CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

Over at the Inland Waterways Association shop you can treat a loved one – or yourself - to lots of fantastic goodies. They also have Christmas cards – or yourself - to lots of fantastic goodies. They also have Christmas cards featuring lovely waterways views. waterways.org.ukfeaturing lovely waterways views. waterways.org.uk

shopping.rspb.org.uk

RSPB Free as a bird wren sling bag, £28

Birdsong 1000 piece jigsaw, £13

This Christmas you can give a gift that keeps giving. Maritime charity Sailors’ Society is offering two virtual gifts that not only allow you to tick off presents from your Christmas list but also offer a lifeline to seafarers in need. The gifts, which cost £10 for Wi-Fi and £25 for helpline counselling, can be purchased at sailors-society.org/give-gift. RSPB Puffi n® binoculars, £65 - £85

We all know our pets get thoroughly spoilt all year round, and so they will be expecting something extra special under the tree at Christmas! rnli.org/xmaspresent www.poochandmutt.co.uk

Christmas Freddie Dog Toy (RNLI),£6.50

Royal Bempton hanging bird table, £35

Cooling Pet Bandana (RNLI), £7

Collapsible Dog Travel Bowl (RNLI), £5 Pooch & Mutt Christmas Dog Bundle including Advent Calendar and Gift Box for dogs with Christmas dinner and treats, £15.99

DID YOUKNOW? ParcelHero has relaunched its retailers’ Christmas fi nal deadlines tool, listing 50 of the UK’s favourite retailers’ fi nal order dates. However they warn that a Sunday Christmas and potential delivery disruption could cause problems for last-minute shoppers, so planning is key! www.parcelhero.com/events/christmas-gifts-delivery

The Woodland Trust’s range of Christmas cards and wrapping paper is FSC-certifi ed and guaranteed to be plastic and glitter-free. New for this year is fabric gift wrap, in a delightful winter bouquet design, made to be re-used year after year. You won’t even need sticky tape! shop.woodlandtrust.org.uk

Many charities have struggled over the past couple of years, so whether purchasing a membership, donating, buying a virtual gift or buying from their shop, there are numerous ways to help charities this Christmas. Here are a few charities to consider: Inland Waterways Association (waterways.org.uk) RSPB (www.rspb.org.uk) RNLI (rnli.org) Marine Conservation Society (www.mcsuk.org) The Woodland Trust (www.woodlandtrust.org.uk)