Crafting the Perfect All-British and Irish Cheese Charcuterie Board for Christmas

When the festive season arrives, few centrepieces feel as inviting as a beautifully arranged cheese and charcuterie board. 

This year, why not celebrate Christmas with a twist by building a board entirely sourced from the British Isles? 

From rich English cheddars to creamy Irish blues and artisan charcuterie cured in small UK smokehouses, a locally focused platter feels both luxurious and meaningful.

Whether you’re hosting a quiet evening in or laying out a Boxing Day feast, an all-British and Irish board brings the flavours of home straight to the table.

Why Choose British and Irish Cheese for Christmas?

The UK and Ireland have undergone a quiet cheese revolution over the last two decades. Today, more than 700 varieties are produced regionally, many of them award-winners. Choosing local brings some lovely benefits:

Fresher, higher-quality produce with shorter supply chains

Support for small farms and dairies, especially those using traditional methods

Distinct regional character, from Somerset to County Cork

A sustainable choice, thanks to reduced transport miles

Plus, British and Irish cheesemakers know how to make a festive statement. Christmas is prime season for bold flavours, mature cheddars, indulgent soft cheeses and decadent blues.

Essential Cheeses for a British & Irish Christmas Board

Mixing textures and strengths is the secret to a perfect platter. Aim for 4–6 varieties.

1. Mature Cheddar (England)

A robust, crumbly cheddar is a must.

Try: Montgomery’s, Keen’s or Black Bomber.

2. Stilton (England)

Classic Christmas cheese: tangy, creamy and rich.

Try: Colston Bassett for a traditional festive blue.

3. Soft Mould-Ripened Cheese (England or Ireland)

Think of these as your UK-Irish equivalent of Brie or Camembert.

Try: Tunworth (Hampshire), Baron Bigod (Suffolk), or Gubbeen (Ireland).

4. Goat’s Cheese (Wales or England)

Fresh, tangy and a lovely palate cleanser.

Try: Kidderton Ash, Rachel Goat’s Cheese, or Pantysgawn.

5. Irish Blue or Washed Rind (Ireland)

Bring some depth with an Irish blue or a bold washed rind variety.

Try: Cashel Blue, Crozier Blue or Milleens.

6. Smoked or Flavoured Cheese (Scotland)

For a little drama.

Try: Smoked Applewood or Isle of Mull Cheddar.

British & Irish Charcuterie That Elevates Your Board

Our islands produce exceptional cured meats that pair beautifully with local cheese.

Air-dried beef: Bresaola-style cuts from Scottish smokehouses

British salami: Try varieties infused with fennel, chilli or cider

Smoked ham: Wiltshire cured ham adds a classic festive note

Irish charcuterie: Look for charcuterie from small producers in Cork and Galway

If you want something truly seasonal, many artisan producers release Christmas-spiced salamis, whisky-smoked meats, or limited-edition hams at this time of year.

Seasonal Accompaniments for a Festive Finish

Make your board look abundant and Christmassy with well-chosen additions.

Crackers & Bread

Scottish oatcakes

Seeded sourdough crackers

Irish wheaten bread

Chutneys & Relishes

Caramelised onion chutney

Fig and port chutney

Spiced apple and cranberry relish

Fruit & Nuts

Red grapes

Figs, fresh or dried

Pear slices

Walnuts and roasted hazelnuts

Extras for Christmas Flair

Honeycomb pieces

Rosemary sprigs

Edible gold-dust grapes

Festive-shaped cheese cutters (stars always win!)

How to Arrange Your Board Beautifully

Start with your largest cheeses and place them evenly across the board.

Add charcuterie in gentle folds for volume.

Fill gaps with fruit, nuts, and small bowls of chutney.

Use contrasting colours (deep blue veined cheese next to pale crackers).

Aim for a look that’s full but not overcrowded.

Rustic wooden boards feel the most festive, but slate or marble works beautifully for a crisp, modern style.

Drinks Pairing: Keep It British & Irish

Sparkling wine: English sparkling wine from Kent or Sussex

Red wine: Welsh pinot noir or a smooth Irish red

Cider: A dry Herefordshire or Somerset cider, or a Irish farmhouse cider

Beer: Winter ales or a dark stout

Non-alcoholic: Spiced apple punch or ruby pear juice

Final Thoughts

An all-British and Irish cheese and charcuterie board isn’t just delicious—it’s a celebration of the incredible craftsmanship and heritage of our local producers. 

Whether it sits proudly on your Christmas Eve nibble table or appears as the centrepiece of your Boxing Day buffet, it brings warmth, generosity and festive cheer to every gathering.

You should be able to purchase the above items from delicatessens, farm shops or high status food shops. 

You can also use the That's Christmas 365 online shop, too: https://amzn.to/3KB3IAs

Festive Spirit in Full Bloom as Community Raises Over £2,200 for the Allendale Community Centre, Wimborne

Wimborne’s festive season began with generosity, creativity and community spirit as two sold-out Christmas Wreath Making Workshops at the Allendale Community Centre, Wimborne raised over £2,200 to support the much-loved charity at the heart of the town.

Held on 26th and 28th November, the workshops brought together over 60 participants for fun, creativity and festive connection, all while helping the Allendale continue its mission of inclusivity, support, and belonging.

The events were entirely sponsored by Poole & Wimborne Woodland Burial Ground, who provided all the natural materials, decorative items and tools.

Leading both workshops was Karen Hill, burial ground consultant and qualified florist, who gave her time, expertise and warm encouragement to guide participants through crafting their own beautiful natural wreaths.

“You could feel the joy in the room,” said Karen Hill. “People came to create something lovely, but they also came to support a place that genuinely matters. It was wonderful to be part of.”

All funds raised will go directly to the Allendale Community Centre charity, helping it continue providing safe, welcoming and essential services to the community.

The Allendale isn’t just a venue; it is a hub of belonging that tackles social isolation and supports some of the most vulnerable people in the area.

“What we do here is about belonging,” said Carole Chedgy, Vice Chair, Trustee “This fundraiser helps us remain a place where everyone, regardless of age, ability or circumstance, can feel safe, supported and part of the community.”

Participants described the workshops as “magical”, “uplifting” and “the perfect way to start Christmas.” Many have already asked if the event will return.

https://www.theallendale.org

Get Your Home Winter-Ready Before Christmas: The Essential Checklist

Prepare your home for the colder months with this essential winter-ready checklist. From boiler servicing to pipe lagging and gutter care, make sure your property is safe, warm, and protected before Christmas arrives.

As the Christmas countdown begins, most of us are busy thinking about presents, parties, and festive food. 

But before the decorations go up and the visitors arrive, there’s one thing every household should prioritise: making sure your home is fully winter-ready. 

A bit of preparation now can save a lot of stress (and money) later on, especially during the coldest weeks of the year.

Here’s why getting ahead of winter-proofing is one of the smartest seasonal tasks you can tick off your list.

Keep Your Heating Reliable With an Annual Boiler Service

Nothing sabotages the run-up to Christmas quite like a boiler breakdown. An annual boiler service is the best way to ensure your heating system is working efficiently and safely:

Reduces the risk of breakdowns, particularly during cold snaps when boilers work hardest.

Helps keep energy bills more manageable by ensuring the system runs efficiently.

Maintains your warranty, many manufacturers require annual servicing.

Improves safety by checking for potential carbon monoxide issues.

Booking a service early avoids the last-minute rush and ensures your home stays comfortably warm throughout December and beyond.

Check Your Home and Property Maintenance Insurance

This time of year is the perfect moment to make sure your insurance and policies are up-to-date:

Home insurance: Confirm your cover includes winter-related damage such as burst pipes, storm damage, or roof leaks.

Boiler and heating cover: If you have standalone boiler insurance or a home care plan, or shower cover, check renewal dates and what’s included.

Contents insurance: With pricey presents being delivered and stored at home, now is the time to check your protection level.

Reviewing your policies before Christmas ensures you’re financially protected should the unexpected happen.

Lag Your Pipes to Prevent Freezing

Frozen pipes are one of the most common (and costly) winter emergencies. Proper insulation, or “lagging,” helps protect them from freezing during prolonged cold spells:

Lag outdoor taps, loft pipes, garage pipes, and any sections exposed to draughts.

Check that existing pipe insulation hasn’t fallen off or degraded.

Consider trace heating for vulnerable spots if you live in a particularly cold area.

Just a few pounds’ worth of insulation can prevent thousands in repair bills.

Clear and Secure Your Gutters

Leaves and debris accumulate quickly in autumn, and blocked gutters can cause serious issues once winter rain and frost arrive:

Clean out gutters and downpipes so water can flow freely.

Check for cracks, sagging, or loose brackets, especially after heavy winds.

Ensure water drains away from your property, reducing the risk of damp and structural damage.

Healthy gutters mean a healthier home, and fewer surprises when the weather turns nasty.

Inspect Your Roof and Loft Space

A couple of quick checks can prevent leaks and heat loss throughout the season:

Look for missing or slipped tiles.

Check flashing around chimneys and skylights.

Make sure your loft insulation is evenly spread and not squashed.

Look for signs of pests or damp patches.

A secure, well-insulated roof keeps warm air inside and cold, wet weather out.

Prepare Your Outdoor Areas

Winter doesn’t just affect the inside of your home. A little outdoor preparation goes a long way:

Trim overhanging branches that could snap in storms.

Store or secure garden furniture to prevent wind damage.

Check external lighting, especially around paths and entrances, to keep things safe on dark evenings.

Make sure your driveway and paths are clear so you can grit them easily if temperatures drop.

Simple jobs now help prevent hazards later.

Why Preparing Before Christmas Matters

Getting your home winter-ready well before Christmas gives you:

Peace of mind, knowing everything is protected as temperatures fall.

A warmer, safer living space for guests and family gatherings.

Reduced stress, with fewer unexpected repair bills eating into your festive budget.

More time to enjoy the season, rather than dealing with emergency call-outs.

A winter-ready home helps ensure the only chills you experience this Christmas come from stepping outside to admire the lights, not from burst pipes or a broken boiler.

Ho-Ho-Hello? Families Get in Touch With Santa

Santa may be a stickler for some traditions, like insisting that he only ever travels by sleigh, but he is embracing some new innovations in 2025 because AI has now reached the North Pole!

This year, for the first time ever, children will going to be able to talk to Santa Claus himself in a live two-way conversation, thanks to the magic of AI.

Portable North Pole (PNP), the world’s number one Santa app, has combined advanced and safe AI technology with the timeless spirit of Christmas. 

The new Talk to Santa option will allow children to have an authentic two-way conversation with St Nick, share their wishes, and receive personalised, natural responses in a live, magical experience that feels as if it's coming straight to them from the North Pole.

Alexandre Bérard, CEO, creators of Portable North Pole, told That's Christmas 365: “For almost 20 years, Portable North Pole has been trusted to create Christmas magic with personalised videos and calls for millions of families worldwide. 

"But with Talk to Santa, we’re bringing that experience to life like never before, giving more children a chance to speak with Santa himself, but this time in real time.”

The new AI-powered conversation system is built with advanced speech recognition and has been developed with parents, integrating carefully designed responses to ensure every moment feels authentic, warm, safe and filled with Christmas spirit. 

Each conversation is built within strict safety parameters, ensuring the content remains appropriate, family-friendly and secure. And with Talk to Santa available at just £14.99 (as part of the Magic Pass or by purchasing credits) it’s a great way to keep the magic alive for believers of all ages, without breaking the bank.

New for Christmas 2025

This season, Portable North Pole has expanded its offering of personalised messages from Santa to include even more magical options for families:

Talk to Santa (NEW) – Experience the first-ever real-time, two-way interactive conversation with Santa Claus.

Children Stories (NEW) – Parents can choose from over 30 customised audio stories narrated by Santa himself, to make story-time a magical moment.

Write Your Own Topic Calls (NEW) – A new feature that allows parents to personalise Santa’s message to address specific moments or milestones in their child’s life.

12 New Videos and 5 New Calls – Discover Santa’s bustling workshop, all-new videos and exciting new scenes and features, that capture the true spirit of Christmas for audiences of all ages.

PNP includes over 100+ personalised Santa videos, calls and stories, featuring both free and premium messages for birthdays, life lessons and special moments year-round.

Families can start a FREE TRIAL and create their own personalised Santa experiences at www.portablenorthpole.com or by downloading the Portable North Pole app on iOS or Android. Standard single video prices start at £6.99 and the recommended Magic Pass, which unlocks the complete PNP magical experience is available at an introductory price of £14.99.

With over 30 million app downloads and over 340 million personalised videos and calls delivered, Portable North Pole continues to be the global leader in online personalised Christmas entertainment. 

Available on iOS, Android and web, and in English, Spanish, French, Italian, Polish and German, families can enjoy an experience that brings Santa’s magic to even more families around the world.

And importantly Portable North Pole continues to donate up to 5% of online sales to over 25 children’s hospitals worldwide, including the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital; Barts and The London Charity for the Royal London Children’s Hospital; Birmingham Children’s Hospital; and Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity.

https://www.portablenorthpole.com

Truffley Good News! Festive Entertaining Hack: Truffle Up the Christmas Leftovers

Traditionally considered to be an ingredient reserved only for the wealthy elites, Be Truffle is on a mission to bring the deliciously aromatic and rich earthy taste of truffle to the rest of us, enabling everyone to create everyday truffle-tastic dishes in the comfort of their home.

And with the festive celebrations almost upon us, now is the perfect time to stock up on these truffle treasures to effortlessly transform mealtimes during the busy holiday entertaining period.

Be Truffle Honey Mustard

Elevate your roasted new potatoes to a whole new level, by adding Truffle Honey Mustard to new potatoes roasted with rosemary or perk up a humble hot dog with a dash of Truffle Honey Mustard

Be Truffle Truffle Ketchup

Jazz up those French fries or upgrade your burger or sausage roll with a generous dollop of Truffle Ketchup.

Be Truffle Sauce

A barbecue taste experience like no other, Be Truffle Sauce combines classic bold flavours with a soupçon of sophisticated truffle, perfect spread on ribs, glazed over chicken, turkey or ham or just trickled on vegetables.

Be Truffle Black Truffle Honey

A mouthwatering newcomer to the Christmas cheese board, simply sublime drizzled over a selection of cheeses – but equally yummy in a simple cheese sarnie!

Be Truffle Sauce, 80g, £7.50

Be Truffle Honey Mustard, 95g £7.50

Be Truffle Honey 120g, price (Not available) 

Be Truffle Truffle Ketchup 95g, £6.50

Available from selected Booths supermarkets or via the Be Truffle website www.betruffle.com. All products are approved by The Vegetarian Society.

Marmalade – So Much More Than Just The Perfect Breakfast Spread

Whether marinating fish, enhancing a sauce, stirring into a Christmas cocktail, adding to your favourite bakes or combining with overnight oats, the unmistakable tang of this authentic Sevillian brand's bold, zesty marmalades can transform everyday dishes into appetising, mouth-watering masterpieces.

La Vieja Fábrica takes pride in crafting its outstanding marmalade in the heart of Seville. Meaning 'The Old Factory', the name reflects the time-honoured recipes and techniques lovingly preserved over the years to produce marmalade that is rich in both tradition and flavour. 

Every La Vieja Fábrica jar is packed with Seville oranges, (the cherished symbol of Seville), the prized bitter oranges are renowned for their punchy distinctive taste and the signature thick skin responsible for those quintessential chewy shreds - ensuring the ultimate marmalade experience.

La Vieja Fábrica marmalades are made and packaged in Seville, adopting traditional slow cooking techniques at low temperatures to uphold the full, natural flavour of the oranges. By using honed recipes and a high fruit content, every jar is guaranteed to deliver a deep, rich taste sensation. 

There are four delicious marmalade products just waiting to be discovered: Seville Orange Fine Cut, Seville Orange Thick Cut, Seville Orange No Peel and Seville Orange St Clements. 

Discover La Vieja Fábrica in Tesco, Waitrose, Morrisons, Booths and Ocado. For more information visit https://www.laviejafabrica.co.uk/

But what about a Christmastime Poke Bowl? Plant-Based Salmon Style Flakes Poke Bowl

This is something my wife would appreciate as she loves this style of food.

What you will need:

● One pack Squeaky Bean Salmon Flakes

● 1 cup sushi rice

● 1 carrot, ribboned

● ¼ small red cabbage, finely sliced

● 2 spring onions, finely sliced

● Edamame beans

● ½ mango, cubed

For the sweet chilli dressing:

● 1 clove minced garlic

● 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger

● 3 tbsp soy sauce

● 1 tbsp maple syrup

● 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil

● 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

● 2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce

● Salt and pepper to taste

To serve:

●  2 spring onions, finely sliced

●  Nori, shredded

Method:

Cook the rice. Add 1 cup of sushi rice to a sieve and run under cold water until it runs clear. Add to a saucepan with 2 cups of cold water. Bring to the boil over a medium to high heat for 12 minutes. Remove from hear and let stand, covered, until ready to serve.

Make the dressing. In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, maple syrup, toasted sesame oil, cider vinegar and sweet chilli sauce. Combine with  a fork and add salt and pepper to taste.

Prepare your vegetables: Ribbon the carrots, finely slice the red cabbage and spring onions, prepare the edamame beans, cube the mango and finely shred some nori sheets.

Assemble the poke bowls. Remove the lid from the rice and fluff up the grains with a fork. Divide between bowls. Arrange prepped vegetables and mango on top of the rice, then place Squeaky Bean Smoked Salmon Style Flakes on top. Pour over a good helping of the sweet chilli dressing and sprinkle with the spring onion and nori.

You can find Squeaky Bean products at Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Ocado and Asda.

https://www.squeakybean.co.uk

Perfect Christmastime Vegan Charcuterie Board with Squeaky Bean Pastrami Roses:

What you will need:-

●  4 x packs Squeaky Bean Pastrami Style Slices

●  One round of vegan cheese (we used Palace Culture Kimcheeze)

●  Humous (shop bought or home made)

●       One bulb of garlic

●       Olive oil

●       Pomegranate seeds

●       Chickpeas

●       Yellow or red tomatoes on the vine

●       Yellow and red pepper

●       Carrots (Chantenay or baby carrots work well)

●       Olives (we used unearthed Chilli Olives)

●       Crackers of your choice

●       Salt and pepper

Method:

●      Wash the carrots, peppers and tomatoes. Slice the carrots (or use whole Chantenay or baby carrots) and peppers.

●      Preheat the oven to 200c.  Cut the top off the bulb of garlic to expose the cloves inside the skin. Place in a roasting tin, drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 40 minutes or until the cloves are soft and golden.

●      Drain a tin or jar of chickpeas. Pat them dry with kitchen towel, ensuring they’re fully dry. Toss with olive oil and season with salt. Place the chickpeas in a thin layer in a roasting tin and add to the oven for 20 to 30 minutes until crispy. Season with spices of your choice (paprika works well).

●      Prepare the pomegranate seeds

●      Remove the Squeaky Bean Pastrami Style Slices from the pack and roll the slices into rose shaped swirls.

●      Using a charcuterie board, assemble all the ingredients, including the roasted chickpeas and garlic, onto the board to display.

●       Top with the Pastrami roses as the centrepiece.

●       Serve with crackers of your choice. 

You can find Squeaky Bean products at Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Ocado and Asda.

https://www.squeakybean.co.uk

Keep Kids Busy & Creative This Christmas With Craft Boxes

The countdown to Christmas can sometimes feel like a scramble: presents to buy, dinner to plan, decorations to hang,  and often, energetic kids wondering “what next?” 

Especially if you’re juggling work, cooking or holiday prep, you want something cheerful, screen-free and easy to manage. 

That’s where Christmas craft boxes step in, fun, affordable, and a brilliant way to spark creativity while giving you a bit of breathing space (or mince-pie time, or a glass of something sparkling!).

Craft kits are particularly ideal because:

They come with everything you need — no last-minute trips to buy glitter or glue.

They encourage hands-on creativity, which helps kids unwind and engage. 

They’re friendly to different ages and energy levels, from preschoolers to tweens. 

They often cost less than many “toys”, ideal if you want to stay budget-conscious over the festive season. 

Below are some excellent craft boxes (and kits) you could pick up from retailers like The Works or Hobbycraft — great for keeping kids occupied for hours, creating decorations, cards, gifts or just having fun together.

Great Christmas Craft Boxes for Kids

Winter Works Bumper Christmas Craft Pack

£2.00

TheWorks.co.uk

Winter Works Giant Bag of Christmas Craft

£6.00

Winter Works Paint Your Own Christmas Canvas

£2.00

TheWorks.co.uk

Winter Works Make Your Own Wooden Wreath

£3.00

TheWorks.co.uk

Decorate Your Own Felt Christmas Tree Kit

£8.00

Hobbycraft

Hobbycraft Felt Star and Stocking 10 Pack

£3.00

Hobbycraft

Winter Works Festive Scratch Art Bundle

£4.00

TheWorks.co.uk

Winter Works Christmas Craft Platter

£4.00

TheWorks.co.uk

Why these stand out

Winter Works Bumper Christmas Craft Pack – A budget-friendly, all-in-one set. Great for younger kids or for a first time “craft-at-home” experience, with multiple activities to keep them busy.

Winter Works Giant Bag of Christmas Craft – If you’re after variety (cards, baubles, decoration-making, maybe gifts), this “everything included” bag is ideal — lots of projects in one box.

Winter Works Paint Your Own Christmas Canvas – Perfect for older children or crafty teens: something a bit more “art project” than “glue & glitter”. Gives a nice sense of accomplishment, and a handmade decoration or present at the end.

Winter Works Make Your Own Wooden Wreath – Great for getting crafty with a purpose — kids make something that becomes part of the family decorations. Helps them feel part of the festive preparations.

Decorate Your Own Felt Christmas Tree Kit – A fun, hands-on project children can return to over several sessions — ideal if you want to spread crafting over multiple afternoons.

Hobbycraft Felt Star and Stocking 10 Pack – Good if you want simple, quick projects that still feel festive. Great for younger kids (with supervision) and makes easy tree decorations or gifts.

Winter Works Festive Scratch Art Bundle – A nice quieter craft: less mess, more creativity. Great if you want a calm activity while wrapping presents or prepping Christmas dinner.

Winter Works Christmas Craft Platter – A varied kit that works well for siblings with different ages/interests — something for everyone in one box.

How to Make Craft Boxes Work for Your Family This Christmas

Spread the fun over time. Instead of one big crafting day, open one kit a few days ahead of Christmas — maybe while playing Christmas songs or watching a festive movie.

Use crafting as part of the festive routine. For instance: make decorations one afternoon, paint plaster ornaments the next, write handmade cards another evening. Keeps the excitement going.

Let them be gifts. Older kids often love creating handmade cards, decorations or even little gifts for friends or family. It gives the crafting more purpose.

Include older children too. Tweens and older kids can do the more intricate kits — scratch-art, canvas painting, wreaths — so it’s not just about toddler colouring.

Make it a family affair. Get involved yourself: crafting with them is a great way to build memories and festive atmosphere — and might even be therapeutic if things get hectic.

Christmas crafting boxes are a brilliant solution if you want to keep kids — big or small — entertained, creative and screen-free over the festive holidays. They’re budget-friendly, flexible, and offer a variety of fun projects that can become decorations, gifts or keepsakes.

Whether you go for a big “everything-in-one” pack or a specific craft set, you’ll be turning idle afternoons into festive fun.

Highlights

Winter Works Giant Bag of Christmas Craft — a hugely versatile set with lots of materials: perfect if you want to kit out kids with everything they need for cards, baubles, decorations and imaginative creations at ~£6. Great value for a family craft session.

Winter Works Bumper Christmas Craft Pack — a very budget-friendly starter pack (~£2) that works well for younger children or to keep as a surprise for a quiet moment. Good for simple decorations or first-time crafting.

Winter Works Christmas Craft Platter — nice variety in one box: mix of activities that should entertain siblings or children with different ages/interests. Handy for a weekend afternoon of festive crafts.

Winter Works Make Your Own Pom Characters — fun for younger kids: pom-pom crafting is tactile, easy and often a hit with small hands. Good for stocking fillers or quick craft bursts.

The above items https://www.theworks.co.uk

Hobbycraft Decorate Your Own Felt Christmas Tree Kit — a slightly more involved craft, good for older children. They can decorate their own felt tree and perhaps keep it year after year — a great mix of fun and a keepsake.

Hobbycraft Decorate Your Own Christmas Wooden Panel Set — ideal for kids who enjoy painting or want to make something more substantial. Wooden panels give a feel of a “real” craft project rather than paper or felt — nice for tweens or parents & kids together.

The above items https://www.hobbycraft.co.uk

Winter Works Festive Activity Placement Set — a good mid-range option if you want a fairly quick activity set that still feels festive and gives a sense of accomplishment.

Winter Works Make Your Own Felt Hanging Decoration — lightweight craft for decorations: useful if you want to spread craft over several days (e.g. tree ornaments, door hangings).

Winter Works Santa Activity Tube Bundle — fun, themed kit with a seasonal twist. Could be a nice “advent-style” gift or part of a Christmas-Eve box for children.

The above items https://www.theworks.co.uk

abeec 1200‑Piece Christmas Craft Box — large kit with loads of materials (pom-poms, pipe cleaners, stickers, etc.), good for creative kids who like variety and maybe want to do multiple projects.

The above item https://amzn.to/444unwa

Crafty Club Make Your Own Pom Pom Baubles Kit — budget-friendly and simple, but perfect for creating handmade baubles or tree decorations with children — low-stress and fun.

Crafty Club Make Your Own Bauble Kit — good for a calm afternoon: decorating baubles is simple enough even for younger kids, and can become part of the Xmas decorations that your kids helped make.

The above items https://www.therange.co.uk

Quick Tips for Choosing & Using Craft Kits

Mix simple and more involved kits — simple ones (pom-poms, baubles) for younger kids or quick bursts of activity; more complex kits (wooden panels, felt trees) for older children or family sessions.

Space out the activities — spread different kits over several days or weeks to keep interest high and avoid crafting overload.

Use some as gifts or surprises — a low-cost craft pack makes a nice stocking filler, or a fun surprise on a rainy winter day.

Combine crafting with other festive moments, e.g. hot-chocolate after crafting, or setting up decorations made by the kids as part of tree decorating.

You might also find that you'll need to lay in extra supplies as some adults will be keen to join in the fun and re-live their own childhood Christmas crafting! 

Why the Braun Series 9 PRO+ Is the Perfect Christmas Gift for 2025

If you’re searching for a gift that’s both luxurious and genuinely useful, the Braun Series 9 PRO+ (9667CC) is one of the standout choices for Christmas 2025. 

Grooming gadgets are always popular festive presents, but this one sits comfortably at the top of the tree.

In fact, having recently received one as an early Christmas gift myself, I can honestly say it’s the first electric razor that’s ever delivered a finish close to a proper wet shave, without any fear of nicks, cuts, or the morning routine turning into a bloodbath. (Yes, so-called safety razor. I still have that scar!)

Here’s why this sleek silver powerhouse is ideal for popping under the tree this year.

A Premium Gift That Feels Truly Special

Some presents immediately feel more “premium” than others, and the Series 9 PRO+ absolutely falls into that category. Its silver finish, comfortable weight, and high-end engineering give it that unmistakable special gift quality the moment the box is opened. 

It’s the kind of item many people would love to own, but hesitate to buy for themselves—making it perfect for Christmas generosity.

A Close Shave Without the Drama

This model features 5+1 ultra-thin precision blades, designed to get incredibly close to the skin while remaining gentle. For anyone who’s struggled with electric shavers tugging, patchiness, or that annoying post-shave roughness, the difference is remarkable.

My own experience? For the first time, an electric shaver gave me the sort of finish I normally expect from a wet razor, only without the lingering worry of slicing half my face off during a rushed morning shave. That alone earns it a spot on any festive gift guide.

Smart Technology That Adapts to You

One of the star features is Pro SensoAdapt technology. This clever system reads the density of your beard and adjusts power automatically, ensuring a smooth shave even on tricky areas such as the jawline or neck. It’s ideal for men with uneven growth patterns, sensitive skin, or thicker stubble.

Effortless Maintenance With the 6-in-1 SmartCare Centre

Let’s be honest: everyone loves a gadget that takes care of itself. The included 6-in-1 SmartCare Centre cleans, lubricates, dries, charges, and keeps the shaver in peak condition without any faff. 

You simply pop the razor into the dock and let it get on with the job. For anyone who’s constantly on the go, or simply hates grooming admin, it’s a perfectionist’s dream.

A Gift That Lasts for Years

The Series 9 PRO+ is engineered to go the distance. With its premium blades, robust build, and automated care system, this is a present that will still be delivering silky-smooth results long after Christmas leftovers have vanished. It’s practical luxury at its best.

Perfect for Travelling and Daily Life

The shaver is fully waterproof, so it can be used wet or dry, and it comes with a top-quality travel case. Whether the recipient is heading away for work or enjoying a post-Christmas getaway, it’s easy to pack and built to perform anywhere.

Why It Belongs Under the Tree

The Braun Series 9 PRO+ ticks every box that makes a Christmas gift unforgettable:

Premium quality

Practical and long-lasting

Impressive technology

A genuine upgrade to everyday life

Suitable for all ages and skin types

A touch of luxury without being frivolous

And most importantly: it’s a gift the recipient will use every single day, while silently thanking you for sparing their face from the perils of a traditional blade.

Whether you’re buying for a partner, a parent, a grown-up child, or even yourself, the Braun Series 9 PRO+ is one of the top grooming presents of Christmas 2025. 

It’s smart, stylish, and seriously effective—everything a top-tier festive gift should be.

Check out our Amazon-powered shop where you can buy this razor at a discounted price https://amzn.to/4pgFcDU