation.

They can simply say:

"You're wonderful just as you are. Here's something to help you feel wonderful, too."

And really, isn't that one of the loveliest Christmas messages of all?

What do you think? Do you enjoy receiving beauty and grooming products for Christmas, or would you prefer a relaxing treatment or pampering experience? We'd love to hear your thoughts!

That's Christmas 365, celebrating thoughtful gifts, festive inspiration and the joy of making people smile.

Please check out our affiliate-link online Christmas Shop which is powered by Amazon. We will receive a modest sum from every purchase https://amzn.to/46Bfpyf

Send Christmas Cheer and Support Clean Water with Hope Spring’s Corporate Charity eCards

Christmas greetings are an important way for businesses to thank customers, staff, suppliers and partners, and this year Hope Spring eCards is offering organisations the chance to make those festive messages do a little more good.

The Hereford-based organisation has expanded its festive range with dedicated corporate charity Christmas eCards, combining personalised seasonal greetings with fundraising for clean water, sanitation and hygiene projects.

Designed for businesses, charities and other organisations, the corporate collection includes professionally illustrated static cards alongside animated and video Christmas eCards. Greetings can be personalised with a company name and message, while businesses can also speak to the Hope Spring team about incorporating their logo and other branding.

Joshua Ojo, Manager at Hope Spring eCards, to That's Christmas 365: “Our digital Christmas eCards are designed to make festive greetings straightforward, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses that may not have the time or resources to organise large traditional Christmas card mailings.”

The digital approach certainly has some practical advantages during the busiest time of the year. Instead of buying cards, addressing envelopes and arranging postage, businesses can prepare their greetings online and send them by email or share them through WhatsApp.

Scheduled delivery also means Christmas messages can be prepared well ahead of the December rush.

Businesses can create different greetings for employees, customers, suppliers and other contacts, making it possible to tailor messages to each audience.

Importantly, the eCards also support Hope Spring, a UK-registered charity working to tackle water poverty. Money raised through the eCard platform contributes towards clean-water and hygiene projects in communities in Africa, including boreholes, wells, sanitation projects and hygiene education.

Hope Spring spokesperson Lolade Aderibigbe told us: “Small businesses often want to do something thoughtful at Christmas without adding another complicated job to an already busy December.”

For companies looking to reduce their reliance on physical Christmas cards, digital greetings also remove the need for printing, envelopes and postage.

There is something particularly appropriate about combining Christmas wishes with charitable fundraising. Businesses are already taking the time to say thank you to the people who have supported them throughout the year; Hope Spring’s approach gives those greetings an opportunity to support communities experiencing water poverty too.

For organisations starting their Christmas planning early, the new corporate collection offers another way to spread some festive goodwill, both to the people receiving the greeting and much further afield.

https://www.hopespring.org.uk