Ah, Christmas. So much fuss is made about the big day and the even bigger lunch. Yet, for me, it's the following day's food that I probably love the most - the wonder that is Christmas leftovers.

I embrace those less formal meals and snacks we tuck into on the in-between days of Christmas and New Year while watching Elf for the 67th time, or catching up on the Strictly Christmas special. Those sarnies crammed with leftover roast meat and trimmings, the leftover veggies fried up for Boxing Day brunch, and the inventive uses for that few slices of stollen or the leftover Christmas pud (because who has ever eaten a straight-up plum pudding outside of the 25th December?). 

Reducing food waste is sky high on my list of priorities, and I find it highly gratifying to spin those sad and lonely leftovers into exciting new dishes, in turn seeking out the time before I have to go and do yet another food shop (because haven't we all spent quite enough money this month already?). 

And so, here are my own personal favourite ways to use up those Christmas foods, all foods that have become as much a part of our family's Christmas food traditions as decorating the tree while listening to Mary's Boy Child or making my late Auntie Joan's pudding recipe… 

Ways to use up Christmas leftovers

1. Bubble and squeak

Of course, bubble and squeak is for life, not just for Christmas, but, while I make it now and again throughout the year, Boxing Day morning is the only time we have it for breakfast. Traditionally made with cabbage and spring onion, the Boxing Day variety is prepared with whatever veg is still lurking in the aftermath of yesterday's feast – sliced up sprouts, red cabbage, even carrots, all smashed together with the leftover potatoes. 

I tend to add a little paprika to give some vibrancy, and always top with a lovely fried egg – splashing out on some high-quality organic eggs with bright orange yolks for the occasion (or even a duck egg, may I be so bold). Leftover pigs in blankets reheated go down a treat alongside, as do roasted vine tomatoes, and I always add a dash of Tabasco before tucking in.

Get the recipe: Bubble and squeak

2. Winter slaw

There is almost always leftover red cabbage in the fridge and I love to make a good winter slaw with it, adding all kinds of other festive veg remains. Mix shredded cabbage with shredded carrots and spring onions and add mustard, mayo, and wine vinegar for a tart kick and a drizzle of honey for sweetness. 

We tend to have a glut of Stilton and other blue cheeses at Christmas, so crumbling a little through the slaw, along with some crushed leftover nuts – walnuts work particularly well here – turns your slaw into a complete meal rather than an accompanying side. 

It can also work brilliantly to accompany some leftover ham, turkey, or chicken, and with a hunk of crusty bread. A vibrant, fresh flavoured antidote to all that heavy food, to rev up a sluggish system. It might even galvanise me to go out for a run…

Get the recipe: Red cabbage slaw

3. Boxing Day pie

I do love a Boxing Day pie to use up the leftover turkey. It's a no-rules affair, so all the leftover veggies are welcome in the mix – carrots, peas, leeks – as well as the all-important mushrooms. You could also throw in your leftover ham. 

After the calorie overload of the day before, I like to keep my pie at least a little bit lighter, using a filo pastry instead of a big heavy crust – crumbling it over the top a la Joe Wicks recipe. I tend to switch out the double cream for créme fraîche as well and add a spoonful of Dijon mustard for a bit of punch. Then I serve it with leftover sprouts, wilted spinach, and steamed green beans. 

Get the recipe: Joe Wicks chicken pie

4. Turkey sarnies

Yeah, yeah, SO obvious, who needs to be told how to make a turkey sandwich? But not all turkey sandwiches are made equal.  I find myself on an annual mission to rival the iconic Pret Christmas sandwich (that will forever evoke memories of its capacity as a hangover cure the day after an office party, am I right?). My secret weapon? Mango chutney. Trust me, it works. 

If you're not a cranberry sauce fan (I'm not), this Indian spin adds sweetness that complements the all-essential stuffing, breast meat, and a dollop of my festive slaw. Crispy onions work a treat, too. Pop it all in some fresh squidgy white bread  – a Farmhouse loaf is perfect, nothing too fancy, buttered – and add salt and pepper. 

Another spin I enjoy is turning it into a festive bành mí, the famous Vietnamese-French fusion sandwich that I ate daily as street food on a trip there this summer. Pack turkey (also applies to leftover roast chicken or beef) and festive slaw into a baguette and add fresh red chilis, Sriracha sauce mayo, and any leftover paté – another festive treat that we always have still lurking in the fridge come Boxing Day. 

Get the recipe: Vietnamese turkey sandwich

5. Panettone bread and butter pudding

My mum used to make bread and butter pudding after Sunday dinner when I was a child but I've never really ever thought to make it myself – except for at Christmas when I whip up a festive, Italian spin on one with that panettone I bought when was drawn in by the fabulous packaging, but it's now Boxing Day and no one has even touched it. 

We'll always have leftover brandy cream to throw in there too for a slightly boozy twist, and I sometimes add some crumbled leftover nuts as well – pecans work especially well. Serve with a dollop of good-quality vanilla ice cream. 

Get the recipe: Panettone bread and butter pudding

6. Mince pie/Christmas pudding ice cream

There has never, in the history of time, been an occasion when all of the Christmas pudding was eaten. I'd go out on a limb and say this is the same situation in your house, too. But it is not going in the bin (did I mention how much I hate food waste?). 

My favourite use is to add it to homemade ice cream. This also applies to leftover mince pies or stollen, crumbled in, or to festive gingerbread or lebkuchen, lightly smashed with a rolling pin in a freezer bag (though don't turn them into complete crumbs). 

Ice cream isn't something most of us tend to bother making for ourselves when it's so simple to buy a tub, but it's super easy and a great skill to master. And while it's still packed with cals and sugar, it's a little lighter and fresher as an antidote to all those hefty flavours we've been packing in of late.

Get the recipe: Mince pie ice cream

Why not make a Christmas crumble to use up your leftover pudding, or make the most of your leftovers with our Boxing Day buffet food ideas? We also have a selection of leftover turkey recipes and leftover pork recipes and, for those foods you just don't find a use for, learn about foods you didn't know you could freeze.

Looking for a last-minute Christmas gift idea? How about a DIY Christmas hamper? A quick trip to the supermarket, and you could have a rather indulgent-looking present for your loved ones this December.

If you can’t quite decide on the best Christmas food hamper to buy this year, why not make one? It’s a great way to ensure you get everything that the lucky recipient likes in one go - plus sometimes DIY hampers can be much cheaper than readymade ones.

For the grandparents who never want anything for Christmas and refuse to give you ideas every time you ask, for the family that has all the top Christmas toys going that you’re lost for inspiration, for the friend who needs to be indulged this Christmas because she’s had a nightmare year - I give you, the DIY Christmas hamper.

One of the best things about making your own Christmas hamper is that you can personalise it - from the lucky recipient's favourite drink to a chocolate bar to branded coffee. Now being Food Editor on Goodto for well over 10 years now, I lean more towards gifting hampers filled with Christmas foods so I’m going to share my top tips when it comes to making a food hamper for Christmas - but of course, don’t be afraid to throw in some non-foodie items too like candles, face masks, a mug, a book, tea towel, novelty toy, to name but a few.

DIY Christmas hamper ideas

Before you start crafting your DIY Christmas hamper, you will need to make a few important decisions. Firstly, how big do you want your Christmas hamper to be - or how small? Secondly, you’ll need to figure out whether you want a standard hamper, where the lid closes and fastens with products inside, or a gift basket, where the products are displayed in a basket, often finished with cellophane wrapping so you can see all. 

I tend to opt for wicker hampers that fasten - I find them more reusable for storing stuff or tidying clutter once gifted. The kids have a couple of hampers in each of their rooms for storing toys and nicknacks and they look smart (when used of course!)

Here are a few more things to consider before you get started.

Where to buy your wicker hamper

• Amazon: A great range of wicker hampers to choose from - small to large - most with free delivery too
• John Lewis: 15L wicker picnic basket from John Lewis with buckles, and carrying handle
• Dunelm: Choose from ash grey or brown hamper with lid - collect in-store only
• Hobbycraft: Wicker hampers, baskets, boxes - lots of variety at Hobbycraft this year

Other places I’ve bought wicker hampers over the years include TK Maxx - HomeSense, Lakeland, and even garden centres sometimes sell them. You can also buy second-hand hampers on eBay or you could even re-gift wicker hampers you’ve given yourself if you don’t need them anymore.

Just keep in mind that if you do re-gift a branded wicker hamper, the recipient might expect something from that retailer to be included - for example if you re-gift a Fortnum & Mason branded hamper and load it with pick ‘n’ mix sweets it might bring some disappointment, especially if they were hoping for the contents to match its luxury label...

What to include in your hamper

Now, this decision boils down to who you’re buying and gifting the hamper to. It’s no good loading your DIY Christmas hamper with festive meats and pork gelatin-loaded sweets for your vegetarian friend. So, have a good old think before you start shopping and ask yourself the following questions about your lucky recipient:

What do they like to eat? Sweet, savoury, no preference they love everything, vegetarian, obsessed with crisps, hate festive-themed goodies…

What do they like to drink? Soft drinks, bottle of bubbly, hot drinks - tea, coffee, hot chocolate, or if they don’t drink anything only Evian bottled water - include it in the hamper then…

If you’re finding it hard to decide what to include in your hamper then settle on a theme. For example, if your friend is heavily into Christmas then make the hamper as festive as possible with mince pies, Christmas puddings, and everything shaped like a Christmas tree. Or if your Mum loves healthy eating and well-being products, make your hamper a health-inspired feel-good collection of organic produce, nuts and seeds, and dark chocolate - all that jazz. 

Don’t be afraid to mix food products with non-food products too - like a nice box of biscuits and a packet of freshly ground coffee would pair nicely with a mug. Or a bottle of bubbly and a box of Ferrero Rochers would pair perfectly with a scented candle.

How to personalise your hamper

A great way to personalise the hamper you’re gifting is with, what I like to call, ‘food memories’. Foods that either remind you of someone, or something, a private joke you share with your best friend, your partner, your parent - a food that brings a smile to your face and you 100% associate it with that person. 

That food item needs to be in your hamper. It will make the person you’re gifting your hamper to, feel so special and remembered and loved. It will make the whole hamper feel much more personalised and specific to that person. Even if it's something they hate - and you know that they hate it just to wind them up or make it a joke item in their collection. Personalise the hamper to make that person, or people receiving the hamper feel super special. 

I’ll give you an example if you’re struggling. When I was younger, every time I visited my Nan and Grandad’s house, my Nan would have stockpiled orange-flavoured Club bars and multipacks of KitKats - so alongside my Nan’s favourite green tea bags, a mini Christmas pudding, a jar of strawberry jam, some M&S biscuits and a scented candle, I would include a couple of Club bars or extra large KitKat - just to make her smile and bring back that old memory we share.

It can be something as simple as a bar of chocolate. It doesn’t have to cost the earth, and it doesn’t even have to make sense to the contents of your hamper. Adding that personal touch can make a difference.

Budget, hamper size and how many products

Keep in mind your budget. The boring bit yes, but if you’ve got a set budget for Christmas or you’re making multiple hampers you don’t want to overdo it when it comes to spending and regret it later. 

Your overall budget will determine how big or small your hamper is going to be. You don’t want to spend a fortune on a large wicker hamper to only be able to fill it with a handful of products. So the size and the amount of products included coincide with each other. 

Hampers can cost anywhere from £5 to £50 depending on the brand, quality, and size. If you’re on a low budget, you’ll want to get the hamper as cheap as possible without it being flimsy or low quality to make sure you have a good amount of budget left for the products.

My budget rule (remember, each to their own) is to spend more on the contents and less on the wicker hamper itself. So if my budget for £100 for easy maths, I would spend £80 on contents and £20 on the hamper. I would also work out how many products using the following guidelines:

• Small hampers - 4-5 items
• Medium hampers - 7-8 items
• Large hampers - 10 items or more

Of course, if you have a £100 budget for a small hamper, you might be able to buy it for £10 instead saving you money or allowing you to put more money into the contents budget. If you buy a large hamper, you may spend £40 on the hamper and have £60 left to spend.

My favourite go-to food hamper products

It’s entirely up to you when it comes to what to put in your hamper, however, if you’re looking for inspiration, here are some of my favourite products - all tried, tested, enjoyed, and a little bit fancy:

• Cartwright & Butler Chocolate Wafer Rounds Gold Edition, 120g - Cartwright & Butler
• Whittard Luxury Hot Chocolate, 350g - Whittard
• Peter’s Yard Original Sourdough Crackers, 90g - Morrisons
• Fortnum & Mason Preserve Trio Gift Pack, 300g - Fortnum & Mason
• M&S Swiss Truffle Assortment, 665g - Ocado
• Fitzbillies Chocolate Brownies - Fitzbillies
• Small Batch Belazu Smoked Chilli Nut Mix, 120g - Waitrose
• Lindt LINDOR Milk Chocolate Truffles, 200g - Lindt
• Taylors of Harrogate Lazy Sunday Ground Roast Coffee, 200g - Sainsbury’s
• Cartwright & Butler Marshmallow Hot Chocolate Stirrer - Cartwright & Butler
• Aldi’s Castollore Organic Prosecco, 75cl - Aldi
• Hotel Chocolat Velvetised Chocolate Cream, 50ml - Hotel Chocolat
• Bettys Florentines, 200g - Bettys
• Carluccio’s Panettone Piccolo al Cioccolato, 100g - Carluccio’s
• DukesHill Classic Mince Pies, 480g - DukesHill
• Hawkens Gingerbread
• Bettys Tea Room Blend 80 Tea Bags, 250g - Bettys
• Flapjackery Artisan Flapjacks Handmade in Devon - Flapjackery

Keep in mind that you could always fill your hamper with homemade food gifts too. Or you could opt for a hamper filled with just one of these ‘themes’. For example, someone who loves chocolate would be very grateful to receive a chocolate-themed hamper piled high with sweet treats like chocolate biscuits, bars, hot chocolate powder, and more!

How to deliver your hamper

The best way to ensure safe delivery of your DIY hamper is to deliver it directly to the person yourself. However, if you need to send it via post, you have a few options including paying for a courier to ensure safe delivery - this service is a ‘signed for’ recommended option for more fragile, expensive hampers. You can also send it as a large parcel packaged in a box or wrapped in parcel paper with plenty of parcel tape. Find out more about your delivery options via Royal Mail.

Do remember if you’re sending your hamper with fragile items e.g. bottles of wine, glass ornaments, etc. you will need to bubble wrap them individually in the hamper, ensure everything is snug and tight with hamper filler, wrap the hamper with bubble wrap if you want to make extra cautious and send in a sturdy box with strong parcel tape.

DIY hamper FAQ's

We've got plenty more gift inspiration here on Goodto including cosy gifts for the winter, as well as best gifts for new mums, and best teacher gifts too.

And for those of you planning for Christmas this year, don't forget to have a look at our delicious Christmas buffet ideas which includes an array of easy festive-themed buffet foods.

Naughty Elf on the Shelf ideas are so popular, that inspiration is always in demand. This is why we've done the leg work for you and found these rare and hilarious ideas for you to try - the kids will love them.

Balancing the mental load is hard on a normal Tuesday in March let alone at Christmas when everything seems to ramp up. The Elf on the Shelf ritual is almost as popular as classic Christmas traditions like picking out a tree, wrapping up the top Christmas toys, belting out some cheery Christmas music for kids, or sharing Christmas jokes.

If you want to nail this Christmas tradition this year, note the top tip from our deputy editor, mum-of-three, Heidi Scrimgeour who admits to being a huge fan of Elf on the Shelf. "Set an alarm for each evening so you don't forget to change Elf on the Shelf poses... like I have done multiple times," she says. "Or, better still, arm yourself with some props well in advance and take all the stress out of coming up with Elf on the Shelf ideas."

How to start the Elf o the Shelf tradition

If you've gone down the 'buy new' road then your elf will come with a storybook, kick start the tradition by reading this with your kids so they know the backstory to the elf. If you've gone down the second-hand route or had a hand-me-down then why not listen to a YouTube reading of the story, like this one? 

What to buy for your Elf on the Shelf

You don't have to buy anything for the elf, simply moving them around is enough for a lot of kids. But, if you want to throw money at the time-sicking problem these these accessories might help, they can help personalise and create fun situations. These include The Elf on the Shelf Scout Elves at Play Tools & Tips (£16 from John Lewis), The Elf on the Shelf Claus Couture Collection Express Yourself Scout Elf Clothes (£10 from John Lewis), and The Elf on the Shelf Snowflake Skirt & Scarf Clothes Set (£10 from Amazon). So, ready your elf/elves, and get scrolling for your perfect 25 ideas to keep you going until Christmas day...

Best naughty Elf on the Shelf ideas 2023

1. This Elf who was "being helpful"

The kids will love this one! All you need is tin foil (it's not cheap so re-use where you can), their school shoes and a hand-written note. There will be giggles before school.

2. This Elf who made his own hat

Set the scene with wrapping paper and scissors and fashion a little cone hat for your elf, for extra naughtiness maybe shred lots of paper on the floor that needs cleaning up (though it might be you clearing up... so choose wisely.)

3. This Elf who was webbed

This is a great use of Spiderman if your kid has this figure, if not take this idea and run with it, you can use any superhero or villain to 'capture the elf' and put him Batman's cave or Paw Patrol's tower.

4. This Elf was caught red-handed

The kids love an elf with a prop.  So grab some nail polish – a glittery red is a festive vibe we’re feeling – and paint someone’s toenails. For the ultimate surprise, have the kids spot mum or dad fast asleep in bed with their nails polished, oblivious that the elf did it! If you fancy putting in the extra effort a cryptic note ups the excitement ante. Thanks to Bensons for Beds for sharing their fabulous Elf on the Shelf idea.

5. This Elf is digging for treasure

Losing things down the sofa cushions is the norm, so add a few fun things - like £1 coin, 50p coins, tiny toys, etc, for the elf to find. Then position him for the morning. 

6. This Elf made his own sleigh

Another great Elf on the Shelf idea is to create a sleigh out of your child’s favourite toys in their bedroom. But you can be as far-fetched and funny as you like while creating it. So, why not have your elf riding a digger pulled by dinosaurs? Or how about riding a surfboard pulled by farm animals? Embrace weird combos – when it comes to kids, the weirder the better. 

7. This Elf identifies as a Snowman

Build a tower of toilet rolls and draw a simple snowman onto the outer sheets of paper. Then, sit your elf somewhere close by and surround it with all of the coloured pens used to create your snowman design. The children will think it’s hilarious while the adults get to enjoy a brief respite from cleaning up post-elf shenanigans. 

8. These elves who are helping with spellings

This clever mum involved elf on the shelf in spellings - flour sprinkling is optional. Depends if you have it in you to clean it up afterward. Leaving a paper and pen can work too. 

9. This Elf who's in need of help

Leaning on toilet humour is always a sure-fire win for kids, you'll get morning giggles easily when you use the F-word. (farted.)

10. This Elf who is all about oral hygiene

When the kids find the mundane tasks boring - especially as they limp toward the end of term - get the elf involved... it might work.

11. These elves have s'more fun

Works just as well with one elf. All you need is a tealight, mini marshmallows, and toothpicks. Mum Kiran warns; "Careful when trying to 'roast' the marshmallows. We used a lighter once they were on the toothpick."

12. This Elf helped himself to the advent calendars

With his guilty face, it seems that this Elf was up to no good and fancied himself some chocolate. The kids will love that the Elf was a 'baddie'.

13. This Elf is getting his dates wrong

Let your kids see the Elf make a mistake and turn it into a teaching moment that it's okay to make mistakes. 

14. These Elves are toasty

All you need is some toast, which can totally be done the night before.  Poke some holes through and there you have it. 

15. The Elf who was jet lagged... indefinitely

Mum Tash tells us; "This was the best idea I had... I said he was jet-lagged, and didn't have to move him for three days, then the kids didn't want to burst the balloon, I think he stayed in there for 11 days in total. 10/10 reccomend."

16. This Elf is a driving force

All aboard! This 'shoe shoe' train is leaving the station - get creative and include some other toys on the ride. 

17. This Elf is tired

Sometimes, when you're 16 December days deep, just throwing the elf at the Christmas tree and going to bed is okay. 

18. This Elf is retraining

This one requires a little bit of tidying on your part once the kids are at school, but get the elf involved in making the morning coffee - the kids will love it. 

19. This Elf is a comedic genius

Our Deputy Ed, Heidi pulled this together for her 9-year-old with the help of The EveryDay Elf Idea pack (£9 from Porky Penguin), all you need is egg shells and Haribo sweets. 

20. This Elf created a choir

Grab some old cans add google eyes and position your elf as the choir master - genius.

21. This Elf is hygienic kind of

Kids LOVE toilet humour and anything to do with poo, so this one where the elf uses their toothbrush to clean his bum is a winner. 

22. This Elf has a sweet tooth

Get the mileage out of Haribo sweets and have your elf whip up some eggs on toast for breakfast.

23. This Elf is in a spin

Put that 80s salad spinner to good use and set up a 'good cop/bad cop' scenario with your naughty elves. 

24. These elves have made snow much mess

This mum wanted to shock her kids with something out of character for these otherwise well-behaved elves. All you'll need is some flour and the hoover to vacuum it up after.

25. These elves are breaking the law

It's amazing what a bit of clingfilm and imagination can do? We love this 'No fishing' set-up that is sure to surprise little ones on their next loo trip.

26. This Elf has it out for this soft toy

A blender and your kid's favourite soft toy - and you've got yourself one evil Elf on the Shelf idea to try in December.

27. This Elf really had to go

One that will amuse the adults too. We love this creative naughty Elf on the Shelf idea that sees him take a tinkle in an alcohol bottle.

28. This Elf found the Ketchup bottle

A reindeer target game with a difference. This female elf had some fun firing her shot at the wall. But there's certainly some room for practice.

29. This Elf is eggcellent

This elf is so egg-centric and has graffiti'd some eggs, kids will see the funny side to this naughty Elf on the Shelf ideas. Thanks for sharing elfontheshelf_ideas

30. This Elf is enjoying McDonald's

This cheeky chappy has treated himself to a takeaway without asking! The creators of this idea have used novelty erasers, available to buy from Etsy, to create this scene.

31. This Elf has turned Pirate

Another easy naughty Elf on the Shelf idea. All you need is some black and white card to make the hat, sign and map.

32. This Elf is cheating at Rubik's Cube

Mischievous elves at their finest! This is one of the most exciting scenes on our list of naughty Elf on the Shelf ideas. It uses a Rubik's cube, paper and some colouring pens to create this silly set-up.

33. This Elf is ice fishing

As naughty Elf on the Shelf ideas go you might want to try this one when the family aren't visiting - popping for wee could get interesting. Thanks for sharing stixnstonesinc 

34. This Elf is a bit chilly

This is a great one to do to have the kids in stitches before school. Thanks for sharing  karendrewtv

35. Dino-taming elves

Most little ones love dinosaurs - and for this one to work it doesn't have to be a soft toy - any dino will do, and maybe try tinsel if you don't have fairy lights to wrangle the toy. It will be an easy winner! 

36. Elf is trapped

Involving the kids' other toys will always blow their mind - especially when you choose their favourite superheroes. It's also a complete non-brainer for parents to set up - which is the dream for naughty elf on the shelf ideas.

37. Elf versus dog

If you have pets, get them involved somehow, here @justhearingdogs had their naughty elf steal the doggy treats. 

38. Snowman Nose Rejection Centre

Inspired thinking here by @browcouturebysandy we are impressed how she's using other festive elements in her naught elf on the shelf idea.

39. Elf made a whoopsie

A very child-relatable story here from @styledmicasa many a times a kid just couldn't quite make it to the loo. 

40. Sia the Elf

sing it with us; "fromthe chandelier, from the chandelieeerrrrr" bring a little Sia cheer to the Elf on the shelf festivities - bravo @catherinfulvio_chef, bravo.

Buy an Elf on the Shelf

Some of these fabulous naughty Elf on the Shelf ideas call for more than one elf, if you need to add to your elf family take a look at the best deals out there today; 

What is Elf on the Shelf?

Elf on the Shelf is a festive game that sees an Elf toy placed in different locations around the house acting out various fun activities and scenarios. It takes place in the countdown to Christmas, with parents surprising kids with a new Elf surprise daily.

The idea is that this Elf is checking in on the children before Christmas and reporting back to Santa - letting him know if they are behaving. Mums and dads can prep the next Elf surprise when the kids are in bed, ready for them to wake up and hunt him down in the morning. In America the tradition kids off the day after Thanksgiving but over in the UK we tend to start around the 1 December. Almost like an alternative advent. You can pick up your 'Scout Elf' as they're known online or we have a fantastic homemade elf on a shelf craft if you'd rather make your own little army of cheeky elves.

Where did the Elf on the Shelf tradition come from?

The Elf On The Shelf tradition originates from America, and more specifically a 2004 book by Carol Aebersold and daughter Chanda Bell. The two wrote the Elf on the Shelf story to honour their own family tradition of an Elf visiting to watch over them at Christmas time.

The official storybook comes with a small Elf character to put your adventures into action. Many parents tend to read their children the story about the naughty Elf to introduce them to the fun December game. Children can chat with the elf but can't touch them otherwise they will 'disappear forever' according to the book. The authors are also keen to share that the elves are not "bought" but "adopted". With the retail outlets selling the toys are known as "adoption centres". Read the book, The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition (available from Amazon £24.95).  This will explain everything you need to know about this Christmas tradition, including the Elf on the Shelf rules - mentioned below.

What are the rules of Elf on the Shelf?

• Kids can not touch the Elf or the Elf will lose their power.
• The elf does not move nor speak when the kids are awake, but it does see and hear everything.
• The Elf reports back to Santa each night on the day's behaviour.

What's a good age to start Elf on the Shelf?

Three years old is a good age, or as soon as they start to understand the magic of Christmas. Of course, if there are older siblings in the house, the tradition will start even sooner than that. There's really no harm in starting earlier—your child just might not be as engaged at an earlier age.

What naughty things can an elf get up to?

We know it can seem daunting to come up with 25 new ideas, but literally the world is your misbehaving oyster.  Mum-of-one, Kiran tells us; "I just think of what would have got me in trouble when I was younger and make the elf do that. Lipstick on their dads nose was a great idea."

Once you've planned all of your naughty Elf on the Shelf ideas, next up is Christmas jumpers for kids and maybe - if you haven't chosen already - Advent calendars? You can choose from classic chocolate advent calendars to craft advent calendars.

If you're in need of some toy inspiration for Christmas 2023, then look no further than John Lewis' pick of this year's must-have toys.

As families begin to search for top Christmas toys to treat the children in their lives this festive season, there's no doubt that the list from John Lewis will be super helpful. Whether it's toys for two years olds or toys for ten-year-olds that you're after, the much-awaited list includes a wide variety of toys for all ages and interests, with prices ranging from £10 to £160 so there's something to suit everyone's budget, and taste.

Hot off the back of Argos revealing its Christmas toy predictions of 2023, John Lewis' list features familiar favorites such as LEGO, Pokemon, and Barbie, plus picks from popular kids TV shows like Bluey, PAW Patrol, and Gabby's Dollhouse, as well as plush toys, bath toys, and toys to help learning and development. 

If John Lewis says these are the hottest and most-wanted games little ones are wishing for under their tree - we listen. So, 'sleigh' Christmas and make sure you get your hands on these toys in plenty of time for December 25. Happy shopping!

John Lewis must-have Christmas toy list for 2023

Got a fan of Gabby’s Dollhouse? Of course you do! The animated TV series sees Gabby and her preschool pals explore the world around them in a fun, creative and compelling way. So it's no wonder why this 20.3cm tall toy doll has made it onto John Lewis' top Christmas toy list. 

The doll is a replica of the loveable main character Gabby, including her iconic cat-ear headband, brown hair and clothing. It's the ideal present for imaginary play. 

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Everyone's favorite pink-powered doll needs some form of transport to get around. And, if you ask us, only a bright pink ride will do, just like this super cool convertible. Coming with enough room for two, your little one's Barbie can leave zoom off and leave Malibu behind in this super sweet ride. 

Saw Barbie and loved the movie? You (and your gang) might also be interested in the best Barbiecore buys for all the family. 

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Looking for the paw-fect present for those dog-obsessed? Treat them to this loveable cockapoo that's bound to make their doggy dreams come true. The super soft and plush toy is kitted out with its own reversible cardboard kennel that when turned inside out is transformed into a dog park. 

Pretty impressive, right? So pet lovers can enjoy looking after their pooch and playing with their dog day in, day out. After all, a dog isn't just for Christmas!

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Melissa & Doug fans: assemble! The loveable duo has launched a barber kit that's a cut above the rest thanks to its ability to enable little ones to 'trim', 'shave' and 'style' hair at their own imaginary salon. 

Maybe you're preparing them for their first haircut, or they have an interest in 'perfecting' yours, this set will help them explore the world of hairdressing one strand at a time. 

It comes with pretend razors, brushes, shaving cream, combs and even a fake beard, Plus, you'll be pleased to know that everything stores away safely and tidily in a zipped bag. 

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We'll take a pumpkin-spiced latte to go, please! Who doesn't love playing make-believe? Especially when this beautiful wooden cafe set is on offer. The best wooden toys last (and last) so it makes sense why John Lewis has placed this pretend barista set-up in their best Christmas toy round-up. 

Ideal for sensory development and imagination-fuelled play, this wooden wonder is kitted out with a fake coffee machine, takeaway cup, teabags, a card machine and pastries. Yum! 

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Is your little learner a fan of music? Can't help but dance? Or just always grooving? 

Well, thanks to this Fisher-Price Mix and Learn Music Table, you can help them deepen their love of song and dance and stimulate their senses as this toy comes in at number 6 on John Lewis' top Christmas toys list. 

Kitted out with 100 songs, sounds and learning phrases, and three different stages they can use, this clever all-singing all-dancing game is bound to be loved and used from December 25th and beyond. 

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Most children are pretty obsessed with pets — and John Lewis knows this, which is why this fun and fur-bulous Little Live Pets Mama Surprise toy has made number 7.

This clever toy also teaches kids the basics of looking after a guinea pig and lets them learn about the care and attention living creatures require. For example, they can pat this toy, feed her and brush her to make her heart 'light up'. Once they have done so, and placed her back into her hutch, this guinea pig magically reveals her three babies. 

With 20 sounds, reactions and pieces to play with, what's not to love?

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Furby has made a much-welcomed comeback in 2023 and in a big way. And to say we're happy about it would be an understatement. 

Originally released in 1998, the cute and curious toy has had a 21st-century spin. Furby can now say over 600 phrases, jokes and songs, the little creature has five voice-activated commands including Copy Cat, Tell My Fortune, Let's Chill, Lightshow and Dancy Party. Plus, little hands can even dress Furby up with clip-on beads and brush the gorgeous gremlin's hair. 

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The festive fun never has to end thanks to this 1,514-piece LEGO snowy set, which is the latest addition to the iconic brand's Winter Village Collection. 

This toy encourages play, creativity and the development of fine motor skills as they'll be tasked with building a toyshop, music shop, customers, shopkeepers, their homes and a tram which is there to take everyone home again. 

Not only will it keep them busy, but it's bound to keep you engaged too!

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It wouldn't be a Christmas list without Scalextric making a feature. 

This all-new set puts Team Waitrose and Team John Lewis head to head on its classic winding circuit and will see the super fast cars go side-by-side against each other. Who will win? That's for your little present-opener to decide. 

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While you're here, you might also be interested in checking out the top Christmas toys for 2023, the best Christmas hampers, the best toy advent calendars for kids or what could be the most expensive Christmas grotto in the UK. 

Love making a gingerbread house at Christmas? Well, you're certainly going to want to try this impressive gingerbread cuckoo clock.

Not only is the gingerbread clock entirely edible, but it also has clock hands that can move so you can set the time. It would be a wonderful festive centerpiece on a Christmas table or brought out with the Christmas cake at tea time. But it's not just good-looking, this gingerbread house tastes great too. The biscuit has a ginger zing while brown sugar adds a warming complex flavour, Christmas in every bite. Use our gingerbread cuckoo clock template to make your clock with precision.

Ingredients

For the gingerbread:

• 150g unsalted butter, softened
• 175g dark brown soft sugar
• 550g plain flour, plus extra for dusting
• 1tbsp ground ginger
• 100g golden syrup
• 75ml water

For the decoration:

• Cocktail sticks, one cut to 3cm
• 1 medium egg white
• 250g icing sugar, sieved
• Small piping bag
• Jelly Tots, or other sweets for decoration
• 200g marzipan

Method

1. Beat the butter and sugar until soft. Add the remaining gingerbread ingredients and combine. Wrap and chill for 30 mins.
2. Meanwhile, trace and cut the following shapes or print the template onto A4 paper and trace each element: Roof: 18x12cm / Side: 8.5x14cm/ Front: (top)15x(side)14x(base)15.5cm 3 x circles in 4cm 6cm 12cm diameters / A short 5cm and long 6cm clock arm / Cuckoo (smaller than the window)
3. Heat the oven to 180C Fan/Gas 6. On a flour-dusted worktop roll out half the dough at a time to a thickness of 3mm.
4. Transfer to a baking tray and use the stencils to cut out the dough, doing the front, sides and roof twice. If you have round cutters use these to stamp out the circles. Peel away the offcuts; re-roll.
5. From the front panel cut a window and cut this in half and bake it to use as shutters. Use a cocktail stick to poke a hole through the centre of each circle, the end of the clock hands and the front panel through the centre of each circle is and where the clock will sit. Emboss the dough with shapes, if liked, before baking for 12 mins.
6. While warm, re-pierce the holes with a cocktail stick, then set aside to cool.
7. Meanwhile, make the icing. Using the paddle attachment on a stand mixer, beat the egg white until foamy. Sift over the icing sugar and mix in. Mix in a tsp of water at a time to give you a thick icing. Beat for 5 mins until smooth and glossy. Transfer some to a piping bag and the remainder to a Tupperware container, cover with a damp kitchen towel and chill.
8. Lay the back panel flat with the best-looking side facing down. Position the long side of the roof panels against the outside rim of the back panel so the tops align to make a ridge. Spread icing over the inside seams to stick them in place. We used tins of food to keep the gingerbread in place while the icing dried. Attach the long edge of each side panel to the back panel and the short side to the roof.
9. Thread the cut end of the 3cm cocktail stick into the hole of the smallest circle. Stick this in place. Poke this through the hole in the front panel, from the back to the front. Thread on the largest circle, then the remaining circle, sticking with icing. This will become the clock face.
10. Snip a small end of the piping bag and use it to decorate the front with icing and sweets. Once set, thread the hands, then a sweet onto the cocktail stick to secure.
11. Stick the front panel onto the back securing at the sides and under the rafters. Cover and leave to set overnight.
12. Stick the bird in place and roll out the marzipan to a 2mm thickness. Cut out rounds to use as roof tiles. Starting from the bottom, stick these with icing in alternating lines until both sides of the roof are covered. Finish by covering the ridge.

Top tips for making a gingerbread cuckoo clock

Covering the roof with marzipan (or even fondant icing) 'tiles' is a beautiful way to conceal dodgy construction, so if yours comes out a little wonky don't worry as it's bound to look spectacular when it's finished.

Here are some more of our top tips when it comes to making this showstopping gingerbread cuckoo clock.

In this recipe, we use a stand mixer with various attachments. If you’re looking for a stand mixer our Food Editor Jessica Dady's KitchenAid Stand Mixer review explains more about the Artisan KitchenAid mixer and why it's the perfect machine for the job.

Like this? We've got plenty more gingerbread recipes to inspire including a classic gingerbread men recipe, deliciously sweet Welsh gingerbread by Paul Hollywood, and even an epic gingerbread cake with brandy buttercream too.

Cheese and pickle straws are a perfect way to tie together classic British flavours, cheddar and pickle, in a handy morsel you can pass around at parties.

These really are the ultimate buffet food - simple and utterly more-ish. It only takes a shade over half an hour to make a whole platter of these - up to 25. If you need twice as many, even better! It won't take you twice as long, in fact you'll only need about five minutes extra. You could make your own pastry for cheese straws, but honestly there is no need: readymade puff pastry is ideal and has just the right flakiness. These are great on their own but we like them even better served with the fresh, oniony dip.

Ingredients

• 375g pack ready-rolled puff pastry sheet (we used Jus-Rol)
• 4 tbsp Branston Beetroot Pickle, finely chopped, or Tesco Caramelised Red Onion Relish
• 125g (4oz) mature Cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 medium egg, beaten (only half will be needed)
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds

For the dip:

• 1 small red onion, peeled and roughly chopped
• About 20g (¾oz) flat-leaf parsley leaves and stalks, roughly chopped
• 1-2 tsp small capers
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Method

1. Set the oven to gas mark 7 or 220°C. Lay out 2 teflon-lined baking trays, ready for the straws. 
2. Roll the pastry out to a 40cm square. Spread the pickle or chutney over half the square, leaving a narrow border, and then sprinkle the cheese over. Fold the other half of the pastry over it and press down gently to seal.
3. Brush pastry all over with beaten egg, then sprinkle with sesame seeds.
4. Cut the pastry into 1.5cm wide strips (they will be about 20cm long) and twist them before placing on the lined baking sheets. Bake for 12-15 mins until golden and crispy. Put on a wire rack to cool.
5. To make the dip: Put all the ingredients into a jug and whizz with a stick blender.

Top tip for cheese and pickle straws

If you don't have time to make your own dip, simply serve these with a shop-bought salsa, but try to get a fresh one from the chilled aisle rather than one from a jar.

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Make four of these mouthwatering, deliciously sweet Espresso Martini chocolate pots with a handful of ingredients.

Impress friends and family with these boozy Espresso Martini chocolate pots - the perfect dessert for dinner parties, or even buffet dessert if you're looking for something special. The chocolate mousse is made with dark chocolate, double cream, and Kahlúa liqueur topped with a coffee-infused cream cheese.

Ingredients

• 100g dark chocolate, broken into pieces
• 150ml double cream
• 2tbsp Kahlúa liqueur
• Coffee granules and cocoa powder, for decoration

For the topping:

• 150g Philadelphia cream cheese
• 1tsp Camp coffee liquid
• 2tbsp icing sugar
• 4 glasses or ramekins

Method

1. Put the chocolate in a large bowl. Heat the cream just until it boils, then pour it over the chocolate and leave to stand for 2 mins. Mix until smooth; add the Kahlúa. Spoon into the glasses and leave to set in the fridge for 1 hr.
2. Whisk the topping ingredients together and spread over the set chocolate. Sprinkle over some coffee granules and dust with cocoa powder.

Top tips for making Espresso Martini chocolate pots

Crushing coffee beans in a pestle and mortar is an elegant way to top these and adds a great coffee crunch.

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This roast red cabbage, carrots and parsnips with cranberry glaze is a brilliant side dish to serve up with Christmas feasts.

Red cabbage is a dish often overlooked during the rest of the year, but it's a brilliant addition around Christmas time. This is when this dramatic brassica is in season, making it the tastiest and cheapest time to eat it. It tastes great, looks amazing on the plate and is a brilliant complementary flavour to big meaty dishes like roast gammon or beef. Mix in other seasonal favourites like carrots and parsnips, plus the festive addition of cranberry, and you have the makings of a Christmas classic. This serves 4-6 and it's ready in a little over an hour.

Ingredients

• 800-900g red cabbage, cored and cut into 10 wedges
• 2 red onions, peeled and each cut into 6-8 wedges
• 500g parsnips, peeled and cut into wedges
• 500g carrots, cut into wedges
• 1 tbsp pomegranate seeds, optional
• 25g bunch parsley, chopped

For the glaze:

• 4 tbsp cranberry sauce
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• Juice 1 orange
• 2 tsp caraway seeds

Method

1. Mix the glaze ingredients and 2 tsp sea salt in a large bowl. Toss in the vegetables to coat then cover and refrigerate.
2. On Christmas Day, brush a roasting tray with oil and scatter over the vegetables in a single layer. Cook at 180ºC Fan/Gas 6 for 50 mins.
3. To serve, transfer to a serving dish and decorate with pomegranate seeds (if using) and chopped herbs.

Top tips for making roast red cabbage, carrots and parsnips with cranberry glaze

Brushing the tray with oil will stop the vegetables from sticking. Alternatively, line with non-stick baking paper. 

You might also like...

• How to cook red cabbage
• Christmas buffet ideas
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For many of us, sending a card to our loved one during the festive period is a Christmas tradition, and Cards for Good Causes can help you make that gesture extra special by donating to charity at the same time.

We all want to make sure our Christmas cards hold a heartfelt message, and for some of us that might mean sending homemade Christmas cards or penning a meaningful note full of festive love. But for those who aren't as creative, or don't have such a way with words, sending a charity Christmas card can be a great way to show the same sentiment.

And luckily, Cards for Good Causes is here to help. Every year they open shops around the country selling a wide range of Christmas cards and gifts, all of which raise money for local and national charities - and this year there's over 100 shops nationwide. Keep reading to find out more about Cards for Good Causes, the charities they support and how you can buy their Christmas cards...

What is Cards for Good Causes?

Cards for Good Causes is the UK’s largest multi-charity card and gift retailer, raising funds for UK charities by selling their cards and gifts. Though they operate all year round, the festive period sees Cards for Good Causes open shops across the country. 

Buzzing with festive good cheer, the pop-up shops invite local residents, visitors, and tourists to shop for good causes and explore the selection of cards, beautiful seasonal gifts, stocking fillers, wrap, decorations and tableware, and they've raised some £40 million in the last ten years.

Their card selection this year features an amazing mix of traditional religious cards, gorgeous old masters, beautiful landscapes, as well as festive favourites and cute animals - there’s something for everyone.

And, with the help of supporters, the festive shops aim to raise £250,000 this Christmas season in aid of over 70 local and national charities. They’re the cards and gifts that give back!

Jeremy Lune, CEO of Cards For Good Causes says: "We can’t wait to meet everyone this year in our shops! Please come volunteer with us, or come and get your Christmas gifts whilst supporting the charities of your choice. I wish everyone a very festive Christmas and hope to see you soon!"

How can I buy a Cards for Good Causes Christmas card?

You can buy Cards for Good Causes Christmas cards from one of their 106 pop up shops across the UK.

Or, if you prefer you can browse and order from their full selection of Christmas cards as well as other occasion cards via their website, cardsforcharity.co.uk - they offer free shipping on orders over £40.

If you're not one for sending physical cards, have left it too late or are worried about the effects of the Royal Mail strikes on delivery times, you could opt for one of Cards for Good Causes' eCards instead - simply choose your preferred design, add a personalised message and send it to your loved one's inbox.

Where can I find a Cards for Good Causes shop?

There are 106 Cards for Good Causes shops across the country, located in various venues including town halls, churches, libraries, community centres, tourist information centres, museums and some commercial premises.

The doors are open to pop-ups in large cities including London, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Liverpool, as well as in communities such as Bury St Edmunds, Colchester, Maidenhead and Sudbury until at least 17th December.

To find out where your nearest Cards For Good Causes shop is, check out the shop locator on the Cards For Good Causes website.

Which charities does Cards for Good Causes support?

This Christmas, Cards for Good Causes is raising money in aid of over 70 local and national charities.

Some of the charities Cards for Good Causes will be supporting this year include: Diabetes UK, RNLI, British Heart Foundation, Alzheimer's Society, Epilepsy Action, and MS Society UK, along with many more local charities.

When you buy a Christmas card from Cards for Good causes, you can see which charity your chosen design is supporting, and therefore choose where you wish to donate to.

For more information about the charity and to purchase cards online, visit the Cards for Good Causes website.

Video of the Week

There's nothing quite like waking up to a blanket of snow, so it's no surprise everyone wants to know if we will have a white Christmas this year.

Christmas is just days away, and families everywhere want to know if they'll be walking in a winter wonderland on the big day. When December arrived, those wondering when it will snow in the UK this year got their answer, as flurries swept across the country. However, since then temperatures have turned decidedly milder, even though winter solstice - which brings some of the coldest days of the year with it - is on the horizon.

The changeable weather has left many wondering if they'll have a chance to get their sledges and snowsuits out on December 25 this year. If you're dreaming of a white Christmas, we've taken a look at the weather predictions for 2023 to try and work out if snow will fall on the big day this year. Here's what forecasters have said so far...

Will we have a white Christmas in the UK in 2023?

Forecasters say it's likely that some areas of the UK will experience a White Christmas this year. Usually, areas of higher ground in the north and Scotland experience some snowfall and these are the most likely areas to have a White Christmas in 2023. 

"We can say with a high degree of confidence it will be a white Christmas this year," Met Office spokesperson Grahame Madge told The Independent. "However, that does not mean we will see blankets of snow. It is more likely we will see snow in higher parts of the UK like the North Pennines or Scottish Highlands."

A recent forecast from the Met Office explained that Christmas Day is likely to see "a pretty cloudy and damp start to southern and western areas of the UK." In the northwest, meanwhile, showers are expected, and the weather service adds, "This is where we've got the greatest chance of seeing some snow on Christmas Day, particularly over the high ground of Scotland."

For those living further south and in Wales, it looks like a White Christmas is not on the cards this year.

Where will there be a White Christmas in 2023?

According to the Met Office, the snowiest place in the UK is the Cairngorms in Scotland, with 76.2 days of snow or sleet falling on average. This area is most likely to see a white Christmas this year. 

As for the rest of the UK, it looks like a white Christmas is unlikely, judging by previous trends. 

This is because Christmas Day falls at the beginning of the period when it's likely to snow in the UK - we're more likely to see snowfall between January and March than in December.

The Met Office explains that snow or sleet falls for an average of 3.9 days in December in the UK, compared to 5.3 days in January, 5.6 days in February and 4.2 days in March.

The weather service adds that it can accurately forecast if snow is likely on any given Christmas Day up to five days beforehand, so we may have to wait a while longer to know for sure if 2023 will see a white Christmas.

White Christmas odds 2023

According to Gambling.com, the odds of a white Christmas in Glasgow and Edinburgh in 2023 are 5/4 - meaning a 44% chance of seeing a white Christmas in those cities this year.

Gambling.com White Christmas betting odds:

• Edinburgh - 5/4
• Glasgow - 5/4
• Aberdeen - 6/4
• Newcastle - 15/8
• Leeds - 5/2
• Manchester - 4/1
• Belfast - 5/1
• Liverpool - 11/2
• Birmingham - 6/1 
• Bristol - 7/1
• London - 8/1
• Cardiff - 9/1

The Met Office says, "Since 1960, around half of the years have seen at least 5% of the network record snow falling on Christmas Day. This means we can probably expect more than half of all Christmas Days to be a 'white Christmas'." 

This suggests that the odds of seeing a white Christmas somewhere in the UK in 2023 are around 50%.

How much snow must fall for a white Christmas?

The definition that the Met Office uses to define a white Christmas is for one snowflake to be observed falling in the 24 hours of 25 December somewhere in the UK.

This is a different criteria to in other areas of the world. For example, in the US there must be a snow depth of at least one inch on the ground for it to be considered a white Christmas.

Will there be a white Christmas in London in 2023?

The chances of a white Christmas in London are generally lower than the rest of the UK, as the urban capital has a higher temperature than other areas of the UK.

World Atlas says data from the Met Office has shown "on average, the central parts of London experience less than 10 days of snow or sleet every year...for the few days that it snows in the central parts of London, the snow rarely settles since it melts away extremely fast."

Recently, MyLondon reported the latest white Christmas odds in the capital from bookmakers BetVictor, which predicted a 10/1 chance of snow on December 25. 

However, the capital saw a good blanket of snow in the lead-up to Christmas 2022, so it's possible this year we will see a white Christmas in the city. Some snow also fell in London in the lead-up to Christmas 2021, and the capital experienced heavy snow along with the rest of the UK during the 'Beast from the East' in February 2018.

When was the last white Christmas?

According to the Met Office, 2022 was technically the last white Christmas in the UK, when rain turned to sleet (a mixture of rain and snow) in Loch Glascarnoch, Scotland.

2021 was also a white Christmas, with 6% of stations recording snow falling - though less than 1% of stations reported any snow lying on the ground. And 2020 also saw 6% of weather stations record snowfall.

2017 saw 11% of weather stations record snow on the big day, but none reported any snow lying on the ground. 2016 and 2015 also saw some snowfall in the UK on Christmas Day.

However, many consider 2010 to be the last white Christmas in the UK, as it was the last time widespread snow was recorded. 83% of stations (the highest amount ever recorded) reported snow on the ground that year.

There has only been a widespread covering of snow on the ground (where more than 40% of stations in the UK reported snow on the ground at 9am) four times since 1960 - in 1981, 1995, 2009 and 2010.

If you're getting ready for the colder weather, you might want to find out how cold it needs to be for schools to close, and start stocking up on kids' winter boots, waterproof gloves and puddle suits.

Our edit of the best Christmas jumpers for 2022 is sure to get all the family in the festive spirit, with offerings for men, women and teenagers.

You've got your matching family Christmas pyjamas sorted and secured those top Christmas toys, so now it's time to snap up some of the best Christmas jumpers for the family. 

“Fast becoming a festive staple, Christmas jumpers continue to be incredibly popular for us at George, and each year takes on its own unique trend," explains Jamie-Lou Carr, Buying Assistant for Ladies Knitwear at George. "This Christmas we're seeing more colour than ever, veering away from the traditional green and red to include pops of blue and yellow, as well as slogan sweatshirts and character options."

There's something for every taste and budget out there, from Christmas jumpers for kids to those difficult-to-please teens, and we've found the best options to save you the legwork.

The best Christmas jumpers as chosen by a fashion expert

Jayne Cherrington-Cook is a fashion and lifestyle writer with over 23 years' experience. She's also a Christmas jumper fanatic. After years of wearing seasonal sweaters, she knows what to look for in the perfect Christmas jumper.

"The most important aspect is that they need to be versatile," she states. "It can't be too thick as it gets hot in the kitchen on the big day, but you also want to wear it on a Boxing Day walk or to the pub for a pre-Christmas drink with mates. It should also feel nice. You don't want to spend the earth on something you wear a few times a year, but you don't want something that's cheap and itchy."

With that in mind, she (and her family) have tried on pretty much every jumper going, and these are her top picks...

The best Christmas jumpers for women

We had to start our best Christmas jumpers round-up with this special Save the Children jumper - the official charity of Christmas Jumper Day 2022. Not sure when is Christmas jumper day? This year, it's on Thursday 8 December.

Designed exclusively for Save the Children by Myleene Klass and her daughters, each jumper is made from an upcycled vintage sweatshirt. It comes in two designs and various colours - and the best part is 100% of the products goes to supporting children across the globe.

Match with all the family in this cute Christmas jumper. This ribbed crew neck jumper comes in different versions for men and children, so you can be all matchy-matchy for that perfect Christmas photo. 

Jayne says: "My son is sadly at the age where matching jumpers are a big no-no, but he said he might be tempted by this one as it wasn't too in your face, however, I have been banned from posting any photos of us wearing them on Instagram."

Knitted from a super soft and snuggly fabric, this is the best Christmas jumper for those who don't want to be too obvious. The pretty pink colour combined with a sequin snowflake means you'll get more wear out of it across the festive years - and beyond. 

"This pretty pink shade is so on trend right now and I was immediately drawn to it when I saw it in my local store," says Jayne. "It didn't disappoint when I tried it on either. It really is super soft and strokeable, and I loved colour. It might not be festive enough for me but pink is so on trend right now and this shade is a super happy hue."

Those after something a little cheekier should look no further than New Look's Christmas pudding jumper. The two festive desserts are given the sequin treatment and positioned in the same place as some other prized puddings...

"Sequins are a key component for me when it comes to Christmas jumpers, which is why this one is great," says Jayne.  "I also think it's a time of the year to have a bit of fun, which this jumper has in spades (or in this case, puddings)."

This cute slogan jumper from Rock on Ruby at Not on the High Street can be personalised and is made up of a soft cotton and polyester blend. Available in five colours, including festive red, it's designed to be oversized, making it great to cosy up in on a cold December night when working out what to watch in the Christmas TV schedule!

"Sweatshirts are great if you want something that's cosy but a bit more lightweight than something knitted," says Jayne.  "It's also a nice touch that you can add personalisation to the cuff, which makes it a lovely Christmas gift."

This sweet sweater from Apricot shuns the traditional Christmas colours for something a bit more modern and stylish - pastel green adorned with sequin snowflakes.

"How cute is this knit? And it's a real bargain," says Jayne. "These knits are only worn once or twice a year so it's not worth spending lots of money, especially when they feel as soft and lovely as this one."

Get ready for the festive season with this classic Christmas jumper in red. Featuring a sparkly sequin snowflake design, the lightweight knit is perfect for evening dos teamed with a pair of leather trousers or a velvet skirt!

Jayne says: "I love that Peacocks have a wide range of sizes in their Christmas jumpers - and this one is a classic. It's a design that won't date and the simplicity of it means that it will go with everything in your wardrobe."

If it's your Christmas wish to match your dog, then this is the best Christmas jumper for you. The Scandi-inspired Fair Isle pattern is chic and will last past the festive period. Made from a yarn mix that contains wool, it's super cosy, so one way to cheap way to keep warm this Christmas! But all that is outshone by the fact your dog can have a jumper in a matching design, ensuring your dog's Christmas outfit is sorted! Twinning is winning, after all...

"To me, this isn't a proper festive knit, but it is a great alternative if you want something that you can wear past Christmas day, " says Jayne. "It's also lovely and warm. Perfect for winter walks though, especially as you can match your dog.”

If cats are more your thing, this Christmas jumper is the perfect choice. Available in a range of colours and sizes, it depicts a cute cat tangled in the Christmas tree lights - something all cat owners will more than likely have experienced at some point during the festive season.

"I've snapped this one up for my cat-loving pal," says Jayne. "It's a simple design, but fun, and I love that it comes in so many sizes."

Mrs Claus take centre stage in this inspired Christmas jumper. Perfect for sassy individuals not afraid to wear their heart on their sleeve - this jumper is snug, vegan- friendly and makes a fun statement on Christmas day.

"While I love a traditional Christmas jumper, this one rates very highly on my list of must-have jumpers," says Jayne. "I'm a true feminist and I think Mrs Claus has been overlooked for far too long, so it's great she's getting her turn in the Christmas jumper spotlight."

Get ready to sparkle in this gorgeous bow jumper. The sequin adornment ensures you'll be shimmering all festive season. While the design is very Christmassy, it's also wearable once the decorations have been taken down.

Jayne says: "I'm such a magpie and am immediately drawn to anything shimmery or shiny. I loved the look of it, however, I wish it was a bit more festive - black is a bit boring for me."

Looking to have a sustainable Christmas? Then start with an eco-friendly jumper. The most sustainable Christmas jumper is one you already own, but if you're feel the need to splurge, this one is a great choice. Made in the UK from 100% recycled yarn, 40% of which comes from recycled bottles, it's super soft to the touch. 

Jayne says: "I love seeing companies that are using recycled material to make their clothes. Despite this one being made out of recycled bottles, it's surprisingly soft and snuggly. The Parisian design is also really unique and will make you stand out from the Christmas jumper crowd!"

This is the best Christmas jumper for those people who love all things bright and beautiful. The colour clashing makes a real statement, while the motif and type give it a proper festive feel.

"As soon as I saw the colours on this one, I knew I had to have it," exclaims Jayne. "Not only does it look nice, but it's also a lovely fit. Not too tight or too baggy, and also not too warm. I will literally be wearing this to EVERY festive event this season."

The best Christmas jumpers for men

Nothing says Christmas like a classic Fair Isle knit - and we're big fans of this stylish green one from Next. It gives a festive feel without the need to into novelty Santas and reindeer. You can also mix and match with the whole family as this style is available for women and children too.

"The subtle design on this one got the thumbs up from my husband, who unlike me, doesn't buy into the kitsch side of this trend," says Jayne. "It was a good fit as well, not too baggy, and felt nice to the touch as well."

This adorable festive dinosaur jumper is sure to be a roar-ing success on the day itself. Because not every Christmas jumper has to feature a penguin, snowman or reindeer. Pair with jeans and trainers for a comfy look.

"I love, love, love the design on this festive sweater," says Jayne. "It was a bit too much for my other half, but he did say that he liked the slim fit of the jumper, which made it feel modern."

Pick up this festive jumper for under £20 at Tu. Featuring a variety of polar bear motifs, it's a fun and easy-to-wear Christmas jumper that will last for years to come.

"This is a true bargain, plus you can't go wrong with polar bears in sunglasses," says Jayne. 

Perfect for the (pac)man in your life. The classic retro game has been given a festive twist for this novelty jumper, in a bold purple print. What's more, they fit both women and men so you can twin.

"If you remember PacMan, then this is the jumper for you!" says Jayne. "I loved the design - as did the hubby - and as it comes in sizes for both women and men you can match on Christmas day."

Express your comic alter ego in this fun and festive Batman jumper. They'll be no questioning your allegiance come Christmas Jumper day and it's sure to spark a few water cooler chats on which superhero trumps all - Father Christmas surely?

"Can a Christmas jumper get any cooler?" says Jayne. "I wish it was in slightly more festive colours, but I love the idea of it and it's great for those men who want to get into the spirit of Christmas but don't want Santa on their chest."

The tradition of baking gingerbread houses and their tasty inhabitants at Christmas now extends way past the kitchen with this fun gingerbread print by H&M. The soft knit is a steal at £20 and perfect for those not afraid of making a cheesy statement.

"This knit is generously sized so if you don't want it to be too baggy, I'd recommend ordering a size down," says Jayne. "The material is also nice and soft and I just love the design - it's almost good enough to eat."

While R2-D2 may not be known as a traditional Christmas icon, he does make a one of the best Christmas jumpers we've seen. The Fair Isle design is given a movie makeover with images of R2-D2, making it the best Christmas jumper for any Star War fans. 

"I live in a Star Wars obsessed family so this is a must for us!" says Jayne.  "It does go up to a size XL and I love the fact that R2-D2 is bringing the merry force with him in time for Christmas!"

Add festive spirit (or beer) to your outfit this holiday season with this fun reindeer beer knitted Christmas jumper. The crew neck is flattering for all, while the red pom-pom nose adds a 3D element. What's more there's a special pocket where the reindeer's glass is - just don't pour your beer into it.

Jayne says: "I love pom-poms, so this gets my thumbs up straight away. The little pocket is also a fun touch and although the design was a little OTT for my other half, he said the fit was great and it felt super nice on."

The best Christmas jumpers for teens

Whether it's their bestselling Greggs steak bake or a cheeky Greggs chicken bake man teens love a Greggs and this novelty jumper is perfect for fans of the bakery chain. Sure to start a conversation or two at lunchtime and might make up for missing out on the famous Lidl Christmas jumper.

"The tween loves Greggs and although he thought this jumper was hilarious, he wasn't too sure about wearing it out and about" says Jayne. "It's also best for older teens as the smallest size was just a tad too big for my son."

This pretty pink sweatshirt is perfect perfect for teens who are too cool for classic Christmas jumpers. It features a soft fleecy inside so is perfect for chilling during the festive break. 

"Can a 40-something woman buy this one?" asks Jayne. "Honestly, I think it's great for all ages. The sweatshirt is so soft and the design is just too cool, that I may have just bought it for myself..."

There's a lot to unpack in this Christmas jumper. Lights, snowflakes and trees in a Fair Isle pattern, finished off with a sunglass-wearing alpaca? Teens will love it for it's quirkiness. Available in sizes S to XXL, it's also a great novelty Christmas jumper for men too.

"The reviews mentioned that the quality wasn't great, but for the price, it looked OK to me, but it hasn't been worn for more than a quick try on," says Jayne. "It's nice and thin as well, which is great for ensuring the wearer isn't hot under the collar."

Even though England are out of the World Cup, football fans can get into the festive spirit with this special World Cup themed Christmas jumper. Made from responsibly sourced cotton, it comes in a relaxed fit. What's more, it also comes in adult sizes so the whole family can support the English side in style.

"'When are we ever going to celebrate Christmas and the World Cup?' was the plea I got from my son when he saw this jumper," laughs Jayne. "As expected with M&S, the quality is great. It's made from pure cotton, so it means my son won't get all hot and sweaty."

For a Christmas jumper with a Disney twist, look no further than this cute H&M offering. It has a drop shoulder and a cropped finish to up the teen fashion credentials, while the Mickey Mouse design is subtly stylish. 

"H&M produce some great quality knitwear for small prices, which is why I had to include this one," says Jayne. "It is slightly cropped, but most teens I know love that style, and it feels really nice to the touch."

At first glance, this Christmas jumper looks like a traditional Fair Isle design. Look more closely however and you'll notice a famous lightening scar and pair of glasses! The best Christmas jumper for any Harry Potter fan, this is one jumper that will get worn all year round.

"This jumper does come up quite large, so definitely order down a size," advises Jayne. "It felt nice on and even though I didn't end up keeping this one, the reviews all say that it washes well, which is sometimes an issue with cheaper knits."

If your teens mumble the words lag, noob and rage quit, then they need this Christmas jumper, pronto. Christmas icons of Santa and snowmen are mixed in with all the important game controller. It's also 60% cotton, ensuring a soft feel. 

"My son is autistic and struggles with the texture of clothes, but he loved the feel of this jumper," says Jayne. "A really fun design as well, which isn't (in my son's words) 'too babyish'."

Reach for the stars with this gorgeous sparkly Christmas jumper, which is perfect for any teen who loves to shine. Made from a super soft fabric, while it's pricier than some other Christmas jumpers for teenagers, it will last more than just the festive season, especially paired with a simple skirt or jeans. 

"This simple crew neck is elevated by the sequin stars, and what I really love about this jumper, is it can be worn all winter, especially important when you're looking after the pennies," says Jayne. 

If you've not spent the year hidden under a bush, you'll know that Stranger Things is one of Netflix's most watched shows. This festive twist on the Hellfire Club logo is a super cool way to get any teen to don a Christmas jumper.

Jayne says: "We are a family of Stranger Things fans and I knew my son would love this sweatshirt. He says it feels nice to wear and it looks really good with jeans and tracksuit bottoms."

For those teens that are all about the style, this cropped jumper is the solution. Available in a bright aqua blue it says Christmas without being too obvious - because, that's just not drip...

"Made of acrylic, this isn't the nicest feeling of jumpers, but then I doubt most teens care about," says Jayne. "It's a super cool design though and would look great teamed with tracksuit bottoms or even worn over a dress."

Related features:

• Best Christmas jumpers for kids
• Best matching Christmas pyjamas
• Best Christmas Eve boxes

Video of the Week:

Ginger loaf cake, orange marmalade, soft cheese, icing sugar, candied peel, and stem ginger make these mini gingerbread cakes - easy and delicious.

A great buffet pudding, these ginger cakes are made in just minutes using readymade shop-bought ginger cake. Perfect for enjoying over the festive period, however, can be served all year round as ingredients aren't seasonal as such. The soft cream cheese topping, candied peel, and crystallised stem ginger make a sweet and tangy combo. 

Ingredients

• 230g ginger loaf cake
• 1tbsp orange or lime marmalade
• 82g soft cheese
• ½tbsp icing sugar
• ½tsp mixed candied peel
• Piece of crystallised stem ginger, finely diced

Method

1. Trim the top of the cake to make it flat. Then slice through the middle to make 2 rectangles. Spread each with marmalade, then cut each into 8 squares.
2. By hand, whisk the soft cheese and icing sugar until stiff. Spread a teaspoon of topping onto each square of cake, and decorate with pieces of candied peel and stem ginger.

Top tips for making mini gingerbread cakes

Alternatively, try with Madeira cake and raspberry jam for a more classic combination. 

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Video the Week

Make 12 of these tasty mini clementine pavlovas in just 10 minutes using readymade mini meringues.

This a mouthwatering, sweet option for those of you looking for a buffet food-style pudding. Ideal for serving over the festive period, these mini meringues are topped with dark chocolate, mascarpone, crushed pistachios, and clementine for a sweet burst of refreshing citrus flavour. A really delicious dessert you'll want to make time and time again. 

Ingredients

• 100g mascarpone
• 1tsp icing sugar
• 1 clementine, ¼ zested and the rest cut into wedges
• 12 mini meringues
• 25g dark chocolate
• 20g pistachios, finely chopped

Method

1. Whisk the mascarpone and icing sugar until softly peaking, then fold in the clementine zest. Spoon onto each meringue.
2. Melt the chocolate, then drizzle it over the mascarpone. Sprinkle over the pistachios and top with a segment of clementine.

Top tips for making mini clementine pavlovas

For a lovely buffet dessert, these can be upsized to meringue nests. You could also swap the clementines for raspberries, strawberries or blueberries instead. 

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Video the Week

It takes just a few steps to make these impressive mini trifle shots. The perfect buffet pudding to serve with mini spoons. 

If you're looking for a canape-style dessert to impress these mini trifle shots are sure to tick a few boxes catering to up to 10 guests with one recipe - but of course, if you're feeding more you can easily double or triple. Each trifle is layered with soft Madeira cake, fresh raspberries, and a homemade syllabub made with double cream, lemon curd, and a dash of sweet white vermouth. 

Ingredients

• 150g raspberries, crushed, or use defrosted frozen berries
• 1tsp caster sugar
• 80g Madeira cake, cut into 2cm chunks

For the syllabub:

• 125ml double cream
• 2tbsp icing sugar
• 30ml sweet white vermouth (we used Martini Bianco)
• 2tbsp lemon curd
• Lemon peel twists
• 10 shot glasses

Method

1. Mix the raspberries with the sugar and set aside.
2. For the syllabub, put the cream and icing sugar into a bowl and whisk until soft peaks form. Reserve some for the decoration. Fold in the vermouth and lemon curd.
3. Put a few chunks of Madeira cake into each shot glass. Layer with the crushed raspberries and syllabub. Top with a twist of lemon peel on a swirl of whisked cream.

Top tips for making mini trifle shots

 For an alcohol-free version, leave out the vermouth or replace with a 0% liqueur.

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Video the Week

Lamb meatball lettuce cups - a refreshing canape choice for those guests looking for a less filling option, with a healthier twist thanks to the lettuce cups. 

Each lettuce is topped with a combination of red onion, red wine vinegar, feta, Greek yogurt, mint, pomegranate seeds, and za'atar. A crisp bite with plenty of flavour. The pomegranate seeds give a sweet burst of flavour in each mouthful. Make 20-25 using this recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 small red onion, finely sliced
• 2tbsp red wine vinegar
• 500g pack of 20 lamb meatballs
• 2 Little Gem lettuces
• 100g feta, crumbled
• 6tbsp strained Greek yogurt
• 3tbsp freshly chopped mint
• Pomegranate seeds, to garnish
• 2tsp za’atar (or use a mix of sesame seeds and dried herbs)
• 2tbsp olive oil

Method

1. Heat the grill to high. Toss the red onion in the vinegar and set aside, stirring occasionally.
2. Grill the meatballs for 10 mins.
3. Meanwhile, give the lettuce a thorough wash, break into leaves and arrange on a platter.
4. Mix the feta, yogurt and mint, and grind over some black pepper.
5. Break the meatballs in 2 and arrange 1-2 pieces on each lettuce leaf. Top each with a couple of teaspoons of yogurt mixture, some slices of onion and the pomegranate seeds. Mix the za’atar and oil, and drizzle over them.

Top tips for making lamb meatball lettuce cups

Leaving the onion pickling in vinegar will make it more vibrant, and can be done well in advance.

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Video the Week

Our crispy duck on cucumber canapes take just 10 mins to prep. This recipe caters for 40 canapes. 

It takes just a few simple steps to make these delicious cucumber bites topped with a sweet, rich combination of tender duck meat, tangy hoisin sauce, lime, chilli flakes, spring onion and crispy fried onions. A very flavoursome canape - a treat for the tastebuds. 

Ingredients

• 2 cooked duck legs or 200g duck meat
• 4tbsp hoisin sauce
• Juice ½ lime, the other half cut into wedges for squeezing
• Pinch chilli flakes
• 1 or 2 cucumbers, sliced into ½cm-thick pieces
• 2 spring onions, thinly sliced and put in cold water to curl
• 1-2tbsp crispy fried onions

Method

1. Shred the duck from the bones if using duck legs. Stir-fry in a non-stick pan until hot throughout. Add to a bowl and mix with the hoisin sauce, lime juice and chilli.
2. Arrange the cucumber slices on a couple of platters, then top with the duck. Add the spring onions and fried onions. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Top tips for making crispy duck on cucumber canapes

If you have leftover turkey to use up swap for the duck, adding a little splash of water to make it saucy.

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Video the Week

Whip up these Tandoori chicken canapes in just 10 mins - making 30 bites in just one recipe. 

This simple canape of tandoori chicken brings tender mini fillets together with tandoori spice mix, tomato puree, as well as cranberries for a burst of sweetness, drizzle of lime, fresh coriander, and a dash of mayo. Serve this delicious canape filling on crisp, mini poppadoms for an easy yet tasty twist. Perfect buffet food for parties particularly at Christmas or New Year. 

Ingredients

• 400g chicken mini fillets
• 2tbsp tandoori spice mix
• 1tbsp tomato purée
• 1tbsp olive oil
• 30g dried cranberries
• Juice ½ lime
• 1tbsp fresh coriander, roughly chopped, plus extra to garnish
• 2tbsp mayo
• 30 mini poppadoms (1 bag)
• Lemon wedges, to serve

Method

1. Cut the chicken into 1cm cubes. Toss with the spice mix and purée, then season. Heat the oil in a pan. Once hot, add the chicken and fry for 7 mins, turning regularly. Off the heat, stir through the cranberries, lime juice and chopped coriander. Leave to cool, then mix in the mayo.
2. Arrange the poppadoms on a platter and divide the chicken between them. Garnish with coriander, and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Top tips for making Tandoori chicken canapes

The chicken can be cooked in advance, but assemble them just before your guests arrive.

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Video the Week

If you're looking for quick and tasty canapes to serve at your dinner party, these burrata and pesto squares are a great vegetarian option.

Made with just five ingredients, these canapes bring sun-dried tomato paste, burrata, sunblush tomatoes, and basil leaves together to make one tasty treat. All are served on a bed of buttery, crumbly puff pastry - readymade to speed up the prep process even further. 

Ingredients

• 320g pack ready-rolled sheet puff pastry
• 3tbsp sun-dried tomato pesto
• 150g ball burrata or mozzarella, torn into small pieces
• 60g sunblush tomatoes, halved
• 24 basil leaves

Method

1. Heat the oven to 200C Fan/Gas 7 with a baking tray inside. Unroll the pastry onto a floured worktop and spread over the pesto. 
2. Cut into 6 by 8, to make 48 squares. Arrange apart on baking paper, then bake on the hot tray for 10 mins.
3. Cool before topping each with a piece of burrata or mozzarella, a tomato half and a basil leaf. Add cracked black pepper.

Top tips for making burrata and pesto squares

Bake the pastry and top with whatever you fancy. Try fig jam and halloumi, or swap mozzarella for Parma ham. 

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Video the Week

Make 16 of these indulgent canapes with our simple step by step beef toastie canapes recipe - in just 30 mins.

The richness of the blue cheese and Cheddar pair perfectly together in this recipe. Slice your baguette, bake in the oven drizzled in oil and top with this deliciously cheesy topping. Not forgetting tender cuts of beef and punchy gherkin for an added boost of flavour. 

Ingredients

• 1tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus extra to drizzle
• baguette, sliced thinly into 16 slices
• 100g pack roast beef, torn into crostini sized pieces
• 70g blue cheese, crumbled
• 40g Cheddar cheese, grated
• 1tbsp horseradish sauce
• 3tbsp crème fraiche
• 16 cocktail cornichons (tiny gherkins), cut in half diagonally

Method

1. For the crostini base: Heat the oven to 200C Fan/Gas 7. Put the baguette slices on a baking tray, drizzle with the oil and season. Cook for 10 mins until they are golden and crisp. Leave to cool.
2. For the beef toastie: Heat the grill to high. Put the crostini on another baking tray lined with baking paper, and divide the pieces of beef evenly between them.
3. Mix the crumbled blue cheese and grated Cheddar with the horseradish and crème fraiche. Spoon on top of the beef and grill for 2 mins to melt.
4. Move the crostini onto a serving plate and top each one with 2 cornichon halves to finish off.

Top tips for making beef toastie canapes

This recipe would work just as well with pork or lamb instead. 

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Video the Week

It takes just a few simple steps to make these delicious, hot smoked salmon crostini - the perfect party food.

The rich, smoked flavour of the salmon works wonders with the smooth creme fracihe, punchy dill, and zingy capers. It's a treat for the tastebuds. Drizzle in lemon juice before serving. These canapes are best made and eaten on the same day for the freshest flavour and best crostini crunch. 

Ingredients

• 1tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus extra to drizzle
• baguette, sliced thinly into 16 slices
• 120g crème fraiche
• 20g bunch dill, most finely chopped, with a few fronds reserved for garnish
• 2tbsp capers, roughly chopped
• Squeeze lemon juice
• 100g hot smoked salmon, flaked

Method

1. For the crostini base: Heat the oven to 200C Fan/Gas 7. Put the baguette slices on a baking tray, drizzle with the oil and season. Cook for 10 mins until they are golden and crisp.
2. For the hot smoked salmon topper: Combine the crème Fraiche, dill, capers, and lemon juice. Spread evenly over the crostini, then top with a flake of salmon and a frond of dill.

Top tips for making hot smoked salmon crostini

This recipe would work just as well with flaked salmon too - the smoked salmon adds a warm flavour to the dish but the pairing of salmon, dill, and creme fraiche works just as well with other cuts of salmon too - especially great for using up leftovers. 

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Video the Week

Make 16 of these tasty sweet chilli fig canapes in just 25 minutes - including prep and cooking the crostini from scratch. 

It takes just a handful of ingredients to make this deliciously, creamy flavour-packed crostini topping. The savoury flavour of the cream cheese and goat's cheese pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the spiced chilli jam and fresh figs. The base of this canape can be made ahead of time, but we'd recommend serving these bites as soon as they are assembled. 

Ingredients

• 1tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus extra to drizzle
• baguette, sliced thinly into 16 slices
• 65g cream cheese
• 80g soft goat’s cheese
• 1tbsp chilli jam
• 2 figs, each cut into
• 8 wedges, or fig chutney
• Runny honey, to drizzle

Method

1. For the crostini base: Heat the oven to 200C Fan/Gas 7. Put the baguette slices on a baking tray, drizzle with the oil and season. Cook for 10 mins until they are golden and crisp.
2. For the sweet chilli fig topping: Combine the cream cheese, goat’s cheese, and chilli jam, and season. Spread the mixture over the crostinis, then top with a wedge of fig or blob of fig chutney. Drizzle with honey.

Top tips for making sweet chilli fig canapes

Up the spice factor by swapping the sweet chilli sauce for hot sauce instead - if you dare.

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Video the Week

Once Christmas day has passed, many wonder when to take your Christmas tree down. Keep reading to find out...

The start of a New Year brings with it New Year's resolutions for kids and New Year's Day superstitions to watch out for but did you know it can also be considered bad luck if you leave your Christmas tree up too long?

Putting up the Christmas tree is one of many Christmas traditions that the whole family can enjoy, right from the moment you head to the Christmas tree farm to the day it comes down. But just like many often ask why do we have Christmas trees, there are also questions about when to take your Christmas tree down.

When to take the Christmas tree down can be a tricky call to make. Once Christmas Day is over the debate about when to remove all the festive decorations begins, with many worried that it might be bad luck to leave them up for too long. But did you know that tradition states the exact date you should take your Christmas tree down?

When to take your Christmas tree down

According to tradition, you should take your tree down on January 5th, because this is the final day of the 12 days of Christmas - otherwise known as Twelvetide. It begins on Christmas Day, December 25, and lasts right through until January 6, which is recognised as Three Kings’ Day or Epiphany.

The Church of England celebrates the Twelfth Night on 5th January and the season of Epiphany from 6th January to 2nd February. However, some mark 6th January as Twelfth Night, counting the 12 days after Christmas Day, which would suggest that you should take your tree down on January 6th instead.

But remember, this is a Christian tradition and not one you have to abide by - many families choose to take down their Christmas tree and decorations on the day that suits them best.

Mum-of-one, Louise J tells us: "My daughter was born December 30th, so we always make sure Christmas is over and done before her birthday. Which means tinsel comes down and balloons go up on December 29th."

Other days you could take your Christmas tree down

• New Year's Eve: There is a lesser-known tradition that suggests you should take down your tree before midnight on New Year's Eve, and that leaving it up any longer may bring you bad luck in the New Year.
• 2nd February: Some Roman Catholic families choose to leave their tree up until February 2nd, according to the traditions of Candlemas, which commemorates the presentation of Jesus at the Temple.
• 6th February: The late Queen Elizabeth II would always keep her tree up until February 6th, which marks the anniversary of her father King George VI's death.

Is it bad luck to take the Christmas tree down early?

Taking your Christmas tree and decorations early is not considered bad luck, meaning you can feel safe leaving your tree up past the traditional day of January 6th if you want to.

If you're superstitious you may want to take the tree down before midnight on New Year's Eve, as some say this is a way to avoid any bad luck in the next year.

Is it bad luck to leave the Christmas tree and decorations up?

Some consider it bad luck to leave Christmas decorations up past January 6th, a belief that dates back to when when people used to decorate their homes with ivy and holly.

The folklore says that tree spirits lived in the greenery used to decorate the homes, and making sure all the festive trimmings were taken down in the first week of the New Year would set them free.

If the decorations weren't taken down on time, it was said that it would have a bad effect on vegetation and agriculture for the next year, and that the spirits may cause mischief in the home.

What to do with your tree once you've taken it down

If you've opted for a real tree, you can recycle or replant it once the festive season is over, to make sure you're disposing of it in an environmentally friendly way.

Environment minister Rebecca Pow says: "If you have a tree with its roots still attached, then replanting your Christmas tree is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and help our efforts to plant more trees. But if replanting is not an option, make sure to check what collection and recycling services are available where you live. Alternatively, if you have a compost bin or heap, then you could break up your tree and add it to the compost."

If you have an artificial tree, make sure you store it away to reuse next year. According to the Carbon Trust, an artificial Christmas tree needs to be used for 10 Christmases for it to have a lower carbon footprint than a real one.

Ways to reuse or dispose of your Christmas tree:

• Replant your potted Christmas tree in a garden to give it a new lease of life. You could also add bird feeders to provide shelter for wildlife
• Drop your tree off at a recycling centre where it can be turned into chippings for paths or turned into soil
• Check with your local council to see if there’s a special collection service
• Look for an organisation or charity that offers a ‘treecyling’ service where it could be used to build effective flood barriers in communities around the UK

Continue reading...

There's no straightforward answer to 'what does the shape of a candy cane represent', but we've taken a look at some of the best theories.

As the festive period rolls around once again you might find yourself wondering about the origins of different Christmas traditions and folklore - from why do we have Christmas trees to how many reindeer does Santa have - but one festive custom that no one seems to have the answer to is where candy canes have come from.

The uniquely shaped red and white striped treats come out at Christmas time, and whether you like to hang them on your tree, put them in stockings or just eat them straight out of the packet, you've likely wondered at some point what exactly they represent. Well, here's everything we know...

What does the shape of a candy cane represent?

The most well-known story about the origin of the candy cane suggests that the shape represents a shepherd's crook, to remember the story of the shepherds who visited baby Jesus.

The story says that in 1670 the choirmaster at Germany's Cologne Cathedral wanted to give the children sitting through the service some sweets to keep them quiet. He decided upon sugar sticks but wanted them to be bent into the shape we now associate with candy canes. The choirmaster also wanted the candy canes to be white, to represent the purity of Christ.

However, historians agree that this story is just folklore, and many agree that it is unlikely that this is the true origin of the candy cane. What the shape of the candy cane represents is unknown, as there is no record of where they originated from.

A recipe for straight peppermint candy sticks, white with coloured stripes, was published in The Complete Confectioner, Pastry-Cook, and Baker, in 1844, but the earliest mention of a candy cane can be found in the short story "Tom Luther's Stockings", published in Ballou's Monthly Magazine in 1866. Following this, The Nursery monthly magazine mentions "candy-canes" in association with Christmas in 1874, and Babyland magazine describes "tall, twisted candy canes" being hung on a Christmas tree in 1882.

What does an upside down candy cane mean?

Though there is no official meaning for an upside down candy cane, many believe it represents a 'J' for Jesus.

As well as the white representing the purity of Jesus, some sources claim that the red is intended to represent the blood of Jesus Christ, while the solidity of the candy represents the foundation of the Christian Church and the promises of God. However, there is no documentation to support these suggestions.

Why are candy canes associated with Christmas?

Aside from the folklore, the reason why candy canes are associated with Christmas remains unknown, though sources claim that candy canes have been hung on Christmas trees from as early as 1870, when a German-Swedish immigrant in Ohio named August Imgard turned candy canes into ornaments.

What we do know, however, is that in the 1920s Robert McCormack from Georgia began making candy canes for local children, later becoming one of the world's leading candy cane producers with 'Bob's Candies'. Initially, the canes had to be bent manually, but Bob's brother in law, Gregory Harding Keller, later invented the Keller Machine, which was able to bend and cut candy canes.

Video of the Week

For those of you still Christmas shopping (don't worry you're not alone!) here are the best Christmas food hampers still available to buy online - and all delivered in time for Christmas too. Don't worry, I've got you covered.

This year, choosing my favourite Christmas hampers has been a tough decision as there is a whole array on offer for 2023 including popular brands such as Bettys, Cartwright & Butler, and Snowdonia Cheese. When selecting the best of the best for this roundup I have looked at hampers that include a huge variety - suitable for families to couples to your friendly next-door neighbour. I’ve considered size with a selection of both small and large hampers - and not forgetting how festive and non-festive these hampers are too.

As Food Editor on GoodtoKnow, I have a wealth of knowledge when it comes to compiling the best Christmas food hampers list - which I have been tasked with for many years now and have had the privilege of trying a range of different brands, products, and sturdy (or not so sturdy in some cases!) wicker baskets so I certainly know a thing or two when it comes to the best on the market. 

In this year’s roundup, I've chosen brands that I love, and the majority have been tried and tested firsthand this year with quality, quantity, and value for money in mind.

Where to buy the best Christmas food hampers

• Amazon: A great range of hampers, gift boxes, and baskets to choose from
• John Lewis: New hampers for 2023 including gift boxes 
• M&S: Bestsellers from last year as well as new and improved hampers for 2023
• Harvey Nichols: Indulgent food and drink hampers to choose from
• Selfridges: Luxury hampers and gift boxes new for 2023

Best Christmas food hampers for 2023

Tried and tested but now OUT OF STOCK

My pick of the best Christmas food hampers

Before I begin to break down what's included in this collection and why it's so great - I have a confession to make - the Cocoba Salted Caramel Chocolate Buttons were my favourite, I may have eaten and not shared the entire packet. Phew, glad I got that off my chest! 

Other highlights, besides the salted caramel wonders, were the moreish Hawkens Gingerbread Christmas Tree Biscuits flavoured with stem ginger (and just perfect with a cup of tea), the Belazu Rose Harissa Nut Mix which went down a treat with the Silver and Green Paprika Chilli Olives at a family party, not to mention Joypots Chocolate Coffee Bean Selection, which my husband decided not to share (payback from me eating all the chocolate buttons maybe, who knows?!)

The only negative about this hamper is that it's not technically a hamper as the collection as a whole is delivered in a box padded with a rather large amount of natural wool insulation which I believe was specifically to keep the olives fresh, however, it was very unnecessary for the remainder of the products and left me with a large amount of packaging to dispose of.

Putting that to one side, the contents of this festive collection truly made up for it. It's the perfect gift box for sharing - and there really is something for everyone; from spiced nuts to vegan-friendly chewy sweets, to hot chocolate to paprika spiced olives. It's a little bit different from the rest, which is why I really like it.

• IMP&MAKER Stocking Fillers Gift Box - £69 - IMP&MAKER

The design and packaging on this Christmas gift box actually made me say ‘Wow’ out loud. Is it one of the most beautiful, eye-catching, festive designs I’ve seen so far this year. I felt like I was going to open it and see baubles and Christmas decorations stored inside ready to decorate the tree - it made me feel all warm and fuzzy and I flashed forward to Christmas Day.

The keepsake festive gift box wasn’t the only ‘Wow’ factor in this collection, as the contents of the gift box are just as impressive too layered with an array of Cartwright & Butler classics as well as festive favourites like mini mince pies, cranberry sauce, and gingerbread fudge. I had to dig through the hamper to find everything and putting it back was a no-go - everything was hidden and packaged so well so I ended up removing some of the stuffing to put things back in.

Highlights from this collection included the ridiculously shiny (how can you get chocolate that shiny?!) dark chocolate-covered almonds which were just wonderful, the subtly flavoured, creamy gingerbread fudge, and the punchy citrus flavour almond-topped mince pies, not to mention the lightly spiced cranberry and orange biscuits which were super moreish. The kids thoroughly enjoyed swishing the hot chocolate stirrer around a warm cup of milk, which we all shared and the cheese and chilli shortbread rounds went down well with a glass of wine as part of a larger cheeseboard selection.

If you’re looking for a hamper that ticks the festive box, has a good selection of both sweet and savoury foods, has good use-by dates, and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg - this is the one for you.

• Cartwright & Bulter The Christmas Joy Hamper - £70 - Cartwright & Bulter

Now I’ve never had a delivery from Fitzbillies before so I didn’t know what to expect. The first thing I was hit with was the smell of freshly baked goods - you know that sticky sweet smell that means there is going to be something extra tasty hiding inside. I was a tad disappointed that the Fitzbillies Christmas Day hamper didn’t actually come in a hamper or keepsake gift box however the contents of the collection completely outweighed that for me.

I don’t even know which product to begin with first as they were all so delicious in different ways. The assortment of brownies was the first to go; brought out at a family gathering and there was not a single crumb left. Of course, I kept three aside to thoroughly test (and enjoy!) and they were just delightful; gingerbread brownies, cranberry and chocolate orange brownies. The gingerbread brownies were just heavenly with a light brownie sponge, a rich chocolate flavour, and a subtle hint of ginger from the mini gingerbread man that sat on top. Super moreish and I was sad to see them all get eaten as I would have had a few more, to be honest.

The showstopper that completely blew me away was the massive Chelsea bun Christmas tree. It was incredible. A sticky sweet tear and share that went down a storm. Warmed in the microwave for a few minutes and they were even better. Other highlights included the crumbly heavy-on pastry mince pies and the vibrant, subtly flavoured macaroons (well, except the mint macaroon - that certainly packed a mint punch!). 

All in all a really delicious collection from Fitzbillies that I was more than happy to share with family and more than happy to show off too as the products were super high quality and true to their flavours.

• Fitzbillies Christmas Day Hamper - £110 - Fitzbillies

Take a serious trip down memory lane with this jam-packed hamper full of sweet shop favourites. Before I'd even dived into the contents of this hamper, I was overwhelmed by the sweet smell of chocolate, gummies, and all things covered in sugar and it was certainly a blast from the past well received. 

It may be a small wicker hamper, but don't be deceived as good things come in small packages as this Christmas gift box is heaving with treats. I was actually shocked at how much came out of it, to be honest. An amazing collection, with something for the whole family including chewy sweets, popular chocolate bars, festive favourites, sweet shop classics in striped paper bags including Christmas trees, elves, penguins, giant strawberries - and so much more. 

This has got 'teenage Christmas present' written all over it. However, saying that my sweet-tooth father-in-law would certainly be in his element with this hamper too. It's a niche one that's for sure, which is why I wanted to highlight it as one of my favourites for this year. It's nostalgic, it's retro, it's fun - and I just loved rummaging through finding some old-school favourites. It's a great sharing hamper that will last you well into the new year. 

Think Double Dip Original, Peppermint Candy Cane, Rainbow Drops, Flump, Dairy Milk, Galaxy, Terry's Chocolate Orange Snowballs - the list truly does go on.

• Sweet Hamper Company Huge Christmas Sweet & Chocolate Hamper - £54.50 - Sweet Hamper Company

How we tested the best Christmas food hampers

Each Christmas food hamper that I had the pleasure of reviewing was tried and tested keeping the following criteria in mind:

The ‘Wow’ factor: When a Christmas food hamper is delivered to your door an element of excitement comes into play and you can’t wait to rip off the outer box and see what awaits you inside. The first thing you want to see is a thick, rustic wicker basket or a beautiful, elegantly designed gift box that you know you’ll want to keep for years to come. And on opening that hamper or gift box you want the lucky recipient to say ‘Wow!’ and be completely blown away by the generous produce or beautifully displayed products hidden inside. Each of the hampers in this roundup has been included because of their high ‘Wow’ factor status.

Quality: Now, the hamper may look the part but does it live up to expectations? Does it really include high-quality products worth sending to loved ones? Are these products really worth the money? Do they have good use-by dates that last beyond Christmas? Each of the hampers in this roundup has been included as they contain high-quality products that have been sampled firsthand by myself or the team at Goodto.com. Do keep in mind however that not all tastebuds are the same and preferences may vary depending on the person you’re buying for.

Quantity: How many products are included in the hamper? Are they big or small? Is there something for everyone? A mixture of sweet, savoury, any dietary requirements included? An impressive hamper doesn’t have to be filled to the brim with produce, however, if you’re paying a lot of money for a Christmas food hamper you want to make sure it contains a generous amount of products all in all. The hampers that we’ve included in this roundup are chosen as we feel they include a good amount of products in each, as well as a variety of products in each.

Value for money: Similarly to quantity, value for money is all about making sure the hamper is worth the money and worth the products inside. This year we have tried to keep our selection of hampers around the £100 mark and under as we know that Christmas can be an expensive time of year for most. The hampers that we have included in this collection all keep value for money in mind, with the prices reflecting the brand as well as the quantity of products included in each one. Oh, and the wicker basket too as that alone can cost a few bob. 

Packaging: How are these hampers and gift boxes delivered? How much packaging before you even get to the hamper? Is it recyclable? Is it necessary? One of the things we’ve kept in mind for this year is the extra packaging. Now we know that most companies will send hampers in recyclable cardboard boxes, but some I’ve noticed over the years go a little bit over the top on the extras like bubble wrap or shredded paper before you’ve even got to the contents of the hamper. This year, our selection of hampers has been chosen as the extra packaging for these has been kept to a minimum without damaging the hamper inside.

Festive vs. non-festive: Another point we kept in mind when testing the best Christmas food hampers this year was whether the hamper was festive or non-festive and whether that made an impact on the overall hamper or not. Some people love Christmas and want to include in all the festive favourites like mince pies and mulled wine-flavoured tea, however, others would happily be satisfied with a classic hamper with shortbread biscuits and traditional ground coffee. We’ve included a variety of both for this year.

Christmas food hamper FAQs

Looking for more Christmas food and gift inspiration? From the most popular Christmas foods consumed on Christmas Day to the best mince pies to buy this year, we've got you covered. Not to mention our best turkey taste test - including where to buy your Christmas turkey this year, as well as the best Christmas cake, best Christmas desserts, and best Christmas puddings for 2023 too.

How much does it cost to cook a Christmas dinner is an important question to ask at a time when both food prices and energy bills are soaring. 

With Covid-19 having disrupted the last two years of Christmas celebrations, many people will be hoping to enjoy the festivities in style this year. But as the cost of living continues to spiral, families are concerned about how to save money and how much their energy bills will cost. So it's important to start looking for ways to cut the cost of the big day.

Goodto.com’s Money Editor, Sarah Handley, says: “Christmas is an expensive time of year and many families will be thinking about how much they can realistically afford to spend on presents, decorations and food. Fortunately, there are ways you can cut these costs, including reducing how much you spend on your Christmas dinner.”   

There are plenty of options when it comes to how to save money for Christmas - and being wise about your costs when making Christmas dinner is a key factor to think about. 

How much does it cost to cook a Christmas dinner? 

It costs £49.37 to cook a traditional Christmas dinner (not including dessert) for eight people, factoring in the cost of both food and energy.

However, exact costs will depend on a number of factors, including:

•  where you do your shopping (check out our guide to the cheapest supermarkets if you want to switch)
•  how many people you are feeding 
•  whether you have a gas or electric cooker 
•  how much you pay for your energy. 

For our calculations, we’ve used the Energy Price Guarantee’s electricity unit price of 34p per kWh. We’ve also used the example of an electric oven to cook a medium 4kg turkey for 8-10 people. 

A 4kg turkey should take around 2 hours, 30 minutes to cook (find out more about how to calculate Christmas turkey cooking times in our handy guide). A typical electric oven uses about 3,000W of power which means it currently costs about £1.02 an hour to run. Assuming you leave your oven running for three hours in total (to cook other food as well as the turkey), your oven costs will be £3.06. 

Our calculations also factor in using a hob to cook vegetables. A typical electric hob uses 2,000W of power, which means that an hour’s use will cost you around 68p.   

If you’re wondering if electric is cheaper than gas for cooking, the answer is no. The typical cost per unit under the Energy Price Guarantee is 10.33p per kWh for gas, compared to 34.04p per kWh for electricity. 

Cooking with a gas oven uses less power at around 1,540W and will cost 16p an hour to run, or 48p for three hours. A 2,000W gas hob would cost you around 21p an hour. That means your total Christmas dinner costs would be lower at £46.32.

For food costs, we’ve used the following shop from Tesco to work out our calculations - where possible we’ve chosen the lowest cost option. Check out our new guide if you're worried about why turkey prices are going up and whether there could be a turkey shortage this year.

Prices correct at the time of writing.  

Full breakdown of Christmas dinner costs

How can you cut the cost of cooking a Christmas dinner? 

You can cut the cost of cooking a Christmas dinner in a number of ways, as we outline below: 

Cook your turkey the right way up

According to Veebha Parmar, chef and inventor of cooking tool MySpike, it’s best to cook your turkey vertically rather than horizontally. She told us: “Not only does this make it deliciously moist, it dramatically reduces cooking time as it improves air circulation and, if you use a spike which conducts heat, it will cook from the inside out. Having the turkey upright also frees up space in the oven so you can cook more things at once, again reducing energy costs, and by adding your roasties/ vegetables to the tray below so they will be getting the delicious flavours dripping down on them. Triple win!” 

Ditch the turkey completely

Alternatively, you could ditch the turkey altogether. Consumer expert Jenny McCormac at review site BrandRated, says: “The price of frozen turkeys has risen by up to 32% this year, compared to last year. There are fewer frozen turkeys available this year due to the bird flu outbreak earlier this year, when as much as 35% of this year’s Christmas flock was lost. The average price for a frozen medium turkey is now £18-20, or around £25 for a fresh one – if you’re able to get one! Turkey is generally the most expensive element of a Christmas dinner so try some different options to save some money.” 

Pre-cooked turkey crowns or even turkey thighs will be cheaper, but you could also switch to a Christmas turkey alternative like chicken or try a vegetarian option such as a nut roast or goats cheese and cranberry parcel. 

Use a different cooking method

It’s no secret that air fryers and slow cookers are on many people’s Christmas lists this year. And using one to cook your Christmas dinner could help reduce your energy bills. 

Energy saving expert at Love Energy Savings, Ava Pope, says: “You can save money by using a slow cooker to cook your turkey, or whatever other meat you choose this Christmas. A 3kWh electric oven costs £1.02 an hour to run when running at full power, while a slow cooker costs just 5p per hour.

“Cooking roast potatoes in your air fryer will be cheaper than turning on your oven, and air fryer fans swear by the crispy coating they’ll be given using this method. You could also use an air fryer to cook parsnips, pigs in blankets, and stuffing balls - all you need is a paper and pencil to jot down the cooking times.”

Another option is to use a microwave to cook your veg - simply pop them in a microwaveable bowl with a little water and whizz on high for a few minutes. 

Take a look at the guides below to find out more about the running costs of these appliances:

•  How much does it cost to run an air fryer? 
•  How much does it cost to run a slow cooker? 
•  How much does it cost to run a microwave? 

Shop wisely

There are many ways you can save on the cost of your food shop, whether that’s shopping in the cheapest supermarket or using a supermarket loyalty card.  

It also pays to be careful about the food you buy, including avoiding pre-packed vegetables which will be more expensive. A little planning will also ensure you don’t end up with a lot of leftovers. 

Phoebe Ellis from Thrive Money says: “Before you do your shop, make lists of exactly what you need, when and for what recipes. By doing this instead of just walking into the supermarket and picking up things, you will be saving more on your shop and wasting less.”

Chef and co-founder of online cooking community Sorted Food, Ben Ebbrell, adds: “Try portioning out the veg in your hands before cooking. A large handful of unprepared sprouts per person is usually plenty, and buy them loose at the shops. It prevents you from just buying the pre-packed bag, prepping them all and then having some left over at the end of the meal. The same applies to root veg and roast potatoes… count them out… don’t just guess and then do a few more ‘just in case’.” 

From panettone to liqueurs, from festive chocolates to Christmas doughnuts, here are the best Christmas food gifts to buy friends and family this year.

If you're in need of some inspiration when it comes to Christmas food gifts look no further. We've rounded up the best Christmas food gifts for 2022, all tried and tested by the Goodto team.

"Christmas food gifts are the perfect present for this year; practical yet thoughtful and just a little bit indulgent," says Goodto's Consumer Editor, Heidi Scrimgeour. "Whether you’re taking something tasty to a family member’s house for a festive get-together or sending a foodie treat to someone you can’t see in person this year, a Christmas food gift guarantees to raise a smile. Bonus if you get to enjoy it with the recipient."

This year's selection of gifts includes a range of prices and budgets from the bargain Cadbury Retro Selection box at £5.95 to the indulgent Cartwright & Butler Festive Favourites wicker hamper at £138 - one of our best Christmas food hampers. This selection includes perfect gift ideas for adults be it Secret Santa, stocking fillers, or just a little gift to say how much you care. We've even included a couple of award winners like DukesHill St Clement's Mince Pies - part of our best mince pies for 2022 collection as well as Waitrose & Partners No.1 Rich Fruit Cake voted the best Christmas cake for this year.

Where to buy the best Christmas food gifts 2022

• John Lewis: Hampers, stocking fillers, kitchen appliances, and more Christmas food gifts
• Amazon:  Gift boxes, tea sets, spices - plenty of delicious foodie gifts for 2022
• Harvey Nichols:  Impressive array of tasty treats to gift this Christmas including panettone, biscuits, wine, and hampers
• Ocado: Perfect chocolate stocking fillers as well as advent calendars and plenty of Christmas tipples
• Boots: Branded food gifts from Nandos, Costa, Green & Blacks - the list goes on 

Best Christmas food gifts and stocking fillers

• Harvey Nichols I Love Chocolate biscuits - £12.50 - Harvey Nichols

• Aldi Ballycastle Chocolate, Hazelnut and Caramel flavour Country Cream - £7.49 - Aldi

• DukesHill St Clement's Mince Pies - £13.50 - DukesHill

• Love Cocoa Festive Selection Box - £23.50 - John Lewis

• Biscuiteers DIY Hansel and Gretel gingerbread house - £38 - Biscuiteers

• Cartwright & Butler Festive Favourite wicker hamper - £138 - Cartwright & Butler

• Coole Swan Superior Irish Cream Liqueur - £25 - John Lewis

• Best of Lindt Collection hamper - £75 - Lindt

• Snaffling Pig Yule Hog gift box - £17 - Ocado

• Crosstown Christmas doughnuts - £26.95 - Crosstown

• DukesHill Handmade Scottish Shortbread - £13.50 - DukesHill

• Wickedly Welsh Three French Hens chocolate - £14.99 - Wickedly Welsh

• Carluccio's Panettone al Cioccolato - £22.95 - Carluccio's

• Hotel Chocolat For Everyone Collection gift box - £70 - Hotel Chocolat

• Waitrose & Partners No.1 Rich Fruit Cake - £18.50 - Waitrose

• Cadbury Retro Selection box - £5.95 - Cadbury

• Next Christmas Ice Cream Sundae Set - £10 - Next

• Cutter & Squidge brownie box - £14.99 - Cutter & Squidge

• Borgo de' Medici Italian Black Truffle Dinner Gift Box - £39.99 - Lakeland

• Cantium Rubesco Craft Pink Gin - £40 - Amazon 

Video of the Week

Tried and tested, here are the best Christmas foods to buy for 2022 including the top Christmas pudding, Christmas cake, turkey, mince pies, and more.

With Christmas just around the corner, it's time to start thinking about that all-important shopping list and what you'd like to buy this year. To make sure you choose the highest-quality products - be it the tastiest mince pie or the most eye-catching Christmas dessert - we've tried and tested a range of different supermarkets and brands to find the top buys for this year.

Our panel of expert judges blind-tasted all of the Christmas foods in this year's annual taste test. Our experts include Group Food Director Jen Bedloe, Food Editor Jess Meyer, Deputy Food Editor Rose Fooks, Senior Food Writer Jessica Ransom, and Junior Food Writer Georgia Sparks. With years of experience trying and testing new food and drink products, the team is well-equipped when it comes to assessing the best Christmas food to buy in 2022.

Supermarkets including Waitrose & Partners, Sainsbury's, Tesco, and many others were put to the test in this year's taste test. In this roundup, we've highlighted the winners of each category. The categories include:

• Best Christmas cake
• Best turkey for Christmas
• Best Christmas pudding
• Best Christmas dessert
• Best mince pies

Where to buy Christmas food 2022

• Waitrose & Partners: From festive cupcakes to classic iced fruit cake - a great variety
• Ocado: M&S favourites including sticky toffee pudding and mince pies
• Morrisons: Budget mince pies for those looking to cut costs this year
• Tesco: A great range of turkeys to choose from this year including budget options
• M&S: Choose from a three-bird roast, turkey crown, joint, and more delicious M&S choices
• Sainsbury's: Book a slot and start shopping all things Christmas food

Christmas food taste test winners 2022

• Waitrose & Partners No.1 Rich Fruit Cake - £18.50 - Waitrose

• Piper’s Farm Free Range Bronze Whole Turkey - £92 - Piper's Farm

• Sherry & Cognac Infused Christmas Pudding - £12.95 - Booths

• Gianduja Cake - £65 - Melt Chocolates

• Taste the Difference Mince Pies - £2.25 - Sainsbury's

How did we test the best Christmas food?

All of the Christmas food in this year's taste test was blind tasted meaning the packaging and labeling were removed from the product. 

The judges marked food on its look, taste, texture, and flavour. Marks were given for festive presentation but most importantly the quality of the produce. 

Christmas puddings were assessed on how moist the puddings were, the texture of the sponge as well as how boozy or non-boozy they were without being lit. Mince pies were judged on how crumbly or buttery the pastry was alongside how rich and generous the mince pie filling was.

All of this year's Christmas foods you can buy were tested fairly and evenly among the team.

These products all scored highly during our blind taste tests for the woman&home Festive Food Awards. 

Meet the experts: Tried and tasted by...

Video of the Week

Whether you are a fan of a classic gin and tonic, or a negroni is more up your street, these are the best gin advent calendars for 2022 which are sure to please.

Getting through the Christmas period can be a struggle; the seemingly endless family get-togethers, the present shopping in crowded stores, the wrapping paper that just will not stay put. Would it not be easier knowing that, at the end of the day, you can relax with a nice glass of gin - perhaps a new flavour or brand you have never heard of but are sure to love? 

These gin advent calendars are sure to make the countdown to Christmas more interesting, Whether you prefer pink gin, classic Victorian flavours, or like to shake it up with unique liqueurs, there is something for everyone in this roundup. 

Must-have gin advent calendars for 2022

Featuring a boutique selection of gins, Virgin Wine's gin advent calendar includes a selection of Old Tom, London Dry, Navy, and flavoured gins. Coming from both big brands as well as small businesses, this calendar is sure to open up doors to find your new favourite flavour. 

Food editor Jessica Dady: "The 24 doors house 24 gins, each in 5cl bottles - the perfect measure for a relaxing Gin and Tonic. From the true taste of a classic Victorian gin with Whitby Old Tom Gin which won 'Bronze' in the World Gin Awards in 2020, to the festive flavour of Festival's Spiced Orange gin, which they recommend using in a negroni, this calendar boasts a range of flavours to wet and widen your palette."

In place of chocolate, behind these doors, you will find a selection of 24 Craft Gins, each one with its own bold and unique flavour. Alongside a selection of award-winning flavours and good old favourites are some brand new discoveries waiting to be tried as you count down to the big day.

Packaged in 5cl miniature bottles, classics such as Beefeater's Blood Orange Gin and Gordon’s Premium Pink Distilled Gin sit beside interesting new flavours like Sipsmith's Lemon Drizzle Gin and Warner’s Elderflower Gin. An array of gin liqueurs also feature throughout the 24-day calendar boasting flavours like Apple & Spice, Rhubarb & Ginger, Grapefruit & Pomelo and even Cherry Bakewell and Victoria Sponge Cake!

Online reviews: With a whopping 82% of customers giving this advent calendar a five-star review, the 'add to basket' button is calling our name. If you needed any more convincing, one reviewer wrote, "So many good quality gins to try and what a great way of doing it before you buy a big bottle"

Boasting an amazing selection of 24 flavoured gins and gin liqueurs, this giant cracker-shaped calendar features both gins from artisan manufacturers and well-known brands.

Food editor Jessica Dady: "Standout gins you can find in this calendar come from established brands such as Masons, who have won over 180 awards for their gins, Malfy, an Italian gin distillery who are inspired by the stylish and sun-soaked Amalfi Coast, and Whitley Neill, who make the number one selling premium gin in the UK."

After a smashing sell-out last year, the Craft Gin Club have bought back their gin advent calendar for 2022. This stylish calendar features 25 new miniature gins, each of which you can pour a double with! The calendar not only houses the precious bottles but also a range of drink recipes to try out. 

Food editor Jessica Dady says: "This calendar features gins such In the Welsh Wind's Signature Style Dry Gin, a smooth oil-rich gin with a botanical profile inspired by flavours synonymous with Wales like oranges, cinnamon, clove, and ginger; Poetic License's Fireside Gin, a mulled winter fruit gin; and Salcombe's Rosé Sainte Marie, a delicate, fresh and multi-award winning dry rosé gin inspired by the Mediterranean."

You can also scan the QR code on the advent calendar to unlock a mini video paired with each day’s gin, a techy touch that adds even more excitement to the festive period. If you pre-order now, you can get a free bottle of gin with your calendar that will be shipped with your order from mid-October.

Pink gin lovers, listen up! This 12-day advent calendar boasts a selection of 5cl pink gins to try out as you count down to Christmas, so, as The Bottle Club exclaims, "Let Pinkmas commence!"

Featuring classic and well-established gins such as a selection from Whitley Neill including their Pink Grapefruit Gin, Raspberry Gin, and their Rhubarb & Ginger Gin, you will also be exposed to lesser-known gins like Liverpool Organic's Rose Petal Gin, Cheeky Gin's Bubblegum Gin Liqueur and Ginato's Pompelmo Gin. 

Online reviews: With a rating of four and a half stars out of five, and reviews championing the safe and secure delivery of the precious glass bottles and the gin inside them, this delightfully pink advent calendar that promises to "take you on a journey of fantastically pink gin exploration" sounds like a dream.

If you find yourself advent calendarless on the 30th of November do not fear! For £7.99 you can order this calendar with the promise of next-day delivery.

Video of the Week

Choose a wine advent calendar and festively sip your way through the holiday season. Here are the best wine advent calendars for 2022. 

There are so many alcohol advent calendars to choose including the best beer advent calendars and even the best gin advent calendars - but nothing can top an advent calendar filled with a good red, white, or Prosecco wine.

Food editor Jessica Dady says, "There is something especially luxurious about having a wine advent calendar. You can go about your day knowing that you have a delicious glass of wine waiting for you when you get home, and the endless variety of wine advent calendars available means there is something for everyone to enjoy."

Our pick of wine advent calendars features sparkling wines, reds, whites, roses, and proseccos  - some of them are refillable too, so you can use them year after year.

Best wine advent calendars 2022

Behind the doors of this beautifully designed Christmas cracker, you will find a variety of proseccos with flavours ranging from extra dry DOC for a crisp, refreshing taste to delicious rose pink proseccos. With 24 doors, this advent calendar is home to 12 different varieties of sparkling wine, so you will double up on all the flavours.

Food editor Jessica Dady says: "The calendar boasts 'some of the world’s best [wine] producers' and this statement is true. Bottega, who won The Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships in 2020, and Mionetto, who's 'The Prosecco Rose' won a Gold Award and was named Best of Show Prosecco Rosé in retail markets at the Mundus Vini wine competition in 2021, both feature heavily throughout the calendar, promising a high quality of bubbles throughout the festive month of December." 

Online reviews: This advent calendar has impressed Amazon customers with the overwhelming majority of buyers giving it a five-star review after purchasing. One customer wrote, "Brought this little number for my beautiful little lady and she loved it. She opened one each day and place it in the fridge, nicely chilled for the night ahead. She even wanted me to top it back up for January!"

This beautifully boxed advent calendar includes equal numbers of world-class Reds and Whites, and a Rosé or two for those who are not so picky about their choice of wine. Behind each of the 24 windows is a 187ml-200ml bottle of wine which will give you a glass-sized amount perfect for sipping on a cold December evening as you fight with wrapping paper and sellotape which just does not want to stick to anything but your fingers. 

Food editor Jessica Dady says: "For those who do not like to be surprised, there is a list of every wine you will find hidden behind the advent doors but we like a little surprise so have picked out just some of the highlights to mention. Wine company McGuigan feature heavily throughout the calendar line up and, as one of the most awarded wineries in the world boasting the title of White Winemaker of the Year 2019, finding their bottles hidden away is sure to be a treat."

Online reviews: Every single review for this advent calendar boasts five-stars and nothing but praise for the quality of the wines inside it. One customer wrote, "Love it! Very high end feel, comparable to advent calendars from premium retailers and brands."

You are spoilt for choice with Virgin's collection of wine advent calendars. Choose from an all red, all white, or a mixed selection of wines to match your palette, or push the boat out and try something new. No matter which calendar you pick, you will receive 24 top quality single-serve wines plus a full-size bottle worth £19.99 to pop open on Christmas day. The Virgin buying team scoured their site to pick out customer favourites and best-selling wines to fill each of their calendars with bottles they know people will love and have even included exclusive and limited-edition bottles - as if the calendar was not enticing enough already! 

Food editor Jessica Dady says: "Some of the calendars highlight include the 16 Little Black Pigs Shiraz 2020, which has won awards like the Customer Poll 2019 People's Choice, the LWA 2020 Gold Medal and the Customer Poll 2020 Best Red Under £10. The Vegan friendly Ali di Api Pinot Grigio 2020 is another stand out, dry and crisp, the fruity white comes from Italian wine maker Pierpaulo Cielo who is growing the family business to establish his name in the wine world.

"With all these new wines it can be difficult to know what food to pair them with. Virgin thought of this and their website is host to a handy guide that talks through the flavours of every single wine included in each of their advent calendars and recommends dishes to compliment each flavour."

Sparkling wine and chocolate? Yes please. This luxurious advent calendar features handy little drawers rather than doors you must struggle with each morning, meaning the calendar can e refilled and re-used for years to come. 

Food editor Jessica Dady says: "Using more than 150 years of Sparkling Wine making expertise, Freixenet created a selection of stand-out and stylish wines to add a touch of luxury to your Christmas countdown. In 2019, Freixenet picked up four gold medals at the Berliner Wine Trophy Awards for their Cordon Negro, Prosecco and Italian Rosé sparkling wines, all of which feature in their 2022 wine advent calendar."

Inside the drawers of this calendar you will find four bottles of Cordon Negro Cava boasting flavours of Mediterranean and citrus fruits, two bottles of fresh and fruity Cordon Rosado Cava, two bottles of Prosecco D.O.C, and four bottles of Italian Sparkling Rose promising notes of red fruits, white flowers and ripe apples. In between the wine, you will receive four bars of each Divine chocolate flavour; Smooth Milk Chocolate, Smooth Milk Orange Chocolate, Smooth Dark Chocolate and Creamy White Chocolate. Divine is the only Fairtrade chocolate company in the world co-owned by farmers, so not only do these chocolates taste good, they do good too.

This budget wine advent calendar is sure to get you through to Christmas as the hidden doors tease you with 24 square chocolates before gifting a 200ml bottle of Bubbly Canti Prosecco on Christmas day. 

Food editor Jessica Dady says: "Each chocolate boasts its own bold and unique flavour, from good old favourites to brand new discoveries, this calendar houses a selection of award winning chocolate flavours and promises something new every morning.

"On the big day you are rewarded with a single-serve bottle of bubbly boasting tasting notes of green apples and flowers. Canti Prosecco is highly praised among supermarket customers, with four and five star reviews of their bubbly being commonplace online and the bottles often being out of stock due to high demand."

Behind each of this calendars 24 doors, you will find a lovely little bottle of wine. Home to a mixture of Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Chardonnay, Shiraz, Zinfandel, Pinot Grigio, and Malbec, there really is something for everyone hidden behind these advent doors. 

Consumer editor Heidi Scrimgeour says: "This advent calendar has to be bought in bulk, so if you are struggling with Christmas gift ideas for friends and family then look no further - the more you buy, the cheaper the items become. Dispatch does take one to two weeks so make sure you do not leave it too late."

To make life even easier for you, each advent calendar comes with a fully personalised card and you can pay a little extra to get each calendar shipped straight to the recipient, rather than having them all delivered to you and having to deal with sending them off yourself.

Brand new for this year, Chester based wine company Smashed Grapes have released their very first collection of wine advent calendars and for a bargain price too. With the options of Red, White or Mixed, this advent calendar is not only beautifully designed but hods within it something for everyone. 

In the mixed wine advent calendar, you get 24 pouches of different wines whereas, in the red wine advent calendar and white wine advent calendar, you get two pouches of 12 different wines. Every calendar also includes a £10 Voucher, so after you have tried all the wines on offer, you can get some money off of your favourites. One in every 100 wine advent calendars also contains a Golden Ticket to win a case of wine - a perfect Christmas treat. 

Consumer editor Heidi Scrimgeour says: "No matter when you buy this calendar, it will be shipped on the 14th of November so you cannot break into it prematurely and ruin the surprise. With the upside of plastic pouches over glass wine bottles, there is no worry of spillages or breakages during transit, meaning you can open your advent calendar doors without the worry of staining your favourite Christmas PJS."

Red, white or rose? This selection has it all. Though Christmas is currently at the back of many people's minds, conscious shoppers have spotted this bargain and it is already out of stock! John Lewis have promised that the calendar will be coming back soon and it is definitely worth signing up to be notified of this restock.

Food editor Jessica Dady says: "With 24 single-serve bottles of wine hidden behind the advent doors, each day will reveal one of the fruity merlots, pinot grigios, sauvignon blancs, shiraz's or maybe the singular malbec. With brand names like the Chilean company Altaria and German based Johann Bihn, the eclectic mix of worldwide brands and flavours featured in the John Lewis wine advent calendar are sure to lead to new wine discoveries - the Californian Pink Fox White Zinfandel encased in this calendar boasts notes of ripe strawberry and raspberry and sounds particularly tasty."

You can pick this advent calendar up in store or you can order online. Standard delivery is free but if you want the item a little quicker, you can part with £9.95 for same day delivery.

DC Thompson are very secretive about the contents of their wine advent calendars and perhaps that is part of their allure. Customers clearly agree as the company's annual advent calendar sells out every single year without fail. Their 2022 calendar has just been released and promises to be just as popular. 

Food editor Jessica Dady says: "Overflowing with 24 wine favourites, including a half bottle of Champagne, each flavour has been carefully chosen and organised to delight you throughout December. A quarter bottle of wine will be found behind each door every single day in the run up to Christmas and could be a red or white wine, highlights of which include Cabalié, Sauvignon Blanc and Rioja. For the last day, the calendar gifts a 375ml bottle of Champagne ready for your celebrations."

While you may want to place the calendar in a cold spot so the wines are ready to drink, this advent calendar will look more at home under the tree. Its beautiful design is bound to outshine any gift wrapped present next to it, you might not even want to rip open the doors to get to the wine inside - oh, who are we kidding of course you will!

Video of the Week

The countdown to Christmas starts this week and you've still got time to bag yourself one of the best chocolate advent calendars on the market.

Being Goodto's Food Editor for many years now I have a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the best Christmas foods. Be it the best Christmas food hampers or the best food and drink advent calendars, I certainly know my stuff - and chocolate is no exception. I've tried a wide range of chocolate brands over the years to know which chocolate advent calendar is certainly worth the money - and which ones are not.

This year I've chosen brands that either myself or my family have had advent calendars from in the past and have loved - so yes, I have eaten every single chocolate in this roundup at some point or another. Any that I have reviewed this year, including Love Cocoa, Cadbury, Thorntons, and H!P Oat Milk I have tested with the quality and taste of chocolate, as well as value for money in mind. The packaging is also an important part of this year’s range - keeping in with the festive theme as well as being environmentally friendly and easy to recycle at home.

Where to buy the best chocolate advent calendars 2023

•  Amazon: Think Kinder, Galaxy, Ferrero Rocher, and more delivered straight to your door
• John Lewis: Hotel Chocolat, Montezuma, Monty Bojangles and more
• Ocado: Disney Princesses, Reese’s Pieces, Milkybar, Marvel and much more
• Lindt: Luxury chocolate advent calendars that you certainly won’t want to share
• Cadbury: Cadbury has both kids and adults sorted this year with 3D advent calendars and more
• Hotel Chocolat: Milk, dark, white, caramel - Hotel Chocolat hasn’t held back this year

Best chocolate advent calendars 2023

Best kids chocolate advent calendars

Best vegan chocolate advent calendars

Tried and tested chocolate advent calendars - my top 3 picks

Certainly one of the big head-turners for me this year, Love Cocoa Luxury Chocolate Truffle Advent Calendar stood out among the crowd for a variety of reasons and size was certainly one of them.

Behind each door I found an individually wrapped truffle - be it gingerbread flavour, salted caramel, hazelnut praline, or hazelnut rocher. Not a big selection in terms of flavours, however the generous size and taste of the chocolates made up for it. The giant hazelnut rocher was actually large compared to the average-sized piece of chocolate you tend to get in a chocolate advent calendar. It was so big in fact that I found it hard to get it out of the calendar door but after a bit of a wiggle, it was free and ready to be devoured with a cuppa.

Other than the delicious chocolate Love Cocoa is famous for, it was the packaging that won it for me. A vibrant festive design - almost like a piece of artwork - you can tell that a lot of time and effort went into the design of this calendar. Plus the festive jokes, facts, and anecdotes were a lovely touch. I also love the fact that the whole calendar can be recycled at home - even the individual wrappers for each chocolate can be recycled. 

With its vibrant packaging, big bold flavours (if you could eat Christmas in chocolate form, the gingerbread truffle was exactly that!), and big size, this chocolate calendar from Love Cocoa gets a big thumbs up from me.

• Love Cocoa Luxury Chocolate Truffle Advent Calendar - £25 - Love Cocoa

I think Lindt chocolate is pure indulgence and this chocolate advent calendar showcases some of Lindt's finest chocolates this Christmas. 'Variety' and 'quality' are two words that spring to mind when reviewing this calendar. There may only be nine different flavoured chocolates or variations of chocolate to choose from, but it feels like there is so much more. 

Highlights for me included opening a door to find not just one Lindt Milk Snowdrop, but two, a mini reindeer chocolate and teddy bear chocolate as part of the regular countdown, and the cherry on the cake - the big guy himself, Santa behind the door no.24. It's certainly a generously filled advent calendar that I feel is reasonably priced for Lindt. 

This chocolate advent calendar has a simple, elegant design which is Lindt to a tee. The only disappointment is that the calendar itself is delivered in plastic wrap which I didn't feel was necessary, and unfortunately can't be recycled at home, but the rest of the calendar can - from card and foil to plastic tray.

If you're looking for quality chocolate, that doesn't cost the earth - and that you could even share with a loved one (only if you want to share of course!) this is my choice for 2023.

• Lindt Festive Selection Advent Calendar - £15 - Lindt

They say that good things come in small packages and this chocolate advent calendar from Cartwright & Butler is exactly that. Now it may not have the most vibrant design or festive packaging but it does have a lovely historical story behind the design choice. 

Over the years I have associated Cartwright & Butler with many things - gift boxes, hampers, buttery biscuits paired perfectly with a cuppa but I never had it pegged as a chocolatier. This advent calendar is a surprise from start to finish with some truly mouthwatering chocolates to indulge in. 

It's great for sharing with a loved one - take me for example - I'm not keen on dark chocolate or anything with coffee in it, but my husband is the complete opposite, so this calendar was just great for us as we both got to enjoy what we like, swap what we didn't and still benefited from a range of different chocolates.

This subtle nod to Christmas includes some of the sweetest, creamiest array of chocolates which honestly took me by surprise. I will certainly be looking out for this calendar again next year, that's for sure.

• Cartwright & Butlers Chocolate Advent Calendar - £18 - Cartwright & Butler

How we tested the best chocolate advent calendars

Each chocolate advent calendar that I had the pleasure of reviewing was tried and tested keeping the following criteria in mind:

• How does the chocolate advent calendar look; is it vibrant, and festive, would you happily display it on your kitchen side in the run-up to Christmas or hide it away in the cupboard?
• How does the chocolate in each advent calendar taste; the quality of the chocolate, is it too sweet, does it taste exactly like the flavour it says it's supposed to be, what makes this specific chocolate stand out above the rest?
• The variety of chocolates included in the calendar; how many flavours are included, are they different shapes, sizes, festive or simple squares, what ingredients are used, would someone be disappointed to open or would they be satisfied?
• Value for money; how much does the chocolate advent calendar cost, is that a good price per gram, does the price reflect the brand, is it too expensive, too cheap, and why?
• Packaging; is the chocolate advent calendar made from recyclable packaging, is it all cardboard or mostly plastic, how can it be recycled, is this clearly marked on the calendar?

Looking for more Christmas food inspiration? Have a browse through this year's festive taste tests tried, tasted, and reviewed by our Food Team. They've got you covered when it comes to the best mince pies, the best turkey, the best Christmas cake, the best Christmas pudding - and even the best Christmas desserts. 

Countdown to Christmas in style with one of these indulgent food and drink calendars - all in stock and available online for 2023.

Advent calendars have been popular since the 1950s as a way to count down to Christmas Day. Traditionally, they've been simple in design, with a solo chocolate square hidden behind paper doors or windows.  However, in recent years, they’ve been given an indulgent makeover with everything from truffles to pralines to biscuits, cakes, and even booze.

With my expertise, which is over 10 years as a food writer and editor, and my keen eye for quality when it comes to food, I have compiled a list of the best food and drink advent calendars; some of which I have tried and tested firsthand and others I have chosen because I adore the brand or have had the pleasure of reviewing their produce in the past. So without further ado, for those of you wanting to shy away from the best chocolate advent calendars this year, I give you the food and drink advent favourites.

Where to buy the best food and drink advent calendars

• Amazon: A great selection of budget advent calendars from a variety of brands
• Fortnum & Mason: Indulgent food and drink advent calendars for 2023
• Selfridges: Food, drink, and even toy advent calendars for this year
• Ocado: Add one of these must-have advent calendars to your shopping basket
• Hotel Chocolat: Luxury chocolate calendars as well as The Grand Advent calendar 

Best food and drink advent calendars for 2023

Tried and tested food and drink advent calendars - my top picks

If you’re a massive fan of flapjacks you’re going to be well and truly won over by this generous advent calendar full to the rafters with soft, buttery flapjacks - that are simply some of the best flapjacks I’ve ever tasted - and I’ve tasted a lot over the years. All are gluten-free, individually wrapped for freshness, and all have a different flavour might I add? 

It was so hard to choose a favourite as each square of flapjack I tried just had the sweetest flavours true to their name - the creamy hazelnut chocolate flapjacks were exactly that; creamy, nutty with a sweet caramel glaze. The chocolate fudge flapjacks felt like you were eating two treats in one as did the cherry Bakewell flapjacks topped with an almond-infused cake layer and sweet cherry jam. Other heavenly flavours included the Billionaire’s flapjacks, and salted caramel brownie flapjacks (with a brownie top!) to name but a few of my favourites.

Pair them all with a bucket of tea, and you really are indulging yourself in the run-up to Christmas. The squares are big enough to share - but only if you really want to of course. And the use-by dates are generous too, meaning if you don’t eat them straight away, you can save for a later date.

• Flapjackery Advent Calendar Box - £52 - Flapjackery

Ok so my initial thought was 'I can only countdown 12 days of Christmas with this calendar, that's a bit rubbish', however the size of the products, and the generous share-worthy treats you get behind each door will well and truly last you past Christmas - especially if you're tackling the whole thing on your own. 

Highlights from the 12 days calendar for me included the popcorn and peanut brittle - it was favourite last year and it still remains a favourite for this year; sticky, sweet, chewy pieces of caramel bejeweled with popcorn and peanuts - it's just heavenly. The chocolate fudge is another best of mine; sweet, and buttery with a subtle chocolate flavour, and the crumbly triple chocolate chunk biscuits with a rich chocolate flavour - however be warned they are very messy so don't make the mistake I did and eat them whilst wearing a cream jumper... it was not a good look.

A packet of biscuits, a box of fudge, a jar of preserve... the list goes on! A great range from Cartwright & Butler this year which will certainly help you countdown to the big day.

• Cartwright & Butler 12 Days of Christmas calendar - £100 - Cartwright & Butler

How we tested the best food and drink advent calendars

Each food and drink advent calendar that I reviewed this year was tried and tested keeping the following criteria in mind:

• How does the advent calendar look; does it look the part? does it have a festive design? would you proudly display this advent calendar on your kitchen side or hide away in the cupboard? How big or small is it?
• How does the product in the advent calendar taste; is the quality of the products in the calendar - true to their flavour, what you expected, or more? good use by dates?
• The variety in the calendar; how many flavours or varieties are included? Different shapes, sizes, types? Is it just the same product over and over or a selection to choose from? Festive-themed or classic? What ingredients are used, would someone be disappointed to open or would they be satisfied?
• Value for money; how much does it cost? Is it worth the money? Does the price reflect the brand? Is it too cheap, too expensive and why?
• Packaging; is it made from recyclable packaging? Is it all cardboard or mostly plastic? How can it be recycled? Is this clearly marked on the calendar?

Love these advent calendars? We've also got a selection of wine advent calendars, and even cheese advent calendars to choose from this year. Not to mention some of the best Christmas food hampers for 2023 too.

Advent calendars may be a classic, but boozy calendars are taking over the festive season this year. Here we round up the best beer advent calendar for 2022. 

We've been looking for the best alcohol advent calendars - including the best wine advent calendars and the best gin advent calendars - but sometimes, you just want a beer in the evenings

Whether you are a fan of Guinness, IPA, pale ale, larger, or craft beer, there is a beer advent calendar waiting to get you through the festive period. After a long day at work or a stressful evening of present shopping, come home to the knowledge there is a delicious new drink waiting for you behind a numbered door. 

"Sample your way through a variety of different beers with one of these must-have beer advent calendars for 2022," says Food Editor, Jessica Dady. "It's a great way to try new beers that you might not add to your weekly food shop or order at the local pub. Top brands have jumped on the advent calendar bandwagon too including Brewdog, and some calendars even include snacks to pair with each beer - what more could you want."

Top beer advent calendars for 2022

Pre-order this must-have beer advent calendar for 2022, packed with 24 unique exotic beers from arond the globe. Eternal Whiteout, Nine Million Tricycles and Beer Hunter are just a few of the sought-after beers that are included in this advent calendar. This 9th anniversary addition of Beery Christmas advent calendar takes you on a beer history tour.

Food editor Jessica Dady says: "Full to the brim with must-try beers - all full sized bottles, which you could even share if you wanted. We just love the eye-catching design of this calendar, designed and illustrated by graphic designer Thibault Daumain."

As well as an exclusive glass, the 2022 Brewdog calendar includes; four advent calendar exclusives, five of Brewdog's 2022 releases including popular flavours like Candy Kittens and Silk Road, five seasonal beers such as Mail Order Martini and the brilliantly titled Hoppy Xmas, as well as five of the companies headliner and core beers. In total, 24 cans sit behind the doors of this advent calendar - it may be a bit heavier than your classic chocolate-filled countdown.

Food editor Jessica Dady says: "Brewdog's Craft Beer Advent Calendar is back by popular demand. The calendar was a sell-out last year with pre-orders wiped out by November. You can currently pay £5 to secure an early bird pre-order and ensure you do not miss out on this year's calendar. For the cherry on top, Brewdog offers free delivery across the UK and, if you are a member of Planet BrewDog, this product is available at a reduced price on pre-order." 

Behind each of the 24 windows of this beautifully designed advent calendar is a 330ml bottle of beer guaranteed to wet your pallet for new tastes. The five-star calendar contains a mix of pale ales, beers, IPA's, stouts and largers from across the globe. From Thornbridge Big Easy Low Alcohol Pale Ale to Bot Sonnet 43 Seraphim Blonde Beer, the eclectic mix of flavours is bound to lead to a new favourite.  

Online reviews: This collection of beers is sure to impress any beer lover, as one reviewer wrote, "Purchased for my husband who is a bit of a beer connoisseur and he is loving it. Great product and good beers included."

If you're a fan of trying new things than the Beerwulf advent calendar is for you. Host to 24 beers from 24 different brewers, you can try a whole range of beer styles as well as new and exclusive beers brewed especially for the calendar. You can pre-order now. 

Food editor Jessica Dady says: "From the French brewery La Débauche, you will find the fruity and herbal IPA, Cool Jazz, from the Italian brewery Birra Flea, Costanza Blonde Ale, and from Japanese company Kirin Ichiban, the aptly named Premium Beer. It is not just the beer selection that has been carefully curated, the order of the beers has also been intensely considered by Beerwulf's in-house experts so that you will be taken on a beer journey like no other."

Making a triumphant return from the success of their 2021 calendar, Virgin Wines has released their beer advent calendar for 2022. Back by popular demand, this calendar hosts 24 craft beers that have been sourced from top breweries around the world so you can kick off your Christmas in style.

Food editor Jessica Dady says: "Offering a mixture of IPA, pale ale, lager, wheat beer and more, each window is home to a full-size beer for each day of advent. Including beers from small breweries with hard-to-buy beers like The White Hag's Ninth Wave New World Pale Ale, to well-known and well-established beers like Tiny Rebel's Electric Boogaloo Passionfruit Lil NEIPA, each window welcomes a completely new flavour to your world."

Get the full pub experience from home with this craft beer and artisan snack advent calendar that will suit any beer lover, snack connoisseur, or preferably a master of both. Pre-order now for shipping from the 15th of November - this is one you do not want to miss. 

Food editor Jessica Dady says: "The delicious artisan snacks and craft beer that fill this calendar are all made by hand by a variety of small batch and independent brewers, meaning you are getting not only premium products but products you have likely never heard of or had the opportunity to enjoy. From pilsners, pale ales, and lagers, to salami chips, Picante olives, and snacking chillis, the variety hidden behind this calendar 24 doors is vast and truly mouth-watering. 

Online reviews: While the alcohol is obviously for adults, the snacks that come out of this calendar can create a tasting experience for the whole family. One reviewer wrote, "Foodie advent calendar has been a huge hit so far!! Amazing new nibbles from fabulous brands and some great beer to boot. Best calendar [we have had] for 5 years apparently!"

Video of the Week

We've tried and tasted a whole range of shop-bought mince pies this year so you don't have to. From M&S to Morrisons, from Bettys to Fitzbillies, here are the food experts favourites.

With a wide range of shop-bought mince pies available in the lead-up to Christmas both in stores and online, it becomes challenging to determine which ones truly stand out as the best mince pies for this year. In our annual Christmas foods taste test, we evaluated a range of independent and supermarket shop-bought mince pies. Most mince pies were conveniently offered in either a 4 or 6-packet or box, and the majority were available for purchase online.

Our expert panel who tried and tested the mince pies included Group Food Director Jen Bedloe, Food Editor Jess Meyer, Deputy Food Editor Rose Fooks, Food Writer Amanda James, and Junior Food Writer Georgia Sparks. With years of experience and a vast amount of culinary expertise, this team is well-versed in identifying what makes the best mince pies.

The selection of this year's top-rated mince pies features the best supermarket mince pies including Sainsbury's, M&S, and Morrisons, as well as homemade bakeries such as Bettys, Rosebud Preserves, and Fitzbillies. Earning the most points and taking the top spot for the best mince pie in 2023 was Bettys. These mince pies stood out from the rest with a generous and traditional filling and super buttery pastry. Alongside Morrisons, who scooped the top spot for the best supermarket mince pies.

We’ve also rated various other Christmas foods in our annual taste tests including the best turkey, the best Christmas cake, and the best Christmas puddings, so save time and make light work this year, as they will be a treat over the festive season. You might also like our pick of the best Christmas desserts.

Where to buy mince pies for 2023

• Morrisons: The perfect all-rounder mince pies with a classic taste and a Christmas look, great for those on a budget
• Sainsbury’s: A mince pie with a twist, shop online or in-store and buy your Christmas desserts and Christmas turkey
• Bettys: Available online from November, not only can you buy mince pies but Christmas cakes and Christmas puddings

Best tried and tasted mince pies

• Bettys Classic Mince Pies - £18.00 - Bettys

• Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Mince Pies - £2.75 - Sainsbury's

• Morrisons The Best 6 Deep Filled Mince Pies - £2.50 - Morrisons

• Cartwright & Butler Luxury Mince Pies with Brandy - £8.00 - Cartwright & Butler

• Biscuiteers Luxury Frangipane Topped Mince Pies - £15.00 - Biscuiteers

• M&S Collection 6 Mince Pies - £3.50 - Ocado

• Fitzbillies Mince Pies - £8.50 - Fitzbillies

Best mince pies from last year

• Taste the Difference Mince Pies - £2.75 - Sainsbury's

• Waitrose No.1 Brown Butter Mince Pies with Cognac - £4 - Waitrose

• Biscuiteers Handmade Biscuiteers Mince Pies - £15 - Biscuiteers

• DukesHill St Clement's Mince Pies - £13.50 - DukesHill

• Patisserie Valerie Mince Pies Gift Box - £14.95 - Patisserie Valerie

• Asda Free From Mince Pies - £2 - Asda

How did we test the best mince pies?

The Christmas taste testing took place in our company Test Kitchen. Throughout the testing procedure, each individual mince pie received a number enabling them to be anonymous, which then related to a spreadsheet where we could easily score their observations and descriptions of our taste notes for each individual mince pie. Including crucial aspects such as the pie's flavour, texture, and overall appearance.

Each mince pie was presented next to one another. We can equally judge on initial appearance, including design, colour of the pastry, and the packaging too. Each mince pie was served cold and warmed to note differences in flavours, smells, and textures. 

Judges were looking for the quality of the pastry and the richness and abundance of the filling. To receive a high score, the pastry had to strike a balance between being crumbly and sturdy while delivering a delectable buttery taste. As for the fillings, they were expected to be flavourful and generous in filling them with fruit, yet not excessively sweet. Additional points for those with extra Christmassy fruits, nuts, and hints of other flavours.

Meet the experts: Tried and tasted by...

Looking for more Christmas inspiration? Have a look at our best Christmas food hampers for 2023. As well as Christmas dinner timings and everything you need to know about cooking a turkey including how long does it take to cook a turkey per kg?

From Yule log to sticky toffee pudding, from M&S to Tesco - here are the best Christmas desserts for 2023 and where to buy them this year. 

Each pudding has been blind-taste tested as part of this year's Christmas foods taste test that attracted more than 500 entries. So if you're looking for an easier option than making your own Christmas dessert take a look at these shop-bought choices that certainly give the Hairy Bikers’ Yule Log and our popular Maltesers Christmas pudding a run for their money.

Our expert testers for this year include Group Food Director Jen Bedloe, Food Editor Jess Meyer, Deputy Food Editor Rose Fooks, Food Writer Amanda James, and Junior Food Writer Georgia Sparks. With years of experience working in the food industry, they are certainly well-equipped when it comes to finding the best Christmas desserts on the market for 2023. 

This year the category of the best Christmas dessert included many hot contenders with predominantly supermarket entries reigning supreme. The M&S White Chocolate & Passion Fruit Yule Log scooped first place, with entries from Tesco and Waitrose nabbing the other spots on the podium.

For those of you who are true traditionalists, we have also rounded up the best Christmas puddings as well as shortlisted the best turkey if you want some savoury inspiration or stick with the sweet and explore the best Christmas cake and best mince pies.

Where to buy Christmas desserts for 2023

• Ocado: is our one-stop shop for Christmas food. Shop from a range of brands including M&S and Daylesford
• Tesco: with two winning entries in our round-up Tesco is a great place to buy a Christmas dessert
• Waitrose & Partners: It’s Christmas after all, so if you’re looking to splash out head to Waitrose for a spectacular selection of festive delights

Tried and tested Christmas desserts

• White Chocolate & Passion Fruit Yule Log - £15 - Ocado

• Finest Dark Chocolate and Honeycomb Ganache Bar - £13 - Tesco

• Waitrose Christmas Deer-Licious Sticky Toffee Pudding - £7.50 - Waitrose & Partners

• Taste The Difference Home For Christmas - £12 - Sainsbury’s

• Traditional Yule Log - £52.95 - Patisserie Valerie

• Tesco Finest Winter Orange Cheesecake - £10 - View at Tesco

Best Christmas desserts from last year

• Gianduja Cake - £65 - Melt Chocolates

• DukesHill Sticky toffee pudding - £7.95 - DukesHill

• Morrisons The Best Passion Fruit Panna Cotta Star - £8 - Morrisons

• Taste the Difference Triple Chocolate Praline Winter Forest - £12 - Sainsbury's

• Tesco Finest Caramel Cascade pudding - £13 - Tesco

How did we test the best Christmas desserts?

The Goodto Christmas taste tests are conducted at The Future Test Kitchen. In the summer supermarkets and independent brands deliver an array of products to be considered for the best in each category. As products arrive they are assigned a number so the testing can be completed blind. This enables the judges to assess each product based on merit alone and ensures there is no bias or brand favouritism. 

When testing the Christmas dessert category the entries are laid out side by side, and any that require heating are cooked as per the pack instructions. The judges consider the look, taste, and texture of each, as well as how appropriate each dessert would be served on Christmas day. Based on these criteria each judge will independently assign a score from 1-5 to every product. Scoring alone is vital so opinions aren’t swayed by those of the other judges. The average score is taken to find the Best Christmas foods. 

Meet the experts: Tried and tasted by...

Need a last-minute Christmas gift? You've still got time to bag yourself one of these tried and tested best Christmas food hampers recommended by our Food Editor.

And for those of you debating making your Christmas desserts this year - we give you the classic Christmas trifle and a mouthwatering Terry's Chocolate Orange fondant cake.

From the best supermarket Christmas puddings including Iceland and Aldi to independent sellers like Cartwright & Butler, here are the best Christmas puddings for 2023 all tried and tasted by our expert Food Team.

As the festive season approaches, a wide range of store-bought Christmas puddings from supermarkets to micro-bakeries and independent shops will be available, and choosing just one can be a hard decision, especially when they all give Mary Berry's Christmas pudding a run for its money.

Our expert panel who tried and tested a range of Christmas foods, including Christmas puddings for 2023 are Group Food Director Jen Bedloe, Food Editor Jess Meyer, Deputy Food Editor Rose Fooks, Food Writer Amanda James, and Junior Food Writer Georgia Sparks. With years of experience and a vast amount of culinary expertise, this team is well-versed in identifying what really makes the best Christmas pudding.

So, if you’re after the best shop-bought Christmas pudding on the market then look no further. Whether you fancy a traditional Christmas pudding, a Christmas pudding with a twist, or one for a small gathering then we’ve got you covered. With Cartwright & Butler taking the top stop for the overall best Christmas pudding, Iceland taking the best supermarket Christmas pudding and Aldi being best value for money at under £10, there is certainly something for everyone.

It's not just Christmas pudding that we've taste-tested this year - have a browse through our expert picks for the best Christmas cake, best Christmas desserts, and best mince pies. We've even rounded up the best turkey on offer this year.

Where to buy Christmas pudding for 2023

• Cartwright & Butler: The best all-rounder Christmas pudding is available now online and in independent shops and luxury department stores
• Iceland: A rich and juicy fruit pudding with a classic dome shape. The best traditional Christmas pudding on a budget
• Aldi: Rich flavour with a warming boozy kick. Great for those looking for a great value for money Christmas pudding to feed the family

Best tried and tasted Christmas puddings

• Cartwright & Butler traditional Christmas pudding - £30.00 - Cartwright & Butler

• Iceland, Luxury Matured Christmas Pudding - £2.25 - Iceland

• Holland & Barrett Christmas Pudding - £10 - Holland & Barrett

• Aldi Specially Selected 18 Month Matured Christmas - £3.99 - Aldi

• Abel & Cole Luxury Christmas Pudding - £17.95 - Abel & Cole

• Fitzbillies Christmas Pudding - £17.00 - Fitzbillies

• Tesco Finest Black Forest Christmas Pudding - £12.00 - Tesco

• Vivek Singh’s Garam Masala Christmas Pudding, The Cinnamon Club - £55.00 - The Cinnamon Club

• Rick Stein Christmas Pudding - £25.00 - Rick Stein

Best Christmas puddings from last year

• Sherry & Cognac Infused Christmas Pudding - £13 - Booths

• Extra Special 9 Month Matured Luxury Christmas Pudding - £8 - Asda

• Morrisons The Best Christmas Pudding - £8 - Morrisons

• Collections Twelve Month Matured Christmas Pudding - £10.40 - Ocado

• 12-month matured Christmas Pudding - £2.50 - Waitrose & Partners

How did we test the best Christmas puddings?

The puddings were prepared according to the instructions provided on the packaging at the Future's Test Kitchen, located at the Testing Centre of Excellence in Winnersh, Reading.

To maintain a fair and unbiased assessment, the puddings were not served with extra booze or flamed, and they were served plain, without any cream, butter, or custard.

On the day of testing, judges were sent an anonymous detailed spreadsheet where they recorded observations and tasting notes. Specifically, judges were tasked with providing feedback on the pudding's appearance, flavour, and texture. Judges assigned a rating on a scale of one to five, with one indicating poor quality and five representing the best.

When evaluating the Christmas puddings, judges placed a strong emphasis on a moist sponge, distribution of fruit, level of booze, and even the colour of the puddings.

Many judges preferred when fruits were visibly present, traditional flavours came through, a decent hit of booze, and an overall classic taste and look. They also evaluated the pudding's shape and its visual appeal. This included factors such as its glossiness, glazes, and sauces.

Meet the experts: Tried and tasted by...

For those of you looking for more Christmas inspiration, take a look at our roundup of the best Christmas food hampers for 2023 - highly rated by our Food Editor, Jessica. 

Not sure what to do with leftover Christmas pudding - how about making our Christmas crumble or you could try making Christmas pudding ice cream.

Not sure where to buy your Christmas turkey this year? We've rounded up the best on the market all tried and tested by our team of food experts for 2023.

Turkey is the classic Christmas centerpiece, and certainly one of the most popular Christmas foods, but so often it gets a bad rep for being dry and overcooked. If you’re unsure of how to cook a turkey there are some great recipes on Goo including popular Gordon Ramsay’s roast turkey but before you dive into recipes, how about we decide on where to buy a Christmas turkey first? 

Each year our panel of expert judges put a range of different turkeys to the test to see which one is worthy of Christmas dinner. This year's panel of testers includes Group Food Director Jen Bedloe, Food Editor Jess Meyer, Deputy Food Editor Rose Fooks, Food Writer Amanda James, and Junior Food Writer Georgia Sparks. Collectively, the team has years of experience trying and testing thousands of new food and drink products each year as well as developing new and exciting recipes. This means you can trust their judgment and feel confident that they would only score a product highly if they truly thought it was worthy.  

Highlights from the taste test include the judges awarding the best turkey award to KellyBronze from Able & Cole, with other great turkeys from independent butcher Parson’s Nose and DukesHill coming in at second and third place. For a more affordable option, some supermarket turkeys also impressed, with winners from Asda, Waitrose, and M&S.

Once you've decided on your Christmas main, have a look at our round-up of the best Christmas desserts - sure to help you decide what will be on the menu for pud. Our experts have also named the best Christmas puddings if you're a traditionalist. Plus everyone knows the festive season isn't complete without tucking into a selection of the best mince pies or a slice of the best Christmas cake.

Where to buy Christmas turkey for 2023

• Abel & Cole: a fantastic choice for a one-stop organic Christmas shop and our winning Christmas turkey
• Parson's Nose: a butcher in London working directly with farmers to get the best quality meat. They offer delivery seven days a week
• Ocado: Beat the crowds and get your Christmas food shop delivered to your door, but make sure to nab a delivery slot early

Best Christmas turkey to buy online

• Large Organic KellyBronze® Turkey - £125 - Abel & Cole

• Parson's Nose Whole Turkey - £123 - Parson's Nose

• DukesHill Free Range Bronze Turkey - £135- DukesHill

• Copas Free Range Whole Bronze Turkey - £138 - Copas

• Capestone Turkey Breast with Panettone Stuffing & Muscovado Glaze - £40 - Ocado

• M&S Collection Free-Range Pembrokeshire Heritage Blue Turkey - £72-£99 - M&S

• Waitrose & Partners Jewelled Stuffed Bronze Turkey Crown - £41-£63 - Waitrose & Partners

• ASDA Extra Special Free Range Corn Fed Norfolk Bronze Turkey Crown with Pork, Sage and Onion Stuffing - £35.82 - ASDA

Best turkey from last year

• Piper’s Farm Free Range Bronze Whole Turkey - from £96 - Piper's Farm

•  Extra Special Norfolk Bronze Medium Turkey - £42.75 - Asda

• Collection British Oakham Stuffed Turkey Crown - £35 - Ocado

• Free Range Bronze Feathered Turkey - £38-£60 - Waitrose & Partners

How did we test the best Christmas turkeys?

Both supermarkets and independent brands are invited to enter the best Christmas turkey category of the Goodto Christmas taste tests. The taste tests are held at the Future Test Kitchen over a few weeks in summer. On arrival, each turkey is assigned a unique number so the testing can be completed blind. This ensures the judges assess each product based on merit alone and there is no bias or brand favouritism. 

Each turkey is cooked according to the instructions supplied with the entry. The judges will consider the look of each product as well as the ease of cooking before assessing the quality, texture, and flavour of the meat. The best whole turkey will have a good plump shape, crispy skin, and succulent, flavoursome meat. When turkey breast and crowns have added elements, such as stuffing and bacon, these are also taken into account. Each judge will independently assign a score from 1-5 to each. The average score is calculated to find the best Christmas turkey before the winners can be revealed. 

Meet the experts: Tried and tasted by...

Once you've decided on your turkey, why not have a browse through some of our other festive product roundups including the best Christmas food hampers for 2023?

As well as Christmas dinner timings and everything you need to know about cooking a turkey including how long does it take to cook a turkey per kg?

From classic iced Christmas cakes to chocolatey alternatives, our team of experts has narrowed down the best Christmas cakes for 2023 from Aldi to Waitrose & Partners.

Christmas cake is one of the most popular Christmas foods when it comes to the festivities and this year we have tested out an array of delicious shop-bought options, including some that give Mary Berry’s Christmas cake recipe a run for its money. We can appreciate those wanting to save energy by not switching their oven this Christmas as well as dreading washing up, so a shop-bought readymade option is a great choice. 

Our panel of expert judges who put all of these supermarkets favourites to the test include;  Group Food Director Jen Bedloe, Food Editor Jess Meyer, Deputy Food Editor Rose Fooks, Senior Food Writer Amanda James, and Junior Food Writer Georgia Sparks. All of which have years of experience trying thousands of new food and drink products each year. This makes them very well prepared when it comes to seeking out the best Christmas cakes. 

Our judges tried hundreds of products during the annual taste test - blind-tasting cakes looking out for specifics such as texture, flavour, and appearance. A number of supermarkets and stockists entered the awards including Marks & Spencer, Aldi, and Patisserie Valerie.

But don’t stop there, if you love Christmas sweet treats as much as we do, we’ve also tried and tested the very best Christmas desserts, best mince pies, and best Christmas puddings. And if you’re more interested in the savoury side of things, we’ve also rated our favourite turkeys in our best turkey taste test.

Where to buy Christmas cakes for 2023

• Aldi: Budget and best! For those that would like to cut costs but don’t want to miss out on flavour
• Waitrose & Partners: For classic Christmas cakes and a variety of tasty alternatives
• Patisserie Valerie: Delicious, mouthwatering festive bakes, cakes and more

Best Christmas cakes to buy online

• Cartwright & Butler Iced Christmas Round Cake - £20 - Cartwright & Butler

• Specially Selected Luxury All Over Iced Christmas Cake - £8.99 - Aldi

• Biscuiteers Christmas Wreath Cake - £65 - Biscuiteers

• M&S Collections Perfectly Matured Christmas Cake - £12 - M&S

• Patisserie Valerie Candy Cane Hot Chocolate Cake - £45.95 - Patisserie Valerie

• Waitrose & Partners No1 Rich Fruit Cake- £18.50- Waitrose & Partners

How did we test the best Christmas cakes?

All of our taste tests are conducted blind which means there is no bias or brand favouritism and all products are judged on merit alone.

During the taste tests, each judge is given a sheet to take notes on commenting on the appearance, flavour, and texture of the cake and giving it a score from one to five. One is poor and five is exceptional. Only products that scored three and above have been included in this roundup. 

Judges considered a good cake to be moist and juicy with plump fruits that have been well soaked. Judges also looked at how visually attractive the cake was. They also considered the texture of the cake, it should not be crumbly in texture and slice well.  

Most of the cakes submitted this year were traditional fruit cakes with marzipan and icing and had differing levels of decoration. There were also a few alternatives that had a Christmas design but were sponge-based. 

Meet the experts: Tried and tasted by...

Looking for more Christmas inspiration? Have a look at our best Christmas food hampers for 2023. As well as Christmas dinner timings and everything you need to know about cooking a turkey including how long does it take to cook a turkey per kg?

The best Christmas crackers bring a buzz of excitement to your festive table and contain the kind of treats that your guests will want to swap and keep.

By now you've probably ordered the best toy advent calendar, chosen the best Christmas jumper for kids and maybe even started shopping for the top Christmas toys. But have you thought about crackers yet? It's never too soon because the really cracking ones (see what we did there?) tend to sell out way before December rolls into view. 

But which are the best Christmas crackers for you? There's lots to choose from between the classic kind with paper hats and awful dad jokes that we love to hate, and the sparkling luxury crackers with gifts that likely cost more than some of the presents under the tree. And more recently, the sustainable kind have really taken off.

The world of crackers is a wide one in 2022; you can even find crackers for pets, and if you don't fancy a plastic puzzle or another pair of nail clippers, you can fill your own with personal gifts - so you can save the games for after your Christmas dinner.

Of course, you want all of your hard work to be appreciated on Christmas Day, and that includes the much-anticipated dinner, where the tabletop decoration is just as important as the turkey.

The best Christmas crackers look impressive, contain decent surprises, and are eco-friendly or at least recyclable. So, if the wide selection of crackers on offer daunts you, fear not. We've checked them all out and shortlisted the best from the rest below.

• View at John Lewis 

• View at Lakeland

• View at Very

• View at Amazon

• View at The Good Lyfe

• View at Selfridges

• View at Amazon

• View at John Lewis

• View at Not On The High Street

• View at Not On The High Street

• View at The Good Zest Company

• View at Marks & Spencer

These matching family Christmas pyjamas for 2022 are the perfect outfit for that seasonal family selfie.

The new modern Christmas tradition of donning matchy-matchy pjs has increased in popularity over the years. And we're well and truly behind it, with the sleepwear not only looking great but being something you can include in your little one's Christmas Eve box too.

Much like those Christmas Jumpers for kids and the best Christmas jumpers for women, our matching family Christmas pyjamas edit features a few that are pure Christmas novelty and others that include an option to personalise. Plus we've included favourites from Amazon, Next, George and more, so there's bound to be a style that fits the whole family.

15 of the best matching family Christmas pyjamas for 2022:

•  View Buddy Elf Christmas family pyjamas - Asda | From £8 

• View Disney Christmas family pyjamas - Asda | from £10

• View Personalised Nordic family Christmas pyjamas - NOTHS | from £18

• View Personalised red family Christmas pyjamas - NOTHS | from £41

• View Gingerbread print family Christmas pyjamas - NOTHS | from £12

• View Personalised Embroidered Christmas Family Pyjama Set - NOTHS | from £50

• View Family Christmas pyjama set - Amazon | from £6.44

• View Family Matching Christmas Pyjamas Set - Amazon | from £15.99

• View  Matching Family Navy Fizz The Season Slogan Pyjamas - Asda | from £8

• View Christmas family pyjamas - Light in the Box | from £15

• View Christmas family pyjamas - Etsy | from £14.99

• View Angel & Rocket Family Pyjamas - John Lewis | from £26

• View Chelsea Peers Kids' Cockapoo Santa Hat Print Pyjama Set - John Lewis | from £28

• View Personalised Family Portrait Christmas Pyjamas - NOTHS | from £30

• View Personalised penguin Christmas Pyjamas - NOTHS | from £40

• View Elf Christmas family Pyjamas - Etsy | from £20

And once you've sorted out the nightwear, be sure to check out our list of top Christmas toys 2022 for more festive inspiration. Happy shopping!

Related features: 

• Best toy advent calendars
• Best craft advent calendars
• Best non-chocolate calendars

Video of the Week:

The best gifts for her will show the woman in your life just how much you appreciate her - whether it's your mum, bestie, niece, or sister - we've found the best gift ideas.

As Christmas looms large you've probably already chosen from the best non-chocolate advent calendars, maybe a beauty advent calendar or you might be you're a purist and always get a chocolate advent calendar. Well, it might be when you open day 15 that you think of buying for the woman in your life.

“It can be difficult finding the best gifts for her, particularly if you are not sure what she does and doesn’t like,” says Goodto’s Consumer Editor Heidi Scrimgeour.

“If you know the woman in question well, talk to her about the things she likes, as you never know what ideas that conversation might spark. If it’s someone you are not so well acquainted with then gifts that involve relaxation and pampering will always go down a treat. Sometimes the best gifts for her are the ones she least expects to receive.”

Best gifts for her 2022

To give you a helping hand we’ve put together a list of the best gifts for her from luxurious to quirky and distinctive - all of which have been road-tested by our team or recommended by some of the best women we know.

Personalised gifts for her

•  View Personalised Special Year Flavoured Gin With Music  - NOTHS | £18 

• View Personalised Square Velvet Jewellery Box - NOTHS | £28

• View Personalised mug - Etsy | £9.99

• View Personalised Cadbury Chocolate Bar Gift Box - Etsy | from £6.95

• View engraved name wine glass - NOTHS | from £22