Tag: christmas gift ideas

Bookblock’s Guide to Christmas Treats To Make at Home

Posted on by Louise Ashlee

Whether you love the process of creating your masterpieces or the eating and drinking when completed, the main thing is having fun!

 

Scrumptious Mulled Wine

To begin, we’re starting with our Mulled Wine Infusion Kit. This is one of the best classic winter cocktails and a lovely, traditional drink to enjoy over Christmas.

Our Forty Liquors infusion jars have all the warming herbs and spices you need to make the perfect mulled wine. Plus, they’re made with all organic ingredients! This includes dehydrated lemon, stem ginger, dehydrated orange, cinnamon, cloves, bay leaves and Muscovado sugar. They all create that cosy aroma and familiar festive taste, perfect for any Christmas party or wintery night. 

Mulled Wine Infusion Kit with an elf and two presents in green and red for decoration Mulled Wine Infusion Kit

These wine making kits make such brilliant Christmas gift ideas and activities to do with your loved ones. They also look beautiful with the lovely glass jars and festive coloured text in a fun script font. The jars can also be reused once you’ve enjoyed your wine…maybe for more wine?

 

Spice Up Your Dishes

Our next making kit is more of a helping hand towards creating some delicious food. The Ultimate Rub Selection Box includes four mini boxes containing exquisite spice blends to use on a range of gorgeous dishes. Be it whole cauliflowers or slow cooked pork. 

Choose Memphis rub with its sweet and spicy blend, Tripoli rub for sour and fruity, Louisiana rub for bold and earthy, or Oxaca for a punch blend. What wonderful choices for a gift box! 

Ultimate Rub Selection with tinsel illustration in red and green for decorationThe Ultimate Rub Selection Box

Each of the four blends are accompanied with a short description and advice on how to make the most of the sensational spices. As selection boxes go, we love the experimental style as it’s the perfect gift idea for a foodie or anyone wanting to have a little more fun with their spice rack!

 

Tempting Tasty Risotto

If you’re someone who enjoys the eating part of making the most…we’re giving you this easy option!

Our Porcini Mushroom Risotto is a top seller from Sapori D’Italia’s vegetarian risotto range. It’s made with carnaroli rice and dried porcini mushrooms, which has created the perfect easy dinner to make. Not to mention it’s full of flavours and a whole lot of goodness! 

This lovely pack would make such a yummy meal over the Christmas period, especially if you’d like an easy mix to make after the previous experimental choices.

Porcini Mushroom Risotto with two mushrooms in red and green christmas hats and snowflakes for decorationPorcini Mushroom Risotto

 

Cheeky Chocolate Brownies

Anyone call for a vegan brownies delivery? We’ve got you covered, you just need to make them first! Treat your taste buds to deliciously gooey chocolate brownies with our Organic Brownie Mix. Just add your choice of vegan milk, oil and syrup to create up to 12 scrumptious brownies. They are a brilliant treat to enjoy, either as Christmas nibbles or the ideal vegan Christmas desserts.

Organic Brownie Mix baked with brownies, chocolate powder footprints and a hiding santa for decorationOrganic Brownie Mix

 

Fluffiest Pancakes

Lastly, say good morning Christmas with our Organic Pancake Mix. Like our brownies, these are another perfect easy treat. Simply add your choice of vegan milk and whisk until smooth, then start your frying! Make up to eight fluffy pancakes to share (or not). They would make a wonderful Christmas morning breakfast idea for you and your loved ones.

Organic Pancake Mix with fresh pancakes and red and green elves hiding behind the mix box for decoration
Organic Pancake Mix

Peanut Butter Cookies

Are easy peasy recipes the way to your heart? Then this peanut butter cookie recipe is perfect. The recipe is available as part of our #PositivePost campaign, which combines pandemic-related illustrations and lots of useful activities and recipes. With only four ingredients, it’s hard to get it wrong, so just follow the instructions and enjoy! You can also share the recipe with others by sending it for free and leaving an optional donation for Action for Children.

 

Staying Calm This Christmas With Bookblock

Posted on by Louise Ashlee

As well as thinking of gift ideas for members of the family you didn’t even know you had…there’s Christmas cards to write and the hunt to tick off all those food items on your list! We would love to take away some of that stress, so here’s a list of things you can tick off straight away.

 

Planning
Firstly, having somewhere specific to write down all your planning really helps. We have so many beautiful personalised notebooks ready and waiting. You can choose any text you’d like printed onto the cover, so everyone knows not to move it! 

Additionally, you can choose your notebook design in either hardbound or soft bound. We think this is great as everyone has their own preference when it comes to notebooks and planners.  

For example, two of our gorgeous, festive designs are shown below.

Winter Oranges and Ornamental Leaves notebooks in hardbound and softbound with text to indicate the differenceWinter Oranges and Ornamental Leaves

We have our Winter Oranges. This bold and bright design with plump oranges and beautifully detailed leaves all around is ideal. The contrasting colours and bright orange name box are a sure way to make sure it doesn’t get lost!

Ornamental Leaves is our second design. We love the elegant and simplistic pattern of festive leaves, with the colours complimenting each other so well! It’s such a lovely, wintry aesthetic.

 

Cards
Secondly, let’s help you get those cards sorted. We have a huge range of gorgeous Christmas card designs, with personalised cards and beautiful printed motifs. 

If, like many of us, you seem to have a ginormous list of people to send to, we definitely suggest our Unlimited subscription. You’ll be able to send as many cards as you like with no hassle! This way you can also pick lots of different Christmas cards depending on your loved one’s styles. 

Nutcracker and Sleepy Sloth card designs with christmas illustrated foliage in green, red and goldNutcracker and Sleepy Sloth Cards

For example, our new Nutcracker design is a lovely design for someone who adores a beautiful Christmas illustration. It has such lovely details with each character and the bordering festive foliage.

Or if you know someone who isn’t such a fan of Christmas time, our Sleepy Sloth is perfect. We love the fun ‘Wake me up when Christmas is over’ text with a cosy looking sloth.

Simply add your chosen text inside the greetings cards and we’ll do the rest! 

 

Relaxing Bath
If you do manage to find some time to relax, make it count! Run a bath and relax with our lovely Lavender and Ylang Ylang Bath Salts by Leende.

They are completely natural with no chemicals, colour, or artificial perfumes. Just nature’s finest ingredients. There’s nothing quite like luxury dead sea relaxing bath salts to revitalise the skin or lavender and ylang ylang essential oils in this beautiful blend. 

They’ll do just the trick to help you relax and stay calm for the rest of your Christmas jobs.

Lavender and Ylang Ylang Bath SaltsLavender and Ylang Ylang Bath Salts

 

Vitamins
To ensure this calm continues, the key is to stay healthy. Vitamins are crucial this time of year, so we’re suggesting our Devon Blend Green Tea with Hibiscus & Blackberry. Thanks to this Bookblock Deli blend, the tea is absolutely packed with antioxidants and can help to improve your brain’s function. Additionally, hibiscus can help to boost your immune system and blackberry tea is high in Vitamin C. So, keep sipping on this tea as you go!

Devon Blend Green Tea with Hibiscus & Blackberry with yellow stars floating from the teaDevon Blend Green Tea with Hibiscus & Blackberry

 

A Lovely Scent
Next up is one of the ultimate winter comforts, a gorgeous scented candle. This Plum and Rhubarb candle is a comforting blend that releases such a beautiful smell. It’s also made from 100% soy wax, so will burn for longer than others. Around 40 hours to be precise! Additionally, it’s presented in a lovely terracotta pot that can be reused once your candle has fully burned.

This doesn’t minimise your Christmas jobs, but at least when you’re running around the house it will smell amazing! Alternatively, it’s an ideal Christmas gift idea for any of the family members, because who doesn’t love a luscious candle?

Plum and Rhubarb Candle with Santa and Reindeer illustrations and snow hillsPlum and Rhubarb candle

 

Sweet Treat
Lastly is a little treat to finish off, as we think you deserve it! Try our Bookblock Deli Butterscotch Biscuits. They are beautifully buttery and loaded with pieces of smooth butterscotch. Perfectly crumbly Christmas biscuits for you to enjoy and will hopefully give you a sugar boost!

Butterscotch Biscuits with Christmas scenery elements from packaging design

Your Top 5 Bubbles This Christmas and New Year’s

Posted on by Louise Ashlee

Brut Réserve Champagne

In no particular order, the first of our top 5 Christmas bubbles is our Brut Réserve Champagne. This is a beautifully opulent champagne from one of the most admired champagne houses, Charles Heidsieck. It has the perfect balance of freshness and generosity, with complex pastry aromas on the nose. Additionally, a luxurious combination of ripe apricot, mango and greenages, dried fruits, pistachio and almond. 

This champagne is suitable for vegans and sustainably produced, making it an exquisite gift idea that would delight any recipient. 

Brut Réserve Champagne with green background and illustrated orange apricotsBrut Réserve Champagne

 

Crémant de Bourgogne Brut Sparkling Rosé

Next is one for a sweet bubbles lover. Our Crémant de Bourgogne Brut Sparkling Rosé by Louis Bouillot is ideal. It’s made using majority red grapes which gives it the lovely rose-pink colour that is complimented by fine bubbles and a light mousse. On the nose it gives hits of sweet blackcurrant and strawberry, a ripe fruit on the palate and a fresh crisp finish with a hint of strawberry. This sparkling wine consists of a mix of Pinot Noir, Gamay and Chardonnay grapes, sealed off with a natural cork. 

The bottle itself definitely presents a premium style with the golden details and the signature LB against a royal red. As a result, it’s such a brilliant addition to any Christmas gift boxes and a splendid way to cheers.

Crémant de Bourgogne Brut Sparkling Rosé with pink background and darker pink illustrated strawberries and rasberriesCrémant de Bourgogne Brut Sparkling Rosé

 

Cuvée Aged 5 Years Champagne

Our third delightful drink is another of our best champagnes, our Cuvée Aged 5 Years Champagne by Devaux. This complex champagne is rich and intense with a balanced acidity that brings through a beautiful sense of freshness and minerality. Its flavours are enhanced by the proportional use of reserve wine which goes back as far as 1995, then aged over 60 months. 

This bottle of Christmas bubbles is packed with elegance and would be the perfect start to any gift box for your loved ones. 

Cuvée Aged 5 Years Champagne with gold yellow background and white swirly shapes

 

2017 Blanc de Blancs

We’re keeping those bubbles flowing with our 2017 Blanc de Blancs. This beautiful sparkling wine comes from Raventós i Blanc, one of Spain’s most historic winemaking families. The nose has delicate notes of citrus fruits, white flowers and soft Mediterranean herbs. The palate is round with a superb freshness and mineral notes on the finish, making it a delight alongside soft cheese. A perfect pairing with some Christmas nibbles!

2017 Blanc de Blancs with neutral background and illustrated white lime and flower2017 Blanc de Blancs

 

Champagne Brut Vintage 2012

Taking the last spot in our top 5 is our Champagne Brut Vintage 2012 by Piper-Heidsieck. Elegant Chardonnays blended with powerful Pinots Noirs produce this rich and perfectly balanced champagne. It is known to have extraordinary aromatic concentration, due to modest production and magnificent maturity of the grapes. Additionally, there are aromas of lime and tangerine, notes of pomegranate, ripe black cherry, blueberries and honey on the palate. To finish, it is long and silky with a refreshing acidity. 

All these perfect ingredients make it the best champagne to finish our top 5 with. 

Champagne Brut Vintage 2012 with green background and illustrated red cherries and leavesChampagne Brut Vintage 2012

Turn up to any Christmas event or add any of these beautiful Christmas bubbles to your loved ones’’ Christmas gift boxes and you will definitely earn yourself some brownie points!

Bookblock’s Guide to the Best Stocking Fillers This Christmas

Posted on by Louise Ashlee

Chocolate Santas

Firstly, we have a classic of the stocking filler ideas…mini chocolates! These adorable bite sized Milk Chocolate Santas have a crème filling, so perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth. They’re lovely gifts for her and gifts for him! What Christmas stockings are complete without them?

Milk Chocolate Santas with gold star decorationsMilk Chocolate Santas

 

Gingerbread Jack Biscuit

Next, and just as adorable, we have our Gingerbread Jack Biscuit by The Original Biscuit Baker. Gingerbread is another lovely part of the festive period. Be it creating those wonderful gingerbread houses or simply decorating the lovely characters like Jack! We thought it only right that our stocking filler ideas included some of the magic. Our character features a charming hand iced smile and buttons for you to enjoy.

Gingerbread Jack Biscuit with red and white candy cane decorationsGingerbread Jack Biscuit

 

Forty Liquors Cocktails

Now something for the adults. We all love a Christmas tipple, so our luscious little 50ml Forty Liquors cocktails are the perfect stocking fillers. We have a wide range, but we love two of our classics; Queens Martini and Salted Caramel Espresso Martini.
The Queens is inspired by the New York classic and has an abundance of class. It includes London Dry Gin, complex Fino sherry and orange blossom bitters, with a subtle hint of Lillet Blanc and elderflower essence.
The caramel espresso is a smooth blend of rums from Antigua and Jamaica. You can enjoy rum, coffee liqueur, cold brew and salted caramel. It’s an Espresso Martini with a twist of sunshine!
Both of these gems make wonderful stocking fillers and Christmas day treats (if they make wonderful Christmas morning treats…we won’t tell!).

Salted Caramel Espresso Martini and Queens Martini 50ml with golden cocktail glasses and gold leaf decorationsQueens Martini and Salted Caramel Espresso Martini

 

Green Mountain IPA

However, if you’re less of a cocktail fan, we’re also adding our Green Mountain IPA by Thornbridge Brewery to our Christmas stockings. It’s one of their most popular beers, named after the Green Mountains in Vermont. They use a large amount of Australian and American hops to create a phenomenal bouquet of mango, pineapple and guava. However, the IPA beer still has a light haze and soft body, creating a very drinkable beer…perfect for Christmas day!

Additionally, the design of the can is beautiful, with a rich forest green and a premium gold pattern. It gives the perfect finishing touch for one of our stocking filler ideas. 

Green Mountain IPA with green and gold leaf decorationsGreen Mountain IPA

 

Satin Scrunchie

Our fifth stocking filler idea is our Navy Satin Oversized Scrunchie. A practical but gorgeous gift idea. Your loved ones can add some shimmer and a pop of colour to their hair. This navy blue is perfect for creating a sophisticated style with an updo that requires minimal effort. 

Additionally, satin creates a barrier against moisture-absorbing fabrics, so helps to prevent split ends. Therefore, they can have healthier hair as a great stocking filler gift!

Navy Satin Oversized Scrunchie with two gold leaf bordersNavy Satin Oversized Scrunchie

 

Peppermints

For those extra little handy treats (and you also just have get for the packaging), we’re suggesting our Architectural Blue Peppermints Tin by Motif. As a collective of artists and illustrators, Motif create the most admirable design collections. This includes this fantastically, funky designed tin, which houses sugar free, aspartame free and vegan friendly peppermints! They are the perfect pocket mints and great little stocking filler ideas.

Architectural Blue Peppermints Tin with gold geometric shapes as decorationArchitectural Blue Peppermints Tin

 

Trinket Dish

Another little gem is our Turquoise Trinket Dish. It’s ideal for storing treasured trinkets, jewellery or snacks. The beautiful dish shows off its natural terracotta colour on the outside, while flaunting a contrasting Turkish blue glaze on the inside. A modern, stylish and practical stocking filler.

Turquoise trinket dish with golden trees and christmas present decorationsTurquoise Trinket Dish

 

Skin Mask

Eighth on our stocking fillers list is a lovely go-to pampering gift, our Vita C Vitality Skin Mask. It contains Vitamin C; the multitasking skincare ingredient to rule them all. Its versatile antioxidant properties enable it to calm, brighten and rejuvenate any skin type! This is a perfect solution for the harsh winter weather effects on our skin. Your loved ones can use and reveal a refreshed complexion with a natural glow.

Vita C Vitality Skin Mask with gold candles and bow decorationVita C Vitality Skin Mask

 

Bath Bomb

Continuing along the pamper line, as who doesn’t love some good pampering gifts over Christmas? We have our Citrus Twist Bath Bomb. This golden bath bomb is hand finished with shimmering brushes of gold, making it the perfect thing for a luxury pamper session. Your loved ones can enjoy beautiful citrus aromas in a relaxing bath. What a luxurious stocking filler idea!

Citrus Twist Bath Bomb with golden star decorationsCitrus Twist Bath Bomb

 

Tiger Socks

Lastly, but definitely not least, is the gift idea that’s always clung onto for dear life to last until Christmas…socks! A practical gift, but doesn’t have to be boring, especially with Bookblock designs. For example, our Pink Tiger Socks are definitely ones to be shown off! They feature a gorgeous design with vibrant tigers surrounded by plants and flowers, so excellent for someone with a cheeky side.

Pink Tiger Socks with gold star decorationsPink Tiger Socks

We hope this has given you some stocking filler ideas to gift to your loved ones, as well as some ideas for yourself!

Bookblock’s Guide to Christmas Gifts for Dads

Posted on by Louise Ashlee

Dad Jokes

Firstly, we’re going with a pretty easy choice, our Book for Dads. I’m sure most of you have had your fair share of dad jokes, but why not let them have a little fun with some more? This gift for dads wraps up pretty much anything you’d expect a dad to come up with that nobody else would. From awfully good dad-jokes to random facts, we’ve got all the silly knowledge one dad may need. He’ll have hours of fun, so it’s the perfect addition for our Christmas gift ideas for dad!

A Book for Dads with snowy backgroundA Book for Dads

 

The Practical

Next is something more on the practical side, our Brown Leather Wash Bag. Dads do tend to love those practical gift ideas, so this bag is perfect. Made from real Italian leather, it’s a seriously smart accessory to have. It is made up of two compartments and lined with a polyester cloth that’s easy to wipe clean…definitely a good feature! Additionally, it’s a gorgeous rich shade of brown for that premium look.

Brown Leather Washbag with golden leaf decorationBrown Leather Wash Bag

 

Another of the practical Christmas gift ideas dads always seem to be needing…socks! With mysterious holes constantly appearing, they are always a safe gift for men. We love our Oxford Blue Merino Wool Socks by the Monarch of Naples especially. They’re a rich oxford blue made with a wide ribbed stitch and are a super smart and stylish accessory. Merino wool is both warm and great at regulating body heat, making it the perfect choice for a premium pair of socks. You can’t get much better than this for sock-related Christmas gifts for dad.

Oxford Blue Merino Wool Socks with green leaf decorationOxford Blue Merino Wool Socks

 

Christmas Tipple

Now we’ve covered some practical gift ideas, it’s time for something more exciting. What dad doesn’t love a good Christmas tipple? Our Old Man’s Tipple Scotch Whisky by Forty Liquors is a fantastic option. It’s a complex whisky produced with a selection of whiskies aged in oak barrels and blended together. It’s incredibly smooth, yet rich and complex, thanks to years of maturation in the ex-Bourbon barrels. They softened the spirit, creating spiced and orchard notes, then finished in oak sherry casks, amplifying floral and honey notes. All imparting great depth.

It is also housed in our brilliant cocktail glass bottle with a beautifully designed label, extremely in-keeping with its aesthetic. What a wonderful addition to our Christmas gift ideas for dad.

Old Man's Tipple with baubles and leaves layered on top in a christmas tree shapeOld Man’s Tipple Scotch Whisky

 

A Perfect Gift Box

If you think your dad will love these gift ideas, then we highly recommend our special Gift Box for Dads. Including our Book for Dads and Merino Wool socks, this box is packed with gifts that will make him smile. He can enjoy some savoury snacks with our Truffle Nuts and Blood Orange slices, as well as our amazing Ultimate Rub Selection Box. It has four delicious spice blends to use on a range of gorgeous dishes. 

Additionally, this box contains another of our Forty Liquors favourites that’s deep, smokey and incredibly smooth; Maple Old fashioned. It’s a modern take on an Old Fashioned and a perfect gift idea for those dads who like to take their time with a drink.

Lastly, for a perfect finishing touch, we’ve included a set of our Brain Teaser cards, so you can have some quality fun time with questions and puzzles. A great game to play over Christmas. 

A Gift Box for Dads with red leaf decorationGift Box for Dads

Everything and anything on this dad’s Christmas list will make wonderful Christmas gifts for him!

Bookblock’s Guide to Building the Perfect Christmas Gift Box Under £30

Posted on by Louise Ashlee

Christmas Fizz

To begin our wonderful list of Christmas gift ideas, we’re starting with one of our favourite Forty Liquors spritz London’s Calling Zesty Gin Fizz. It’s a citrus forward number mellowed by Fino sherry. Designed to put a spring in your step, it is lifted by grapefruit zest and honey notes. This drink definitely packs a punch, and makes a great addition to Christmas gift boxes.

The pouch is also housed in a beautifully abstract style envelope, with a small little window to show the dazzling red drink inside. 

London's Calling Zesty Gin Fizz Spritz with illustrated blue Christmas tree decorationsLondon’s Calling Zesty Gin Fizz

 

Christmas Nibbles

Next up are some yummy Christmas biscuits with our Black Forest Biscuits by Bookblock Deli. They are deliciously indulgent all butter biscuits, baked with sour cherries and dark chocolate pieces. As a result, our Deli has created a gorgeous signature black forest flavour. Baked by hand, these melt in the mouth biscuits are perfect with a cup of tea or coffee, so had to be a feature for our under £30 Christmas box. 

Of course, we also love the packaging. With the rich green background reflecting the black forest and bold red shadow under the title for the punchiness of the cherries. The combination creates a wonderful design.

Black Forest Biscuits with illustrated christmas foliage in green and redBlack Forest Biscuits

 

Christmas candles

Who doesn’t love a home with beautiful Christmas candles? Our Wild Fig and Cassis Candle by Älska is a brilliant way to ensure that they are a feature. 

This lovely candle is one for fans of rich and fruity fragrances. Fig, apricot and raspberry bring a hint of sweetness. Because of this, it works all year around as well as the festive period.

The candle is 100% soy wax, so not only will it reduce the amount of soot emitted, but also burns for longer! We have housed it in a frosted glass, creating an elegantly premium gift. 

Wild Fig and Cassis Candle with illustrated green leaf decorationsWild Fig and Cassis Candle

 

More Christmas Nibbles

At Bookblock, we can’t get enough biscuits. They are the perfect Christmas nibbles. Therefore, next on our gift ideas list is our Lancashire Cheese & Spring Onion Biscuits by The Drinks Bakery. They have a motto ‘Great drink drinks deserve great snacks’ and we couldn’t agree more. 

Using the best Mrs Kirkham’s Lancashire cheese with English mustard and spring onion, it creates a full-on-fruity profile. It also has a spicy finish which stands up to some serious drinks. These little treats are the perfect stocking fillers and a wonderful fit for our budgeted Christmas box.

Lancashire Cheese & Spring Onion Biscuits with pink illustrated christmas present decorationsLancashire Cheese & Spring Onion Biscuits

 

Last but not least and a brilliant snack, Torres’ Black Truffle Crisps. They’re light and delicious with a beautifully strong flavour of real black summer truffle. These crisps are handcrafted, vegan and gluten free, so wonderful for everyone to enjoy. As a result, they are the perfect finishing touch to our under £30 Christmas gift box.

Black Truffle Crisps with illustrated christmas stars and shapes in red and yellowBlack Truffle Crisps

Although we’ve selected these lovely gifts for you, we also have our range of curated gift boxes to choose from. For example, our £30 Gin Cocktail Box is perfect for this budget and a real treat for the taste buds of any gin lover!

The 12 Days of Christmas – Bookblock Style

Posted on by Louise Ashlee

We are giving you the 12 days, but replacing the true love gifts with some of our own Christmas gifts from Bookblock!

 

The First Day

On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me. A partridge in a pear tree…or in our case our minimal style personalised Folk Birds notebook. These sweet birds look fairly like partridges, so we thought it quite a fitting replacement! The details of each bird are lovely and a notebook is always a great go-to Christmas gift. Be it in a gift box for a friend, colleague or family member. 

Folk Birds notebook with a little bird decorationFolk Birds notebook

 

The Second Day

On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me. Two Turtle doves…or our Flying Birds Adventurer’s Activity Journal. These journals are packed full of ideas to foster fun and creativity in children aged 4-8. They’re brimming with games and fascinating facts so as a result, the perfect companion for curious minds. It would make a great addition to children’s Christmas gift boxes or stocking fillers. Also, the cover is a pattern of sweet white birds that look fairly like doves!

Flying Birds Activity Journal with Christmas tree decorations in orange, pink and bluesFlying Birds Adventurer’s Activity Journal

 

The Third Day

On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me. Three French hens…or our French Marigold Seeds. They aren’t quite in the same category but both are French! The seeds come in a delightful little envelope with beautifully illustrated flowers. French Marigolds are a rich, yellowy orange colour and very easy to grow, therefore, an all-around joyful flower! 

They would make a lovely add-on to a gift box, especially for a garden lover.

French Marigold Seeds with orange snowflake decorationsFrench Marigold Seeds

 

The Fourth Day

On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me. Four calling birds…or our personalised Flying Parrots notebook. Parrots are surely a good equivalent to calling birds as they’re usually known for their chatter!
This notebook is lovely and vibrant, with a warm yellow background and brightly coloured parrot and leaf illustrations. It also has a minimal style frame for you to add your own text, be it a name, memory or a favourite quotation. The lightweight teal lines reflect the delicacy of the illustrations wonderfully. 

A perfect Christmas gift for that loved one in need of a luxurious place to store their thoughts and ideas.

Flying Parrots notebook with decorative Christmas trees and stars in blue and yellowFlying Parrots notebook

 

The Fifth Day

On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me. Five gold rings…or our Rose Gold Knot Bridesmaid’s Ring. Although this beauty is listed for bridesmaids, it would make a wonderful addition to any gift box. This contemporary rose gold ring has a beautifully simple knot in the centre and is also adjustable in size, so a perfect wearable keepsake. 

It would be a lovely piece of jewellery to add to a Christmas gift box for that special loved one.

Rose Gold Knot Bridesmaid’s Ring with festive decoration in pinks, oranges and brownsRose Gold Knot Bridesmaid’s Ring

 

The Sixth Day

On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me. Six geese a-laying…or our Duck Egg Blue Mesh Cotton Bag. We figured the six geese were laying eggs, which reflects the gorgeous colour of this bag (close enough!). The woven structure creates a large storage space, therefore a great option for grocery shops, storing items at home or to use as a daily bag. Additionally, it’s made from 100% cotton, packs down into a small size and it is a beautiful shade of blue. A lovely idea for a Christmas gift box for a loved one who has sustainability in mind.

Duck Egg Blue Mesh Cotton Bag with decorative lemons and Christmas lights in oranges, pinks and brownsDuck Egg Blue Mesh Cotton Bag

 

The Seventh Day

On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me. Seven swans a-swimming…or our Ivory Organic Cotton Face Towel. We know swans don’t tend to need a towel after swimming…but we do! 

This delicate texture of Nawrap’s ivory face towel makes it perfect for cleansing away any oil and dirt on your face. It’s also all natural, with no dyes or chemicals, it’s simply beautiful cotton. This is a perfect add-on to a friend’s gift box who is particular about their skincare routine, or wants to improve it.

Ivory Organic Cotton Face Towel with Christmas holly decorationIvory Organic Cotton Face Towel

 

The Eighth Day

On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me. Eight maids a-milking…then eating our Festive Filled Chocolate Bars. The maids are milking cows and that milk goes into creating scrumptious chocolate, just like our chocolate boxes. 

This particular chocolate box contains four handmade, hand painted filled chocolate bars. Each has a delightfully festive flavour. Enjoy gingerbread, spiced clementine, pistachio & raisin and sticky toffee chocolates. 

The box is also beautifully designed, with Christmas style scenic illustrations and a rich dark green background for an excellent contrast. 

Festive Filled Chocolate Bars

 

The Ninth Day

On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me. Nine ladies dancing…well they will be after a few of our Wild Pink Gins! The vibrant gin is inspired by the flavours of British summer, but pairs just as well for Christmas. It starts its life as small-batch handcrafted London Dry Gin. With the addition of a perfectly balanced combination of wild strawberries, rhubarb and dill. It is a delicate yet full flavoured delight. Add this to your Christmas gift boxes and you will all be dancing in no time at all!

Wild Pink Gin with bordering red baublesWild Pink Gin

 

The Tenth Day

On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me. Ten lords a-leaping…after they’ve had a few cups of our Crow Tea Ground Coffee. 

It is a rich and intense coffee that suits fans of more traditional styles. It has notes of dark chocolate, cinder toffee and red berry acidity. Dark Woods Coffee have created a dark yet bright speciality by using the cleanest available green coffee and roasting it darker without bitterness. We all know at least one coffee lover; therefore, they are brilliant Christmas gifts.

Crow Tree Ground Coffee with a decorative Christmas tree illustration Crow Tea Ground Coffee

 

The Eleventh Day

On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me. Eleven pipers piping…or using our Jungle Culture Reusable Bamboo Straws (similar ballpark..ish!). 

If you’re looking for a fantastic sustainable alternative to plastic straws, these are the way to go. Completely natural, they’re durable and long lasting. Each straw comes with a lovely jute pouch, making them easy to take out and about.

These straws would make great stocking fillers, or a nice finishing touch to a Christmas gift box.

Reusable Bamboo Straw with decorative Christmas presents and a star in goldJungle Culture Reusable Bamboo Straws

 

The Twelfth Day

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me. Twelve drummers drumming…or babies shaking our rattles. We know this one is a little far-fetched but they’re both musical…of sorts! 

We have three to choose from, but we love our Crochet Lion Rattle. This would be perfect for a newborn gift box, with gorgeous textures, vibrant colour and rattle sounds. Combined together, they stimulate the little one’s senses.

Lion Rattle with decorative yellow stars and a brown drum and rocking horse illustrationsCrochet Lion Rattle

We hope you’ve enjoyed our Bookblock version of the 12 Days of Christmas and even given you some Christmas gift ideas!

Find Your Festivity with Bookblock’s Christmas Gifts

Posted on by Louise Ashlee

We’re starting with one of the first things we do to feel festive, Christmas tree decorations! Most of us love the process of digging out and re-discovering our decorations, then carefully placing them on the Christmas tree and around our homes. We have a range of baubles and decorations, all would make wonderful Christmas gifts for you and your loved ones. Header photo by Katie Elizabeth Wright.

 

Beautiful Baubles

Nothing says sparkly and festive like sequins. Add a shimmering festive touch to your gift box with our sequin glass baubles. You can choose from gold, red and green, or treat yourself and your loved ones to all three for a vivid jewel collection. Think how lovely the complete set would look on your Christmas tree! 

If sequins aren’t your go to, we have more designs such as our beautiful wooden decorations and jolly gnomes. Shown below are two from each collection; Snowflake Wooden Decoration and one of our cute Gnome Hanger Decorations.
Firstly, our Wooden Decorations consist of this gorgeous Snowflake, Intricate Snowflake, Patterned Tree and Woodland Reindeer, with festive red and green ribbon ties. They are all beautifully detailed to add to your winter wonder gift boxes. We love that these little Christmas gifts are created by our in-house designers and are completely plastic free. They are perfect for other rustic themed Christmas decorations.
Secondly, our Christmas Gnome Hanger Decorations are adorable touches to a gift box. Choose from three red and white gnomes, featured in different glittery hats. Their total lack of facial features, button noses and little red mittens are so sweet, and as a result, make wonderfully festive Christmas tree decorations. 

Sequin detail baubles in red, gold and green with winter berries decorationRed, green and gold Sequin Baubles

 

Festive Flower Wreath

Continuing with Christmas decorations, next is our Festive Flower Wreath Kit. Making your own floral wreath can be a wonderfully cathartic experience, not to mention a festive one. Why not encourage your loved ones to take some time to create something lovely with this wreath kit? It has been thoughtfully assembled by our in-house Bookblock Florists and includes everything needed to create a gorgeous Christmas wreath.
Each kit contains a selection of our dried flowers, a golden metal hoop, hand-made and naturally dyed ribbon for a premium gift idea.
As you can see below this selection looks absolutely beautiful on the golden hoop, with the contrasting greens and reds and silky ribbon standing out as the star of the wreath. Because of this, we think they are such perfect Christmas decorations.

Floral wreath kit in three images with winter botanical detailFestive Flower Wreath Kit

 

Festive Food

Next up is Christmas food. We all love treating ourselves over the Christmas period, so we made sure to have festive treats waiting and ready. 

Firstly, our Merry Chocolate Selection is jolly and generous. It contains four mini boxes of festive chocolate delights, hand-picked based on their amazing taste and festive cheer. Enjoy forest gateau bites, churros almonds, tiramisu rounds and white chocolate pistachios. Additionally, this box also has some awesome packaging. It includes bright and bold colours on the cover with abstract shapes that catch your eye so well. The mini boxes are no different as the beautiful floral designs and more simplistic abstract shapes make a wonderful aesthetic. These Christmas chocolates make great additions to any festive gift box. 

A Merry Chocolate Selection with abstract christmas tree detail in green and orange
A Merry Chocolate Selection

 

Christmas Crackers

Lastly, we have a brilliant finishing touch; Christmas crackers! Each is filled with yummy chocolates for exciting Christmas treats.
The first is our slightly more sophisticated cracker with port and raisin truffles, hand-made by the Norfolk Truffle Company. They’re coated in dark chocolate with a delicious milk truffle interior, with added raisins and ruby port. These treats are housed in a luxurious cracker design, with luscious blue and gold details to really stand out.
Next is another classy cracker containing three delicious milk Lindt Christmas chocolates. These are perfect to add a little festive fun to your gift box with the surprise of Santas inside. Additionally, the cracker has a beautifully elegant design with festive, botanical motifs all around.
Lastly, for more fun, is our Santa Cracker. These charming Christmas gifts house delicious milk chocolate Santa belts, which are fitting for the giant friendly Santa around the cracker! They are (just like the others), a lovely finishing touch to a gift box.

Christmas crackers collection Port & Raisin Truffle Cracker, Lindt Santas Cracker and Santa Cracker

 

If you’d like to add more of a personal touch, we have hundreds of greeting cards for you to add to your gift boxes that would make them extra special. A Christmas card goes a long way for sending a personal message. 

Time’s ticking for the countdown to Christmas so start your browsing!

5 best Christmas markets in the UK

Posted on by Sarah Bennett

Wrap up warm. It’s Christmas market season. 

Born in Germany, these delightful popup markets have become a mainstay in the UK. Offering mulled wine, mince pies and a beautiful array of gift ideas, there’s nowhere better to get in the festive spirit. 

So if you’re on the lookout for gift inspiration or simply a slice of stollen, you’ve come to the right place. Here are my top five favourite Christmas markets in the UK. 

Southbank Christmas Market<

Southbank Winter Festival

If you’re looking to embrace your inner Love Actually, look no further than London’s iconic Southbank. In the heart of the capital, this bustling market features Christmas gifts and festive goodies. 

Foodies will love scoping out freshly baked mince pies and artisan Christmas puddings. Not to mention, some of the best street food from Thailand, India and Greece. And if you’re looking for unique Christmas gifts, you’re in luck. Some of London’s best designers will be showcasing their work. 

There’ll be a great selection of entertainment too. As well as live appearances from Nadiya Hussain and folk star Kate Rusby, visitors can catch gigs, exhibitions and even a puppet musical rendition of Black Beauty. If that isn’t Christmassy, I don’t know what is. 

Mulled wine and cider are guaranteed. Hugh Grant, unfortunately, is not. 

When: 8th November – 26th January (10am-10pm)

Where: London’s Southbank Centre 

 

Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market

Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market

This is one for the purists. Sitting in the shadow of Winchester’s spectacular cathedral, this Christmas market has been voted one of the best in Europe by the New York Post. And you can see why. Inspired by the traditional markets of Germany, Winchester’s Christmas fair is bursting with character. 

Wander through over 100 chalets, each offering an array of Christmas gifts and seasonal produce. Discover the best in local crafts including handmade jewellery, apparel and homeware. And after all that perusing, treat yourself to some authentic German bratwurst or some gorgeous vegan treats. 

The best part? These adorable chalets surround a picturesque ice rink for gliding those mince pies away. If you want my advice, go during the week to avoid the crowds. But with such a brilliant atmosphere to enjoy, Winchester is worth a visit at any time. 

When: 21st November – 22nd December 

Where: Winchester Cathedral grounds

Christmas Market

Leeds Christkindlemarkt

Leeds Christkindlemarkt is so quintessentially German, it might as well have been dropped off from Dusseldorf. Each wooden stall is decorated by hand and boasts a bevy of traditional gifts and gifts and goodies. 

This seasonal showpiece is full of festive gift ideas. Browse the best of local crafts or feast your eyes on authentic German treats including gluhwein, bratwurst and schnitzels. And if the weather takes a turn, there are plenty of places to seek shelter. Cosy up with a hot chocolate in the Kuh Stall chalet or enjoy a tipple in the Ski Hutte bar. With glockenspiels and pilsner aplenty, it’s full of apres-ski charm. 

At the heart of Christkindlemarkt is a spectacular carousel. Perfect for children and big kids alike, it’s a great place to take the whole family. And with an array of live entertainment including face painting and balloon making, there’s nowhere better to get everyone together this Christmas.  

When: 8th November – 21st December (10.30am – 7.30pm)

Where: Leeds’ Millenium Square 

Edinburgh Christmas Market

Edinburgh Christmas Market 

Edinburgh’s Christmas market is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque around. Every year, this festive feast take over Edinburgh’s famous Princes Street Gardens with a huge selection of stalls, rides and events. 

With over 150 stalls of Christmas goodies, there’s something for everyone. And the food on offer is second to none. Expect winter warmers from acclaimed local restaurants including Fox Hat, Alandas and the Mac Shack. Or for a wee dram, pop into the Johnnie Walker Bothy Bar.

But the biggest draw of this market is its rides. As well as bumper cars, carousels and a Christmas tree maze, visitors can soak up a sky-high view of the city in a stunning big wheel. There’s a great program of live entertainment too. Come along and find some of the biggest names in comedy, music and dance. Plus a special appearance by someone called Kris Kringle… whoever he is.   

When: 16th November – 4th January (10am – 10pm)

Where: Edinburgh’s Princes Street Gardens

Cardiff Christmas Market

Cardiff Christmas Market

If you’re after something a little more sedate, Cardiff Christmas market is for you. This beautiful collection of wooden stalls gives local makers the chance to put their work in the spotlight. You’ll find everything from original artwork to handmade ceramics and decorations, all celebrating the best of Welsh culture. 

All the food is local too. Tuck into freshly baked Welsh cakes and warming mulled cider. And top up your Christmas gift collection with handmade fudge, luxury chocolates and festive infused gins. Or treat yourself to some chestnuts (roasted on an open fire, of course). 

One of the UK’s more peaceful Christmas markets, Cardiff is perfect for shoppers who like to take things at their own pace. And while there may be no helter skelters for the kids, don’t be surprised to see some familiar festive faces pop up around the town. So come along and explore the winding lanes of Wales’ capital. 

When: 14th November – 23rd December (10am – 6pm)

Where: St John Street, Working Street, the Hayes, Hills Street and Trinity Street, Cardiff

Looking for more Christmas gift inspiration? Check out our beautiful array of gift boxes. Or take a look at our personalisable Christmas cards.

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