GIVEAWAY ENDED
I was in London this week for the Family Traveller awards. One thing I miss so much about living outside the city now, is the chance to just wander along high streets in my lunch break, or to sip a glass of wine after work. Dip into a café for a bite to eat, or see what’s new in the shops for the next season. As we were meeting at the White Company in Sloane Square, we had a browse in Peter Jones first, and just like that, I’m in Christmas mode!
I know there’s a backlash over Christmas coming too early in commercial terms – and I certainly didn’t want to buy our local Sainsbury’s mince pies at the end of August! – but there’s something about the Christmas tree ornaments in a department store that draws me in, whether I’m ready or not. I’m ready to start my planning!
If you’re the same (and I know lots of you secretly are), then I need to tell you about some of the things which have caught my eye recently that will be perfect for some of the more difficult-to-buy-for members of my family. And even better, I’ve got a lovely giveaway for you to solve two of your gift list quandaries. Read on for inspiration for the whole family, and enter the giveaway form at the end of the post for your chance to win.
Christmas Gift Ideas for all the Family
For the Husband/Father who has it all
My husband has never been one for waiting. The year before I met him he went Christmas shopping the weekend before the big day, and came back with a brand new house for himself. I would have called it distraction theft that led him from Top Shop to the Estate Agents, to the new property development out of town. Who knew you could buy a house on a credit card? Anyway, long story short, when it comes to buying him a Christmas gift, I’m usually at a loss. I’ve decided the best thing to do is go off at a tangent and buy him something totally useless, but so completely adorable that he’ll find it impossible to resist.
Saint John make mechanical vintage style collectible models that will whisk him straight back to his childhood. Not so much toys (they’re not recommended for children), as a bolt from the past, they are beautifully packaged, and come with a chunky metal key to operate the old-fashioned wind-up mechanism. This Space Dog is adorable, and made me think of Dr Who’s K9.
Mother-in-law Winners
I always feel like I need to be very considered when I shop for my mother-in-law. Don’t get me wrong – she’s lovely, but I’m always very aware that this is an important gift. It needs to say ‘I’ve paid attention to what you like, and I’ve spent time seeking out the perfect gift.’ My own mother-in-law is a fan of really good quality smellies, and has gifted me beautiful fragrances and bath products in the past. So I know for a fact that she is going to love this Himalayan Candles scented soy wax candle in night blooming jasmine. Made to last, and with a low smoking wick, the wax is poured into a heavy glass, lidded container which looks just like an old-fashioned powder puff box.
Your Favourite LEGO Fan
The Bug is going to be some kind of engineer, I’m sure of it. Either that, or he will be the best IKEA flat pack furniture builder ever! LEGO is his thing, and he prides himself on being 14+ in LEGO years. A couple of Saturdays ago we all fell hard for the Smyths Toys If I Were a Toy advert, and the kids had their Christmas bauble moment over the magic of browsing the toy stores for their Santa letter inspiration. Suffice to say, he was straight onto the website the next morning and now knows that he wants a giant AT-AT as his next mission. I’m not complaining – it will keep him busy until well past Boxing Day!
Your Tween Daughter
My daughter, at 12, suddenly has a life of her own. I find myself competing with her ever extending list of social connections for time with my girl. She regularly appears by my side on a Saturday afternoon, phone in hand, to ask for a lift into town, or permission to go on a sleepover, and it’s all facilitated by her mobile phone, and her instant access to her friends. I don’t mind it; I like that she is finding her own way, building her life and her support networks, and I love her friends. She’s always looking for quirky phone cases to update her best accessory, and I found these FLAVR designs for iPhone 5, 6, 7 ranges, and the Galaxy S7 range. They’re £9.99 in Carphone Warehouse, and would make a perfect stocking filler.
Your Little Bookworm
A lovely easy read for children who are just beginning to master chapter books is a new publication by nature and travel enthusiast R.D. Dikstra. Tigeropolis draws on the author’s own experiences of travelling in India, and interacting with real tigers. The result is a charming story about the importance of protecting our environment in a fun, gently educational way with engaging illustrations and an entertaining tale about a family of vegetarian tigers trying to save their tiger reserve. The Bug read this and really enjoyed it, so I know it will be popular with children from 6-10, and even younger if you like to read aloud to your child.
The Travel Addict
That trip to Chelsea I mentioned at the start? Totally ticked off loads of my stocking filler needs. John Lewis have a whole range of tree ornaments designed to appeal to tourists, with London buses and shiny red telephone boxes. But this one in particular caught my eye, and would be perfect if you have a backpacking student home for the holidays, or simply love to travel yourself!
Your Brother/Sister’s Kids
Let’s face it, you can never buy a toy for someone else’s child at Christmas, without the risk that they will already have received it that morning from the Big Man himself. So your best bet is to treat the whole family to a fab experience. We recently went to see Marvel Universe Live at the O2, and it was a total hit with our kids.
All their favourite characters act out a fun storyline, but really that’s just a backdrop to some incredible stunts. Think motorcycles, fireballs, climbing and aerial manoeuvres mixed with colourful fight moves. It’s a high energy night out sure to make some great memories. The show is on tour across the UK in the new year, so this would make a perfect gift for a high-octane family.
Good to know:
The Saint John collectible mechanical figures retail at £25.00 for the Laser Robot, and £49.95 for the Space Dog. The Powder Puff Box candle retails at £35. Find your nearest stockist for both ranges here. Tigeropolis is available in all good bookshops, priced at £7.99. FLAVR phone cases are in store at the Carphone Warehouse, priced at £9.99 each.
Giveaway Terms and Conditions
1. Entry is open to UK residents only, excluding anyone professionally associated with Actually Mummy or the promoter.
2. Five winners will win 1 Powder Puff Himalayan Scented candle, and one Laser Robot collectible figure. The prize is non-transferable, non-refundable and there is no cash alternative.
3. The prize draw starts at 12.01am GMT on Friday 7 October 2016 and closes at 11.59pm GMT on Thursday 27 October 2016.
4. Entry is free and must be made by commenting on this blog post answering: ‘Which Enesco item would you most like for Christmas?’ Bonus entries can be obtained by tweeting about the giveaway, visiting Enesco on Facebook, visiting Actually Mummy on Facebook, following Enesco on Twitter, and following Actually Mummy on Twitter.
5. The names of the winners will be published on this website within 14 days of the giveaway closing, and the winners confirming.
6. The winners will be drawn at random using Rafflecopter and they must have commented on this blog post for their entry to count.
7. The winner will be notified by email. They will have a week to respond, after which time a redraw will take place.
8. In the unlikely event that the prize becomes unavailable the Promoter reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal value.
9. The Promoter’s decision on all matters is final and binding on all entrants. No correspondence will be entered into.
10. By taking part in this competition you agree to be bound by the competition terms and conditions.
11. The Promoter reserves the right to disqualify any entrant and / or winner at its discretion and without any notice in accordance with these terms and conditions.
12. The Promoter is: Enesco Ltd, UK Customer & Distribution Centre, Brunthill Road, Kingstown, Carlisle, Cumbria , CA3 0EN.
Your comments won’t let me leave a URL in them Helen but I’d buy a Willow Tree figure for my Mum. Mich x
the My First Doctor’s Kit Play Set is very cute
I love the black globe bank – I can save up for my holiday and decide where to go as well!
I love the Gorgeous Little Meow Mug!!
Love the Gold Globe, would look lovely in my computer room 🙂
I just love the Fox Cotton Scarf – really pretty.
I do like the Himalayan Candles best the lid is so lovely and would fit my deco well – thanks for the chance to win x
Love the First Doctors Play set, super cute!
Love their range of candles, I would love one of the Tree Bark Pot Candles
I’d love the gold globe, ive wanted one for ages!
can see my niece loving the Pusheen range so that would be my choice, Love the other items reviewed
I love the Angel of Healing. I would love a collection of all the Willow Tree Angels.
I’d love their Little Meow Doorstop
My First Doctor’s Kit Play Set
It’s the Betty Boop in Champagne Glass Figurine.
Love the travel themed Xmas tree ornaments
Being a big kid,I would choose the Giant Atomic Robot (Grey)
hmm so many, i love willow tree ornaments they are beautiful but then love the mugs too 🙂
black globe bank looks very helpful
The Courage figurine
love lots globe bank
pretty as a peacock wine glass
Black globe bank
I love the Itty Bitty Boo #034 Monsteroo Boo , so cute!
I like the General Store Jars (Red Currant)
I love #Eeyore he is adorable.
I love the Dear Mum Figure. I want one now!
My First Doctor’s Kit Play Set is very cute
I love Sauce the Curious cat, my daughter would love this
The my first doctor kit looks good
I really like the Daughter Figure!
I love the Bubble Glass Clear (Bluebell Forest)!! 😀
The pusheen pencil case is an adorable gift!
i love the Fox Cotton Scarf
I love the moment in time Anna and Elsa figure
The gold globe 🙂
43cm Silver Globe would be my choice
My favourite is most definitely the Pusheen stuff, specifically the Pusheen Pastel Pink cushion. 🙂
I like Piglet with a balloon.
The R-35 robot would be perfect for my other half who always used to tell my my (then) little boy stories about a robot called Alan and my son was enthralled. It’s now a tradition with any small children that we tell stories of Alan. My son also likes making stories up for his young relatives 🙂
The Gold Globe!
The Gold Globe is stunning… how to sneak it in conversation to hubby 🙂
Willow tree mother and child for my niece and her new baby girl
Love the Antique Mug . The message on it made me laugh x
the gold globe looks fab
I like the World’s Best Mum Hanging Ornament in the cup
I love candles so would love this large Hurricane Silver candle – I bet it would look so pretty lit up! enesco.co.uk/our_collections/himalayan_candles/products/large/hurricane_silver_grapefruit_pine/
The gold globe is fab!
Rexie for my boys x
The gold globe
love the giant atomic robot
I love the gold globe
I love the Giant Atomic Robot
Love the peacock wine glass
The Star Wars lego
I love the black and copper globes 🙂
Love so many of the collections but the Saint John robots really stand out…Electra is my favourite.
The art hearts are gorgeous ❤️
I would love the Gloom to Bloom (Eeyore waterball) it is gorgeous.
The Fire Truck Clock would be a great present for my son.
The Space Dog!
I’d love the Flopsy, Mopsy & Cotton-tail postcard pack!
The foxy scarf is simply perfect for me- gorgeous!!
I love the highland cow cushion and the fox one too!
I love the beautiful Himalayan candle.it looks good and bet it smells amazing x
I’d love the gold globe,to win,what a stunning prize
I would love to have the Owl Glass Chopping Board (pack 8)
love the Silver Globe 🙂
I would love the gold globe! The first doctor kit looks fabulous! All the scarves are beautiful I particularly love the fox! 🙂
The My First Doctor’s Set for my niece and I love the Himalayan candles for myself 🙂
Id love the Dashing Through The Snow (Charlie Brown and Peanuts Gang) figurine for a table centre piece on Christmas day. Love all things’ Peanuts’.
My favourite is the giant Atomic Robot
The Gund Amalya Black Lamb for my daughter.
I’d like the Starry Night Nativity as I collect Nativities
I love the gold globe
The Little Meow doorstop
Drs play kit is cute!
I’d actually never heard of Enesco before, thanks for the introduction, they’re a great place for gift ideas for this time of year! If I were picking for myself, it would have to be one of the tree bark pots with candles in them. they are gorgeous!
Actually I would love an abstract nose eyeglass holder!
I love the gold globe.
Any of the candles esp the tree bark one. Great site!
The Little Meow Doorstop is just too cute!! Love it
the gold globe 🙂 thanks for the fab comp
I would like the fox canvas bag.
My First Doctor’s Kit Play Set is fantastic. It woukd make a great Christmas present for my niece
The vintage robot is fantastic – the only person in my family to get one of those will be me!
Lego lego lego! Love it!
I love the gold globe
travel themed Xmas tree ornaments look great
I think I’d like a scented candle. I liked the Bubble Glass ones, probably the Cinnamon Tree scent.
Black & Copper Globe 30cm
the My First Doctor’s Kit Play Set is fab
The globes are lovely. Is love a gold one
an ipad would be lovely 🙂
I’d most like the Flopsy Mug!
The Crazy Cat Lady mug – perfect 🙂
My First Dr’s Playset looks fabulous x
the globe bank is lovely
i really like the black globe
Really enjoyed this blog post…spotted so many ‘awkward’ to buy for friends and family members in there 😉 Of all the products I saw my favourite is the beautiful Gold Globe. x
Flopsy, Mopsy & Cotton-tail Three-Piece Nursery Set
My First Doctor’s Kit Play Set
I would love one or all of the Betty Boop figerines 🙂
I would love the Sisters by Heart Willow Tree figurine.
I LOVE THE GOLD GLOBE X
I like the gold globe
Oh one of the gorgeous globes I think, beautiful! Thank you.
The gold globe
Metal Star Backdrop or the candles – I can’t decide
A betty boop figure for my mum! she looks just like her 🙂 hehe. But I love Candles myself!
I’d love the Sweet and Sassy (Tinker Bell Waterball) xx Everything is so beautiful!
I’m easily pleased any of the candles would be fine by me
the sweet and sassy xx
I’d love something from the Gund pusheen range
Flappy the animated elephant!
I would get the Fox Scarf for my wife, she loves them 🙂
I love the quirky Fly Bird Clock
The Willow Tree Generations ornament
iv always been a massive beauty and the beast fan i would love the Love Endures (Storybook Beauty & The Beast)
I love candles so the himalayan would be perfect.
i love the candles x
I really like the Style & Gracie Floral Scarf
I’d choose the large hurricane silver candle
love the peter rabbit figurines with the letters
Any of the “LITTLE MEOW”items would be lovely!
I like the look of the black globe bank
Love the Highland Cow Canvas Bag its so cute! 🙂
The Himalayan candles are lovely especially the wood candel tray.
Christmas tree ornaments
I am loving the Himalayan Candles very nice! & a great gift idea!
I would love the Peter Rabbit Backpack. My niece is obsessed but we’re struggling to find products that are suitable for her age. This would be perfect!
I like the gold globe
I love the Tree Bark Candle Pots ax well as the Himalayan Candle in your review. Always nice having lots of candles to make the house feel cosy during winter
I just LOVE the Black & Copper Globes, so unique and beautiful!
There’s so many lovely things but I love the black globe bank
id love the Classic Pooh 90th Anniversary Book Money Bank
The Hurricane Silver candle would be lovely in my bedroom!
I love Willow Tree figures so I’d buy one of those and love the “Heart of Gold – Boy” figure
The hurricane silver candle
The gold globe, its ace!!
I really like the candle you have featured in your post.Also Like the willow tree items
I would love to receive the Santa Jack with Zero Bust for Christmas, I love Jack xx
The first doctors playset my liitle girl would love it.
the bubble glass silver cinnamon tree candle would be my perfect gift!!
The art hearts
They have really cute clocks, love the Flower-tea-ful Clock.
I LOVE THE FLOWER-TEA-FUL CLOCK
Oh yes I love willowtree angels
The Fox Cotton Scarf is really cute, love it!
I love the Black and Copper Globe, the hanging ornaments are lovely too.
the first doctors playset
the gold globe is lovely
I would love the Border Arts Foxy Whiskered Gentleman figurine!
There r so many lovely things!…probably the foxy scarf for my mum or myself! Thanks for the chanceXxxxx
I love Betty Boop in Champagne Glass Figurine
the Classic Pooh 90th Anniversary Book Money Bank as we are wtp mad
The Gorgeous Little Meow Mug is right down my street
I love all the mugs, I think a Betty Boop one would be my favourite, I love her.
Candle and rot
The gold globe looks awesome
I like the Mother and Daughter ornament 26021.
I’m in love with the fox cotton scarf
The spice Tin Green Ginger Patchouli candle would unlock my inner hippy!
fox cotton scarf 🙂
Giant Atomic Robot looks cool!
Singing Holiday Elmo as we love novelty decs at Christmas, and my little grand daughter would love it as she is a fan of sesame street.
i love the globe and the peter rabbit toys
The Gold Globe
I love the Rose Glass Photo Frame very much.
I like the peter rabbit backpack, my son loves peter rabbit
LOVE THE BLACK GLOBEBANK
Love the Fox Cotton Scarf
i would most like the candle for christmas because my daughter really likes candles. Allison 🙂
I really like the Rose teapot
Loving the robot
would love the black and copper globe
the rose teapot looks nice
I’d quite like the colour in yourself “Art in your heart” for me 🙂
bubble glass candles
the Astro captain is brilliant – I just love it
Would love the Giant Atomic Robot (Grey) for my son x
I like the Peanuts ‘Dashing Through the Snow’ figurine
the giant atomic robot
would love Moonlight Waltz (Beauty and The Beast Figurine) , stunning
Gold globe – really love it
I would love a collection of all the Willow Tree Angels.
so hard to choose one but the gold globe x
I love the dear mum figure, it’s quite quirky looking and would be a lovely gift for my mum (and I’d gratefully receive it too!)
the passport tree decoration is awesome.
I love the gold globe.
Id buy tge willow tree
the Gold Globe
I would love the Bubble Glass Mediterranean Fig Candle xx
I love the globe bank, such a great idea
Mr Right & Mrs Always Right Mug (Set 2)
Mr Right and Mrs always right mug set
Some Border Fine Arts for me.
Piglet with a balloon
What a lovely website, I would love the Fox Cotton Scarf .x
I love the himalayan candles. The General Store Jars (Red Currant) is my favourite. Looks so Christmassy.
the Wood Candle Tray
I love the gold globe
I would choose the very beautiful ‘You and Me’ Willow Tree figurine. This would be so perfect as a gift to my husband for our forthcoming 20th wedding anniversary x x
I would love the Himalayan candle
My First Doctor’s Kit Play Set looks fun
I like the Himalayan Candles
Victorian Lidded Jar Large (Moonlight) – so pretty
Would love the gold globe
I love the gold globe
The Dear Mum figure
I’d love to get one of the planet robots!
The black lamb, the meow mug, the golden globe, my list is endless!
oh i just love the Dear mum figure its adorable
The black and copper globe is stunning!
I love the Pretty as a Peacock wine glass !
The black and copper globes.
Love Enchanted (Belle Figurine)
I love the Tree Bark Pot Candles.
I love the POWDER PUFF HIMALAYAN SCENTED CANDLE
I love the black globe bank
The silver globe would be my pick
id love the himalayan candle, im obsessed by candles and drive my hubby mad with them
Boo is soooooooooo cute 😀
The Dr kit would keep mine happy I’m sure.
Bubble Glass Mediterranean Fig Candle looks lovely but there is so much to choose
Pusheen Christmas Snackable 🙂
Apart from the candle I love the wine glasses
I’d love to get Twinkles, the snow owl for Christmas (I’m an owlaholic!)
I would love the Classic Pooh 90th Anniversary Figurine 🙂
The gold globe
The Black Globe Bank 😀
I love the tree bark candles they look fab
The Belle figurine
I love the angle of healing
I Would Buy The Himalayan Candles 🙂
Classic Pooh 90th Anniversary Figurine
My First Doctor’s Kit Play Set
To the Moon and Back Art Heart.
Lovin’ the space dog
I’d have to have snoopys 65th anniversary
My First Doctor’s Kit Play Set
The Fox cotton scarf looks great
love the gold globe
A tinkerbell snowglobe
Lolita Winter Magic wine glass
Love the Tree Bark candles 🙂
I would love to give the Rose teapot to my sister for Christmas
I love the Himalayan Candles 🙂 They look so good 🙂
Best Daughter Ever Wine Glass
I love the Angel of Healing
i love the gold globe
The peacock wine glass.
I would love the pusheen christmas with wreath 🙂 So cute! x
The tin sunflower candle
I am irresistibly drawn to maps and globes so I would love the Black Globe 43cm.
I think the Lolita Winter Magic wine glass but there are so many things xx
Love the gold globe
I absolutely adore the Himalayan Candle, in the Silver Hurricane design with a beautiful Grapefruit Pine fragrance.
First Doctors Play set
the fox scarf, I love a nice scarf!
I love the Willow Tree Angels
the gorgeous little meow mug
The first doctors playset is a hit with me
Hurricane Silver (Grapefruit Pine)
The gold globe
Holiday beauty wine glass
I love the pusheens- very cute!
I’d choose the tree bark hurricane candle
The Gold Globe is lovely x
The Gold Globe
I’d love a large( well anysize!) treebark candle, to enhance my conservatory
I love all the candles, to LIGHT UP my home with SCENTSATIONAL aromas. Thanks for the chance xxx
i love my candles so would choose the Fleur De Lys Silver-Peach
I love the Peach candle would love to smell it 😀
I would love a Willow Tree figure for my Mum
LOVE THE SPACE DOG FINGERS CROSSED XXXXXX
The Candles look great for presents 🙂
I would love the My Princess Castle Play Set for my niece 🙂
Love the gold globe
i love the space dog his too cute
The candle or Christmas tree ? decoration would be my pick, very cute x
Jim Shore’s Woodland Snowman – his pieces are so pretty.
i’d most like the Hand-Painted Tin Sunflower Large (Moonlight) Candle
Gorgeous Little Meow Mug
A Boy’s Best Friend (Elliott Dragon Figurine)
I love the Grumpy Cat (pack 4)
I love the Bubble Glass in clear!!!
Lego At-At would definitely be my choice
I love the Grumpy Cat
Dopey hanging ornament
I’d love the rose teapot, cups and coasters.
Love the grump cat
I love the Peter Rabbit letterbox money bank 🙂
The Black Gold Bank is gorgeous ?
The first doctors play set
There are some lovely gift ideas here, I especially love candle! I’ve been getting on with all of my Christmas shopping early this year, and I’ve been using the tool Give as you Live as I go, so that I can give a little something to charity. I think it’s such a great idea!
I love this post, the ideas are really good. Beautiful gifts for Christmas!
P.s. A great addition would be the Candy Cane candle at Barenaturals.com or their Frankincense candle.
Lovely post! some great gift ideas here!