Planning Ahead for the Perfect Christmas Gifts: Showing You Care Starts Now

It might still be summer outside, but if you want to make Christmas truly special for the people who matter most in your life, now is the time to start thinking about their gifts. 

Thoughtful, meaningful presents take more than a last-minute panic buy on Christmas Eve. 

By planning ahead, you’ll reduce stress, stay within budget, and, most importantly, choose gifts that show just how much you care.

Why Start Now?

Christmas may feel far off, but planning early means:

More time to think carefully about each person

Better deals before the December rush

Avoiding stock issues or last-minute postage panic

Spreading the cost of Christmas over several months

It’s not about extravagance; it’s about intention. The best gifts don’t necessarily cost the most—they’re the ones that reflect your connection with someone.

Step 1: Make Your Gift List

Start by writing down the names of the people you want to buy for. Include family, close friends, work colleagues, and anyone else you'd like to show appreciation to.

Next to each name, jot down:

Hobbies and interests

Any recent life changes (a move, a new baby, retirement, etc.)

What they loved in the past

What they don’t need (we all know someone who already has 12 candles)

Step 2: Brainstorm Meaningful Ideas

Here are some categories to consider:

Experiential gifts – tickets, memberships, or classes

Personalised items – from monogrammed mugs to custom artwork

Handmade presents – baked goods, crafted ornaments, or a framed photo

Subscription boxes – monthly treats for foodies, book lovers, or hobbyists

Wellbeing gifts – think self-care kits, calming teas, or bath products

Gifts of time – vouchers for a home-cooked meal, pet-sitting, or a day out together

The key is to match the gift to the recipient’s values and tastes, not just what's trendy.

Step 3: Set a Budget

Planning ahead means you can shop smart. Decide early how much you can afford to spend per person and look for opportunities to buy gradually, especially if you're keeping an eye on sales or shopping from independent makers who might need longer lead times.

Step 4: Start Shopping (Or Crafting!)

With your ideas in place, you can begin shopping steadily rather than in a mad rush. You’ll also have time to:

Order personalised gifts well in advance

Wait for seasonal sales or special offers

Gather supplies if you’re making something by hand

Keep a record of what you’ve bought and where you’ve stashed it. There’s nothing worse than forgetting you already bought Aunt Sue a scarf in August and buying another one in December!

Step 5: Wrap with Care

Beautiful wrapping doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Starting early means you can collect materials like:

Eco-friendly kraft paper

Reusable fabric wraps

Handmade gift tags

Ribbons, string, and dried citrus slices for a traditional feel

Gift-giving is a joyful part of Christmas, but it’s the thought that truly counts. When you plan ahead, you can give with purpose, and the people you care about most will feel just how much love and attention you’ve put into their gift.

So brew a cup of tea, open your planner, and start dreaming up a Christmas your loved ones will never forget, one meaningful gift at a time.

How to Start a Christmas Countdown Calendar Early

Because it’s never too soon for festive cheer!

Counting down to Christmas is a magical tradition that builds excitement and sparks joy—no matter your age. But who says you have to wait until December 1st to start? Launching your Christmas countdown calendar early can stretch out the festivities, support wellbeing, and help you stay organised (and joyful!) through the busyness of the season.

Here’s how to do it right—and why you absolutely should.

Why Start a Christmas Countdown Early?

Starting early isn’t about rushing the season; it’s about savouring it more fully. Here are some great reasons to kick off your countdown ahead of December:

Less stress, more sparkle: Spread out planning, prep and shopping to avoid last-minute panic.

Feel-good focus: Enjoy small daily moments of calm or joy, especially when paired with self-care prompts.

Family bonding: Make more memories with extra time for games, crafts, and traditions.

Creative freedom: Build your own version of an advent calendar tailored to your lifestyle.

Ideas for Early Christmas Countdown Calendars

Whether you start on the 1st of November, mid-month, or just before Advent begins, you can customise your countdown to suit your pace.

1. The 50-Day Christmas Countdown (from 6 November)

Start your festive build-up with one small task or treat a day:

Write your Christmas card list

Plan your Christmas menu

Enjoy a festive film night

Make a homemade gift or decoration

Listen to a different Christmas song daily

2. The Weekend-Only Countdown

Begin in early November and dedicate each weekend to something Christmassy. Perfect for busy people or families with limited time.

3. Gratitude or Kindness Calendar

Use your countdown to give back. Include daily suggestions like:

Donate an item to charity

Compliment someone

Write a thank-you note

Pay for a stranger’s coffee

This works beautifully for adults and kids alike—and shifts the focus from “getting” to “giving.”

How to Make Your Own Early Countdown Calendar

Choose Your Style:

Paper chain with daily notes or quotes

Mini envelopes pegged to a string

Digital calendar or app

A printable wall chart or sticker tracker

Decide Your Daily Focus:

Fun activities (crafts, baking, stories)

Organisational tasks (buy stamps, wrap gifts)

Self-care (festive bath, quiet reading time)

Inspirational quotes or Bible verses

Mix it up to keep things fresh and fun!

Final Thoughts

Starting your Christmas countdown early is about making space for joy, intention, and a little bit of sparkle in the everyday. Whether you use it to get organised, celebrate more, or slow down and savour the season, your countdown can be whatever you want it to be.

Because when it comes to Christmas magic… more really is merrier.

Do you start your Christmas countdown early? Share your favourite ideas or photos with us.

Mid-Year Check on Your Christmas Wishlist: Are You On Track?

Even Santa checks his lists!

Sorry to have to tell you this, but believe it or not, we're halfway to Christmas! 

While the sun might be shining (or trying to) and summer holidays are on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to pour yourself an iced gingerbread latte and revisit that festive wishlist you started, or meant to start, back in January.

Whether you’re a full-on Christmas planner or just someone who likes to avoid the last-minute rush, a mid-year wishlist check-in can save time, money, and stress when December finally rolls around.

Why Do a Mid-Year Wishlist Review?

1. Prices Change

That must-have gadget or perfect gift set might be on sale during summer promotions like Amazon Prime Day or high street mid-season sales. Planning ahead lets you pounce on deals now instead of paying premium prices in December.

2. Tastes Evolve

You or your loved ones might have new hobbies, obsessions, or needs that weren’t on the radar in January. Mid-year is the sweet spot to update those ideas before things get hectic.

3. Stock Availability

Some popular items sell out by November. If you already know what you're after, you can keep an eye out early or even pre-order where possible.

How to Do a Mid-Year Wishlist Review

1. Pull Out Your Original List

If you created a wishlist in January (or during last year’s festive comedown), dig it out. Review what’s still relevant, what’s been bought, and what you’re no longer fussed about.

2. Update with New Finds

Add any new items you’ve discovered over the last few months—this might include that candle you fell in love with, the board game you played at Easter, or the skincare set you spotted on Instagram.

3. Think Beyond Things

Consider experiences, subscriptions, or even charitable donations in someone’s name. These often take more planning, so it's good to get them on your radar early.

4. Set a Budget Goal

Use this time to check how your Christmas budget is shaping up. If you’re saving monthly, are you on track? A little mid-year adjustment can go a long way.

5. Use a Wishlist App or Spreadsheet

If you haven’t already, move your wishlist to a digital tracker or app like Elfster, Giftster, or a simple Google Sheet. This makes it easy to update on the go and share when the time comes.

🎄 Bonus: Ideas to Add to Your Wishlist This Year

Handcrafted Christmas decorations from UK artisans

Personalised festive pyjamas

A Christmas Eve box subscription

Winter skincare sets

Tea and biscuit hampers (yes, we see you!)

A festive photoshoot voucher

Tickets to a Christmas market or light trail

Final Thoughts

Checking in on your Christmas wishlist in the middle of the year might seem overly organised—but future you will thank present you when December is less about panic-buying and more about soaking up the season.

So go ahead, update that list, sip something cinnamon-spiced, and bask in the warm glow of your early planning. Christmas isn’t just a season—it’s a mindset, and at That's Christmas 365, we’re living it all year long.