Monday 16 November 2015

Christmas at Highcross Leicester

Hello November! Yes, just a mere 6 weeks until Christmas and I think it's pretty fair to say that although it is the time to be merry, it's also time to think about the presents you have planned on buying already and just haven't got round to doing so. There also comes that line, the line of who do you and don't you buy gifts for; kids, neighbours, teachers... The list goes on and so does the choice of gifts - so I'm here to help narrow down the options available in hope that you will find the perfect present for all those on your list this year with a visit to Highcross in Leicester!

Before you set off, be sure to download the Highcross PLUSapp, available on iTunes or Google Play so you can plan ahead, and take advantage of the amazing offers available to you.

So, for the glamorous gang that we all know and love, how about a bit of accessorizing? Something that will perfect that item that they probably carry around with them everywhere and to make it look all that bit sparkier than usual. Topshop has an amazing range of Skinny Dip phone cases that come in all sorts of designs including some gorgeous glitter cases that are truly enough to please anyone who loves a bit of glitz and glamour. Alongside this, their gift collection has something that will suit anyone who loves to add a bit of luxury to everyday life including 'Hotties' -which are super cute and perfect for ladies when those pesky periods attack or notebooks for the stationery lovers amongst us.
Topshop Highcross Leicester
Skinny Dip phonecase

Now, I'm a massive lover of stocking fillers, the little gifts that we all love that you can buy 2 or 3 of and not break the bank. Whether they are gadget type gifts, gifts that make life just that little bit easier or that enhance something you may already have – with these little picky ideas, you can't go wrong! I think Christmas gift giving can be fun as well as sentimental and Debenhams knows just what to give to those who may be a little harder to buy for... with gadget gifts to suit everyone – office workers, lorry drivers and even new Dads, head into Debenhams to pick up the perfect present that will make everyone's Christmas morning that extra bit special.

Debenhams has a range for absolutely everything and my favourite things this year are definitely the Costa and the sweet sets. We're huge sweet lovers in our house and with the amount to choose from here I was definitely a little overwhelmed by them all. I did, however, love the Happy Jackson selection they had – everything from lunch boxes to tool boxes, the sayings had me chuckling to myself and I'd be pretty happy if I had one of these under the tree this year.

Along with gifts, I always think games are a fabulous thing to buy for those 'hard-to-buy-for' folk on your list! Who doesn't love a good game at Christmas to get everyone involved in around the table?! The selection of board games in Debenhams is amazing and I managed to get 3 different card-based ones in their stocking fillers’ 3 for 2 selection. I can't wait to play these once the Christmas Dinner has been eaten, yum yum!
Debenhams Christmas Gifts


Happy Jackson Debenhams


For all those who love to cosy up for winter *guilty* pyjamas, slippers, boxes of chocolates and candles are the perfect options. Aroma has an incredible range of candles, burners, wax melts, candle gift sets and a handy 'pic’n’mix' type selection of gifts so that you can personalise the scents – sweets for your sweet, sugar for your honey and all that... There are also some lovely gift sets that have pre-selected candles and wax melts in so it's a perfect present for someone who enjoys staying in more than going out. The little wax burners are perfect too if you're not a fan of candles or get bored of the same smell!

If you know someone who's more into collectables and love to add to their collection each time they get a chance to, head to RED5 and check out their POP Heads collection! I know friends - fully grown men may I add - who love these collectables and I do think they're pretty cool. My little brother is quite hard to buy for at the moment but he's also easily pleased so I figured that getting him a POP Head means he can start his own little collection and add to it whenever he wishes!
Yankee Candle Christmas



OLAF Pop

And last but not least, the ones that are into everything. Games, gadgets, toys and teddies – you got it, the kids! I think children make Christmas so special and so giving them a little bit back each year helps to get you into the festive spirit too! Build-A-Bear has an amazing choice of teddies, dolls and characters ready to personalise and be given as a new member of the family at Christmas time. With a handy 'pay now, pick up later' service too it means that the children can go and pick their cuddly friend up themselves and experience the whole process of making their own teddy and even choosing an outfit for them! Millie absolutely loves it in there and this time, she picked one of the limited edition Peppa Pig teddys! She absolutely loves her but I've told her that she has to be sent up to Santa now ready for Christmas. She's not too convinced as the pig is still stashed behind the sofa! Build-A- Bear also allow you to buy and then pick up later once you've finished shopping (just because the boxes can be a little awkward to carry!)




If you're still really struggling for gift ideas, Highcross in Leicester have a gift card service where you can buy vouchers for shops or for the entire shopping centre and use it within all of the stores. I'm guessing that at least one of the 100+ shops will have something that your awkward relative will want! And they can also track the balance of it via the Highcross PLUS app, available on iTunes or Google Play. The app has lots of offers that can be redeemed within Highcross too – everything from money-off to free meals, so it's definitely worth checking out!

And don’t miss out on any opportunities to treat yourself. The Highcross PLUS app has got loads of little goodies to help you recharge during your Christmas shop like –
Free glass of prosecco at Carluccio’s
- 10% off at Hotel Chocolat
- 2 free macaroons at Patisserie Valerie
John Lewis Highcross

PLUS app highcross


I hope that this has helped in your hunt for Christmas gifts this year, I have a few ticked off my list now however, there are still many, many more that I'm yet to buy (or even look for!)

Happy early Christmas!