Despite my best intentions I always end up frantically scrambling around for some last presents for everyone from my mum to the neighbours who pop in on Christmas Eve. This year I can even include Alice in that category. For some reason despite the only thing on her list being two trolls I stupidly only got her one, and not even Poppy at that. Apologies for those that haven’t seen that neon bright Dreamworks film yet. You wait!

With only a few days to go I thought I would share a couple of last minute homemade ideas that you can put together in a few hours or if you prefer to just purchase online then I’ve included a few stores that are still delivering in time for Christmas. I like to choose things the girls can help with as I think that makes it more more (if not a little bit more messy). It’s also a lot of fun and makes for a lovely little gift.

{HOMEMADE}

Grandparents Memory Book

This was something I made for my parents a few years back and I’m hoping it will make the loveliest keepsake. The idea is they fill it with memories and then give it back to the children to keep. I bought a nice leather notebook and then wrote very questions inside on the pages, leaving spaces for writing or adding pictures. Everything from what their favourite childhood toy was to what their first job was. I included questions on what their parents were like and also their hopes for the future. I also stuck in little envelopes so that they could pop in mementos or photos too. If you package it up with a nice pen it is a lovely gift that they can take their time to complete and will something for your little one’s (and you) to treasure in the future.

Hot Chocolate Set

This is a great little gift. We grabbed a couple of cheap white mugs from Wilkos and then I let the girls loose with an oil based Sharpie pen. Once they have finished their masterpiece then bake on a low heat in the oven. You then need to add the chocolate. I made some cute stirring spoons by dipping wooden spoons from Tiger in chocolate and adding some sprinkles. You can also make marshmallow stirrers using a similar technique. Package up in a little gift bag with some more marshmallows and a tub of nice coco.

Date Night Box

I’m actually planning on doing this myself (hope Edd isn’t reading this). Somehow life has taken over and I realised that Edd and I very rarely make it out just the two of us. As he’s away a lot in the week we tend to spend the weekends doing family stuff but I feel perhaps once a month we need to introduce ‘date night’ and do something together just the two of us. I’m going to make up a little box full of 12 suggested outings that we can do across the year. Each month we will pick a new one to do. I’m thinking the standard dinner out and cinema but also some other things like a walk on the Malvern Hills (where we got engaged) followed by a pub lunch. I need some more suggestions though so please do let me know any ideas you have. Also, still not sure how to package this up but thinking of maybe popping in some chocolates and a few bottles of his favourite ales.

Photos

A simple one and something I’m sure most of you do anyway but we always give a photo of the girls to relatives for Christmas. It’s easy to nip to Boots and get some printed out instantly if you haven’t time to order any on line. This year Molly has been decorating some photo frames to put them in. Ok, they might not quite go with everyone’s colour schemes but she had a lot of fun. We got the cheap frames from Ikea and let her loose with washi tape, sequins and even some extra special gold leaf.

Treats

You could always whip up a few homemade treats and pop them in cute little gift bags or boxes. Everybody loves a few truffles after all don’t they? I shared lots of yummy recipes the other week but I have also just been whipping up some batches of my famous coconut ice and triple chocolate truffles as we go off visiting this week. I can testify that they are very last minute. Saturday evening Edd informed me we were going to visit friends the next day. Quick dash to the supermarket, 30 minutes in the kitchen, and the next morning a bit of chopping and packing and we were done.

{STORES}

Amazon

If you have been really last minute Amazon offer same day delivery so you can order all those things you forgot on the 24th and have them just in time to wrap up from Santa. If you know any friends getting married then you probably need to order them Rock My Wedding “Your Day Your Way”. And if you fancy some of the best wrapping paper around then you need to get your hands on this amazing Luckies of London wrap set. I’ve long been a fan of their animal set so when Edd came home with the Christmas version I was a tad excited. You can create all manner of characters using the stickers and cut outs provided in the pack. So much fun. If you fancy a more DIY approach then I’ve been using white paper and drawing on a fun Rudolph face with a sharpie pen and then adding a red nose or pom pom.

H&M

H&M are offering free Christmas Delivery if you order by the 21st. Just enter code 6014 at checkout and your parcel will arrive by the 24th. I love the little stocking fillers for kids like their hair slides and cute necklaces. I may also be slipping a few sparkles in for myself. Everyone needs sequins after all.

John Lewis

John Lewis offer standard delivery for orders up to 7pm tomorrow or next day delivery on orders up until 7pm Thursday 22nd. Charlotte has just picked up this cute wooden farm ready for Mabel to unwrap Christmas morning. I am also frantically chucking the required socks and knickers in to the basket for the girls. Everyone knows Santa brings knickers and socks after all.

Not On The High Street

If you are after something a little bit more personal or unique then NOTHS are offering delivery on lots of items for orders up to the 22nd. This lovely leather keyring would be perfect for Grandad.

The Entertainer

For last minute toys then The Entertainer has standard delivery by 7pm on the 20th, Next day by 3pm on the 22nd and Click and collect by midday on the 24th. I may well be doing a mad dash for this Troll for Alice!

Independents

There are a whole heap of independents who I follow on Instagram and many are still offering delivery. My new favourite kiddy store, Bobby Rabbit Kids, has standard delivery if you order by Midnight tonight and express delivery if you order by midnight on the 20th. There are too many cute pieces for me to mention including a whole heap of amazing stocking fillers.

I’m pretty tempted to add a few shiny things for myself from the beautiful Missoma. They offer free next day delivery if you order by midday on the 22nd if you need something a little bit special for someone. Or for yourself for that matter….
 
Hope that helps with any last minute panics! Have you got anything left to get or are you super organised this year? If you are one of the organised ones then head to Rock My Style where Charlotte is sharing some shopping ideas for yourself.