Choosing the Perfect Smartphone as a Christmas Gift for Your Family

As Christmas approaches, the search for the perfect gift begins. 

Smartphones are a popular choice, combining practicality with a touch of tech-savvy appeal. 

However, selecting the right device for each family member can be challenging. 

Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect smartphone for everyone on your list.

1. Understand Their Needs

Each family member will have unique requirements. Consider the following:

Teens and Young Adults: They often prioritise social media, gaming, and photography. Look for phones with excellent cameras, fast processors, and ample storage.

Parents or Grandparents: Ease of use and reliability are key. A phone with a large display, simple interface, and good battery life is ideal.

Tech Enthusiasts: They’ll appreciate cutting-edge features like high refresh rate screens, powerful processors, or foldable designs.

2. Set a Budget

Smartphones come in a wide price range, from budget-friendly models to premium flagships. Determine how much you’re willing to spend and look for devices that offer the best value in that range.

Budget (<£200): Consider brands like Motorola, Nokia, or Xiaomi for affordable options with decent performance.

Mid-Range (£200-£500): Look at models from Samsung’s A-series, Google Pixel A-series, or OnePlus Nord.

Premium (> £500): Explore the latest iPhones, Samsung Galaxy S-series, or Google Pixel Pro models.

3. Choose the Right Operating System

The choice between Android and iOS is significant.

iOS (Apple): Known for its intuitive interface, seamless ecosystem, and regular updates. Ideal for users already invested in Apple products.

Android: Offers a wider variety of devices at different price points and more customisation options.

4. Key Features to Consider

Battery Life: Look for phones with at least 4,000mAh for all-day use.

Camera Quality: Important for photography enthusiasts; check for features like optical image stabilisation and low-light performance.

Storage: Aim for at least 128GB to avoid running out of space.

Durability: For active users or children, consider phones with water resistance or rugged cases.

5G Compatibility: Future-proofs the device for faster connectivity.

5. Research and Compare

Read reviews, watch video comparisons, and check user feedback. Websites like TechRadar, GSMArena, and Trusted Reviews offer detailed insights into the latest smartphones.

6. Consider Second-Hand or Refurbished Models

For premium features at a lower cost, explore refurbished options from reputable sellers. Ensure the device comes with a warranty and has been thoroughly tested.

7. Accessorise the Gift

Enhance your gift with accessories like protective cases, screen protectors, or wireless earbuds. These thoughtful additions can make the gift even more special.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a smartphone as a Christmas gift requires a balance of practicality and personalisation. By understanding your family members’ needs, setting a budget, and researching thoroughly, you can find a device that’s both functional and meaningful. Happy gifting!

Creating Magical Moments: Special Messages from Santa for the Children in Your Life

Christmas is a time of wonder, joy, and the delightful sparkle of believing in magic. 

For children, few things are as enchanting as the idea that Santa Claus is keeping a watchful eye on their good deeds and has a special message just for them. 

This festive season, why not elevate the magic by arranging personalised messages from Santa?

 Whether it’s a heartfelt letter, a captivating video, a surprise phone call, or even a charming email, these special touches can create unforgettable memories.

1. Personalised Santa Letters

A handwritten letter from Santa can make a child’s Christmas truly magical. Imagine their excitement as they open an envelope stamped from the North Pole, addressed to them personally. Many online services offer beautifully designed templates where you can customise the letter with the child’s name, age, and even details about their achievements or wishes for the year. Some services even include extras like stickers, activity sheets, or a map of Santa’s route.

If you prefer a DIY approach, you can craft your own Santa letter. Use festive stationery, add a sprinkle of glitter, and write in a warm, jolly tone. For an authentic touch, consider using red ink or printing in a whimsical font. Mentioning specific details—like a new pet, a favourite hobby, or a recent accomplishment—will make the letter feel truly personal.

2. Magical Santa Videos

A personalised video message from Santa is a show-stopping way to bring the North Pole to life. Services like Portable North Pole (PNP) allow you to create videos featuring Santa addressing your child by name, showing their photo, and even referencing their Christmas wishes. The visuals of Santa in his cosy workshop or snowy surroundings add a layer of realism that’s hard to beat.

These videos are especially wonderful for young children who are mesmerised by seeing Santa “just for them.” You can even choose options for sibling messages or group videos, making it a delightful experience for the whole family.

3. A Call from Santa

Imagine the joy on your child’s face when the phone rings, and it’s Santa Claus himself on the line! Many services offer pre-recorded or live calls from Santa, tailored to your child’s details. You can schedule these calls at a convenient time, ensuring your little one is ready to hear Santa’s warm and encouraging words.

If you’re feeling creative, enlist a family member or friend with a jolly voice to play Santa. Prepare a script with personal details about your child’s year, and watch the magic unfold.

4. Emails from Santa

For tech-savvy kids, an email from Santa can be just as exciting. Many websites offer customised email templates where Santa can share updates from the North Pole, praise good behaviour, or remind children to leave out cookies and carrots on Christmas Eve. You can even add a short video clip or festive animation to make the email extra special.

This option is particularly great for older children who may prefer a modern twist on Santa’s traditional communication methods.

5. How to Choose the Right Option

When deciding which type of Santa message to arrange, consider the child’s age, personality, and preferences. Younger children often adore the visual and interactive nature of videos or phone calls, while older kids might appreciate the charm of a detailed letter or an email. 

Combining multiple options can also enhance the experience—a letter to set the stage, followed by a surprise call or video closer to Christmas.

6. Tips for Making It Believable

Include Specific Details: Mentioning unique facts about the child’s life adds authenticity.

Use Realistic Props: For letters, use North Pole-themed envelopes or stamps. For videos, choose high-quality services with professional visuals.

Time It Perfectly: Deliver letters or schedule calls and emails when your child least expects them for maximum surprise.

Involve the Family: Share the excitement by letting siblings or cousins join in the fun.

7. The Joy of Giving

These personalised Santa messages are more than just festive fun—they’re a way to nurture the magic of childhood and create cherished memories. Watching the wonder in a child’s eyes as they hear from Santa is a gift in itself, one that will be remembered long after the Christmas lights come down.

This year, take a little time to bring Santa’s magic to life for the children in your life. Whether it’s through a heartfelt letter, a dazzling video, or a surprise call, these small gestures can make this Christmas truly extraordinary. After all, the magic of the season lies in the joy we share and the memories we create.

To find suitable services Google "messages from santa to your child."

The Ultimate Christmas Gift: The Bluetooth Banana Phone

This Christmas, give the gift that combines fun, function, and a touch of whimsy with the Bluetooth Banana Phone. 

It’s the quirky, conversation-starting device that everyone didn’t know they needed – until now. Whether you’re looking to surprise a friend, family member, or even yourself, the Bluetooth Banana Phone is the perfect blend of humour and practicality for this holiday season.

What is the Bluetooth Banana Phone?

The Bluetooth Banana Phone is exactly what it sounds like: a phone shaped like a banana. Yes, you read that correctly. This novelty gadget pairs with your smartphone via Bluetooth, allowing you to make and receive calls while holding what looks like a fruit you’d find in your kitchen. It’s a hilarious twist on traditional phone accessories, making it the ideal gift for anyone who enjoys a good laugh but still wants to keep things functional.

How Does it Work?

Using the Bluetooth Banana Phone is simple. It pairs with your smartphone just like any other Bluetooth device. Once connected, you can use the banana-shaped handset to make and receive calls, just as you would with a regular Bluetooth headset. The device even includes a built-in microphone and speaker, ensuring that your voice comes through loud and clear (no one needs to guess if you're talking into a banana).

The Bluetooth Banana Phone works with most smartphones, so it’s compatible with iPhones, Android devices, and more. Plus, it’s rechargeable, so no need to worry about changing batteries—just charge it up and you're ready for some amusing conversations.

Why It’s the Perfect Christmas Gift

It’s Fun: The Bluetooth Banana Phone is undeniably fun. Its quirky design will put a smile on anyone's face, sparking laughter every time they pick it up to chat. It's a gift that stands out in a sea of traditional presents.

A Conversation Starter: Imagine the look on your friends' faces when you pull out a banana to answer a call. It’s the ultimate conversation piece, guaranteed to break the ice and get everyone talking. Whether at a holiday party or during a family gathering, the Bluetooth Banana Phone will make sure no one is ever bored.

Practical with a Twist: While it’s fun, the Bluetooth Banana Phone is also practical. It keeps your hands free during calls and eliminates the need to hold your smartphone up to your ear, making it a comfortable and hands-free solution for those long chats. Plus, it’s small enough to be carried in a bag or jacket pocket.

The Unexpected Gift: In a world where people often ask for practical, conventional gifts, the Bluetooth Banana Phone is refreshingly unexpected. It’s sure to stand out from the usual socks, gadgets, and gift cards. It’s the perfect way to surprise that person who has everything or the one who loves quirky, offbeat gifts.

Affordable Fun: The Bluetooth Banana Phone is also budget-friendly. It won’t break the bank, making it an accessible and humorous gift for almost anyone on your list.

Who Would Love It?

Tech Enthusiasts: If someone you know loves the latest in tech gadgets but also appreciates a good laugh, the Bluetooth Banana Phone will tick both boxes.

Practical Jokers: For the person who’s always ready to play a prank or lighten the mood, this phone is sure to be a hit.

Family and Friends: It’s a gift that appeals to all ages. From teenagers to grandparents, everyone can have fun with it.

Anyone Who Needs a Little Humor: If you know someone who could use a good laugh this holiday season, the Bluetooth Banana Phone delivers it in spades.

Where to Buy the Bluetooth Banana Phone

The Bluetooth Banana Phone can be found online on various gift sites, including specialty stores that focus on fun, novelty items. You can also check out online retailers like Amazon or niche gift shops to get your hands on this hilarious gadget. Be sure to order early so that it arrives in time for the holiday festivities!

This holiday season, give the gift of laughter with the Bluetooth Banana Phone. It's the perfect blend of silliness and practicality, guaranteed to make calls more fun and keep conversations light-hearted. Whether you're gifting it to a friend or keeping it for yourself, it’s a gift that will continue to bring joy long after the wrapping paper is discarded.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab a Bluetooth Banana Phone and get ready to answer your calls in the most fun and memorable way possible!

Staying Connected with Family Over Christmas: Using Social Media and Messaging Apps

The festive season is a time to cherish family connections, but for many of us, distance can make in-person gatherings difficult. Fortunately, social media platforms and messaging apps make it easier than ever to bridge the gap and stay close to loved ones, no matter where they are in the world.

Here's how you can use tools like Telegram, Facebook, and others to make your Christmas extra special. 

Years ago my father wanted to enable a family chat between my mother's sister in the States and our family as a Christmas treat for my mother. 

The call had to be booked hours in advance and then connection was made by the operator and the quality of the line left a lot to be desired as we all huddled round the hall by our phone. And the cost? It was a small fortune!

But now staying connected with family member, no matter where they live in the world is as easy as following these ideas:-

1. Organise a Family Group Chat

Creating a family group chat on apps like Telegram, WhatsApp, or Facebook Messenger is one of the simplest ways to keep everyone connected. You can share updates, Christmas plans, and festive photos in real-time.

Why Telegram? It supports large groups and offers fun features like stickers, GIFs, and voice messages. Bonus: It’s secure and has great cross-device syncing.

Why WhatsApp? It’s easy to use and widely popular, making it accessible for less tech-savvy relatives.

Top Tip: Set group ground rules to prevent message overload. For example, designate specific times for chats or festive updates.

2. Schedule a Virtual Celebration

If you can't be together in person, host a virtual Christmas party! Platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or even Facebook Rooms are perfect for this. Plan a time for everyone to gather, and include fun activities such as:

A virtual gift exchange.

Sharing holiday stories.

Singing carols together.

Top Tip: Send out invitations in advance and test the tech with less tech-savvy family members beforehand to avoid day-of mishaps.

3. Share Moments with Social Media

Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok offer creative ways to celebrate and share the Christmas spirit.

On Facebook, create a private group to share photos, videos, and updates exclusively with your family.

Use Instagram Stories or Reels to post snippets of your Christmas preparations or special moments.

Record a fun family video on TikTok and tag relatives for some holiday cheer.

Top Tip: Encourage everyone to post something festive, like their Christmas tree, favourite holiday recipes, or the opening of presents.

4. Create a Collaborative Holiday Album

Google Photos and similar apps allow you to create a shared album where everyone can upload and view Christmas pictures and videos. It's a wonderful way to document the holiday season collectively, especially if family members are spread across different locations.

5. Send Personalised Messages

While group chats are great, a one-on-one message can make someone feel truly special. Use platforms like Telegram or Messenger to send personal notes, voice messages, or even a video greeting. A heartfelt "Merry Christmas" can brighten anyone's day.

Top Tip: Add festive stickers or effects to your messages for a creative touch.

6. Play Virtual Games Together

Several apps and platforms allow you to play games together online. For instance:

Use Houseparty for fun, interactive games like trivia.

Organise a virtual Christmas quiz on Kahoot! or Quizizz.

Play board games digitally via Tabletopia or similar platforms.

7. Host a Countdown to Christmas

For an extra festive touch, organise an online countdown to Christmas Day. Each day, post something fun in your family group chat: a riddle, a memory, or a challenge. This builds anticipation and keeps everyone engaged throughout December.

8. Respect Time Zones and Schedules

If your family is scattered across different countries, be mindful of time zones. Use scheduling tools like Doodle or Time Zone Converter to find the best times for virtual gatherings or group chats.

Final Thoughts

Christmas is all about celebrating love, joy, and togetherness, and technology makes it easier than ever to stay connected. By using social media and messaging apps creatively, you can ensure that distance doesn’t dampen your holiday cheer. Whether it’s a simple video call or a full-blown virtual Christmas bash, these digital tools can make your celebrations merry and bright.

Merry Christmas and happy connecting! 

Why not give the gift of cheap calls for Christmas?

According to a recent study carried out by the Centre for Retail Research, the UK will spend more on Christmas shopping via mobile phone than any other country in Europe this year, says JustCall.

An estimated £1.64billion will be spent this year by UK shoppers buying gifts through their mobile handsets, and with the bonus of cheap calls to USA and many other countries all users will be happy to make great savings.

JustCall, a cheap calls provider, are encouraging everyone to use their mobile phone for not just shopping but calling friends and family around the word this Christmas.

With recent changes made to JustCall's pricing for international call rates there are sure to give customers a great surprise, and gift, this Christmas with cheap international calling rates to over 500 countries from a UK landline, and over 250 countries from a mobile phone, starting from as little as 1p from a UK landline and 1p from a mobile phone.

A spokesperson from JustCall commented: “It's apparent mobile phones are becoming far more useful in everyday life for many people, especially during Christmas which is a busy period for everyone. Therefore, the chance to make cheap international calls from your mobile anywhere in the UK can be a great help for many.”

“We are proud to offer competitive prices that can help everyone save time and money this Christmas.”

JustCall offer many different cheap prices to many countries, as such making cheap calls to Spain from only 6p per minute from a mobile phone and only 1p per minute from a UK landline.

Not forgetting that cheap calls to Australia, France, Germany, Poland and many many more are available online.

FACTFILE:

JustCall is a great service that allows you to make cheap calls home instantly from any fixed phone.

What makes it such a great service is that you are charged for your call by your current service provider at the rate listed for our access numbers that you use. So, you can use the service any time you choose without going through registrations or subscriptions!

No registration, no subscriptions, no accounts, no credit cards
No more unwanted daily maintenance charges
No more credit lost by cards going dead
No more unseen rate changes
No more misleading posters offering utopian minutes you never get anyway.

Instead JustCall offers you cheap international calls all day every day.

Enquiries: 0870 801 7800