Why Specsavers Gift Vouchers Make the Perfect Christmas Present for Those in Need of New Glasses, Contact Lenses, or Hearing Aids

Whilst getting my Specsavers glasses adjusted I thought about sourcing Specsavers vouchers for Christmas gifting.

Christmas is a time for giving, and finding the perfect present for your loved ones can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when you want to give something thoughtful and practical.

For those friends and family members who are in need of new glasses, contact lenses, or hearing aids, a Specsavers gift voucher could be the ideal gift this festive season. Here’s why Specsavers vouchers make a smart, meaningful, and much-appreciated Christmas present.

1. The Gift of Sight and Sound

It’s not often that a Christmas gift can truly improve someone’s quality of life, but that’s exactly what a Specsavers voucher offers. Vision and hearing are essential to everyday living, and gifting someone the ability to improve their sight or hearing is a gesture that speaks volumes. Whether they need new glasses, want to try contact lenses, or require hearing aids, a Specsavers gift voucher allows them to prioritise their health and well-being.

2. A Practical and Thoughtful Gift

Sometimes, the most thoughtful gifts are the ones that fulfil a practical need. Specsavers vouchers are a great way to show you’ve considered what your loved ones might genuinely benefit from. If you know someone who’s been putting off getting their new glasses or is unsure about investing in contact lenses, a voucher can give them the nudge they need to take care of their eye health or hearing. It’s a useful gift that they’ll be grateful for long after the Christmas season.

3. Wide Range of Options

Specsavers offers a huge variety of products and services, meaning your recipient can choose what best suits their needs. From stylish and affordable frames to prescription sunglasses and advanced contact lenses, the options are vast. For those with hearing difficulties, Specsavers also provides hearing tests and high-quality hearing aids, offering a comprehensive solution for their needs. A gift voucher gives them the freedom to select exactly what they need or try something new.

4. Fashionable and Functional

Glasses are no longer just a necessity; they’re a fashion statement too. Specsavers stocks a wide range of designer frames, including big names like Tommy Hilfiger, Marc Jacobs, and Liberty. This means your loved ones can find glasses that not only improve their vision but also complement their personal style. A Specsavers voucher allows them to choose a pair of glasses that they feel confident and comfortable wearing, making it a gift that’s both practical and stylish.

5. Caring for Eye Health

In addition to offering glasses and contact lenses, Specsavers also provides eye tests and check-ups, an important part of maintaining eye health. Regular eye exams can detect early signs of eye conditions like glaucoma or cataracts, as well as other health issues such as diabetes. By gifting a Specsavers voucher, you’re encouraging your loved ones to take care of their eye health, which is something that many people overlook.

6. Hearing Support

Specsavers isn’t just for glasses; they also offer comprehensive hearing services. Hearing loss can be a sensitive issue, and many people are reluctant to seek help. A Specsavers voucher can be a gentle, thoughtful way to support someone in need of hearing aids or a hearing test. With top-of-the-line digital hearing aids and expert advice, your gift could make a significant difference in their daily life, helping them reconnect with the world around them.

7. Flexible and Easy to Use

Specsavers vouchers are incredibly flexible and can be used across any of their UK branches, making it easy for your recipient to redeem them. Whether they want to visit their local Specsavers store or shop online, they have the freedom to choose when and where to use their voucher. This flexibility ensures that your gift fits seamlessly into their lifestyle and allows them to take their time selecting the products or services they need most.

8. A Gift That Lasts

While many Christmas presents offer short-term enjoyment, a Specsavers gift voucher provides long-lasting benefits. Whether it’s a new pair of glasses or improved hearing through state-of-the-art aids, your gift will continue to make a difference long after the festive season is over. Every time they put on their glasses or enjoy clearer hearing, they’ll think of your thoughtful present.

Conclusion

This Christmas, give a gift that truly matters – a Specsavers gift voucher. It’s a practical, thoughtful, and personal present that shows you care about the health and well-being of your loved ones. Whether they need new glasses, contact lenses, or hearing aids, a Specsavers voucher provides them with the flexibility to choose exactly what they need.

By gifting a Specsavers voucher, you’re not only giving them a product but also the gift of improved sight or hearing, making it a truly meaningful Christmas present. Let your friends and family enter the New Year seeing and hearing the world more clearly with the help of this perfect gift.

https://giftvouchers.specsavers.co.uk/giftvouchers.co.uk/index.html

The Real Cheese Project launches Christmas gift subscriptions

Delivering cheese, cheese knowledge and more right to our doors, The Real Cheese Project’s new gift subscription scheme is here to keep the cheese love going throughout Christmas and into the New Year. 

Created for those who want to try something new, support British cheesemakers and take their cheese nerdery to the next level, these monthly Cheese Crowd boxes are available as three, six or 12 month gifts.

Taking fromage fans on a real cheese adventure, each letterbox-friendly parcel will come with a new hero cheese to try, a monthly cheese zine, a hand-picked pairing, a pin badge for new subscribers, and access to an online tasting session to meet the cheesemaker. Christmas shoppers can select their favoured start month when signing their cheese loving loved one up, meaning one more gift gets ticked off the list.

Founded earlier this year to big up Britain’s artisan cheese community and get more people buying the good stuff, The Real Cheese Project will shine a spotlight on different cheesemakers, regions and styles in each month’s box. Subscribers will be able to read up on the hero cheese and the monthly pairing in the latest Cheese Crowd zine, which will also feature news, events, interviews, recipes, features and more from across the UK cheese scene.

As with everything done by The Real Cheese Project, 5% of all profits will go into a real cheese support fund, which will be donated to initiatives that protect, develop and progress real cheese in the UK. Subscribers will also be supporting the organisation’s mission to protect real British cheese and the people behind it, through research, campaigns and media relations.

Cheese Crowd gift subscriptions are available now at www.therealcheeseproject.co.uk, priced at £45 for three months, £90 for six months and £162 for 12 months. Zine-only gift subscriptions are priced at £12 for three months, £24 for six months and £45 for 12 months.

For more press information or images, please contact Sam Brice at Freshly Ground PR on +44 (0) 7961 635960 or email sam@freshlygroundpr.co.uk.

FACTFILE:

Founded back in 2024 by a group of like-minded cheese lovers, The Real Cheese Project was created to celebrate artisan cheesemakers, support independent cheesemongers and get more of us buying the good stuff.

Championing real cheese, from the soil up, the organisation is on a mission to showcase and protect real British cheese and the people behind it, through storytelling, research, campaigns, events, collaboration and media exposure.

The Real Cheese Project launched its monthly Cheese Crowd boxes in September 2024, with subscribers receiving a new cheese to try, a monthly cheese zine, a hand-picked pairing, a pin badge for new subscribers, and access to an online tasting to meet the maker.

5% of all profits will go into a real cheese support fund, which will be donated to initiatives that seek to protect, develop and progress real cheese in the UK.

Web: www.therealcheeseproject.co.uk

Instagram: therealcheeseproject

Homemade Christmas Gifts and Crafts With Bonne Maman

Bonne Maman jars are an ideal choice to fill with all manner of seasonal goodies. If you have time to bake at home, these sweet treats are wonderful stored and served to family and friends or when prettily tied with festive ribbons and tags make delicious homemade gifts and presents. 

No time to bake? Discover the limited-edition Hazelnut Chocolate Christmas jar and gift with twinkling fairy lights so your loved one can enjoy and then upcycle the jar to create their own special decoration.

These Hazelnut Chocolate Truffles are a luxurious homemade gift using Bonne Maman award-winning Hazelnut Chocolate Spread. Easy to make yet very indulgent, simply package in a gift box for your loved ones. The Bonne Maman Hazelnut Chocolate Spread also makes a delicious Christmas gift when presented with a box of homemade Thumbprint Shortcakes, just neatly stack them up and tie with a ribbon.

The Mini Shortbread Mince Pies recipe is a new take on the traditional favourite, featuring Bonne Maman Apricot Conserve. Updating a French staple, Cranberry & Pistachio Tuiles work well with Strawberry, Raspberry, Wild Blueberry or Blackcurrant Conserves, and are great as an after dinner morsel; whilst the utterly delicious, no bake Choc Cherry Truffles are full of Black Cherry Conserve with a great vegan option available also. Create a mini Rudolph Reindeer Cake as an adorable gift or to leave out for Santa on Christmas Eve.

Available while stocks last, the limited edition 360g Xmas jar will be on shelves at all major retailers from early October at rrp £3.60.

https://www.bonnemaman.co.uk

Why a Holland & Barrett Gift Card is the Perfect Christmas Gift for Friends and Family

I was in Holland and Barrett recently buying some Manuka Honey (they have a two for one deal at the moment) and my mind turned to thoughts of how we could use Holland and Barrett as a source for Christmas gifts. 

But we often don't know what people would like or would need. For example if someone is allergic to bees and honey, a pot of honey wouldn't be a gift they could use. But that set me thinking.

As Christmas approaches, the search for the perfect gift can often feel overwhelming. You want to give something thoughtful, useful, and unique, but it can be difficult to cater to everyone’s tastes. That’s where a Holland & Barrett gift card comes in – an ideal choice that brings health and wellness into the heart of your festive giving. Here’s why you should consider this thoughtful gift for your friends and family this Christmas.

1. Health and Well-being at the Forefront

In a world where wellness has become increasingly important, gifting a Holland & Barrett gift card allows your loved ones to invest in their health. Whether they are into fitness, exploring plant-based diets, or simply looking to boost their daily nutrients, Holland & Barrett offers a wide range of products to help them feel their best. From vitamins and supplements to natural skincare and sustainable food choices, a gift card offers the flexibility to choose what aligns with their lifestyle.

2. Catering to Every Need

Holland & Barrett stocks products for a variety of dietary requirements and preferences. Whether your recipient is vegan, gluten-free, or prefers organic, there’s something for everyone. A gift card gives them the freedom to explore new products or stock up on their favourites without the worry of receiving something that may not suit their needs.

3. Sustainable and Ethical Choices

If you’re looking to support a brand that aligns with your values, Holland & Barrett is a great choice. With a strong focus on sustainability, cruelty-free beauty products, and ethically sourced ingredients, you can rest assured that your gift aligns with eco-friendly and ethical practices. By choosing a Holland & Barrett gift card, you're not only giving a present but also supporting a company that prioritises the planet.

4. A Personalised Gift Experience

Sometimes, buying gifts can feel impersonal, but a gift card from Holland & Barrett offers a personalised experience in a different way. Rather than guessing what your loved ones might need, you empower them to choose exactly what suits their lifestyle, whether it's a new skincare range, fitness supplements, or even a calming essential oil for some well-deserved relaxation.

5. A Stress-Free Shopping Experience

With a Holland & Barrett gift card, your friends and family can shop both in-store and online. This convenience allows them to take their time browsing or exploring new health products at their own pace. Whether they prefer the tactile experience of visiting a shop or the ease of online shopping, the gift card covers it all.

6. A Gift That Keeps on Giving

Health and wellness aren’t just fleeting trends, they are lifelong investments. A gift card from Holland & Barrett provides your loved ones with the opportunity to prioritise their well-being long after the Christmas season has passed. Whether it’s through boosting their immune system during winter or starting a new fitness routine in the New Year, this is truly a gift that continues to give.

Conclusion

This Christmas, give your friends and family the gift of health, wellness, and choice with a Holland & Barrett gift card. It’s a thoughtful, practical, and personalised present that shows you care about their well-being. With a wide range of sustainable, ethical, and health-focused products to choose from, your loved ones will appreciate the flexibility to pick out something that perfectly suits their needs.

Make this Christmas season not just about giving, but about supporting health and happiness with a gift that matters.

https://www.hollandandbarrett.com

New historical novel set in Bristol and Shropshire published. An ideal stocking filler for your bookworms!

Bristol-born author Frederick J Hillberg is celebrating the publication of his new historical novel, ‘The Dangerous Journey’. Set in 1840’s Victorian England, the story brings to life the brutal attempted murder on Bristol accountant William Miller Mackreth in the Shropshire town of Ludlow - a crime that reverberated across Britain and the colonies. 

Based on real events, this gripping tale of mystery, love and endurance, is written by William’s great-great-grandson who recreates a moving and faithful account of the shocking attack by the enigmatic Josiah Mister, William’s recovery and the sensational trial that ensued.

Image courtesy Richard Tisdale

The author Frederick J Hillberg, who is retired, shared his insights into researching and writing his great-great-grandfather’s extraordinary near-death encounter over 150 years ago, “I began working on the project several years ago whilst I was investigating our family tree. I knew William Mackreth was a wealthy businessman in Bristol but it wasn’t until a visit to the Bristol Archives and a reference to the ‘Ludlow Chest’ that the full story began to unfold.”

It was an important, landmark case in British legal history that shocked Victorian society.

A trip to Ludlow revealed an unexpected truth: William Mackreth had been at the heart of a famous local tale of mistaken identity, culminating in a vicious attack with a razor blade at the well-known Angel Inn (still standing) and became a landmark legal case in British history.

“As I delved deeper, I was amazed at the extent to which my great-great-grandfather’s ordeal had captured the attention of Victorian society. Even Charles Dickens is believed to have mentioned the case in a letter to a friend.” Hillberg added.

The novel not only recounts the events in Ludlow but also paints a vivid picture of life in Bristol during the era, highlighting Mackreth’s struggle to recover with the help of his fiancée, Jane. Hillberg explores a time when Bristol was governed by ‘Bristol Time’ and ‘Bristol Nails,’ and where an ‘upstairs downstairs’ culture was still prevalent and the scourge of cholera outbreaks spared no one.

The author added, “It is a remarkable tale, almost stranger than fiction, not only due to the nature of the crime and the sheer number of coincidences but also the fact that my great-great-grandfather survived the attempted murder that left him scarred for life. I am incredibly proud to have been able to bring this piece of family history to light. I think the book will appeal strongly to anyone with an interest in local history, crime and mystery, or a touch of romance.”

When not writing, Fred is an active figure in his local community and his pastimes include gardening, photography, coin & stamp collecting and reading historical biographies. In 2023 Fred published his first children’s book, Brave Cat Millie (ISBN: 9781916095069 ).

The paperback version of The Dangerous Journey (ISBN: 9781839528200) published by Brown Dog Books (https://www.browndogbooks.uk/) is priced at £9.99 (RRP) and is available to order from all bookshops from 17th October as well as on-line. An eBook version priced at £3.99 will be available via Amazon (Kindle), Kobo devices and Apple iBooks.

We at That's Christmas feel this is a must buy book for the lovers of historical crime stories in your life.

Why You Should Seek Out Delicatessens for Fantastic, Special Christmas Foods and Treats

As Christmas approaches, the festive spirit stirs within us all, and one of the best ways to celebrate is with delicious, indulgent food. 

While supermarkets offer convenience, they can lack the charm and quality that make holiday meals feel truly special. 

If you’re looking to elevate your Christmas feast and bring something extraordinary to the table, there’s no better place to explore than your local delicatessen.

Here’s why a trip to the deli could be the best decision you make for your festive fare this year.

1. Artisan Quality You Won’t Find Elsewhere

Delicatessens pride themselves on stocking high-quality, often handmade or small-batch products that you simply won’t find on supermarket shelves. From perfectly cured charcuterie to creamy cheeses aged to perfection, delis source their goods from trusted artisans who pour their passion into every bite. These foods are often made with traditional methods passed down through generations, adding depth of flavour that mass-produced items can’t match.

2. International Delights to Add a Twist to Your Table

Many delicatessens specialise in sourcing foods from around the world. From Italian panettone and German stollen to Spanish turrón and French foie gras, you can find an array of international Christmas delicacies that will surprise and delight your guests. These exotic treats bring new flavours and textures to your festive table, giving you the opportunity to mix tradition with a little global flair.

3. Bespoke Hampers and Gifts

Not only do delicatessens offer unique ingredients, but many also create bespoke hampers filled with handpicked treats. Whether you’re gifting a loved one or treating yourself, these hampers can be customised to suit any palate. Think of beautifully packaged bundles featuring a mix of fine chocolates, gourmet preserves, exquisite wines, and artisanal crackers. It’s a thoughtful, luxurious gift that stands out from the standard high street offerings.

4. Personalised Service from Passionate Experts

One of the best things about shopping at a deli is the personalised service. The staff are often experts in their field, happy to guide you through their selection, make recommendations, or suggest the perfect pairings. Want to create the ultimate cheeseboard or find the ideal wine to complement your Christmas roast? Deli staff are passionate about food and eager to help you craft an unforgettable feast.

5. Support Small Businesses

By choosing to shop at a delicatessen, you’re not only enhancing your Christmas spread but also supporting local, independent businesses. Many delis are family-run and rely on the festive season to boost their trade. When you shop at a deli, you’re investing in the community and the artisans behind the products, helping to keep local traditions alive and thriving.

6. Seasonal Specialities You Won’t Want to Miss

During Christmas, many delicatessens stock limited-edition or seasonal products that you won’t find at any other time of year. These could include rare cheeses flavoured with truffle, festive pâtés, or decadent desserts like Christmas puddings with a gourmet twist. With only a limited supply of these specialities, you’ll be adding a real treat to your table that you can savour for the season.

7. Make Your Christmas More Memorable

Christmas is a time for making memories, and food plays a huge part in creating a festive atmosphere. Imagine the joy of unwrapping a beautifully baked panettone, tasting handmade chocolates, or sharing an extraordinary selection of meats and cheeses with family and friends. These culinary experiences, enhanced by the special finds from a deli, make the holidays feel that much more magical and memorable.

Conclusion

For those who appreciate quality, flavour, and a touch of something unique, delicatessens are a treasure trove of Christmas goodies. Whether you’re looking to impress with artisan products, introduce international treats to your table, or simply indulge in some of the finest foods the season has to offer, a visit to your local deli is the perfect way to elevate your festive celebrations.

This Christmas, don’t settle for the ordinary. Seek out your local delicatessen and fill your home with the extraordinary.

Check out these links to find delicatessens:-

https://thedelisociety.com

https://gff.co.uk

Why Buying Christmas Gifts on Amazon Supports Small Traders

As Christmas approaches, many of us turn to Amazon for the ease and convenience of finding gifts for loved ones. 

What you might not realise is that a significant portion of the gifts available on Amazon aren't sold by the corporate giant itself, but by small traders and independent businesses. 

In fact, when you browse the extensive range of Christmas gifts on Amazon, you're often supporting small-scale sellers who rely on the platform to reach customers.

The Amazon Marketplace: A Hub for Small Businesses

Amazon may seem like a colossal online retailer, but its marketplace is a gateway for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to showcase their products. Many independent traders use Amazon's infrastructure to sell their goods, as it provides access to millions of potential customers across the world. Amazon takes care of the heavy lifting – handling payment processing, shipping logistics, and customer service – allowing these smaller sellers to focus on creating quality products.

For small businesses, setting up their own website and managing the complexities of shipping and marketing can be a costly and time-consuming endeavour. By listing their products on Amazon, they gain access to tools and services that streamline the process, making it easier for them to operate and grow. As a customer, this means that when you shop on Amazon, especially during busy periods like Christmas, you're not only purchasing a gift but often helping a small business thrive.

Spotting Small Traders on Amazon

If you're keen on supporting small businesses, there are ways to identify whether a product is sold by a small trader on Amazon. Look for the "Sold by" information beneath the product listing. If it says something like "Sold by [Business Name] and Fulfilled by Amazon," this indicates that the product comes from an independent seller. Amazon's "Fulfilled by Amazon" (FBA) programme is widely used by small businesses, allowing them to store their goods in Amazon's warehouses while Amazon handles delivery and returns.

Additionally, Amazon has introduced features like the "Support Small" section, which highlights products from independent and local businesses. This can be a great way to intentionally support smaller sellers during the festive season.

The Benefits of Supporting Small Traders

When you purchase Christmas gifts from small traders on Amazon, you're contributing to more than just a single transaction. Small businesses often pour passion, craftsmanship, and personal attention into their products, and your purchase helps them continue to innovate and thrive. You're also contributing to local economies. Many of these small businesses are based in the UK or other local regions, meaning your support directly impacts individuals and communities.

Moreover, small traders tend to offer unique, handcrafted, or niche products that you may not find from larger retailers. This can make your Christmas gifts more personalised and special, perfect for those seeking something different.

A Meaningful Way to Shop This Christmas

While Amazon's name is synonymous with large-scale retail, it's important to remember that the platform is home to thousands of small traders who rely on your support. By choosing to shop from these independent sellers, you can make a big difference this Christmas. So, as you browse through Amazon for gifts this year, take a moment to check if you're buying from a small business – you might just find the perfect present while supporting someone’s dream at the same time.

Happy shopping, and here's to a Christmas that supports small traders!