It’s official. The countdown to Christmas has begun. What marks this important change? The first appearance of the John Lewis Christmas advert on telly, of course. While I’m a stickler for not throwing myself totally into the Christmas spirit too early, I’m all for starting to plan, make lists and let the excitement build.
Back in September, I spent a week or so compiling the Christmas gift guide for OK! Mum & Baby magazine (there’s nothing weirder than immersing yourself in festive gifts when summer has just ended!). The mag hit the shops this week and I’ve loved seeing it in print. It’s also got me thinking about what would be on my Christmas list. So, here it is, a selection of fab things that are perfect for someone who likes pretty and sparkly things…
1. Embellished jacket // 2. Pineapple candle holder // 3. Roberts Revival DAB radio //
4. Olympus E-PL7 PEN camera // 5. Monochrome leaf mug // 6. Drink champagne framed print //
7. Jewelled clutch // 8. Prosecco tote bag // 9. Letter light // 10. Embellished slipper
I’m a massive fan of doing Christmas shopping online and early (avoiding the crowds and those people who get all ragey and ‘elbowy’ in the shops) so this year, I’ve signed up with Give As You Live, so that a percentage of what I spend goes to charity. With over 4,000 of the world’s biggest retailers (from Boden to The White Company and lots in between) gathered in one place and exclusive deals for registered users, Give As You Live lets you make your Christmas shopping smart and socially responsible. Double feelgood factor points!
Every time you shop through Give as You Live, a percentage of the sale commission is paid to charity on your behalf you can choose the charity, or Give as you Live will donate it to their charity of the month. On average 2.5% of every purchase goes to charity. Whenever you buy, you’ll get an email the next day confirming how much you’ve donated. Clever, isn’t it?
What’s on your Christmas list, this year?
This post has been written in collaboration with Give As You Live. For details of how I work with brands, see my Work With Me page.
Haha! I love number 8 – that’s exactly the sort of thing I would actually come home from Sainsbury’s and say!
I want EVERYTHING on your list. You have such good taste! Last year me and the NLM didn’t do Christmas presents for each other as we spent all our money on the kids, but I kind of want to open this Christmas that’s not just a bottle of Prosecco. Give as You Live sounds like a great project – yet another reason why I love your blog Alison, you introduce me to cool stuff at the same time as sharing stuff I can relate to. PS. Haven’t commented in a while (TIME!) but also wanted to say how much I love your school outfit posts recently. I have clothes envy. x
What a great post. I also try to do all my shopping online as I cannot stand how people seem to lose their minds in the christmas shopping frenzy! I’ll definitely have a look at give as you live. I love everything on your gift list especially that gorgeous Boden clutch bag.
Clare x
Ohh great picks Alison, I’d happily take them all, especially that Monsoon jacket! What a great idea, giving to charity while you shop! x
Those SLIPPERS!
That glittery camera is amazing! I love it all, so excited about Xmas! x
I like the idea of Give as you live it softens the blow of spending so much at christmas knowing a percentage its going to a good cause, better still you can pick the charity.
This is perfect!! I adore absolutely everything. So I think the best thing for me to do now is just print this off and hand it to hubbie with a few less than subtle hints!! Steph xxx
I will have all of it, please! Pretty please! xx
What a gorgeous selection!! I love the prosecco bag and the A sign is lovely! x
I love these set ups, it makes perfect sense to give to charity when your shopping anyway! I really do love that jacket! x