The overwhelmed mums' gift guide
Quick and easy ideas for when the panic sets in
Where December has gone, I couldn't tell you. All I know is that I haven't had time to get a tree yet, no one's eaten a mince pie in my house and I need to find two novelty jumpers for the kids’ nursery Christmas tea party by Wednesday morning.
What I'm saying is, I am not ready. And the panic has set in. The other night, I was in bed ordering presents at midnight. Tomorrow I'm having to trek to the IKEA in Wembley (an hour away by train!) to try and buy the Duktig play kitchen, which is no longer available online. Currently there are three left in stock - pray for me.
For your sakes, I hope you're more organised than me. But if not – if you’ve also been tying to spin too many plates and are running behind, a few quick and easy gift ideas below to help tick something off the to-do list.
For friends/family you’re not seeing: plants by post!
I've been using Bloom & Wild for birthday bouquets for years and it's never let me down in terms of delivery and quality. I’ve just ordered the Christmas Carol rose plant (£38) for my granny, which comes in a gold pot she can re-use.
There's also a good selection of non-flower gifts. I love the look of the Prosecco and panettone set (£41) and the classic book and cuppa set which also comes with a box of chocolates (£29). There's normally a discount code if you order through the app, too.
For your parents/ their grandparents: a calendar of your kids
Papier is another of my failsafes and great for non-naff photo gifts. I gave my parents a calendar personalised with pictures of my son a couple of years ago and it went down a storm. This year everyone’s getting one. (£18).
Also, if you're looking for framed photos in a hurry, you can order single or multi pictures from £35.
For teachers/nursery key worker /childminder: a luxe soap bar
I was given this Haeckles exfoliating seaweed block (£25) the other day by a friend and loved how solid and luxurious it felt. Just the thing to pep-up a morning shower and a nice change to a scented candle, which is my usual fall back.
For stocking fillers: a fancy pot of jam
If in doubt, gift something edible. These are the best jams (£6.50 each) and would make such a lovely adult stocking filler. Or to give to the host when you're visiting friends/extended family. Or! As emergency back-up if you realise you’ve forgotten someone on Christmas day.
For everyone: a fun biscuit tin
I saw this Santa’s workshop cookie tin (which lights up! And plays music!) in my local M&S this week and thought it was so charming and fun. A crowd pleaser for kids and adults alike - and you can add it to your Ocado shop. (£10)
The ceramic gingerbread house (£10) filled with gingerbread biscuits is also a great shout.
For friends: a delicious cookbook with shelf appeal
I don't have the energy to be enthusiastic about cooking, however I was given Rachel Roddy’s pasta A-Z (£19.63) a couple of years ago and absolutely love it. Her recipes are doable and delicious – and pasta is such an easy one for all the family. Even if the recipient doesn’t cook, it will look great on their book shelf.
For tween/teens: novelty slipper and a phone projector
While shopping for my teenage and pre-teen nieces and nephews I came across Flying Tigers’ hilarious fruit slippers. The strawberries (£8) come in sizes 37-40 and the bananas (£10) come 38-41. Also, this phone projector (£16) would be such a great thing for them to watch films in their bedrooms. FYI: if you’re shopping online, order by 11.59pm on 16th for delivery by 24th.
For younger kids: a personalised play suitcase
Personalised gifts are a great cheat for making it look like you've put more time and effort in than you have. Not Another Bill has loads of lovely kids ideas, like this play suitcase (£14). (If you need them, more gifts for kids here.)
One more thing…
One of my aims for next year is to hang more pictures of the kids up at home - not just have them on my phone. I find most professional family portraits a bit cheesy, but Studio Snap Snap do really cute pics that are full of character. It's run by stylist Florrie Thomas and her dad, so the taste level is bang on. As Florrie has two small kids herself, she knows how important speed and a lot of snacks are - and provides both. DM them on Instagram to book a slot at their London studio.
That's all for now. You're doing great, Frankie x