Stuck for gifts this Christmas? Send them a One4all Gift Card

There's a joke that one line comedian Gary Delaney tells. He said he wanted to know what his niece might like for Christmas, so he asked his sister what his niece was into. "Frozen stuff," was the reply. So Gary relates that he got her some oven chips and peas.

Whilst that's obviously a joke, I'm sure we all remember a time when a well meaning perhaps older relative bought us a gift that was wildly inappropriate, the wrong style, the wrong size or perhaps inadvertently offensive, such as a nice pair of leather boots for a committed vegan.

Sometimes we might be the person who made the gifting faux pas, which can be an embarrassing mistake to make. (I'm not admitting to anything here!)  The recipients have to fake not being disappointed and will have to try to get a swap, a refund or take it to a charity shop.  

If only there was a company offering a way to ensure these gifting mistakes were never made in the first place! 

With only weeks before Christmas you will be relieved and grateful to learn that such a company already exists in the shape of One4All Gift Cards.

They are accepted at in excess of 170 major High Street brands, with popular retailers such as Argos, Curry's, Robert Dyas, Ikea, M&S, Office Outlet, Nando's, Primark and many more besides including cinemas, restaurants, electronics retailers, fashion shops, etc, etc.

You can purchase physical cards for spending in bricks and mortar premises or as online gift cards to be used with online retailers. 

Where can you buy them? You can buy them here https://www.one4all.com or in some retailer partners such as Morinsons, which is where I bought my One4all Gift Card.

They are available in denominations from £15 to £100.

One4all points out that they are also available for businesses to purchase to give out as Christmas gifts to staff members or to loyal customers 

A Timeless Tradition: Unwrapping the History of Christmas Cards

As the Christmas season approaches, we prepare to exchange festive greetings and heartfelt wishes with our loved ones through the age-old tradition of Christmas cards. 

These beautifully decorated pieces of paper or card have become synonymous with the yuletide season, but have you ever wondered about the history behind this tradition? In this blog post, we'll unwrap the fascinating history of Christmas cards, from their humble beginnings to the creative and meaningful expressions of love and joy that they represent today.

The Birth of Christmas Cards

The custom of sending holiday greetings in written form can be traced back to ancient civilisations. The Chinese are believed to have exchanged New Year's cards as early as the 9th century, and the Egyptians sent papyrus scrolls with seasonal greetings. However, it was in 1843 that the modern Christmas card was born in England, thanks to Sir Henry Cole.

Sir Henry Cole was a very busy man with a lot of correspondence to attend to. He found himself overwhelmed by the task of responding to all his Christmas well-wishers. Seeking a solution, he commissioned artist John Callcott Horsley to create a card that could be easily personalised and sent to multiple recipients. 

The result was the first commercially produced Christmas card, which depicted a family enjoying a Christmas feast and included the message, "A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You."

Early Christmas Cards: Victorian Elegance

These early Christmas cards were a far cry from the intricate and creative designs we see today. They featured simple, hand-painted illustrations and often carried religious messages, reflecting the predominant themes of the time. The cards were seen as a way to remind recipients of the true meaning of Christmas.

The tradition of sending Christmas cards quickly caught on in Victorian England and soon spread to the United States. People would exchange these cards with family and friends, often attaching sentimental notes and good wishes. The cards were treasured keepsakes, and some survive to this day, offering glimpses into the past.

The Rise of Commercial Christmas Cards

As the 19th century gave way to the 20th, advances in printing technology and mass production techniques led to the rise of commercial Christmas cards. Companies began producing a wide variety of designs, making it easier for people to find cards that suited their tastes and sentiments. These cards were no longer exclusive to the wealthy; they became accessible to the masses, too.

During this time, a new range of artistic styles emerged, from Art Nouveau to the Arts and Crafts movement, each leaving its unique imprint on Christmas card design. While some cards still featured religious themes, others embraced the secular aspects of the holiday, with Santa Claus, reindeer, and winter scenes becoming popular motifs.

A Timeless Tradition: Modern Christmas Cards

In the 21st century, Christmas cards have continued to evolve. The digital age has brought e-cards and digital greetings, allowing for quick and easy exchanges across the globe. However, traditional paper Christmas cards remain beloved by many. They have evolved into a canvas for personal expression, with handmade and custom-designed cards becoming increasingly popular, once again.

Today, Christmas cards come in all shapes, sizes, and styles. They can be humorous, heart-warming, or artistic, and they often feature family photos, personalised messages, and even in support of charitable causes. Many people still cherish the act of sending and receiving physical cards, as they represent a tangible connection to loved ones during the Christmas season.

The history of Christmas cards is a testament to the enduring power of human connection and the spirit of giving during the Christmas season. What started as a simple idea in 1843 has blossomed into a diverse and cherished tradition that transcends time and borders. Whether you opt for a vintage Victorian design, a modern masterpiece, or a personalised photo card, remember that each Christmas card you send or receive is a piece of history, a token of love, and a reminder of the enduring joy of the Christmas season.

(Image courtesy Oberholster Venita from Pixabay)

Rediscovering the True Meaning of Christmas: A Guide to Reconnect with the Spirit of Christmas

In our modern world, the Christmas season often gets overshadowed by consumerism, materialism, and the hustle and bustle of our daily lives. 

We may find ourselves caught up in the frenzy of Christmas shopping, decorating, and party planning, but in the midst of all this, it's all too easy to forget the real meaning of Christmas. However, it's never too late to reclaim the essence of this cherished season. In this blog post, we'll explore some heartfelt ways to get the real meaning of Christmas back.

Reflect on the Origin

To reconnect with the true meaning of Christmas, it's important to reflect on its origin. Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, who is considered by Christians as the Saviour of the world. Take time to read the nativity story from the Bible and contemplate the significance of Jesus' birth. Understanding the spiritual foundation of Christmas can help you regain its true essence.

Practice Gratitude

Christmas is a time for gratitude and giving. Instead of focusing solely on what you want to receive, take a moment to appreciate what you have and consider how you can give back to others. Whether it's through acts of kindness, volunteering, or donating to charity, practicing gratitude can bring you closer to the heart of Christmas.

Spend Quality Time with Loved Ones

Amidst the seasonal chaos, it's easy to lose sight of the importance of spending time with loved ones. Make a conscious effort to connect with family and friends. Share stories, laughter, and make memories that will last a lifetime. These moments of togetherness are at the core of what makes Christmas special.

Embrace the Spirit of Giving

Instead of viewing gift-giving as a chore, approach it as an opportunity to show love and appreciation for those you care about. Thoughtful, meaningful gifts don't have to be expensive; they can be handcrafted or chosen with care to reflect the recipient's interests and needs.

Simplify Your Celebrations

In our consumer-driven society, it's easy to get caught up in the pressure to have the biggest and brightest decorations or the most extravagant parties. Consider simplifying your Christmas celebrations. Focus on what truly matters: the people you're with and the love and joy you share.

Create Meaningful Traditions

Traditions are a wonderful way to connect with the past and create lasting memories. Establish meaningful traditions that resonate with your family and values. Whether it's carolling in the neighbourhood, baking biscuits, or volunteering together, these traditions can help you reconnect with the spirit of Christmas.

Reflect and Meditate

Take some time during the Christmas season to reflect and meditate on the deeper meaning of Christmas. Consider the virtues of love, compassion, and forgiveness that are associated with this holiday. Personal reflection can help you internalise these values and live them more fully throughout the year.

Give Back to the Community

One powerful way to rediscover the true meaning of Christmas is to give back to your community. Consider volunteering at a local shelter, food bank, or charity organisation. Helping those in need can remind you of the importance of selflessness and generosity.

Conclusion

Christmas is a time to celebrate love, compassion, and the birth of Jesus Christ. While it's easy to get lost in the commercial aspects of the holiday, by taking deliberate steps to reflect, give back, and spend quality time with loved ones, you can reconnect with the real meaning of Christmas. Let this holiday season be a time of spiritual growth and a rekindling of the values that make Christmas truly special.

Flowers still top Valentine lists

The latest user survey conducted by dedicated money-saving website DiscountVouchers.co.uk has this week revealed that the majority of Britons still rate the top Valentine’s Day gift to be flowers.

DiscountVouchers.co.uk regularly surveys its site users and this week reveals that the leading Valentine's Day gift is flowers, with 40% of respondents picking this. Next in the poll results was jewellery with 34% while the poll also showed that 9% of people prefer not to give any gift at all Valentine's Day.

The top ten Valentine’s Day presents uncovered by the voucher codes website poll were: 1. Flowers. 2. Jewellery. 3. Nothing. 4. Chocolates. 5. Champagne. 6. Lingerie. 7. Teddy bear. 8. Simple card. 9. Perfume. 10. CD.

For more information visit www.discountvouchers.co.uk

Scribbler.com launches a range of personalised Valentines cards

Scribbler.com has unveiled its new look website in time for the Valentines day madness. Hoping to capitalise on the British public’s ever-growing demand for Valentines cards, the personalised card website, which is owned by the greeting card chain Scribbler, has launched its own product range for the first time.

“Scribbler’s business model has traditionally been to source product from up and coming card designers, and this has been our cornerstone for the last 30 years.” explains Edward Armitage, Head of Ecommerce for Scribbler, “With the introduction of personalised cards, we’ve found a demand for photo-upload greeting cards that our existing designers cannot satisfy, so we’ve had to do it in-house”.

The new Valentines cards take advantage of the personalisation functionality on the new website, allowing customers to upload photos, change text on the front of the card, and type a personal message inside, but most importantly they are consistent with the cheeky humour and fun design for which Scribbler has always been popular.

Scribbler warns that their cards will not be to everyone’s taste. Lovers of hearts, flowers, and teddy bears should probably look elsewhere, hey reveal. But if you are looking for a Valentines card urging the recipient to “Sit on my Facebook” for example, then you’re in the right place.

For more information please visit www.scribbler.com or call 0845 262 6270

Bah Humbug at Christmas?

Almost two thirds (63%) of us admit they’ve stopped sending Christmas cards now, with almost half (48%) preferring to send a Merry Christmas text in their place, according to new research by mobile phone experts, Recombu.com.

However, this festive gesture is not appreciated by everyone – the survey which polled 2,000 people reveals that a third (33%) of us despise the impersonal ‘round robin’ Christmas texts. And it’s hardly surprising, with more than one in ten of us (11%) receiving one of these texts from someone we don’t even know.

Christmas Calling Behaviour

Despite the fact that one in five (19%) of us view talking to relatives on the phone as a Christmas Day tradition, the research reveals that we do it begrudgingly. 14% of us feel pressured to talk to family members and one in ten (10%) have ignored their calls so they don’t have to force conversation. However, perhaps mean spirited Brits should make more of this festive time of year, as 11% admit that Christmas is the only time they speak to certain members of their family.

Hannah Bouckley, editor of Recombu.com, comments: “When texting friends and family on Christmas Day, it’s clearly key to keep the messages personal otherwise they may come across as systematic and thoughtless. The research shows that round-robin texts don’t go down well at all so they should be avoided at all costs!”

For more information about Recombu please visit the website www.recombu.com.

‘Jingle’ all the way with my Travel Cash

Britons who travel abroad or visit overseas websites for their Christmas shopping needs could pocket an accumulative £8.6m as my Travel Cash- the prepaid MasterCard® currency card – gives its customers the gift of cashback.

my Travel Cash recently added a fantastic reward for all customers - 1% unlimited cashback on everything purchased, paid directly to the prepaid card account the following month after it has been used.

Research from Santander shows that the average Briton will spend £359 on Christmas presents, with 4.2 million spending 23% of their budget abroad and a further 4.2 million spending 35% of their Christmas budget on overseas websites – collectively amounting to £8.6m in cashback rewards should they all use a my Travel Cash currency card.

As purchases made in cards’ currency are also free, shopaholics can feel confident when playing Santa for their loved ones this Christmas. The cashback earned is only limited by how much the cardholder spends – no hidden tricks or complicated rules just great value, commission-free rewards, back on the card in time for mid-term break in the sun.

Myles Stephenson, CEO my Travel Cash, comments: “More and more people are heading abroad to European Christmas markets or further afield to New York or L.A. There is also a large percentage of the population who purchase from overseas websites.

“For both types of customers, my Travel Cash not only offers a competitive exchange rate but we go that bit further to ensure our customers are rewarded. We introduced the 1% cashback this summer and it is now a permanent feature on our cards. Additionally, we have also scrapped ATM withdrawal fees on all three of our cards[iv], and to top it off, our customers aren’t charged any commission either.”

my Travel Cash (www.mytravelcash.com) offers three prepaid MasterCard cards in Multi-Currency (Sterling), Euros and US Dollars. The cards work like a pay-as-you-go mobile phone, you load them with money before you travel and top them up when needed, meaning you only spend what you load – great if you need to stick to a budget when abroad.

The Express Delivery option means you can get yours in time for your trip, unlike other prepaid currency card providers that can take between 5-10 working days. Order your prepaid card and take advantage of the competitive exchange rates at www.mytravelcash.com. Then, simply take it with you when you go.

The Westfield gift card takes the stress out of last minute Christmas shopping

With just 4 days until Christmas, British shopping centres and high streets are awash people trying to find the perfect last minute gift. If this sounds like you, then don’t panic! Westfield’s gift card has arrived to take the stress out of this year’s Christmas shopping.

The Westfield gift card can be purchased right up until Christmas Eve, so it removes the need for the pre-Christmas rush. It can be used at Westfield’s designer and high street stores and the Vue cinemas at Westfield London or Westfield Stratford City. This means loved ones can buy something they really want for Christmas.

Gift cards are available now, from: http://uk.westfield.com/uk/news/westfield-gift-card and are accepted at all Westfield UK centres including: Westfield Stratford City and Westfield London, Westfield Derby and Merry Hill in the West Midlands. They are redeemable against all purchases, including sale goods, at all stores within Westfield centres. 
Shoppers can choose from a variety of card designs (including a special edition Christmas snowflake design) and delivery options to make sure they receive their orders in time for Christmas day.

Westfield Gift cards can be spent at Westfield London, Westfield Stratford City, Westfield Derby, Merry Hill, Royal Victoria Place, Tunbridge Wells, The Friary, Guildford and CastleCourt, Belfast.

The Westfield Prepaid Maestro Gift Card is issued by Newcastle Building Society (NBS) pursuant to licence from MasterCard International or its Affiliates. NBS is authorised and regulated by the FSA (Registration 156058).

There is an activation fee of £2 charged per Westfield gift card at the time of issue.
Online purchased gift cards require activation after delivery and expires 12 months from the date it was issued.
Visit the concierge or westfield.com/ukcentres for full Westfield gift card terms & conditions.

To ensure that their online order arrives at their account address in time for Christmas customers should be aware of the suggested last online order dates:

To beat the Christmas rush, make sure you order before the recommended last ordering date.

- Special Delivery (£8.49)
Last date for purchase 21st December AM – recommended last ordering date before Christmas

- Overnight courier service (£19.99)
Last date for purchase 22nd December AM – recommended last ordering date before Christmas