Revised Last Order Dates for Christmas!

I'm sure you're aware of the current postal strikes, and the impact it's having on deliveries this Christmas. I've been keeping on top of all the ongoing strike news, and doing everything I can: I'm completing orders as quickly as I physically can, and I've introduced postage upgrades to practically all my items wherever possible.

New Last Order Dates: Royal Mail announced new cut off dates for their Christmas post, so I've had to adjust my own last order dates. I've amended the dates, and they can all be found on my website today (just click here or on the image below to see them).

What are your options? There's still plenty of time to order most items online. Royal Mail have stated they'll prioritise Next Day Delivery and Tracked 24 items. I've added these options to as many of my items as possible, so if you're worried about delivery times you may wish to upgrade postage where available.

What about courier deliveries? Many of my items are also available for courier delivery who aren't affected by the strikes, so although delivery may look like a slower option (it's usually the free delivery option and takes 3-5 working days) it may be a good choice at the moment!

See the individual items for the available delivery services. I do advise you to order as early as you can to avoid delays as much as possible.

This year (well, the last couple if I'm honest), have been incredibly hard for businesses, especially the small independent ones like mine. We rely on Christmas trade, and this is having such a huge impact on many of us. I'm seeing tiny, creative, inspirational businesses being forced to shut down, and it's really heart breaking.

But, all of us little independents want you to know that we truly value your ongoing support, that we're doing all we possibly can to help, and we all thank you for your understanding and patience.

If you have any questions click here to get in touch!

Thanks so much for reading,
Sarah x 

PS: 50% of the Santa Letter Gift Packs have now sold, so if you haven't placed your order yet don't delay! Plus, the new cut off date for orders for the Santa Letters or Telegrams is now December 11th.

In With the New! A roundup of what's new at PhotoFairytales...

It's been all change on the PhotoFairytales site this week - the autumn colours have gone, making way for a festive Christmas feel (well, it is nearly Christmas)! So, I thought I'd take a few minutes to give you a brief glimpse of the new goodies that have recently arrived...

Personalised Handmade Christmas Gifts 2021
- new at PhotoFairytales

This fun personalised Christmas Countdown plaque is made from natural slate, and features flecks of fools gold. It comes complete with chalk too, so you can write down the number of sleeps left until the big day! Children (and excited adults) will love marking off the days, and this lovely sign will become a real family tradition every year. Only £15.99, including P&P. Click here for details

'Winter Wood' is one of three brand new Fantasy Portrait designs that I've introduced this season. A gorgeous wintery setting, I can recreate this artwork for you using your own photo. Perfect for babies and children. From £24.95, including P&P. Click here for details

Since introducing them earlier this year, my personalised Newspaper prints have become one of my most popular lines! So it seemed only right that I bring in one that's designed just for Christmas... this fun print is personalised throughout, from top to bottom. You can add your own photo too. There are lots of other designs available, so if you're looking for a special gift with a difference, take a look! Only £18.50 including P&P. Click here for details

My new wooden room signs look lovely on a bedroom door or wall. Available in a choice of colours and sizes, they're a stylish addition to a youngster's room. Made from real wood and super smooth, the signs are really light and easy to fix to a smooth surface (fix them temporarily with command strips or blue tack if you don't want a permanent fixture!). From £15.95 including P&P. Click here for details

Another new winter-season Fantasy Photo Portrait - 'Starlight' features soft gentle blues and silvery greys, and is a lovely design for younger children and babies. (If you wanted something less 'Christmassy' I can remove the Christmas tree too). From £24.95 including P&P. Click here for details

The wooden personalised Christmas Eve boxes are back this month - and prices have been held the same as last year! There's a range of truly lovely designs available, from flat topped boxes to gorgeous engraved heirloom chests. A delightful family tradition for Christmas eve. From £23.50 including P&P. Click here for details

The last of my new Fantasy Portraits for this season, 'Snowglobe' is undeniably festive! A charming design for Christmas, it's absolutely perfect for younger children and babies (a lovely idea to celebrate baby's first Christmas!). From £24.95 including P&P. Click here for details

My personalised wooden Christmas Family Signs are back again this year - and one of my favourite personalised decorations. Available in black, grey, white or red and a choice of sizes, there are three striking designs to choose from. Easily fixed temporarily onto any smooth surface using blue tack or command strips (or do what I do, and lean it on top of your cooker hood for a festive touch in the kitchen!). Featuring a lovely natural wood grain, you'll find lots of places in your home for this lasting personalised Christmas decoration. From £15.95 including P&P. Click here for details

And last but not least, my personalised wooden Christmas Star decorations are back this year too! Incredibly popular, this stylish natural wood stars are available in lots of different designs and colours. Strung with satin ribbon in a choice of colours, these gorgeous wooden stars will look fabulous hanging from your tree, a hook - or anywhere you fancy! Also available beautifully gift boxed, perfect for gifting. From £9.99 including P&P. Click here for details

Well, that's it for the new (for now)! Don't forget to sign up to my VIP list if you'd like to hear about exclusive offers and discounts - including a free welcome gift worth £10 when you place your first order worth £15 or more. Click here for more information or to sign up.

Sarah x

Personalised Santa Letters & Telegrams - 2021

It's now less than 7 weeks before Christmas, how can that even be?! To help you get firmly into the festive mood, I'm delighted to let you know that the 2021 Santa Letters & Telegrams are now on sale!

I'm so pleased that I've been able to keep prices the same as last year too - with all the doom and gloom about prices going up recently it's lovely to be able to keep them the same.

I've got my gorgeous Santa Letter Gift Packs available again - and as with previous years, these are limited edition so I only have a certain number available. They sell out every year, so if you'd like one I really advise you to get your order in right away. They have three fun mystery gifts inside this year, as well as all the other lovely goodies!

In addition to the Gift Packs there's also Santa's personalised Telegrams, which are available in three different versions: Nice List, Baby's First Christmas, and of course, Naughty List! So if you know a child or adult (adults are usually the naughty ones) who needs a bit of help and encouragement from Santa to get back on the Nice List, one of these fun telegrams would be perfect.

After being such a huge success last year, the very special personalised Christmas Day Letters are back too! These are truly special letters that Father Christmas leaves behind when he visits on Christmas Eve - so your little boy or girl will have a really exciting surprise when they wake up on Christmas Day!

As always, these Santa Letters & Telegrams are a wonderful keepsake and absolutely magical. They're created individually (no automated computer-generated nonsense here - these are the REAL THING!), and Santa genuinely writes and signs each and every one. 

He handwrites the envelopes, he signs all the letters and telegrams individually, and he works really hard at making sure the letters are all unique and special. If he wrote to your child last year then his letter this year will be different - and if he's writing to more than one child at the same address he will write a different letter for each child.

I'm absolutely delighted that Santa and I will also be donating 50p for every single Letter and Telegram sold to Adoption UK again this year. 

This wonderful charity does amazing work in support of adopted youngsters and adopting families, and it's fantastic to be supporting them again this year. So make your purchase count this year - when you buy a Letter or Telegram you'll be helping me (and Santa) to support a brilliant UK charity too.

You can find full details of all the Santa Letters & Telegrams over on the website by clicking here. Orders close on December 14th (UK deliveries). Don't delay - especially with the limited edition Santa Letter Gift Packs!!

Ho, ho, ho,

Sarah & Santa xx

Why I'm supporting Adoption UK this year...

Every year I like to support the work of a great UK charity - so for every one of the Personalised Santa Letters and Telegrams that are sold this year, I'll be donating 50p to this year's cause: Adoption UK.

This fantastic charity operates around the UK, supporting adoptive families. They told me: 

"Three quarters of the children adopted today have been removed from their birth families due to abuse or neglect. Adoption alone doesn’t erase the trauma they have suffered, and they find relationships and everyday life incredibly difficult. Adoptive families face daily battles to get the longer-term support and specialist help they need. Since Covid-19 struck, many families have told us they are under even more pressure, feeling increased isolation and are heading towards breaking point. Our advice and support services are a lifeline for struggling adoptive families. They provide the empathy, connection and vital guidance that help make family life manageable and happier again. With funds we raise we will be able to respond to more calls from families in crisis, reach out to those struggling and in need, connect them to other adopters who can help them put the steps in place for a brighter future."

So that means, each and every time you order a Santa Letter or a Santa Telegram, you'll be helping families and children around the country. But, I have a passionate request for you...

Adoption UK are running a fundraising campaign called The Big Give Christmas Challenge. During the campaign, every donation they receive will be DOUBLED - which means that 50p could become £1! But, this will only be possible for orders that are purchased before midnight on December 6th. So, if you're thinking about placing an order for a Letter or Telegram from Santa this year - please, please do it by December 6th if you can. Then your support will be worth twice as much!

Personalised Santa Letters & Telegrams - written and signed by the real Father Christmas, from just £6.99 including P&P

Orders will be open until December 17th, but if you can place your order before midnight on December 6th that would be absolutely fantastic! Click here for full details on the PhotoFairytales site.

Sarah x

The 2020 Santa Letters & Telegrams are here!

These are not just ANY Santa Letter, they're the REAL Santa Letter (and they also help to support a UK charity every year too)! I know, spend 5 minutes on the internet and there's any number of personalised Santa Letters out there - but can I just tell you, the PhotoFairytales ones are very, very different... 

It's been 12 years now, since Father Christmas first contacted me to ask if I'd be his official outlet. He has great fun writing to children every year, but he also takes it extremely seriously, and spends a lot of time on his very special Letters and Telegrams. He hand signs each and every one, and makes sure he writes the envelope too. Click here to get an idea of the feedback and customer reviews people have sent in - they're just the tip of the iceberg, but they'll give you an idea of how very special his Letters & Telegrams are! 

Plus, each one that is sold also raises money for charity - and this year is no different: I will be donating 50p for every single Letter or Telegram sold to Adoption UK, a wonderful charity supporting adoptive families around the country.

This year has been a little bit strange - in fact, Santa's Workshop has had to work hard to become covid-safe too. (Have you ever tried to get a bunch of elves to socially distance? It's not an easy task!) And because it's been so different this year, Santa wanted to do something new: so he is now going to be sending Christmas Day letters too - which means there are now 3 ways that Santa Claus can write to your little boy or girl (or even your big boy or girl, he often writes to adults too you know)!

His ever-popular personalised Santa Letter Gift Packs are of course back this year - they're already selling fast, and there's only a very limited number available. They're amazing value: a special letter from Santa, a personalised certificate, a chocolate gold coin, a colour-in Christmas card, PLUS 2 extra mystery gifts too. All signed, sealed and posted for just £8.25!

His fun personalised Santa Telegrams are also back this year - and like previous years, there are 3 different options to choose from. So whether you're on the Nice or Naughty List it doesn't matter, Santa will still write to you. And if it's a baby's first Christmas he can send a special Telegram to celebrate (a brilliant little memento for the memory box too)! The Telegrams are just £6.99 including P&P. They're really lovely quality and will be a sure hit with all ages in the lead up to Christmas.

And this year Santa's new personalised Christmas Day Letters are available too. They're a fabulous extra surprise, whether Santa has already written to you or not - so order one as a special 'add on', or just a little surprise all of it's own! Santa will leave the letter on Christmas Eve, ready for your little boy or girl to discover on Christmas morning. They'll be absolutely delighted when they find it, and it will be such a magical start to Christmas Day. These special Letters are just £6.99 including P&P too, so they're brilliant value.

You can find full details of all the Santa Letters & Telegrams on the website by clicking here. Orders close on December 17th (UK deliveries). Don't delay!

Ho, ho, ho,

Sarah & Santa xx

Last orders for Christmas tonight for these personalised gifts...

Only 14 more sleeps til Christmas! Here's a quick roundup of items that are closing for Christmas at today - if you want delivery in time for the big day on any of these, please make sure you order before midnight! (You can see full details of all the last order dates on the PhotoFairytales website here)

First up it's the Fantasy Photo Portraits - you can still place 'artwork only' orders today and I'll make sure it's with you in time for Christmas.

Fantasy Portraits, bespoke artwork created using your own ordinary photo

If you want a truly unique and original gift, a fairytale Fantasy Portrait ticks all the boxes. Using your own photo, I will create a piece of custom artwork that is totally original for you. There are loads of themes to choose from, and all sorts of fantastical, magical settings. A very special gift for just £24.95. Click here to view the full Fantasy Portrait gallery and range of designs available.

The next item is Personalised Mugs - the perfect stocking filler or Secret Santa gift, and only £13.50 including UK P&P!

Beautiful bespoke personalised mugs at PhotoFairytales

There are lots of gorgeous designs to choose from, featuring beautiful artwork and all personalised to order. So whether you're looking for a gift for Granny, Danny, or Auntie Annie there'll be a design that's perfect! A practical gift they'll use every day - there are Christmas designs, but lots of others that will be perfect for use all year round. They're dishwasher safe too! Click here to see the full range of designs.

And finally, it's last orders tonight for the larger Family Tree prints in A3 size (you still have until December 15th for the 8x10" print size). 

Last orders tonight for the larger A3 size Family Tree Prints!

Celebrate your family with a fabulous bespoke print showing three generations. Available in a range of gorgeous colours, this is a stunning and original Christmas gift for a relative: ideal to commemorate a baby's new arrival, perfect for parents and grandparents, to mark a wedding - or simply a meaningful and lasting keepsake gift to give to a loved one on Christmas Day. The A3 size print is £24.95, including UK P&P. Click here to view the prints and full details.

There are quite a few other products that will be closing for orders tomorrow night, so watch out for another update tomorrow - or see the full list of Christmas last order dates here.

Sarah :)

Last Orders for Christmas for these personalised prints

The order book will be closing on Sunday December 8th for these items - don't leave it too late if you want to order in time for Christmas!

Fantasy Photo Portraits - canvas prints in a choice of sizes

Have your own ordinary photo transformed into a magical fantasy portrait! There are dozens of designs to choose from, and prices start at just £24.95 for a unique artwork. There are various print options available, including these stunning handmade quality canvas prints, made from solid wood frames and using fade resistant pigment inks and heavyweight canvas. If you'd like your artwork printed as a canvas you only have until December 8th to place your order for delivery in time for Christmas. Click here for full details and to view the full Fantasy Portrait Gallery.

Framed 10x10" Personalised Prints - wide range of designs

Brand new on the site this season, are these stunning framed prints - with a whole range of designs available, these beautiful square prints make a lovely gift or finishing touch for your home. There are various print options available, with prices starting at £17.50. The new framed option is perfect for Christmas - a customised bespoke print, framed and ready to give. There are 3 frame styles to choose from, and they're handmade to order by a small independent British frame-making business. The frames have acrylic glazing rather than glass, so they're much safer (especially in a child's room) and lighter. Suitable for standing on a shelf or they can be wall mounted (fixings supplied). Click here to see the full range of designs available. If you'd like your framed print order to arrive in time for Christmas, you need to order by December 8th. Framed personalised prints are £34.95 including UK delivery.

'Personality' Canvas Prints - any colour, two sizes to choose from

For a really unique Christmas gift this year, what about one of these bespoke 'Personality' canvas prints? Using your favourite photo and the special wording you choose, I'll create a custom design that's totally unique. The high quality canvas prints are made with fade resistant pigment inks on heavyweight canvas, handstretched onto solid wood frames. There are two canvas sizes to choose from, with prices starting at £30 including free UK delivery. Last orders in time for Christmas: December 8th.

If you'd like to check the full last order dates you can find them on the PhotoFairytales website by clicking here. 

Sarah :)

Last Orders for Christmas for these handmade wooden gifts

The order book will be closing at midnight tomorrow (December 4th) for these items - so don't leave it too late if you want to order in time for Christmas!

Handmade Wooden Family Tree Plaques: from £19.95

If you're looking for a unique family-themed gift, these gorgeous personalised wooden Family Tree plaques are perfect. A lovely gift idea for a Mum or Nan, they are available in a range of colours and finish styles. The wording on the main plaque can feature anything you like, and you can have 3-8 hearts featuring family names. A lovely bespoke gift with a gorgeous country chic style. From £19.95, including free UK delivery. Last orders for Christmas: December 4th 2019

Personalised Wooden Hanging Plaque any wording, from £10.95

These real wood hanging plaques can be personalised with absolutely any wording you like - and in a range of font styles too! Hand painted in a lovely soft ivory shade and strung with twine ready to hang, you can choose plain or painted edge (in a choice of colours), for a truly unique gift or finishing touch for your own home. From £10.95 including free UK delivery. Last orders for Christmas: December 4th 2019

Personalised Wooden Outdoor Plaques and Signs, £14.95

A brilliant gift idea for a keen gardener, these gorgeous handcrafted wooden signs are finished with outdoor quality paint and can be happily displayed outdoors. A lovely sign for a shed, garden gate, or summer house - anywhere you like! The signs are available in several gorgeous colours and can be personalised with any text you like, in a range of different font styles. You can even request whether or not to have holes drilled for you, or if you'd like the sign strung with twine and ready to hang in the garden. The perfect rustic finishing touch for your garden or backyard. £14.95 including free UK delivery. Last orders for Christmas: December 4th 2019

If you'd like to check the full last order dates you can find them on the PhotoFairytales website by clicking here. 

Sarah :)

Last Minute Personalised Christmas Gift Ideas (for the panicky, left it a bit late, types!)

Right, let's cut to the chase: there's less than 2 weeks now before Christmas Day: have you got everyone's gifts sorted out? No? OK, don't panic as I have some great last minute gifts that are super-special. Not only that, but they're made to order, personalised and lovely too!

Here's a round up of all the personalised Christmas gift ideas that are still available to order at PhotoFairytales (and all with FREE UK P&P!):

1: Word Theme print: available in a range of different word collections, this is a really quirky gift that they'll adore. Created in absolutely any colour of your choosing, it is a generous A3 size too. £22.95 - last orders by midnight December 13th

2: Cook's Conversion Chart: personalised and in a range of colours, this is a practical and stylish gift for any keen cook or baker this Christmas! From £15.95 - last orders by midnight December 13th for A3 size, or December 14th for 8x10" size

3: Personalised Alphabet Nursery print: a stunning gift for baby's first Christmas, this will look adorable in the nursery or little one's bedroom. Printed on gorgeous watercolour textured paper, a lovely heirloom print. £23.95 - last orders by midnight December 13th

4: Written in the Stars print: a gorgeous, romantic gift with an on-trend celestial space theme. In deep inky blue, this is part of a range of beautiful love prints - perfect for a romantic Christmas gift for your loved one. From £15.95 - last orders by midnight December 13th for A3 size, or December 14th for 8x10" size

5: Personalised Newspapers: a brilliantly fun gift, guaranteed to raise a smile on Christmas Day! A range of designs to choose from, these prints are virtually indistinguishable from a genuine newspaper. From £15.95 - last orders by midnight December 14th

6: Wooden Memory Photo Rocket: truly unique, this is a really special gift for a baby or toddler this Christmas. Personalised to order, this solid wood rocket displays 5 of your favourite photos. £35.95 - last orders by midnight December 13th

7: Personalised Santa Telegrams: deliver some extra magic to your loved one this Christmas! This will arrive before Christmas and will absolutely make their day - a wonderful, high quality telegram signed individually and sent directly from Santa himself! £6.50 - last orders by midnight December 16th

8: Raining Love personalised Print: part of a range of designs, this beautiful A3 print comes in a choice of colours too. Perfect for your loved one, a baby or toddler - see the site to view all the designs available! £22.95 - last orders by midnight December 13th

9: Always be Batman Print: available in a range of superhero designs, perfect for him, her, teenagers or children! From £15.95 - last orders by midnight December 13th for A3 size, or December 14th for 8x10" size

You can still find even more great last minute Christmas gifts on the PhotoFairytales site. Here's a quick list of everything that's still available to order:

Order by midnight December 13th:

Rocket Photo Holder

Fantasy Portraits, artwork only

All Personalised Prints in A3 size (except Family Tree)

Family Tree print, 8x10 size

Order by midnight December 14th:

Official Football Gifts: prints and mugs

Personalised Newspapers

Fork & Trowel Garden Set

Personalised Hammer

All Personalised Prints in 8x10" size (except Family Tree prints, On Our Wedding Day prints, On This Day prints, and Bunny Rabbit Family prints)

Order by midnight December 16th:

Santa Telegrams 

Standard Greeting Cards (fast dispatch cards)

Tooth Fairy Letters

Order by midnight December 18th:

Gift vouchers - a real, last minute gift that you can download and print within 24 hours or less of ordering! Available in multiples of £5.

There you go, Christmas panic over!

Sarah :)

Christmas Eve Boxes - the 'must have' item this Christmas!

It is odd how a trend arrives with such certainty that it's hard to imagine how and why it's only just arrived... and one case in point is the Christmas Eve Box. These have become huge - and I mean, HUGE this year.

Everyone wants one this Christmas...
well, who wouldn't, they're a gorgeous idea?!

'Festive' design personalised wooden Christmas Eve Box - from PhotoFairytales

The personalised Christmas Eve Boxes you can find at PhotoFairytales are truly lovely - available in a range of designs and styles there's something for everyone: whether you're just looking for something to pop a couple of little trinkets in, or something bigger you can fill to the brim!

Visit PhotoFairytales now to see the full range of personalised boxes available

All the Christmas Eve Boxes are personalised to order and made from solid wood. They have attractive catches, and are lovely robust boxes that you'll be able to use year after year. A new family tradition!

There are designs for children, couples, families - even ones for your pet (because they love Christmas too)!

'Mistletoe Wreath' wooden Christmas Eve chest, available in two sizes - order now at PhotoFairytales 

What to put in your Christmas Eve Box? Here's some ideas:

• Children will love little treats such as a DVD, a book, chocolate coins, reindeer food, stickers, Christmas crafty bits, a colouring book and pencils or crayons, a special decoration to hang on the tree, a little game, some new pyjamas or slippers, a little storybook, a small toy, jewellery or hair accessories.
• Teenagers will also love receiving chocolates and sweets, popcorn, pyjamas and slippers, hot chocolate (with a sachet of marshmallows perhaps), a CD or DVD, smellies, new undies or fun socks.
• Adults are usually ready for a little tipple by the time they sit down on Christmas eve, so perhaps a bottle of wine or beer, pyjamas, some cosy bed socks, candles, chocolates or liquors, smellies, new undies or silly socks, a microwaveable hottie or hot water bottle, perfume/aftershave, jewellery. Something romantic, something saucy, or just something to to enjoy together and toast one another as another year draws to an end...
• Pets are easy - food (of course): think yummy treats, chews, tasty bites and munchies, a new toy, perhaps a little cuddly to take to bed, a new collar or ID tag, perhaps even a new bowl or an outfit to wear for the big day?!

So, with Christmas fast creeping up on us, and now that Bonfire Night has been and gone, we can get down to some serious Christmas shopping. Don't leave it too late to order these massively popular Christmas Eve Boxes - visit the PhotoFairytales site today.

Sarah x

Handmade personalised gifts for Him: Christmas gift ideas

Christmas gifts for men - unusual, unique, thoughtful and fun gifts, made to order just for them

1: Blue Heritage Plaque, personalised with any wording of your choice, £17.95

2: 'Always Be Yourself' personalised superhero print, other designs available, from £14.50

3: 'Dad' personalised wooden photo blocks ('Daddy' also available), £25.95

4: 'The Rules' wall sign (exterior or interior use) personalised with your message, available in a range of colours, other designs also available, £17.95 

5: 'Garden' personalised mug, other designs available, £12.75

6: 'Dandiest Beard Wearer of the Year' personalised Vintage print, other designs available, £14.50

Visit the PhotoFairytales website now for even more fabulous handmade and personalised gifts for the man in your life: there are some great gift ideas for you...

This Christmas be a #giftgivinggenius!

Sarah x

Handmade personalised gifts for Grandparents: Christmas gift ideas

Grandparents are probably one of the trickiest to buy for at Christmas - but don't panic, I've got you covered!

1: 'Shipping Forecast' Word Theme print available in any colour, other designs available, £21.50 

2: Wooden Photo Blocks handmade featuring your photos, from £6.25 per block (min order 3) 

3: 'Everything Stops for Tea' personalised mug other designs available, £12.95

4: Personalised Hammer personalised with your message, £17.95 

5: Grandparent Print, other colours available, £14.50

6: Personalised Garden Fork & Trowel set, £17.95

Visit the PhotoFairytales website now for even more fabulous handmade and personalised gifts for grannies and grandads: there are some great gift ideas for you...

This Christmas be a #giftgivinggenius!

Sarah x

Handmade personalised gifts for Her: Christmas gift ideas

Stunning handmade and personalised Christmas gifts for her - truly thoughtful and unusual gifts to delight on Christmas morning!

1: Personalised Cook's Conversion Chart available in a wide range of colours, from £14.50 

2: 'Spectacled Rabbit' design canvas print from £16.95, mug £12.95 - other designs available 

3: Personalised Family Prints available in a choice of designs and colours, £14.50

4: 'Kitchen' wall plaque available in a range of colours, other designs also available, £17.95 

5: 'Yellow Spot' design handmade photo album, other designs also available, £25

6: 'Mum is Never Wrong' personalised print available in a choice of colours, £14.50

7: 'Summer of Love' personalised mug other designs also available, £12.95

8: Blue Heritage Plaque personalised with your own wording, £17.95

Visit the PhotoFairytales website now for even more fabulous handmade and personalised gifts for her - mum, gran, auntie, sister, friend or colleague: there are some great gift ideas for you...

This Christmas be a #giftgivinggenius!

Sarah x

Brand New: Personalised Christmas Mugs, perfect stocking filler gift!

It's gradually getting more Christmassy here at PhotoFairytales - someone even referred to my office as a grotto this week! New items are arriving regularly on the website, and I'm busy putting the finishing touches to even more new goodies...

Amongst the latest new additions, are these Christmas themed personalised mugs - the perfect personalised Christmas gift stocking filler, or a great Secret Santa gift for a friend or work colleague

The mugs are part of a larger range of designs, all featuring gorgeous graphics and each is fully personalised. At just £12.75, including free UK delivery, these will be perfect to pop under the Christmas tree.

Little tip: if you follow PhotoFairytales on Facebook you might have spotted my secret discount page! If not, take a look now and grab a special voucher code. Be quick though, it's only valid until the end of October...

I really hope you like the new mug designs - have they put you into the Christmas spirit just a tiny bit yet?!!

Sarah x

All hail: the Sock!

I admit I'm amongst the first people to declare socks as being one of the more boring Christmas presents, but today I'm feeling a little bit fond of that foot-hugging, toe-snuggling, under-rated little bit of clothing...

You see, today I am wearing BRAND NEW SOCKS! And there are few things in life as pleasing, in a small and subtle way, as a brand new sock. Come on, you know I'm right!

When you're used to pulling on socks that have seen better days, maybe a little holey, perhaps a bit lacking in the elastic department, that moment when you treat your feet to a brand new and unsullied pair of socks is a moment to treasure. There they are, perfectly paired, pristine and smooth flat in the packaging... perhaps they're nestled amongst a pack of 5 and they're all different colours. But you indulge yourself and pick the one from the middle because they're the ones that you secretly coveted the moment you saw them hanging in the shop. The other colours are fine, sure, but those ones - they're the very reason you bought the pack after all! You slip them onto your feet and admire the lack of holes and smoothness... bliss!

My new socks are indeed from the middle of the pack - and they're a gorgeous royal blue which goes rather fetchingly with my vintage blue jeans. Pleasing. Very, very pleasing....

So, whilst I admit, giving/getting socks for Christmas may not be the pinnacle of excitement they are a slow burner - the kind of gift that you pick up on December 27th perhaps, and think "ooh, new socks, I think I'll wear these today..", and then you have a little inner smile to yourself...

Sarah x

Crummy Christmas, Naff Noel...

Why is it that at this time of year so many of us (and I include myself in this, don't worry), seem to have our taste gene removed? Why do we find ourselves considering the purchase of something that has 'novelty' written on the label? Or think things are funny which at any other time of the year we'd curl our lip at?

Well, don't look at me, I don't have the answer. But what I do have is my round up of some items that have made me stop in my tracks this season. (Don't worry, I haven't bought any of them):

* Creepy Horse Head Ornament - Not On The High Street
* Elf Table Leg Covers (coordinating chair covers also available, should you want them...) - Avon
* Christmas Cutlery Cosies - Ebay
* Fart Extinguisher - Amazon
* 3 Piece Christmas Toilet Accessory Set - Amazon
* Novelty Christmas Tie - Ebay
* Christmas Toilet Paper - Ebay
* Reindeer Poop Soap (chocolate scented - of course) - Etsy
* Reindeer Poop & Santa Farts Candles (every home needs candles at Christmas) - Etsy
* 3D Christmas jumper (Santa's bottom actually inflates. Truly...) - Sports Direct

Interestingly, some of these culprits have been spotted at some of those supposedly hip and cool online emporiums (I'm looking at you, Not on the High Street and Etsy). So there, if you're still strapped for ideas you know where to go. Or not.

Now, the question is, if you had to choose just one of these, which would you choose? Come on, you have to choose one, and leave a comment to confess tell me...

Sarah ;) x

Christmas Gift Guide: Top 10 Personalised Gifts for Dad

Dad's - they're one of the hardest people to buy for! Don't get stuck and resort to socks and chocs again this year, go for something a bit different...

1: Personalised Official FC Magazine Print, various teams available, from £19.99
2: Personalised Cook's Conversion Chart, available in 2 sizes and a wide choice of colours, from £14.50
3: 'Our Dad' Personalised Print, available in a choice of colours, £14.50
4: Personalised Hammer, £15.95
5: 'Moustache' Vintage Style Personalised Print, various styles available, £14.50
6: Personalised Office FC Mug, various teams available, £9.95
7: Personalised 'Underground' Metal Street Sign, various designs available, from £17.50
8: 'Superbear' Personalised Canvas Print, from £16.95
9: Personalised Handpainted Gift Plate, various designs and colours available, £21.50
10: Personalised Newspaper Print, wide choice of designs available, from £12.50

Don't forget, UK delivery is free at PhotoFairytales! You can order as much or as little as you like, and as often as you like, and there are no nasty P&P charges to worry about!

You can see all the last recommended order dates for Christmas delivery on the website by clicking here.

More ideas coming your way tomorrow!
Sarah x

Christmas Gift Guide: Top 10 Personalised Gifts for Christmas

Christmas shopping season is hotting up now, so over the next 10 days I'm going to be posting some great ideas to get your gift shopping sorted.

Don't forget, delivery is free at PhotoFairytales, so you can order as much or as little as you like or as often as you like and you won't have any nasty P&P charges to worry about!

The first round up if all things Christmassy to really get you in the mood...

1: Triple Christmas Photo Plaques, various designs available - £21.50
2: Handpainted Christmas Plates, various designs and styles available - £21.50
3: 'Pull My Cracker' Personalised Print, choice of colours available - £14.50
4: 'Brown Bear' Personalised Canvas Print, from £16.95
5: Handpainted Wooden Christmas Plaques, various styles available, from £11.99
6: 'The Night Before Christmas' Fantasy Portrait, from £15
7: 'My Dear' Personalised Canvas Print, from £16.95
8: 'Christmas Rabbit' Personalised Embroidery Hoop Print, £18.50
9: Personalised Baby Board Books, various styles and sizes available, from £13.95
10: Personalised Santa Letter Gift Packs, limited edition, £6.50

You can see all the last recommended order dates for Christmas delivery by clicking here. Don't leave it too late!


More great gift ideas for you tomorrow,
Sarah x

Why is the High Street called the High Street?

Lots of times I talk about the fact that the items you find on PhotoFairytales you can’t find on the high street. Not being able to find something on the high street is seen as something that gives an item a sense of prestige and scarcity. If it’s something found on the high street then any Tom, Dick or Harry can buy it and that means it isn’t your special, unique discovery!

When you hear the term ‘high street’ you tend to picture a street aimed fairly squarely at retail, full of shops and bustle. But why is it called a ‘high street’, even if the street in question is actually named something completely different? Apparently it all started around 1000AD - when the word ‘high’ was used in the context of superiority (think ‘high society’, ‘high ranking’). A ‘high street’ also physically reflected a road that was built more substantially as a main thoroughfare - above all the mud and mire on normal streets!

So the main street through a town became the ‘high street’ because it was usually the only one that wasn’t a mud trail and along which retailers naturally wanted to sell their wares. Now High Street is the most common road name in the UK: there are nearly 5,500 of them. And they all look the same and sell the same stuff - which is why shopping online for your Christmas presents makes so much more sense!

Sarah ;)