Wednesday, 7 October 2026

Tatcha beauty treatments make ideal Christmas gifts

There are some Christmas presents that are practical, some that are fun, and others that simply make the recipient feel thoroughly spoiled. 

Tatcha beauty treatments certainly fall into that last category.

For anyone putting together their Christmas 2026 gift list, Tatcha’s Japanese-inspired skincare could make an appealing present for somebody who enjoys a little luxury in their beauty routine.

Tatcha has built its reputation around skincare that turns an everyday routine into something approaching a beauty ritual. The brand takes inspiration from Japanese ingredients and traditions, combining them with modern skincare formulations.

That makes Tatcha particularly well suited to Christmas gifting. Rather than buying another perfume, pair of slippers or box of chocolates, you can give somebody the opportunity to spend a little time looking after themselves.

A Christmas pampering session at home

One of the attractions of giving skincare as a present is that it can create an experience rather than simply being another item to unwrap.

Tatcha offers cleansers, moisturisers, masks, serums and other treatments that can be combined to create an at-home pampering session during the Christmas holidays.

After the presents have been opened, the turkey eaten and the washing-up finally conquered, there is something rather appealing about settling down for a quiet evening with a luxurious face mask or moisturising treatment.

Products such as Tatcha's moisturisers have become particularly well known, including The Water Cream and The Dewy Skin Cream. There are also cleansing and exfoliating products which could be combined to make a more substantial skincare gift.

Create your own Tatcha Christmas hamper

Rather than giving a single product, another idea is to create a small beauty hamper.

Choose two or three complementary Tatcha treatments and add a soft face cloth, headband or perhaps a scented candle. Pop everything into a decorative Christmas box with tissue paper and you have a present that feels considerably more personal.

Smaller products and gift sets can also be useful if you're buying for somebody who hasn't tried Tatcha before. They provide an opportunity to discover the brand without committing to a full skincare regime.

As always with skincare, it is worth considering the recipient's skin type and any known sensitivities before choosing particular treatments.

A present that lasts beyond Christmas Day

Perhaps that's the nicest thing about giving quality beauty treatments for Christmas. The enjoyment doesn't finish when Christmas Day is over.

Every time the recipient reaches for their Tatcha treatment during those dark January mornings or relaxing winter evenings, there's a little reminder of their Christmas present.

And in a season when many of us already have more "stuff" than we really need, giving somebody an excuse to enjoy a little time devoted entirely to themselves sounds like a rather lovely Christmas gift to us at That's Christmas 365.

John Lewis Beauty Advent Calendar 2026

There are beauty Advent calendars… and then there are beauty Advent calendars that make you stop, stare and start wondering whether you can justify buying yourself an early Christmas present.

The John Lewis Beauty Advent Calendar 2026 definitely falls into the latter category.

This year’s calendar costs £250, which certainly puts it firmly into luxury territory. However, John Lewis says the contents are worth an astonishing £1,160, making this its highest-value beauty Advent calendar to date.

And it isn't a case of filling an enormous box with lots of tiny samples, either.

Behind its 25 drawers are 41 beauty treats, comprising 23 full-sized products and 18 deluxe miniatures.

Some seriously impressive names

The selection reads like a tour around a particularly luxurious beauty department.

Among the brands you'll discover are Clarins, Elemis, Medik8, Gucci, La Mer, Laneige, Charlotte Tilbury, Fenty Beauty, Trinny London, Estée Lauder, Clinique, Molton Brown, L'Occitane, Liz Earle, Shiseido, Sisley Paris, Philip Kingsley and Versace.

There are products covering skincare, make-up, haircare, body care and fragrance, so opening the drawers should actually feel different from day to day rather than simply delivering another pot of face cream.

We were particularly interested to spot Versace Crystal Emerald Eau de Parfum inside, a fragrance we've recently been enjoying ourselves.

But perhaps the biggest surprise is something we've also recently featured here at That's Christmas 365: the FOREO UFO 3 mini. (We were so impressed we actually bought another of these amazing units!)

This is the first time John Lewis has put beauty technology into its Advent calendar, and the UFO 3 mini alone is valued at £129.

Other particularly tempting treats include Medik8 Hydr8 B5 serum, La Mer The Lip Balm, Charlotte Tilbury's Beauty Light Wand, Fenty Beauty Hella Thicc Volumising Mascara and products from Skin Rocks and Elemis.

There's another surprise…

Some calendars also contain golden tickets, with prizes including John Lewis gift cards and beauty experiences and products. John Lewis says nine customers can win £500 gift cards, while one particularly lucky buyer will find themselves with a £1,000 John Lewis gift card.

Is £250 too much for an Advent calendar?

That's inevitably going to depend upon your budget.

Nobody needs a £250 Advent calendar. But if you already buy premium skincare, cosmetics and fragrance, the claimed £1,160 value makes the arithmetic considerably more interesting.

And we think this is where beauty calendars really come into their own. Rather than receiving one large Christmas present, you're getting 25 days of little moments of luxury, while also discovering products and brands you might never otherwise have tried.

The John Lewis Beauty Advent Calendar is currently listed at £250 and available to order, although, as always with the more desirable luxury Advent calendars, availability can change quickly.

For a beauty lover, this would make an extraordinary Christmas present.

For yourself?

Well… That's Christmas 365 certainly wouldn't judge you!

That's Food and Drink: Introducing Two Exciting New Dessert Pots from Bon...

That's Food and Drink: Introducing Two Exciting New Dessert Pots from Bon...: Bonne Maman never rests on their laurels their Chef pâtissiers (they are chefs who are specially trained and skilled in dessert creation) wh...

Tuesday, 6 October 2026

That's Books and More: What’s in a Name? Exploring the Oxford Dictionary ...

That's Books and More: What’s in a Name? Exploring the Oxford Dictionary ...: Have you ever wondered why the place where you live has its particular name?  Why so many English towns end in -ton, -ham, -bury or -ford?  ...

FOREO UFO 3 mini. A High-Tech Skincare Treat for Christmas

If you're looking for a Christmas present for someone who loves skincare but seemingly already owns every cream, serum and face mask imaginable, how about adding a little technology to their beauty routine?

The FOREO UFO 3 mini combines skincare masks with heat, LED light and massage to create a rather futuristic two-minute facial treatment at home.

And, we have to admit, it looks rather good fun too!

What exactly is a UFO 3 mini?

The UFO 3 mini is a small, rechargeable skincare device designed to be used with FOREO's UFO Activated Masks. You attach the little mask to the device and glide it around clean, dry skin in circular movements while the UFO does its work.

FOREO describes it as a two-minute treatment, making it particularly appealing to those of us who like the idea of lengthy pampering sessions rather more than we like finding the time for them!

The device combines several technologies.

There's Thermo-Therapy, which gently warms the skin during treatment, together with T-Sonic pulsations providing a facial massage. It also incorporates full-spectrum LED light, including the increasingly popular red LED treatment.

FOREO says its UFO 3 mini has been clinically proven to increase skin moisture by 126% in two minutes and to be more effective than using a sheet mask alone. As these are manufacturer claims, we'd always suggest regarding them as such rather than expecting Christmas miracles in two minutes!

There's an app, too

Being a modern beauty gadget, naturally there's an app involved.

The FOREO app provides access to specialised mask treatments and additional settings. However, once configured, you're not necessarily tied to your phone every time you fancy a facial: the UFO 3 mini has eight preset treatments that can be selected using its button.

The device is also waterproof and made with bacteria-resistant silicone. It's USB rechargeable, so there are no batteries to keep replacing.

Why we think it makes an interesting Christmas present

There's something rather satisfying about giving a present that the recipient probably wouldn't ordinarily buy for themselves.

The UFO 3 mini falls nicely into that category.

It's part beauty product, part gadget and part home pampering experience. Pair it with a selection of compatible FOREO masks and you've got a substantial skincare gift rather than simply another pot of moisturiser.

It could also be rather welcome during that peculiar period between Christmas and New Year when nobody is entirely sure what day it is and an evening spent pampering yourself seems an excellent idea.

And unlike many Christmas gifts, it won't be finished by Boxing Day.

For the skincare enthusiast in your life, the FOREO UFO 3 mini could therefore be a particularly intriguing parcel to discover beneath the tree this Christmas.

That's Christmas 365 says: Beauty meets technology in a clever little gadget that turns an ordinary face mask into something much closer to an at-home spa experience.

We like them so much we now own one each!

A Harry’s Shaver Kit Could Be the Perfect Christmas Gift for the Men in Your Life

Buying Christmas presents for men can sometimes be surprisingly difficult. Socks? He probably has plenty. Aftershave? You need to know exactly what he likes. Another novelty mug? Perhaps not.

That’s why we rather like the idea of giving a Harry’s shaver kit this Christmas. 

It’s practical, smart-looking and, importantly, something that is likely to get used long after the decorations have gone back into the loft.

Harry’s has built its reputation around making shaving straightforward. 

Its razors feature German-engineered blades, comfortable handles and products designed to turn an everyday necessity into a rather more pleasant grooming routine.

A present that won’t gather dust

One of the attractions of a shaving kit as a Christmas gift is that it is genuinely useful. Plenty of us have received presents which seemed like a good idea on Christmas morning but somehow found their way into a cupboard by February.

A good razor is different.

For a husband, partner, dad, grandad, brother, son or other man in your life who regularly wet shaves, a Harry’s kit combines the practicality of an everyday product with enough of a premium feel to make it suitable for putting beneath the Christmas tree.

Depending on the particular kit you choose, Harry’s shaving sets can include a razor handle, blade cartridges and shaving products. There are also grooming and skincare products available if you want to put together a larger present.

Good for younger men, too

We think a shaving set could make an especially thoughtful present for a teenage son or grandson who is beginning to shave.

Rather than giving him a packet of disposable razors, presenting him with his own proper shaving kit makes the occasion feel a little more grown-up. Add some shaving gel or cream and perhaps a wash bag and you've created a useful grooming gift that could accompany him to university, holidays or weekends away.

Ideal for the man who says he wants nothing

We all know at least one.

“What do you want for Christmas?”

“Nothing. I’ve got everything I need.”

That's when practical presents really come into their own. If somebody is going to buy razor blades during the year anyway, giving them a quality shaving kit means you’re providing something they actually need while still giving them something enjoyable to unwrap.

And unlike some Christmas gifts, there are no batteries required, no complicated instructions and hopefully no desperate hunt for the receipt on Boxing Day.

Give everyday luxuries

At That’s Christmas 365, we think some of the best Christmas presents are little upgrades to everyday life.

A Harry’s shaver kit fits that description rather nicely. It takes something as ordinary as the morning shave and makes it feel just a little more luxurious.

Wrap it beautifully, pop it under the tree and you've got a smart, useful Christmas present for one of the men in your life.

And surely that's better than buying him another pair of socks?

That’s Christmas 365 tip: If you're making up your own grooming hamper, consider combining a Harry’s shaving kit with a wash bag, face moisturiser, favourite shower products and perhaps a new dressing gown. It turns a practical gift into a rather impressive Christmas package.

As for myself, I don't need one, because I bought myself one the other day and thought: "This would make a great post on That's Christmas!" 

A Christmas Gift with Her Name on It: Personalised Necklaces from Customize Names

Finding a Christmas present for someone who seems to have everything can take a little imagination. 

Jewellery is always worth considering, but choosing something personal can make it feel that much more thoughtful.

The Script Name Necklace from Customize Names offers a lovely starting point: a made-to-order necklace that spells out the recipient’s name in flowing cursive.

For a mum, sister, daughter or friend who enjoys wearing jewellery, it could be a welcome addition to her collection. 

And for anyone whose name rarely appears on personalised gifts in the shops, having something made especially for them adds an extra touch of pleasure.

Choose a Colour to Suit Her Style

The necklace comes in rose gold, silver and yellow gold tones, giving you scope to match the jewellery she already enjoys wearing. Several chain lengths are available, too, and a jewellery box can be added for an extra charge. The product page currently lists prices from US$39 to US$45, depending on the options selected.

Before choosing, take a discreet look at her favourite necklaces. Does she tend towards warm gold tones, prefer silver, or enjoy the softer colour of rose gold? A little observation can help you pick something that feels suited to her.

A Personal Touch for Christmas

There is something appealing about opening a present that clearly required a little thought. A name necklace makes the recipient part of the design, turning a familiar gift idea into something individual.

It could be particularly suitable for a friend you find difficult to buy for, or a sister who appreciates accessories she can wear with everyday outfits. Pair it with a handwritten Christmas card explaining why you chose it, and you have a simple but thoughtful present.

Customize Names says it ships to the UK. Its supplied guide price puts the US$39 starting price at approximately £29, although the sterling cost will depend on the exchange rate and any delivery charges.

As this is a made-to-order gift, allow time for personalisation and delivery, and check the expected arrival date before ordering for Christmas. Double-check the spelling of the name, too!

For someone who loves a personal accessory, this could be a charming way to put her name on your Christmas gift list.

Find out more and order: Script Name Necklace from Customize Names.

This gift idea is based on product information supplied by Customize Names and its website; we have not tested a sample.

https://customizenames.com/products/personalize-letter-name-necklace

Thursday, 1 October 2026

Christmas Pampering in a Box: The Selfridges Mask Library

If you’re searching for a Christmas present for someone who loves skincare, beauty treatments and a little bit of luxurious pampering, Selfridges has come up with a rather lovely idea for Christmas 2026: The Mask Library.

And, no, we're not talking about something to wear to a masked ball!

The Selfridges Mask Library is a collection of eight individual face and eye masks from some seriously impressive skincare names, presented together as a ready-made beauty treat.

It costs £60, while Selfridges says the products inside are worth £159, making it an interesting proposition if you're buying for someone who enjoys premium skincare but might not normally splash out on individual luxury masks.

What's inside?

The 2026 Mask Library contains:

Sarah Chapman 3D Moisture Infusion Mask

Skin Design London Eyetight Hydrogel Mask

Rodial Salmon DNA Face Mask

MZ Skin Hydra-Lift Gold Face Mask

Augustinus Bader Hydrogel Face Mask

Elemis Hydra-Gel Eye Mask

111SKIN Cryo De-Puffing Face Mask

Dr. Barbara Sturm Everything Eye Patches.

That's quite a line-up and, importantly for a Christmas present, there's plenty of variety. Rather than receiving several versions of essentially the same product, the recipient gets the opportunity to experiment with different premium skincare brands and treatments.

A different kind of Christmas gift

We rather like beauty collections for Christmas because they can provide something beyond the traditional open it on Christmas morning and that's that present.

The Mask Library could provide several evenings of pampering throughout Christmas and into the New Year. You could even combine it with some chocolates, a favourite drink, a fluffy dressing gown or a pair of slippers to create your own Christmas relaxation hamper.

It might also be a thoughtful present for somebody who spends much of Christmas looking after everyone else. Once the turkey has been eaten, the washing-up tackled and the relatives have finally departed, they can disappear somewhere quiet and enjoy a little well-earned "me time".

At £60, it certainly isn't a stocking filler, but given the claimed £159 combined value, it could make an attractive main present for a skincare enthusiast.

And there's another possibility: buy one for yourself.

After all, who said every Christmas present under the tree has to be for somebody else?

That's Christmas 365 verdict? A rather luxurious collection that could make Christmas, and those wonderfully lazy days between Christmas and New Year, just that little bit more relaxing.

New Christmas Madeleines from Bonne Maman

Bring some amazing Christmas magic to the festive table with especially pretty, limited edition seasonal packs of delicious Bonne Maman Madeleines. 

Arriving in stores in early November, All Butter Classic, Lemon and Chocolate Madeleines all feature a fun Christmas elves theme making it the perfect treat during festive preparations and appealing little stocking fillers. 

Bonne Maman Madeleines are crafted with simple, high-quality ingredients and a touch of French savoir-faire. Available from November while stocks last, at all major retailers, from £2.90 per pack of 7 individually wrapped Madeleines. 

Discover Christmas Madeleine recipes here: www.bonnemaman.co.uk/recipes/collections/christmas-recipes

Friday, 25 September 2026

A Christmas Gift for the Chilli Crunch Fan That They'll Be Sure To Woolf Down!

We all know someone who keeps a jar of crispy chilli oil within easy reach. Eggs? Add a spoonful. Noodles? Obviously. Leftover pizza? That too. 

If that person is on your Christmas list, Woolf’s Kitchen may have solved your present-buying problem.

Its new Chilli Crunch Collection brings together three jars in a gift box for £20. There’s the award-winning Original Chilli Crunch, alongside two new flavours: Black Bean Chilli Crunch and Extra Hot Chilli Crunch.

The Original offers the familiar mix of crunch, chilli warmth and savoury flavour. Black Bean adds a deeper, richer note, while Extra Hot is there for the friend who always asks whether a dish can be made spicier.

It’s an especially appealing gift because the recipient can start enjoying it over Christmas. A spoonful could liven up roast potatoes, give a Boxing Day turkey toastie a kick or bring some welcome heat to leftovers. And once the festive food is gone, there are plenty of eggs, noodles, pizzas and pasta dishes waiting for their turn.

Founder Dominique Woolf says customers tell her they put Chilli Crunch on “absolutely everything”. She plans to serve it with crispy roast potatoes and Boxing Day leftovers herself.

The collection could make a fun foodie Secret Santa present, a stocking addition for a serious chilli fan, or a gift for someone who enjoys trying new flavours in the kitchen. Just be warned: if you buy one for somebody else, you may be tempted to order a box for yourself.

The Woolf’s Kitchen Chilli Crunch Collection is listed at £20 on the Woolf’s Kitchen website https://thewoolfskitchen.com