Disclaimer: Some of the following products were sent for the purpose of testing them out for review. These products are highlighted by the use of an asterisk (*) beside them. This post also contains affiliate links which are indicated by the use of a dagger (†). All review words and opinions are my own. All photos are copyright property of Me Becoming Mum.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas… toys in every store. It's also time to begin planning for Christmas, because let’s be honest, this year -more than any other - it is important to spread the cost. Read on to discover my top gifts for him and her this year, sticking once again to the rule of 7!)

John and me in Christmas jumpers, Bassenthwaite Lake 2020

The rule of 7

Many of us have a home full of “stuff" and Christmas can easily become a time when it gets worse.

This year, more than ever (especially because of the Covid-19 pandemic wreaking havoc on jobs and finances) I believe the rule of 7 is a great way to work on a budget, as well as limit and prioritise gifts within the following 7 groups:

For him

John and Squidgy in Christmas jumpers, Bassenthwaite Lake 2020

Something they need

A new mug

With so many people working for home these days, having a good collection of mugs is key. Get a gift to help add to his collection with a Trouvaille Global mug*. The best part is: these mugs allow you to reminisce about where you've been and plan for the future! Colour in the areas which have already been travelled to. Then you can see how many places in the world, Europe or USA have been visited - and where needs to be added to the post-Covid 19 travel list for when life gets back to normal.

Men's grooming kit

If the name of the company - Below the Belt Grooming™ - doesn’t give this one away, then I don't know what will. Help your man take care of himself and save himself from sweat and chaffing in awkward areas with a gift set like Fresh & Dry Balls*. A fun, tongue-in-cheek way to gift something actually quite useful.

Below the Belt Grooming for Men - Fresh & Dry Balls

Something they want

Gifts for camping

John has all these plans for when the weather isn't so cold, including continuing our Lake District explorations and taking Squidgy camping properly (as in, not just in our back garden!)

For when he gets started I picked up a few bits from Amazon including a silver 2L whistling kettle† and a green plastic camping mug† for him and Squidgy both. They were a bargain too! So, why not see if you can find something the man in your life wants to do which you can help make happen?

Whistling Kettle and plastic mugs for camping

A way to open and chill wine

If you have a small fridge, and are keeping your house heated through the winter months, how do you keep your wine cool? With a CellarDine® bottle chiller* of course! The perfect gift set for any wine lover; this barware is sure to put a smile on their face!

CellarDine Lever Corkscrew & White Wine Chiller

Something to wear

A new jumper

Cold winter months call for cosy jumpers, and I don't think you can ever have too many! Plus, when John looks this good in them, how could I not make sure he has a wardrobe full? This doesn’t have to be a gift that breaks the bank, as these days you can get them everywhere, even Amazon! Simply choose their favourite style (from sweater to hoodie!) and a colour you think will suit them, and make sure it's in their size!

Something to do

Gardening gear

The best gift for the man who loves to garden, like my grandad and father-in-law; has to be this Opinel® Coloured Gardener Box Set*. After winter comes the spring, and this saw, garden knife and pruning knife gift set is the perfect way to whip any garden into shape. With hard-wearing, durable beech handles and anti-corrosive stainless steel blades; you'll not find a better gift to help the gardener in your life get their garden spring ready for years to come.

For her

Pickle and me in Christmas jumpers, River Dewent 2020

Something they need

A maternity kit for pregnant mamas

I may be 9 months into life with my new baby boy, but there are so many new babies on the way that this is definitely a great gift idea to share. I loved my Mama's Moments Maternity Kit* during my pregnancy with Munchkin, and I loved it so much that I made sure both my sisters-in-law had a set each for their pregnancies too. I cannot recommend this kit enough.

Natural Birthing Company Mama's Moments Maternity Kit

Something they want

Their favourite tipple

Is there anything better than a lovely cold G&T or Kamikaze on the rocks? With the amazing Mermaid Pink Gin and Salt Vodka from the Isle of Wight Distillery* you can create the most amazing cocktails or simply sip with tonic and enjoy the simple, crisp, delicious taste of these tipples this Christmas.

Photos, decorations and more for the Walls

I think this is my most favourite wall in my house right now. Complete with family photos past and present and some amazing Christmas wall decor from ink&drop*. If you want to give a gift to out a smile on your lover's face, a print from ink&drop will always be a winner. If they’re not quite as Christmassy as I am, there is sure to be a print on the site to suit the lady in your life.

Something to wear

Beautiful jewellery

If you follow me on social media you are bound to have seen my shares of the amazing polymer earrings I have had made by Dookie! Check her out on Instagram here: @dookiedoes, I promise you won't be disappointed. There is everything from studs to hooks and she even has hoops on the way! There are so many options, you don't have to pick out Christmas ones if leopard print or glitter is more to your layship’s taste!

I love, love, love this fragile Word Bracelet by Louby Lou*. The “You've got this” stamp on mine couldn’t be more appropriate for me, but if you want to make it unique, why not choose your lady's magic word… from queen, to happy, to magic and so much more.

If you've read about my battles with PND and anxiety, you'll know how appropriate a gift like this is for me… and I can't see a reason why it wouldn't be a perfect gift this Christmas.

I love supporting small businesses, and when my friend Ami started a business making affirmation bracelets, just knew I had to have some. You can literally choose whatever words you want on the bracelet, select your favourite colours and buy gift sets. Obviously I chose Christmas. Check out her Embracelet Etsy store to get your order in!

Mama Christmas bracelet set from Embracelet

New leggings

Whether I'm pregnant or just enjoying a wander with my girls in the local woodland, Love Leggings* are my go-to. They are the comfiest leggings I have ever owned, they are fully opaque (so undies on show with these!) and come in a wide range of colours and styles. They’ve even launched treggings, lounge leggings and more since I had my maternity ones at the beginning of the year - so there is something for everyone (and the children too!)

Something to read

I love a good book. I really don't think there is anything better on a cold winter's day than curling up under cosy blanket with a story to read and quiet music in the background. Whilst I love to delve into an autobiography, or true life mystery, my favourite type of book (even as I head into my 30s!) is a teen read. Penguin Books have published a wide range of books perfect for every type of reader. The Inheritance Games* is just one book, and I highly recommend it! It's available on Amazon† and from all good bookstores.

Something to do

Recipe books

If there is a woman in your life who loves to cook, this is always going to be a winner in my list of Christmas gifts for her! Dairy Diary have an amazing cookbook full to the brim with 79 easy to follow recipes perfect for creating healthy, fresh and tasty meals. I recommend giving the Greek yoghurt pannac cotta a go - it’s John’s favourite! It's available on Amazon† making it super easy to order in time for Christmas!

Something for me

Five minutes peace and quiet

Penguin Books to the rescue again! Every mum loves their children, but that doesn't mean we don't need a break every now and again! With the Five Minute Mum book* you can gift a mum the change to have five minutes peace to enjoy a nice warm cuppa! Full of easy five minute games and activities, every mum can utilise this book to keep their children occupied and having fun. Plus, It's available on Amazon† so you can order it straight to your door.

Christmas gifts for him and her

Something for the family

Dinner for two

This may be a gift that will have to wait until after lockdown and other restrictions are no longer in place, but when things look a little more normal, I doubt there is a couple in the world who wouldn’t love the chance to have a date night. With 240 venues to choose from, this Dining Delights gift box* from Red Letter Days" is bound to have a date night to suit every couple. The best part is, Red Letter Days vouchers have two years to be used, meaning you have plenty of time to wait until life gets back to normal.

I know this year has been hard for many - not exactly the 2020 we all expected. I hope, however, that with these ideas I have helped give you a little inspiration for gifts for the important person in your life.

Wishing you a very Happy Christmas from my family and me this year!

For more posts about Christmas, visit the Christmas category page. If you have any questions about any of the products included within my gift guide, feel free to ask in the comments section below.