Christmas gifting pressure is a real, often unavoidable festive phenomenon. Our busy lives hit full-throttle when we reach December, the month often crammed full of work deadlines, Christmas reunions, parties, and the infuriating conundrum of what to buy Janice in accounts for the £10 office Secret Santa.

Add to that conveying the depth of your love for your family with material gifts, and it can be a recipe for stressed-out panic buying with unfortunate results. You don’t want to be dashing around department stores on Christmas Eve, sweating over gift sets, questioning whether you really know your partner or children at all. Even worse, you don’t want them to be wondering the same when they unwrap their gifts on Christmas Day.

Everyone is unique, which is why it’s important not to snatch the nearest present in your chosen price range and hope for the best. You also don’t want to seem like you’re offering hints or lifestyle advice – an industrial sized tub of anti-wrinkle cream or a new hoover screams ‘I read this is what women want’ and ‘you’ve been moaning about these things all year’ rather than ‘I love and value you.’ That being said, there are some luxury gifts that can improve lifestyle and be a great addition to the family home.

Why not join the cult of Peloton, by purchasing the exercise bike and its subscription? Ideal for the active lady in your life, this exercise bike brings spin class into the comfort of your house, so there’s no need to waste time travelling back and forth from the gym, and no need for public sweating. The array of classes, exercises and even meditation coaching available on Peloton means that the recipient is spoiled for choice, and will receive overall cardiovascular and muscular health when they use it. Pitch it as a life-extending gift to maintain health, rather than a weight-loss device, for extra gifting points. If your loved one is more into literature than exercise, a hardback book subscription where she can choose her personal book preferences will keep her in reading material for the whole of 2022.

For the wine connoisseur, why not gift a bottle from a year of great significance to your relationship or one of a particularly excellent vintage? Couple that with a Bluetooth wine preservation kit from Coravin and you will be able to enjoy the wine on multiple occasions, not just Christmas Day. The kit makes a tiny hole in the cork rather than opening the bottle, allowing you to appreciate the wine later, should you have enough self-restraint not to consume the whole thing. The year of the wine and a heartfelt card will ensure they know it’s a gift from the heart.

For women who spend a lot of time and money at the hairdresser, Dyson’s blow dryer and straighteners might be the perfect gifts to bring salon-quality results into the home. At approximately £500 each, they are ideal for someone who wouldn’t dream of spending that money to upgrade their hairdryer, unless someone else was paying for it. To show you’ve done your homework, reference reviews you’ve read about it, or couple it with some fantastic hair products that suit her hair type. Check you’re not buying curl serum for her sleek glossy locks, or vice versa.

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Turkey is synonymous with British Christmas dinner, though the tradition itself, and the bird’s presence on our island nation, is only a few centuries old. In pre-turkey medieval times, wealthy families or celebrating groups would hollow out a loaf and fill it with meaty stew, much like the South African farmer dish bunny chow. Stuffed boar’s heads were favoured on Christmas dining tables in medieval England, and monks would often spend their pennies adorning their Christmas dishes of pies and fish with extravagant, rare spices to mark the birth of their saviour.

Turkeys were brought to our shores in the early 16th century by British merchants, after generations of Mexicans domesticated the birds for human care and consumption. English monarch Henry VIII’s love of turkey meat is assumed to be responsible for the bird’s widespread popularity later on. Yet the difference between Henry VIII and your average modern-day Briton, aside from his exorbitant wealth and penchant for severing his wives’ heads, is the availability of servants to prepare and cook his Christmas turkey. Generations of Britons have toiled over this tricky-to-roast feast, risking food poisoning if they undercook, and an inedible, dried-up dinner if they overcook. Even the best family chefs run into problems mastering the Christmas turkey, as the meat often comes out dry and becomes the tasteless base of gravy, cranberry and red cabbage.

It’s unsurprising then that families often opt for the more expensive turkey crown, or indeed a pre-roasted bird, to circumvent these issues. There are, however, a wealth of other Christmas feast options for those who want to break with tradition or experiment with other, often overlooked alternatives. For smaller Christmas dinners, partridges and pheasant make outstanding meals with distinct gamey flavours, which can be complemented with wine and cinnamon jus or a Christmassy chestnut stuffing.

If cooking for vegetarian relatives, a nut roast is a fantastic option that will have even the hardcore carnivores sticking their forks into it. There are great options for nut roasts using cranberry and pistachio, butternut squash and pecans, and mushrooms and chestnuts. These can be labour-intensive dishes if you’re only cooking for one or two veggies or vegans, so buying a pre-prepared supermarket version is advised, unless you fancy yourself as a Nigella or Heston as soon as the apron’s out.

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Cast your memory back to Christmas, 1984. You’ll remember where you lived, the corner of your home the tree twinkled in, the faces of your loved ones in their youth, but do you remember the gifts you unwrapped that year? What about your presents at the turn of the millennium? Your stockings five Christmases ago, two Christmases ago? Last Christmas? If you’re struggling to remember the jewellery, the socks, or gadgets from decades of festive gifting, you’re not alone. Though affluent families can afford the best toys, jewels, furniture and clothing for the people they care about, our greatest gift – and most precious commodity – is our time.

If you’re shopping for a loved one that wants for nothing in life and ‘has it all’, an experience gift is a good way forward. In the post-pandemic world people are crying out to be entertained, desperate to relish the freedoms they once took for granted. For the food lovers in your life, a cookery experience with a top chef is a brilliant way to boost skills and expertise while spending quality time together. You may also benefit later down the line from the new recipes in their repertoire.

For the grandkids, why not an off-kilter adventure like alpaca trekking? These fuzzy, adorable animals don’t spit or bite like their llama cousins, and trekking them through the British countryside makes for hilariously fun family memories. The expressive, shaggy faces of the alpacas make them great additions to the family photo album, too. Build the experience into an Airbnb trip and make a full weekend of it for extra memory-making. There are alpaca trekking sites dotted in all UK nations.

If your husband or sons have always fancied themselves as outdoorsy, Bear Grylls types, you can test their survivalist skills with a bushcraft course. Finding and building shelter, cooking over open fires, and general wilderness survival are included in these courses, which will equip your loved one with the skills to keep you alive in the wilds should you ever run into trouble. If you’d rather have your food hunted and gathered for you, and your shelter built, you can stay at a nearby spa and be pampered while they face the elements. It’s a trip they won’t forget for Christmases to come.

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Glistening bratwurst, sugar-dusted stollen, delicate crêpes doused in thick chocolate sauce and the heady spices of mulled wine: the striking flavours and scents of festive German markets have become familiar staples of British Christmastime. Arriving on UK shores in the winter months, the traditional markets bring with them stall upon stall of rich, delicious food and unique Christmas gifts, often handmade by the seller. Artisan clocks, nutcrackers, furry slippers and traditional gingerbread houses adorn the rustic wooden cabins of the market, enticing roaming shoppers into the festive glow of their fairy lights.

If you’re looking for an excuse for a city break, why not explore the finest German markets at their home in Berlin? There are no greater German Christmas displays than these, from the Nordic Fairy Tale Market at the 18th century Britz Palace to Spandau’s glittering renaissance fair. Potsdamer Platz’s ice rink and The Berlin Winterzauber are all incredible sights to visit. The city is steeped in history and fascinating stories beyond the markets too, if you fancy exploring elsewhere.

For those too nervous yet to travel to the markets’ homeland, some of Britain’s most beautiful cities host the markets year on year, and provide an authentic European experience. Birmingham hosts the largest authentic German market in the UK, and in Europe itself outside of Germany and Austria. It entertained a whopping 5.5 million festive revellers in 2019, and this year the masses will return – just with a little more social distance and a few more Covid precautions. Festive, sparkling stalls line Victoria Square and wind down New Street, offering a veritable Smörgåsbord (or in German, bunte mischung) of Christmas delights and delicacies. This is a truly enormous Christmas market, one where you can get the full Frankfurt experience in the heart of England.

Alternatively, Edinburgh, with its striking volcanic skyline, towering monuments and outdoor ice rink in the heart of Prince’s Gardens is a fantastic day or evening trip for the family. Explore the market, ride the sparkling Big Wheel if you’re brave enough, and glug glühwein overlooking some of Britain’s most impressive architecture as it sparkles with festooned festive lights. The Scottish weather is a little more temperamental than other hosting cities, but a warm mug of wine or a dram of the local whisky will quickly cure that icy cold nip in the air. Wrap up warm before you go, or treat yourself to some woollens and furry hats from a nearby stall.

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A perfectly dressed Christmas tree is the towering centrepiece of all festive decorations, so it’s important the tree reflects the personality and space of your family home. Setting up your own tree can be a festive minefield of decision making. Douglas fir or Scotch pine? A striking, classic tree dressing blended with some personal, unique-to-you touches is the perfect way to have a beautiful tree that celebrates your family quirks and history.

Your first crucial decision is the tree itself. Renting a living tree is the latest trend, not only because it’s a sustainable, low-waste option, but because you can establish new family traditions by replanting and reusing the same tree year on year. Companies like Cotswald Fir allow families to see their trees grow over time, and the trees themselves are allowed to flourish between January and November, providing homes for wildlife and oxygen for the air we breathe. This wonderful familiarity creates new affection and attachment towards the family tree, and prevents you dragging a dead pine out to the bins in early January.

To personalise the tree, collect hand-painted or glass-blown baubles from your foreign travels throughout the year, so that at Christmas you can reflect on past holidays. If you’re artistic and skilled at crafts, you can also buy plain glass or plastic baubles and hand-paint them with acrylics – a fun, festive activity for the grandkids, too, if you can handle the mess.

Capturing great lighting is imperative in setting the right tone for your Christmas festivities. Frenetic, flashing multi-coloured lights do not create a soothing ambience for family meals, games or relaxation. A soft, calming, nurturing glow in copper or warm white will eliminate the coloured glare and give your home a ‘peace on earth’ vibe over ‘disco dancefloor.’ Experiment with different shapes of bulb that add an extra decorative element to your tree, such as John Lewis’ firecracker, or traditional candle-shaped lights.

Tinsel alternatives are becoming more fashionable, as the push toward sustainable living intensifies. If you’d like to switch up your usual glittery garlands for something a bit more eco-friendly, paper craft tinsels offer a recyclable alternative and don’t shed shiny shreds of plastic all over the house.

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Checklist have compiled this list of gifts for men to help you translate male noncommittal grumbling into happy faces come Christmas morning.

1. Taylor of Old Bond Street grooming

Taylor of Old Bond Street has proudly been a family business since the 19th century. Nowadays the luxury business continues to uphold the same values as it did when it was first established, offering premium grooming products at affordable prices.

The salon first opened in London’s fashionable Bond Street and quickly gained a reputation in British society for their botanical extracts. The Taylor tradition continued through the next generation, who opened the now famous flagship store in Jermyn Street SW1.

The Taylor name epitomises classic British style and understated elegance, reliability and quality. All products in the Taylor range are manufactured and designed to meet the highest standards and are made from natural ingredients wherever possible.

Find out more at tayloroldbondst.co.uk

2. Pullman Editions artwork

Does the mancave look a bit bare? Or maybe the home office needs some sprucing up? Pullman Editions will have those maudlin walls looking eye-catching and nostalgic in a flash. Pullman Editions design striking original limited-edition posters that capture the enduring appeal of Art Deco with modern prints that are sure to impress.

Their newly-commissioned posters feature glamorous winter sports and summer resorts around the world, as well as the world’s greatest historic automobiles. Evoking memories of holidays and special occasions, their modern take on the Art Deco classics provide an affordable way to decorate your home and also make super original gifts.

There are over 100 designs available to view and buy online.

Find out more at pullmaneditions.com

3. Conway Stewart Bespoke British Pens

Conway Stewart have made high-quality pens since 1905. What better gift for the office worker than a luxurious writing implement? Provide them with a meaningful and functional present.

Ensure that your words have an impact with The Conway Stewart Churchill Heritage pen range. These are British-made and engraved with one of Winston Churchill’s famous sayings on the barrel. Choose from “All Will Be Well”, “Never Give In”, “Action This Day” or “KBO”.

Get yours as a fountain pen or rollerball. These quotes are inspiring and as highly appropriate today as when they were spoken during the darkest hours of WWII. Keep alive the wise words of wisdom from Sir Winston.

Find out more at conwaystewart.com

4. Crown Northampton footwear

Crown Northampton is a fifth generation family-owned business that has been producing quality handmade footwear in England since 1908.

Specialising in luxury sneakers, leather-soled slippers, crepe-soled desert boots, and flexible, lightweight jazz shoes; all collections are available for men and women, in unisex sizes ranging from UK size three to 13. Crown Northampton footwear is all made to order, allowing the customer to choose from a variety of colours, materials, and with the choice of a wider G fitting if required.

Only working with the finest, hand-picked premium leathers from world-class tanneries such as Horween and Charles F Stead , Crown Northampton pride themselves on their craftsmanship and hand-finishing, with all products fully made in their Northampton, England factory.

Find out more at crownnorthampton.com

5. MSI Computers

Thinking of purchasing RGB peripherals for friends and family? Well, look no further. Whether you’re after a gift for a casual gamer or a professional, MSI computers have got you covered, offering premium mechanical keyboards, high-fidelity headsets and wireless gaming controller. Looking for a hardware upgrade? MSI offers the latest in groundbreaking GeForce RTX 30 Series Graphics Card as well as powerful AMD 5000 series.

In the gaming gift guide, you could find reviews and recommendations from the best gaming and technology media, giving you a quick grasp of why it’s worth investing in high quality gaming peripherals.

Don’t forget to get MSI’s unique Dragon Centre app which can be downloaded for free. With the MSI Dragon Centre, you can optimise your system performance, with a simple click to change system tuning, mystic light, real-time assistant, gaming mode, saving game highlights and more. It’s one software that integrates MSI Components, Desktop, Monitors and Peripherals.

Find out more at uk.msi.com

6. MSV experiences

Looking for a gift for a car fanatic? Maybe a racing experience is just the gift for them.

MSV is the UK’s largest motor racing circuit operator and it offers class-leading driving experiences at its Brands Hatch, Oulton Park, Donington Park, Snetterton and Bedford Autodrome venues.

They’re offering Christmas discounts and special offers on a range of 12-month driving vouchers, including exclusive single-seater experiences, Toyota GT86 rally drives, the mighty BMW M4 and the legendary Caterham Seven. Even kids can drive a real Mini with the innovative YoungDrive! experience.

If you fancy something different, MSV also offers other present ideas for the petrolhead in your life, including race event tickets and great value season passes.

Find out more at msvdrivinggifts.com

7. WestEnd DJ

If you’ve always wondered whether you’ve got what it takes to rock a dancefloor? Now’s the perfect time to find out and learn to mix with the DDJ-200 from Pioneer DJ.

The affordable DJ controller connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth so you can mix your favourite tracks from the leading electronic music streaming services. Built with the quality you’d expect from top equipment brand Pioneer DJ, it’s compact and professional looking.

Never stepped behind the decks before? No problem. Mix music via the free iPhone app, WeDJ, and you can follow the step-by-step tutorial that covers everything from setting up the unit to adding professional effects to your sound. Not sure what all the buttons are for? Check out the app’s hints that simplify everything you need to know.

When you’ve honed your skills you’ll be able to practise and perform anywhere you want.

Find out more at westenddj.co.uk

8. Tinggly gift experiences

It can be easy to resort to buying the same old presents every Christmas. But if you’re looking to break the rules and give someone the gift of a lifetime, look no further than Tinggly.

Tinggly sources the world’s most inspiring experiences from over 100 countries across the world, combining travel with once-in-a-lifetime activities which you can gift to someone in the form of a gift card.

Whether it’s swimming with turtles in Hawaii or gliding through Venice’s canals on romantic gondola rides for two, there are endless experiences to choose from.

Simply decide how much you want to spend, choose from a wide variety of gift boxes, then it’s up to your recipient to decide exactly which experience they’ll spend their e-voucher on. It’s that easy and far more meaningful than traditional material gifts.

Find out more at tinggly.com

9. Nordgreen watches

Presents don’t get much more glamorous than a watch.

But as we all become more environmentally conscious, it would be good to know that on the odd occasion that we indulge in a bit of luxury, we could also be playing our part in protecting the planet too.

That’s where Nordgreen Watches can help. These purveyors of Scandinavian timepieces have harnessed the talents of internationally acclaimed artisans, including Bang&Olufsen’s head designer, Jakob Wagner, to produce timelessly classy designs at affordable prices.

However, a high-end watch isn’t all you get with these guys. With every purchase, every customer contributes to the Giving Back Programme, where Nordgreen donates two months of clean water and education to worthwhile causes, as well as saving 200sqm of the rainforest.

Buying a Nordgreen Watch gives time to more than just your loved ones this Christmas.

Find out more at nordgreen.co.uk

10. Gibsons jigsaws

Piecing together a jigsaw puzzle is the perfect way to keep your mind active and your hands busy. Gibsons are a British, family business that have been entertaining generations for over 100 years and their high-quality jigsaws are made from the thickest board on the market using 100% recycled materials.

Produced in the UK and Europe, Gibsons have hundreds of puzzle designs for you to choose from, such as nostalgic villages, scenes featuring iconic planes and trains, and cheeky kittens causing mischief! The puzzles are available in a variety of pieces counts including 40 pieces, 500 pieces and 1,000 pieces…there is something for everyone.

Gibsons also offer a personalised jigsaw for the very particular puzzle enthusiast. Commemorate a special event or revisit a favourite holiday from your living room with a custom jigsaw.

Find out more at gibsonsgames.co.uk

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The post The 10 top festive gifts for the man in your life this Christmas appeared first on Checklists.

Not to worry, Checklist is here to ensure you’re prepared for Christmas for the special lady in your life.

1. Old Thorns Spa

Is there anything more indulgent than a relaxing spa break? We think we have the answer: a spa with a champagne bar.

Just an hour south of London and on the border of the South Down National Park, Old Thorns is one of the south of England’s most highly regarded resort destinations.

The Hampshire countryside offers the perfect backdrop for a mini getaway and the spa facilities allow your loved one to escape from the stresses of everyday life and be pampered in style. There is an exciting array of different treatments to explore, from massage and body treatments to beauty therapies and holistic treatments.

Plus, after a day of relaxation, there are a number of on-site bars and restaurants to indulge in including afternoon tea overlooking the Hampshire countryside, an exciting brasserie menu in the King’s Restaurant and an eclectic mix of cocktails, gins and champagne served in the Atrium Bar.

Find out more at oldthorns.com

2. The Cashmere Centre

Nothing says luxury like cashmere at Christmas. Whether you’re new to cashmere or have been a long-time fan of this marvellous natural fibre, you will recognise the superior quality of Cashmere Centre’s knitwear garments, pashminas and accessories.

This luxury brand only uses the highest quality grade A cashmere, which if cared for correctly, will improve with age and give many years of wear and enjoyment.

Cashmere Centre’s bestselling overhead snood is the perfect gift of luxury. Wonderfully soft and warm it will keep you or a loved one stylishly snug on cold, wintry days.

Available in eight colours it is the ideal accessory to keep tucked away in your pocket or bag ready when needed. 

Find out more at cashmerecentre.com

3. Interflora

Tired of buying the same old gifts every year? Or looking to give them a Christmas they’ll never forget? There’s only one way to do it properly; with a big bunch of beautiful blooms from Interflora. Each bouquet is handcrafted and hand-delivered by local artisan florists.

Interflora’s brand-new Christmas range is the perfect way to send some love to the people who matter the most to you, and the Enchanted Cranberry Hand-tied bouquet is the ideal gift to give to that someone who deserves something a little extra special this Christmas. A stunning display of reds and hot pinks with copper accents for some extra festive glamour, this gorgeous bunch of blooms will truly show you care and is certain to make a lasting impression.

It’s all about thinking outside of the box and making Christmas feel extra special with a bunch of Interflora blooms.

Find out more at interflora.co.uk

4. Storm Watches

What better gift to buy your loved one than a stylish and functional watch?

The Temptress Charm features a delicate strap with a unique, chic heart charm. Perfectly styled with every outfit, she will love the discreet glamour on her wrist.

Or choose a modern, unisex watch, the STORM Sotec. The perfect accessory for smart and casual occasions, this effortlessly stylish watch will not go unnoticed with its bold edge-to-edge laser-blue glass.

British brand Storm leads the way with statement designs and trend-led products. With a multitude of cutting edge designs across both casual and contemporary styles, Storm continues to push boundaries through its innovative approach to produce unique fashion watches and jewellery.

Find out more at stormwatches.com

5. Country Baskets

Visit Country Baskets for a shopping experience like no other. They are the UK’s largest wholesaler of floristry supplies and artificial flowers. With over 30,000 products in store, from wedding to homeware, they have something
for everyone!

Fall in love with the ever-changing collections. Country Baskets have all the essentials covered including flower boxes, cellophane, gifts and greeting cards. The beautiful selection of artificial flowers is perfect for creating a romantic flower arrangement that will last.

Country Baskets was established in 1990 as a family run business and are now the UK’s largest wholesaler of floristry supplies and artificial flowers. They are home to huge ranges of wedding, pottery, glassware, home accessories, craft products and baskets. 

Find out more at countrybaskets.co.uk

6. Elizabeth Gage Jewellery

Elizabeth Gage is recognised as one of the world’s most influential and creative jewellery designers. Using jewels and gold instead of paint and canvas, she has become an acclaimed and highly regarded artist.

For Elizabeth Gage, jewellery serves as a means of wearable art, combining meticulous and perfected craftsmanship. She believes jewellery should be about feeling comfortable with the pieces you are wearing, as she continues to produce one-of-a-kind works that transcend time.

Committed to creating timeless and unconventional jewellery Elizabeth’s creations are for the eternal man or woman unafraid to express their individuality and stand out.

Elizabeth has been creating jewellery for over 50 years and her designs are as innovative today as they were at the very beginning.

Find out more at elizabeth-gage.com

7. Daniel Christopher Jewellery

Dazzle your loved ones with exquisite bespoke pieces from Daniel Christopher Jewellery. The renowned experts specialise in beautiful diamonds carefully selected by a team of highly knowledgeable diamond graders.

 An in-house team of master goldsmiths will lovingly handcraft your item of jewellery in their central London workshop, creating an exceptionally personal piece of jewellery to be cherished for generations.

 With the heritage in Hatton Garden beginning in the 1960s, Daniel Christopher Jewellery is uniquely placed to offer GIA graded diamond jewellery of the highest quality at highly competitive prices when compared to Bond Street jewellery houses.

Find out more at dcjewellery.com

8. Belle Lingerie

Lingerie is a classic gift and for good reason. Who doesn’t like unwrapping lovely lace and satin goodies under the tree?

Belle Lingerie is a great choice this festive season. They stock popular brands like Prima Donna, Aubade, Lise Charmel, Curvy Kate, Pour Moi and many more; catering for all different styles. Their huge range of lingerie and swimwear is great for all sorts of shapes too, as they have thousands of styles from an A cup to a K cup.

It’s a great time to get ahead of your gift buying. They also offer free UK delivery and returns on all orders, which is always a bonus.

Find out more at belle-lingerie.co.uk

9. The Perfume Studio

Imagine if the fragrance you wore was designed just for you. A unique blend that captured your personal memories and locked them in a signature scent. The Perfume Studio’s fragrance design gift sets do just that.

This unique little gift set includes everything you need to expertly blend your own bespoke perfume or cologne in the comfort of your home, including a 30ml glass atomiser and six exclusive blends made from the highest quality ingredients. Once designed, you can register your fragrance online in your personal fragrance account where you can reorder it from a selection of refill options. There are seven scent collections to choose from for your convenience.

Find out more at theperfumestudio.com

10. Nereus

This Christmas, give one of your nearest and dearest an award-winning hair and body care set.

Nereus London’s Conscious Gift Set is an ideal present for those who want to pamper themselves sustainably. The set contains beautifully fragrant organic Buddhawood and Bergamot shampoo, carefully formulated to give soft, smooth, beautiful hair, naturally.

Next comes the luxurious yet calming Madagascan Ylang Ylang shower and bath gel, which truly smells as good as it looks. No gift is complete without a pocket-sized hand gel that keeps hands clean and smelling wonderful.

Nereus London has been carefully designed by founders James and Diana who share a passion for beauty but with sustainability at its heart. All Nereus London’s products are formulated using only natural ingredients and are delivered in fully recyclable, plastic-free packaging. Everything is proudly made in Britain.

Find out more at nereus.uk

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The post Treat the lady in your life with Checklist’s 10 top festive gifts for women appeared first on Checklists.

1. Harry Potter Calendar from Get Trend

How do you treat the ultimate Harry Potter fan in their life at Christmas time?

While watching the films on repeat and brewing your own pumpkin juice is all well and good, one thing that is sure to really charm them is the official Harry Potter advent calendar.

Complete with 24 magical surprises, this enchanting cube of seasonal joy holds lots of trinkets for Harry Potter buffs. From cosy house socks, keyrings and hair accessories, to pens that look like wands, the goodies in this calendar beat your traditional chocolate one for sure.

And that’s not all. Each advent calendar comes with its own invisible ink pen and Harry Potter stationery so you can write to Santa to ask for yet more magical gifts.

Find out more here.

2. Flik Flak watches

There’s nothing more grown-up than getting a watch for Christmas.

If you’re planning to buy your little one their first watch this year, Flik Flak could be the perfect option for you.

These popular, Swiss-made watches are water and shock-resistant, so they can withstand all the rough and tumble your little tykes get up to every day.

Plus, their simple, clear design has been specifically made with education in mind, aiding your child as they learn to tell the time by themselves.

Flik Flak watches can be personalised with your child’s name, making your gift one of a kind.

Find out more here.

3. Funko Loungers

If you know someone who is absolutely obsessed with Disney, Marvel or any other major film franchise, there is one place you need to go to get their Christmas present this year: Loungefly.

Loungefly by Funko offers a collectible range of accessories that are an absolute must-have for die-hard film fans.

Their bags in particular, which are made from premium materials, are a cute yet practical way of telling the world about your passions.

But it’s not just rucksacks on offer. From purses to wallets, there are lots of fun and creative designs to celebrate your favourite films and characters through. The only hard bit is knowing what to buy first.

Find out more here.

4. Tourtech Electronic Drum Kit

Give them the gift of electronic drums this Christmas without the noise with a Tourtech Electronic Drum kit.

Tourtech Electronic Drum kits are portable, quick to assemble and fun to play. There are four different models to choose from, each one taking up only a small amount of space. And, perhaps most importantly, thanks to their headphone jack, people can plug in and learn to play without everyone else having to listen.

Ideal for learners and experienced drummers, these kits come with a range of premium features such as play-along backing tracks. You’ll find each TOURTECH Drum Kit provides a solid foundation for anyone learning to play the drums.

Find out more here.

5. Homestar Flux

Finally, the most exciting thing is happening in your home since the Big Bang: Homestar Flux is Sega Toys’ powerful and advanced star projector. Space travel has become obsolete since you can now simply bring 60,000 stars to your room by pushing a single button.

Imagine enjoying the sky full of stars while sitting on your sofa. This dream can become reality with the Sega Toys series of home planetariums. They have taken their incredibly popular planetarium design and refined it even further.

Crafted in a satin black finish, this powerful star projector is designed to be your first-choice home planetarium. Brilliant glass lenses and the brightest LED ever make everything look vibrant and sharp. The indicated edges of a lunar crater surrounding the lens finish the look.

Find out more here.

6. Okido magazine

From the creators of the hit CBeebies show Messy Goes To OKIDO, this monthly art and science magazine is perfect for young children.

A fun and educational present that lasts all year delivered every month to your child through your letterbox with exciting new themes each month.

Linked to Key Stage 1 curriculum and designed to support ‘STEAM’ curriculum subjects – science, technology, engineering, art, and maths

OKIDO magazine engages young children in science and stimulates learning through play with meaningful content created by scientists, artists and educators. The magazine has stories, games experiment and recipes safe for your child and the planet.

Find out more here.

7. Hobbycraft

Calling all aspiring artists artists: get your craft supplies ahead of Christmas.

Discover the high quality brands you love at new low prices. There’s no better time to spruce up your art stash, with half-price special offers across Hobbycraft’s range.

Whether you’re a budding beginner or a professional artist, they’ve got all of the tools and materials you’ll need to create your next masterpiece. From Seawhite sketchbooks to Pebeo paints, brush sets, colouring pencils and more, it’s the perfect opportunity to stock up.

As well as enjoying amazing value, you can also learn new techniques in-store with help from Hobbycraft’s expert colleagues. They’ll be offering in-store art demonstrations on brush lettering, fluid art and watercolour, perfect for artists of all levels looking to explore a new medium.

Find out more here.

8. kNOW! boardgames

Games night just got even better. kNOW! is the first board game to be powered by the Google Assistant app so it’s always evolving and up-to-date.  Packed with over 1,500 questions and with new content added regularly too, simply ask the Google Assistant for the most current information to find out who wins that round.

Perfect for festive get-togethers, kNOW! features a variety of mini challenges within the game. The challenges are based on knowledge, intuition, fun and creativity so there is something for everyone.

You can access the Google Assistant via Google Smart Home devices or by downloading the free app from the Google Play Store or the App Store.  Don’t want to play online? There are hundreds of offline questions in the box to enjoy too.

Find out more here.

9. Wonderbly

Gift-shopping for the kids? Grab their attention with a book all about them.

Discover the world’s best-selling personalised books this Christmas, perfect for any child. Every one of Wonderbly’s extraordinarily personalised books have powerful messages for growing kids.

Choose from the sleepy, lyrical Bedtime For You, to the universe-hopping Where Are You?.

There is nothing more magical than a child’s imagination. It is limitless, glorious, and incredibly precious. Wonderbly  create meaningful, magical personalised stories which let children imagine themselves doing extraordinary things.

From learning about their own identity, to discovering the world around them and developing empathy, curiosity and confidence, their splendid stories help prepare children for every chapter of their life ahead.

Turn a child you love into the hero of their story and inspire their imagination, confidence and love of reading for life.

Find out more here.

10. Sylvanian Families

There are some Christmas presents that leave lasting impressions on us and Sylvanian Families has been bringing joy to millions of children for generations.

So, little and big children alike will be excited to learn that in honour of its 35th anniversary, Sylvanian Families is launching a brand new gift just in time for Christmas.

The Celebration Home is an enchanting pastel-coloured house complete with floral accessories. Inside, collectors and playful little ones will find an elevator to travel between floors, as well as a weathervane and stylish balconies.

The home comes with 47 pieces and, as with all Sylvanian Families toys, you can combine this with other separately sold figures, furniture, and vehicles for more pretend play.

Find out more here.

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email laura@hurstmediacompany.co.uk or editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

The post Delight the little ones with 10 top festive presents for kids appeared first on Checklists.

1. International Elf Service

From the Cinnamon Mine to the Elves’ Workshop. Add a huge dollop of magic to your family festivities, with award-winning, eco-friendly, and personalised International Elf Service Christmas Elf  Letters all the way from the North Pole.

Bringing the excitement, adventure and magic of Christmas straight into your home, International Elf Service can deliver a selection of individual letters and letter bundles, including Elfie’s Christmas Advent Letters. A unique chocolate-free, experience-rich children’s advent calendar of 25 personalised Christmas Elf Letters plus a Letter from Father Christmas, delivered each night through December. 

Created using 100% recycled paper, renewable rustic jute twine, and eco-friendly personalised brown envelopes, the Elves carefully pack their letters in sustainable boxes, filled with natural wood-filler spirals made from pine and spruce excess from managed forests, finished with soft, cotton candy cane cord for an extra dollop of festive delight.

Find out more here.

2. Oliver Spencer

Over the years Oliver Spencer has become known for its relaxed take on traditional British menswear, creating contemporary clothing made from the best quality fabrics. More recently, the brand has put a renewed emphasis on working with organic cottons and ecological wools to help reduce its impact on the environment.

With Christmas on the horizon, Oliver Spencer has an exciting range of products to suit all budgets, from perfectly formed, handcrafted accessories to overcoats made from ecological wools. Whether looking for something to complete your winter wardrobe or seeking out the perfect gift for a loved one, visit Oliver Spencer online or at one of our stockists to discover the full range of Oliver Spencer clothing, footwear and accessories.

Find out more here.

3. One4all

If you regularly find yourself at a loss about what to buy people for Christmas. or just happen to know a particularly fussy person. a gift card is your answer.

The One4all multi-store gift card can be spent in more than 55,000 selected online stores and shops across the UK, including much-loved high street stalwarts such as John Lewis & partners, Clarks, New Look, Boots, Halfords, Argos and many more.

A One4all Gift Card gives the recipient the freedom to splash the cash basically wherever they choose, so they can find the ideal gift for themselves without you having to do any hard work. Plus, you can purchase a One4all Gift Card or the new One4all Digital Gift Card,
which can be bought, customised, sent and spent all on your mobile phone. It’s a win-win situation.

Find out more here.

4. Wentworth Wooden Puzzles

Hand-designed puzzles made in Britain, Wentworth Wooden Puzzles are high quality and long-lasting gifts for all ages.

Treat yourself or a loved one to one of their latest Christmas designs. Wentworth try to keep their Christmas puzzles diverse and exciting, so you’ll have plenty to choose from, for everyone on your Christmas list.

With a fabulous and diverse collection of images, each puzzle also has a challenging puzzle cut. This includes their ‘whimsies’ – puzzle pieces made into recognisable shapes, such as a flower, reflecting the theme of the chosen jigsaw puzzle.

Available in a range of shapes, sizes, and difficulty levels, there’s even the option to create a custom-made design using photos for a personal touch.

Find out more here.

5. SpaBreaks

Spa travel experts Spabreaks.com are finding an increased demand from men to create relaxing experiences tailored just for them.

Traditionally, men visited spas incidentally, either going with a partner or having the odd massage while on holiday. However, the increased conversation around wellbeing is seeing more men take time out at spas for themselves.

As a result, many spas have responded to this by updating their style, spa treatments, and experiences in favour of those that embrace the comfort and wellbeing needs of men as well as women.

Spabreaks.com has also made it easier for those looking to treat the men in their life this Christmas with spa experiences and gift vouchers to suit everybody.

From spa treatments that combat the skin-damaging effects of pollution and shaving, to massages that ease muscles aching from sport or sitting at a desk, Spabreaks.com will have the perfect gifting solution.

Find out more here.

6. Encore Tickets

What could be more festive than taking your family to the theatre? Or splurging on a perfect gift for a loved one to enjoy in the new year. Whether it’s the gravity-defying show Wicked, the all-singing, all-dancing Motown the Musical, or the feel-good ABBA classic Mamma Mia!, Encore Tickets has the perfect show for you.

Make sure your family has a merry Christmas by sharing some festive cheer with a pantomime or theatrical performance that they’ll remember for years to come.

So why Encore Tickets? They’re the one-stop shop for all West End shows, great attractions, days out and more with great availability. Don’t wait until the last minute, show them you care, book
today and find a perfect live experience to share with the ones you love.              

Find out more here.

7. Broadgate’s Winter Forest

In urgent need of some seasonal vibes with friends and workmates? Step away from your usual overcrowded local and head to a magical fairy-tale pop-up. The Winter Forest is handily located in central London’s Broadgate Circle next to Liverpool Street.

The Winter Forest transports you from the city into a snug winter wonderland. Covered in twinkling fairy lights and snow-covered pines, The Winter Forest is serving up mulled wine, craft beers and cocktails; excellent street food; live music from up-and-coming names and seasonal experiences that’ll make you feel instantly more Christmassy all under starry skies surrounded by warming heaters. T

The Winter Forest at Broadgate Circle next to Liverpool Street Station is free and open every day over the festive period.

Find out more here.

8. Spirit of Harrogate

Looking for something a bit different to do this year? Then why not check out Slingsby’s new gin experience, The Master Distiller, at their home on Montpellier Parade in Harrogate.

Allow them to guide you through a tasting session to find your preferred style of gin and the one you would like to make in the session. From Juniper, Citrus, Spice, Floral, Herbal and Fruit flavours, the Slingsby mixologists will ensure that you go home with a gin you will enjoy and be proud to share with friends and family.

You will select your botanicals with the guidance of their team, distill on one of their mini copper stills, and bottle with your very own personalised label to take home. Throughout, you will have the opportunity to try different gins from the Slingsby range, and you will finish the session with your perfect serve.

Find out more here.

9. Christian Aid

This Christmas, if you choose to buy a present for your nearest and dearest from Christian Aid Charity Gifts, you can bring hope and happiness to families around the world.

When you buy a virtual gift from Christian Aid Charity Gifts, your loved one is sent a card with your personal message. Each card explains a bit more about the present and tells the story of a real person who benefited from a similar life-changing gift.

Meanwhile, your money acts as a donation and goes into a fund for a particular area of Christian Aid’s work. So if you buy a turkey, your money goes into an agriculture and livestock fund and will be used for a similar programme or project, like supplying turkeys to families in Bangladesh.

Christian Aid Charity Gifts have the power to transform lives – and they’re guaranteed to make your friends and family proud to be part of something really special this Christmas.

Find out more here.

10. Mr Wheeler Wine

Need a gift for that wine-aficionado in the extended family? Check out Mr Wheeler Wines.

Better wine drinking means experiencing a greater level of enjoyment and satisfaction. Mr Wheeler empowers their customers to be able to choose wines based on knowledge, insight and an understanding of what they enjoy.

A large portion of UK consumers tend to rely on the major retailers or supermarkets to provide wine choices and more often than not, those wines selected are based on price, and then varietal, region or country, and possibly not quality.

Their wines come from family-owned vineyards across the globe – often smaller vineyards that have developed across a number of generations. Their aim is to support these fantastic producers, ensuring we are working in a partnership that means they have a sustainable business and can concentrate on producing the very best wines.

Find out more here.

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email laura@hurstmediacompany.co.uk or editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

The post Checklist’s 10 top Christmas gift ideas to spark your imagination appeared first on Checklists.

But fear not; for Checklist have come up with 10 brilliant gift ideas for kids. So, whether you are looking for activities to engage their minds, games they will want to play again and again, or arts and crafts to unleash their creativity, we have got all that and much more below.

1. Kids Cook! Good Housekeeping

Cooking to please those little ones is a challenging day-to-day task, striking the right balance between tasty and nutritious meals. How about we turn the tables?

The Kids Cookbook; courtesy of Good Housekeeping; is designed for the budding young chef eager to step foot in the kitchen and cook up a treat. Filled with more than 100 delicious, tasty easy-to-follow and delicious recipes, the cookbook is for kids of all ages, and it allows them to take the lead and practice their skills, with a range of fun and healthy ideas for a variety of food they can make themselves. Each tested recipe is in easy-to-follow steps and illustrated in colour and in the process, places an emphasis on teaching them the basics of cookery.

Your sous-chef may just be the next Top Chef Jr! Cook popular dishes, like spaghetti Bolognese and lasagne, whip up a quick and easy nutritious salad, or cater to a sweet tooth craving with tasty smoothies and cakes, and more. Host friends and family and wow their socks off with your cooking skills.

Find out more at Books Please.

2. My Search-And-Find World Trip

Take a child on a unique round-the-world trip and open their eyes to the many wonders of the world. This personalised, search and find book is educational, informative with every page offering insight to each destination.

My search-and-find World Trip is an illustrated book, emphasising the many breath-taking wonders of the world. Children can go on an exciting adventure to 10 incredible, unique geographical destinations, from each corner of the world, including the canals of Venice, the icy tundra of Greenland, the wondrous depths of the Great Barrier Reef and the majestic, awe-inspiring Egyptian Pyramids. The aim of the book is for children to find hundreds of objects, a secret code and, of course, themselves.

My Search-And-Find World Trip recognises the importance of representation, and how children seeing themselves in characters on screen or in books can be an incredible self-esteem boost that can shape their formative years. Their unique configurator enables you to create a character who looks just like the special person you create the book for. Choose from over 750 options including clothing and hat colour as well as glasses.

Find out more at librio.com

3. My Fairy Garden Dragon’s Tower Garden

Foster your child’s creativity and teach them the magic of gardening, with the My Fairy Garden Dragons’ Tower Garden, a magical world for fun play.

The magical tower castle is home to a family of gorgeous dragons, including mummy and baby dragons, along with the fairy Thea. Introduce your child to the wonders of gardening; with the tower garden coming complete with pea and grass seeds to grow in three areas. Simply add soil and bring the wondrous garden to life, with a touch of magic that kids will love. You can take the baby dragon anywhere in his eggshell with the option to use the eggshell to water the plants too.

Suitable for ages four years and over, the Tower Garden is educational, fun and perfect for learning about growing plants

Find out more at Hobbycraft.

4. The Magic Labyrinth

A board game that tests memory, intelligence, skill and above all else, is bucketloads of fun? Meet The Magic Labyrinth, the memory game for kids.

The Magic Labyrinth is a game all about finding your way out of a huge maze. Players play as little magician apprentices who have lost treasure in this magic maze, with the goal being to try and collect them before the Master notices. However, all is not as straightforward as one may think, with the little magicians bumping against invisible walls within this special maze. It is only through a combination of a good memory and plentiful skill that players will be able to navigate through this magical maze.

Can your memory stand up against this testing maze? Are you able to out master the Master? Only one way to find out…

Find out more at travellingman.com

5. Decathlon Football Goal

The one stop-shop for all sports and outdoor needs, Decathlon’s SG 500 size 5 football goal is the perfect gift for the football mad child.

The SG 500 size 5 football goal, with dimensions of 80 x 40 x 6 cm dimensions, weighing a mere 4.5 kg. An all-weather resilient goal, it can be used in several environments, whether for kickabouts in the garden, fun trips to the park, or even packed in the car for long journeys.

Whether you are keen to get a football at your youngster’s feet as early as possible and hone their skill, and produce the next Wayne Rooney or Alex Scott, or simply channel their energy into a productive activity, the SG 500 is the perfect accompaniment, with several key features to make life as easy as possible. It takes a matter of moments to assemble as well as dismantle with a screw and tool-free assembly, an Abrasion Resistance means it is resistant to shocks and weather conditions due to its steel structure and shape, and it is also stable on a range of surfaces, without the need for stakes.

Find out more at Decathlon.

6. Remote Controlled Batmobile Car

Scale the heights of Gotham City and launch Batman into action whilst operating the beloved comic book character’s vehicle of choice. The Remote-Control Batman Launch and Defend Batmobile Vehicle will have your child operating the Batmobile in the streets of Gotham in a flash.

The product includes a Batman action figure, one Launch and Defend Batmobile RC, one controller, and a clear instruction guide. With several nifty features, including a spring-loaded eject feature, the only limitation of your child’s adventures whilst operating the remote-controlled vehicle is their imagination. Play out exciting missions and take down Gotham City’s most notorious supervillains whilst taking your articulated action figure into dynamic battle poses to defend against those who wish to harm Gotham City, including notorious supervillains such as The Joker.

The Launch and Defend Batmobile is equipped with a soft bumper, which protects the home from damage as your child plays out their epic adventures. And with a built-in USB cable, charge your Batmobile when you are done fighting crime.

Find out more at Smyths Toys.

7. Evermeadow House Playhouse

In this generation, it seems every child owns a smartphone, iPad, or another electronic device. Getting children to play outside and reap the benefits of exercise and fresh air can be an arduous task. With the beautiful Evermeadow House Playhouse, get them outside, whilst still being indoors.

Perfect for all garden sizes, The Evermeadow Playhouse is furnished with beautiful natural wood enabling it to blend right into its surroundings, and with a simple slot-together design, it is a doddle to assemble (and reassemble).

The playhouse’s size makes it perfect for children aged three to eight years, and with a safety certification for children aged 18 months plus, be safe in the knowledge that children will be safe when spending hours in their new home, creating everlasting memories and engaging in hours of activity that is only limited by their imagination.

So, whether that is hosting tea parties, playing a variety of games, or getting artsy and crafty, there is nothing to stop those little ones from doing what they love. Furthermore, the smoothed wood provides a brilliant opportunity to decorate the new home in your little one’s favourite colours.

 Find out more at Big Game Hunters.

8. Adopt a Tiger

Breaking away from the concept of traditional gift-giving, why not gift a child with the possibility of changing the future for one of the planet’s most endangered creatures?  By adopting a tiger on their behalf, you will be helping the WWF bring this magnificent animal from the brink of extinction, with the child also receiving a range of cool gifts.

WWF, an organization that works in the field of wilderness preservation, estimates the current tiger population at 3,900. However, they aim to double that number by 2022 and are well on their way to achieving that. They need your help in continuing their efforts. Your adoption will help the WWF fund projects that monitor tiger movements, reduce poaching, and help local communities to live peacefully alongside them. Furthermore, your child will receive a cool cuddly toy, their choice of welcome packs with one created especially for under 12s, as well as regular adoption updates.

For the animal enthusiast, or a child simply eager to make a difference in the world, adopting a tiger in their name is the perfect gift, and could potentially change the course of future events for this incredible creature.

Find out more at WWF.

9. FAO Schwarz Toy Piano Dance Mat

Foster your child’s musical talents early and get their feet moving to the beat, with this Toy Piano Dance Mat.

Kids of all ages can pound the keyboards with their feet to their heart’s desire. The piano dance mat comes pre-recorded with five different classical songs; including Heart and Soul; or if you are feeling particularly creative there is an option to record your own songs. A fantastic way to keep active, showcase the wonders of music and sound to kids by entering the wondrous world of FAO Schwarz, who have been creating children’s toys for 150 years.

Find out more at Selfridges.

10. Marvel Fluxx

Marvel mania defined much of the 2010s, with the big screen offerings capturing the hearts and imaginations of the people, and the box office. The comic book superheroes infiltrated mainstream pop culture, becoming a phenomenon that branched into numerous areas including card games.

Marvel Fluxx is a hugely addictive, card game. Featuring beloved heroes and infamous villains from a range of Marvel comics, Fluxx lets you assemble your dream team of Avengers, with the pack including 7 exclusive cards and a collectible coin. Normal rules do not apply in this game, rather they keep changing depending on the cards you choose to play, with the cards themselves determining the current rules of the game. By playing cards, you can put new rules into play that change numerous aspects of the game: how many cards to draw or play, how many cards you can hold in hand or keep on the table in front of you, and crucially, how to win the game.

With the brand-new Marvel edition, special Avengers-themed cards make the game even more tailored for your comics fan at home, aged eight and over.

Find out more at Looney Labs.

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email laura@hurstmediacompany.co.uk or editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

The post Surprise the little ones with these 10 unique gift ideas for kids appeared first on Checklists.