Wednesday, 17 September 2025
That's Food and Drink: Recipes with a Story – ChefDeik
That's Food and Drink: Recipes with a Story – ChefDeik: Chef Deik London Book Publisher proudly announces the release of Recipes with a Story – ChefDeik, a cookbook unlike any other. Written by E...
Style & Salon Fun: Our Generation Fashion & Beauty Range. Ideal for Christmas Gifting
From glittering jewellery to glam hair days, Our Generation’s Fashion & Beauty collection at Smyths Toys is packed with dolls and playsets that bring fashion and fun to playtime.
The range includes everything kids need to step into the role of stylist, trendsetter, or best friend:
Meet Mariana, the 45cm jewellery doll who’s all about sparkle and style! With lifelike blue eyes, blonde hair with peekaboo highlights, and pierced ears for her earrings, she’s ready for every fashion adventure.
Kids can mix and match her rainbow-themed necklace, bracelets and charms to create dazzling looks, while her soft, huggable body and movable limbs make outfit changes easy. Mariana comes complete with a jewellery box, leotard, faux-fur skirt and rainbow-laced shoes for dress-up fun.
Get ready with this chic inspired, pink-and-gold vanity set, complete with a real mirror, roomy countertop, and pull-out drawer.
Packed with 17 pretend beauty accessories, from mascara and lip gloss to eyeshadow, brushes and more. With built-in storage to keep everything tidy, this set is designed to aid imaginative play, and is fully compatible with 46cm Our Generation dolls (sold separately).
Say hello to Poppy, the 46cm hair-play doll with a magical twist! Her braid can be made longer or shorter at the push of a button, giving kids numerous styling options. With rotating arms, legs and head, she’s easy to dress up in different outfits, and she comes with hair extensions, clips, a comb and a styling guide for plenty of fun. Compatible with most Our Generation dolls, clothes and accessories.
Take the salon home with this stylish pink, purple and gold chair, perfectly sized for Our Generation dolls. The included hairdryer makes fun sound effects for a realistic touch, while the brush and accessories are for styling, braiding and limitless play. Batteries are included, so the salon fun can start right away!
Whether it’s an afternoon of fashion, a weekend playdate, or wrapped up as a special gift, Our Generation Fashion & Beauty toys are ideal for embracing imaginations.
The collection is available now at Smyths Toys Superstores nationwide and online at www.smythstoys.com.
How Buying Gifts from Charities This Christmas Can Make a Real Difference
But Christmas can also be a time to give back, and one of the easiest ways to do this is by buying gifts from charities.
With one simple purchase, you can spread cheer not only to the person receiving the gift but also to communities, causes, and individuals who need support most.
Why Choose Charity Gifts?
When you buy from a charity, you’re making your money work harder. Instead of simply funding large retailers, your purchase contributes directly to projects that change lives.
From funding medical research to supporting vulnerable families, animal rescue centres, or global humanitarian aid – every gift bought from a charity shop or online store makes a genuine impact.
Charity gifts also offer:
Unique, thoughtful presents – from handmade crafts to exclusive Christmas cards.
The chance to give twice – delighting your loved one while helping someone in need.
Sustainable choices – many charities now stock eco-friendly products, reducing waste while supporting good causes.
UK Charities Offering Wonderful Christmas Gifts
Here are some of the best-known charities where your Christmas shopping can make a difference:
Oxfam – Their “Oxfam Unwrapped” range includes symbolic gifts such as providing clean water, education packs, or supporting farmers in developing countries. They also stock Fairtrade treats, homeware, and fashion.
National Trust – Perfect for heritage and nature lovers, the National Trust’s shop offers calendars, hampers, books, and memberships, with proceeds going towards protecting historic sites and countryside across the UK.
Dogs Trust – From paw-print socks to dog calendars and Christmas baubles, every purchase helps care for rescue dogs until they find their forever homes.
Cancer Research UK – They sell Christmas cards, decorations, and stocking fillers, with proceeds funding life-saving cancer research here in the UK.
Save the Children – Famous for their Christmas Jumper Day campaign, they also offer symbolic gifts that support children’s health, nutrition, and education worldwide.
RSPB – The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds sells wildlife-themed gifts, bird feeders, and calendars, helping protect British wildlife and natural habitats.
British Heart Foundation – Alongside a wide range of donated goods in their shops, they also sell Christmas cards, decorations, and gifts supporting life-saving heart research.
Making Giving More Meaningful
Imagine sitting down on Christmas morning and knowing that the gift you chose has helped provide shelter, funded medical research, or protected endangered wildlife. That’s a present with a story – and one that sparks real conversation.
By choosing charity gifts, we can:
Support local communities here in the UK.
Promote sustainability by reusing, recycling, and choosing ethical products.
Spread the true spirit of Christmas – generosity, kindness, and hope.
How to Start
Pop into your local charity shops for cards, wrapping paper, and unique gifts.
Explore online charity gift catalogues such as Oxfam Unwrapped, Dogs Trust, and Save the Children.
Suggest a “charity Christmas” at work, where Secret Santa gifts come from charity shops or charity catalogues.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas, let’s shop with purpose. Every gift bought from a charity is a small act of kindness that adds up to something much bigger. With each purchase, you’re giving love, joy, and hope – not just to the recipient, but to people and causes that truly need it.
And you can even buy a Charity Shop Gift Card, too! https://thecharityshopgiftcard.co.uk
Why Weird Fish Clothing Makes the Perfect Christmas Present for the Fun People in Your Life
Socks, bath sets, and a bottle of something festive are all fine, but if you’re looking for a gift that’s unique, fun, and full of personality, Weird Fish clothing should be at the top of your list.
Known for their quirky, creative designs and high-quality clothing, Weird Fish offers something different for those who love to stand out.
Here’s why their distinctive style makes the perfect Christmas present for the interesting people in your life.
1. Quirky Designs They’ll Actually Wear
Weird Fish is famous for its witty and playful graphics—think clever puns, pop culture references, and a touch of British humour. From parody T-shirts to statement hoodies, these are pieces that spark conversations and bring a smile. For the person in your life who thrives on originality, it’s a gift that reflects their personality.
2. Comfort Meets Creativity
It’s not just about looks—Weird Fish is also known for soft fabrics, relaxed fits, and durable quality. Whether it’s their legendary Macaroni™ sweatshirts or a cosy jumper for winter walks, Weird Fish balances style and comfort perfectly. Your recipient won’t just love the design, they’ll enjoy wearing it too.
3. A Gift That Shows You “Get” Them
Buying clothing as a gift can be tricky, but when you choose a Weird Fish item with a design that matches their sense of humour, hobbies, or favourite films, it shows thought and attention. Instead of a generic present, you’re giving something that feels personal and tailored to them.
4. Perfect for All Ages and Tastes
Weird Fish caters to men, women, and kids, making it easy to find something for everyone. Whether you’re shopping for a teenager who loves graphic tees, a partner who appreciates quality knitwear, or a family member who’s always outdoors, Weird Fish offers fun designs with lasting appeal.
5. Sustainable Style for the Eco-Conscious
For the environmentally aware in your life, Weird Fish is also moving towards sustainable fabrics and eco-friendly production. Gifting from Weird Fish means you’re choosing clothing that doesn’t just look good but also does good.
This Christmas, surprise the quirky characters in your life with something that’s as fun and unique as they are. Whether it’s a playful T-shirt, a warm hoodie, or a piece from their eco-friendly collection, Weird Fish clothing is a gift they’ll treasure—and wear proudly.
Weird Fish also sell Men's and Women's accessories including Scarves & Caps, Bags & Wallets, Socks & Underwear, Flipflops and Footwear, Sunglasses e-Gift Cards, Scarves & Sun Hats, Bags & Purses, Socks & Tights, Flipflops and Footwear and Sunglasses.
They also have a range of clothing for children, too.
As I write this blogpost I am wearing one of my many quirky Weird Fish T-shirts. My favourite is my Carp Side of the Moon shirts. Yeah, two different versions!
You can learn more by visiting https://www.weirdfish.co.uk.
You can buy online or visit one of their shops or concessions https://www.weirdfish.co.uk/help/find-a-store
Tuesday, 16 September 2025
Fundraising Partnership -Create, Celebrate, and Give Back This Christmas at the Allendale Community Centre
Sponsored by Poole and Wimborne Woodland Burial Ground, the workshops will provide everything you need to design and take home a stunning, naturally sourced wreath.
All materials, including fresh greenery, pinecones, berries, and a selection of festive decorations will be supplied, alongside expert tuition from burial ground consultant and qualified florist, Karen, who will be leading the sessions with her team.
"Poole & Wimborne woodland burial ground is more than just a resting place - it's a space that gives back to the community."With strong commitment to supporting local projects and initiatives, the burial ground is proud to sponsor the Christmas wreath making workshops at the Allendale Community Centre.
"By working with local groups and events, we aim to nurture connections, celebrate creativity, and bring people together in ways that honour both life and nature. Sponsorship of this festive event reflects their dedication to spreading joy during the Christmas season, while continuing to support families and individuals across the local area." Elisa Way, Burial Ground Manager told That's Christmas 365.
Karen and her colleagues are passionate about sharing their skills and will guide participants step-by-step, while encouraging personal creativity to make each wreath unique.
Workshops will last around two hours, and every participant will leave with a handmade wreath to enjoy throughout the Christmas festivities.
But these events are about more than creativity. Every £30.00 ticket sold will help fund local families and individuals in Wimborne who are in need through the Allendale Community Centre’s Family Christmas Campaign. By joining in, you’ll not only be crafting something special for your home but also spreading festive joy to those who need it most.
To make the experience even more enjoyable, your ticket includes a festive soft (non-alcoholic) drink and seasonal nibbles. The centre’s bar will also be open, serving seasonal cocktails and other drinks to purchase to help the creative flow.
Tickets are limited to ensure a personal, hands-on experience – so early booking is essential.
Book your tickets on the theallendale.org site and help make Christmas brighter for your community!
The Yoto Player and Yoto Mini: A world of screen-free kids’ audio. Ideal for Christmas Gifting
Yoto is an amazing kids’ audio player with a wide range of functions and features, including a programmable night light and clock; OK-to-wake settings; room thermometer; its own daily podcast; family radio stations; as well as endless hours of free stories, music, podcasts and sleep sounds.
Having skyrocketed to success since its launch on Kickstarter in 2017, the Yoto brand has gone from strength to strength – with hundreds of thousands of families around the world now enjoying Yoto.
The Yoto Player keeps creative play, privacy and safety at its heart - it's ad-free with no microphones or cameras, and is packed with free audio and features for family life, designed to encourage kids to be more independent throughout their day.
Inspired by Montessori principles, the Yoto Player is activated via Yoto Cards, which are slotted into the audio player to play audiobooks, music, podcasts, and activities.
You’ll also find a whole catalogue of Yoto original stories with engaging content about our world, other cultures, languages, the solar system, animals, science, baking recipes and so much more. There really is a Yoto card for everyone!
Not only does the Yoto Player keep little ones entertained throughout the day, it can also play a key role in better bedtimes.
With features like a day-and-night clock, built-in nightlight, sleep radio and sounds, a sleep timer, alarms and sleep focussed Yoto cards, bedtime routines and wind downs have never been easier thanks to Yoto.
With 24 hours of play per charge the Bluetooth-enabled Yoto Player also connects to the free Yoto App, allowing you to manage and customise your Player from your phone, also home to all of your cards and allowing you to control audio settings from the touch of a button.
Never leaving you stuck when needed most, Yoto Player has USB-C fast-charging and wireless charging for choice and convenience and 32GB of storage for 600+ hours of audio for offline listening, meaning you can still listen to your favourite story away from home.
For those on the go, the Yoto Mini is the perfect, portable travel companion, allowing kids to expand their imagination as they explore the world. The petite Yoto Mini lets kids listen without limits, giving them the freedom to safely enjoy their favourite audio on the move.
The compact size and impressive 14 hour battery life of the Yoto Mini makes it perfect for long car journeys, flights and family days out, providing children access to stories, music, podcasts, learning and more on the go.
The Yoto Player is retailing at £89.99 and the Yoto Mini at £59.99, both available at Yotoplay.com and on Amazon.
Yoto Player RRP: £89.99 | Stockist: https://uk.yotoplay.com/yoto-player
Yoto Mini RRP: £59.99 | Stockist: https://uk.yotoplay.com/yoto-mini
That's Gardening: Frame Your Garden for Spring
That's Gardening: Frame Your Garden for Spring: With soil still warm, reliable rainfall, and fewer pests, climbers have the perfect conditions to establish strong roots before bursting int...
Christmas Gift Guide for Gardeners
Highlights include the rustic Bembridge Rattan Trug, perfect for harvesting homegrown produce, and the stylish Classic Garden Scissors & Bamboo Bag, a thoughtful gift for any green-fingered friend. Looking to add charm to a winter garden?
The Brading Seagrass Bird House and Classic Slate Thermometer bring natural beauty and function to all outdoor spaces.
From elegant essentials to unique keepsakes, the collection is designed with Garden Trading's signature blend of practicality and style, making it easy to choose meaningful gifts that last well beyond the festive season.
That's Food and Drink: Celebrate the Flavours of Autumn with Roly's Fudge
That's Food and Drink: Celebrate the Flavours of Autumn with Roly's Fudge: As the leaves turn and the weather cools, Roly's Fudge is delighted to introduce its new Autumn range of fudge - a collection of seasona...
Why a Genuine Indian Kansa Wand is the Perfect Christmas Gift for Self-Care and Beauty Enthusiasts
What is a Kansa Wand?
The Kansa Wand is a traditional Ayurvedic wellness tool made with a smooth wooden handle and a domed tip of kansa—a sacred blend of copper and tin known as "bell metal".
For centuries, this metal has been prized in Ayurveda for its balancing properties and is believed to help reduce stress, promote energy flow, and restore the skin’s natural radiance.
The Gift of Wellness
We live in a busy, often stressful world. Many of us end the year feeling run down, burnt out, and in need of a reset. The Kansa Wand makes a wonderful Christmas gift because it’s not just another item to clutter the home—it’s a tool for self-care.
With gentle massage, the Kansa Wand:
Helps release tension from the face and body
Stimulates circulation and lymphatic drainage
Supports relaxation and mental calm
Brings a natural, radiant glow to the skin
Imagine giving a loved one the gift of relaxation and rejuvenation that they can enjoy again and again, long after the decorations are packed away.
A Unique and Ethical Choice
Unlike mass-produced beauty gadgets, Kansa Wands are traditionally handcrafted in India, often by artisans who have passed the craft down through generations. Choosing this as a Christmas present means supporting both heritage and sustainability, while offering your recipient something unique and deeply personal.
Perfect for Everyone on Your List
Whether you’re shopping for a beauty lover, a wellness enthusiast, or simply someone who deserves more "me time," a Kansa Wand fits the bill. It’s unisex, easy to use, and doesn’t require batteries, apps, or complicated routines—just a few minutes a day to feel refreshed.
Wrap Up Relaxation This Christmas
This year, instead of another novelty gift destined for the cupboard, why not surprise your friends or family with something that promotes health, calm, and balance? An Ayurvedic Kansa Wand is more than a Christmas present—it’s a reminder to slow down, take care, and enjoy a little daily ritual of self-care.
My wife and I bought Kansa Wands for each other as early Christmas presents, which is what inspired is to create this blogpost.
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