Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO MAKE
CHRISTMAS Magical
2
Make Christmas MagicalMake Christmas Magical
If you’re anything like us, the spirit of Christmas is likely to be in full swing already. You’re jotting down gift ideas; you’ve mentally planned out the best festive spread
anyone has ever seen; and the Christmas cards and seasonal craft projects are all laid out. From spending time with loved ones to enjoying seasonal activities, there’s certainly plenty to get excited about at the end of the year – because it really is a magical time.
After last year’s difficult Christmas where many of us weren’t able to see our loved ones, this year will be all the more special. That’s why we want to help make this your most magical Christmas yet.
WelcomeAs you flip through the pages of our
special digi mag, you’ll find plenty of inspiration – we’re talking creative, crafty projects that are perfect for spreading good cheer, as well as homemade décor ideas to spruce up your home, and easy and, most importantly, realistic ways to make Christmas more sustainable. Plus, don’t miss our 12-page gift guide with ideas for everyone in your life. Whether you’re looking for sustainable picks, foodie treats, beauty sets, gardening gifts or stocking fillers, we’ve taken the stress out of Christmas shopping so you can relax and enjoy the magic of the season!
Senior Content Creator Rachael Perrett Contributors Nicola Moyne, Holly Treacy, Rosalind Moody, Laura HillierAdvertising Director Owen CookAdvertising Manager Bonnie Howard,01206 505929, [email protected] Account Manager Kim Butler, 01206 506226, [email protected] Advertising Manager Emma Steele, 01206 505428, [email protected] Account Manager Julie Freestone, 01206 506232, [email protected] Account Manager Julie Bennett, 01206 506237, [email protected] Manager Joy Palmer, 01206 505944, [email protected]
Advertising Manager Daniel Hewlett, 01206 505950, [email protected] Manager Luke Seymour, [email protected] Art Director Richard AllenAccounts Debbie Starrs, 01206 505995 Anne-Marie Hartley, 01206 505902Managing Director Helen TudorPublisher Matthew TudorLicensing & Content Syndication David Coe, 01206 505948Distributed by Frontline Ltd., Peterborough, 01733 555161Customer Service 0800 904 7000, [email protected]
Disclaimer To the best of our knowledge, we, Aceville, have provided accurate and complete information within our publications, but we make no representation as to the accuracy of the information. Our publications and content are for information and entertainment only and do not reflect an endorsement or recommendation by Aceville. Importantly, the information provided within our publications should not be viewed as a substitute for professional advice, including without limitation, medical advice. To the extent permissible by law, any liability for any loss or damage however caused, arising from the use of the information contained in our publications is excluded. It is our readers’ responsibility to assess the safe use of the information we publish based on each individual’s own circumstances. We cannot assess that because as publisher we do not share medical and health details of our readers.
© ACEVILLE PUBLICATIONS LTD
From homemade craft projects to reducing waste,
here's how to make Christmas
more magical
3
EASY IDEAS TO MAKE
CHRISTMAS Magical
5
Make Christmas MagicalMake Christmas Magical
GATHER UP:
For more smoking hot craft projects, go to soulandspiritmagazine.com
Get inspired
with love
Make Christmas gifts look
irresistible by adapting into
gift tags
SMUDGE YOUR TABLE
These rustic palo santo place holders will beckon creativity, happiness
and good fortune
4
• Palo santo sticks (or white sage, cedar or rosemary)
• Acrylic paints in shades of blue and green
• Embroidery floss• Foliage, such as rosemary sprigs• Pine cone decorations • Cardstock • Sandpaper• Pencil
1 Rub down sticks lightly with sandpaper for a smoother finish, and brush off any dust. If palo santo is unavailable, try removing the bark from the woody stems of lavender or a similar aromatic wood. 2 Use a fine brush and undiluted acrylic paint in shades of blue and green to paint a series of unequal widths stripes around each stick. Use the point of a pencil to add dots of contrast colour to the stripes once dry.3 Select long, straight stems of scented foliage such as lavender or rosemary, and either use fresh or hang to dry out for a few days. Arrange in small bunches and bind to the sticks with embroidery floss. Wire tiny pine cones to the arrangement if desired.4 Cut decorative labels from two colours of card and layer together, punching a small hole in one corner. Write names on the labels and tie to the place settings.
If you bought too many fruits or veggies, why not turn them into edible gifts? Cabbage, carrots, beets, and chillies all make great pickled veg that you can gift in a reusable glass jar tied up in twine. Leftover fruit can be used to infuse homemade spirits: fruits that work well include oranges, cranberries, rhubarb, lime, and coconut, as well as spices and herbs such as rosemary, thyme, mint, elderflower, ginger, clove, and cardamom. Kilners jars work perfectly for storing and presenting homemade edible gifts.
Tackling food wasteFood waste is a huge issue at this time of year. When it comes to storage, don’t forget that the freezer is your friend. Frozen vegetables won’t lose their flavour, so pop them in to keep them from going off. If you’ve over-catered, then make the most of your leftovers. Be sure to store cooled food properly so that it doesn’t go off – you can do this in your fridge or freezer and using beeswax wraps or reusable freezer bags.
Be prepared There’s a reason Santa has a list – and
checks it twice! If you’re hosting this Christmas, then planning ahead is one of
the best ways to ensure that you don’t end up with food going to waste. Granted, it can
be easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the Christmas period, and it often
leads to buying way more than you need. So, try to make a meal plan, then write out your
shopping list with the required quantities: this way you’ll purchase only what you need
(it’ll also save you money!). Try to avoid packaged foods as much as possible, too.
Head straight to the plastic-free aisle of the supermarket, only buy loose produce, visit
your local farmer’s market, or scope out refill stations and zero-waste stores where you
can top up your own containers.
MAKE CHRISTMAS sustainable
From food to gifts, here’s how to reduce your waste during the festive season
SUSTAINABLE DECORATIONS There’s nothing like decorating the house to bring the festive spirit indoors. If you already have decorations, reuse them as often as you can. If lights need to be replaced, opt for solar-powered ones where possible outdoors, or LED lights for indoors. Rather than using traditional decorations, a zero-waste Christmas is the perfect opportunity to think outside of the box and get creative. Cookies make great tree ornaments, and are especially fun for the little ones; homemade bunting can replace tinsel; and eco-friendly glitter can be used to add a bit of sparkle here and there.
T is the season to eat, drink, and be merry. But, Christmas is also a season of excess, and if you’re trying to reduce
your environmental impact, it can be a challenging time of year as you try to balance all that merriment with your eco-friendly lifestyle. But don’t stress: there are ways to reduce your impact and have a zero-waste Christmas while still soaking up the festivities and enjoying the day.
Cooking with leftovers is the ultimate way to flex your skills in the kitchen. Those surplus veggies can easily be used in soups, stews, casseroles and curries for Boxing day. Even your red wine can be frozen in an ice tray to be reused when you want to make gravy or a red wine sauce. While you can’t reuse everything, investing in a good compost container is essential for storing your scraps in a secure place before you take it out to your compost or food waste bin.
ALL WRAPPED UP There’s something magical about seeing pressies all wrapped up, but the tradition leads to a lot of waste. When you’re considering gifts, think about zero-waste options such as refillable beauty buys, eco-friendly essentials such as reusable water bottles, homemade soaps, edible treats, and gift experiences. Consider wrapping gifts in old newspapers or magazines, cloth or fabric, a ‘bag for life’, or even a reusable basket or hamper. You can then decorate with natural flourishes of leaves, herbs and spices, twine or handmade bows. Or why not try our palo santo project on page 5, which also makes a lovely gift tag!
7
Make Christmas MagicalMake Christmas Magical
6
6 HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
PROJECTS
Make the most of the seasonal harvest while having some
festive fun
Make Christmas MagicalMake Christmas Magical
8
Apart from gardening, one of my favourite hobbies is transforming my harvested crops into wines, liqueurs or beers. Almost any fruit or veg can be made into a delicious alcoholic beverage, which could save you money if you enjoy the occasional tipple.
Place about 600g blackberries (frozen or fresh) into a large bowl. Pour over a bottle of red wine (75cl) and mash together. Cover with a tea towel and leave for a few days. Tip the mix into a saucepan, add 650g of granulated sugar and heat gently to dissolve. Add a cup of brandy, leave to cool and then place into sterilized bottles. It is ready to drink immediately, but will keep for a year or two.
I harvested blackberries back in late summer from an enormous bush a friend had growing in their garden. I was also given some sweet tasting ‘Black Butte’ berries, considered to be the world’s largest blackberry, with some fruits weighing up to 12g. Since then, both have been languishing in my freezer, but now is the ideal time to transform them into a drink that can be given as Christmas presents.
SIMON AKEROYD: HOW TO MAKE CRÈME DE MURE
Make a home-grown wreath for ChristmasThere’s just as much satisfaction in growing your own Christmas decorations as pulling the festive parsnips from the garden. A wreath for the front door is among the easiest to make yourself, and a perfect way to celebrate the season’s plenty.
Scour your garden and you’ll find lots of home-grown goodies to include in your wreath – rosehips, crabapples, Chinese lanterns and dried chillies are all suitably Christmassy. Gather it all together,
along with plenty of evergreen rosemary or bay, and start work. Buy a circular frame or make your own from wire or woven birch, then pad with moss, held in place using florists’ wire. Next, poke sturdy herb sprigs into the moss, wiring it firmly in place. Once you have your leafy green background, use your garden treasures to create a colourful design, fixing them in place using more wire, ribbon, pinecones, baubles or dried orange peel.
First, gather all the materials you’ll need. Gold (brilliant gold is more Christmassy than antique) and silver spray are a must, plus newspaper to protect your floor (always spray somewhere that’s well-ventilated). You’ll also need ribbon and florists’ wire for garlands and wreaths, and vases and containers to hold dried displays. Then go outside and collect your garden goodies.
Pumpkins aren’t just for Hallowe’en! The dwarf variety ‘Jack Be Little’ is small enough to grow in a roomy container and is smothered in miniature Cinderella-style pumpkins every autumn, each just 10cm across. They look gorgeous sprayed gold and nestled among pine cones and holly for a festive table centrepiece, or woven into garlands to festoon your house.
Many seedheads including teasels, poppies and the wonderful starburst seed heads of Allium christophii look wonderful sprayed silver and gold and hung from the tree like delicate filigree baubles. You can also make your own, home-grown tree: take a sculptural branch or two from the garden, spray it white and decorate with seedheads, pine cones, dried fruits and fairy lights.
Dried flowers sprayed silver and gold also make lovely Christmassy displays to brighten up dark corners. Hydrangea flowers hold their shape well; pick on a dry day, with a length of stem, and spray silver, then arrange in a pretty vase on their own or with other dried flowers like strawflowers, statice and seaholly (Eryngium).
STEP BY STEP: Homegrown Christmas decorationsIn the run-up to Christmas, it’s easy to fill your home with gaudy plastic baubles and tinsel. But homegrown decorations are cheaper, more satisfying and more sustainable, adding extra special sparkle to your celebrations. Projects courtesy of Sally Nex.
9
that make great gifts
10
Make Christmas Magical Make Christmas Magical
This year, instead of wrapping
your Christmas presents in glittery
paper, swathe them in beautiful
reusable cloth
ADVERTORIAL
Spread joy with our curated selection of thoughtfully inspired gifts. From foodies and gardeners, to the eco-conscious and beauty
lovers – we’ve got everyone covered!
11
Christmas GIFT GUIDE
2021
ADVERTORIAL
Zao Make-up SetsOrganic and vegan, Zao’s Warm & Glow Set (refillable eyeshadow palette and nail polish) and Shiny Touch Selection (three eye pencils and a lip gloss) are ideal for natural-ingredient fans. From £40, zaoessenceofnature.co.uk
Hayo’u Gua Sha CollectionSkincare addicts will love the Hayo’u Signature Jade Gua Sha Collection, comprising the multi-award-winning Jade Beauty Restorer, Beauty Restorer Precision tool and Beauty Oil – all packaged in a decadent gift box. £84, hayoumethod.com
Denman Curls Curls CurlsWhen it comes to styling curly hair, Denman delivers. Cue the Curls Curls Curls Collection of detangling, defining and volumising tools, supplied in a pouch that works double duty as a travel bag. £45, denmanbrush.com
Sakrid Skincare SavioursHarnessing the power of plants, Sakrid’s all-star skincare kit features four of its best clean-beauty stars to rejuvenate, soothe, tone and stimulate skin. £95, sakrid.com
Dr. Hauschka Revitalising Shower SetContaining Shower Cream, Shampoo and Lemon Lemongrass Vitalising Body Milk, Dr. Hauschka’s Revitalising Shower Set is a zesty fail-safe. Plus, for every set sold, £1 goes to Just a Drop, a charity bringing clean water to communities worldwide. £25, drhauschka.co.uk
Tria Beauty Laser Hair Removal 4XTreat tech-savvy beauty buffs to Tria Beauty’s Hair Removal Laser 4X, which eliminates unwanted hair on face, legs, bikini lines and underarms, plus reduces regrowth after just two treatments. £299, triabeauty.co.uk
No Secrets Gift SetOffering 100% plant-based
skincare, this brand’s gift sets “feel like the most luxurious invitation for self-care… anyone receiving [them] would feel spoilt,” according to one
impressed reviewer. From £14.50, nosecretsbeauty.com
Svetlovir by BeeSting Cosmetics Using ethically sourced bee venom to restore skin, products from this science-led brand are powered by nature to ensure next-level results – perfect for your favourite glow-getter. From £50, beestingcosmetics.com
Faith In Nature Body Wash Travel SetThe Body Wash Travel Set is perfect for explorers, comprising three travel-size body washes (Lavender & Geranium, Grapefruit & Orange, and Coconut) in 100ml refillable bottles. £5, faithinnature.co.uk
Premium hair and skincare saviours to indulge in
HAULBeauty 1312
Make Christmas MagicalMake Christmas Magical
ADVERTORIAL
HuGG CBD SkincareThese soothing CBD Bath Salts and exfoliating Coffee Body Scrub make the ideal gifting duo. Infused with essential oils, they’ll polish, tighten and moisturise skin. £43.99, thehuggshop.co.uk
Readly subscription gift cardReadly’s digital magazine and newspaper subscription enables unlimited access to 5,000+ titles. With fashion, food, tech, travel and more, there’s something for everyone. £7.99 a month, readly.com
The Foot Fix A 2021 Health & Wellbeing Awards
winner, The Foot Fix by Yamuna Zake will empower your recipient to
put their best foot forward with a four-week plan. £14.99, available
at all good book retailers and watkinspublishing.com
Absolute Aromas Relaxation Reed DiffuserDelivering a restorative fragrance blended with essential oils, the Relaxation Reed Diffuser includes notes of bergamot, lavender and petitgrain. £23.99, absolute-aromas.com
The Adventure of LifeA clear, beautifully designed
introduction to a spiritual lifestyle, The Adventure of Life by
Sri Chinmoy focuses on meditation, health, diet, family life and the
workplace. £13.99, amazon.co.uk and bluebeyondbooks.co.uk
The Crystal BuddhaTreat loved ones to this gorgeous Crystal Kit,
which has all you need to start or continue your crystal collection, including a selection of hand-
picked minerals, a beautiful bracelet and sage for cleansing your sacred spaces. You can also have a
tailor-made crystal kit to suit your needs. £34.95, thecrystalbuddha.com
The Happy Menopause Highly Commended at the 2021 Health & Wellbeing Awards, The Happy Menopause by Jackie Lynch is a nutrition and lifestyle guide for menopausal women who want to flourish. £12.99, available at all good book retailers and watkinspublishing.com
A Natural History of MagickEnchantingly illustrated, A Natural History of Magick by Poppy David and Jessica Roux uncovers real magic in the natural world – an inspiring read for children. £18.60, uk.bookshop.org
& PRESENTMindful 1514
Make Christmas MagicalMake Christmas Magical
“Before the festive parties get underway, the best
self care for me is simply alone time at home”
Rosalind Moody
“Take time out of the
festive rush to re-charge. For me, this could be reading a book with a
cup of tea, or taking a walk”
Laura Hillier
Modern wellbeing wins that champion self-care
17
“Why not bring a touch of nature into your home this Christmas?
Use foraged twigs, pine cones, leaves
and holly as well as oven-dried orange slices to add festive
flourishes”
ADVERTORIAL
Make Christmas MagicalMake Christmas Magical
“Christmas isn't all about
giving to others – what can you gift yourself to
restore calm? For me, it’s
writing down what I’m
grateful for”Holly Treacy
Empower Yourself This no-nonsense guide by motivational speaker and digital entrepreneur Xenia Tchoumi shares how to be independent in a world of social conditioning. £14.99, available at all good book retailers and watkinspublishing.com
Duchy Designs Home SpaGift a home-spa experience with this handmade range, which includes organic, cruelty-free aromatherapy, beauty and wellbeing buys. Enjoy 10% off with code Duchychristmas. From £2.50, duchydesignshomespa.com
Freya’s Cauldron Witches Self Care BoxCelebrate your inner goddess with a Witches Self Care Box. Packed with goodies (think Power Cards and a Self Love Ritual Kit), this is one for the witchcraft curious. £29.99, freyascauldron.com
Panache Wired Sports Bra
Famed for its bounce-reducing sports bras, Panache Sport
offers the ultimate support for fitness fans, and has launched a new style: the Wired Sports
Bra in Tie Dye Geo. £42, panache-lingerie.com
Radiant RestThis is a must-read for those
interested in self-development and inquiry, guiding readers
beyond Yoga Nidra techniques to navigate a spiritual awakening.
From £11, amazon.co.uk
16
Pulsin Plant-based BrowniePulsin’s Double Choc Dream Brownie is the ultimate plant-based pleasure for chocoholics. Boasting a truffle-like texture, it’s high in fibre, low in calories and benefits from being gluten-free, too. From 99p, pulsin.co.uk
RHS Snowdrop GlasswareFollowing RHS’s exclusive Iris collection, the brand has launched a seasonal Snowdrop
glassware range that’s crafted by British designer Emma Britton – and perfect for
gifting. From £9, rhsshop.co.uk
Delicious gourmet fare for fabulous foodies TREATSTastemaker18
Make Christmas Magical
The Part-Time Vegetarian's YearHighly Commended at the 2021 Health & Wellbeing Awards, Watkins’ The Part-Time Vegetarian’s Year by Nicola Graimes serves up more than 100 flexitarian recipes for food lovers seeking seasonal inspiration. £25, watkinspublishing.com
DIY DELIGHTSWant to gift something homemade this year? Why not create your own gourmand goodies, then package them up in pretty glass jars with a personalised label? Jam, chutney, infused beverages and brownie mixes are sure to go down a treat.
ADVERTORIAL
RHS Landscaping Set Adorned with illustrations from
the RHS Lindley Library archive of botanical art, the British Meadow
Gardening Collection is one of the charity’s most stylish landscaping
sets. From £10, rhsshop.co.uk
Prongcroft ‘The Garden Prong’This unique garden tool is designed to easily
and efficiently aerate soil and remove weeds complete with the root ball. It also enables easier weeding around the base of plants,
and is suitable for gardeners of all ages and abilities. From £14.99, prongcroft.co.uk
Gardening gifts for green-fingered aficionados HITS
Horticulture 19
Make Christmas MagicalMake Christmas Magical
Burford Wellington BootsThese fleece-lined wellies will keep toes toasty during winter walks and lengthy weeding sessions. Expect exceptional craftsmanship and one happy recipient on Christmas Day. £34.99, townandco.com
Bamboo Pots and SaucersGardeners will love these bamboo seed trays, pots and saucers by Haxnicks. Plastic-free, they can be reused for up to five years and then composted. From £3.95, agriframes.co.uk
The Plantable Children's BookIn the world's first PLANTABLE children's book, you can read the incredible story and then plant the book to meet the main character! The books are fully sustainable and biodegradable, even containing 500 non-GMO seeds. £9.99, willsow.com
ADVERTORIAL
Klean Kanteen Insulated
TKWide BottleSo long single-use! Klean
Kanteen’s Insulated TKWide bottles (16oz) keep drinks
cold for up to 47 hours and hot for almost 14 – and
they’re lifetime-guaranteed to ensure maximum use.
£27.95, kleankanteen.co.uk
Millican Core Roll Pack Perfect for walks, hikes or even everyday travel, the 20L Core Roll Pack has got your giftee’s back covered, guilt-free. Made from sustainable materials that will protect gear come rain or shine, this is one for eco adventurers. £70, homeofmillican.com
Serene Wallet by LaBante London
Made from biodegradable vegetable ‘leather’ and recycled plastic bottles,
LaBante’s vegan Serene wallet is as planet-friendly as purses come. Plus,
the brand plants 10 trees for every item sold. £49.99, labante.co.uk
LOR Luxury Beauty BuysA premium brand with purpose, LOR’s all-natural, plastic-free hand, body and hair products care for you and the environment. Bonus: they also look stylish on the bathroom shelf. From £12.75, lorlondon.com
TRADEEthical 2120
Make Christmas MagicalMake Christmas Magical
“You don’t need to spend a lot on decorations – I forage in the garden for holly, eucalyptus, pine
cones and pampas grass to add some festive fun”
Holly Treacy
“I love presenting gifts in patterned
cloth or tote bags – then the wrapping
is an extra gift!”Rachael Perrett
Sustainable treats that won’t cost the earth
Deck the hallsThere's nothing like decorating your home to summon the season, but traditional Christmas decorations are often riddled with plastic. If you're in the market for new festive decorations or homeware, why not get creative? Cookies make great tree ornaments; homemade bunting can replace tinsel; and eco-friendly glitter can be used to add some sparkle.
Wrap partyThe Japanese craft of furoshiki takes sustainable wrapping to a new level – and it’s prettier. Simply swap traditional rolls of festive wrapping paper for beautiful silk scarves that double up as an extra gift, or scraps of patterned material sourced from charity shops or craft stores. Not only will your present stand out, you’ll also avoid gifting unwanted waste.
Fir realLet’s talk trees: real firs are more sustainable than artificial ones – in fact, you’d need to reuse a faux fir for 20 years to offset that single-use plastic – but millions of spruces end up in landfill. The solution? Rent a tree. Many British farms now offer rental schemes from £30 – and you can often hire the same tree each year. Ask your local farm or check out rentalclaus.com, loveachristmastree.com or londonchrist-mastreerental.com
Pit Putty Natural DeodorantDelivering a natural deodorant that
really works, Pit Putty’s seasonal range offers gorgeous scents (think
Cinnamon Cedarwood and Lavender Lemon) for that all-day freshness
party season demands. £9.99, pitputty.co.uk
ADVERTORIAL
Jumble & Co StationeryFrom ‘Clean Slate’ diaries in colourful hues to ‘Grey Day’ pen holders, there’s a stationery staple to suit every recipient’s mood in this brand’s wellness-inspired collection. From £2.25, jumbleandco.com
The Clean Dog KitPerfect for pooches and pup parents, The Clean Dog Kit makes bathing easy with a gentle shampoo, fur massager and towel. Plus, the company plants a tree for every purchase. £32, thecleandogcompany.com
BAM Roll-top SocksBulking out the booty with socks?
Plump for BAM’s Mattiscombe designs. Made from supersoft
bamboo, they feature an extra layer of padding for maximum
comfort. £18.50 for four, bambooclothing.co.uk
JING Jasmine PearlsJING’s Jasmine Pearls green tea – a smooth, fresh, loose-leaf tea any foodie will adore – is naturally scented with jasmine flowers for aromatic elegance. £11 for 50g, jingtea.com
Lucy Locket Loves Wild Spots Active Leggings
Stuck for something to gift the gym bunny in your life? Try these
Wild Spots Active Leggings. With a super-elastic high waist, they’re
a guaranteed workout win. £33, locketloves.com
Organic Works Cleansing Face Wash
This award-winning face wash removes daily grime and restores
the skin’s natural balance. Plus, it’s vegan friendly, so you’ll gain extra points from ethical beauty lovers!
£15, theowstore.com
Oliver Co. London Slim Card HolderCrafted from a vegan ‘leather’ utilising apple waste, this durable Slim Card Holder makes for a stylish stocking filler. Use code H&W10 for 10% off. £34, olivercompanylondon.com
EXTRA!Extra, 2322
Make Christmas MagicalMake Christmas Magical
“It may be cliché, but socks still
go down a treat in my
family”Rachael Perrett
“Seed packets make
wonderful stocking fillers
– they can be a really
thoughtful gift, personalised to favourite
flowers, herbs and veg”
Laura Hillier
Sumptuous stocking fillers you’ll want to add to your lust list
RHS Fashion AccessoriesOffering a curated collection of nature-inspired jewellery and delicate details, look to RHS for gem-adorned accessories that will be cherished long after Christmas Day. From £35, shop.rhs.org.uk/
Fill your bootsLove a Christmas stocking? You’re not alone: a Nectar survey reports six in 10 of us gift an average of four every Yuletide, spending three hours and £23 filling each boot – and they’re not just for the kids, either; nearly half of all adult Brits still receive personalised stockings. So, what are some of the most popular stuffers? Sweets, toiletries, gift vouchers, books, and a trusty pair of socks account for the top five.
