Play in CHOC is the ideal chocolate gift for Christmas

It can be really hard to find chocolate that is inclusive for all children and adults who different dietary requirements.

Rather than waste time trying to sort out different types of chocolate for different dietary requirements for all of the people you are buying for, all you need do is to ensure that you source all your chocolates for Christmas from Play in Choc.

Why are we suggesting this? Because Play in CHOC have carefully and lovingly crafted some of the smoothest, most delicious chocolates we have ever tasted.

Their chocolate is guaranteed free from the top 14 allergens and uses only three plant ingredients using cacao, coconut and vanilla. 

They are 100% vegan, fully dairy-free & 100% organic, so everyone can enjoy great-tasting, award-winning chocolate which is 14 allergen free without even a hint of guilt.

But there's much, much more than that, because Play in CHOC combines their delicious chocolate with some absolutely amazing toys!

You can combine the excitement of playing & eating chocolate with their ToyChoc Boxes. Enjoy delicious dairy-free & allergy-free organic chocolate with a collectable 3D cardboard animal puzzle toy to assemble and a fun facts card. 

Their toys include endangered animals, dinosaurs, woodland animals,  rabbits & Christmas characters. Play, learn & eat delicious chocolate at the same time.

There are also chocolates, Pic Gift Sets and Gift Cards, too.

Let us remove the stress of finding the perfect chocolate by simply browsing through their stunning chocolate collections!

And they claim with justifiable pride to be fully sustainable. 

https://playinchoc.com/

Doggedly looking for Canine Christmas Gifts? Pointer Christmas Gift Guide Shows You the Way

If you’re looking for the perfect dog friendly gift this Christmas, then look no further than Pointer – a British-based dog treat company with a range of tasty festive snacks on the menu this year.   

Born in South Yorkshire in the 1950s, Pointer is now based in the heart of Lincolnshire and stocked across the whole of the UK. 

As a leading biscuiteer, they still bake their treats in their family-run farm bakery, using ingredients harvested from their very own fields.

Their products are created by a family of dog lovers, for the well-loved dogs in your family. 

From advent calendars to crackers, share some Christmas spirit The Pointer Way this year. Their festive range includes: 

Pointer Dog Advent Calendar- can't wait till the big day? Give your dog a daily taste of Christmas from December 1st! Filled with crunchy carob and cheese flavoured bones, this Countdown Calendar is the perfect way to include your dog in the festive excitement.  

Pointer Christmas Cracker- Stuffed with crunchy turkey and cranberry flavoured shapes, don’t let your furry friend miss out on all of the Christmas cracker fun!  

Pointer Christmas Selection- Want to spoil your dog this festive season? Well Pointer’s 10kg box of Turkey & Cranberry flavoured biscuits is the perfect way to stay stocked up with festive treats! 

Made with real turkey and oven-baked to perfection – it’ll be hard to resist woofing these down. 

Pointer Christmas Hamper- can't decide? Fill your pup’s stocking with a paw-fect selection of an advent calendar, Christmas cracker, hand iced bone, and a card from the Pointer family! 

https://www.pointerpetfoods.co.uk

Welcome to a Winter Wonderland! Revealing the 2025 Bonne Maman Advent Calendar

It’s time to take a magical walk in an enchanted forest with this year’s exclusive limited edition Bonne Maman Advent Calendar. 

Cheerful little festive characters and adorable cheeky animals will help you discover 23 mini jars of delicious seasonal conserves, chocolates and caramels, plus a surprise decorative gift on Christmas Eve.  

A perfect gift to treat loved ones, or yourself!, every Advent Calendar purchased from the Bonne Maman website will also receive a complimentary special edition Christmas jar of Hazelnut Chocolate Spread, embellished with an evocative, winter wonderland design. 

A truly lovable, exclusive item for 2025, that makes a sweet home accessory after use. Simply pop in a string of twinkling lights or battery tea light for a pretty, personalised decoration for years to come.   

In the advent calendar, you, or the fortunate recipient, will discover mini jars of special conserves, chocolate spreads and caramels, to enjoy a different taste sensation for breakfast every day of Advent. 

Many flavour combinations have been developed exclusively for this Christmas and not usually available in the UK, such as Orange, guava and lime, Madagascar vanilla caramel, Mango and ginger, or Blueberry and lychee with rose. 

As an extra treat behind the final door, on Christmas Eve, discover a pretty, decorative surprise gift – just in time for Christmas day itself!

A delicious way to spread the festive joy this Christmas season, the Bonne Maman Advent Calendar is available to order from mid-August online at https://www.bonnemaman.co.uk/advent at £33.00 including postage and packing. 

The Bonne Maman Advent calendar will also be available from retailers such as Waitrose & Partners, Selfridges and Fenwicks.                                                

For further information, tips and recipes visit www.bonnemaman.co.uk, like on Facebook @BonneMamanUK and follow on Instagram @bonnemaman_uk. Stockists may vary. 

Where to Buy Diabetic-Friendly Christmas Puddings and Treats in the UK

One of the best parts of Christmas is gathering round the table for pudding. But if you’re catering for guests with diabetes, the traditional sugar-heavy options aren’t always suitable. 

Luckily, the UK has plenty of alternatives – from ready-made puddings to DIY kits and mixes – so no one has to miss out on the magic of a festive dessert.

Here’s a guide to some of the best places to shop for diabetic-friendly Christmas puddings and other low-sugar treats this year.

Diabetic Hampers UK – Ready-Made & Delivered

If convenience is your priority, Diabetic Hampers UK is a fantastic place to start. They stock reduced-sugar Christmas puddings and beautifully presented hampers packed with diabetic-friendly goodies. You can even choose your delivery date, making it a reliable choice if you’re planning ahead for the big day.

Perfect for: hassle-free gifting or ensuring there’s a pudding on the table without extra work. https://www.diabetichampers.co.uk

Plum Duff & Stuff – A DIY Pudding Kit for Diabetics

Want to keep a traditional feel while still looking after sugar levels? The Plum Duff & Stuff Christmas pudding kit is a brilliant option. It comes with all the dry ingredients measured out – dried fruits, wholemeal flour, seeds, spices, and stevia for sweetening – plus a ceramic basin and wrapping. All you need to add are fresh fruit zest, juice, and eggs.

Perfect for: bakers who love a “make it yourself” pudding with a festive ritual.

No-Added-Sugar Christmas Pudding

If you’re looking for a pudding that gets its sweetness naturally, keep an eye out for no-added-sugar puddings. These are usually made with dried fruits like dates, apples, and prunes, delivering a lovely richness without refined sugar. They’re often stocked by specialist retailers like Diabetic Hampers UK and seasonal online shops.

Perfect for: guests who prefer a more natural sweetness.

https://www.plumduffandstuff.co.uk

LillyPuds – Reduced-Sugar & Vegan Options

LillyPuds is a small British producer offering luxurious puddings that don’t overload on sugar. Their Reduced-Sugar Christmas Pudding has over 50% fruit and no artificial sweeteners, while their vegan and gluten-free option is also lower in sugar (around 5%). Both taste indulgent while catering for a wide range of dietary needs.

Perfect for: guests who need vegan, gluten-free, or reduced-sugar puddings that still feel special.

A Quick Homemade Fix – Low-Carb Recipes

For those who like a hands-on approach, there are excellent low-carb, sugar-free recipes online. For example, Sugar Free Londoner has a microwave-friendly pudding that takes just 10 minutes to make. It uses almond flour, erythritol or monk fruit sweetener, eggs, spices, and a little fruit for flavour. The result is a festive, portion-controlled pudding with only about 8g net carbs per serving.

Perfect for: last-minute bakers who still want a homemade touch.

https://www.lillypuds.co.uk

Sugar-Free Baking Mixes

If pudding isn’t your thing, you could offer another festive bake made from sugar-free baking mixes.

The Skinny Food Co has brownie and sponge cake mixes

Betty Crocker produces sugar-free cake and cookie mixes in the UK.

Bulk™ Protein Brownie Mix is low-sugar and high in protein, offering a filling alternative.

Perfect for: adding variety to the dessert table with minimal effort.

Extra Sugar-Free Festive Treats

Don’t forget about those extra nibbles to go with coffee and tea. Shops like Healthy Supplies stock sugar-free delights such as Turkish delight, Viennese biscuits, coconut wafers, and even sparkling cranberry drinks. These little touches can make diabetic guests feel thought of when the selection box comes out.

Perfect for: stocking fillers, snacking, or a “sweet plate” at the end of the meal.

Supermarkets – Check Labels Carefully

Mainstream supermarkets do carry free-from puddings (for example, Tesco Finest Free-From Christmas Pudding). However, most of these are gluten-free rather than sugar-free, and often still contain a lot of sugar. They’re useful for those with coeliac disease, but not ideal for managing blood glucose.

Perfect for: gluten-free diets, but not suitable as a true diabetic-friendly option.

Sweet Traditions, Thoughtful Choices

From ready-made reduced-sugar puddings to DIY kits, quick recipes, and sugar-free treats, there’s a wealth of ways to make sure diabetic guests feel fully included in the festive spread. Whether you order from a specialist site like Diabetic Hampers UK, treat your guests to a LillyPuds showstopper, or bake your own with a sugar-free mix, there’s no shortage of options.

After all, Christmas pudding should be about sharing memories – not worrying about sugar.

A Sweet Christmas Without the Sugar: Catering for Diabetic Guests

Christmas is a time for indulgence the mince pies, Christmas pudding, chocolates, and festive cocktails all seem to take centre stage. 

But if you’re welcoming friends or family with diabetes, you may be wondering how best to cater for them without leaving them out of the seasonal fun. 

The good news? With today’s wide range of zero sugar alternatives, syrups and flavourings, you can create festive treats that are both delicious and diabetic-friendly.

Why Think About Zero Sugar Options?

Traditional festive foods are often packed with refined sugar, which can cause blood glucose levels to spike. For those living with diabetes, this makes navigating the Christmas table tricky. 

By making simple swaps with sugar-free ingredients and naturally sweet alternatives, you can help ensure that everyone enjoys the celebrations without worry.

Sweet Swaps: Baking and Desserts

Zero sugar syrups – Brands now offer syrups in flavours such as vanilla, caramel, hazelnut and even festive gingerbread. Perfect for drizzling over pancakes, flavouring coffee, or adding to whipped cream.

Sugar-free chocolate – A great option for stocking fillers or to melt into sauces.

Sugar substitutes for baking – Stevia, erythritol and monk fruit sweetener can be used in Christmas puddings, cakes and biscuits without compromising taste. (However, people like my wife are allergic to Stevia)

Drinks Without the Sugar Crash

Christmas drinks are often loaded with sugar – from mulled wine to hot chocolate. Try these alternatives:

Sugar-free hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and a drizzle of zero sugar syrup.

Mulled spice tea – brew black tea with cinnamon, cloves and orange peel, then sweeten with a sugar substitute.

Festive mocktails – mix sparkling water with sugar-free syrups, a splash of lemon or lime, and fresh fruit garnish for a seasonal fizz.

Savoury Options That Shine

It’s not all about sweet treats. Luckily, most of the Christmas dinner spread is already diabetic-friendly: roast turkey, Brussels sprouts, red cabbage, carrots, and parsnips. Just be mindful of glazes and sauces – opt for reduced-sugar cranberry sauce or make your own using a sugar substitute.

Little Touches That Make a Big Difference

Label dishes so guests know what’s sugar-free.

Offer choice – a traditional pudding alongside a zero-sugar trifle or cheesecake ensures everyone has something special.

Stock your coffee corner with sugar-free syrups so guests can customise their festive lattes.

A Christmas Everyone Can Enjoy

With a little planning and the help of zero sugar syrups and flavourings, you can make your diabetic guests feel not just included, but spoiled with thoughtful festive treats. After all, Christmas is about togetherness, and that means ensuring everyone can join in the feast.

Here are some excellent zero-sugar syrup options available in the UK, perfect for making your Christmas festivities more inclusive for guests managing diabetes.

Festive classic — Christmas maple & spice

Maple & Cinnamon Syrup - Skinny Syrup - 425ml

£4.99

theskinnyfoodco

Gingerbread festive flavour

Mint Syrup | Mint Syrup For Coffee | Skinny Syrups

£6.99

theskinnyfoodco

Nutty barista‑style syrup

Mint Syrup | Mint Syrup For Coffee | Skinny Syrups

£6.99

theskinnyfoodco

Versatile vanilla for coffee, drinks

Monin Sugar Free Vanilla Flavouring Syrup (1 litre)

£9.49

Maple & Cinnamon Syrup - Skinny Syrup - 425ml

A delightfully festive blend of maple and warm spices — ideal for drizzling over porridge, cakes, or into hot beverages without any calories or sugar. A classic seasonal touch.

Mint Syrup | Mint Syrup For Coffee | Skinny Syrups

Rich hints of gingerbread with cinnamon, cloves and molasses make this perfect for spicing up hot chocolate, coffee, or desserts with winter warmth — all sugar-free.

Mint Syrup | Mint Syrup For Coffee | Skinny Syrups

A creamy, nutty favourite for flavouring latte, hot chocolate or even breakfast bowls. Totally sugar-free and delicious.

Monin Sugar Free Vanilla Flavouring Syrup (1 litre)

A versatile vanilla syrup, perfect for lattes, cocktails, baking or mocktails. Made with sucralose, delivering rich flavour without the sugar.

Other Notable UK-Friendly Options

The Skinny Food Co is a notable British brand offering a wide range of zero-calorie, sugar-free syrups. They're stocked in major supermarkets including Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Lidl, and health stores such as Holland & Barrett. 

Wikipedia

NextDayCoffee.co.uk features sugar-free syrups from Amor, Monin, and Simply, including festive picks like:

Monin Gingerbread Sugar-Free Syrup

Monin Vanilla Sugar-Free Syrup

Amor Caramel / Hazelnut / Vanilla Sugar-Free Syrups — all priced around £4.99 for 750 ml 

Nextday Coffee

Bulk™ Zero Calorie Syrup is another UK-available option sweetened with sucralose, offering calorie-free choices in flavours like maple and butterscotch. 

Community recommendations include:

“I quite like the Skinny Syrup ones. I find that the Maple one has the most flavour but the Salted Caramel is also pretty good.” — a user from r/AskUK

Sweeteners & Health Considerations

While syrups offer festive flavour, many use artificial sweeteners such as sucralose or aspartame, both generally have minimal impact on blood glucose levels, making them acceptable for diabetic guests. 

However, experts advise moderation as some individuals may experience digestive discomfort or changes in appetite or gut health. 

Stevia, monk fruit, or allulose are natural or low-glycaemic sweeteners that can be used in baking; allulose behaves more like real sugar in recipes, though it’s currently more niche. 

Quick Recommendations for a Diabetic-Friendly Festive Spread

Ingredient Recommendation

Syrup for coffee / drinks Skinny Food Co Maple & Cinnamon or Monin Gingerbread

Dessert drizzle Skinny Food Co Hazelnut or Chocolate Fudge Cake flavour

Baking sweetener Consider sucralose-based syrup or natural substitutes like stevia/allulose

Label clearly Mark sugar-free options at your buffet to minimise confusion

Offer variety Include one traditional sweet alongside sugar-free alternatives so everyone can enjoy

Using zero sugar syrups lets you create festive menus—think flavored coffees, mocktails, baked treats—that are both indulgent and considerate of diabetic dietary needs. 

The Skinny Food Co range stands out for availability and flavour variety in the UK; Monin offers rich, barista-style quality; and Bulk™ is a reliable calorie-free alternative.

How to Run a Secret Santa Scheme at Your Workplace

As the festive season approaches, one of the simplest, and most enjoyable, ways to spread Christmas cheer in the office, shop or workshop is to organise a Secret Santa gift exchange. 

It’s a light-hearted tradition that can bring colleagues together, spark some laughter, and ensure everyone feels included in the celebrations.

 If you’ve never run one before, here’s a step-by-step guide to making sure your workplace Secret Santa goes smoothly.

Step 1: Get Everyone On Board

Before anything else, check that people want to take part. While many will jump at the idea, some may prefer not to, so always make participation optional. You can send out a quick email, create a sign-up sheet, or even set up a poll to gather names.

Step 2: Set a Budget

To keep things fair, it’s important to set a clear spending limit. In workplaces, budgets of £5–£15 usually work well – enough to buy something thoughtful without being excessive. Make sure everyone knows the upper limit in advance.

Step 3: Decide How to Draw Names

Traditionally, names are pulled from a hat, but you can also use online Secret Santa generators that email each participant their chosen person. Digital tools are especially useful if your team works remotely or across different offices.

Step 4: Set the Ground Rules

Agree on a few guidelines before the exchange. For example:

Stick to the budget.

Avoid inappropriate or offensive gifts.

If in doubt, keep it fun, thoughtful, or practical.

Some teams also like to set a theme, such as “cosy gifts,” “desk treats,” or “something festive” which adds a bit of creativity to the challenge.

Step 5: Choose the Date and Venue

Pick a time for the gift exchange, perhaps during the office Christmas party, a team lunch, or a coffee break in the run-up to the holidays. For hybrid or remote teams, gifts can be posted or exchanged during a virtual festive gathering. Perhaps you could hire a"real" Santa to help hand out the presents?

Step 6: Add a Twist (Optional)

If you want to make it more entertaining, you can:

Have a “guess the Santa” reveal, where everyone tries to work out who bought their gift.

Play Secret Santa Swap, where gifts are chosen from a pile and can be swapped around before the final reveal.

Encourage homemade or creative gifts, which can make for some of the most memorable surprises.

Step 7: Funny Gift Ideas to Inspire You 

Need inspiration? Here are some light-hearted gifts that usually get a laugh (and still fit the budget):

Mug with a cheeky slogan – “This might be gin” always raises eyebrows in the office.

Mini desk games – tiny basketball hoops or stress-ball catapults are perfect for coffee-break competitions.

Novelty socks – from Rudolph noses to “bring me wine” messages, socks never go out of style.

Grow-your-own kits – chillies, herbs, or even bonsai trees for the green-fingered colleague.

Emergency chocolate stash – wrapped like a first-aid kit for that mid-afternoon slump.

Desk calendar with a twist – daily bad jokes, cat pictures, or motivational quotes gone wrong.

Of course, the best Secret Santa gifts are ones that suit the recipient’s personality – but a bit of silliness never hurts!

Step 8: Enjoy the Fun!

The joy of Secret Santa is in the mystery, the laughter, and the thought that goes into each present. It’s not about expensive gifts – it’s about making someone smile.

🎄 Running a Secret Santa at work is a simple way to boost morale and add some festive sparkle to the workplace. With a little organisation (and maybe a pair of novelty socks or two), you’ll create a tradition your colleagues will look forward to year after year.

Boost Your Christmas Sales with Free Promotion on Our Blogs

The festive season is fast approaching, and with it comes one of the busiest times of the year for many businesses. 

Whether you’re offering unique Christmas gifts, indulgent festive food hampers, or seasonal drinks that deserve a spot on every party table, getting your products seen by the right audience is key.

That’s where we come in.

At That’s Christmas 365 and our sister blog, That’s Food and Drink, we’re dedicated to shining a spotlight on the very best festive finds, from thoughtful presents to delicious food and drink. Our readers come to us for inspiration and recommendations, and we want to showcase your products to them.

The best part? There’s no cost to you.

We believe Christmas is all about sharing, and we’re offering businesses the opportunity to feature their festive offerings across our blogs completely free of charge. It’s a simple way to gain extra exposure, build buzz around your products, and help you reach new customers this holiday season.

How we can help promote your products:

Dedicated features on our blogs

Gift guides showcasing Christmas must-haves

Spotlight posts on festive food and drink trends

Social media support to spread the word even further

If you’re a business with something special to share this Christmas, we’d love to hear from you.

Get in touch today to have your products featured on That’s Christmas and That’s Food and Drink. Let’s make this festive season brighter – together.

Just email us at afj_uk@yahoo.com.

A Christmas Tree for Every Space from Garden Trading

Garden Trading is delighted to unveil its new carefully curated selection of artificial Christmas trees, designed to bring timeless style and ease to your festive decorating. 

Thoughtfully chosen to suit a range of interior styles, from the cosy cottage to a contemporary home, the collection combines lifelike detail with lasting quality, offering an alternative to traditional cut trees. And no needles to clean up or to remove from paws, too.

Available in a variety of shapes and sizes, the range includes everything from a charming 40cm tree, perfect for mantelpieces and tabletops, to a statement-making 8ft tree that brings festive magic to larger living spaces. 

Whether left unadorned for a minimalist look or dressed in delightful heirloom ornaments, each tree is designed to elevate seasonal styling with minimal effort.

To learn more or to order your trees please visit https://www.gardentrading.co.uk

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