My best guide to Christmas gifts everyone will love.

…and how to have loads of fun whilst shopping online!

Are you at a loss for what to buy everyone for Christmas this year? Never fear my friends, I’m here to give you my take on the best Christmas gift ideas from Cox and Cox in 2020. Read on!

Setting our Christmas scene:

Our Christmas is slightly different than your usual festive family gathering. Do you remember the pop video for Wham’s “Last Christmas” hit? A jolly gathering of friends and partners in a Swiss chalet, surrounded by snow. Everyone is smiling and singing along to carols as they help put up the decorations, whilst sipping on some eggnog.

George Michael smiles as he brushes passed the one that stole his heart. She tantalisingly drops a festive decoration and giggles as she flutters her eyelashes. Christmas is a bit like that for us, minus the Swiss chalet, the romantic entanglements (don’t be making me cringe with your Yule-tide advances, I’m spoken for!) and usually, the snow!

Starting early…

We tend to see our families before Christmas to exchange gifts and share the love because they are scattered all over the country. So, Christmas Eve onwards is just for friends gathered at our home. It’s become an annual tradition and it works perfectly as there aren’t any of those family feuds after one too many sherries!

We have an eclectic mix of friends and some of them can be quite difficult to buy Christmas presents for. I really do want to take the stress out of present buying this year and make it an enjoyable experience. It’s been such a tough year for us all, so I’m making a start early on the preparations. It’s something we can all be in control of and, god knows we need a little normality and certainty in our lives right now. If I can plan a great Christmas, then whatever else happens, we can be sure to at least have one special day.

Incidentally, if you’re thinking about to starting food preparations early this year then see my Prepare & Freeze Ahead for Christmas Guide.

The plan:

I’m an organised Christmas shopper and huge fan of lists, that way I don’t forget anyone! I immensely enjoy the whole present buying experience and I try to be as imaginative as possible. I used to buy most of my presents on the high street, if I’m honest, but now with all the coronavirus restrictions, masks and queues, it all seems a bit dreary and tiresome. The fun seems to have left the high street. So, I’m going to pour myself a glass of something fabulous, stoke the fire, light the winter-scented candles and cosy on up in my fleecy pyjamas, my laptop and a big dose of jolly holiday fun and start shopping. Are you ready for some amazing christmas gift ideas?

This year I’m doing a one-stop shop with Cox and Cox. They are one of my favourite brands and I’ve shopped with them for many years. They are the perfect destination for buying Christmas gifts as they have something for everyone, even the dog!

Christmas Gifts Ideas:

The hardest person to buy for is my hubby Mr C. He’s a lucky chap and has just about everything he could need. So, what do you buy the man that has everything? Well, he has been complaining about his desk in the study. It’s old and quite dated and has a dodgy leg. I was flipping through the latest Cox and Cox catalogue and saw the perfect replacement. Their Loft Desk would be perfect. It had an industrial feel to it and has two drawers with space for an office chair in between.

To finish the look I’ve chosen an industrial desk lamp in black. I think he’ll be thrilled! We already have their loft storage console in the same style, which we use as a dressing table. He loves that, so I’m sure he’ll be pleased to continue the look in his little study. Ok, that’s that hardest one sorted.

My friend Kate is a dynamo of a lady. She’s incredibly social and people flock to her smiling happy persona. If she’s not climbing to base camp Mount Everest, then she’s running a marathon or organising a fabulous party. She’s one of the best people to have around the house on Christmas Day. She loves luxury and the finer things in life. She’s a big fan of soft fabrics, so I thought the snow fox super soft faux fur throw From Cox and Cox would be ideal. She’ll have it strewn across her bed in a heartbeat.

Her husband Andy is a little more difficult to think of christmas gift ideas for. He’s one of the sweetest guys I know and nothing is ever too much trouble. He’s a strong, reliable type and loves outdoor pursuits. Often seen is his wellies, one thing he doesn’t have is somewhere to dry and air them. Cox and Cox has a lovely four pair metal boot rack, which is so suited to him. I think he’ll be delighted.

Our sweet cairn terrier Missy is a bit fed up with her day bed. She’s eleven now and I think the bed is just as old. It’s time she had something a little more comfortable, after all, she is our precious girl and she is accustomed to the finer things in life. I totally fell in love with the rattan pet houses that Cox and Cox brought out this year. Designed in the shape of a house, they even have a little roof. Missy loves sleeping underneath things. I think she feels safe enclosed by something. We always say she’d have survived The Blitz during the war as she’d have been underneath a table or the gramophone!

My lovely friend Maria has just finished renovating her beautiful home. Something stunning to finish things off is just what she needs. So, how about a textured grey glass vase and three soft blush faux hydrangeas to put in it? She’ll be over the moon with that. Right, who’s next?

Well, why not me? I deserve a little something surely? I collect felt christmas mice decorations, have done for years. Cox and Cox bring out something new to add to my collection every year and this year’s offerings don’t disappoint!

How about Yuletide Felt Space Mice? Totally fabulous! Why not a felt mouse band too? Gotta be done. Click! In a flash they’re in my basket! None of this rushing around town, getting all hot and flustered. I’m in total control and think it might be time for another drinkie!

Oh I am enjoying myself. Hang on, where’s the Christmas music? I knew there was something missing! Just popping on a little Bublé magic. Ok, now we’re talking. Do I need a mince pie? Hmmm….that’s a yes. Missy would love one too, but she’s allergic. I’ll throw her a doggie treat.

Okay, concentrate J.P, there’s a few more to buy, don’t peak too soon! Fiona is next. She’s a bit of a tom boy, loves her outdoor pursuits. However, she has adopted a new-found love of interiors and I know the perfect thing for her front door. It’s a nickel bumble bee door knocker. It’s super cute and very reasonably priced. Bag it!

Finally, it’s Matt and Fletch. We tend to buy each other “couple” gifts and it’s usually something alcoholic or to do with interiors. I’ve opted for the latter this year. They have a beautiful home, but there’s a sideboard that is asking for something stylish to adorn it. Enter the Three Standing Ammonites of dreams! Very architectural with a hint of coastal charm. They will look incredible on the sideboard. Tadah! That’s me done!

The Extras:

I’ve had the best time and now all I’ve got to do is sit back and wait a few days for all my lovely gifts to arrive. Ooh, hang on! Wrapping paper and ribbons! Nearly forgot! How about the Dot and Star Reversible Recycled wrapping paper? Good to be greener, right? I think the lovely rustic wide jute ribbon will match perfectly too.

While I’m here I might as well order the Christmas tree. Ours has had its day. I was always a “real” Christmas tree kinda guy till we did our latest house renovation. I was so tired by the start of the season that I just wanted something pre-lit and ready to roll. I’ve never looked back. Gone are the days of having to persuade Mr C to come and choose a tree with me. Banish those regretful moments when you realise your tree is to thick for the tree holder! No more tantrums at another set of lights that you’re so determined to unravel you end up tied up in them yourself, only to find that they don’t work anyway!

The Fabulous (that’s actually what it’s called, not being being my usual slightly affected self) Pre-Lit Indoor/Outdoor Christmas Tree is the perfect tree as far as I’m concerned. The lights are positioned on the branches so flawlessly, it’s as if the little elves themselves had sprinkled their stardust! It takes minutes to put up. You can place it indoors or in your garden and it comes in three sizes: 7ft, 8ft and a massive 10ft!

The problem with shopping online is that it’s so incredibly easy I find it difficult to stop. Go on then, I’ll take one of their Fabulous (again, that’s what their called) Pre-Lit Indoor/outdoor garlands as well. Go big or go home! (At the time of going to press the Fabulous Pre-lit Indoor/Outdoor garland had sold out). Don’t wait guys, things are going fast this year!

Well, what a jolly time that was. I’m slightly on the tipsy side now and my bank balance is vastly reduced, but I’m very much in high spirits (in both body and mind). I hope you’ve got some great christmas gift ideas from this. That’s my Christmas shopping done and it’s only October! Too early to put up the tree?

For more Christmas gift ideas from Cox and cox go to:

https://www.coxandcox.co.uk/indoor-living/decorative-ho3me/gifts/

Transparency: My go to Christmas shopping company is indeed Cox and Cox, so even though this article is part of a paid partnership, I have very much stayed true to the things I love and would have bought anyway. I hope you find it helpful. Jp xxx