Give a Young Music Fan the Popstar Treatment This Christmas

Finding a Christmas present for a child or teenager who seems to have everything can be difficult. 

Toys, gadgets and clothes are soon forgotten, but an exciting experience can create memories that last for years.

For young music fans aged from seven to 16, a recording session with CoverStar Experiences in Liverpool could make a wonderfully unusual Christmas gift.

Based at Prohibition Recording Studios in Liverpool’s Georgian Quarter, CoverStar Kids Parties allow young people to experience what it is like to become a pop star for the day. Instead of visiting another soft play centre or trampoline park, the recipient and their friends can walk along a VIP red carpet before entering a genuine fully-equipped professional recording studio.

Inside the soundproof vocal booth, the young performers wear professional studio headphones and record their favourite chart hits with the help of an experienced sound engineer. Children do not need to be accomplished singers: the emphasis is on having fun, gaining confidence and enjoying an unforgettable celebration with friends.

The newly refreshed experience also includes a stylish party room for rehearsals, festival-style glitter make-up and a photo booth prop session. Every child receives a personalised “Vinyl Style” keepsake CD, giving them a lasting souvenir of their moment in the spotlight.

“Our popstar parties have always been about creating core memories, building confidence and delivering a genuinely special celebration for children and their best friends,” Graham Mac of CoverStar Experiences told That's Christmas 365.

“Whether a child is an aspiring singer or just wants to laugh and celebrate with friends, our sound engineers and hosts ensure everyone feels like a VIP star.”

Established in 2013, CoverStar Experiences is a ten-time TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award winner, supported by hundreds of five-star reviews from parents. Its recording experiences are also available for hen parties, corporate events and adult music enthusiasts.

Gold, Platinum and Ultimate children’s party packages are offered, with options capable of accommodating as many as 50 guests. Upgraded studio amenities and bar facilities are available for accompanying parents.

The studio is open seven days a week, with sessions offered from 9am until 9pm, Monday to Saturday, and from 10am until 6pm on Sundays. Its new website also allows families to check the availability of dates instantly.

A CoverStar experience could be revealed on Christmas morning with a homemade backstage pass, microphone or decorated gift box. It is a particularly appealing present for a budding singer, or any youngster who has ever dreamed of hearing their voice recorded in a professional studio.

For prices, packages and date availability, visit coverstarkidsparties.co.uk or telephone 0800 689 7827.

Want to organise something similar for older teens or adults? They have you covered, too! https://www.coverstarexperiences.co.uk

Model Railways, Cats and Parrots: Can They Live Together?

Our recent That’s Christmas 365 article about buying model railway gifts prompted a rather important thought in our own household.

We have an African Grey parrot and a very large Maine Coon cat.

Would introducing a model railway into that combination be brave, or completely foolish?

Fortunately, pet ownership doesn't necessarily mean abandoning dreams of miniature steam trains or classic vintage diesel locomotives winding through beautifully detailed countryside. However, some sensible precautions are definitely required.

The railway may look like a giant cat's toy

Cats and model railways aren't necessarily natural companions.

A locomotive moving around a layout could prove irresistible, while delicate trees, signals, telegraph poles and buildings aren't designed to withstand a large cat deciding to walk across them, or spend an afternoon catnapping on them.

Then there are tunnels.

What self-respecting cat wouldn't investigate something repeatedly disappearing into a hole or coming out again?

Rather than hoping your cat simply loses interest, it's better to design the railway on the assumption that curiosity will eventually win.

And don't underestimate a parrot!

African Greys are extraordinarily intelligent and inquisitive birds, equipped with a remarkably powerful beak.

Small model railway accessories could be picked up or chewed, while exposed electrical cables present an obvious hazard.

For households with parrots, wiring should therefore be properly enclosed and inaccessible. We'd also disconnect the railway from its power supply when it wasn't being used.

Tiny detachable scenery and accessories shouldn't be accessible to either cats or birds.

Consider a railway in a cabinet

One particularly attractive solution is building a layout into a cabinet.

Transparent acrylic doors or panels could allow everyone in the family, including the pets, to watch the trains while preventing paws and beaks from reaching the railway.

Open the cabinet when you're operating or maintaining the layout and close everything securely afterwards.

A folding layout offers another possibility. A compact OO, N or 009 layout could be brought out for an evening's railway operation before being folded or stored safely away.

A railway room?

If you're fortunate enough to have a spare bedroom, box room or other suitable space, turning it into a dedicated model railway room could solve most of the problem.

Simply keeping the door closed when you're not there provides an extremely effective first line of defence.

For larger homes, garages, lofts and suitable outbuildings can offer other possibilities, although temperature, humidity and security need considering.

What about a garden railway?

Going bigger could be another answer.

Garden railway equipment is generally much more substantial than its indoor cousins, and constructing a railway amongst real plants can become a fascinating hobby in itself.

However, cats may still regard the railway as part of their territory, while pet birds obviously shouldn't be allowed outdoors unsupervised.

Pets don't mean giving up the railway dream

Perhaps that's the important point.

If somebody in your family receives a model railway for Christmas, the presence of cats, parrots or other inquisitive pets doesn't mean trains and animals can't coexist.

It simply means thinking about where the railway will live, how it will be protected and how its electrical equipment and small components will be secured.

In fact, designing a pet-proof railway could become an interesting modelling challenge in its own right.

In our household, a substantial cabinet layout with clear protective doors sounds increasingly attractive.

After all, a model railway is supposed to provide relaxation and enjoyment.

Watching your lovingly constructed signal box disappear beneath the paws of an enthusiastic Maine Coon probably doesn't qualify.

And as for an African Grey parrot presented with dozens of miniature trees, buildings and telegraph poles to dismantle?

We suspect the parrot might regard that as the best Christmas present of all.

Merry Christmas, and happy (pet-proof) modelling from That’s Christmas 365!

Seasonal Living by SJ Axelby. A Book for Christmas and Every Season

At That’s Christmas 365, we’ve always believed there’s something rather lovely about appreciating the changing seasons.

Christmas might be our particular passion, but part of its magic comes from its place within the rhythm of the year, the darkening evenings, autumn giving way to winter, fires being lit and homes becoming warmer and more welcoming.

That makes Seasonal Living: The Almanac for Home and Garden by artist SJ Axelby a particularly appropriate book to discover as we head towards Christmas.

Published by Pavilion in August 2026, this beautifully illustrated 176-page hardback takes the traditional idea of the almanac and gives it a contemporary twist. Rather than rushing from one occasion to another, Seasonal Living encourages us to notice, enjoy and celebrate what each part of the year has to offer.

SJ Axelby is an interior portrait artist with a background in textile design and a particular love of pattern, colour and interiors. She also created the Room Portrait Club, and her work has appeared in publications including The World of Interiors, Architectural Digest and Elle Decoration.

From spring flowers to Christmas cocktails

The book travels through all four seasons, combining Axelby’s illustrations and reflections with contributions from designers, gardeners, food enthusiasts and other creative figures. Contributors include Lulu Guinness, Clodagh McKenna and Butter Wakefield.

Spring brings ideas for flower arranging, preparing the garden and tablescaping, while summer moves outdoors with picnics, barbecues, afternoon teas and entertaining.

Autumn feels particularly cosy, with preserving and pickling, hearty soups, seasonal walks, pressing leaves, foraging and getting the home ready for winter.

And then, of course, comes winter.

Here Seasonal Living moves into territory that should particularly appeal to That's Christmas 365 readers, with ideas surrounding festive entertaining, welcoming house guests, making cocktails, designing menus and place cards and, that perennial Christmas challenge, beautifully wrapping presents.

A rather lovely Christmas present

There’s also an obvious second reason for featuring Seasonal Living: the book itself would make a splendid Christmas gift.

It isn't a Christmas book in the conventional sense. Instead, it celebrates the little rituals and pleasures that help distinguish one season from another, something perhaps increasingly valuable in a world where strawberries can be bought in December and Christmas chocolates sometimes appear in the shops before the summer holidays have quite finished.

The hardback has an RRP of £12.99, making it a reasonably priced present for someone interested in gardening, interiors, food, entertaining, nature or simply making a little more of everyday life.

And perhaps that's the idea we like most.

Christmas doesn't exist in isolation. Part of the pleasure is watching it approach: autumn leaves, colder mornings, darker evenings, the first frost, Christmas lights appearing in windows and finally the gathering together of family and friends.

Seasonal Living reminds us that rather than wishing the year away as we wait for Christmas, there is something worth celebrating in every season along the way.

Seasonal Living: The Almanac for Home and Garden by SJ Axelby is published by Pavilion. Hardback, 176 pages, RRP £12.99. ISBN 9780008774509.

And to make things a bit easier for you and to make us a small fee, we've arranged for you to be able to buy the book here at our Amazon-powered shop https://link.amazon/B07yZqjVE

A Beautiful Christmas Gift with a Greener Touch: Belula Beauty Brushes

Finding a Christmas present that is attractive, useful and a little more thoughtful than the usual stocking filler isn't always easy. 

That’s why beauty and personal-care products can make particularly good gifts, especially when there’s an ethical story behind them.

One brand worth considering this Christmas is Belula, whose range includes hairbrushes and beauty accessories designed to turn an everyday grooming routine into something rather more luxurious.

Of particular interest are Belula’s 100% soft boar bristle brushes.

A traditional approach to hair care

Natural boar bristle brushes have been used for generations. Rather than simply pulling through the hair, the closely packed natural bristles help distribute the scalp’s natural oils along the hair, while providing a gentle brushing experience.

Belula says the boar bristles used for its brushes are ethically sourced, an important consideration for shoppers who want to know more about the origins of animal-derived materials used in the products they buy. The boars are sheared, rather like sheep are sheared for their wool.

The result is a traditional grooming product that feels rather special, exactly the sort of thing that can work well as a Christmas present for someone who enjoys beauty, hair care or a little everyday pampering.

And unlike many novelty Christmas gifts, a good-quality hairbrush is something that can continue being used long after the decorations have returned to the loft.

Buy a brush, plant a tree

There’s another element of the Belula story which caught our attention at That’s Christmas 365: the company plants a tree for every brush sold.

We rather like that idea.

Christmas inevitably involves a great deal of consumption, packaging and gift buying, so initiatives which put something back into the environment are welcome. Planting a tree doesn't remove the environmental impact of manufacturing and delivering a product, of course, but it does add a positive dimension to a purchase.

It also makes the brush an interesting gift to give. You aren't simply handing someone a beauty accessory on Christmas morning, their present is also associated with a newly planted tree somewhere in the world.

A gift that doesn't have to be complicated

Christmas presents don't necessarily need flashing lights, batteries or complicated technology.

Sometimes a beautifully made version of an everyday object can be a much more satisfying present.

A Belula boar bristle brush could be teamed with some favourite shampoo, conditioner or other beauty products to create a personalised hair-care hamper. Add a ribbon, perhaps a few chocolates, and you've got a thoughtful Christmas gift without resorting to another generic gift set.

For someone who appreciates traditional beauty products and would also welcome the tree-planting commitment behind their present, Belula could be well worth putting on the Christmas shopping list this year.

And here at That’s Christmas 365, we think there’s something rather appropriately Christmassy about giving someone a present while helping another tree to take root.

My wife's Belula tree is already ready for planting, which was the inspiration for this post.

Tie-Dye Christmas: Make Unique Gifts That Nobody Else Will Have

Finding a genuinely unique Christmas present can be surprisingly difficult. 

Shops and websites may be overflowing with gift ideas, but many of them are mass-produced and rather impersonal.

So why not make something yourself this Christmas? Tie-dyeing is inexpensive, creative and wonderfully unpredictable, which means no two gifts will ever be exactly alike.

Better still, you don't need to be particularly artistic to achieve impressive results.

What can you tie-dye?

Cotton and other natural fibres generally take dye particularly well, opening up plenty of possibilities. You could transform plain:

T-shirts and sweatshirts

Tote bags

Scarves

Pillowcases and cushion covers

Tea towels

Aprons

Socks

Fabric shopping bags

Pyjamas

Table runners and napkins

You could even make tie-dyed Christmas stockings for the whole family, giving each person their own combination of colours.

Buying plain white or pale cotton items in multipacks can make this an especially economical way of producing several Christmas presents.

Creating your designs

Tie-dye kits are readily available from craft shops and online retailers and normally contain several colours plus basic instructions.

The classic technique involves pinching or folding the fabric and securing it tightly with elastic bands before applying different dyes. Spirals, stripes, circles and crumpled patterns can all be produced simply by changing how you fold and bind the material.

And don't worry if your first attempt doesn't look exactly like the picture you had in mind. That's part of tie-dye's charm!

For Christmas gifts, you don't necessarily have to use the traditional rainbow of bright colours either. Red and green can create an obviously festive design, while dark green and gold tones can look surprisingly sophisticated. Blues and purples can produce a wintry appearance.

You could also choose colours specifically because you know the recipient loves them.

Make it even more personal

Once your tie-dyed item has been washed, dried and properly fixed according to the dye manufacturer's instructions, you can personalise it further.

Fabric pens or suitable fabric paints could be used to add somebody's name, initials, a small Christmas motif or even an amusing family saying.

Children can get involved too, making presents for grandparents, aunties, uncles or teachers. Obviously, youngsters should be supervised and the safety instructions supplied with dyes should always be followed.

Remember to protect clothes, tables, worktops and floors while you're working. Dye has an extraordinary ability to reach places you were absolutely certain you'd covered!

Presentation makes the difference

A homemade present deserves thoughtful packaging.

Wrap your creation in tissue paper, tie it with ribbon or string and add a handwritten label explaining that the item was individually tie-dyed especially for its recipient.

You could even photograph the process and include a small picture with the gift.

At That's Christmas 365, we're great believers that the best Christmas presents aren't necessarily the most expensive ones.

Sometimes a simple present made with your own hands, complete with its little imperfections – can mean considerably more.

And with tie-dye, you can safely promise the recipient one thing:

Nobody else in the world will have one exactly like it.

I have made tie-dye presents for people and they were all very well received. 

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.

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

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

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.

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!

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.

Strawberry Shortcake x Scentbird

Drawing on Strawberry Shortcake’s legacy as a symbol of sweetness, optimism and friendship, Scentbird® has translated her vibrant personality into three distinct scent profiles.

A gourmand bath of strawberry jam and vanilla shortcake, a fresh, dewy variation untethered from the sugary dessert-note and a lovely sunny orange scent with hints of vanilla and honeysuckle.

Available in: Strawberry Shortcake, Eau So Fresh and Orange Blossom

Price from: £21.95 from www.scentbird.com

Ideal Christmas gift for those in your life who love scents and maybe even so self-gifting, too?

BabyBjörn Pocket Pouch is the perfect accessory for Christmas gifting

The BabyBjörn Pocket Pouch is the perfect companion to BabyBjörn baby carriers. It's a clever zippered accessory designed to keep everyday essentials close at hand while on the go, it's even perfect for passports! 

Easy to attach and remove, it fits seamlessly onto all BabyBjörn baby carriers and can be positioned wherever suits you best. 

This little accessory is the perfect product for parents who already have a BabyBjörn carrier, so it'll make an ideal Christmas gift for parents or grandparents who already own a BabyBjörn carrier.

https://www.babybjorn.co.uk

Or you can order them via our very own Amazon-powered online shop! https://link.amazon/B0101srq2

Shelf Help for Christmas

Shelf Help founder Toni Jones makes her debut with the quintessential guide to self help. 

In YOU (The Beginner’s Guide), founder of The Shelf Help Club Toni Jones distils more than a decade of deep study into a clear, practical modern self-help guide.

This pocket guide introduces a simple three-part framework to help you connect with your past, present and future Self.

That Christmas 365 believe that this pocket guide will make excellent examples of self-gifting or for gifting to people in your life who you care about. 

Price: £7.99 from www.thepoundproject.com.

An Ideal Christmas Gift? Pet Memorial Jewellery Offers Comfort as Families Remember Beloved Animals

A Brighton family business is helping pet owners treasure memories with handmade jewellery created from fur, whiskers and ashes while offering free bereavement support ahead of Pet Remembrance Day.

Remembering Our Beloved Pets in a Truly Personal Way

For many of us, pets are far more than companions. They are members of the family, sharing our homes, routines and celebrations throughout the year. Losing them can leave an enormous gap in our lives, making it only natural to seek meaningful ways to keep their memory close.

A family-run jewellery studio in Brighton is helping people do exactly that by transforming treasured pet fur, whiskers, feathers and even cremation ashes into handcrafted keepsakes designed to last a lifetime.

The inspiration for many of these pieces comes long before a pet reaches the end of its life. Suellen, from Utrecht, commissioned a ring and heart-shaped necklace using the fur of her much-loved Lhasa Apso, Arya, after the dog underwent surgery and needed a significant haircut.

"Arya has always had very long hair," Suellen explained. "After her recent surgery and grooming, I wanted to preserve some of it in a meaningful way. I love knowing I'll forever carry a little piece of her with me."

The jewellery is created by Brighton-based family business Fur & Forever, founded by Jack and Mel Lockyer after they struggled to find high-quality memorial jewellery following their own experience of pet loss. Today, the studio carefully handcrafts rings, necklaces and other keepsakes using only small amounts of sentimental material, with any unused fur, hair or ashes safely returned to the owner.

Ahead of Pet Remembrance Day on 5 July, the business has also launched a free Pet Loss Support Hub, offering practical guidance for families coping with the death of a beloved animal. The resource includes advice on the first days after a loss, dealing with feelings surrounding euthanasia, supporting grieving children and signposting trusted UK support organisations.

Jack Lockyer believes many people feel their grief is misunderstood. He told That's Christmas 365: "People sometimes feel they ought to be coping better because it was 'only a pet'. But for many families, the animal they have lost was part of the rhythm of every day."

His comments reflect growing research into pet bereavement. A 2026 study published in the journal PLOS One found that, among people who had experienced both the death of a close person and a cherished pet, more than one in five described the loss of their animal as their most distressing bereavement. Researchers also found levels of grief comparable with several forms of human bereavement.

Alongside creating meaningful keepsakes, Fur & Forever places a strong emphasis on sustainability, using recycled packaging, plantable wildflower paper and offering free repairs wherever possible. The company has also supported charities including Cats Protection through fundraising initiatives.

Here at That's Christmas 365, we know that Christmas memories are often made with our four-legged family members curled up beside the tree, joining festive walks or eagerly unwrapping their own presents. Their paw prints remain on our hearts long after they have gone, and thoughtful keepsakes like these can provide a comforting reminder of the love and joy they brought into our lives.

https://furandforever.com

https://furandforever.com/pages/pet-loss-support-uk

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.

Is an Omaze House Ticket a Good Christmas Gift?

Thinking of gifting Omaze house draw entries this Christmas? Here’s a quick guide to the pros, cons and festive appeal.

Every Christmas we look for something unforgettable. And few presents feel more dramatic than a ticket for a luxury house draw run by Omaze.

Imagine handing someone a card on Christmas morning that says: “You could win a £3 million home.” It’s bold. It’s unexpected. And it definitely beats another box of chocolates.

But is it a brilliant festive surprise, or just a seasonal gamble?

Why It Can Be a Magical Gift

It’s the gift of possibility. Instead of something that gathers dust, you’re giving months of excitement and anticipation.

It supports charity. Each draw guarantees a significant donation to a UK charity.

It’s memorable. For the person who “has everything”, this stands out.

Winners get flexibility. If they win, they can usually live in the house, sell it or rent it out.

The Festive Reality Check

The odds are very long. Only one person wins.

It’s still a prize draw. Think entertainment, not investment.

Costs can add up. Bulk entries are tempting, so set a Christmas budget.

Luxury homes come with bills. Council tax, insurance and upkeep are real considerations.

How to Gift It Thoughtfully

If you decide to go ahead:

Print the entry confirmation and tuck it into a festive card.

Pair it with a tiny house ornament for a playful touch.

Present it as “a bit of Christmas magic”  not a guaranteed life plan.

The Bottom Line

An Omaze ticket won’t replace careful financial planning. But Christmas has always been about hope and big dreams.

For someone who enjoys a flutter and understands the odds, it can be a fun, conversation-starting gift, a small spend for a very big “what if?”.

After all, if ever there’s a time to dream of a new home under the tree, it’s Christmas.

EverFold Celebrates Success in the UK, Turns Personal Photos into Colouring Books

The husband-and-wife team who run That's Christmas 365 are always on the look out for new gift ideas. 

So we were intrigued and excited to learn about a new gift idea from Bristol-based EverFold.

EverFold, the innovative Bristol-based company that transforms personal photos into personalised colouring books, is celebrating a year of remarkable success in the UK.

 Since its launch in early 2025, the service has captured the imagination of families, schools, businesses, and community groups, turning everyday memories into screen-free creative experiences.

At the heart of EverFold’s offering is a simple yet compelling idea: users can upload their favourite photos, ranging from family portraits and pets to holidays and special celebration, and instantly transform them into detailed colouring books for children. 

The digital books are professionally printed, bound, and delivered as physical books, allowing customers to enjoy a hands-on, personalised gift.

Dr. Jon Baker, CEO of EverFold, reflects on the company’s rapid adoption across the UK. He told That's Christmas 365: “EverFold has been amazing for so many people. 

"Customers across the UK have told us how we’ve revived old photos, brought smiles to children, supported people with dementia, and even created unique, meaningful gifts. 

Seeing memories come to life like this is why we do what we do. I'm so proud of what we have achieved so far!”

How has EverFold been so successful? It attributes its success to product innovation, quality output, and an intuitive online creation process. 

Customers can preview the full book before ordering, ensuring they receive the exact colouring book that they created themselves. 

By offering competitively priced products without compromising their quality, EverFold ensures their personalised colouring books are approachable for a wide range of customers.

Looking ahead, EverFold aims to build on its UK success by expanding internationally, bringing its unique approach to photo-based creativity to new markets in USA, Canada and Australia while maintaining the same high standards and customer-focused experience that has won acclaim at home.

FACTFILE:

Founded in 2025 and led by Dr. Jon Baker, EverFold transforms personal photos into custom colouring books that are professionally printed, bound, and delivered. With a focus on creativity, accessibility, and quality, EverFold helps families, schools, and businesses turn everyday memories into engaging, tangible experiences.

For more information, visit https://everfold.co.uk or https://everfold.net.

Why the Philips 600i Series Air Purifier AC0650/20 or Philips AC0651/10 Air Purifier Makes a Perfect Christmas Present

Finding the perfect Christmas gift each year can be a challenge, you want something thoughtful, useful and ideally a little bit “wow.” 

This festive season, a smart home gadget that enhances wellbeing and everyday living ticks all those boxes. 

That’s why a Philips air purifier from the 600 range is such a brilliant present idea for friends, family or even yourself. (That's Christmas 365 has one in our home office.)

A Gift That Gives Back All Year

Air purifiers aren’t just a one-day novelty present — they make a difference every day. 

Whether someone lives in a busy urban area, has pets, suffers from allergies, or just loves a fresh and cosy home environment, an air purifier improves daily life in a subtle but powerful way.

Clean Air for Health & Comfort

The Philips 600 series models use advanced NanoProtect HEPA filtration to remove up to 99.97 % of ultra-fine airborne particles, including dust, pollen, pet dander and even microscopic pollutants down to 0.003 microns. That means cleaner, fresher air in living rooms, bedrooms or home offices — perfect for people with asthma or allergies. 

Ideal for UK Homes

These compact purifiers are designed to suit typical UK rooms, effectively cleaning spaces up to around 44 m², which covers most living rooms, larger bedrooms or open-plan dining areas. Their sleek white design blends effortlessly with modern interiors. 

Peaceful & Practical

Christmas is a season for relaxation and togetherness, so quieter tech is a bonus. In Sleep mode, Philips 600 purifiers run at around 19 dB, that’s quieter than a whisper, so they won’t disturb Christmas movie nights or late-night reading. 

Energy efficiency is another practical perk: these units run on minimal power (around 12 W), keeping running costs low even if they’re switched on all day. 

Smart Control Made Simple

Many models in the 600 range connect to the Philips Air+ app, so your giftee can monitor air quality, adjust settings and check filter life from their phone — perfect for tech lovers or busy households. 

The Little Extras That Matter

Filter lifetime indicator, removes guesswork and helps keep performance optimal. 

Multiple fan speeds, including turbo for rapid clean-ups and sleep for night-time calm. 

Compact design, easy to move between rooms and fits snugly on shelves or side tables. 

 A Thoughtful, Versatile Present

Whether it’s for a parent who deserves a healthier home environment, a friend with pets, a house-proud sibling, or anyone who values wellbeing, a Philips air purifier is a gift that shows you care about comfort and health — not just for Christmas Day, but all year round.

Gift idea summary:

Practical & meaningful

Enhances air quality & wellbeing

Quiet & energy efficient

Smart control & easy to use

Fits most UK homes

And they are available at a special discounted price here:- https://amzn.to/3MOAhvz

For the Rum Lovers in Your Life Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva

If you are looking for the perfect Christmas gift for the rum aficionado in your life, you need look no further than Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva.

It's wonderfully rich, elegant, and velvety smooth. Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva is a premium Venezuelan rum crafted from only the finest premier sugarcane.

It offers deep notes of toffee, dried fruit, vanilla, and subtle spice. Whether you’re sipping a Diplomatico Orange Cocoa neat by a crackling fire or stirred into a festive Manhattan it's a deluxe gift that brings warmth and sophistication to your loved ones this Christmas. 

And you might be able to increase their breadth of knowledge of rums, because I have to admit I was unaware that Venezuela was known for producing rum.

As well as being a great gifting idea it will also make the perfect addition to your Christmas drinks table.

It should cost £41 and is available at The Whiskey Exchange or Amazon where it will cost £32 https://amzn.to/4rKb3ym