YOUR GUIDE TO CHRISTMAS GIFTING AT 17 & CENTRAL
Brrr basket
The latest trend to hit the gifting market, we love the concept of a Brrr Basket – a winter-themed gift basket filled with cosy items and treats. And the beauty of this gift is you can spend as little or as much as you’d like so set your budget and buy accordingly. Items could include a plush pillow, scented diffuser, cosy throw, gorgeous candle, festive book, new mug, chocolatey treats or soft socks but the list is endless and can be tailored to suit your recipient so it’s perfect for all ages and sexes. If you fancy filling a brr basket for a friend, we’ve got everything you need here in the shopping centre and would suggest visiting retailers like TK Maxx, Home Style, Waterstones and Asda first for some of the ideas on our list.
Wrap up!
Scarves are BIG (and worn long) this season so jump on the trend and pick one you know they’ll love. River Island and Peacocks both have some lovely styles in array of colours and you’ll be spoilt for choice. A super snuggly yet stylish gift, they’re practical and fashionable – perfect for a tricky teenager.
Say it with a sparkle
If you’re looking to buy something extra special this Christmas, then sprinkle some seasonal joy with a piece of carefully chosen jewellery. A Pandora charm bracelet is a classic gift (and one that will keep on giving). As well as being beautiful and sure to delight, it works well for future gifting – we can’t think of a better way to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or special occasion than by adding another gorgeous charm. P.S. They also do engraving too if you want to make it even more meaningful.
Family favourites
Fed up with taking a box of Celebrations round when you visit family or friends over Christmas? Think outside the (chocolate) box and take something they’ll enjoy doing together. Waterstones and The Works both have a great selection of board games and jigsaw puzzles for all ages, which are perfect for bringing families together over the festive period and beyond.
Presents to perk them up
Coffee-related Christmas presents are always a brilliant idea, particularly for men, who can be difficult to buy for. Costa does some lovely gift sets featuring travel mugs, classic coffee cups, syrups and sprinklers, which you can also get as part of the Boots 3 for 2 promotion. We also spotted a very festive-looking red Starbucks x Stanley Quencher in store, which would make a lovely gift for a teen. If in doubt, give the gift of coffee – Black Sheep, Costa, Perky Blenders and Starbucks all do gift cards – choose your amount, load it up and hand it over. What could be simpler?
And in the spirit of giving, why not brew it forward. Black Sheep has a ‘Free Coffee Board’ where you can gift a coffee to someone who needs one this Christmas.
Festive fiction
It isn’t really Christmas without some festive fiction and both Waterstones and The Works have a fabulous selection of seasonal reads that make gorgeous Christmas presents. From kids’ classics such as ‘The Snowman’, ‘Mog’s Christmas and ‘The Jolly Christmas Postman to this year’s new releases, ‘The Snowman Code’, ‘The Biggest Christmas Secret Ever’ and ‘Juniper’s Christmas’, there’s so much choice. And when it comes to romantic novels, best-selling authors, Heidi Swain, Jo Thomas, Karen Swan and Sarah Morgan all have brilliant new books out. Why not build a seasonal stack for your favourite book worm? We think it’s a really thoughtful gesture.
Don’t forget our Book Swap. If you’re making room for new books, we’re always grateful for any donations, particularly anything seasonal.
Treat them
If the special person in your life would love a pampering treatment as a gift, then we’ve got you covered. With three fabulous clinics in the shopping centre all offering a range of restorative treatments, we’d suggest a gift card from either Cleo Clinic, Ria London or EverySkin, so your loved one can book in for the new year and enjoy some me time during the lonnnng month of January. It’s an experiential gift they’re sure to adore!
‘Tis the season for sportswear
Hands up who’s got a teenage boy to buy for but is struggling to think of what to get? Our suggestion…sportswear. We’ve got two awesome sports shops at the shopping centre (JD Sports and Sports Direct) packed full of named brands at really great prices (think New Balance, Under Armour, North Face, Adidas and Nike). How about a t-shirt, a hoodie or a pair of new kicks? Need a good stocking filler? Grab some sports socks while you’re there.
We’re open every day until Christmas (we close late at 10.30pm on Fridays and Saturdays) and you can grab a bite to eat while you shop, with our amazing family of food vendors at CRATE. Happy shopping!
