Price Points: Unwanted Christmas presents

Unwanted Christmas presents

Christmas is over for another year, and it’s almost 2022. The clearing away has commenced and, as always, there’s a surplus of ‘stuff’. What do you do with those unwanted Christmas presents? The duplicate copies of books and the clothes & shoes that aren’t to your taste. Well, we’ve looked into it and have found that there are charities that would be over the moon to receive your cast offs.

If you received lots of Christmas cards in the post, before you dispose the envelope into the paper recycling, carefully tear or snip off the stamp. There are lots of charity organisations that accept them as they can sell them on in bulk.

A couple of years ago, Justin’s mum hinted to the family that she’d like to read Bill Bryson’s recently published book, The Body. On Christmas day, of course, she received multiple copies! Book Aid International accept brand new books (not used) which they then pass on to community libraries, schools, refugee camps, prisons and the like in Africa and elsewhere. They are particularly interested in children’s books, vocational, technical & professional text books and African interest books.

Along with toiletries, shoes and clothes are some of the most ‘unwanted’ presents to be received. You can ‘re-gift’ them with a clear conscience by passing them on to a deserving charity. The Air Ambulance Service accept (clean) clothes, shoes, towels, bedding and curtains. You can either drop them off to one of their reuse banks or, if there isn’t one near you, you can post them to them for free.

  1. Used stamps
  2. Unwanted books
  3. Unwanted clothes

what to do with unwanted Christmas presents

Some of the links on our blog are affiliate links. We may receive a small commission - at no cost to you - if you click through and make a purchase.
Prices & links correct at time of publication.

Unwanted clothes
Unwanted clothes
Unwanted books
Unwanted books
Used stamps
Used stamps
Unwanted clothes
Unwanted clothes
Unwanted books
Unwanted books
Used stamps
Used stamps
Unwanted clothes
Unwanted clothes
Unwanted books
Unwanted books
Used stamps
Used stamps
Unwanted clothes
Unwanted clothes
Unwanted books
Unwanted books
Used stamps
Used stamps
Unwanted clothes
Unwanted clothes
Unwanted books
Unwanted books
Used stamps
Used stamps

7 items that should be added to your Christmas wishlist

7 items that should be added to your Christmas wishlist

Gadgets can make life more enjoyable. They not only give people new fun things to play with, but they also improve their daily lives in ways people could not imagine before.

Here are 7 items that you should be adding to your Christmas wishlist this year…

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1. Mist maker diffuser

Essential oils have numerous health benefits, but not everyone enjoys diffusing them using candles or electric heaters. The mist maker is a safe alternative for homes with pets and kids since it uses water instead of fire to distribute essential oils throughout your room. It also has an ultrasonic ionizing filter that breaks down molecules into micro-sized particles, which means more medicinal properties end up in the air for inhalation!

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2. Automatic milk frother

Ever wake up with an intense craving for a creamy latte or cappuccino? With the automatic milk frother, you can buy whole beans and grind them right before making each cup of coffee, so it’s as fresh as possible. Then, simply place the beans in the hopper, choose between single or double shots of espresso, pour in whole or skimmed milk (or soy/almond/coconut milk if you’re vegan or lactose intolerant), press start and watch it go.

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3. Steam washer & dryer

Two appliances, the steam washer and dryer, are making their way into homes across the globe. These high-efficiency washing machines take much less time than traditional washers to wash clothes. In addition, they use about 45% less water than conventional top-loaders in addition to electricity for heat.

Just remember, as with every dryer, the machine must be maintained and cleaned with dryer vent cleaning. The results are comparable to a front loader, but without having to deal with an agitator in the centre of your clothes. Also, this machine is great if you have sensitive skin because it uses no harsh chemicals or perfumes that can irritate sensitive skin areas like the underarms or neckline, unlike many other detergents.

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4. Gas cooker

A gas stove will allow your cooking to be much speedier as opposed to using an electric stove which takes longer because of the resistance in electricity and also, if you’ve ever used a gas cooker, there’s something extremely satisfying about cooking with a naked flame. But, of course, the price for this will vary because, again, it depends on the brand and model.

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5. Coffee machine

A coffee machine is always a great idea for Christmas, and if you think about it, it’s something that everyone needs, especially in the morning when they’re half asleep and struggling to function.

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6. Coffee grinder

This product isn’t necessary as an everyday thing, but it is a great idea for special occasions such as Christmas. The price varies, but they can get pretty pricey if you’re looking for an electric one that grinds your coffee beans automatically.

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7. Blender

Blenders are one of those things that you really need if you like smoothies or milkshakes, or baby food! They’re a great investment because they usually last a very long time, and they should be one of the items that last for many years in your kitchen as they should be something that is used daily without fail.

[disclosure*]

Christmas gifts for our vain loved ones

Christmas gifts for our vain loved ones | H is for Home

Christmas is just around the corner and you still haven’t finished buying all your gifts. The loved ones who are a little self-absorbed are the hardest to shop for – don’t you find? Even though they’re a little conceited and self-centred, we still love them. But buying a gift for these kinds of people is difficult because you have to try and think like them more than any other person on your present list. The people that really love to pamper themselves, often require gifts that are specially made for them or, at least, fit a very narrow niche. Their likes are a little difficult to understand sometimes and a gift that you think would be great can be a bit of a flop. So, for those that love to pamper themselves and get Christmas gifts that are a little ‘me, me, me’, consider the following options.

Woman holding a stack of Christmas presents

One for the fashionistas

Someone on your present list loves their fashion and make-up, what should you give them? No, you shouldn’t try to buy them cosmetics or clothes of some description. They know what they like more than you ever will. But what you can do is get them a gift that would help them with their make-up routines. A personalised leather makeup bag would be a brilliant gift. You could have the person’s name or initials etched in metal and have it fitted to the outside of the bag. You could also have their name embroidered onto the bag. Get a little deeper into what they like; what’s their favourite colour? How large is their make-up stash that needs accommodating? Do a little investigating and you’ll be able to narrow down the details.

Blue car wrapped in a red Chrtistmas ribbon

For the petrol head

Do you have a relative or friend that loves their car almost as much as they love you? Well, for those petrol heads in your family, this gift won’t be hard to get. A personalised plate would be great as they’ll truly receive a unique present unlike any other on the streets. These are just some of the Number Plates For Sale. Prices start at just £25 which is perhaps a bargain at this time of year. You can get any combination of numbers and letters, so spelling a surname or simply initials won’t be difficult. On the other hand, getting your darling petrol head some driving gloves wouldn’t go amiss. Take a look at some of the classic driving glove designs on Dents, a company that has produced some of the most iconic driving gloves. You may also want to show them a guide on how to wear such gloves as they aren’t necessarily a fashion accessory.

Bacon-scented wrapping paper from the Manly Man Company

For the foodie

Do you have someone in your life that considers themselves something of an epicurean? It could prove to be quite a challenge trying to choose a bottle of wine, whisky or gin that would be to their taste. They’d probably think that a box of chocolates is passé, so what could you get them? I bet they’d appreciate whatever you decide upon being covered in scented paper. Not just any old fragrance, what about bacon scented wrapping paper from The Manly Man company? Just scratch & sniff to release that bacon aroma.

Whether you’re buying a gift for him or her, those of your loved ones that are a little preoccupied with their looks and possessions will need Christmas presents that would fit their obsessions. Buying personalised gifts is the best way to please them.

[disclosure*]

8 Gardening Christmas gifts they’ll want to receive

8 Gardening Christmas gifts they'll want to receive | H is for Home

If you have green-fingered friends & family, there’s so much choice when it comes to gardening Christmas gifts. Do they have an acre or a balcony window box? What do they like growing flowers or vegetables? Do they prefer spending time in their garden on leisure activities rather than digging beds and mowing the lawn? Where do you start?

If your mind’s in a whirl, here are a few selections we think they’d be very happy to unwrap come Christmas morning.

Vintage tomato planter

Vintage tomato planter: £9.99, Suttons

Garden Games tree swing

Garden Games tree swing: £29.99, Garden Street

Fallen Fruits apron with fork & trowel

Fallen Fruits apron with fork & trowel: £24.00, Keen Gardener

Garden snips

Garden snips: £7.99, Van Meuwen

RHS gold leaf tough touch gloves

RHS gold leaf tough touch gloves: £23.79, Crocus

RHS Can Anything Stop Slugs? by Guy Barter

RHS Can Anything Stop Slugs? by Guy Barter: £12.99, RHS

Premier Joe's Smoker Wild West barbecue

Premier Joe’s Smoker Wild West barbecue: £1,499.00, Garden Chic

Access glass bells, set of three

Access glass bells, set of three: £84.95

shop gardening Christmas gifts

Some of the links on our blog are affiliate links. We may receive a small commission - at no cost to you - if you click through and make a purchase.
Prices & links correct at time of publication.

Garden snips
Garden snips
£7.99
Vintage tomato planter
Vintage tomato planter
£9.99
RHS Can Anything Stop Slugs? by Guy Barter
RHS Can Anything Stop Slugs? by Guy Barter
£12.99
Access glass bells, set of three
Access glass bells, set of three
£84.95
Fallen Fruits apron with fork & trowel
Fallen Fruits apron with fork & trowel
£24.00
Garden Games tree swing
Garden Games tree swing
£29.99
Premier Joe’s Smoker Wild West barbecue
Premier Joe’s Smoker Wild West barbecue
£1,499.00
RHS gold leaf tough touch gloves
RHS gold leaf tough touch gloves
£23.79
Garden snips
Garden snips
£7.99
Vintage tomato planter
Vintage tomato planter
£9.99
RHS Can Anything Stop Slugs? by Guy Barter
RHS Can Anything Stop Slugs? by Guy Barter
£12.99
Access glass bells, set of three
Access glass bells, set of three
£84.95
Fallen Fruits apron with fork & trowel
Fallen Fruits apron with fork & trowel
£24.00
Garden Games tree swing
Garden Games tree swing
£29.99
Premier Joe’s Smoker Wild West barbecue
Premier Joe’s Smoker Wild West barbecue
£1,499.00
RHS gold leaf tough touch gloves
RHS gold leaf tough touch gloves
£23.79