Santa’s Secret Weapon: The only Christmas gift list you need

Posted by Rob Whitchurch on 25th Nov 2024

The Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide: A Comprehensive and Stress-Free List to Help You Find the Perfect Presents for Everyone on Your Holiday List


Christmas has once again snuck up on us and if you're like me, you like to be organised so you're not dashing out on the 24th to get those last minute presents. If however the list to Santa this year has come up short or is simply non-existent, our Christmas gift guide is here to help make your Christmas shopping a breeze so you can spend more time enjoying all those Christmas parties and less time queueing at the till.

Gifts for Her

Now, at the top of your list, you may think that she's easy to buy for, but get it wrong, and you'll know about it. So if you've been smart and noted down everything she's hinted at then you'll be in the clear... but if you haven't then hopefully you know her well enough to get it right.

Let's start with her wardrobe, although it's a safe bet that you should steer clear of things like dresses, tops and jackets as the risk of her not liking it is pretty strong. A scarf, beanie or cosy pair of gloves to accessorise with are a safe sure bet, while a snug pair of socks to keep warm in are a must...just don't make it your main gift to her. If you're trying to get her to put her feet up once in a while, then a comfy pair of slippers for her to unwind in after a long day on her feet are a must, and why not get her a blanket to cosy up under while she watches her favourite soaps.

But let's steer away from the wardrobe and onto more stable ground. Candles, hot water bottles and bath bombs are perfect for letting her know you want her to take more time for herself and less time looking after you and the kids. In the same vein, a massage pillow to help her unwind after a long day is the perfect way for her to pamper herself while you man the fort. For the organised, a pocket diary or notebook will ensure every event, party or after school club is neatly documented so she'll never have to worry who's where and when.

Gifts for Him

What do you get the man who's difficult to buy for? That is the million-dollar question, and the last thing you want to get him is another pair of novelty socks...because that's what you got him last year! Finding something that speaks to their hobbies and passions is a sure fire win in my book.

But before that, lets state the obvious, guys NEVER buy new clothes. If it still fits after 3 years then it's still good in their book, but you secretly know that there are certain items you wouldn't let them out of the house in let alone be seen in public wearing... Like that Hawaiian shirt he brought back in 1993 and refuses to throw out. For the man whose idea of smart casual is a t-shirt and jeans, a smart shirt or polo will update their wardrobe, while a new jacket or coat will make them look the part when they head into town, or meet their friends in the pub, earning you some well-earned restbite. If they are more of the outdoorsy type, a new pair of walking boots, or walking fleece for them to go romping around the countryside in is the perfect choice, so while they're out exploring you can quietly slip away to the café for a Hot Chocolate.

A man's shed is his second home. It's where he can tinker and build to his heart's content, so if he's constantly wanting to build a new shelf or bookcase, a new tool for him to use will keep him down the shed for hours on end. If on the other hand he's more Bake-Off than DIY SOS, then a new gadget for his kitchen is a great subtle hint that you want him to make his famous pasta dish or hand him a recipe for a proper Panettone and say it's a 'technical challenge'. If however, he's more car obsessed than Jeremy Clarkson, then a set of brushes to keep his pride and joy in sparkling showroom condition are sure to keep him busy.

Gifts for Children

Thankfully, Children tell us exactly what they want all the time. Gone are the days of circling that well known toy catalogue to point out exactly what they want from Santa, but obviously they can't just have toys, right? But let's start there anyway.

New cuddly toys for them to bring with them wherever they go are always a big hit whatever their age. If your child is horse mad, then LeMieux have a fantastic range of horse toys and hobby horse for them to care for and play with. If on the other hand, they love their vehicles, then a new set of cars, tractors or trucks are always going to be a big hit.

For those that love to make things, then a new craft set or new set of pens and colouring pencils for them to expand their creativity are sure to get them creating masterpiece after masterpiece. But if you prefer having clean walls and carpets and fancy having something to keep them occupied while Christmas dinner's getting ready, then a board game is the way to go. Old favourites like Jenga and Battleships are perfect for helping keep the boredom at bay and off their computer or phone screen.

But what about their wardrobe? With growth spurts and everything somehow being covered in mud, dirt, grass stains and food, Children always seem to be running out of things to wear. A hardy waterproof will keep them dry and comfy while spending time outside with friends and family, and you can always get a pair of sturdy boots or wellies for them to go exploring in, and not their brand-new white trainers!

Gifts for the Unsure

Still not sure what to get them, or worse they haven't told you? Take the guess work out of shopping and give them the choice!

Gifts for Pets

Our pets quickly become another member of the family, so it would be amiss if you missed them off the Christmas List... But what do you get them when they can't tell you what they want? Thankfully we've got some great gift ideas for your Dog, Cat, Hamster, Horse, Fish and more!

If your four legged friend has been a good boy or girl this year, then it's time to spoil them rotten and get them the PAWfect present. Yes the daily walks, food on tap and belly rubs make everyday feel like Christmas to a dog but it's actually Christmas so why not spoil them even more! Our range of Joules Pet Beds are ideal for them to curl up into after a long day, but if they fancy snuggling down and dreaming about steak or chasing the neighbours cat, then why not treat them to a cosy blanket. But if they're more active than lazy, then the perfect answer is always a new toy. Be it a ball, chew toy or plush toy that they can take everywhere with them, Dogs loving having something new and exciting to play with! Did we mention Treats? When they're well-behaved or just have that look on their face, you can tell when your dog is after a little snack. A bag of their favourite treats are sure to go down well...just don't let them eat them all at once!

For your feline friend, the PURRfect present can be tricky. Unlike dogs, Cats don't mind being lazy so a new cat bed for them to sleep the day away is ideal, but if you want to be entertained then a new scratching post is ideal for keeping their claws trimmed...and off your furniture! Finally, a new toy to keep them entertained and out of trouble is always a must.

How about your Equine NEIGHbour? Don't leave them out of the gift giving! A new stable rug to keep them warm and toasty during the winter months while they trot about the paddock is always a good idea, but if they're in the stable until the weather improves a new toy will keep the boredom at bay. If competitions are around the corner, a new bridle or headcollar will make them stand out amongst the competition.

Not a cat or dog person? What about a gift for your rodent friend? Whether you've got a hamster, guinea pig, mouse, degu or chinchilla, there's no reason why they can't join in the festive season too! A new exercise ball, cage or new features for them to climb and explore on are a must, but even a new bed of hay is probably going to make them feel super special.

Are fish the easiest pets to care for? Maybe, but what's deFINitely true is that they won't know what Christmas is, but that doesn't mean you can leave them out! A new piece of scenery for them to explore and spend their time swimming about in will certainly make them happy. Perhaps even a new tank for them to explore and happily keep swimming the day away.

Gifts for Gardeners

For the green fingered among the family, winter is a slower season for them. And while there are still plenty of jobs to do, the chance to actually get out do jobs in the garden are few and far between. A new pair of gardening gloves are always going to be greatly appreciated, especially if they've got a thermal lining in them. New pots and planters, while not overly exciting to some, allow them to get their seedlings and junior plants potted ready to be planted out in spring.

If they've got a larger garden, anything that'll help them get their garden looking its best is a must. Leaf blowers, rakes, hedge trimmers and loppers will allow them to keep their pride and joy looking its best even in the winter months and get it ready for new growth in the spring, and if they're wanting to add more nature to their garden, then look no further than bee hotels & bird feeders.

But what about after they've finished doing their gardening jobs? Well, in that case they'll need something to relax in and admire their handiwork. A new bench or recliner is ideal for lazing in once summers here, but if they can't wait and the winter sun's shining, then a firepit or chimenea is the way to go.

To add the finishing touches to their garden, some solar lights, a new statue and a water feature will help turn their garden into a tranquil oasis that can enjoy all year, and all day long.

Gifts for the Interior Designer

What makes a house a home? It's those little homely touches that you spot every time you enter your friend's or family home that make you feel warm and welcomed. So you'll want to get them something to not only match their interior vibe, but you know that they'll love.

A new vase for them to display fresh flowers (or artificial, no judgement here) is always a well received gift, but you can always go down the artificial plant route as well as it'll never die, and they don't have to worry about watering it. Photo frames allow them to add their own precious memories of friends and family to and display them around the house. If they have a cosy haven then cushions and throws are certainly the way to go, plus you've been around so much you practically know what'll match their furniture. If you know they'll be struggling for space even after Christmas, then a beautiful storage basket for them to put toys, blankets and cushions in is ideal. Finally, if you only want to give them something small that you know they'll enjoy then a scented candle, wax melt or reed diffuser is the never fail gift they'll love.

Gifts for the Home Cook

If your partner or friend constantly channels their inner Gino D'Acampo or Mary Berry, then getting them something to create exquisite dishes and treats with is a must.

A new mixer, blender or bread maker, will really help them up their game, but if they're more of a BBQ person, new accessories or a thermometer for them to become the Grill King or Queen is the perfect gift, plus it'll give them time to perfect their skills for when summer comes.

If they channel their inner hostess with the mostess on more than one occasion then some stunning cocktail glasses or a beautiful serving board is a sure fire win, plus its a great excuse to pop round to 'try them out' and you'll get brownie points if you bring a bottle to share! If on the other hand you just fancy a quiet chit-chat instead to spill the 'tea' then a set of stylish mugs and a teapot are perfect.

Gifts for the Foodie

Who doesn't love Christmas food? While the usual buffets, Christmas dinner and endless canapés make you never want to eat again, a beautiful hamper, or gift set can be a welcome gift, especially if you're unsure what to earth. Hampers filled with savoury and sweet delights will entice them to carry on the celebrations long into January.

If you're after stocking filers, then small treats like biscuits, gold coins and tins of fudge are perfect to squeeze into a stocking next to the traditional orange. It wouldn't be Christmas without a tin of chocolates to sneakily dive into when no-one looking ether, plus they make the perfect gift for giving to neighbours and bringing into the office to share...or to keep to yourself.

If they're after liquid refreshment on the other hand, then a bottle or two of their favourite tipple is a sure fire win, but you can always expand their horizons with a gift set containing different wines, beers or spirts for them to try... they may even find a new favourite.

Gifts for the Rider

If you've got a friend or family member whose other best friend is a horse or pony, then buying for them has to be easy, right?

A new pair of riding gloves, or hat silk to pop over their helmet is a welcoming gift, while stock pins or competition necessities can go a long way. If they spend most of their time down in the stables, then a cosy hoodie or waterproof jacket will keep them warm and dry as they muck out their equine buddy. When competitions come around, a bag to pop all their gear into or a set of grooming brushes will be a welcome addition and will help take the stress of competing away.

Gifts for Secret Santa

Finally, we turn to the office Secret Santa. Now if you know the recipient well enough you should be fine, something that showcase an in-joke or something from their favourite band, football team etc are a sure fire success. But what if you've drawn the new starter who you know nothing about? You've gleamed some information from other colleagues and had a snoop around their desk when they've not been in the office, but it's never enough to go on!

If you've noticed that they've been using a coffee mug that's been in the kitchen cupboard since you started, then it's a good idea to get them a stylish mug for them to take their daily cup of joe in, even better if it's their favourite colour!

On the other hand, if their desk is always covered in post-it notes, then a notebook, or pad for them to jot down ideas or important information on, will stop their bin overflowing with discarded yellow notes. Handwarmers are the ideal gift if they always seem to be working with 17 layers on! If all else fails, something to decorate their desk with will help them feel welcome and part of the team.

So there you have it, hopefully our gift guide has given you inspiration for all the family. But why battle through crowds and spend hours queuing when you can do it all from the sofa at a press of a button? With free delivery on orders over £75 and next day delivery available, why not take the stress and worry out of Christmas Shopping and shop with Charlies this Christmas. Plus, if they don't like it, our extended returns policy means you can return any unsuitable or unused gift up until the 31st January 2025!

It's that time of year again! Lists are being written, gift tags and wrapping paper have been found...but what to get everyone? Let our Christmas gift guide take the stress out of deciding...