The presents are wrapped, the turkey is ready to cook and you're just sitting down to a relaxing glass of mulled wine when - oh no! - disaster strikes. Whether it's someone in the family not feeling well or a kitchen emergency, it's always good to expect the unexpected at Christmas.
Luckily we've made a list of essentials to stock up on before the big day so you can avoid (virtually) any disaster...
Spare bin bags
No need to explain this one… and frankly, you can never have too many! But don’t forget to compost and recycle as much as you can.
GHI Tip: Take any bottles, paper and cardboard clogging up the garage or shed to the recycling bank before Christmas to make room for the next lot!
Indigestion Tablets
Hopefully nobody will need them, but better safe than sorry!
Matches
Keep these handy for Christmas candles to ward off cooking smells and light the Christmas pud.
Batteries
From gadgets and toys to the TV remote control, keep a mix of sizes on standby.
GHI Tip: Keep a container in the kitchen for dead batteries and take them to Boots for recycling when you are next passing by.
Extra loo roll & kitchen towels
Stock up – if you don’t use them, they’ll keep till next year…
Liquid painkiller for kids
A must if you have young children in the family.
Headache tablets
Too much fizz or family bickering? Keep a spare pack hidden away, just in case!
Wet wipes
Quick and easy solution for spills and sticky fingers. But also useful for plenty of other jobs, such as removing deodorant marks from the underarms of your favourite top!
Foil
Nobody wants to run out while cooking the turkey – or, worse, not have enough to cover the bird in the first place!
Spare light bulbs
Because nobody wants to go to the loo in the dark.
Sticky tape
In case there’s a last-minute gift to wrap. But also really useful wound around your hand to remove bobbly bits from jumpers.
GHI Tip: A quick fix for removing pet hair from furniture is to put on the rubber gloves, rinse them under the tap, then brush your hands along the fabric. To remove the build-up of fur, plunge your gloved hands into hot water. The fur will drift off.
Candles
Even if you’re not into lighting candles for added ambience, candles are a power-cut saviour.
GHI Tip: To remove candle wax from clothing or tablecloths, follow our advice.
Kitchen cleaning spray
A quick spritz on kitchen surfaces will help keep the mess at bay.
Stain remover
You won’t escape the festive period without a few spillages and stains.
Washing up-liquid
You don't want anyone to have an excuse to not help with the washing up!
Milk, tea, coffee
Making a brew can divert relatives from overindulging at the drinks cabinet.
Snacks for unexpected guests
Stock up on ‘filling’ food such as garlic bread or sausage rolls that can be whipped from freezer to table in minutes. These best tasting mince pies are perfect for the festive spirit if you can't whip up a batch of your own, or keep an emergency yule log on hand!
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Christmas Eve box ideas: 20 cute gifts they'll love
The Night Before Christmas is a classic, but Wonderbly has made it even more magical by personalising it with your little one's name throughout.
It's the best book to read before the big day and, even better, £1 from each book goes to Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity.
Organic Zoo Christmas Holly Slim Pyjamas
No Christmas Eve box is complete without a pair of festive PJs, and this holly printed pair from Organic Zoo is our favourite for the season. Made from the softest, snuggliest cotton, they'll be begging to go to bed (we can dream).
These cosy cloud-like slippers are a dream to slip into, and the neutral design means they'll be enjoyed throughout the year. They're made from pure wool, which is beautifully breathable, with a non-slip cushioned sole. In fact, we love the women's version too!
Flying Tiger is a treasure trove of inexpensive stocking filler-type gifts, and we think this sweet gingerbread person is the perfect vessel for their Christmas Eve hot chocolate.
The Gourmet Chocolate Café Christmas Tree Hot Chocolate Stirring Sticks
Pop a Christmas film on for them while they enjoy that hot chocolate. This milk chocolate Christmas tree stirrer dissolves in warm milk, while the fluffy marshmallows create a layer of "snow".
Dunelm Reggie the Cockapoo Hot Water Bottle
Pop this cute hot water bottle under their bed cover before bath-time, and they'll get out to a warm bed, courtesy of their new perfectly snuggly pal.
Little First Stickers Christmas
They'll enjoy flicking through this enchanting activity book, which contains over 300 Christmas-themed reusable stickers. There are 24 pages to decorate, including Santa's workshop, a Christmas tree and a roaring campfire.
Pack n Play Trays Christmas North Pole Potion Kit
We've never seen our toddler quite so engrossed in a task as they were when presented with this magical potion kit. Pack n Play has given its whimsical kits a festive makeover, with the likes of "fizzing candy cane" (bath salts), "magic elf sprinkles" (popping candy and biodegradable glitter), and the hilarity-inducing "reindeer droppings" (foaming bath salts).
The kit comes with six vials of fun ingredients, a pipette and simple wooden stirrer. All they need to add is their imagination.
Rockahula Christmas Tree Wand
To make doubly sure Santa turns up, we think its worth including this Christmas tree wand for them to magic up the big man.
Include a personalised stocking for them to hang on the mantlepiece before they head off to bed.
Jellycat Amuseables Christmas Pudding
Give them something Christmassy to cuddle up with while they wait for Santa to arrive. Jellycat toys have been a runaway success this year, winning fans of all ages.
Biscuiteers Christmas Stocking Biscuit
After they hang their stocking up, they'll enjoy tucking into this delicious, gingerbread biscuit, which is made all the more special with a personalised message.
LEGO Santa's Sleigh Ride Polybag Set
Who doesn't love playing with Lego? This 73-piece set features Santa and his reindeer, and should keep little hands busy while you get on with last-minute tasks.
M&S Cosy Spencer Bear™ Christmas Slipper Socks
Keep their little tootsies toastie with these adorable slipper socks from M&S. They'll probably want to wear them for the rest of the festive season and beyond.
It's always tricky getting them to bed on Christmas Eve, but the promise of watching this gold gingerbread man fizz and melt in the bath may just help.
Nala's Baby Body Butter Vanilla Cloud 200ml
Once out of the bath, slather this dreamy vanilla-scented body butter all over to keep their skin as soft as a baby's bottom. It smells good enough to eat, and is made with a calming blend of shea butter, cocoa butter and camomile.
Clara and Macy 'I Believe' Enamel Pin Badge
Pop this pretty 'I Believe' enamel pin badge into their Christmas Eve box to keep the magic of Santa, his reindeers and trusty elves alive.
Daylesford Children's Christmas Eve Gift Box
Looking for a pre-made Christmas Eve Box to save yourself some time? Daylesford has you covered. In this sweet box, you'll find a cute sausage dog soft toy, chocolate coins, snowman buttons, a hot chocolate stirrer, gingerbread men and reindeer jellies.
NSPCC Letter From Santa
Let your child's imagination run wild with this personalised letter from Santa Claus. It will help build excitement for the magical big day, and just watch their face as they realise they're on the 'nice list'. Better still, the charity donation will help support the great work that the NSPCC does year round.
Choose Love Children’s Education and Play
Remind little ones of the true meaning of Christmas, by making a charity donation on their behalf. This will ensure a child that's less fortunate than them is able to go to school and has a safe place to play.
