Need some inspiration now that the festive season has snuck up on us? BritMums Roni Dutta and Kirsty McCabe are seasoned Christmas shoppers. Here are their pro tips for Christmas shopping that will put a smile on everyone’s face come Christmas Day.
Gift you wish you had when you were little…
Personalised gifts are all the rage but quality can vary enormously. Wonderbly’s gift books for children make a truly special keepsake they’ll treasure well beyond their childhood. You can choose to make children the hero of their very own story, take part in a ‘Where’s Wally-style’ adventure or boost their confidence with a journal full of confidence-boosting tips and affirmations (pictured).
www.wonderbly.com
Gifts for pets and pet-free homes
Pets quickly become part of the family and children will more than likely want to bestow their beloved furry friends with Christmas gifts adding yet another name to your endless Christmas shopping list. PetsatHome have an amazing selection of reasonably priced toys and festive edible snacks for felines, pups, guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters and more including dog Christmas jumpers, ready-filled stockings and even brussels sprout themed chew toys.
If you’re holding firm and fending off requests for a pet from the kids because you know who’ll end up looking after it, a Living Nature’s premium plushy may very well placate them (for a bit at least). These fur-ever friends are soft, snuggly and sustainable – made using recycled plastic fillings wherever possible.
The ultimate alcohol-free Christmas drinks
It can be hard to avoid alcohol at this time of year. But finally, there are some decent alternatives out there, perfect if you’re keeping schtum about your own Christmas miracle. Lyre’s non-alcoholic spirits brand has made it easier for non-drinkers to enjoy their favourite cocktails and other signature serves with its range of 13 spirits and liqueurs. What’s more – they are lower in calories compared to their boozier counterparts. We particularly love their London Pink Spirit served over ice with a splash of tonic and a slice of lemon. All the fun and none of the hangover!
Eco and Green Christmas ideas
After the success of the climate talks in Glasgow, every company is keen to prove their eco-credentials. Top of the planet protectors is Paperchase whose Christmas offerings from cards and wrapping are all recyclable and glitter-free. We love their plantable Christmas cards made of recycled paper and flower seeds.
Hobbycraft are also getting in on the eco-action this year with a range of decorations, Christmas craft kits made of recycled/recyclable materials including cloth Christmas hats, ceramic hand-painted baubles and crochet-your-own tree baubles all of which make for some fun activities to do with the kids in the run-up to the big day.
Great tasting gifts for those you can’t be with
There is nobody in the world who won’t enjoy rummaging through a delivery of festive treats from tasty chutneys to fancy cheeses and wines. Hampers make the perfect gift for those special people you can’t be with at Christmas. Hampers.com has a range of delicious treats available with prices starting as low as £22 for a hamper of mince pies and mulled wine. Their focus this year is about togetherness and sharing, but to be honest we would be tempted to keep the prosecco and chocolates hamper ourselves!
Stylish and ethical festive wear for young and old
There are plenty of gorgeous clothes for little ones at this time of year, but we wanted to give a big shout out to Frugi, the UK’s leading ethical and organic children’s clothing brand. Not only do they use organic cotton, but their outerwear is made from recycled plastic bottles. And most importantly, the clothes are fabulous; colourful and cleverly designed. No gender divide here, both sexes can wear Frugi clothes, and the excellent quality means they last a long time so you can pass them on to siblings or cousins, boosting that eco-value. It’s definitely worth taking a look at their festive jumpers, partywear and pyjamas. Some of their ranges come in adult sizes if you fancy a spot of twinning!
Expensive but we want one!
After all that shopping you deserve a cuppa! One of the trickiest things to manage when you are juggling childcare and working from home is drinking your tea or coffee before it gets cold. Pop this Ember smart mug on your Christmas list and put the days of drinking tepid tea behind you. It allows you to set a precise temperature for your drink and keeps it warm for around an hour. Or if you place it on the charging coaster it will keep it warm all day! Simply set your desired drinking temperature using the Ember app and pour your beverage into the mug. At over £100, it’s quite pricey but we’re have been VERY good this year so here’s hoping!
About Ronita Dutta
Former BritMums Brilliance in Blogging judge and award-winning freelance journalist with over 20 years experience producing engaging content for clients including BBC Studios, The Independent and Penguin. She's written on a diverse range of subjects from health and beauty to parenting, education, psychology and even the weather. Daughter of Bengali immigrants, Ronita was born and bred in London where she and her son can often be found building endless Lego creations.