The countdown to the holidays has begun…are you ready? Don’t panic, there’s still time to buy last minute stocking gifts and essential items to make Christmas very merry. Check out our handy 5 step SOS guide.

Step 1. Sort out the stocking fillers

Spent ages thinking about gifts for the kids, but run out of ideas for their stockings? Meri Meri to the rescue with on-trend suggestions!

For her: 1. Knitted Flamingo Scarf crafted from organic cotton, 2. Multicolor Glitter Alphabet Stickers, 3. Glitter Reindeer Hair Slides, 4. Unicorn Pocket Necklace, 5. Unicorn and Rainbow Tattoos 6. Glitter Rainbow Iron On Patch
and 7. Pompom Crown

For him: 1. Knitted Alligator Scarf crafted from organic cotton, 2. Snake Iron On Patch, 3. Dinosaur Temporary Tattoos, 4. Robot Leather Belt, 5. Mini Space Stickers, 6. Pirate Enamel Pins and 7. Space Voyager Patches


Step 2. Invest in Christmas Eve gifts

In some countries, it’s traditional to give a gift on Christmas Eve. We think this is an excellent idea as it’ll help take the edge off excitable little people’s Christmas Day anticipation! A fabulous family festive film is a great choice - curl up and watch it with the kids for some calm before the big day! Our favourites are:

  • Miracle on 34th Street
  • White Christmas
  • A Charlie Brown Christmas
  • A Christmas Carol
  • It’s A Wonderful Life

Or how about gifting a Christmas themed book? Best-sellers include:

  • The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore
  • A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
  • The Jolly Christmas Postman by Janet and Allan Ahlberg
  • How The Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr Seuss
  • Mog’s Christmas by Judith Kerr

Step 3. Stock up on drinks and snacks

Buy a good selection of soft drinks, alcoholic beverages and sweet and savoury snacks, for thirsty and hungry family and guests. It’s always better to have too much of everything, you can save any leftovers for New Year’s Eve! To make your party look really fabulous choose stylish party cups, plates and napkins, see our fabulous festive range here.

It’s a bit unfair for the adults to be enjoying celebratory drinks, with nothing but soda for the kids. So, how about creating a special alcohol free egg nog just for them? Egg nog has been a favourite American Christmas drink since the 1700s! Most recipes include raw eggs and rum and/or brandy, but you can make a ‘cooked’ alcohol-free version that is really yummy. Try the recipe below:

Alcohol free egg nog

Ingredients:
(Makes 4 to 6 servings)

  • 4 Eggs
  • 1/3-1/2 cup of sugar
  • 2 Cups of milk
  • 1 tsp Nutmeg, and extra for sprinkling
  • 1 cup of heavy cream or half and half

Method: 

  • Beat the eggs and sugar together until the sugar is dissolved and the eggs are frothy. Stir in the milk and nutmeg.
  • Heat in a double boiler over simmering water, whisking constantly, to a temperature of 165°F. Remove from the heat and strain.
  • Chill well.
  • Beat the heavy cream with a pinch of sugar, and stir half into the egg mixture. Serve the rest as a dollop on top of each serving. Sprinkle with a little nutmeg.

Step 4. Don’t forget festive essentials

Get plenty of tape to wrap gifts and, of course, plenty of gift wrap and gift tags so you don’t run out. You might also want some ‘spare’ Christmas gifts hidden away, just incase a neighbour or unexpected visitor pops around with a gift and you’d like to give one back. A box of candy is always welcome, or for children a fun sketch and sticker book will go down well, see our choice of unicorns, robots or rainbows here.

Step 5. Create a ‘To Do’ list

It’s all too easy to get swept away, and stressed out, by the whirlwind that is the preparation for the holidays. So, your three key SOS words are… delegate, delegate, delegate! Create a ‘To Do’ list and write down the jobs family and friends can help with. Also, get your kids to do a festive treats baking session with you – they’ll love to get involved! Our festive icons cookie cutters and Nutcracker Christmas Cupcake Kit are sensational for making cookies and cupcakes everyone will adore.