With supermarket shelves full of selection boxes and Christmas lights illuminating streets across the UK, we thought we’d offer some present inspiration in the form of a Christmas gift guide.
Doubtless you’ve already begun thinking about it, but if you’re just beginning your list, perhaps we can help. Our Christmas gift guide includes gifts for him, her, partners, hosts and tech enthusiasts.
Plus, with large Christmases looking unlikely, we’re highlighting gifts that show you’re thinking of them even when you can’t be there. The only thing to decide just how naughty or nice your family and friends have been this year.
Christmas gifts for foodies
For many, the festive period centres largely around eating and drinking. Whether that’s entertaining or simply using the season as a reason to get creative in the kitchen. If that sounds like one of your friends of family members, a food-based gift could be spot on. However, it doesn’t necessarily have to be edible or drinkable.
Think outside the (chocolate) box and buy gin lovers new glasses, or gourmands niche tools to cook with. Know they have a cutlery drawer full of mismatched knives and forks? How about some thoughtfully chosen cutlery?
If they’re sweet toothed, the choices are as good as endless. However, we recommend choosing premium edibles like Cartwright & Butler shortbread or some Daylesford honey. For the more savoury among them, how about a hamper of exciting culinary ingredients?
Shop Christmas gifts for foodies here.
Christmas gifts for her
Christmas gifting is all about finding a present that your loved one didn’t know they needed. When shopping for Christmas gifts for girlfriends, mothers or sisters, try to find something they wouldn’t normally buy themselves.
For example, those premium chocolates she only buys on special occasions. Or, comfortable slippers a couple of price points above what they may normally spend.
Home accessories can also prove a good Christmas gift for girlfriends or mothers. We love the ferm LIVING candleholder in our Christmas gift guide because its subtle design looks great in most homes. Complete the gift with an elegant candlestick so she can light it as soon as the gift wrap comes off.
Shop Christmas gifts for her here.
Christmas gift guide for him
Shopping for gents can be tricky. Luckily, at this time of year new product releases and plenty of Christmas gift guides make your job a lot easier.
Always consider their interests and, if possible, try to anticipate what they’ll need or want in the coming months. For example, an angular desk lamp for his home office. Or perhaps he enjoys a good tipple. In that case, a bottle of his favourite gin or whisky is a great gift. Similarly, a new decanter to serve his drink from could be the gift he didn’t know he was after.
Shop Christmas gifts for him here.
Gifts for hosts
Whether you’re searching for a gift to thank your host, or simply have a friend who loves entertaining, there are plenty of present options. As always, a bottle of their favourite spirit never goes amiss.
Or, you could introduce them to a spirit or drink they wouldn’t normally choose. Gifts that enhance their entertaining experience always go down well – think decanters and premium champagne glasses.
A festive scented candle is a good gift if you’re presenting it early on in December. If it’s something they’ll be opening on Christmas day, avoid festive scents as they won’t need it after Boxing Day.
Shop Christmas gifts for hosts here.
Stocking fillers
A Christmas gift guide wouldn’t be complete without some stocking fillers. Instead of tat that won’t last longer that New Year’s Day, we recommend opting for designs with more longevity. These stocking fillers are perfect for adults. Think tricky brain teasers, fancy choccies and their new favourite mug. For a real treat, slip a bottle of gin into their stocking as well.
Whilst these gifts are all perfect for stocking fillers, they’re also great gifts for secret Santa.
Shop Christmas stocking fillers here.
Techy Christmas gifts
For the tech lover in your life, it’s nice to gift them something they haven’t already got. We love the Koble Polestar Lamp because it charges compatible phones wirelessly whilst providing light for your bedside or desk.
If you can’t quite find a gift that they won’t already have, then how about something to organise their gadgets? This Vitra Toolbox is a great choice, but you could also choose for something with more compartments.
Shop techy Christmas gifts here.
Gifts that show you care
Let’s face it, 2020 has been an extraordinarily stressful year and no one knows what Christmas will look like yet. Unfortunately, the odds are that any celebrations won’t be as large as normal.
If you have loved ones and friends you’ll no longer be seeing on the big day, why not treat them with a gift to show you care? Think pampering aromatherapy oils, some delicious chocolate or some accessories to make their home sparkle.
Shop Christmas gifts here.
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Tips & advice
When buying a new piece of furniture, you want to be sure of quality. So, one of the questions on your mind is probably how long should a sofa last? Well, a well-made sofa tends to last up to 15 years.
One that’s heavily used may last slightly less and sofas in more formal spaces may last longer. In this article we’ll outline when to replace a sofa and what to do with your old one.
Fabric
There are many reasons the fabric on your sofa hasn’t lasted as long as it should have. For example, a sofa in a busy family living room with pets may undergo a little more wear and tear than in a more formal seating area. In this situation you may find the upholstery has stretched a little, lost its shape and even torn in some parts. Fabric is also prone to discolouration. If your sofa is sat near a window, then the natural sunlight may fade the upholstery.
This may mean the sofa no longer complements your interior décor, so you’ll be looking to replace it. If your upholstery is removable, a dry clean could help restore some life to it. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try dying it. Say you still like your sofa’s style and the frame is in good nick, have you considered reupholstering it? Enlisting the help of a professional could mean your sofa looks as good as new in no time at all.
Creaking
You might think that your sofa creaking is just a sign of its character or perfectly normally. That isn’t the case unfortunately. Regular creaking could be a sign that your sofa’s frame or structure is starting to deteriorate.
Whilst your sofa may last a little longer, it’s worth thinking about replacing it before springs start poking into your legs. If your sofa is new, then speak to the manufacturer about it as this could mean there’s a flaw in the construction.
Style
We would always recommend choosing a sofa with a timeless style that you know you’ll love for years to come. However, many people are limited by size, space and budget when buying their first sofa, so it’s unsurprising that style may be your reason for wanting a new sofa. If reupholstering or adding some scatter cushions doesn’t cut the mustard, it may be time for a new sofa.
That’s all well and good, but definitely spend time deciding on your next sofa. Consider how your tastes have changed and only invest in a sofa that you know you’ll love for years. If budget allows, opt for a quality sofa that’s durable and well made.
Uncomfortable
The sofa is often the place you go to unwind and relax after a long day, so you want it to be as comfortable as possible. If the sofa is sagging, offers little support and is no longer comfortable then you should consider replacing it.
Even if it still feels comfortable, if the sofa isn’t supporting you properly then it can lead to back damage. Get ahead of this by replacing your sofa as soon as you notice its support is going.
If you do decide to replace your sofa, find out how to get rid of your old sofa for free here.
Unless you’ve been sent a wish list or a specific request, buying a housewarming present can be a difficult feat. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of our favourite, most thoughtful housewarming gift ideas.
An important thing to remember is that you aren’t shopping for yourself. Always consider the style of the new homeowner and if they would prefer something more traditional.
If you do choose for something with a more traditional aesthetic, don’t be afraid to go vintage. Scour your local antiques shop and see if anything catches your eye. This way, you may be able to find something that suits their tastes perfectly.
Housewarming gifts for couples
Moving house is all about new beginnings, so why not choose housewarming gift ideas that help them to settle in. Something like a bulb planter is a great idea. That way they can track their plant’s progress by how long they’ve been living there.
Another nice gift to give is a candle or room diffuser. A fresh scent in a new home will make it feel more inviting and add a touch of personality to a space. Especially considering they may not have fully unpacked yet. If you know what candles they prefer, then err or on the safe side as scents are hugely personal. If you’re taking a wild guess, then we advise keeping it fresh and light. Deeper, muskier fragrances tend to be a bit like marmite.
Urban Apothecary creates sophisticated home fragrances inspired by memories, places and moments, translating them into beautifully balanced scents that enrich everyday living. From elegant candles to reed diffusers, each piece makes a thoughtful housewarming gift, helping couples create a warm and welcoming atmosphere from the moment they move in.
Alongside its considered approach to fragrance, the brand is committed to continually improving its manufacturing processes and sustainable practices to reduce its impact on the environment.
Discover Urban Apothecary home fragrances here.
For couples who embrace bold colour and playful design, Block Design offers homeware that's anything but ordinary. From sculptural vases and vibrant glassware to contemporary jugs and candle holders, each piece brings a fresh perspective to everyday living.
Designed to stand out while remaining beautifully functional, these colourful accents make thoughtful housewarming gifts that help transform a new house into a home full of personality.
Discover the Block Design collection here.
Practical housewarming gifts
Practical housewarming gifts are often the ones that are used and appreciated every day. Beautiful tableware is a thoughtful choice, giving couples the opportunity to build a collection they'll enjoy for years to come, whether it's for everyday meals or hosting friends and family.
Broste Copenhagen's Nordic Sea and Nordic Sand collections are ideal examples. Crafted from stoneware with distinctive reactive glazes, every piece has its own unique finish, bringing character and warmth to the table.
Inspired by the colours of the Nordic coastline, Nordic Sea features rich blue-grey tones, while Nordic Sand offers a softer, neutral palette. Designed to mix, match and layer, both collections make timeless housewarming gifts that are as practical as they are beautiful.
Discover Broste Copenhagen tableware here.
For something with a more exclusive feel, the Heal's x Surrey Ceramics collection celebrates British craftsmanship through timeless, everyday tableware. Handmade in Surrey using traditional techniques, each piece is finished with a distinctive glaze that gives every plate, bowl and mug its own unique character.
Designed to be mixed, matched and enjoyed daily, the collection is perfect for couples creating a home centred around shared meals and relaxed entertaining. Beautifully made and built to last, it's a thoughtful housewarming gift that will become part of everyday rituals for years to come.
Discover the exclusive collaboration here.
Traditional housewarming gifts
Traditional housewarming gifts were chosen to symbolise comfort and prosperity, with bread, wine and coal offered to wish a household lasting food, drink and warmth. Today, these thoughtful gestures can be reimagined with a more contemporary approach.
Instead of a bottle of wine, consider a beautifully crafted decanter or elegant set of glassware that can be enjoyed for years to come. Pair it with their favourite vintage for an extra-special gift, or take inspiration from tradition with a handcrafted bread board, artisan serving pieces or a sculptural candle and holder to bring warmth and atmosphere to their new home.
Whether they're celebrating their first dinner party or simply enjoying a quiet evening together, Georg Jensen's glassware makes a sophisticated housewarming gift. Founded in Copenhagen in 1904, the Danish design house has become renowned for combining exceptional craftsmanship with timeless, functional design.
From elegant champagne flutes to beautifully balanced wine and cocktail glasses, each piece reflects the brand's enduring Scandinavian aesthetic, bringing a sense of occasion to everyday moments and celebrations alike.
Discover the Georg Jensen collection here.
Housewarming gifts for first homes
If this is their first home, then it can be quite difficult to judge someone’s style. So, when choosing housewarming gifts for first homes, we advise selecting something that isn’t too out there. Keep it simple and buy them something they’ll need but may not be at the top of their priority list. Think a vase, wine glasses or some nice serving bowls.
Of course, if you know the new homeowner well, then it may be easier to predict their style. In this case, you could opt for something a little more exciting, like wall art or a throw.
Housewarming gifts ideas for design lovers
For couples with an eye for contemporary design, HAY offers everyday objects with a playful twist. Believing that good design should be accessible to everyone, the Danish brand collaborates with leading designers to create pieces that combine colour, functionality and timeless appeal.
The Flare Candle Holder brings sculptural form and a warm glow to a dining table or mantelpiece, while the Tint Glasses add a subtle pop of colour to everyday dining and entertaining. Thoughtful, practical and beautifully designed, they're gifts that will become part of daily life in a new home.
Discover the HAY collection here.
For those looking to give an iconic design piece, &Tradition's lighting collection offers a thoughtful balance of heritage and innovation. Working with renowned designers including Verner Panton, Arne Jacobsen and Jaime Hayon, the Danish design house creates enduring pieces that are made to be lived with and enjoyed.
The Flowerpot VP9 Portable Table Lamp, designed by Verner Panton, is one of the brand's most recognisable designs. Cordless and rechargeable, it moves effortlessly from dining table to bedside or garden, making it a versatile housewarming gift that combines timeless style with everyday practicality.
Discover &Tradition lighting here.
Like what you see? Shop all housewarming gifts at Heal’s.
Orthopaedic mattresses are specially designed to offer support and pain relief to those suffering from back ache. Finding the perfect orthopaedic mattress can be life changing so it’s worth doing your research before investing.
Here we’ve laid out everything you need to know to help you find an orthopaedic mattress for back pain.
What difference does an orthopaedic mattress make?
Orthopaedic mattresses offer maximum support all night long and are normally extra firm to support your back properly. The firmer your mattress, the more evenly your body weight is distributed. This can help to alleviate stress on the spine and unnecessary pressure on the neck, lower back and hips.
Scientists estimate that we spend upwards of 26 years of our lives sleeping. So we should all be trying our best to make the most out of our sleep. Many people suffer from aches and pains that can find them tossing and turning all night. Orthopaedic mattresses are designed to prevent discomfort by providing improved support.
Should I get an orthopaedic mattress?
Before deciding on an orthopaedic mattress, consider what it is that’s disturbing your sleep. If it’s due to an aching back or joints, then more orthopaedic support could be the answer.
If you can’t try out one out in person, try reading orthopaedic mattress reviews. Reviews can be really insightful as they offer lots of impartial views. However, it’s worth remembering that every body is different. The perfect mattress for someone may not be right for you so we always recommend trying mattresses out in store.
Orthopaedic mattresses specially cater to people suffering from discomfort. So, whilst you may struggle sleeping, orthopaedic mattresses won’t help if the reasons for your tumultuous sleep aren’t physical. If you don’t suffer from any aches or pains then reconsider if what’s disturbing your sleep.
The reason you’re struggling to sleep could be diet-based or related to stress or anxiety. An orthopaedic mattress isn’t always the solution to getting a good night’s sleep. Consulting your doctor or a dietician could help address this.
Orthopaedic vs pocket-sprung mattress
Many people want to know what’s better between orthopaedic mattresses and pocket springs. Well, you don’t need to choose between them because many orthopaedic mattresses contain pocket springs. Pocket springs adjust and respond to the sleeper’s movement, helping to provide independent support and minimise roll together.
How firm should my orthopaedic mattress be?
There is no specific firmness that makes orthopaedic mattresses perfect. However, an orthopaedic mattress for back pain will tend to be slightly firmer. If you prefer the feel of soft mattresses but need firm support, then consider a mattress with a pillow top. This will give you a soft feel without compromising on support.
In general, our Sleep Team would recommend choosing your mattress’ firmness based on your weight. People weighing under 11st often opt for soft tension and those over 16st tend to find firmer mattresses more suitable. This may not be the case when looking for an orthopaedic mattress so check with our consultant for their recommendations.
Read How to Choose a Mattress and What to Consider When Buying a Mattress for more tips on finding the right mattress.
Did you know we’ve been making premium mattresses since 1810? Discover our mattresses here.
Choosing a mattress is a minefield of technical terms and personal preferences. Plus, being in the midst of a pandemic makes it even harder to make an informed decision. To help you make an informed decision that’s right for you, your needs and your body we asked our Sleep Team to lend a hand.
Mousami, Sara and Siria are normally based in store and are genuine experts when it comes to helping our customers find the perfect place to rest their heads. We asked them to apply their years of experience to help you choose the right mattress from the safety of your own home.
Why should I spend more money on a handmade mattress?
Sara & Siria: A hand-crafted mattress should last you longer. The tufts in a tufted mattress help keep all the fillings in place. Most of our mattresses come with long warrantees guaranteeing a quality product.
Mousami: The attention to detail and time taken to create a handmade mattress means a longer-lasting finish. Standard mattresses often use glue to hold the mattress together and over time this causes soft layers to fall apart. Plus, if a multi layered mattress is not tufted the materials inside won't hold together for long. The tufting technique keeps the materials for shifting and sagging.
Why are natural materials important in a mattress?
S & S: A number of toxic chemicals are often used in the production of a synthetic mattress, making these types of mattresses less environmentally friendly. Wool, for example, has a natural flame-retardant quality so it doesn’t need to be treated with flame retardants and is completely non-toxic.
Materials like cotton are longer-lasting because they are compressed and tufted, compared to synthetic memory foam which breaks down a lot faster because, like a sponge, it retains moisture. Natural materials are generally more breathable, which means they regulate your body temperature.
On the other hand, foam and memory foam are heat-activated and are designed specifically to retain and use your body heat in order to contour to the body’s shape. This causes your baseline body temperature to rise over the course of the night. Because of this, memory foam can make you toss and turn, reducing the quality of your sleep.
What are the benefits of a mattress with latex?
S & S: Latex is a natural material produced from the sap of the rubber tree (Heves Brasiliensis) and unlike cotton and wool has an in-built recovery memory keeping the mattress plump with a springy feel. It’s hypoallergenic and is naturally resistant to mould and mildew. A latex mattress also helps to minimise the stress on joints.
What is the difference between tension and feel?
S & S: Tension refers to the strength of the spring relative to the gauge of the coil. Feel is how the mattress actually feels when laying on it. For example, a medium tension in our Organic 1500 feels slightly softer than the medium tension in our Organic 3000. Most of the mattresses to tend to feel slightly firmer with a higher spring count.
Some mattresses also feel ‘softer’ – this isn’t to say that the springs are not as supportive, but the fillings create a more sumptuous feeling as if you are sinking into the mattress rather than sleeping flat on top of it and this choice is matter of personal preference.
M: The overall feel of the mattress depends more on the how the materials inside are layered on top of the spring pocket layer. The darker and wirier materials like horsehair and horsetail often sit closest to the springs to provide more spring, support and firmness.
The lighter materials like wool and cotton provide a cushioning feel so they are the outer layers. You can have two medium tension spring mattresses but topped with different materials will change the overall feel as this is the layer you’re immediately lying on.
What’s the difference between pocket springs and coil springs?
M: Pocket springs offer more support than coil springs. The individual springs that make up the mattress are housed in their own little pockets and are free to work independently of each other, unlike coil springs that are all linked together and tend to move as one.
On an open coil mattress, movement spreads across the whole mattress, so if your partner moves in the night you will move too. With pocket springs, because the springs are individually housed, movement is isolated to that specific area of the mattress. This makes a pocket-sprung mattress ideal for people with two different body weights because they reduce that roll together movement.
How many pocket springs should I get in a mattress?
S & S: The more pocket springs you have the more localised support the mattress will provide as the diameter of the coil will have decreased to fit the greater number of springs. As a result, you have more springs working to support and contour around your body.
However, I usually tell customers not to focus too heavily on spring count. The reason being is that some retailers will have mattresses with spring counts in the tens of thousands but these would be very tiny tightly packed springs with not much durability to them. We tend to focus on the quality of our springs rather than quantity.
M: Buying a decent quality pocket spring mattress you should make you have a minimum of 1000 pocket springs for a king size mattress. 1500-2000 is high springs count and over 2000 is very premium spring count.
What are micro pocket springs?
M: Micro pocket springs are smaller pocket springs usually used by manufactures to increase the spring count as customers associate the number of springs to the quality of a mattress. A full sized spring will be a lot more supportive than micro pocket springs because it has more suspension so this will even out uneven weights more effectively.
What is ticking?
S & S: Ticking is the fabric that is used to cover mattresses. This can be made from cotton, viscose, wool etc. Again, a natural fibre will help with comfort and hygiene.
M: The composition can affect your quality of sleep, as some ticking is more breathable, like cotton and linen. The composition of the ticking can also make the mattress feel firmer.
What is side stitching?
S & S: Side-stitching helps keep the mattress’ walls firmly in place. The stitches go roughly 15-20 cm into the mattress with the thread going around the pocket springs and fillings to anchor everything into place. Higher-specification mattresses have more rows of side-stitching to help contain all the extra layers of fillings and give the mattress edges increased structure and longevity. The side-stitching on most cheap mattresses is usually there purely for cosmetic reasons and does not have the same structural function.
How often should I clean a luxury mattress?
S & S: Rotate or flip it three or four times a year - every season is ideal. We would also recommend that you do this more often when you first receive it to help the mattress settle – like breaking in a pair of good quality leather shoes. You can vacuum your mattress to remove any dust, hair and other debris.
If there are any stains which have yet to set in, blot the area with a clean damp cloth. However, the best way to keep your mattress clean is with mattress protector – ideally composed of natural.
Finding the right mattress can be a real challenge, especially at the moment when trying one out in person is near impossible. We asked Sara and Siria, members of our Sleep Team, to tell us what exactly makes a good mattress. Sara and Siria are real experts, so hopefully their detailed description of the perfect mattress will help you to make an informed decision.
Mattress Size
First and foremost what size are you after? We always recommend that if you’ve got the space then go as big as you can. This will guarantee a good night's sleep, especially when sharing the mattress with someone as it minimises any movement you may experience from the other person.
With that being said, always make sure that you can get a large mattress through to your bedroom without bending or folding it. It’s vitally important to measure up for access as none of our mattresses come in a box and bending them would ruin the structure.
Type of mattress
You then might want to think about which type of mattress you would like to go for - i.e.: latex, memory foam, pocket sprung. If you’ve slept on a pocket sprung mattress your whole life and have been relatively comfortable with it then we would recommend sticking to what you know.
We wouldn't usually recommend a memory foam mattress unless you’ve tried one overnight before. It can be a bit hit or miss with memory foam mattresses as they do feel quite different to pocket sprung ones.
The memory foam conforms to your body’s contours throughout the night giving you quite a snug fit and reduces movement. It’s this characteristic which makes latex memory foam perfect for people with joint problems or mobility issues: moving during sleep might cause discomfort and wake you up. You don't want to buy a new type of mattress, try it at home for the first time and not like it.
Purchasing a mattress is a long term commitment (8-10 years minimum!) that you must get right. If you are after a more natural or organic product then it's best to go for a pocket sprung mattress in our Organic or Natural Sleep range. Most of these mattresses use all natural fillings with no foam or latex present. Here’s a tip: if you are moving home, remember not to bend or roll your mattress as it can damage the springs. Keep your mattress well-wrapped and laid flat while in transit.
Tension
The next thing to consider would be the tension. We would recommend you go by the weight guidelines. If you weigh roughly between 11-16st/70-100kg then we would say to go for a medium tension. Anyone weighing under 11st/70kg would be a soft tension and anyone over 16st/100kg would be a firm.
It’s a common misconception that we quite often get from customers that the firmer the better, or if you have any sort of back issue then you should go for a firm. This is quite the contrary and in some cases a firm mattress can do more damage than good. You're going to want a mattress that gives you support in all the right places.
It's always good to go for the correct tension according to your weight and, if after 30 nights it still doesn't feel right, then you can think about taking advantage of Heal’s Comfort Promise. If a couple is varied in weight then you can go for a zip and link mattress with two different tensions.
Try it out
On a normal day the best advice we can give is for customers to come into store and spend as long as they can on the mattresses. Laying on them, jumping on them, napping on them. We can also help assess their spine alignment. It truly is the best way to get a real feel for them.
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