*’Tis the season where I get all stress-y, fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la!*
Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE Christmas, the lights, the family time and of course, THE FOOD – bring on the pigs in blanket-induced food coma!
But yeah, the only thing I hate about Christmas is thinking about what to buy everyone… I love buying gifts for people, I just haven’t a clue what to get them and then I get all stressed and my boyfriend wants to kill me haha!
So this year, I’ve got my shit together and sorted out what I’m getting everyone and all before December too! Absolute record for me this!
Here’s a few presents that I’ve got for family and friends, I hope they’ll give you some ideas on what you could get your loved ones this year!
For the parents…
Whenever I ask my mum or dad what they would like for Christmas or birthdays they always say, “Oh don’t worry about us, just get us some chocolates or something…”, which is kind but omg annoying! They deserve so much more than just chocolates so I’ve gone one better and got them the ‘Christmas Treats Gift Box’ from Appleyard London!
I was searching for Christmas hampers online and came across Appleyard London’s selection of hampers, I thought they only sold beautiful flowers – how wrong was I?!
They have an amazing selection of hampers/gift boxes that include so many delicious, yummy items inside them.
After spending a FULL hour looking through all the different hampers they have on offer, I settled on the ‘Christmas Treats Gift Box’ as my parents have such a sweet tooth, like me, and would enjoy every single item it includes.
I was also pleased to see they have ‘Free From’ hampers too, which includes hampers for Diabetics, Vegans, Alcohol-free and Gluten & Wheat free. They’ve literally thought of everyone!
Just when I thought things couldn’t get any better, I went through the checkout with my hamper and discovered that it was FREE NEXT DAY DELIVERY! What have I done to deserve you in my life Appleyard London, why cant other companies have amazing delivery services like yours?!
So the next day my hamper arrived and I had to stop myself from eating everything! I wish someone would buy me one…
How cute is the box it came in though, I’m not even going to wrap it up y’know, it’s cute enough as it is…
Here’s a list of everything that came inside the Christmas Treats Gift Box…
- Shiraz Cawston Cove South Africa 75cl 13% vol
- Abbey Biscuits Handmade Christmas Spice Biscuits 150g
- Barfield Bakery Mince Pies x 3
- Buiteman Cheddar Biscuits 75g
- Buttermilk Tab Top Mince Pie Fudge 100g
- Gold Crown Chocolate Slab with Gold Holly & Red Berries
- Linden Lady Milk Chocolate Bar with White Snowflake Sprinkles & Mini Marshmallows 100g
- Mr Filbert’s Chilli & Fennel Mixed Nuts 50g
I’m so impressed with all of the items inside this hamper and they all look of good quality too. I cant wait to give it to my parents on Christmas Day, bet it’ll be all gone by Boxing Day!
Now I just need to find a way of getting a bit all of that chocolate bar with marshmallows…
For the Boyfriend…
I’ve bought 2 things for G (my boyfriend) this year and it took me friggin FOREVER to think of these items. Men are too hard to buy for in my opinion – they do not know the utter stress we go through trying to think of what to buy them.
Nintendo Switch
I bought this from Game but so many other retailers sell them in various bundles or just on their own.
I decided to buy this bundle for £339.99 as it has a special edition Pokémon design on the switch itself, the new Pokémon game pre-installed AND a pokeball which does something, I’m not really sure what but I’m sure G will figure it out haha!
The other thing I got him was this book by CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale)
G really enjoys all those real ales you see when you go to a pub and likes to discover new ones whenever we go somewhere new so I thought this may be a perfect gift for him.
CAMRA actually have a LOT of gift options which I was really surprised at. Aside from books, they have gift memberships and items of clothing too! Their shop is definitely worth a look for Christmas gifts!
Go to their website to find out more!
Other gifts…
These are the other gifts I have bought for my friends and loved ones.
‘Cold Toes at Christmas’ written by Jo Fitzgerald
I thought this would make a lovely present for one of my friends little boy. The book can be found in Waterstones stores and online too!
Sleek MakeUp Set
I thought this Sleek MakeUP set was a bit of a barg in Boots. I actually haven’t got anyone in mind for this yet, I’ll probably end up keeping it but thought it was too good to miss out on!
The set includes…
- Highlighting Palette Solstice 9 g ! Net wt. 0.31 Oz.
- i-Divine Eyeshadow Palette Vintage Romance 9 g ! Net wt. 0.31 Oz.
- Full Fat Lash Mascara 9 ml ! 0.29 US Fl. Oz.
- Dip It Eyeliner Black 4 ml 0.13 US Fl. Oz.
- Lip VIP Lipstick Show Off 3.6 g Net wt. 0.12 Oz.
- Eau La La Lip Liner Dragonfruit 1.1 g Net wt. 0.03 Oz.
- Matte Me Metallic Lip Cream Anodized Ruby 6 ml ! 0.19 US Fl. Oz.
- Matte Me Lip Cream That’s So Fetch 6 ml ! 0.19 US Fl. Oz.
Get to your nearest Boots store or their website to get yours!
Not forgetting…
CARDS!
Yes I’m one of those people who still love to give cards for all types of occasions despite it being easier to send texts/emails or use social media.
Receiving a card, to me, shows that someone’s taken the time to think of you and what better time to do that than at Christmas!
I usually like to buy cards that are not found in high street shops so I buy most of them from Etsy shops. This year I came across these guys – Extra Strong Prints, they have really cute simple designs in their shop!
I hope my gifts have given you some ideas on what to buy your loved ones this Christmas!!
Now to get wrapping everything, I’m not the best so wish me luck?
Liv x
Great gift ideas, I think I might end up getting my boyfriend a Switch too, he plays on mine all the time and it’s so annoying haha. That Sleep Make-up set looks pretty good too, I feel like Sleek always have really good Christmas selections, and they’re always such a great price. Thank you for sharing! I desperately need to start my Christmas shopping!!
Chloe xx
http://www.chloechats.com
Every present, that includes wine would be an amazing gift for my mother. Why I didn’t think of that years before? Thanks for a hint in the right direction!
Great post! xx
Fab list, Liv! I love getting hampers for people. Your boyfriend is very lucky to be getting the Switch for Christmas.
Also, so glad I’m not the only one who loves giving cards – Neal always laughs at me and calls me an old lady because I never miss an excuse to send someone a card!
Author
I get called an old lady for sending cards too! Maybe it’s part of my love for all things stationery…
Thanks for reading Ruth xxx
Ahh Thankyou for introducing me to those hampers! Amazing they do vegan ones, I’ve been struggling what to get my sister for Christmas so I’ll definitely get her one of those, Thankyou!
Like you I love Etsy for Christmas cards, they always have such differing things! Great gift guide!
PaleGirlRambling xo
http://palegirlrambling.co.uk
Author
They’re brilliant aren’t they?! I was so surprised at how many different hampers they have to offer, I’m sure she’ll love whatever one you choose for her!
Thank you for reading xx
Awh I love all your twinkling lights in this post! Some fab ideas – I love the idea of a hamper but I’ve never got one for anyone before xxxx
Author
Haha, I thought I’d make an effort and put up a few decs!
I’ve gotten one before for my boyfriend’s grandparents and they loved it so thought I’d treat my parents this year 🙂 xx
You are sooo organised, I have bought precisely one Christmas present so far, I need to get cracking! That Appleyard hamper looks fabulous, like you, I thought they just did flowers, I’ll have to head over to their site for a proper look now! Fab gift inspo, thank you xx
Lisa | http://www.lisasnotebook.com
Author
Hahaha, well they’re the only ones I have, I still have a few more presents to get!
Definitely do, they have hampers/gift boxes to suit everyone – I was so surprised xx
Omg, my parents say the same thing and it drives me mad trying to work out what to buy them! 😂 Least you’ve got a good idea!
Great post!
Rhianna x
http://www.tsundokugirl.com
Author
So annoying isn’t it?! Thanks for reading Rhianna! xx
SO annoying 😂 I’m like “just tell me!!”
Aaaah nintendo switch and pokemon! Your boyfriend is very lucky
Michelle| http://www.brokebutlfawless.com
Author
I know right! I wonder what he has got me… haha!
Liv x
https://www.seabreezecorner.com
Awesome post! Great gift ideas! Thanks for sharing 💜
https://jendbibliophile.wordpress.com
Author
Thank you Jen! x
The hamper looks great! I have to admit, I also hate choosing presents. I’m terrible at picking stuff then get myself so stressed out when I don’t know what to buy x
Sophie
http://www.glowsteady.co.uk
Author
Yep, that’s me to a T haha!
I think everyone should just do Amazon wishlists and then it’s so much easier xx
Love this Gift Guide, finding it hard to think of different things to get this year so this definitely helps! Xx
Author
Thanks! Hope it gave you a few ideas 🙂 xx
Love love love this post! Good gift ideas, thanks for the tips
The Nintendo Switch looks amazing! I’ve heard lots of good things about it!
Love, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
Fab list! I completely agree.. men are so hard to buy for
Author
They have it easy with us women!
Well done Liv for being organised and getting a few pressies already 🙂your recipients are very lucky as you have thought carefully about their presents, thanks for sharing xx
Author
Thanks for reading Fiona! xx
Loving the gift guide and I agree men are super difficult to buy for. I’m getting the husband nothing. haha.
Author
HAHAHA that’s one way to get around the problem!! xx
When I saw you suggested Nitendo Switch I was like my boyfriend is O-B-S-E-S-S-E-D! Any boyfriend would die to receive this as a gift! Great post!
Author
Hahaha! Glad to see iv made a good choice!!
Thanks for reading Maria xx
I always struggle to find people the perfect gift! Although, after reading your guide, I’d 100% go for the food! I am all about the food! I could gift a nintendo switch to my bf and then play with him!
Author
Definitely give Appleyard a go if you decide to gift hampers! They’re all so lovely! xx
Although I don’t celebrate christmas I love seeing what other people get as presents and the whole process of gifting is so much fun! Thanks for sharing your recommendations x
Author
Glad you enjoyed reading! xx
oo. love the food basket with such unique flavors like the mince pie fudge. 😀
joy at http://www.thejoyousliving.com
Author
Yes I’m looking forward to trying a bit of that myself haha!! xx
These are such great gifts! Xx