That's Food and Drink: Will Your Roast Dinner Be Ruined By a Blunt Knife?

That's Food and Drink: Will Your Roast Dinner Be Ruined By a Blunt Knife?: One in four Brits (24%) are struggling with roast dinners because of blunt knives, new research reveals.  It not only makes carving, choppin...

Personalised Christmas Gift to Keep for Years, courtesy of Custtom

Some Christmas presents are enjoyed for a moment and then forgotten. 

A personalised photo print can be different: it turns a favourite photograph into something special to display at home, bringing back a happy memory long after the decorations have come down.

Custtom is a UK personalised photo print brand offering wall art and home décor made with your own photos. 

The company says it has sold more than five million canvases, has a 4.9 rating on Trustpilot and delivers orders within five working days. Its products also come with a lifetime guarantee.

That combination of personal and practical makes photo prints a lovely gift idea. You could choose a family photograph, a treasured holiday memory, a favourite picture of a pet or a special moment from the year. 

The result is a present chosen with someone in mind, rather than another item that may be put away and forgotten.

There is a range of personalised prints and home décor to explore, so you can look for something that suits the recipient and the space they have at home. Browse the collection at custtom.co.uk.

If you’re looking for a thoughtful Christmas present with a personal touch, a photo print could be a gift they’ll enjoy seeing on their wall for years to come.

On the left is a montage we are having printed by Custtom.

VQ Launches Laura Ashley Digital Air Fryer in Iconic China Rose Print

Are you thinking of buying something different, elegant and highly functional for the home chef in your life this Christmas? That's Christmas 365 has found exactly what you want.

Elegant British design meets versatile, healthy cooking in a 4.5L digital air fryer featuring a hand-applied Laura Ashley floral print, intuitive LED controls, multiple cooking functions, and a non-stick basket

VQ, a British lifestyle brand known for marrying classic artisanship with smart design, proudly announces the launch of its latest kitchen innovation, the VQ x Laura Ashley China Rose Digital Air Fryer. This is not your average countertop gadget. 

Wrapped in Laura Ashley’s iconic China Rose floral print, and carefully applied by hand, no less, this air fryer proves that healthy cooking doesn’t have to look utilitarian. Priced at £99.99/$99.99 from Amazon and online at myvq.co.uk, this air fryer promises to be both a statement piece and a practical essential for any modern kitchen.

Behind the elegant façade lies a generous 4.5-litre capacity, making the Laura Ashley Digital Air Fryer perfect for preparing meals for the whole family or entertaining guests. Whether it's crispy chips, succulent chicken, or even baked treats, the air fryer’s rapid air circulation system ensures food is cooked quickly and evenly with little to no oil – delivering healthier results without compromising on flavour or texture. Its large capacity allows for fewer batches and more time spent enjoying meals, not preparing them.

Functionality sits at the heart of this stylish appliance. The digital control panel features a bright, easy-to-read LED display and a range of simple presets, making it effortless to fry, bake, grill, or roast with precision. Temperature settings can be adjusted between 35°C and 200°C, allowing cooks to fine-tune the process depending on the recipe. Whether following one of the ten delicious recipes included in the accompanying air fryer cookbook or experimenting with personal favourites, the appliance offers consistently reliable results.

Every detail of the design has been considered to elevate the user experience. The removable non-stick frying basket ensures hassle-free cleaning, while the intuitive digital interface and tactile buttons provide a smooth and satisfying interaction. At its core, the product is built to make home cooking quicker, cleaner, and more enjoyable, while enhancing kitchen aesthetics with its signature hand-applied Laura Ashley print.

This collaboration marks a continuation of the successful design partnership between VQ and Laura Ashley, uniting trusted British craftsmanship with the timeless appeal of one of the UK’s most celebrated heritage brands. The result is an appliance that’s as beautiful as it is functional — ideal for discerning consumers who value both performance and style.

The VQ x Laura Ashley China Rose Digital Air Fryer is available now at an RRP of £99.99/$99.99 through Amazon and online at myvq.co.uk.

Christmas Gifts for Pet Lovers. And Their Pets!

For millions of people, Christmas wouldn't be complete without including their pets in the celebrations.

Whether your household includes dogs, cats, rabbits, parrots or other much-loved companions, there are plenty of gift ideas for both animals and their owners.

Let's begin with the pets themselves.

Dogs might appreciate a durable new toy, a comfortable bed or a specially designed enrichment puzzle.

Cats often enjoy interactive toys, scratching equipment and places to climb or hide.

For parrots and other companion birds, suitable foraging toys and species-appropriate enrichment items can provide entertainment and mental stimulation.

However, safety must always come first.

Choose toys appropriate to the animal's size and species, avoiding anything that could be swallowed, become entangled or cause injury.

Christmas treats also require care. Chocolate, raisins, grapes and some other festive foods are dangerous for dogs and cats, whilst many human foods are unsuitable for other pets.

But what about presents for the humans?

Personalised pet portraits can make delightful gifts, particularly when created from a favourite photograph.

Other possibilities include pet-themed mugs, calendars, clothing, books and decorative items.

A professional photography session could provide a wonderful keepsake.

Practical presents are worth considering, too. Grooming equipment, storage containers and quality pet accessories can be both useful and appreciated.

For someone who has recently lost a beloved animal, a tasteful memorial gift may be meaningful, although sensitivity is essential.

At That's Christmas 365, we believe pets are an important part of family life.

Including them in Christmas celebrations can be great fun, provided their welfare remains the priority.

After all, the best Christmas present for any pet is a safe, comfortable home filled with care and affection.

The Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide for People Who Have Everything

We all know someone who seems impossible to buy for.

Whenever you ask what they'd like for Christmas, the response is invariably the same: "Oh, don't get me anything. I've already got everything I need!"

Helpful? Not particularly! Though I have to admit this does probably describe me!

But buying presents for these people doesn't have to be an impossible task.

The secret is to stop thinking exclusively about possessions.

Instead, consider experiences, consumable gifts and presents connected with personal interests.

An afternoon tea, theatre visit, museum membership or craft workshop might be far more welcome than another ornament gathering dust.

For someone who enjoys food, why not create a selection of unusual ingredients? Speciality oils, artisan sauces, regional cheeses or luxury biscuits can provide genuine pleasure.

Gardeners might appreciate unusual seeds, a specialist gardening book or a voucher for their favourite garden centre.

Book lovers can be surprisingly easy to please if you know their interests. A beautifully illustrated reference book or a volume about an obscure historical subject might be ideal.

Personalised gifts are another possibility, provided they're genuinely useful.

A notebook embossed with someone's initials, a framed photograph or a calendar featuring family pictures could be particularly meaningful.

Charitable gifts may also appeal to someone who prefers not to accumulate more possessions. Consider making a donation to a cause they support, with their agreement.

And never underestimate the value of your own time.

Offering to cook a special meal, organise a family outing or help with a project can mean far more than buying another gadget.

The important thing is to think about the recipient as an individual.

At That's Christmas 365, our advice is simple: when someone has everything they need, give them something they'll enjoy, remember or genuinely appreciate.

Christmas Presents That Bring Back Childhood Memories

Do you remember the excitement of opening your Christmas presents as a child?

Perhaps you received a train set, a doll's house, a construction kit or a board game that kept the whole family entertained.

Those memories can remain remarkably vivid, even decades later.

This Christmas, why not consider giving someone a present that takes them back to their childhood?

Retro toys and games have a special appeal because they combine entertainment with nostalgia.

Traditional wooden toys, model vehicles, spinning tops, puzzles and construction sets are still available, although modern versions sometimes differ from those we remember.

Classic board games are another excellent choice. Scrabble, Monopoly, Cluedo and chess have entertained generations of families.

For adults who remember their childhood Christmases particularly fondly, reproduction toys and vintage-inspired gifts can provide a wonderful surprise.

Music offers another possibility.

A collection of favourite songs from someone's teenage years, perhaps accompanied by a book about the performers, could make a thoughtful present.

Books themselves can also transport us backwards in time. Reprints of childhood favourites, annuals and illustrated stories may bring back memories of Christmas mornings long ago.

Of course, nostalgia isn't confined to toys.

Traditional sweets, old-fashioned decorations and classic Christmas films can all recreate something of the festive atmosphere of earlier decades.

If you're buying an older or collectible toy, check its condition and suitability. Vintage toys may not meet today's safety standards and are often better treated as display pieces.

What makes these gifts special isn't necessarily their monetary value.

It's the memories they unlock.

At That's Christmas 365, we'd love to know which Christmas present from your childhood you remember most fondly.

Was it something expensive and elaborate, or a simple gift that somehow became unforgettable?

Give the Gift of Good Sight This Christmas. A Present That Really Makes a Difference!

Christmas is a wonderful time for giving presents, but finding something genuinely useful, thoughtful and appreciated isn't always easy.

After all, how many pairs of socks, boxes of chocolates orThis year, why not consider giving someone a gift that could quite literally change the way they see the world?

An eye test, a new pair of glasses or contact lens vouchers could be one of the most thoughtful Christmas presents you ever give.

A Gift That's More Than Meets the Eye

Good eyesight is something many of us take for granted, until we begin to experience difficulties.

Perhaps someone you love has been struggling to read the small print on packaging, finding driving at night increasingly difficult or holding books and newspapers further away to make out the words.

Maybe they've been putting off buying new spectacles because of the expense, or their existing glasses have seen better days.

A voucher towards professional eye care could make an enormous difference.

And unlike some Christmas presents, it's something that could benefit the recipient every single day.

Eye Tests – A Present That Shows You Care

Regular eye examinations are important, not simply for checking whether someone needs spectacles, but because optometrists can also detect signs of potentially serious eye conditions.

Glaucoma, cataracts and certain changes associated with diabetes are among the conditions that may be identified during an examination.

Some people qualify for free NHS sight tests, depending on their age, circumstances and where they live in the UK. However, others must pay privately.

Giving someone a voucher for an eye examination, or offering to cover the cost, is a lovely way of encouraging them to look after their vision.

New Glasses Can Be a Real Confidence Booster

Spectacles aren't simply medical necessities. They're also fashion accessories and an important part of someone's appearance.

A stylish new pair of glasses can help someone feel more confident, more comfortable and happier with how they look.

Why not give a voucher towards a new pair of prescription spectacles, reading glasses or prescription sunglasses?

Many opticians offer a wide selection of frames, from traditional designs to contemporary styles.

The beauty of giving a voucher is that the recipient gets to choose something that suits their face, personality and prescription.

Don't Forget Contact Lens Wearers!

For people who prefer contact lenses, a contribution towards their next supply could be particularly welcome.

Contact lenses can represent a regular expense, especially for people using daily disposable lenses.

A voucher or prepaid contribution towards lenses, solutions or other essential supplies could be a very practical Christmas present.

Just make sure the voucher is suitable for the recipient's existing contact lens provider and prescription. Contact lenses should always be professionally fitted and prescribed.

A Particularly Thoughtful Gift for Older Relatives

For older family members, maintaining good vision can make a tremendous difference to everyday independence.

Being able to read, enjoy hobbies, recognise faces, watch television and move around safely all contribute to quality of life.

However, don't assume that someone needs an eye test or new glasses simply because they're getting older!

A discreet conversation beforehand can help establish whether a contribution towards eye care would be welcomed.

Where Can You Buy Eye Care Gift Vouchers?

It's worth asking your local independent optician or contacting larger optical retailers such as Specsavers, Boots Opticians or Vision Express to enquire about available gift cards, vouchers or payment arrangements.

Not every retailer offers vouchers covering eye examinations, prescription glasses or contact lenses, so always check the terms and conditions before purchasing.

You could also create a personalised Christmas gift certificate promising to pay towards an eye examination or new spectacles at an optician of the recipient's choice.

That might actually be the most flexible option of all!

Give Someone a Brighter Outlook This Christmas

At That's Christmas 365, we love presents that bring genuine pleasure, but we also appreciate gifts that make life better.

A new pair of glasses might help someone rediscover their love of reading. An eye examination might provide reassurance or identify a problem requiring attention. Contact lens vouchers might simply take some pressure off someone's household budget.

And isn't that what thoughtful Christmas giving should be about?

This Christmas, instead of buying another present that might spend its life gathering dust in a cupboard, consider giving someone something truly valuable.

The gift of clearer vision could help them enjoy not just Christmas Day, but every day of the coming year.

That's Christmas 365... celebrating thoughtful gifts, festive inspiration and the joy of giving all year round.

Why did I decide to write this post? I was sat waiting for my eye test in a high street optician and almost at the same time my wife and I hit on the idea that became the basis for this post!

Beauty Gifts Aren't Just About Looking Good – They're About Feeling Good, Too!

My wife and I were chatting about beauty products and about gifting them for Christmas. 

My wife said: "It's often not about making people more beautiful, it's more about helping them feel better about themselves."

Which led me to thinking about that very topic which brought about this blog post. 

When we think about giving beauty products or beauty treatments as Christmas presents, it's easy to assume that the aim is to make someone look prettier, younger or more handsome.

But perhaps we're missing the point entirely.

The best beauty gifts aren't necessarily about changing someone's appearance. They're about helping someone feel better about themselves, boosting their confidence and giving them a little time to enjoy being pampered.

And isn't that what a thoughtful Christmas present should do?

Beauty Is More Than Skin Deep

We live in a world where we're constantly bombarded with images of supposedly perfect people. Flawless skin, immaculate hair and impossibly youthful faces and stick-thin people seem to be everywhere.

But beauty isn't a competition, and nobody should feel they need to look different to be valued or loved.

Giving someone a luxurious skincare set, a beautiful fragrance or a voucher for a relaxing facial doesn't have to mean that you think their appearance needs improving.

Quite the opposite!

It can be a way of saying, "You're special, you deserve something lovely, and I'd like you to have a little time just for yourself."

That's a very different message.

The Wonderful Gift of Being Pampered

For many people, everyday life is a constant round of responsibilities.

There are jobs to do, families to look after, bills to pay and seemingly endless demands on our time.

Taking an hour to enjoy a massage, having a professional manicure or simply relaxing in a warm bath with some beautifully scented products can feel like a genuine luxury.

And sometimes, it's precisely the luxury we need.

A beauty treatment can offer something that money alone cannot buy: permission to stop rushing around and concentrate on ourselves for a change.

Men Deserve Pampering, Too!

Let's not forget the gentlemen!

Beauty and personal grooming gifts certainly aren't exclusively for women.

A quality shaving kit, a luxurious aftershave, a beard-care collection or even a professional grooming treatment can make a wonderful Christmas present. (For example I recently treated myself to a Harry's shaving kit.)

There's absolutely nothing wrong with a man enjoying a little pampering.

Feeling freshly groomed, comfortable and confident isn't about vanity. It's about taking pride in yourself and enjoying the experience.

And if a gentleman fancies a relaxing facial or a manicure, why shouldn't he?

Confidence Can Be the Greatest Gift

Sometimes something as simple as a new hairstyle, a favourite perfume or a good skincare routine can help someone feel more confident.

Not because there's anything wrong with how they looked before, but because they've enjoyed doing something positive for themselves.

There's a world of difference between wanting to change someone's appearance and wanting to make them smile when they look in the mirror.

The latter is a wonderful reason to give a gift.

Choose With Kindness, Not Criticism

Of course, there's one important consideration when buying beauty gifts.

Make sure the present feels like a treat, not a criticism.

An expensive anti-ageing cream might delight someone who's specifically asked for it. But giving the same product to somebody who hasn't expressed an interest could send an entirely unintended message!

Likewise, weight-loss treatments, products promising to correct supposed imperfections or anything suggesting the recipient needs fixing should be approached with considerable caution.

Instead, think about what the person genuinely enjoys.

Do they love fragrances? Would they appreciate a relaxing spa experience? Have they mentioned a particular skincare brand or a hair treatment they've always wanted to try?

Listening to people is often the secret to choosing the perfect present.

You Don't Have to Spend a Fortune

The good news is that helping someone feel special doesn't require an enormous Christmas budget.

A beautifully presented hand cream, a favourite bath product, a scented body lotion or a small collection of grooming essentials can be every bit as thoughtful as an expensive spa day.

It's the care behind the gift that matters.

And sometimes, the most meaningful present is simply arranging for someone to have a little uninterrupted time to enjoy it.

This Christmas, Give the Gift of Feeling Good

At That's Christmas 365, we believe Christmas presents should bring happiness, comfort and pleasure to the people receiving them.

Beauty gifts can do all three.

They don't have to promise a younger face, a more handsome appearance or some unrealistic transformation.

They can simply say:

"You're wonderful just as you are. Here's something to help you feel wonderful, too."

And really, isn't that one of the loveliest Christmas messages of all?

What do you think? Do you enjoy receiving beauty and grooming products for Christmas, or would you prefer a relaxing treatment or pampering experience? We'd love to hear your thoughts!

That's Christmas 365, celebrating thoughtful gifts, festive inspiration and the joy of making people smile.

Please check out our affiliate-link online Christmas Shop which is powered by Amazon. We will receive a modest sum from every purchase https://amzn.to/46Bfpyf

Luxury Christmas Gifts Without the Luxury Price Tag

Who doesn't enjoy a little luxury at Christmas? Most people, we expect.

However the trouble is luxury products often come with equally luxurious price tags.

Fortunately, creating that special feeling doesn't necessarily require an extravagant or over the top budget.

One approach is to purchase smaller versions of premium products.

Beauty and fragrance brands frequently offer miniature collections, discovery sets and travel-sized products. These can provide an opportunity to experience a prestigious brand without purchasing a full-sized item.

For someone who enjoys skincare, a carefully chosen face mask, hand cream or bath treatment can make a lovely gift. Just remember that skincare is personal, and products suitable for one person might not suit another.

Food and drink provide plenty of affordable indulgences, too.

A small box of artisan chocolates, a beautifully packaged speciality coffee or a jar of a premium preserve can feel surprisingly luxurious.

Even everyday objects can make wonderful presents when quality is prioritised. Think of a beautifully made notebook, a soft scarf, an elegant fountain pen or an attractive ceramic mug.

Another possibility is to look for premium gift sets during seasonal promotions. However, don't assume a discounted price automatically represents a bargain. Check the quantity and size of the contents before buying.

Presentation can make a tremendous difference.

Place a few carefully selected items inside a decorative box, add tissue paper and finish with a ribbon. Suddenly, several modest purchases become a delightful Christmas hamper.

At That's Christmas 365, we believe Christmas luxury should be about enjoyment, comfort and thoughtfulness rather than simply spending money.

And sometimes the most luxurious gift of all is something that allows a busy person to relax, unwind and enjoy a little time for themselves.

Shops like Rymans, B&M, Home Bargains and The Works all sell very well made wicker baskets that you can fill with your own festive goodies.

You can also seek out gifts at our own affiliate linked Amazon-powered online shop https://amzn.to/46Bfpyf

Christmas Gifts and Shopping. Twenty Christmas Gifts Under £20 That People Will Actually Want

Christmas shopping doesn't have to involve spending a fortune. 

In fact, some of the most appreciated presents are those that show a little imagination rather than an impressive price tag.

With household budgets still important to many families, That's Christmas 365 has been looking at gifts costing less than £20 that could bring genuine pleasure to their recipients.

Here are twenty ideas worth considering:

1. A beautifully illustrated paperback book.

2. A scented candle in a reusable container.

3. A selection of speciality teas.

4. A luxury chocolate assortment.

5. A personalised mug.

6. A miniature indoor plant.

7. A quality notebook and pen.

8. A pair of warm winter gloves.

9. A traditional card game.

10. An unusual kitchen gadget.

11. A small gardening tool set.

12. A selection of craft beers.

13. A handmade Christmas decoration.

14. A colourful reusable shopping bag.

15. A compact phone stand.

16. A selection of artisan biscuits.

17. A cosy pair of slippers.

18. A puzzle book.

19. A bird feeder for the garden.

20. A small pampering gift set.

Of course, prices vary between retailers, but all these categories offer options within our suggested budget.

One particularly good idea is to create a themed gift. A paperback novel, some chocolate and a bookmark could make a delightful reading package. Alternatively, combine speciality tea with a decorative mug for someone who enjoys a relaxing cuppa.

Presentation matters, too. A modest gift carefully wrapped with a handwritten message can feel much more personal than something expensive purchased without much thought.

Shopping early also allows time to compare prices, watch for special offers and avoid costly last-minute delivery charges.

Our Christmas message? Don't confuse the amount you spend with the amount of pleasure your gift might bring.

Sometimes the best Christmas presents really do come in small, inexpensive packages.