Extra-special Christmas gifts and days out to remember

Looking for new ways to enjoy the Christmas period this year? There’s lots to tune into. Whether it’s sneaking off to secret music gigs or watching fireworks from a Thames riverboat, here are all the ways to make this season truly memorable.

Ring in the New Year with an evening on the Thames

Uber Boat

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with an unforgettable evening out on the water as London’s world-renowned fireworks light up the sky above. On board, get into the party spirit with live music and a DJ, and enjoy a welcome glass of red or white wine (or soft drink). Then, enjoy an unparalleled front-row view of the capital’s iconic skyline and join in as the crowds that line the waterfront count down to the midnight spectacle with a complimentary glass of champagne.

This year, guests can choose from 14 dedicated New Year’s Eve cruise boats departing from 12 piers across London and the wider Thames, including Bankside, London Bridge, the Tower of London, Canary Wharf, Greenwich, Battersea Power Station and Putney. Tickets priced at £195 per person.

Celebrate the festivities at a secret Christmas gig in London

Sofar Sounds

This Christmas, swap the usual festive routine for something more surprising. Sofar Sounds hosts intimate live music shows across London every week throughout the season. Gigs are held in unexpected venues, with the exact location revealed just 36 hours before the event starts. From cosy living rooms, iconic historic spaces and artists’ studios, it’s a great way to see a unique side of London.

Each show features a lineup of unfamiliar artists that are breaking into the industry. With intimate audiences and a focus on listening, it’s a refreshing way to discover new music and celebrate the season — perfect for a night out with friends, a date or a festive gift idea.

Delight a gardener with top-quality hand-forged tools

Sneeboer

For the gardener who takes pride in their tools, Sneeboer offers something a little more personal than an ordinary gift. The family-run business from the Netherlands has been hand-forging garden tools since 1913, and has a collection of trowels, spades, forks, weeders, rakes and hoes made from stainless steels and fitted with ash or cherry wood handles.

Each tool is meticulously crafted by hand, with a focus on quality and durability. For a thoughtful touch at Christmas, selected tools can be personalised with a laser-engraved message of up to 50 characters, making a distinct gift that will bring some festive joy to allotment owners and green-fingered friends.

With a 50-year guarantee, Sneeboer tools are built for years of use — and for a truly exclusive present, explore the premium titanium collection.

Keep your dog safe with a GPS tracker

PitPat

If you’re a dog owner or know someone who is, chances are you’ve felt anxious about their whereabouts at some point. This Christmas, keep your walks stress-free with PitPat — the British technology company helping owners keep their dogs happy, healthy and safe, with no monthly subscription fees.

Designed for dogs who have a tendency to wander out of sight, the PitPat Dog GPS tracker provides essential information in a convenient app. It attaches easily and securely to a dog’s collar or harness, and is fully waterproof, making it sturdy enough to withstand muddy walks.

Instead of Bluetooth, the tracker functions on satellite GPS and mobile networks, offering unlimited tracking range for dogs that like to venture far. With no subscription required, you can secure your dog’s safety this Christmas and beyond without worrying about ongoing fees.

Up your guitar game with the help of an innovative capo

G7TH

The guitar-savvy will know how useful a capo can be, but why stick to an outdated design? The G7th Performance 3 helps players spend less time retuning and more time making music.

Its intuitive design delivers the functionality, innovation and performance today’s players expect from a modern capo and its award-winning Unique Tension Control™ system gives intuitive control over the pressure applied to the strings compared to traditional capo design. Simply squeeze it to attach and use the release mechanism to take it off or seamlessly move it for different placement over the strings.

What’s more, the patented ART® (Adaptive Radius Technology™) string pad automatically adjusts to match the shape of the fingerboard, ensuring even pressure and maximum tuning stability.

Pick up a timeless sherry in time for Christmas

Croft Original

A familiar favourite at festive celebrations, Croft Original Pale Cream is a classic sherry that’s the perfect accompaniment to Christmas entertaining.

Made in Jerez, Spain, it has timeless notes of toasted almonds, fresh citrus peel and dried fruit, reminiscent of the season and balanced by a gentle sweetness and refreshing finish. Serve it chilled as an aperitif for guests’ arrival with seasonal nibbles, charcuterie and cheeses, or add it to Christmas puddings and fruit-soaked cakes to give unique warmth and depth. It’s a classic festive favourite that appeals both to long-standing sherry drinkers and those looking for a quality sherry for Christmas entertaining.

Available in a one-litre bottle with a RRP of £15.50 and frequently on promotion at around £12.50 throughout November and December.

Find it at Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Morrisons, Ocado, Amazon and gonzalezbyass.com.

Buy a glittering gift for a special someone

ANGARA

Forget the tinsel — this Christmas, the shiniest thing under the tree belongs on the wrist. Angara’s Two-Stone Lab-Grown Emerald Cuff is handcrafted in 14-carat yellow gold and features a lab-grown emerald at each end of an open, flexible band.

Pairing an oval stone with an emerald-cut one gives the cuff a modern look, while four lab-grown diamonds add extra sparkle. You can make it your own by choosing your preferred carat weight, gemstone quality and metal, with white and rose gold options also available. The cuff slips on easily and looks just as good worn solo as it does stacked with a watch. Each piece is made to order, so you get fine jewellery crafted to your preferences.

Use code AF150SALE at angara.com to get 12 per cent off orders above £500 or 15 per cent off above £2,300.

Head out in search of sweet treats in the capital

Chocofruit

What could be better than taking the time to savour tart strawberries or a tasty banana dipped in oozy Belgian chocolate when exploring London? Make a festive stop at Chocofruit, the London-born confectioner with a new counter at Harrods opening on 9 November. Visitors can try its new ‘Snowberry Bliss’ cups or explore the individually dipped strawberry counter and personalise the perfect gift box.

Chocofruit will also be at Winter Wonderland this Christmas, serving up its chocolate-dipped treats as the perfect festive accompaniment to the attractions. With locations across London and Manchester, including the London Eye and Madame Tussauds, there are plenty of opportunities to taste or pick up a gift for a chocolate-lover. A day out in the city never tasted so sweet.

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