The Christmas Shopping Mistakes That Could Cost You Money

Christmas shopping can be exciting, but it's also surprisingly easy to make expensive mistakes.

Retailers compete fiercely for our attention during the festive season, and special offers can sometimes encourage us to spend more than we intended.

At That's Christmas 365, we've identified several common pitfalls worth avoiding.

The first is buying without a budget.

A few additional presents here and there might seem harmless, but the costs quickly mount.

Another mistake is assuming that every advertised discount represents a genuine saving.

Before buying, compare prices with other retailers and consider whether you actually need the product.

Delivery charges are another potential trap.

An inexpensive online purchase may become considerably less attractive once postage is included.

Check delivery estimates carefully, too. A bargain isn't much use if it arrives after Christmas.

Be cautious when buying from unfamiliar websites.

Fraudsters frequently exploit the festive shopping season by advertising desirable products at suspiciously low prices.

Research unfamiliar sellers and use secure payment methods.

Returns policies deserve attention as well.

A gift purchased in October might not be suitable when opened in December. Some retailers offer extended Christmas returns, but arrangements vary.

Another common mistake is buying presents simply because they're fashionable.

Popular gadgets and novelty items can be entertaining, but will the recipient still use them in February?

Finally, don't leave everything until the last minute.

Late shopping can reduce your choices and increase the temptation to overspend.

Our advice is to research carefully, compare prices and resist unnecessary pressure.

Christmas shopping should be enjoyable, not a financial obstacle course.

And remember: the best bargain isn't necessarily the product with the biggest discount.

It's something the recipient genuinely wants, purchased at a price you can comfortably afford.

New Limited-Edition Christmas Mousse from Bonne Maman

Deliciously indulgent for the festive season, Bonne Maman's new limited-edition Christmas Mousse combines rich white chocolate mousse, a generous dash of Marc de Champagne with raspberries, blackberries and cherries for a wonderfully festive dessert.

Presented in this season's elegant tones of plum, purple and burgundy, the new Christmas Mousse is the first seasonal dessert from Bonne Maman. Perfect for cosy winter evenings and festive gatherings with family and friends, it's a delightful way to add a little extra magic to the celebrations.

For an effortlessly beautiful serving suggestion, simply garnish the new Bonne Maman Christmas Mousse with fresh berries, delicate meringue kisses or mini shortbreads, and enjoy alongside a glass of sparkling rosé. After all, it's Christmas!

Available in the chilled desserts aisle at Tesco, Waitrose & Partners and Sainsbury's stores nationwide from late October through December. Available in packs of 2 x 70g, RRP £2.20.

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Pure Pet Food Puts Mindful Treating on the Menu This Christmas

Christmas treats are part of the fun for many dogs, but owners may still want to think carefully about what goes into their pets’ bowls at Christmastime. 

Pure Pet Food is aiming to combine festive fun with mindful feeding in its expanded Christmas range for 2026.

The Yorkshire-based dog nutrition brand has introduced its first Festive Selection Box, bringing together food, treats, chews and play. 

Priced at £21.99, it contains more than £25 worth of products at their individual prices and is due to launch later this month.

Inside are Festive Turkey & Cranberry Nibbles and seven Turkey Dental Sticks, plus three new products exclusive to the box: Pork with Apple Chipolatas, a red and green rope bone toy, and a small honey-flavoured milk chew.

The box joins Pure’s wider festive range. Festive Turkey with Apple, Cranberry and a Hint of Sage is available in General and Sensitive recipes, in 400g packs priced at £7.99. Festive Turkey & Cranberry Nibbles come in 70g packs for £3.49. Both products have been available for customers to add to their Pure boxes since 12 October.

Founded in 2012, Pure makes tailored dog food from fresh ingredients that are gently dried to preserve nutrients and natural flavours. Owners add warm water before serving. Each subscription is tailored to the individual dog, taking account of details such as age, weight, breed and specific requirements.

Many owners like to include their dogs in Christmas celebrations. Research cited by Pure found that 73% of British dog owners buy their dog a Christmas present, spending an average of £60, while 85% say they do not want their dog to feel left out. 

Treats are the most popular gift, followed by chew toys. Separate research found that 44% of owners involve their pets in special Christmas treats or meals.

“Dogs are part of the family, so it’s no surprise that owners want them to be part of Christmas too,” said Lauren Aitken, Pure Pet Food’s Head of Customer Experience and Physical Product told That's Christmas 365.

She said the range was designed to feel festive while fitting with how customers think about feeding and treating their dogs.

Pure will also run an interactive Christmas Cracker activity during December. Subscribers will be able to virtually pull a cracker during each of the first three weeks, revealing jokes, mini games, fun facts and the chance to win a Christmas hamper. 

The hampers are expected to grow each week, with the campaign details and partner line-up still being confirmed.

https://www.purepetfood.com

Just in Time for Christmas, Hamley's Introduces Marvin's Slime Creamery

A new stop for slime lovers has arrived at Hamleys on London's iconic Regent Street, just in time for the Christmas shopping season. 

Marvin’s Slime Creamery brings the colourful world of Dope Slimes into the world famous toy shop, inviting visitors to create a personalised, ice cream-inspired slime to take home.

The experience is on the third floor of Hamleys, where the familiar fun of an ice cream parlour gets a playful twist. 

Instead of choosing scoops and sauces, visitors select scented slime and decorate it with sprinkles and charms.

The finished creation looks like a treat, but is designed for squishing and stretching rather than eating.

Dope Slimes is known for its distinctive textures, bright colours, scents and imaginative designs. Marvin’s Slime Creamery is currently the only place outside the United States where visitors can try the brand’s products in this way. Guests can choose their toppings, build their own slime ice cream and take their creation home with them.

That makes it an appealing idea for families planning a day out in London over the festive season. A visit to Hamleys is already a Christmas tradition for many, and this gives children another hands-on activity to enjoy among the toys and demonstrations. It could also make a memorable break during a busy shopping trip, especially for youngsters who love slime and enjoy making things themselves.

Tom Hudson, CEO of Marvin’s Magic, told That's Christmas 365 that the company was delighted to launch the attraction at Hamleys for the Christmas season. 

He described it as a fun, vibrant and personalised experience where slime fans can get creative and make something of their own. He added that the first response from customers had exceeded expectations.

Keane Herman, Hamleys’ Head of UK Retail, told us that the Marvin’s team had taken the store’s existing slime offering and elevated it with creativity and design. He called it London’s number one slime attraction.

Marvin’s Magic was founded in 1987 by magician and entrepreneur Marvin Berglas. The British company is known for magic sets, demonstrations and interactive experiences in toy stores around the world. Hamleys, founded in London in 1760, is a fitting setting for this latest family attraction.

Marvin’s Slime Creamery is open daily on the third floor of Hamleys, Regent Street. There is no need to book: visitors can simply turn up and take part. For details, visit hamleys.com.

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Put a Special Place Under the Christmas Tree with a Personalised Ordnance Survey Map

Some places stay with us for a lifetime. The village where we grew up. The beach where family holidays unfolded. 

The hillside where someone asked a very important question, followed by an equally important “yes!"

This Christmas, Ordnance Survey offers a beautiful way to turn those treasured locations into a thoughtful gift: a personalised map centred on somewhere that matters.

Here at That’s Christmas 365, we think this is a stunning idea. After all, choosing a present becomes much more enjoyable when you can give something with a story behind it.

A map filled with memories

OS’s custom-made maps allow you to choose a meaningful location as the centre of your map. Folded versions can also feature your own photograph and personalised cover text, bringing another layer of sentiment to the gift.

Imagine giving your partner a map of the area where you first met, complete with a favourite photograph of you both. Or surprising your parents with the setting of those childhood holidays they still talk about every Christmas.

For a friend who has moved away, their old neighbourhood could offer a lovely reminder of home. For someone celebrating a new house, a map centred on their new address could mark the beginning of another chapter.

Even a familiar dog-walking spot could become something special. Anyone who has shared years of muddy boots, wagging tails and bracing Sunday walks will understand how much affection can attach itself to an ordinary stretch of countryside.

Thoughtful gifts at different prices

Small custom-made folded maps are listed at £7.99, while large folded maps cost £21.99. There are also large flat paper maps, framed maps and canvas options, including framed canvases, for those who would prefer a gift to display at home.

The smaller version would make a charming stocking filler. A framed map could become a talking point in a hallway or sitting room, prompting visitors to ask: “Why that particular place?”

And that, of course, is where the stories begin.

Make the moment of giving special

You could tuck a handwritten note inside the wrapping, explaining your choice: “Where our adventure began”, “Our favourite family escape”, or simply, “Remember this?”

Pair it with a photograph, or a promise to revisit the place together, and you have a Christmas present that reaches beyond the day itself.

You can even have it framed before you gift it, to add another personalised touch to it.

Explore the range and create your maps at the Ordnance Survey shop.

Prices checked at the time of writing and may change, so order your maps now!

https://shop.osmaps.com/custom-made/

Roberts spots a festive opportunity for shredded turkey

Turkey is a Christmas favourite, but could it have a bigger role on festive menus beyond the traditional roast dinner?

North Wales food manufacturer Roberts of Port Dinorwic thinks so. 

The meal solutions specialist is encouraging foodservice operators to consider shredded turkey for Christmas sandwiches, loaded fries, tacos and other handheld dishes.

Roberts’ research into the UK Christmas market and street-food sector found plenty of pulled pork, loaded fries, Yorkshire pudding wraps and gyros, while turkey remains comparatively underrepresented. The company sees potential for the versatile ingredient across Christmas markets, pubs, hospitality, contract catering and food-to-go.

A prepared shredded turkey base could help busy kitchens offer several festive dishes with less preparation. Roberts suggests hot sandwiches with stuffing, gravy and cranberry sauce, Yorkshire pudding wraps, festive loaded fries, tacos and pressed wraps.

Miriam Williams, Commercial Director at Roberts of Port Dinorwic, told That's Christmas 365: “Turkey is synonymous with Christmas, but there’s an opportunity to be much more creative with how it appears on festive menus.

“The real benefit of shredded turkey is its versatility. One high-quality base ingredient can become a hot festive bap, loaded fries, or a taco, helping operators create menu variety while simplifying preparation, improving consistency and reducing waste.”

A festive ingredient all year round

Roberts believes shredded turkey could earn a place on menus beyond Christmas, too. With different flavours and accompaniments, the same base ingredient could be used in jerk, BBQ, taco and bao-style dishes.

The idea also reflects Roberts’ wider work with shredded proteins. The company develops bespoke solutions using different meats, as well as vegetarian and vegan options such as tofu and emerging ingredients including lion’s mane mushroom.

Williams added: “The bigger opportunity is shredded proteins more broadly. Operators increasingly need ingredients that deliver flexibility without adding complexity in the kitchen.

“We want Roberts to be the partner operators come to for shredded solutions, whether that’s meat, poultry or innovative plant-based alternatives, helping turn one versatile ingredient into multiple commercially successful dishes.”

For more information, visit Roberts of Port Dinorwic, roberts-wales.co.uk or find the company on LinkedIn.

String Vests for Christmas? Could This Unlikely Fashion Classic Be Making a Comeback?

Looking for an unusual Christmas present? How about something that was once found in practically every British man's underwear drawer? The humble string vest

Yes, really! Those extraordinary garments resembling fishing nets, which were enormously popular during the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, might just deserve another look.

But were they genuinely useful, or simply another peculiar fashion fad that deserved to disappear?

Surprisingly, there's some rather clever science behind them.

The String Vest: A Norwegian Invention

Although many people associate string vests with British working men, their origins lie in Norway.

In the 1920s, Norwegian military officer Henrik Natvig Brun began experimenting with a revolutionary form of underwear.

His inspiration came from fishing nets. He believed that creating a garment with large holes would help regulate body temperature.

The resulting invention became known as the Brynje string vest.

By the 1950s, string vests had become enormously popular throughout Britain.

Miners, builders, factory workers and ordinary men wore them beneath their shirts.

They were inexpensive, practical and, according to their supporters, remarkably comfortable.

But How Could Something Full of Holes Keep You Warm?

Here's where things become interesting.

The theory behind string vests is that their open construction creates pockets of air between the skin and outer clothing.

Air is an excellent insulator when it remains relatively still.

Consequently, wearing a string vest beneath a shirt can help trap warm air close to the body.

However, when the wearer becomes active and starts perspiring, the mesh construction allows moisture and excess heat to escape more readily.

In other words, the humble string vest was designed to help keep people warm when they were cold and comfortable when they were hot.

It sounds almost too good to be true!

Did They Actually Work?

Remarkably, yes.

In 1955, the British military conducted experiments involving soldiers stationed in Egypt.

Temperatures reached approximately 37°C, and researchers compared different types of underwear.

The soldiers generally reported feeling cooler and experiencing less uncomfortable sticking between their clothing and skin when wearing string vests.

However, despite these advantages, most were reluctant to continue wearing them!

Nevertheless, the principle behind string vests has survived.

Modern outdoor clothing manufacturers still produce mesh base layers using similar technology.

Today's versions frequently incorporate sophisticated synthetic fibres designed to manage moisture and improve comfort.

Indeed, Norwegian manufacturer Brynje continues producing technical mesh underwear for outdoor enthusiasts.

So Why Did String Vests Disappear?

Fashion, unfortunately, can be cruel.

By the 1980s and 1990s, string vests had acquired a decidedly unfashionable reputation.

Their association with television characters such as Rab C. Nesbitt certainly didn't help!

What had once represented practical, sensible clothing became something of a national joke.

Eventually, conventional cotton vests and modern thermal underwear largely replaced them.

Yet the string vest never completely disappeared.

Its influence continued through punk fashion, Jamaican dancehall culture, sportswear and outdoor clothing.

Could String Vests Make a Christmas Comeback?

Why not?

Retro fashions regularly return, and today's consumers are increasingly interested in clothing that combines practicality with unusual design.

A traditional string vest could make an amusing stocking filler for someone who remembers wearing one decades ago.

Meanwhile, a modern technical mesh base layer might make a genuinely useful Christmas present for walkers, cyclists, gardeners and outdoor workers.

Of course, it's worth remembering that the insulating benefits depend on wearing suitable clothing over the mesh. A string vest worn alone isn't going to provide much protection against a freezing British winter!

And cotton versions won't necessarily perform as well as modern moisture-managing fabrics during strenuous activity.

A Christmas Gift With a Difference

At That's Christmas 365, we love discovering unusual gifts with fascinating histories.

The string vest certainly qualifies.

It's inexpensive in its traditional form, wonderfully nostalgic and backed by a surprisingly sensible scientific principle.

And while we wouldn't necessarily recommend wearing one to the office Christmas party without a shirt over it, there's something rather appealing about giving a present that combines history, humour and practicality.

Perhaps Father Christmas should consider wearing one beneath his famous red suit?

After all, delivering presents to millions of homes in a single night must be rather sweaty work!

That's Christmas 365 says: Never underestimate the humble string vest. Sometimes the best ideas are the ones that have been around for generations!

You can shop for modern string vests at our online affiliate link shop here https://link.amazon/B021OkVWl

Should Christians Celebrate Halloween? Perhaps Our Vicar Has a Point

As Halloween approaches, perhaps it is time for churches to reclaim the Christian significance of All Hallows' Eve and offer families something better?

Halloween is almost upon us, and once again our shops are filled with witches, skeletons, ghosts, cobwebs and increasingly gruesome decorations.

For many people, particularly children, it is simply an opportunity to dress up, enjoy a party and collect a few sweets.

But should Christians really be joining in?

Our own. young, vicar has made his position quite clear. He believes Christians should avoid Halloween celebrations.

Initially, some people might regard that as rather old-fashioned. After all, isn't Halloween simply a bit of harmless fun?

However, the more I think about his position, the more I wonder whether he has a very valid point.

And perhaps the Church of England, along with other Christian denominations, should be doing considerably more to provide a meaningful alternative.

Halloween: Have We Forgotten Its Christian Connections?

There is something rather ironic about the modern Halloween celebrations.

The name Halloween comes from All Hallows' Eve, the evening before All Saints' Day, celebrated on 1 November.

All Saints' Day is an important occasion in the Christian calendar, commemorating the saints and celebrating lives dedicated to faith, service and goodness.

The following day, 2 November, is All Souls' Day, traditionally associated with remembering those who have died.

Yet these important Christian observances have become overshadowed by a commercial celebration increasingly dominated by frightening imagery.

Halloween also incorporates customs associated with older seasonal traditions, although the precise historical relationship between those traditions and Christian observances remains a matter of debate.

Whatever its origins, today's Halloween bears little resemblance to a Christian celebration of holiness, remembrance and hope.

Instead, we have an industry devoted to selling horror.

Is Halloween Really Harmless Fun?

I have no particular objection to children enjoying themselves.

A pumpkin lantern, a fancy-dress party or a few sweets are hardly the greatest threats facing Christianity.

And I certainly wouldn't suggest that every family participating in Halloween is somehow rejecting Christian values.

Nevertheless, there is a difference between harmless entertainment and actively celebrating themes that some Christians find incompatible with their beliefs.

Some Halloween decorations have become remarkably disturbing.

Realistic severed limbs, blood-covered figures, demonic imagery and representations of violence are now commonplace.

Do we really need to introduce young children to such things in the name of seasonal entertainment?

Christianity, after all, is a religion centred on love, compassion, forgiveness, hope and the triumph of light over darkness.

Perhaps our vicar is simply reminding us that Christians should consider carefully what they choose to celebrate.

That seems an entirely reasonable position.

But Should Churches Simply Say No?

Here is where I think the discussion becomes particularly interesting.

It is one thing for a church to discourage participation in Halloween.

It is quite another to provide families with an attractive alternative.

If churches simply tell children that Halloween is wrong, without offering something enjoyable in its place, they risk appearing unnecessarily negative.

Children see their friends enjoying parties, dressing up and collecting sweets.

Surely it would be far more constructive to invite them to something equally exciting, but with a distinctly Christian message?

And the good news is that some churches are already doing precisely that.

Light Parties: A Wonderful Christian Alternative

Across Britain, churches have begun organising Light Parties as alternatives to traditional Halloween celebrations.

Rather than focusing on fear and darkness, these events celebrate friendship, happiness, kindness and light.

Imagine a parish church filled with colourful decorations, cheerful music and children enjoying games, crafts and refreshments.

There could be lantern-making workshops, storytelling, singing, treasure hunts and opportunities to learn about the lives of Christian saints.

Children could even dress as historical figures, angels or their favourite heroes.

And yes, there could still be plenty of sweets!

The important difference would be the message.

Instead of celebrating darkness, the church would be celebrating light.

I suspect many parents, including some who are not regular churchgoers, would welcome such an opportunity.

What About All Saints' and All Souls' Days?

I also believe churches have an opportunity to restore greater public awareness of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day.

How many people outside regular church congregations even know what these occasions represent?

All Saints' Day could become an opportunity to celebrate inspirational Christians whose lives have made a difference to others.

Churches might organise family events featuring stories of courage, compassion and self-sacrifice.

All Souls' Day offers something equally important, although rather more reflective.

It provides an opportunity to remember loved ones who are no longer with us.

For families experiencing bereavement, particularly those facing their first Christmas without someone special, this could be immensely meaningful.

Imagine a candlelit remembrance service where people are invited to remember parents, grandparents, husbands, wives, children and friends.

Names could be entered into a remembrance book, candles lit and prayers offered.

Such services could be open to everyone, regardless of whether they regularly attend church.

At a time when Halloween frequently presents death as something frightening or entertaining, the Christian tradition offers a much more compassionate approach.

Could Halloween Become the Beginning of the Journey Towards Christmas?

There is another reason why I believe churches should take this opportunity seriously.

Halloween falls just eight weeks before Christmas.

As the evenings grow darker and the weather becomes colder, we begin looking forward to the warmth, generosity and fellowship associated with the festive season.

And at the heart of Christmas is the Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

The Gospel of John tells us:

"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." — John 1:5

Surely that is a wonderful message to share at the end of October?

Imagine churches organising a Festival of Light around Halloween, followed by All Saints' celebrations and All Souls' remembrance services.

These could lead naturally into community events, charity collections, Advent services, carol concerts and Christmas celebrations.

A lantern-making afternoon in October might introduce a family to their local church.

That same family might return for an Advent event in November.

And perhaps they would then attend a Christmas service in December.

Not because anyone had pressured them into doing so, but because they had discovered a welcoming Christian community.

Of course, Advent has its own important place in the Church's calendar, and there is no need to begin Christmas celebrations prematurely.

Nevertheless, the weeks between Halloween and Christmas offer churches a valuable opportunity to engage with their communities.

Could This Help Churches Reach New Families?

There is another consideration.

Many churches are understandably concerned about declining attendance and the challenge of encouraging younger families to become involved in parish life.

Yet Halloween demonstrates something rather interesting.

Families are perfectly willing to participate in seasonal community activities when those activities are enjoyable, accessible and welcoming.

Perhaps churches could learn something from that enthusiasm.

A well-organised Light Party could introduce children and parents to their local church in a relaxed and friendly environment.

It could also provide opportunities for older members of the congregation to become involved, helping with refreshments, crafts and activities.

Such events need not require enormous budgets.

A few decorations, some volunteers, refreshments and a programme of enjoyable activities could be enough.

Most importantly, they could help demonstrate that Christianity is not simply about rules and restrictions.

It is also about fellowship, generosity, joy and belonging.

So, Does Our Vicar Have a Point?

I believe he does.

His concerns about Halloween deserve to be taken seriously.

Christians should surely be prepared to question the messages behind the celebrations they participate in, rather than simply following commercial trends.

However, I also believe that churches should approach the subject positively.

There is little to be gained from condemning families who regard Halloween as innocent entertainment.

Different Christians will continue to reach different conclusions, and those differences should be respected.

But if churches believe that Halloween places too much emphasis on darkness, fear and disturbing imagery, surely the most effective response is to offer something brighter.

Something welcoming.

Something that children will remember fondly.

And something that reflects the Christian message of hope.

A Final Thought from That's Christmas 365

Here at That's Christmas 365, we celebrate the joy of Christmas throughout the year.

But Christmas is about much more than presents, decorations, food and festivities.

It is about love, kindness, generosity, family, faith and hope.

And perhaps those are precisely the values churches should be emphasising as October draws to a close.

Our vicar believes Christians should avoid Halloween celebrations.

Whether every Christian agrees with him is another matter.

But I think he has raised an important question that deserves a thoughtful response.

Rather than simply asking Christians to turn their backs on Halloween, perhaps our churches should open their doors and invite families to celebrate something better.

A celebration of light rather than darkness.

Hope rather than fear.

Love rather than horror.

And what better way to begin preparing for the season when Christians celebrate the arrival of the Light of the World?

What do you think? Is our vicar right to discourage Halloween celebrations? Should churches organise more Light Parties and Christian alternatives? Or can Christians enjoy Halloween without compromising their faith?

We would love to hear your thoughts.