What I got for Christmas 2017

I absolutely love reading and watching Christmas hauls so I thought I would take the opportunity to post mine. It’s a shame that these posts need a disclaimer – I am by no means bragging about what I received. I love sharing what I got and hope it inspires people if they are stuck for gift ideas for birthdays throughout the year. I have not included every single item because I think I would be here all day showing you my socks but I appreciated every single gift. As per last year, I have not mentioned who bought me every little thing, just the odd few people I can link to.

People know I love food and drink so I love getting little gifts that I can devour! The diet goes out the window over Christmas so I enjoy treats guilt free. I didn’t get as many food items this year compared to last, in a way that is good as I have a wedding dress to get into for 2018! I also got some wine and prosecco which I was pleased about, and I will probably have a glass or 2 of these on New Year’s Eve! I also got some lovely mugs including a Banham Zoo Travel mug - amazing! Me and James also got a Tastecard subscription as a gift which means plenty of half price meals, and an excuse to go out more!

I love getting smellies and things I can pamper myself with so I was very thankful to receive these gifts. I also pestered James for face wipes for months and months and thankfully he got the hint as I always run out this time of year!

I received a few bits for the home too including a mustard cushion and throw which are going to go perfectly on our new grey chair that we are buying with a voucher we got for The Range! I also got a Philadelphia cookbook which has some amazing recipes in. My stepmum also made us the jar with lights in, it matches the living room so I am looking forward to being able to get full use out of this next Christmas. 


I received a few random gifts that don't fit into a category which I will share with you below. Firstly I got a crochet needle, some woo and a book. I have started to attempt to knit a scarf but I haven't quite got the hang of it yet. Looking forward to learning! I also got a love island phone case which I love and have been waiting to put it on after taking these photos! I didn't receive an apple watch but I did get a new strap for it which is a lovely colour and my old one was getting rather tatty. James also got mr a clip on light ring for my phone, it really has made a difference in my selfies!

I received a few wearable items such as some lovely pyjamas, a scarf, frenchie wellies (you can sort of see them in the background) socks and a necklace. My favourite gift was this beautiful winter floral hairpiece which my mum got me for my wedding next year. I spotted it on etsy and think it will go perfectly with our wedding theme!

Last but not least, I got this box called the 'Christie Loves Box' from Kim at Romanovs Views which was packed with goodies. You will have to wait until my next post to see what's inside as I think it deserves an entire post on its own!

A massive thank you to everyone that bought me a present. I am sorry I could not feature every single thing, mainly because I have started using it and couldn't wait before taking a photo! Please link me your 'What I Got For Christmas' posts and videos, I'd love to take a look.

Five Christmas Gift Ideas for Men*

I find men the hardest to buy for when it comes to Christmas gifts. There are so many great things that you can buy the girls, pamper sets, smellies, candles but when it comes to men I just haven’t a clue. This year I have tried to scour the web for some ideas that you could get the man in your life, let me know in the comments if you have any more to add. I hope these ideas will help you.

If in doubt, buy alcohol! A bottle of Captain Morgan’s is always a good idea and if you want to make it more into a gift package then add in some other ingredients in order for them to make their own festive cocktails.

I think a personalised bag is also a great gift idea. The men that I know are all about hitting the gym so a gym bag with their initials would make for a great personalised gift. MAHI leather have an amazing selection of bags and I am sure you’d be able to find one that suited the man in your life.

Looking for a gift for a foodie? Why not get them some gift vouchers for their favourite restaurant? I recently tried out the Christmas menu at Turtle Bay and it was delicious. I know personally I would be very happy if I opened up vouchers to a restaurant on Christmas morning!

If your man is into a pamper session then an interesting and different gift idea could be to get them a voucher to use a Float Pod.  A single float experience includes a 60- minute float session, followed by a refreshing sorbet and organic tea. You can even book yourself in at the same time and make it a gift for the both of you!

Following on from the pamper session, L’occitane have some great Christmas gift ideas for men including sets so you can get them a bundle of goodies. The Christmas Beauty sets for Him have been inspired by the golden rays of Southern France. Products range from facial moisturisers to serums and also shaving creams, colognes and essential oils. I love how as a company they commit to using natural ingredients and invests heavily into research and plant extraction. Standard delivery is free if you spend over £35 and they also offer next day delivery on orders before 3pm so you still have time to pick up a great gift. I think this would make the perfect present for a Father, Brother, Boyfriend or Friend this Christmas.

What are you buying the men in your life this Christmas?

*Sponsored Post

Jim Chapman's "147 Things" Book Review*

When it comes to YouTubers releasing books, I am never that interested unless the person is local or I feel that I will really benefit from the book. When I was offered the chance to review Jim Chapman’s new book, ‘147 things’, I knew it was one that I genuinely would have been interested in. Being from Norwich, I used to see Jim in the city all the time before his YouTube career really kicked off. I think this is why I find him quite relatable, as once he was just like me. Wandering around the city vlogging and not many people knew who he was. I even got a selfie with Jim back in the day!

The book arrived in hardback and is a pretty good size. I also got some postcards included, not sure if this is something that comes with all of the books or only online orders but I thought they were a nice touch.

Jim’s book is all about 147 things that have helped him through life. No subject is off limits, there are embarrassing stories and personal things that you would not expect to read in any other book, but for Jim – it works!

I think this would make a great Christmas gift for those who love Youtubers and anyone who generally likes something funny to read. Have you picked up this book? What do you think? Buy it from Waterstones here.

*PR Post.