Mr Chiltern Chatter and I have a rule – one in, one out. So for every thing we buy, we must give away something. This rule is broken a lot ☺

This Christmas though, we’re trying to be good ☺ so we’ve racked our brains to come up with gifts that wont clutter our home. If you’re looking for some inspiration, have a look below and make sure you share your ideas with us:

Skydiving at Airkix Xscape

For thrill seekers ☺, Airkix Xscape in Milton Keynes would be the perfect gift. Suitable for ages 4 to 104, prices start at £29.99 plus there is currently a special ‘buy one get one free’ offer. See website for more info: http://www.airkix.com/discover-airkix/discover-indoor-skydiving.aspx

AirkixEveryman cinema

If you know someone who’s a fan of local independent cinemas, gift vouchers to the new Everyman Cinema in Gerrards Cross (https://www.chilternchatter.com/features/love-local/1903-food-film-in-gerrards-cross) could be the perfect gift. Everyman offers gift vouchers starting at £20 upwards redeemable for film, food & drinks. http://www.everymancinema.com/gift-vouchers/

National Trust Vouchers

With an abundance of NT properties on our doorstep, National Trust vouchers (paper or digital from £10) can pay for family days out to gardens, parks and historic houses all over the UK.

KidZania

If you havent heard of Kid Zania, where have you been hiding ☺ KidZania, Britain’s first “reality theme park” where children take jobs and earn “money” in a virtual city centre. KidZania recreates adult workplaces such as operating theatres, plane cockpits, TV studios and banks — all at two thirds lifesize — where children will play at carrying out jobs.
The 80,000sq ft two-storey city issues its own currency, KidZos, which the 4 to 14 year olds will be able to spend on treats such as sweets or activities such as go-karting. But once all the KidZos have been spent, the children will have to earn more by taking on jobs. Welcome to the real world kiddies ☺ They will be able increase their earnings by taking a course and “graduating” from the KidZania university. Gift vouchers start at £10 for preschool to £32 (4-14 year olds). For more information see http://london.kidzania.com/en-uk

KidZaniaAnnual Membership

If you’re looking for a Christmas gift that will last more then a few days then a membership subscription could be the perfect choice. Below are a few subscription ideas ☺

• Whipsnade Zoo
• Legoland
• Chiltern Open Air Museum
• Roald Dahl

Absolute Yoga

I recently signed up to 10 consecutive days at Absolute Yoga in Gerrards Cross for the bargain price of £20. I ended up doing 8 sessions and I loved it (the offer has since changed so worth checking the website to see what the current offer is). This is the perfect gift for someone looking to try out Yoga as you can get to experience the different yoga classes and find out which style of class you like. For more information see: http://www.absolutehotyoga.co.uk/

Rush UK

Rush UK are launching their first trampoline park in High Wycombe on 11th December at 5pm. Offering an array of jumping experiences, from open jumping, kids parties and teenage disco nights to fitness classes and dodgeball, there’s something to get everyone jumping! Open jump sessions start at £10 per person. For more information see
http://www.rushuk.com/

RushUKPhotography shoot

Sometimes it’s hard to get a great photograph of all the family together, so buy a voucher for a family photo shoot and capture precious family memories We did this last year in Langley Park and I love our photos. There are loads of local photographer listed on Chiltern Chatter – click here to read reviews. Plus make sure you enter our competition to Win a Family Photo shoot with Lisa Gill Photography.

Claudine’s Kitchen

Nicola went to one of Claudine’s cooking courses in the summer and thoroughly enjoyed it – you can read her review here. The cookery classes start at 10.30am until 2.30pm and cost £45 per person (which includes lunch). This would great to do with friends. The classes are predominately demonstrations, however some are hands-on, for example, sushi making – and Claudine will always have space for a couple of helpers. For more information see:
http://www.claudineskitchen.co.uk/2015/book-a-class/

ClaudineKitchenLittle Letter Company

If you’ve got a crafty kid, they will love The Little Letter Company’s craft kits which are suitable for children aged 3 to 8 years. The cost of each craft works out at £2.50, which compared to buying a magazine is pretty good value for money. You can read Nicola’s review of them here. For more information see www.littlelettercompany.co.uk

Coding Course

We Code, based in Chesham, are now offering weekend code clubs for children aged 9 and above, allowing them the chance to learn HTML, CSS, play innovation games, use a Raspberry Pi and much, much more. This two hour long classes start on Saturday 9th January and finishes on Saturday 6th February and cost £75. For more information see http://www.wecode.club/