Arrange a surprise photographic portrait of the children of a loved one for Christmas

Arranging a surprise portrait of a loved one’s child or children for Christmas is a thoughtful, timeless gift that will bring a smile not only on Christmas Day but for years to come. 

Here’s a guide on how to plan and organise the perfect portrait surprise in a way that ensures quality, authenticity, and a special touch.

Step 1: Choose the Style of Portrait

Portrait styles vary, and it’s important to pick one that reflects the recipient’s taste. Here are a few popular styles to consider:

Classic Studio Portrait: Perfect for a polished, timeless look. A professional studio session offers a controlled environment with professional lighting and backdrops.

Outdoor Portrait: For a more relaxed, natural look, consider an outdoor portrait in a nearby park or scenic area. This setting is great for capturing children’s personalities and interactions with each other.

Lifestyle Photography: This style involves capturing children in candid moments within their own environment, such as playing at home. It’s ideal for a spontaneous, authentic look that highlights their everyday expressions and interactions.

Step 2: Select the Right Photographer

Finding the right photographer can make all the difference. Research local portrait photographers and look for someone whose portfolio resonates with the style you envision. Consider these factors when making your choice:

Experience with Children: Children can be unpredictable, so working with a photographer experienced in child portraits can be very helpful.

Portfolio Review: Look at past work to see how the photographer captures expressions and moments. Some may specialise in candid shots, while others excel in posed portraits.

Communication and Personality: A photographer with a warm personality who can build a rapport with children will help them feel comfortable in front of the camera.

Step 3: Plan the Session with Discretion

If it’s meant to be a surprise, be mindful of how you schedule the session. If you can, enlist the help of a close friend or family member who can coordinate with the children and the photographer without arousing suspicion. A few tips:

Schedule During a Time That Works for the Children: Ensure the session is scheduled during a time when the children are well-rested and energised.

Plan a “Distraction” Activity: If the recipient is likely to ask questions, plan an outing or activity for them that allows you to sneak in the portrait session.

Have Outfits Ready in Advance: To keep the surprise, make sure the children’s outfits are prepared without the recipient noticing. Choose outfits that are simple and coordinated, yet comfortable for the children.

Step 4: Consider Framing and Presentation

Once the portrait is taken, think about how to best present it as a gift. Here are a few ideas:

Framing: A high-quality frame will complete the portrait. Choose one that complements the recipient’s home decor. You might also consider having the frame engraved with a special message or date.

Canvas or Print Options: Some families prefer canvas prints for a gallery feel, while others prefer classic photo paper in frames. Discuss the options with your photographer, who can advise on the best choice based on the final image’s quality and style.

Personalised Packaging: If you’d like to add an extra special touch, wrap the portrait in festive paper and include a heartfelt note expressing why you chose this gift for them.

Step 5: Keep the Secret

The excitement of planning a surprise can make it tempting to spill the beans, but resist the urge! Keep the portrait hidden until Christmas morning for that wow factor. Coordinate with others if necessary, and consider storing the finished portrait in a place where the recipient won’t find it.

Step 6: The Grand Reveal on Christmas Morning

On Christmas morning, present the portrait with a flourish! Seeing a beautiful, professionally captured image of their child or children will undoubtedly touch their heart. This keepsake will be a treasured memory of this Christmas season.

A thoughtfully planned surprise portrait is a meaningful, heartfelt gift that will truly show your love and appreciation. With a bit of planning and care, you’ll create a Christmas moment that won’t soon be forgotten.

Top 20 Christmas Gift Ideas for Mum (or the Mother Figure in Your Life)

As the festive season approaches, it's time to start thinking about the perfect gift for the one who has always been there for you. 

Whether it’s for your mother, grandmother, or another beloved mother figure, here are twenty thoughtful ideas that will brighten her Christmas morning and show just how much she means to you. 

1. Personalised Jewellery

A piece of jewellery engraved with her initials, a meaningful date, or your names is a timeless and sentimental gift. Consider a delicate bracelet, necklace, or charm that she can wear daily to keep you close to her heart.

2. Luxury Scented Candles

A beautifully crafted, aromatic candle can turn any room into a cosy retreat. Look for high-quality brands with seasonal scents like cinnamon, pine, or amber – perfect for those winter evenings.

3. Spa Day Voucher

Treat her to a day of relaxation and pampering. A spa voucher is ideal for mums who deserve a break, allowing her to unwind with massages, facials, and other luxurious treatments.

4. Afternoon Tea Experience

An afternoon tea experience at a prestigious hotel or tea room is a delightful treat. She’ll enjoy a selection of teas, finger sandwiches, and scones in a charming setting.

5. Personalised Family Recipe Book

Compile a book of family recipes and add personal touches like handwritten notes, photos, or stories about each dish. This thoughtful gift is a lovely way to preserve cherished culinary traditions.

6. A Classic Wool Blanket

A soft, luxurious wool blanket is perfect for chilly winter nights. Choose a high-quality brand in her favourite colour to add a touch of warmth and comfort to her space.

7. Subscription to a Monthly Flower Service

Imagine her delight at receiving fresh flowers every month. A flower subscription service will keep her home bright and beautiful year-round, bringing a smile to her face long after Christmas.

8. Handmade Pottery or Ceramics

For something unique, consider locally-made pottery or ceramic pieces. From mugs to vases, a beautiful piece of pottery adds character and style to her home.

9. A Gardening Gift Set

If she loves spending time in the garden, a beautifully packaged set with tools, seeds, and gloves will be a treat. For added charm, include a personalised plant marker with her name.

10. High-Quality Skincare Set

Treat her to a skincare set with moisturisers, serums, and creams designed for her skin type. Look for eco-friendly brands that use natural ingredients to give her that luxury spa feeling at home.

11. Memory-Filled Photo Album

Create a photo album filled with memories from years past. She’ll love flipping through pictures of family gatherings, holidays, and cherished moments together.

12. Artisan Tea Set

If she’s a tea lover, a set of gourmet teas from around the world is a thoughtful choice. Pair it with a beautifully crafted teapot and mug for a complete gift she can enjoy every day.

13. Cookery Class Experience

Many chefs and cooking schools now offer classes covering everything from pasta-making to pastry. It’s a fun experience for mums who love to cook or want to try something new in the kitchen.

14. Elegant Leather Handbag

A timeless leather handbag is a practical and stylish gift. Choose a colour that matches her wardrobe or go for a classic black or tan to add versatility.

15. Personalised Initial Necklace

These minimalist necklaces are chic and can be worn every day. Many jewellers offer custom initials in various styles and finishes, so you can select one that best suits her taste.

16. Online Course Subscription

Whether she’s interested in painting, photography, writing, or cooking, an online course subscription is a thoughtful gift that shows you support her passions and interests.

17. A High-Quality Coffee Machine

For mums who love their morning coffee, a top-of-the-line coffee machine is a game-changer. Look for one with customisable settings and a sleek design to make her mornings special.

18. Handwritten Recipe Board

If she has a favourite recipe, have it transferred onto a wooden board in her handwriting. This bespoke gift will add a personal touch to her kitchen while preserving a treasured recipe.

19. Handcrafted Soap Set

Opt for artisan soaps with natural ingredients that pamper her skin. Beautifully packaged soaps with scents like lavender, rose, and chamomile make for an indulgent, spa-like experience at home.

20. A Monthly Subscription Box

Subscription boxes offer a delightful surprise each month. From gourmet foods and wine to self-care essentials, find a box that caters to her interests, ensuring the Christmas cheer lasts all year long.

This Christmas, go beyond the usual and choose a gift that truly reflects your appreciation and love. Each of these ideas is thoughtful, unique, and sure to make her Christmas a memorable one. So go ahead and spoil her – she deserves it!

You will notice that some of the ideal gift ideas for mums and dads are interchangeable. And why not? They are, after all your mum and your dad!

20 Great Christmas Gift Ideas for Your Father or the Father Figure in Your Life

Whether he’s a handyman, a history buff, or simply the hardest person to shop for, here’s a collection of Christmas gift ideas for your father that’s bound to inspire and impress.

1. Personalised Whisky Glass

For the dad who enjoys a dram, a personalised whisky glass is both thoughtful and unique. Engrave it with his name or a meaningful date. Pair it with a bottle from the English Whisky Festival for an extra special touch.

2. Classic Leather Wallet

A good-quality leather wallet is timeless and functional. Look for options that allow for personalisation, so you can have his initials embossed. Over time, the leather will develop a patina that’s uniquely his.

3. Noise-Cancelling Headphones

If your dad loves listening to music or podcasts, noise-cancelling headphones will be a game-changer, particularly if he commutes or travels often. They offer superior sound quality and are ideal for a little peace and quiet.

4. Portable BBQ Grill

For the dad who loves to grill, a portable BBQ setup could be a fun choice. Compact and easy to carry, it’s perfect for picnics, camping, or even a winter barbecue at the local park.

5. Subscription to a Magazine or Online Service

From a monthly history magazine to an annual pass to a streaming service like BritBox, there are countless subscription options available. Tailor this to his hobbies, whether he loves sport, cars, cooking, or world news.

6. High-Quality Coffee Machine

If he’s a coffee aficionado, elevate his mornings with a top-notch coffee machine. Look for models that are easy to use and offer barista-quality brews. A selection of fine ground coffee or beans is a perfect accompaniment.

7. Personalised Recipe Book

For a dad who’s always in the kitchen, gift him a recipe book where he can jot down his culinary creations. You could even add a few family favourites to get him started.

8. Electric Screwdriver Set

Help make his next project easier with an electric screwdriver set. It’s a great gift for DIY enthusiasts, reducing manual effort and offering speed and efficiency.

9. Luxury Skincare Set

Men’s grooming is now as popular as ever, and luxury skincare is a lovely way to spoil him. Opt for a brand that offers rich, nourishing products that are simple to use and perfectly suited to his routine.

10. Smart Watch

For dads who love technology, a smartwatch is a brilliant gift. Track fitness, receive notifications, and even monitor health stats. Many come with interchangeable straps, so he can switch up his look.

11. Whisky Tasting Set

Introduce him to a selection of whiskies with a tasting set. This is ideal for any whisky enthusiast, letting him explore different regions and styles. Look for UK-based options that may even feature local distilleries.

12. Gardening Tool Set

For the dad with a green thumb, a high-quality gardening tool set is both practical and thoughtful. Add in a sturdy pair of gloves and perhaps some plant seeds to complete the gift.

13. Cashmere Scarf

A luxury scarf in fine cashmere or wool is an elegant and versatile winter accessory. It’s a stylish addition to any dad’s wardrobe, perfect for warmth and comfort throughout the colder months.

14. Ancestry DNA Kit

If your dad is curious about family history, an ancestry DNA kit could be the start of a fascinating journey. It’s a unique and educational gift, and a great way to learn more about family heritage.

15. Personalised Photo Album

Gather your favourite memories in a photo album, personalised just for him. Arrange the photos chronologically or by themes, like holidays, special occasions, or snapshots from everyday life.

16. Online Cooking Class

Whether he’s a novice or experienced in the kitchen, an online cooking class could provide some new tricks. Many classes focus on specific cuisines or dishes, and he could end up mastering a new recipe to impress at family gatherings.

17. Bluetooth Speaker

A quality Bluetooth speaker is ideal for dads who love their tunes. Look for one with excellent sound, good battery life, and water resistance, so he can use it everywhere from the garage to the garden.

18. Fitness Tracker

For the health-conscious dad, a fitness tracker is a practical tool to monitor steps, heart rate, and even sleep quality. Many models sync with smartphones, providing detailed insights and keeping him motivated.ntls 

19. Vinyl Record Player

Bring a touch of nostalgia with a vinyl record player. If he has a collection of old records (or wants to start one), this can be a fantastic way to rediscover the rich, warm sound of vinyl. Buy him some vinyls of his favourite acts to go with it.

20. Weekend Getaway

Sometimes, the best gift is quality time. Plan a short getaway, perhaps a country hotel or a cosy cabin. Spend a couple of days together, exploring a new place or just enjoying some rest and relaxation.

Whatever you choose, your father is sure to appreciate the thought and effort behind the gift. Here's to a memorable Christmas filled with love, laughter, and perfect presents!

Choosing the Perfect Experience Day Vouchers for Christmas Gifts

With Christmas just around the corner, many of us are hunting for thoughtful, unique gifts that create lasting memories. 

Experience day vouchers are a brilliant choice – they’re perfect for people who prefer adventures over “things” and offer a chance to try something new or indulge in a favourite hobby. 

From exhilarating hot air balloon rides to hands-on pottery workshops, experience days are a thoughtful way to make this holiday season unforgettable. 

Here’s a guide on how to pick the perfect experience day voucher tailored to your recipient’s interests.

1. Consider Their Interests and Hobbies

First, think about what your recipient truly enjoys. Are they a thrill-seeker who’d jump at the chance to skydive or bungee jump, or do they prefer gentler experiences like a day of pampering at a spa? Perhaps they’re a budding chef or a wine connoisseur who would love a cooking class or a vineyard tour. Aligning the experience day with their passions will show that you’ve put real thought into their gift.

2. Think About Location

While many experience day vouchers are valid nationwide, it's helpful to consider where the experience will take place. Some activities, like hot air balloon rides or driving experiences, may require travel to a specific location, which might be ideal for someone who loves a mini adventure. On the other hand, choosing something closer to home may be more suitable for recipients who have busy schedules or prefer a bit of local indulgence.

3. Choose an Adventure for a Shared Experience

Why not make the day even more special by joining in? Many experience days offer packages for two or more, letting you create memories together. From afternoon teas and cocktail-making workshops to tandem skydiving and scenic river cruises, you can make the gift one you both can enjoy. This could be a lovely option for a partner, close friend, or family member with whom you’d love to spend quality time.

4. Consider Age and Physical Comfort Levels

Some experiences, such as scuba diving or rock climbing, are more physically demanding and may not be suitable for everyone. 

Make sure to consider the age, health, and comfort level of your recipient. For example, a gentle pottery workshop or an afternoon tea on a steam train might be more enjoyable for an elderly relative, while teens might love the excitement of a zipline adventure or a virtual reality gaming session.

5. Make It Festive with a Personalised Touch

Christmas is a time for extra sparkle, so why not make the voucher feel as special as possible? You can pair the voucher with a small related gift – a fine bottle of wine for a wine-tasting day, or a personalised travel mug for someone heading off on a scenic train journey. Many companies offer personalised packaging and messages, so add a heartfelt note explaining why you chose this particular experience for them.

6. Opt for Flexible Dates

The Christmas season can be hectic, so look for vouchers with flexible booking options or open-ended validity. Many providers offer extended or even open-date vouchers, which allow the recipient to schedule their experience at a time that suits them best. This flexibility can make the gift even more appealing and ensure it doesn't feel like another task to add to their diary.

Top Experience Day Ideas

Need some inspiration? Here are a few classic experience days, each with its own unique charm:

Hot Air Balloon Rides: Ideal for those who love a bit of romance and spectacular views.

Pottery Workshops: Perfect for artistic souls who’d enjoy creating something tangible.

Cooking Classes: Fantastic for food lovers looking to learn new culinary skills.

Supercar Driving: A great choice for car enthusiasts with a need for speed.

Spa Days: The ultimate in relaxation, perfect for friends and family members who deserve a treat.

Theatre and Dinner Packages: A wonderful gift for culture enthusiasts.

Whisky or Gin Tasting: An ideal choice for spirits aficionados who love to explore new flavours.

Why Choose an Experience Day?

An experience day voucher isn’t just a gift – it’s the start of a new memory. Unlike traditional presents, these gifts are less likely to gather dust or be tucked away in a drawer. Instead, they provide an opportunity for your loved ones to try something different, step outside their comfort zone, or simply spend a relaxing day enjoying themselves.

By putting thought into the type of experience you choose, you can create a meaningful present that your recipient will remember long after the decorations have come down. So, this Christmas, consider swapping out the socks and sweets for a gift that brings joy and excitement. Happy gifting!

Making Christmas Special for Care Home Residents and Hospital Patients: How You Can Get Involved This Festive Season

As we approach the Christmas season, many of us look forward to spending time with family and friends. But for residents in care homes and patients in hospitals, the festive period can sometimes feel lonely and isolating. 

This year, why not consider helping to bring a little extra Christmas cheer to those who may otherwise miss out? 

There are many ways to get involved, and your contribution, however small, could make a real difference. 

Here’s a guide on how to bring a little magic to someone’s Christmas and make this season memorable for those who need it most.

1. Organise a Christmas Card Drive

A Christmas card may seem simple, but it can mean the world to someone who doesn’t have visitors over the holiday. Reach out to local schools, community groups, or even friends and family to help create a stack of festive cards. Many care homes and hospitals welcome such initiatives, and you can personalise the cards with uplifting messages. Each card is a reminder that someone is thinking of them, which can be a powerful gesture of goodwill.

Tip: Contact local care homes or hospital wards to confirm the best way to deliver these cards and find out about any specific requests or restrictions.

2. Get Involved with Gift Drives

Some organisations run Christmas gift drives specifically aimed at care home residents and hospital patients, collecting donations of small presents such as toiletries, cosy socks, blankets, or puzzle books. You can often find local charities or churches that organise such gift drives, or you could even coordinate your own in your neighbourhood or workplace.

Be mindful to choose gifts that are appropriate and easy to use, as some recipients may have physical or cognitive limitations. You can always check with a contact at the care home or hospital to ensure your gifts are suitable and won’t be too complex for recipients.

3. Volunteer to Help Spread Festive Cheer

Volunteering your time is one of the most direct ways to make a difference. Hospitals and care homes often need extra hands to help decorate spaces, organise festive activities, or simply visit with residents and patients. Even something as simple as singing carols or helping to facilitate holiday games can bring joy and a sense of community.

If you’re musically inclined, consider putting together a small group to perform carols or holiday music. Many residents and patients love to hear familiar songs, and a small performance can break up the monotony of hospital or care home life.

Note: Many places will have volunteer requirements, such as background checks, so it’s a good idea to reach out early to find out what’s involved.

4. Donate to Relevant Charities

There are several UK-based charities and organisations that specifically support hospitalised patients or care home residents during the holidays. Consider donating to charities like Age UK, The Silver Line, and Friends of the Elderly, which focus on supporting older people who may face loneliness or isolation. Your donations go towards everything from purchasing gifts to supporting activities that keep residents engaged and connected during Christmas.

You could also look into hospital charities, many of which have seasonal appeals that fund holiday treats, decorations, and events for patients spending the season in hospital.

5. Offer a Helping Hand to Staff

The staff in hospitals and care homes work tirelessly over the holiday season, often with limited resources. Consider providing small treats for them – perhaps a batch of baked goods, a festive hamper, or simply some handwritten notes of appreciation. These gestures remind staff that their hard work is valued and encourage them to keep spreading the festive cheer.

Some communities also organise “care packs” for staff, with essentials like hand cream, chocolates, and other items to keep morale up. You could contribute to or start your own initiative if you’d like to show support in this way.

6. Encourage Young People to Get Involved

Encouraging children or young people to help out fosters a community spirit and gives them a sense of connection with older generations. Whether it’s through drawing festive pictures, recording short holiday video messages, or joining a virtual carol session, young people can bring vibrant energy to these settings. Many care homes and hospitals welcome virtual interactions, which can be organised through video calls if in-person visits are not possible.

Tip: Check if there are any local intergenerational programmes that support interaction between young volunteers and care home residents, especially around the festive season.

Wrapping Up: Making a Meaningful Impact

The Christmas season is a wonderful time to come together as a community. Whether you’re sending cards, organising gifts, volunteering, or making a donation, you’re helping to create cherished memories for people who might otherwise feel left out. Small gestures can truly brighten the lives of care home residents and hospital patients and remind them that they are part of a broader community. Let’s make this Christmas unforgettable for everyone – because everyone deserves a little festive cheer.

You can check with local churches who often run festive care schemes for local nursing homes, carehomes, hospices, hospitals, etc. 

From all of us working to spread kindness this season: Merry Christmas!

Bring Festive Joy to UK Care Homes with Cards For Good Causes

Donate an Advent Calendar by 25th November to Spread Christmas Cheer.

Cards For Good Causes is inviting everyone to spread festive cheer to care home residents through the joy of advent calendars. 

This year, the UK’s largest multi-charity card and gift retailer is launching a new campaign to bring advent calendars to residents in care homes across the country.

There’s something truly magical about the tradition of peeling back the door on an advent calendar each morning, a simple act that brings so much warmth and festive joy. 

Through this campaign, Cards For Good Causes is asking supporters to donate advent calendars, either online or at one of their many pop-up shops, before Monday 25th November. These calendars will then be delivered to partner care homes so residents can enjoy this tradition and feel the festive joy of the season.

In the campaign’s first year, advent calendars will be delivered to care homes in several UK cities, including:

Basingstoke: Barchester Marnel Lodge Care Home

Bury St Edmunds: Manson House

Cardiff: Ty Llandaff Care Home

Edinburgh: St Raphael’s

Leeds: Ghyll Royd Care Home

London: St Teresa’s Home

Christine Ansell, CEO of Cards For Good Causes says: “Our hope is to make Christmas a little brighter for care home residents who may not be able to celebrate with loved ones. We are thrilled to start with these locations and look forward to expanding the initiative in years to come.”

There are two ways supporters can donate:

In Store: Donate an advent calendar at any Cards For Good Causes pop-up shop across the UK. Find your nearest shop at https://cardsforcharity.co.uk/product-category/find-a-card-shop

Online: All tyou need do is visit the Cards For Good Causes website to make a donation towards the campaign. The charity will then deliver an advent calendar to one of the selected care homes on your behalf: https://cardsforcharity.co.uk/donate-an-advent/

All donations must be received by Monday 25th November to ensure timely delivery for the beginning of advent.

Every calendar donated will bring a touch of seasonal warmth, providing a meaningful way for the community to connect and give back this Christmas. Cards For Good Causes thanks everyone for their support in spreading joy and helping make this season extra special.

For further details, visit the Cards For Good Causes website: https://cardsforcharity.co.uk/donate-an-advent/

Something different with meaning this Christmas. The Big Issue North's 2025 calendar is out now

Big Issue North supports around 350 vendors who sell street magazine The Big Issue in the North West, Yorkshire and the Humber. 

Vendors face numerous barriers to mainstream employment, including homelessness, a lack of formal qualifications or work experience, no ID or bank account, language barriers, health challenges and care responsibilities.

All proceeds raised from calendar sales either go directly to vendors or support the Big Issue North Trust (registered charity 1056041) to get more people working, not begging, and to provide support including access to accommodation, education and skills training, ID and card readers, home furnishing packages and much more.

This year, the calendar explores the north through vendors’ eyes.

The north is on the up. While the average monthly rent in the UK is £954, it is almost double in Leeds, at £1,733. Manchester has been a UNESCO City of Literature since 2017, Liverpool was named European Capital of Culture in 2008 and Leeds received the same honour in 2023. But behind the glass skyscrapers of Manctopia and the renovated mills and street art of Sheffield’s Cultural Industries Quarter lie a different reality.

Statistics published in October 2024 found that one in every 200 people in the UK are currently experiencing homelessness. But in Manchester, this rises to one in 74, and the North West, Yorkshire and the Humber are among the five lowest income areas in the UK.

For this calendar, four vendors – Andrew in Sheffield, Colin in Manchester, Vasile in Leeds and Christopher in Liverpool – took two up-and-coming photographers, Cory Schiltz and Abi Black, on tours of their cities as they see them. Through their eyes, the glamour of ultra-modern arts spaces and historic landmarks brush up against the neglected high-rises and unsheltered underpasses that many in these elsewhere prosperous cities are forced to call home.

The north was the beating heart of England’s Industrial Revolution, and today, Big Issue vendors continue a centuries-long tradition of hard work. But with our streets never having returned to the levels of activity that they saw pre-COVID, and with fewer and fewer people carrying cash and vendors currently experiencing homelessness unable to take card payments, many struggle to make ends meet in cities where the cost of living is surging.

“The city feels much emptier than it used to,” says Chris, who sells The Big Issue in Manchester. “I miss my regulars who used to stop by on their way to work or during lunch breaks. Now it’s dead slow, and people just walk by.”

Also featured in the calendar are Mabel and Dottie, the beloved canine friends of Andrew and his partner Mel, who also sells The Big Issue in Sheffield. “They’re both so funny and sweet,” says Andrew. “If we’re upset, Dottie will go up and put her head on your shoulder. She can just sense when something’s wrong. They brighten your day.”

Big Issue North’s 2025 calendar is on sale now at £10 from vendors and at shop.bigissuenorth.com