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Make your Christmas shopping count with Cards For Good Causes
As Christmas approaches, why not make your Christmas shopping count for more this year? Cards For Good Causes is returning for 2024, offering you the opportunity to support charities and your local community with every card or gift you purchase.
Save the date for Friday 27th September at 10am, for the grand opening of the Cards For Good Causes flagship shop at Holy Trinity Church 146 Sloane Street, London.
The pop-up will be buzzing with holiday spirit and welcoming visitors until 21st December. This marks the start of a wave of pop-up shops rolling out across the UK throughout October. Each purchase will generate vital funds for charities which strive hard to make a real difference, transforming your Christmas shopping into an act of kindness.
Why visit Cards For Good Causes? The pop-ups are about more than just beautiful cards and Christmas essentials, they’re a chance to support meaningful causes.
Every purchase supports national charities and your local community. Over the last decade, Cards For Good Causes has raised over £22.5 million for a network of in excess of 100 charities, including NSPCC, RSPA, WaterAid, Shelter, Carers UK and The Ramblers.
Also, they’ve contributed more than £2.7 million to local churches, libraries and community projects, thus ensuring your purchases make a difference close to home, too.
Step into a world of festive magic at your local Cards For Good Causes pop-up shop, and discover an enchanting array of greeting cards, advent calendars and a wider range of gifts than ever before, which are sure to ignite your Christmas spirit.
But the experience doesn’t end there - explore a stunning selection of gift wrap, decorations, stationery and homeware, all while making a meaningful difference to the causes and communities you care about. To find your nearest shop visit: https://cardsforcharity.co.uk/product-category/find-a-card-shop
Can’t make it to your local pop-up? The full range is available online with same-day dispatch and free shipping on orders over £40: https://www.cardsforcharity.co.uk.
Christine Ansell, CEO of Cards For Good Causes says: “In these times when every penny counts, we’re delighted to offer shoppers a truly unique opportunity to support charities that are changing lives while also strengthening local communities.
"Thanks to our committed partners, seasonal staff and local volunteers, we’re returning to the hearts of neighbourhoods across the country, providing a meaningful way for people to give this Christmas.”
As the UK's largest multi-charity Christmas card organisation, Cards For Good Causes has opened shops around the UK each year since 1959, making it a cornerstone of festive charitable giving. This year, your support is needed more than ever. As you deck the halls and fill your stockings, keep in mind that every card or gift you choose helps fund vital charities and support local communities. Together, we can make a lasting impact this Christmas.
That's Christmas covered Cards For Good Causes last year. We're genuinely pleased to be able to promote them again.
How to create a unique Christmas advent calendar for friends and family
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1. Choose a Theme
Traditional: Christmas-themed items like sweets, ornaments, or small gifts.
Personalised: Include items that reflect the recipient’s hobbies or favourites (e.g., tea bags for tea lovers, small books, DIY kits).
Activity-Based: Instead of physical gifts, offer experiences or activities (e.g., baking cookies, watching a Christmas movie, writing holiday cards).
Self-Care: Focus on relaxation items like candles, bath bombs, or inspirational quotes.
2. Decide on the Calendar Type
Hanging Pouches or Envelopes: Hang small pouches, bags, or envelopes on a string with numbered tags.
Box or Drawer System: Use a set of small boxes or drawers, one for each day.
Paper Chains: Create a countdown paper chain where each link contains a treat or message.
DIY Wooden Board or Tree: You can purchase or make a wooden frame with hooks for hanging small gifts.
Mason Jars or Mini Bottles: Each day, give a small item or message in a tiny jar or bottle.
3. Gather Materials
Container: Boxes, bags, envelopes, or jars for each day (24 or 25 days).
Decorative Elements: Stickers, wrapping paper, ribbon, and numbered tags to decorate and number the containers.
Small Gifts or Treats: Mini chocolates, small toys, cosmetics, or personalised items like handwritten notes, photos, or vouchers.
4. Fill the Calendar
For each day, fill the container with something special:
Sweets: Chocolate, candy canes, or homemade cookies.
Small Gifts: Mini candles, ornaments, or handmade crafts.
Personal Notes: Write down jokes, Christmas trivia, or heartfelt messages.
Vouchers: Personalised coupons for a movie night, a hot drink, or a special activity.
5. Add a Personal Touch
Customise each day with a different wrapping design or colour.
Write personalised messages for the recipient to discover each day.
Use photos or mementos to add an extra layer of meaning to each day.
6. Display the Advent Calendar
Choose a way to display it: you can hang it from a mantle, create a Christmas tree shape on a wall with the pouches, or arrange the items on a table.
You could also wrap each item and place them in a basket or box, with the person opening one each day.
Ideas for Gifts or Surprises:
Children: Small toys, puzzles, stickers, or Christmas-themed activities.
Adults: Mini bottles of wine, tea bags, beauty products, or homemade snacks.
Sentimental: Photos, quotes, or small notes that remind them of shared memories.
7. Plan the Daily Surprises
Make sure you vary the gifts to keep it exciting! For example:
Day 1: A mini Christmas ornament.
Day 12: A personal note or letter.
Day 24: A more significant gift like a small candle or a handmade craft.
By customising the advent calendar, you’ll create a personal and memorable gift that’s fun to open every day!
Be a hero with zero! Award-Winning Sparkling Wine Brand Founded by the Delevingne Sisters Launches 0% Della Vite Zero
Introducing Della Vite Zero, a fantastically delicious non-alcoholic sparkling wine from the Delevinnge sisters, Cara, Poppy and Chloe.
It's a sparkling French Rosé, bursting with flavours of cherry blossom, red berry, and fresh red apple. It's a festive fizzy drink yet with some serious flavours: perfect for sharing with friends, bringing to the table at Christmastime family gatherings and office parties, or a thoughtful gift for someone who may be cutting back on excess this festive season. Now there's something for everyone from Della Vite: and we're all invited!
It's the third release from Della Vite, (the range also includes award-winning proseccos Della Vite Superiore and Della Vite Treviso Rose) and this again is truly wonderful family affair: this time the sisters worked closely with a 4th generation French wine-making family in Beziers, France, who cultivate Della Vite Zero using Grenache grapes, the liquid undergoing a careful de-alcoholisation process to create complex and fresh flavours, and that all important pop of fizz.
Because after all, everything seems better with bubbles, right? What's more, Della Vite Zero has one of the lowest sugar and calorie levels for this kind of product: perfect for those looking for healthier options during the Festive season.
Says Cara Delevingne: “Alcohol-free doesn't mean having to compromise on taste, fun or new experiences. I've really wanted to create something like this with my sisters for a long time, but we were patient and finally found the right partners to work with.
"It was well worth the wait. Sugar-free, low calorie, vegan, sustainable and absolutely bursting with flavour. There's no need to miss any party now, and you can show up 100% at 0% this Xmas be it at the family Christmas Dinner, the Christmas Office Party or gatherings with family or mates."
Cara explains: "We initially sold out via Selfridges so next we wanted to make sure thatno one missed out on the next batch, so we're delighted to share Della Vite Zero via Selfridges and Amazon, too. Come join us for a sip!"
Della Vite launched in 2020 and is now a multi-award-winning global sparkling wine brand with listings across the world as well as World Duty Free. Della Vite Zero is the brand's first foray into 0%.
Follow @della_vite for news, serving suggestions and more
Della Vite Zero 0% the RRP is£14.99 to £15.64, 750ml, available from Selfridges and Amazon.
Mixing drinks this Christmas? You'll need Fever-Tree
Don’t go into the festive hosting season without your favourite cocktails essential mixers: All you need do is just mix your favourite gin, vodka, tequila or rum with one of Fever-Tree’s Cocktail Mixers to create absolutely delicious, cocktail lounge quality cocktails which taste utterly delicious and perfect every time.
Available for £4.50 from Tesco, Sainsburys, Waitrose, Ocado, Morrisons and your Co-op:
Options include:
Fever-Tree Espresso Martini Cocktail Mixer, 500ml – Start your evening with a boost! Simply combine with your favourite vodka.
Fever-Tree Passionfruit Martini Cocktail Mixer, 500ml - To liven up any party, shake together with vodka for an impressive and fruity serve.
Fever-Tree Margarita Cocktail Mixer, 500ml – Always popular with the ladies, just combine with your favourite tequila and serve with a touch of sea salt on the rim for that perfect serve.
Fever-Tree Mojito Cocktail Mixer, 500ml – Popular with everyone, introduce your favourite rum to Fever-Tree’s new Mojito Cocktail Mixer to create a truly memorable, zesty cocktail in minutes.
Easy Espresso Martinis with Fever-Tree Espresso Martini Cocktail Mixer, 500ml
RRP £4.50 Tesco, Sainsburys, Waitrose, Ocado, Morrisons:
To end the perfect evening, simply combine your favourite vodka with Fever-Tree’s new Espresso Martini Cocktail Mixer to create a delicious, impressive cocktail without the hassle of buying ingredients or having to run the coffee machine.
Blended Indonesian coffee extracts and sweet notes of vanilla come together alongside subtle flavours of
Fever-Tree Passionfruit Martini Cocktail Mixer, 500ml:
RRP £4.50 Tesco, Sainsburys, Waitrose, Ocado, Co-op:
To sweeten any party, shake together vodka and Fever-Tree’s Passion Fruit Martini Cocktail Mixer for an impressive fruity serve.
Crafted with the finest Maracuja passionfruit from Ecuador, ripened mango and vanilla, this zingy tropical blend creates a delicious fruity Passion Fruit Martini.
High res images: Folder icon Fever-Tree Passionfruit Martini Cocktail Mixer
Fever-Tree Margarita Cocktail Mixer, 500ml
RRP £4.50 (Tesco, Sainsburys, Waitrose, Ocado, Morrisons):
For effortless entertaining, simply combine your favourite tequila with Fever-Tree’s new Margarita Cocktail Mixer and stir or shake for a bright and zesty Margarita.
Packed full of fresh Mexican limes and Italian blood oranges, this zesty Margarita Cocktail Mixer is expertly balanced with subtle notes of sweet orange, grapefruit & angostura bitters. Finished with a touch of sea salt.
Fever-Tree Mojito Cocktail Mixer, 500ml
RRP £4.50 (Tesco, Sainsburys, Waitrose, Ocado, Morrisons, Co-op):
If your evening calls for a refreshing beverage, introduce your favourite rum to Fever-Tree’s new Mojito Cocktail Mixer to create a memorable, zesty cocktail in minutes.
Build anticipation amongst your guests as crisp and sweet Mexican limes and fragrant Moroccan mint leaves complement each other in this crowd-pleaser cocktail. Making the perfect Mojito at home every time couldn’t be easier.
You can also use alcohol-free drinks with the above mixers for fantastic alcohol-free versions of the above iconic cocktails.
And check out the entire Fever Tree range here https://fever-tree.com/en_GB
Apricot Mince Pies
Ingredients
100g unsalted butter, at room temperature and cubed, plus extra for greasing
200g plain flour, plus extra for dusting
1tsp ground mixed spice
1tbsp caster sugar
6tsp Bonne Maman Apricot Conserve
6tsp good-quality mincemeat
1 beaten egg to glaze
icing sugar, to dust
How to make them
Preheat the oven to 200°C (fan oven 180°C), gas mark 6. Lightly grease a 12-hole cake tin.
Put the flour into a mixing bowl, add the butter and rub into the flour until the mixture is like fine breadcrumbs.
Add the mixed spice to the sugar in a pestle and mortar or a strong bowl with the end of a rolling pin and grind together until well mixed and a little powdery. Add this to the flour and butter and stir in.
Using a round-bladed palette knife, mix in 3-4 tbsp cold water, stirring until it comes together. Then, with your hands, work the dough gently into a ball, wrap in cling film and allow to rest for about 20 mins.
Roll out the pastry thinly on a lightly floured work surface. Stamp out 12 circles with a fluted pastry cutter, slightly larger than cake holes, and press the circles into the tin.
Put about 1/2 tsp of apricot conserve into each pastry case, then top with about 1/2 teaspoon of mincemeat.
Re-roll the pastry trimmings and cut out 12 smaller circles and put them on top of the mincemeat. Glaze the tops with a little milk or beaten egg, if available, and bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 mins until the pastry is crisp and golden.
Cool in the tin for 5 mins, then remove and cool on a wire rack. Dust with icing sugar to finish.
Spiced Ginger bread Wreath from Bonne Maman
50g unsalted butter, diced
50g Demerara sugar
100g golden syrup
1 tsp mixed spice
1 tsp finely grated fresh ginger
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
30ml beaten egg
250g plain flour
20 tbsp Bonne Maman conserve in many flavours and colours
250g white fondant icing
250g Royal icing sugar
To make the gingerbread dough, put the butter in a large bowl.
In a saucepan, stir together the sugar, syrup, spices and ginger and bring to the boil. Add the bicarbonate of soda (it will puff up) and pour the hot mixture over the butter. Stir until the butter has melted.
Beat in the egg and slowly blend in the flour. It will look as though there is too much flour but it will blend in.
Knead the dough in the bowl until smooth and cut into quarters. Wrap each piece in clingfilm. Roll out a quarter of the dough at a time to make the biscuits.
Roll the dough out between two sheets of baking parchment, to about 3mm thickness. Use a variety of Christmas cutters to stamp out about 50 biscuits of varying sizes. We used snowflake cutters from 12cm across down to 4cm. Remember you will need two of each size, to sandwich together. Re-knead and re-roll the trimmings.
Lay the biscuits out on baking sheets, lined with baking parchment. Stamp out the centre from half the biscuits to create the space for the conserve. We used a 2 1/2cm and 1 1/2cm round cutter. Chill the biscuits for a good hour before baking.
Heat the oven to 170C, 150C fan, gas 3. Bake the biscuits in batches until golden and crisp. They will take between 7 and 10 mins, depending on size. Cool on a wire rack.
While the biscuits are cooling, roll out the fondant icing on a surface dusted lightly with icing sugar and stamp out 6 or 7 snowflakes, using the same cutters. Stamp out the centres, using the same round cutters. Brush the top biscuits with a little conserve and lightly press on the matching icing.
Brush all the base biscuits lightly with conserve and press on the top biscuits. You should now have about 25 snowflake biscuit sandwiches of various sizes, some iced with fondant and some plain.
Put the Royal icing sugar in a bowl with 40ml of cold water. Gradually beat the icing until it forms a stiff but pipeable paste. Spoon into a piping bag with a small nozzle and pipe or drizzle icing across most of the biscuits to resemble snowflakes. Leave the icing to set for 10 mins. Fill the biscuit centres with various flavours and colours of Bonne Maman Conserve. Store the biscuits in airtight containers until ready to use.
To serve, arrange the biscuits in a generous wreath on a large white board and take to the table for Christmas tea.
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