I’m super excited to be working with Boots this Christmas to show you some of their beautiful gift ideas along with sharing the result of their Christmas gifting survey. Boots asked over 11000 members of the public some of the all important questions about the upcoming festive season and they’ve asked me to answer too.
Which person’s gift receives the most thought?
Since having Theodore Christmas has become magical again and I can’t wait for him to get older and really start getting exciting about Christmas and Santa. I definitely put most thought into his gifts and can’t wait to see his wee face on Christmas morning when he opens his presents!
When do you start your Xmas shopping?
Most years I start Christmas shopping properly in September but I also like to pick up some gifts during the previous years Boxing Day sales. You get some great bargains on general gifting items that you’d send to cousins and aunts and uncles. I like to have an idea of what main Christmas presents I’m looking for over the summer so I can keep an eye on any offers or discounts. According to Boots survey ‘Almost a quarter of Brits started Christmas shopping in August’ so I’m definitely not in the minority starting so early!
What is the most quintessential Xmas dinner food?
Very unpopular opinion but I’ve never been a Christmas dinner fan and it’s been even worse since I got all my food intolerances. I used to love Yorkshire puddings with my Christmas dinner but sadly I can’t seem to find any dairy free ones! From the Boots survey ‘69% of people said roast potatoes are the most essential to Christmas dinner‘ and I’m definitely in agreement, that’s by far my favourite part of a Christmas dinner now.
Now onto gifting! Boots has always been one of my fav places for Christmas shopping, there tends to be something to please everyone and I’m always a sucker for their 3 for 2 offer!
‘1/3 of people think they are difficult to buy for – stating they have everything they need’ and my sister definitely falls into that category, she is pretty tricky to buy for as she’s the type of girl that if she wants something, she goes and buys it! So whenever birthdays and Christmas come around I’m always lost for ideas. I was scrolling through the Boots gifting section hoping for some inspiration and couldn’t help but find the perfect gift! Clarins released a skincare line aimed at younger skin earlier this year and the gift set is the perfect introduction to the range. It contains two full size and two travel size products so she can try the range out and decide if it’s a skincare routine suited to her.
My dad loves to receive aftershave and fragrance for Christmas, he says it saves him buying it throughout the year so this year I wanted to try and pick a fragrance with a difference. I stumbled across a beautiful Jack Wills scarf and body spray set and thought it was the perfect solution to gifting a fragrance with a twist. The scarf is so soft and will keep him cosy on his winter dog walks.
Self Gifting –
According to Boots’ survey ‘37% of people would prefer to self-gift than receive Christmas presents from others’ and who can blame them? There’s no one that knows you better than you! In the spirit of self gifting I couldn’t help but pick a little treat for me! Boots stock Origins, a skincare brand I’ve been meaning to try out but just haven’t had a chance to yet so when I saw the Origins Best Of The Best set I knew I had to add it to my basket! It’s an absolute bargain and contains 8 of Origins most loved products in handy luxury travel sizes giving you a chance to try them out and decide what you like before splurging on the full size. I’m particularly excited to try the Ginzing Moisturiser as I’ve heard wonderful things.
Boots have kindly offered to run a giveaway with me this festive season. You can win a Soap and Glory Advent Calendar worry £42! All you have to do is answer the below question using the raffle copter app –
’When do you start your Christmas shopping?’
Ashleigh Macro says
I have started mine, I try to get started around September but on a small scale! I usually take so long to buy everything that it comes right down to the last minute despite my best intentions with that early start!
J Connely says
I usually start around August, but only things that catch my eye while out or browsing online.
Still have a few things left to get.
Rebecca Lis says
I shop all year for bargains but do the main bulk in November and dec
Sam says
I started looking in the last christmas sales¬
katrinafrancesblog says
This is such a great post! I start my Christmas shopping around July/August time, it depends when I see bargains!
If I’m not finished by mid November I get so so stressed out.
Loved this post x
Pippa Ainsworth says
I’ll buy gifts all year round if I see things I know people would like but I generally start properly after my daughter’s birthday in September.,
Fiona Martin says
I pick a few bits up over the Summer months if I see anything, but really get started on main presents around October time.
H says
We don’t go overboard with shopping and gifts, that’s not what the season is about or what makes it special. And we don’t bow to consumer greed, couldn’t if we wanted too. Often make gifts and buy a few bits the week of Christmas.
Angela says
I usually start in September
jules eley says
I start in January.. I try to buy presents throughout the year x
Elaine Kirkup says
I’m a serious last minute panic shopper! Was out on Christmas Eve last year still searching for gifts. Sad part is, I never learn and have the same runaround year after year lol
V says
I don’t start until December!
Tiff jordan says
I start shopping in November.
Heather Nixon says
If I’m completely honest…I start during the Boxing Day sales! x
http://www.ofbeautyandnothingness.co.uk
Faridah Brooker says
I normally buy thru the year but this year I’ve bought nothing and I’m starting to panic!
Julie Thomas says
My Christmas shopping starts early in the year in the Spring sales and I start putting little items away for family. By Autumn it has gained speed as Christmas is becoming more publicised and I also like to make my own cards, bags and tags so lots to prepare for
Carolynn Crabb says
I start my shopping in November although if I see something special for some-one I will pick it up early
Jo m welsh says
I’m always on the look out for Christmas presents throughout the year from craft markets to items in sales
Katt Rodrigue says
I haven’t started my shopping yet but I’m feeling some inspo now 🙂 Great post, I also have a £40 Boots voucher knocking about…x
If you time can you check out my latest post?
Love & Support
Katt
https://kattwritescontent.com
Jordan says
When shopping for Christmas gift I shop all year round. Though many of the gifts I buy that early get used during birthdays, I find shopping or planning all year really helps me prepare for Christmas.
Jordan | myflourishingretrospect.blogspot.com
glowsteady says
I’m definitely like your sister! My family usually start telling me around September time that Christmas is coming so if I need anything, don’t buy it! It’s so bad, I never know what I want. I miss being 7 and circling the Argos catalogue. I usually buy most of mine towards the end of November, I don’t like thinking about it too early! x
Sophie
Renata Blacha says
I start in Oktober !
LauraLizBuckley says
I usually start towards the end of November – not very organised I know! I find it hard to come up with present ideas a lot of the time.
Tina Mansfield says
I shop all year round but start in the Christmas sales
Solange says
I usually start at the beginning of December.
Nikki Hunter-Pike says
I sometimes have things saved away from throughout the year but i start the majority of it in November!
cheryl hadfield says
I start my Christmas shopping in the boxing day sales, I like t be organised and find the bargains
Lorna Peppiatt says
I normally start around September. I like to have a few months to get prepared x
Cora @ Tea Party Princess says
I’m the same, I start mine around September. I love gifting to people, I tend to get lots of little things rather than one big thing – one of my favourite things is opening presents and I like to share that. Also I love wrapping.
I really love the sound of the Origins set!
Cora | http://www.teapartyprincess.co.uk
Anonymous says
Usually I start Christmas shopping at the beginning of December but I’ve recently started at the beginning on November instead, it’s just easier on me and my bank account!
Sophie Grave says
Usually about September/October time
Divya Popat says
Usually I start Christmas shopping at the beginning of December but recently I’ve started at the beginning of November, it’s just easier on me and my bank account haha!
Ashley B says
First week of December!!