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Royal Mail strikes hit Christmas delivery dates. Please check here

As home delivery expert ParcelHero predicted, many retailers are pulling back their Christmas final order dates as Brits decide against expensive express deliveries and stores battle with the impact of planned Royal Mail strikes.

ParcelHero says many stores have now pulled back their order dates for Christmas deliveries. Wise shoppers are abandoning expensive express services while strikes threaten to further disrupt deliveries. This has led to some dramatic changes in retailers’ final order dates to ensure gifts don’t miss the big day.

ParcelHero’s Head of Consumer Research, David Jinks M.I.L.T., says: "Many of our favourite stores have woken up and smelt the eggnog and are rapidly dragging back their final order dates for Christmas. Already, stores like Boohoo, Currys, HP, Paul Smith and PC World have pulled back their last order dates by several days.

"There are two main reasons why retailers are revising their final order dates. Firstly, planned strikes affecting traditional postal deliveries just before Christmas could throw final order dates into disarray. Secondly, last-minute express and next-day deliveries can cost at least a fiver extra compared to standard delivery options. Cash-strapped Brits, facing higher bills and raging inflation, simply don’t have the money to burn on expensive delivery options.

"Many retailers will also be trying to save money by slashing Christmas delivery times. They pay their delivery partners extra for faster service. That’s normally a worthwhile expense at Christmas, as these faster options can give them an advantage over their competitors. But this year’s Austerity Christmas will see shoppers spend an estimated £4bn less than in 2021. Stores will feel the impact of this reduced spending and cannot afford to waste money. As struggling retailers Joules and Wilco will confirm, times are hard.

"Here’s our list of Responsible Retailers who have pulled back their Christmas final order dates:

Boohoo: was 23 December, now 21 December

Cath Kidston: was 22 December, now 21 December

Currys: was 23 December, now 18 December

HP: was 21 December, now 15 December

Paul Smith: was 23 December, now 19 December

PC World: was 23 December, now 21 December

Selfridges: was 24 December for London postcodes, now 23 December

The White Company: was 23 December, now 22 December

"Given the current strain on delivery services, we won’t be surprised if even more retailers pull back their final order dates as Christmas nears. That’s why our continually updated Christmas deadlines tool is so useful for keeping shoppers in the know with their favourite retailers’ final order dates."

To check the easy-to-use retailers’ final order and final mailing dates tool, see: https://www.parcelhero.com/events/christmas-gifts-delivery

(Image courtesy of John Liles and Pixabay)

Aldi serves up fantastic festive finger foods fiesta!

Ready to please any Christmas crowd, Aldi has launched a fantastic range of fabulously festive finger foods perfect for adding a bit of pizzaz to the party table this Christmas and New Year. With prices starting from a mere £2.69, these novelty shaped bites are sure to be a major hit, sprucing up any Christmas table.

For a centrepiece to wow even the most scroogie of guests the NEW Let’s Party Garlic Doughball Christmas Tree Bread (£2.69, 280g) is a festive shaped doughball that is sure to make an Instagramable highlight. Covered with a smooth garlic spread and sprinkled with parsley, encourage guests to get stuck in and tear off a portion for a tree-mendous delight. Available in store from 9th December.  

Or for a sharing snack with considerable style, the Specially Selected Cracker (£3.99, 400g) is available in stores from 30th November. This cracking pastry is hand finished in the shape of a Christmas cracker, wrapped in butter enriched pastry, filled with either Wensleydale, cheddar cheese and soft cheese with cranberries, or pulled pork and pancetta with cranberries, and a paprika and poppy seed sprinkle. (I want the cheese one!)

A British picky bit staple with a festive twist, guests can also enjoy the Breaded Chicken Christmas Trees (£2.99, 320g) from 25th November. These tasty bites are coated in a crunchy golden breadcrumb.

Or, perfect for a classic treat, why not try the NEW supersized Specially Selected Extra Large Christmas Sausage Roll (£3.99, 700g). At 24cm long the roll holds a succulent British pork sausage meat slathered in a choice of either a sweet chilli chutney or a cranberry sauce, encased in flaky puff pastry. Decorated with a pastry star for a festive feature, this favoured British delicacy is the perfect centrepiece addition to any Christmas party.

These decorative delights will be joining Aldi’s huge range of brand-new party food hitting Aldi shelves this Christmas season.

www.aldi.co.uk.

Brighton Perfume is a breath of fresh air in the perfume industry. And it's vegan

Do you want to give people you care about a perfume that is eco-friendly and sustainable and from the Winner of the 2018 OK! National Beauty Awards For Perfume Brings His New Perfume Collections?

Then you need to check out Brighton Perfume.

Brighton Perfume is a vegan perfumery existing in an open kitchen blending, atomising and symbiosing small batch natural fragrance.

Pao Pincerna has have developed a new contemporary way of making plant-based perfumes with a vision to revolutionise the industry. Born out the ideology of the 70s and 90s fashion and music scene to create a new golden age of contemporary perfume.

Perfumery is a science, a closed world of heritage; Did you know? There are fewer perfumers in the world than astronauts.

Pao Pincerna said: "I created my own machine to spin vegan elixirs in oil not alcohol, so I don't need to filtrate using animal products and don't have any wastage at all. Everything put into the perfume ends up in the final product. 

"It is called 'The Attarator' and uses waves programmed into a raspberry PI to create clear eco-friendly plant-based perfumes. I make the freshest perfume in the world, and am the most eco/sustainable perfume company in the world.

OUR COLLECTIONS

"I have launched 22 new Vegan Perfumes in three collections:

MODE

Front Up Perfume for Fashion Nova’s

FREEDOM, DEBAUCHERY, DISSENT

Is your Perfume #notuptoparfum?

GET IN THE MODE

8 Sassy French Style Oil Based Vegan Perfumes

HEDONIST

Perfume for all Non-Conformists

BOMBASTIC HEADY SCENTS. DRIVES YOU CRAZY

10 Persian Style Oil Based Vegan Perfumes Pushing the Boundaries

DAPPER

Superlative Style with a Modern Twist

SOUL RESONATING

Six classics of British popular culture revived over the tapestry of music

UNLOCK YOUR PERFUME DNA! 

"Brighton Perfume is not reminiscent of the past but forward thinking whilst noting the fact that perfume is nostalgic, the scent of your mother, father or first partner will bring back cerebral memories that make you feel alive and connected to a lifetime of dreams."

To learn more and to place your orders please visit https://brightonperfume.co.uk.

Looking for neat secret Santa presents or quirky stocking fillers? The Gluttonous Gardener is for you!

Looking for secret Santa presents or unusual stocking fillers?

Sick of socks? Bored with bath salts? Thew Gluttonous Gardener has the answer for you!

From glorious Growbars packed with seeds for the perfect herb and flower gardens, to letterbox-sized seed kits for dog lovers and adventurous cooks, The Gluttonous Gardener's range of plant-related gifts and presents really does have something for everyone. 

A spokesperson for The Gluttonous Gardener said: "We've been using recyclable packing and sustainable products for the best part of three decades. And we have always believed that the best gift is the one that keeps on giving.

"All our Growbars are priced at £12.50, and seed kits start from £18 excluding delivery."

Visit glut.co.uk to place your orders.

How to avoid career suicide at the office Christmas Party

The office Christmas party is an annual tradition that many people look forward to. However, waking up the next day to realise you could have put your livelihood in jeopardy isn't a great start to the festive season.

From drinking too much or making inappropriate comments to a work colleague, it’s all too easy to turn a fun night out into career suicide.

Sue Andrews, HR expert at KIS Finance has been looking at the best ways to enjoy your office Christmas party without putting your job at risk.

Sue says: “Office parties fall between a casual and professional place that can be hard to navigate. Everyone wants to enjoy a party, so if you follow a few simple guidelines, you can do this without running into problems and regrets.”

The number one rule – don’t get drunk

Pace yourself! The office Christmas party is still a professional environment, so drinking too much and losing your inhibitions is never a good idea. Saying or doing something you might later regret can have a lasting negative impact on your professional reputation, and you don’t want to come to your boss’s attention for the wrong reasons.

Having one too many could cause you to share too much personal information you later come to regret, or even repeating something confidential that could really land you in professional trouble.

Disagreements that simmered during the year can bubble over when those involved have had a few too many drinks and you may find you react out of character when your inhibitions are lowered. It’s not unknown for arguments to erupt or even become physical, which could land you in very hot water with not only your employer but possible the police too.

Telling an inappropriate joke is also a good way to be remembered for all the wrong reasons. When you’ve had too much to drink you may forget your audience and end up embarrassing yourself, particularly if you tell it to your boss.

If you supervise other staff you may also want to keep a clear head as it’s a bit difficult to retain your team’s respect if they have seen you staggering around at the party the night before!

Don’t flirt with colleagues

Even if your feelings are reciprocated, this isn’t the time to share them as it’s likely to lead to embarrassment for you both. If the other person doesn’t feel the same way, they could find the situation quite stressful and this could lead to serious consequences. You could even find yourself facing a claim of harassment and a trip to the HR department the next day.

Follow the dress code

It is really important to take account of the location of the party and the type of culture at your company. If it is a formal sit-down meal, turning up in a clubbing outfit will look really inappropriate. If there is no dress code issued, then speak to colleagues and get an idea of the type of outfits that others are wearing. Whilst it is important to be yourself, you also don’t want to look out of place or be remembered for the wrong reasons.

Don’t talk shop

Don’t be the work bore that everyone wants to avoid. Get to know colleagues better on a human level by talking to them about their interests or holiday plans, but definitely avoid office gossip. It’s never a good idea to be found gossiping about colleagues, as it’s sure to backfire on you plus you never know who is listening.

Mix with others outside of your immediate work team

Treat the party as a good opportunity to widen your network and strengthen working relationships with colleagues by getting to know them better as individuals. You may find that you make some useful connections with people that you might otherwise not have had the opportunity to meet and get to know a little better.

Be careful about uploading images to social media

Some companies ban the use of social media at work events in order to protect staff from embarrassing incidents. Whilst it may seem fun to film your drunken colleague on the dancefloor, you could find yourself in trouble if it causes embarrassment for the individual or bad publicity for the company. You could even face allegations of bullying by a colleague, who wasn’t pleased to wake up the next day to see their antics on social media.

Spending all evening on your phone will be seen as bad manners anyway, so put your phone away for the evening and enjoy being present.

Don’t leave early

Unless you have a genuine reason, such as the babysitter only being available until 9.30, it’s polite to stay for the majority of the evening. Just putting in a short guest appearance will be noticed, and you risk looking ungrateful or that you think you have better things to do. Either way it won’t look good to your boss.

Not showing up

If you have said you’ll attend then its bad manners to bail on the night. Not going will make you appear like you’re not a team player and don’t appreciate that the company has put the effort and money into arranging an event. Even if you don’t think they’ll notice, Managers will usually notice who didn’t attend.

Say "thank you" at the end of the night

Just a simple thank you at the end of the night or the next day to the organiser, will be greatly appreciated. It takes time and effort, not to say money to put on a Christmas party so it’s worth a quick acknowledgement to your boss to show that you recognise this and, if you are part of a large team, it’s a good opportunity for you to remind them who you are.

If you stick to these easy tips you can enjoy the party without any fear that you will wake up the next day without a job!

Full report: https://www.kisbridgingloans.co.uk/business-guides/how-to-avoid-career-suicide-at-the-office-christmas-party

KIS Finance are an independent finance broker specialising in bridging finance, development finance, commercial mortgages, equity release, and secured loans.

(Image courtesy of Sheila Santillan from Pixabay)

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Traditional Christmas markets aren’t the only places to explore this winter

From candy cane Christmas trees to real life gingerbread houses, there are some incredible attractions on offer at Christmas markets across the globe for travel lovers to explore. 

Some of the most unusual include floating market stalls in The Netherlands, and the chance to experience a walk back in time to a Victorian Christmas in California. 

James Cole, founder and MD of Panache Cruises said: “Christmas markets are a wonderful and fantastic way to enjoy the festive season and there are some incredible Christmas markets for travellers who are prepared to explore that little bit further.  

“Some cities around the world really take their Christmas markets to the max, for example, in Toronto they have a life-size gingerbread house you can actually walk around and in The Netherlands there is a massive market in caves underneath the city’s castle ruins.  

“There are also some unusual markets in the UK too: York offers a haunted tour of the ghosts of Christmas past, and Edinburugh has a massive Street of Light which illuminates across the whole city. 

“You can really get into the festive spirit by exploring some of the most unusual Christmas markets different countries around the world have to offer.” 

1. Leiden, The Netherlands - The Markets on Water   

Leiden’s famous floating Christmas market is rated one of the best year on year. On top of the city’s oldest canal is where visitors will find boats filled with almost 100 stalls selling food, drinks and handmade gifts. There is even a floating ice rink and regular stage performances. Just 30 minutes away from Amsterdam, Leiden’s market on water is one of the most unique Christmas activities to visit.  

2. Gardens by the Bay, Singapore - Candy Cane Christmas Tree 

Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay attracts millions of visitors each year to visit the Christmassy displays. Magnificent light sculptures cover the park and an ice cave home to impressive floral ice sculptures. But one of the most popular attractions at the gardens during the festive period is the so-called candy cane Christmas tree. Decorated in red and white poinsettia flowers the tree stands at eight metres tall and six metres wide, bringing Christmas to Singapore in a spectacular way.  

3. Toronto, Canada - Life-size Gingerbread House 

Those in Toronto know Christmas is coming when the city’s lifesize gingerbread house is put up at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel. Consisting of almost 9000 gingerbread bricks, visitors can actually walk through the two-storey gingerbread display but they must fight the temptation to have a nibble on the walls. There are also market stalls selling crafts, foods and drinks to check out too, to fill visitors with Christmas joy and delicious treats.  

4. NYC, USA - Winter Village Igloos  

The Bank of America Winter Village is one of the most jam-packed Christmas markets in the world. With a 17,000-square-foot ice skating rink is completely free to use, over 170 glasshouse market stalls to explore, the opportunity to try out iceless curling and best of all, cosy igloo for private hire to truly feel like a winter wonderland experience served with gourmet food and drinks  

5. Valkenburg, The Netherlands - Underground Cave Markets 

Valkenburg is home to Europe’s largest underground Christmas market. The caves are underneath the city’s castle ruins and are filled with festive market stalls, spectacular decorations, life-size nativity sculptures and Christmas trees. The caves are turned into an extraordinary underground winter wonderland over the festive season.  

6. California, USA - A Victorian Christmas  

Although more of a common sight in Britain, a Victorian Christmas has made its way to the west coast of America, with a Charles Dickens theme to it. The Dickens Fair offers visitors a step back in time with theatres, pubs, shops, stalls and music halls. With regular entertainment shows acting out Dickens’ stories, the Fair is a wonderful place to explore a Victorian-themed Christmas.  

7. Bariloche, Argentina - The ‘Little Switzerland’ in South America 

The city of Bariloche is tucked away in the Andes and has been called the ‘Little Switzerland’ of Argentina. Wooden huts, ski resorts, bar cabins and chocolate shops adorn the streets to make this South American city feel like a snowy European destination. Picturesque landscapes make visitors feel as though they really are experiencing Christmas in the Swiss Alps.  

8. Bondi Beach, Australia - Christmas in the Sun 

A Christmas in summertime is not what a usual festive image is, but for Australians, Christmas in the sun is the norm. Visiting the Bondi Beach Christmas markets is a completely different festive experience for many of us. With shorts instead of coats and flip flops instead of gloves, the market stalls line the seafront selling food, drinks and handcrafted gifts. 

9. Edinburgh, Scotland - The Street of Light 

With the backdrop of the historic 900 year old castle, Edinburgh knows how to put on a fantastic Christmas market. With rides, food, crafts, drinks and activities for visitors, the city also hosts a virtual Christmas market for those who can’t travel to Scotland. One of the interesting parts of the market is the 60,000 lights installation along the ‘Street of Light’ - a colourful kaleidoscope of festive lights and lasers is one of the best light shows in the world. 

10. York, England - The Ghosts of Christmas Past Tour  

York is often named the most haunted city in the world - and for Christmas visitors to the city, a festive ghost tour is a must-do. Certainly one of the most unusual Christmas activities, the walking ghost tour takes two hours and tells many haunted December stories along the way about the ghosts of Christmas past. And no trip to York at Christmastime is complete without a visit to the markets to offer a wonderful wintery experience before the haunted night-time falls. 

To find out more about luxury cruising to these Christmas market destinations and many more please visit www.panachecruises.com.

(Image courtesy of jan schoenmaekers and Pixabay)

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Over third of Christmas shoppers to spend less, says Oxfam, but will still buy gifts

Over a third of Christmas shoppers (35%) are aiming to spend less on gifts this Christmas, with some reducing their budget by 50%, says research commissioned by Oxfam.

A mixture of the cost-of-living crisis (66%), concerns over energy bills (42%), a desire not to get into debt), and trying to save money (39%), are encouraging people to tighten their belts.

But the research brings some comfort, with nearly three quarters (74%) of the 2772 adults surveyed say they believe meaningful gifts, that don’t cost much, are best.

Concerns over the environmental impact of Christmas such as plastic waste and emissions (47% per) plus a desire to along with a desire to shop ethically (20%) are also driving shopping decisions as 23% of those who responded revealed they'd buy second-hand gifts this Christmas, as it's "greener."

It also emerged 27% are going to opt for gifts with a positive social impact, such as charity gift cards or donations to a good cause.

Also, 17% agreed some of the best presents they’ve ever received were ones that didn’t cost that much.

Lorna Fallon, director of retail for Oxfam said: “Giving presents shouldn’t be about how much you spend.

“This year we hope people won’t feel pressurised into spending more they can afford, especially at a time where many are worried about the cost of living crisis.

“Bringing happiness to loved ones on Christmas day doesn't need to be costly or expensive, but it can be thoughtful.”

The research also found when it comes to giving and receiving Christmas gifts 43% per said they believe it’s the thought that counts.

With over one in ten (12%) buying second-hand gifts as books, particularly fiction, are revealed as top of people’s charity shop wish list (23%).

Conducted via OnePoll, the study also found 28% feel pressured to buy gifts at Christmas, with nearly a quarter (24%( feeling relief that they have agreed with family and friends to cut back on giving this year.

Although 34% of those buying for others plan to spend less per person this year compared to last.

With the average number of people on a Christmas gift list reducing by one person, from 10 in 2021 to nine this year.

It also emerged, regardless of household income, everyone is set to feel the squeeze this year as 41% of shoppers with a household income of £20,001 to £25,000 want their money to stretch further.

While a near equal percentage (42%) of those with a household income of £60,001 to £70,000 feel the same way.

Lorna Fallon added: “We’re finding more people are shopping for books this year and Christmas shopping is well underway for unique gifts that aren't going to break the bank.

“Womenswear and menswear sales in our shops are also up, suggesting customers are turning to charity shops to make their pound go as far as possible whilst also supporting good causes.

“Browsing in a charity shop this year for just some of your presents will make your budget stretch further, plus bringing a smile to your family with one-off, more sustainable, thoughtful and ethical gifts. 

"For the friend or relative who has everything, or if you’re short on time or stuck for ideas, choose Oxfam Unwrapped gift cards. Funds raised from these cards support communities to make positive changes, by providing essentials like clean water and sanitation."

Top 10 reasons Brits are cutting spend on gifts this Christmas

The cost-of-living crisis

Not being able to afford as much this year

Just being careful as things get more expensive

Worries about paying gas and electricity bills

Trying to be thrifty with my spending

Not wanting to get into debt

Not feeling the need to spend money to enjoy Christmas

They spent too much money last year

Wanting to put more thought into gifts rather than spending lots on them

Worries about interest rates on credit cards

Top 10 ways Brits will spend less on Christmas gifts this year

Reducing spend per person

Only buying for immediate family

Reducing spending circle (the total number of people to buy for)

Purchasing fewer, more thoughtful presents

Agreeing in advance with family where to spend less

Only buying for the children in the family

Buying second-hand gifts that are high value but lower in price

Buying barely used or excellent condition second-hand books

Giving more home-made presents

Pooling together with friends and family to buy one gift for each family member

To learn more about Oxfam you can visit https://www.oxfam.org.uk where you can also find your nearest Oxfam shop.