Guide FAQs
Card, gift and celebration FAQs
Every question we answer across our 339 guides, gathered on one page: what to write in a card, how much to spend on a gift in the UK, etiquette for apologies, RSVPs and group gifts, and how to plan a party.
Answers are short and practical. Each one links to the full guide it came from if you want the detail.
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- Best of: cards and gifts (18)
- What to write in a card (42)
- Messages by recipient (32)
- Sorry, etiquette and awkward moments (36)
- Money-free gifting (24)
- Gift wrapping and presentation (24)
- Pets (24)
- Kids and school (24)
- How much to spend (26)
- Jokes and humour (36)
- Puns and wordplay (15)
- Rhymes, poems and quotes (30)
- Riddles and quizzes (15)
- Games and activities (40)
- Party planning (63)
- Decorations and how-to (27)
- Fancy dress and themes (25)
- Family milestones (18)
- Celebrations (43)
- Work and colleagues (47)
- Speeches and toasts (14)
- Cheering someone up (33)
- Feel-good reading (15)
- Christmas and seasonal (64)
- Secret Santa (20)
- Festivals and world celebrations (15)
- Christenings and faith milestones (98)
- Charity and fundraising (21)
- Badges and pins (22)
- Card design and how cards work (33)
- How to: the questions people ask most (24)
- Relationships, apologies and celebrating together (24)
- Sympathy and difficult moments (24)
- Card templates, gift ideas and game instructions (15)
Best of: cards and gifts
Browse all best of: cards and gifts guides
Funny or heartfelt for mum?
Funny on the front, heartfelt inside is the safest combination. It gets the laugh when she opens it and the keeper line when she reads it.
From The best birthday cards for mum
When should I order to get it in time?
Order at least three working days before the birthday for UK first class. If it's tighter than that, choose a card you can hand over in person.
From The best birthday cards for mum
How much should I spend on mum's birthday?
Most people in the UK spend £20 to £50 on a parent's birthday gift, more for a milestone year. Our birthday spending guide breaks it down by relationship.
From The best birthday cards for mum
Is a rude card safe for dad?
Usually, if the rest of the family will see it and laugh too. If grandchildren are opening cards in the same room, pick a pun instead.
From The best birthday cards for dad
What if he says he doesn't want anything?
Send the card anyway and keep the gift small - a candle, a coaster or a keepsake print does the job without making a fuss.
From The best birthday cards for dad
How much do people spend on a 60th birthday gift?
In the UK, £30 to £60 is typical for a close friend or family member, and more when siblings club together for one keepsake. Our birthday spending guide has the full ranges.
From The best 60th birthday gifts
What is a good 60th gift for someone who has everything?
Something consumable or personal: a candle, a keepsake print with the year on it, or a card signed by everyone at the party.
From The best 60th birthday gifts
Do you sell engraved or personalised 60th gifts?
We don't offer engraving. Our milestone range is printed keepsakes, candles, coasters, badges and cards, all designed and posted from the UK.
From The best 60th birthday gifts
How much should I spend on a 50th birthday gift?
£25 to £60 is the usual UK range for a close friend or relative, and £10 to £20 for a colleague. Milestone years pull the number up a little.
From The best 50th birthday gifts
What's a good 50th gift for a colleague?
Keep it light and shared: a card everyone signs, a candle or coasters from the team, and something for the desk.
From The best 50th birthday gifts
Are rude birthday cards ever a bad idea?
Only when you can't picture who else is in the room. If cards get opened in front of children or in-laws, choose a pun instead.
From The best funny birthday cards
What if the joke is on the front - what do I write inside?
One sincere line. The contrast is what makes funny cards land: laugh first, mean it second.
From The best funny birthday cards
What is a good retirement gift from a whole office?
One decent keepsake plus a large card everyone signs. Multiple small gifts get left in the office; the card goes home.
From The best retirement gifts
How much should each person put in?
£5 to £10 per person is the standard UK office amount, more for a close teammate. Our leaving collection guide covers the awkward cases.
From The best retirement gifts
How much should I spend on a teacher gift?
£5 to £15 for an individual gift, or £3 to £5 into a class collection. Anything more can make other parents uncomfortable.
From The best teacher thank you gifts
Is a card on its own enough?
Yes. Teachers consistently say the handwritten card is the part they keep, especially when the child has written it themselves.
From The best teacher thank you gifts
What do you write in an anniversary card for a couple?
One warm line about them together, and something specific if you were at the wedding. Keep it to three sentences.
From The best anniversary cards
Should a first anniversary card be different?
Only in tone - first anniversaries suit something light and forward-looking rather than nostalgic.
From The best anniversary cards
What to write in a card
Browse all what to write in a card guides
What do you write in an anniversary card?
Name one specific thing from the year just gone — a trip, a house move, a hard patch you got through — then finish with a wish for the year ahead. Specific beats poetic every time.
From Anniversary card messages and wishes
What are the anniversary years called?
The best known in the UK are paper (1st), silver (25th), ruby (40th), golden (50th) and diamond (60th). Mentioning the name in the card is an easy way to make it feel occasion-specific.
From Anniversary card messages and wishes
What do you write in an anniversary card for parents?
Write as their child, not as a guest. Thank them for something you grew up with — the food, the arguments they got over, the way they still make each other laugh — and keep it to a few lines.
From Anniversary card messages and wishes
What do you write in a sympathy card?
Say you're sorry, name the person who died if you knew them, and offer one specific thing you can actually do. Three sentences is plenty — the card is a signal that you know, not an essay.
From Sympathy card messages and what to write
What should you not write in a sympathy card?
Avoid "everything happens for a reason", "they're in a better place" and anything that begins "at least". Also avoid asking questions, which leaves the family owing you a reply.
From Sympathy card messages and what to write
Is it too late to send a sympathy card?
No. Cards arriving weeks or months later are often the most welcome, because that's when the house has gone quiet. Say so in the card: "I know it's been a while, and I'm still thinking of you."
From Sympathy card messages and what to write
What do you write in a sympathy card for a colleague?
Keep it warm and brief, sign from the team as well as yourself, and make clear that nothing at work is expected of them.
From Sympathy card messages and what to write
What do you write in a retirement card?
Name what they were good at and one moment you saw it, then wish them well for what's next. Two specific sentences beat a paragraph of general praise.
From Retirement card messages and wishes
What do you write in a group retirement card?
Write more than "good luck". Add your name clearly, mention the team or project you worked on together, and leave room for the person after you.
From Retirement card messages and wishes
Is it rude to make jokes about age in a retirement card?
One light joke is usually welcome; a card built entirely on being old isn't, especially for early retirement or someone leaving on health grounds. Read the room and finish warm.
From Retirement card messages and wishes
What do you write in a new baby card?
Congratulate the parents, welcome the baby by name if you know it, and keep it to two or three lines. Offer something practical rather than asking to visit.
From New baby card messages and wishes
What do you write for a second baby?
Mention the older sibling. "A little brother for Ella" acknowledges the family as it is now, which second-time parents notice because most cards don't.
From New baby card messages and wishes
When should you send a new baby card?
Any time in the first few months. Cards that arrive at six or eight weeks are often more welcome than the pile that lands in week one.
From New baby card messages and wishes
What do you write in a teacher thank you card?
Name one specific thing that changed for your child this year and credit the teacher for it. That single detail is what separates the cards teachers keep from the ones they don't.
From Thank you card messages for teachers
What do you write in an end of year teacher card?
Thank them for the year, mention your child's progress or how happy they've been, and wish them a proper break. Three or four lines is right.
From Thank you card messages for teachers
Should children write their own teacher card?
Yes, even if it's just their name. Teachers regularly say the ones written in a child's own handwriting are the ones that go on the wall.
From Thank you card messages for teachers
Is a card better than a text for an apology?
For anything serious, yes. A card takes effort, cannot be skim-read in a notification, and gives the other person time to respond on their own terms.
From What to write in a sorry card
How long should an apology message be?
Three or four sentences. Name what you did, say you understand the effect, say what changes, and stop before explaining yourself.
From What to write in a sorry card
What do you write in a good luck card?
One line of encouragement, one line naming why you believe in them, and an offer to hear how it went. Three sentences is plenty.
From Good luck messages
When should you send a good luck card?
So it arrives two or three days before. On the morning itself they are too busy to read it properly.
From Good luck messages
What do you say when someone gets bad exam results?
Acknowledge the disappointment first, avoid immediately listing options, and say plainly that the result does not change your opinion of them.
Should you send a card before or after results day?
Send a good luck card before and a congratulations card after. The one that arrives on the day itself is hard to pitch either way.
What do you write in a passed your driving test card?
One congratulations line, one joke about lifts or insurance, and one genuine line about being proud. That combination suits almost every new driver.
From Passed your driving test messages
Should you send a card if they failed?
Only if you would normally message them anyway. Keep it brief, avoid analysing what went wrong, and mention the retake date lightly.
From Passed your driving test messages
What do you write in a new home card?
Congratulate them on the move, wish them happiness there, and add one line about visiting. Skip mortgage jokes if the move was not by choice.
From New home messages
Is a new home card the same as a housewarming card?
Nearly. A new home card marks the keys; a housewarming card goes with a gift when you visit. Wording overlaps almost entirely.
From New home messages
What do you write for someone moving away?
Say what you will miss specifically, then make one concrete promise - a visit, a call, a date in the diary. Vague 'keep in touch' rarely happens.
From Moving away messages
Is a moving away card the same as a leaving card?
A leaving card marks leaving a job; a moving away card marks leaving an area. The tone is more personal and less about work.
From Moving away messages
What do you write for a child starting school?
Keep it short and readable for their age, name one thing they are good at, and make clear someone will be there at home time.
From First day at school messages
Should you send a card to the parents too?
For a first child starting reception, yes. It is a bigger day for them than most people acknowledge.
From First day at school messages
What do you write when someone's pet dies?
Use the pet's name, mention one specific thing about them, and say the loss is real. Avoid anything that begins 'at least'.
Is it appropriate to send a card for a pet?
Yes, and it is often the only acknowledgement the owner gets. That is exactly why it means so much.
How soon should you send a thank you card?
Within two weeks for most gifts, and within three months for wedding gifts. Late is still far better than never.
From Thank you for a gift messages
What do you write if you did not like the gift?
Thank them for the thought and for being there. Never describe the gift in detail if you cannot do it honestly.
From Thank you for a gift messages
What do you write in a thinking of you card?
One line saying they are on your mind, one specific offer of help, and a clear note that no reply is needed.
Is it strange to send a card with no occasion?
The opposite. A card with no occasion is the clearest proof that you thought about someone for no reason at all.
What do you write for someone in hospital?
Keep it short and cheerful, avoid asking for details, and mention one practical thing you are handling at home for them.
Should you send a card to the hospital or the house?
Send it to the house for a short stay - post to wards is unreliable and they may be discharged before it arrives. For long stays, ask the family first.
What do you say to a friend getting divorced?
Say you are sorry, say you are not going anywhere, and offer something specific. Avoid criticising their ex until they do it first.
From Divorce and breakup support messages
Should you send a divorce card?
A blank thinking of you card works better than anything jokey. The gesture matters more than finding the perfect design.
From Divorce and breakup support messages
What do you write in a card for no reason?
Say why they came to mind, name one specific thing you appreciate, and keep it under four sentences. The lack of occasion is the point.
Are just because cards a bit much?
They are the most kept cards there are. Nobody bins the card that arrived on an ordinary Wednesday.
Messages by recipient
Browse all messages by recipient guides
Should I sign a neighbour card with my house number?
Yes. 'From Sam and Priya at number 14' saves them working it out, especially if you have never swapped surnames.
From What to write to a neighbour
Is a card too much for a small favour?
No, and it is remembered far longer than a text. Keep it to three or four lines so it does not create an obligation to reply.
From What to write to a neighbour
How formal should a card to a boss be?
Slightly warmer than an email, cooler than a card to a friend. One specific thing they did, one sentence of thanks, your name.
From What to write to your boss
What do I write in a group card for a manager?
Two lines, not a paragraph. Everyone else has to fit on the same page, and short entries read better next to each other.
From What to write to your boss
Should I call them Mum and Dad in a card?
Only if you already do out loud. If you use first names in person, use first names in the card - a card is not the place to change it.
From What to write to your in-laws
What if the relationship is difficult?
Keep it short, true and neutral. 'Wishing you a happy birthday' is honest and complete. Never use a card to reopen anything.
From What to write to your in-laws
Should a stepdad card say 'dad'?
Only use the word you use in real life. If you call him by his name, use his name - forcing 'dad' onto a card reads as staged.
From What to write to a stepdad
What do I write on his first Father's Day as my stepdad?
Keep it light and grateful: 'Thank you for everything you do for us' is warm without claiming more than either of you is ready for.
From What to write to a stepdad
How do you ask someone to be a godparent in a card?
Say why it is them, ask plainly, and make it easy to decline. One sentence of reason, one sentence of ask.
From What to write to a godparent
Do godparents have to be religious?
For a church christening most denominations expect at least one baptised godparent. A naming ceremony has no such rule - the role is whatever you agree it is.
From What to write to a godparent
Can carers accept gifts?
Most UK care providers and NHS teams have a gifts policy that allows cards and shared items like biscuits for the whole team, but not cash or personal gifts. A card addressed to the team is always safe.
What should I write to a family carer?
Acknowledge them, not only the person they care for. 'Thinking of you too' is often the line that lands hardest.
Can you send a thank you card to a midwife after you go home?
Yes - post it to the ward or the community team with the date of birth and your midwife's name, and it will reach them.
From What to write to a midwife
Can NHS midwives accept gifts?
Cards are always fine. Most trusts allow shared items such as biscuits for the whole team, but not personal gifts of value - so address anything edible to the ward.
From What to write to a midwife
Is it normal to send a vet a thank you card?
Yes, and practices keep them. A card after a recovery or after a goodbye is one of the few pieces of feedback a veterinary team gets.
What do you write to a vet after putting a pet to sleep?
Thank them for the kindness of the day itself, name your pet, and say what it meant to have them there. Two or three lines is plenty.
Should a stepmum card say 'mum'?
Only use the word you use out loud. If you call her by her name, use her name - forcing 'mum' onto a card reads as staged.
From What to write to a stepmum
What do I write on her first Mother's Day as my stepmum?
Keep it light and grateful. 'Thank you for everything you do for us' is warm without claiming more than either of you is ready for.
From What to write to a stepmum
What do you write in a card for a foster carer?
Name one specific thing about the home rather than the role - the meals, the lifts, the calm. It is more personal than thanking them for fostering.
From What to write to a foster carer
Can you send a card to a foster carer after a placement ends?
Check with the supervising social worker first, as contact after a placement is usually agreed in advance. Where it is allowed, a short card is welcome.
From What to write to a foster carer
What do you write in an uncle's birthday card?
One joke and one true thing. 'Happy birthday to the uncle who taught me to drive badly - thanks for always being in my corner' lands better than either half alone.
From What to write to an uncle or aunt
How do you sign a card from a whole family?
Name everyone, including the children and the dog if it is that kind of family. It is what makes a family card feel like one.
From What to write to an uncle or aunt
What do you write in a brother-in-law's birthday card?
One light joke about how he joined the family and one genuine line. Keep it shorter than you would for a sibling.
From What to write to a sibling-in-law
What do you write in a welcome to the family card?
Say you are glad they are here and mention one thing you already like about them. Avoid anything that sounds like a warning about the family.
From What to write to a sibling-in-law
What do you write in a card to a grown-up child?
Pick one thing you are proud of and say it plainly. Adult children keep the cards that name something specific rather than repeating 'love you always'.
From What to write to your adult child
Is it too late to say something you never said?
No, but a card is for one sentence of it, not all of it. Write the line, then have the conversation in person.
From What to write to your adult child
Should you send your ex a Father's Day or Mother's Day card?
Send it from the children rather than from you. It keeps the day about them and takes the ambiguity out of the message.
From What to write to a co-parent
What if the relationship is hostile?
Keep it to a signature from the children and nothing else. A blank card with their names is complete, and it cannot be misread.
From What to write to a co-parent
Can you tip your postie at Christmas?
Royal Mail's business standards ask staff to refuse cash and to declare gifts above a nominal value, so a card - with chocolates at most - is the safe option.
From What to write to your postie
How do you address a card to your postie?
Write 'To our postie' on the envelope and leave it in or by the letterbox, with your house number inside so they know which door it came from.
From What to write to your postie
How much do you tip a cleaner at Christmas in the UK?
The usual convention is one week's usual payment, or the value of a single clean, given with a card. There is no obligation - a card alone is still welcome.
From What to write to your cleaner
What do you write when a cleaner is leaving?
Name how long they were with you and one thing they always did. Length of service is the detail people remember being thanked for.
From What to write to your cleaner
Sorry, etiquette and awkward moments
Browse all sorry, etiquette and awkward moments guides
What is the best way to apologise to your partner?
Name the specific thing you did, say how you think it made them feel, and say what you will do differently. Skip the explanation until they ask for it.
From Apology messages for a partner
Should you apologise by text or in person?
In person where you can, but a written apology gives them time to read it without having to react in front of you - which is why a card often works better after a serious row.
From Apology messages for a partner
How long should you wait to apologise?
Say sorry quickly, then leave space. A short apology now and a proper conversation later beats a perfect speech three days on.
From Apology messages for a partner
What do you say when you forget someone's birthday?
Say sorry without a long excuse, acknowledge it mattered, and send the card anyway. Humour works for friends, sincerity for family and partners.
From Sorry I forgot your birthday
Is it too late to send a birthday card?
No. A card a week or two late is welcome; people remember who eventually turned up, not who was punctual.
From Sorry I forgot your birthday
Should you buy a bigger present to make up for forgetting?
Better to give time than money - lunch, a day out or a proper phone call reads as care, where an expensive gift reads as guilt.
From Sorry I forgot your birthday
What do you write in a belated birthday card?
One short line acknowledging it is late, then the birthday message itself. Keep the excuse to a sentence and spend the space on them.
From Belated birthday messages
How late is too late for a birthday card?
There is no cut-off. Weeks later is fine, and even months later is better than deciding it is too awkward and sending nothing.
From Belated birthday messages
Is it rude to send a belated birthday card?
The opposite. Sending one says you noticed and cared enough to follow through when it would have been easier to say nothing.
From Belated birthday messages
How late is too late to send a thank you note?
It is never too late. A note a year on is still welcome - people remember being thanked, not the date on the postmark.
How long do you have to send wedding thank you cards?
Three months is the traditional UK guide, but plenty of couples take longer. Send them late rather than not at all.
Should you explain why the thank you is late?
One short line at most. A long explanation makes the note about you rather than about them.
How do you apologise to a friend you have hurt?
Name what you did, say you understand the effect, and do not follow it with an explanation. Then give them room to answer in their own time.
From Sorry messages for a friend
What do you say to a friend after months of no contact?
Keep it short and take the blame for the silence without dramatising it, then suggest something concrete - a coffee, a call, a date.
From Sorry messages for a friend
How do you apologise professionally?
Lead with the apology, state the specific error, say what you have done to fix it and what changes next time. Keep the context short.
From Apology messages for work
Should you apologise by email or in person at work?
In person for anything between two people, email where a record helps - for example a client correction or a missed deadline your manager needs to see.
From Apology messages for work
Is it weak to apologise at work?
No. A clear apology with a fix attached reads as accountability. What damages credibility is a defensive non-apology.
From Apology messages for work
Do you have to accept an apology?
No. You can acknowledge that someone apologised without saying the matter is settled - "thank you for saying that, I need some time" is a complete reply.
What can you say instead of "it's fine"?
Say what is actually true: "thank you, that helps", "I appreciate it and I'd like it not to happen again", or "I'm glad you said it, I'm still upset".
How do you accept an apology at work?
Keep it short and forward-looking. Thank them, agree what happens next time, and avoid re-litigating the original incident in writing.
Is it rude to return a gift?
Not if you handle the wording well. Thank them warmly for the gift first, then frame the return as wanting to use it properly - a size swap or an exchange rather than a rejection.
From How to return a gift politely
Can you return a gift without a receipt in the UK?
Only if the shop chooses to allow it. There is no legal right to return an unwanted, non-faulty item bought in store, though many retailers offer an exchange or credit note as goodwill.
From How to return a gift politely
Should you tell the giver you returned their gift?
Tell them if they will notice - a size swap or an exchange in the same shop. If you quietly donated something small, there is nothing to gain from mentioning it.
From How to return a gift politely
What does RSVP mean?
It stands for répondez s'il vous plaît - French for "please reply". It asks for an answer whether you are coming or not.
From RSVP wording
Do you have to RSVP if you're not going?
Yes. A no is far more useful to a host than silence, because catering, seating and numbers all depend on the final count.
From RSVP wording
How soon should you RSVP?
Within a week of receiving the invitation, or by the deadline printed on it. For weddings, that deadline is usually three to four weeks before the day.
From RSVP wording
How do you decline an invitation politely?
Thank them, say clearly that you cannot come, and add one warm line about the day itself. You do not owe anyone a detailed reason.
From RSVP wording
How much should you give to an office collection?
In the UK, £5 is the usual amount for a birthday collection and £10 for a leaving gift, though the organiser should always name a figure so nobody has to guess.
From Group gift etiquette
Is it rude not to contribute to a group gift?
No. Collections should be optional and private. Sign the card, say nothing more about it, and a good organiser will never mention who gave what.
From Group gift etiquette
What do you do with leftover collection money?
Decide before you collect: add it to the gift, buy flowers or a card with it, or roll it into the next collection. Announce the choice rather than keeping it quiet.
From Group gift etiquette
Is it rude to say no gifts on an invitation?
No, as long as you keep it warm and brief. One short line near the end of the invitation is enough - and give guests an alternative such as a card or a charity donation.
Where do you put no gifts wording on an invitation?
At the bottom, after the practical details, in smaller text or in brackets. It should read as a note rather than a condition of attending.
What if someone brings a gift anyway?
Take it gratefully, set it aside, and thank them properly later. Never remind them of the request.
Is it rude to ask for money instead of gifts?
Not now, as long as you say what it is for and make clear that giving nothing is fine. Most UK couples marrying today already live together and ask for a honeymoon or house fund.
From Asking for money instead of gifts
How do you word a honeymoon fund request?
Keep it to two sentences: say you already have what you need, then say a contribution to the honeymoon would be welcome. Put it on a details card or website, not the invitation itself.
From Asking for money instead of gifts
Should you say how much to give?
Never. Naming a figure turns the invitation into a bill. Guests generally give what they would have spent on a present.
From Asking for money instead of gifts
Money-free gifting
Browse all money-free gifting guides
Do free gifts feel cheap?
Only when they are vague. A written, dated, specific offer reads as thoughtful; "I owe you a favour" reads as nothing.
From Free gift ideas that cost nothing
What is the best free gift for someone who has everything?
Time with you, booked. People with full houses usually have empty diaries.
From Free gift ideas that cost nothing
How do you present a free gift?
Write it out - a printed coupon or a card - so there is something physical to open and keep.
From Free gift ideas that cost nothing
Are homemade gifts appropriate for adults?
Yes, when they are useful or edible. The test is whether they would buy it if they saw it in a shop.
From Homemade gift ideas
How do you make a homemade gift look finished?
Label it, wrap it and date it. Presentation is most of the difference between a gift and a leftover.
From Homemade gift ideas
How far ahead should you start?
Two weeks for food, six for anything knitted, and the day before for photo and letter gifts.
From Homemade gift ideas
How long do homemade food gifts last?
Jams and chutneys keep months unopened, biscuits and fudge a week or two, anything with fresh cream a day. Always put a date on the label.
From Homemade food gifts
Do you need to list ingredients?
For a personal gift there is no legal duty, but list them anyway - it protects anyone with allergies and looks more finished.
From Homemade food gifts
What travels best by post?
Dry mixes, biscuits and sealed jars wrapped in bubble wrap. Avoid anything soft, fresh or fragile.
From Homemade food gifts
Are experience gifts better than presents?
For people with full houses, usually yes - as long as the date is fixed. Unbooked experiences expire in a drawer.
From Experience gift ideas in the UK
How do you gift an experience with no money?
Gift the planning and the company: research it, pick the date, pack the food and drive.
From Experience gift ideas in the UK
What if they cancel?
Put a second date on the voucher when you write it, so rescheduling is built in rather than awkward.
From Experience gift ideas in the UK
Should a homemade voucher have an expiry date?
Yes - a generous one. Without a deadline most vouchers sit in a drawer forever.
From How to make a DIY gift voucher
How many vouchers should you give?
Between three and twelve. Fewer feels thin, more feels like homework for both of you.
From How to make a DIY gift voucher
What if they never redeem it?
Book it yourself. Message them a date, say the voucher is being cashed in, and turn up.
From How to make a DIY gift voucher
What is a time coupon?
A written promise of a specific job, favour or block of your time that the other person can cash in when they choose.
From Time coupon ideas
Are time coupons a real gift?
They are, when they are specific and honoured quickly. The gift is the hour off, not the paper.
From Time coupon ideas
How do you stop them being forgotten?
Give a small set, put an expiry on them, and offer a date yourself if none has been claimed by halfway.
From Time coupon ideas
How do you tell family you cannot afford presents?
Say it early, say it plainly and propose an alternative in the same message. Most people are relieved someone raised it.
From Gift ideas when money is tight
Is it rude to give a homemade gift?
No. Effort reads as care, and a labelled, finished homemade gift beats a rushed shop-bought one.
From Gift ideas when money is tight
What if others still spend a lot on you?
Thank them properly and do not apologise for your budget. Matching spend you cannot afford helps nobody.
From Gift ideas when money is tight
What is the easiest free thing to do today?
Send one specific compliment to someone who will not expect it. It takes a minute and it is remembered for years.
From Free ways to make someone feel good
Do small gestures really help?
They do when they are specific and unprompted. Being noticed on an ordinary day carries more weight than a birthday message.
From Free ways to make someone feel good
How often should you do this?
Pick one person a week. It is more sustainable than a burst of goodwill in December.
From Free ways to make someone feel good
Gift wrapping and presentation
Browse all gift wrapping and presentation guides
Can you wrap a present with no tape at all?
Yes. The Japanese diagonal fold, fabric wrapping and folded paper envelopes all hold with creases and knots alone.
From How to wrap a present without tape
What can you use instead of Sellotape?
String, ribbon, paper bands, stickers, washi tape, wax seals or a knot in the paper itself.
From How to wrap a present without tape
Does tape-free wrapping recycle better?
Plain paper with no plastic tape or glitter goes in kerbside recycling in most UK councils. Do the scrunch test - if it stays scrunched, it is recyclable.
From How to wrap a present without tape
What can I use instead of a gift bag?
A tin, jar, shoe box, basket, tea towel, pillowcase or tote - anything reusable that suits the size of the gift.
Are gift bags recyclable?
Paper bags without laminate or glitter usually are, once the rope handles and plastic eyelets are removed. Reusing one is better still.
How do you make a plain box look like a present?
Tissue paper inside, one band of contrasting paper outside, string round it and a handwritten tag.
How do you wrap a bottle without a bottle bag?
Roll it in paper leaving overhang at both ends, fold the base flat and tie the top at the neck - or knot a scarf round it.
From How to wrap awkward shapes
How do you wrap something round?
Sit it on a circle of paper, gather the edges evenly into pleats and tie at the top.
From How to wrap awkward shapes
What is the easiest fix for an awkward shape?
Put it in a box. A shoe box and some tissue turn any shape into a neat rectangle.
From How to wrap awkward shapes
What should you put in a hamper?
One hero item, three or four things that match its theme, something edible and one personal extra.
How do you make a hamper look full?
Raise the back with a box, line it generously, face labels forward and pack the gaps with shredded paper.
How much should a homemade hamper cost?
Anywhere from £15 upward. Spend most of it on the one hero item rather than spreading it evenly.
Why does my bow always sit wonky?
Usually a twisted base or a loose first knot. Flatten the ribbon at the knot and pull it tight before making the loops.
How much ribbon do you need for a bow?
Around the parcel twice, plus 30cm for the bow itself. Cut long and trim afterwards.
Can you make a bow without ribbon?
Yes - strips of leftover wrapping paper looped and stapled make a rosette that looks better than cheap ribbon.
Is wrapping paper recyclable in the UK?
Plain paper usually is; glittery, foiled and laminated paper is not. Use the scrunch test and check your council's list, as rules vary.
From Eco friendly gift wrapping
Can you recycle wrapping paper with tape on?
Remove plastic tape first. Small amounts are often tolerated, but tape-free or paper tape is cleaner.
From Eco friendly gift wrapping
What is the most eco friendly way to wrap a gift?
Fabric you reuse every year, or plain paper tied with string and no tape at all.
From Eco friendly gift wrapping
Can you post a wrapped present?
Wrap the gift, then put it inside a padded box. Wrapping paper as the outer layer will not survive the sorting office.
From How to post a gift safely
What can you not post in the UK?
Aerosols, perfume, nail varnish, lithium batteries and some alcohol are restricted. Check your carrier's prohibited list before sending.
From How to post a gift safely
When should you post Christmas gifts?
Second class in the first week of December and first class around the 18th, but always check the carrier's published last posting dates that year.
From How to post a gift safely
How do you make a cheap gift look expensive?
Box it, line it with tissue, wrap in plain paper, tie with string and write a proper tag. Restraint reads as expensive.
From Gift presentation ideas on a budget
What is the cheapest way to wrap gifts?
One roll of brown paper and a ball of string covers every occasion for a fraction of the cost of themed paper.
From Gift presentation ideas on a budget
Does presentation actually matter?
It is the first thing they see and the part that signals effort, which is what people remember rather than the price.
From Gift presentation ideas on a budget
Pets
Do dogs enjoy birthday parties?
Sociable dogs enjoy a short one with familiar dogs and plenty of space. Nervous dogs do better with a walk somewhere new and a special dinner.
Can dogs have birthday cake?
Only a pet-safe one. Human cake often contains chocolate, raisins or xylitol, all of which are toxic to dogs.
Are balloons safe around dogs?
No. The bang can be frightening and burst latex is a choking and blockage risk. Use bunting instead.
Do cats know it is their birthday?
No, but they notice extra attention, better food and a change in the environment - which is the whole point.
From Cat birthday ideas
What can cats eat as a birthday treat?
Small amounts of plain cooked chicken, turkey or white fish, or their usual wet food on a lick mat.
From Cat birthday ideas
How do you celebrate a cat's birthday if you do not know the date?
Use the day you adopted them instead and call it their gotcha day - most rescue cats have one of those rather than a birthday.
From Cat birthday ideas
What do you write in a pet birthday card?
Something funny about the animal's habits, or a warm line about what they mean to the owner - plus one specific detail only you would know.
Is it odd to send a card for someone's pet?
Not to anyone who loves their pet. It usually gets photographed and put on the shelf.
What do you write for a pet's first birthday?
Mark how much they have grown and one thing they have destroyed. First-year cards are almost always funny ones.
What is gotcha day?
The anniversary of the day a pet was adopted and came home. It is used instead of a birthday for rescue animals with unknown ages.
From Gotcha day ideas
How do you celebrate gotcha day?
A favourite walk, a special dinner, the annual photo, and often a donation to the rescue that rehomed them.
From Gotcha day ideas
Should you send a gotcha day card?
Adopters usually treat the date as a real anniversary, so yes - it tends to mean more than a birthday card.
From Gotcha day ideas
Are balloons safe around pets?
No. The bang frightens most animals and burst pieces are a choking and blockage risk for dogs and cats alike.
What party food is dangerous for dogs?
Chocolate, grapes and raisins, onion and garlic, macadamia nuts, cooked bones, alcohol and anything containing xylitol.
Should you shut a dog away during a party?
Give them a quiet room they can choose to stay in, with water and their bed. Forced socialising makes nervous dogs worse.
Can dogs eat birthday cake?
Not human cake. Make a pet-safe version from banana, carrot, oats and xylitol-free peanut butter instead.
From Pet safe birthday cake and treats
Is peanut butter safe for dogs?
Only if it contains no xylitol. Check the label every time, as some brands changed recipes.
From Pet safe birthday cake and treats
How much cake can a dog have?
A small slice, counted as part of the day's food. Treats should stay under about a tenth of daily intake.
From Pet safe birthday cake and treats
What do you buy someone who has just got a dog?
Practical things they will not have thought of: drying towels, an airtight food tub, enzyme cleaner and a puzzle feeder.
From New pet gift ideas
Should you buy toys for a new pet?
Sturdy, one-piece toys are fine. Avoid anything with small parts, and check with the owner for puppies and kittens.
From New pet gift ideas
Is a vet voucher a good gift?
It is one of the most useful, particularly in the first year when vaccinations and neutering come round.
From New pet gift ideas
What is a good pet loss keepsake?
A paw print, a fur locket, a framed everyday photo or a planted tree. Simple and personal beats elaborate.
Can you still get a paw print after a pet has died?
Often yes - vets and crematoriums can usually take one, so it is worth asking even a little while afterwards.
What do you say when someone's pet dies?
Use the pet's name, share one specific memory, and do not suggest getting another. A card a week or two later means a lot.
Kids and school
Browse all kids and school guides
What is a good end of year gift for a teacher?
A voucher, good stationery, books for the classroom or something consumable - alongside a card with a specific note from the child.
From Teacher end of year gifts
How much should you spend on a teacher gift in the UK?
£5 to £15 individually, or £3 to £5 per family into a class collection. Check the school's gift policy for a cap.
From Teacher end of year gifts
Do teachers prefer cards or gifts?
Cards, consistently - particularly ones where the child has written something themselves.
From Teacher end of year gifts
What do you write in a teacher's card at the end of the year?
Name one specific thing that changed for your child this year, then thank the teacher for it. Specific always beats general.
From What to write in a teacher end of year card
Should the child write the card?
Yes, even a line in their own handwriting. Teachers keep those far longer than parent messages.
From What to write in a teacher end of year card
What do you write for a teacher who is leaving?
Acknowledge the length of their service and the difference they made, and wish them well without making it heavy.
From What to write in a teacher end of year card
How much should each family give for a class teacher gift?
£3 to £5 is the usual suggestion in UK primary schools, with contributing made explicitly optional.
From End of term class gift ideas
What is a good group gift for a teacher?
A single larger voucher, a class hamper, or books for the reading corner with a dedication plate.
From End of term class gift ideas
How do you organise a class collection politely?
Post once with a payment link and a low suggested amount, send one reminder, and never name who has paid.
From End of term class gift ideas
What games work for a class party?
Table-team quizzes, charades, heads down thumbs up, musical statues and a taped-up treasure hunt all scale to thirty children.
From Class party ideas
What food should you take to a class party?
Individually wrapped items, checked against the class allergy list and the school's nut policy, with nothing that needs heating.
From Class party ideas
How long should a class party be?
Around 70 minutes, split into a settling activity, three short games, food and a calm finish.
From Class party ideas
What games can you play at a sleepover?
Sock wrestling and balloon games early, charades and would-you-rather in the middle, torch games after dark and sleeping lions to wind down.
From Sleepover games
How do you get kids to sleep at a sleepover?
Move the games from loud to quiet across the evening, finish with something lying down in the dark, and set a lights-off time out loud.
From Sleepover games
What can you do at a sleepover without screens?
Charades, consequences drawings, torch tag, blindfold taste tests and shadow puppets all work with nothing but paper and a torch.
From Sleepover games
How many kids should you invite to a sleepover?
Three to five is manageable for one adult. More than that needs a second pair of hands.
What age is right for a first sleepover?
Commonly around seven or eight, but it depends entirely on the child. A sleepunder with a 9pm pickup is a good halfway step.
What should you ask other parents before a sleepover?
Allergies, medication, night-time worries or bedwetting, a mobile number that will be answered overnight, and confirm the pickup time.
What can a child buy for £5?
A card, stationery, stickers, a chocolate bar, a keyring or a small plant - and the wrapping matters more than the item.
What can kids give as a gift with no money?
A letter, a drawing, a jar of notes or a coupon book of jobs and favours with real dates written on them.
Should children buy gifts with their own money?
It is a useful habit, as long as the adult sets the budget and does not quietly top it up at the checkout.
How many stickers should a reward chart have?
Five to ten for under-fives and ten to twenty for school age. Any further away and the reward stops motivating.
From Sticker reward chart ideas
Should you take stickers away for bad behaviour?
No. Removing earned stickers turns the chart into a punishment system and it stops working almost immediately.
From Sticker reward chart ideas
What age do sticker charts work for?
Roughly two to eight. Older children usually respond better to a points total or a simple agreement.
From Sticker reward chart ideas
How much to spend
Browse all how much to spend guides
How much should you give for a wedding gift in the UK in 2026?
Most guests give £50 to £100 per person. Colleagues and distant friends sit nearer £30 to £50, close family nearer £100 to £150.
From How much to give as a wedding gift
Is £50 enough for a wedding gift?
Yes. £50 is squarely within the normal UK range for a friend, and with a handwritten card it is a generous gift.
From How much to give as a wedding gift
Do evening guests have to give a gift?
It is optional and usually smaller - £20 to £40, or something from the list. A card on its own is perfectly acceptable.
From How much to give as a wedding gift
How much should a guest spend on a christening gift?
£15 to £30 is the normal range for a friend or colleague, and £30 to £50 for close family.
From How much to spend on a christening gift
Is money an acceptable christening gift?
Yes. £20 to £50 in a keepsake card is common, and Premium Bonds from £25 are the traditional version.
From How much to spend on a christening gift
How much do godparents spend?
Usually £50 to £100, often on something dated that the child keeps. There is no rule and no expectation to outspend anyone.
From How much to spend on a christening gift
What is a normal Secret Santa limit in the UK?
£10 is the most common office limit. £5 works for large teams and £15 to £20 for small groups or friends.
From Secret Santa spending limits
Should the Secret Santa limit be a maximum or a target?
Say which one you mean when you announce it. 'No more than £10' avoids the arms race; 'around £10' gives people room.
From Secret Santa spending limits
Is it rude to spend less than the limit?
No. The limit is a ceiling. A thoughtful £6 gift lands better than a rushed £10 one.
From Secret Santa spending limits
Can teachers accept cash?
Almost never. Most UK schools prohibit cash gifts outright, though vouchers within the school's declared limit are usually allowed.
Do you have to give teaching assistants a gift too?
If you are giving to the teacher, include the TA. Being left out is the thing support staff mention most.
How much should you spend on a child's birthday party gift?
£10 to £15 is the standard UK amount for a classmate's party, and most parents set the same figure for every party that year.
From How much to spend on a birthday gift
How much should you spend on a milestone birthday?
£50 to £100 from close family for an 18th or 21st, and a group gift for later milestones where one good thing beats several small ones.
From How much to spend on a birthday gift
Is it rude to give cash for a birthday?
Not for children, teenagers or close family. For friends and colleagues a voucher usually reads better than notes.
From How much to spend on a birthday gift
How much should you spend on a new baby gift in the UK?
£20 to £40 for a friend, £10 to £20 for a colleague and £50 to £100 for close family are the usual 2026 ranges.
From How much to spend on a new baby gift
How much should a work collection be for a new baby?
£5 per person is standard, which usually buys one good gift rather than a pile of small ones.
From How much to spend on a new baby gift
Do you give a gift at the baby shower and after the birth?
Only if you want to. Most people give once - a smaller gift at the shower or a larger one after the birth.
From How much to spend on a new baby gift
How much should you donate in lieu of flowers?
£10 to £20 for a colleague, £20 to £30 for a friend and £30 to £50 for close friends or family are typical UK amounts.
From How much to give for a funeral collection or flowers
Is it rude to give a small amount to a funeral collection?
No. Donation pages show the family a total, not a league table, and your presence matters more than the figure.
From How much to give for a funeral collection or flowers
Should you send flowers or donate?
Follow the notice. If it says family flowers only, donate to the named charity instead and send a card to the house.
From How much to give for a funeral collection or flowers
How much should you give for a work leaving collection?
£5 to £10 is standard for a colleague on your team, £2 to £5 if you rarely worked together and £10 to £20 for someone you worked closely with or who is retiring.
From How much to spend on a leaving gift
Is it OK not to contribute to a leaving collection?
Yes. Sign the card and leave it there - a decent organiser makes opting out easy and nobody should be tracking who paid.
From How much to spend on a leaving gift
How much should a manager spend on a leaving gift?
Most managers top up the collection rather than buying separately, and cover the card and the send-off themselves.
From How much to spend on a leaving gift
Do you have to give an engagement gift?
No. In the UK a card is perfectly normal, and most guests save the gift for the wedding itself.
From How much to spend on an engagement gift
How much should an engagement gift cost?
£20 to £30 from a friend and £50 to £75 from close family are typical, and both should sit below your wedding gift.
From How much to spend on an engagement gift
What if you are also going to the hen or stag do?
Count that as part of the total. Between the do, the engagement and the wedding, nobody expects three full gifts.
From How much to spend on an engagement gift
Jokes and humour
Browse all jokes and humour guides
What is the best knock knock joke?
The interrupting cow is still the highest-scoring one with children, because the punchline arrives before they've finished asking.
Are knock knock jokes suitable for children?
Yes - every joke on this page is clean and safe for primary-age children, cards and cracker readings.
How do you write a knock knock joke in a card?
Setup on the front page, punchline inside. Four lines maximum, then sign and date it underneath.
What makes a dad joke a dad joke?
A pun delivered with total confidence and zero shame. The groan is the intended reaction, not a failure.
From Top 50 dad jokes
Are these dad jokes clean?
Yes, every joke here is family-safe and fine for a card, a speech or a school assembly.
From Top 50 dad jokes
What's a good dad joke for a Father's Day card?
Something self-aware: thank him for teaching you every bad joke you know, then prove it with one.
From Top 50 dad jokes
What is a good one-liner for a birthday card?
"You're not getting older, you're getting harder to insure" works for almost any adult birthday and doesn't need a set-up.
How do you use a one-liner in a speech?
Open with one, aim it at yourself, then pause. Land it and you've earned the room's attention for the sincere part.
Are one-liners better than long jokes in a card?
Yes - a card gives you about two lines before the handwriting gets small. One-liners fit and still leave room for a real message.
What is a good joke for a child to tell?
Short animal jokes work best - "what do you call a pig that does karate? A pork chop" is two lines and impossible to forget.
Are these jokes suitable for school?
Yes. Every joke on this page is clean, non-personal and fine for assemblies, lunchboxes and classroom joke books.
What age are these jokes for?
Roughly five to eleven. The riddles suit the older end; the animal and silly jokes work from reception up.
What's a safe joke for a work card?
Aim at the situation, never the person - meetings, emails and the broken printer are fair game; someone's habits are not.
From Top 40 office jokes
What do you write in a leaving card?
One joke about the office, one honest line about working with them, then your name. That combination is what people keep.
From Top 40 office jokes
Are these jokes suitable for a work quiz or speech?
Yes - all forty are clean, non-personal and fine to read aloud at a leaving do or team event.
From Top 40 office jokes
What is the best Christmas cracker joke?
"What do you call a boomerang that doesn't come back? A stick" is the format at its purest, but "low elf esteem" gets the biggest groan at a table.
From Top 50 Christmas cracker jokes
Can you make your own cracker jokes?
Yes - print them on strips, fold them small and slot them in with the hat and the gift. Homemade crackers cost a fraction of shop ones.
From Top 50 Christmas cracker jokes
Are cracker jokes meant to be bad?
Entirely. The groan is the point; a genuinely funny cracker joke breaks the tradition.
From Top 50 Christmas cracker jokes
What are some funny 60th birthday one-liners?
Short lines that tease the age without being unkind work best: "Sixty isn't old, it's twenty-one with forty years of experience and a bad back" or "Old enough to know better, young enough to do it anyway."
From 60th birthday jokes and one-liners
Are ageing jokes rude in a 60th birthday card?
Not if you follow them with something warm. One joke then a genuine line reads as affectionate. Several jokes in a row reads as a roast, which suits a speech more than a card.
From 60th birthday jokes and one-liners
What's a good funny 60th birthday toast?
Open with a shared joke everyone in the room recognises, keep it under 30 seconds, and finish sincerely: "To 60 years of good advice, most of it unasked for and all of it, annoyingly, correct."
From 60th birthday jokes and one-liners
What is a good short poem for a 60th birthday card?
Four lines is plenty. "Sixty years, and every one has made this family what it's become" works on its own, or add a second couplet naming something they did.
From 60th birthday poems and verses
Should a 60th birthday verse rhyme?
It helps, because rhyme makes a short verse feel finished. If a rhyme forces an awkward line, drop it and write two honest sentences instead.
From 60th birthday poems and verses
How do you write your own 60th birthday poem?
Start with one true detail — a job, a habit, a place — write two lines about it, then two lines wishing them well. Read it aloud; if it trips, shorten it.
From 60th birthday poems and verses
What do you say for a 65th birthday?
Mark it as a milestone rather than a countdown to old age. "Sixty-five years of being someone people can count on" works, then add one line about them.
From 65th birthday sayings and quotes
Should a 65th birthday card mention retirement?
Only if you know the date. Plenty of people work past 65 now, so unless it's confirmed, stick to the birthday and let them raise the rest.
From 65th birthday sayings and quotes
What's a good short 65th birthday saying?
"Sixty-five: old enough for the bus pass, young enough to run for it" if they like a joke, or simply "Here's to you at 65" if they don't.
From 65th birthday sayings and quotes
What are good funny 70th birthday jokes for a card?
Gentle ones about habits rather than health: "Seventy years old and still the fastest to the biscuit tin" or "Seven decades and you still can't be told."
From 70th birthday jokes, poems and verses
What is a good 70th birthday verse?
Four lines that name something true about them, then wish them well. "Seventy years of turning up, of making tea, of filling cups" is a good opening if they're the family's organiser.
From 70th birthday jokes, poems and verses
How long should a 70th birthday speech be?
Two to three minutes. One story everyone recognises, one joke, one sincere sentence, then the toast.
From 70th birthday jokes, poems and verses
What do you write in a 75th birthday card?
Treat it as three-quarters of a century rather than a step towards 80. Name something they've built or someone they've looked after, then wish them a good year.
From 75th birthday sayings and verses
What are good short 75th birthday sayings?
"Three quarters of a century, well spent" or "Seventy-five years. What a run." Both leave room for a personal line underneath.
From 75th birthday sayings and verses
Is it rude to joke about age at 75?
Only if the joke is about frailty. Jokes about habits, opinions and shortcuts are safe; jokes about health rarely land at this milestone.
From 75th birthday sayings and verses
What do you write in an 80th birthday card?
Mark the eight decades, then say what they've meant to the family. One gentle joke about a habit is welcome; jokes about frailty aren't.
From 80th birthday jokes, quotes and verses
What is a good 80th birthday toast?
Short and about the room: "Please raise a glass to the reason every one of us is in this room today." Say it, drink, sit down.
From 80th birthday jokes, quotes and verses
What are good 80th birthday greetings for a woman?
Name what she's actually done rather than her age: "Happy 80th to the woman who's fed, minded and told off three generations of us."
From 80th birthday jokes, quotes and verses
Puns and wordplay
Browse all puns and wordplay guides
What is a good birthday pun for a card?
'Aged to perfection' works for anyone over thirty. Put the pun on the front line and something sincere underneath so it does not read as a joke shop card.
From Birthday puns
Can I use these puns on a cake?
Yes - the short ones in the badge section fit a topper or an iced message without running off the edge.
From Birthday puns
What are the best short Christmas puns?
'Sleigh queen', 'fleece Navidad' and 'snow place like home' are the three that work on a card, a tag and a caption without any setup.
From Christmas puns
Are puns too silly for a Christmas card?
Not for friends, colleagues or anyone under sixty. For a sympathetic or first Christmas card, skip the pun entirely.
From Christmas puns
What is the best food pun for a card?
'You're one in a melon' is the safest all-rounder - it works for birthdays, thank yous and anniversaries alike.
From Food puns
Do food puns work for a cake topper?
The short ones do. 'Bake my day' and 'piece of cake' fit a topper; anything over five words will not.
From Food puns
What is a good dog pun for a birthday card?
'Pawty like it's your birthday' does the work on its own. Add the dog's name underneath and it becomes a card they keep.
From Dog puns
Can I use dog puns in a sympathy card for a pet?
No. When a dog has died, skip the wordplay entirely and write about the dog by name.
From Dog puns
What is the best cat pun for a card?
'You have got to be kitten me' for a funny card, 'purr-fect in every way' for a warmer one. Both land without any setup.
From Cat puns
Are cat puns suitable for a work card?
Only if the colleague is a known cat person. Otherwise use a food pun - safer and just as easy.
From Cat puns
How long should a card caption be?
Four to six words. Any longer and it stops being a caption and starts competing with your handwritten message.
From Pun card captions
Can the same caption work for different occasions?
Some do - 'absolute legend' and 'you nailed it' cover birthdays, thank yous and congratulations equally well.
From Pun card captions
How do I make a pun out of someone's name?
Look for a real word inside the name, a word that rhymes with it, or the literal meaning of the surname. One of those three works for almost every name.
From Name puns
Are name puns rude?
Only if the joke is about the person rather than the word. Keep the pun on the name itself and it reads as affectionate.
From Name puns
What if the name has no obvious pun?
Rhyme it instead. 'Kate is great', 'Dan has a plan' - a rhyme does the same job when the name will not split.
From Name puns
Rhymes, poems and quotes
Browse all rhymes, poems and quotes guides
What is a good funny birthday rhyme?
Four lines, rhyming the second and fourth, with one true detail about them and one kind line at the end. "The candles cost more than the cake" is the safest opener for any adult birthday.
How long should a rhyme in a card be?
Four lines. Any longer and you run out of card, and the joke thins out as the handwriting shrinks.
Can I use these rhymes in a speech?
Yes - the milestone ones read well aloud. Pause at the end of line two, then deliver the last line slower.
What is the structure of a limerick?
Five lines with an AABBA rhyme: lines one, two and five are long and rhyme; lines three and four are short and rhyme with each other.
From Funny limericks
Are limericks always rude?
No. The form got its reputation from music halls, but every limerick on this page is clean and fine to read aloud at a family table.
From Funny limericks
How do I write a limerick about someone?
Put their name at the end of line one, pick one true habit for lines two to four, and land the twist in line five.
From Funny limericks
What age are these rhymes for?
Roughly four to eleven. The animal and food rhymes work from reception; the tongue twisters suit ages seven and up.
Are these rhymes suitable for school assemblies?
Yes - all thirty-five are clean, non-personal and short enough to memorise in an afternoon.
How do you help a child memorise a rhyme?
Read it three times with a clap on the rhyming word. The clap does more for recall than repetition alone.
What should I write in a card if I'm not funny?
Use a four-line verse from this page and change one detail to something only they'd recognise. The specific detail does the work, not the joke.
From Short funny poems for cards
How long should a card poem be?
Four lines. It fits any standard card, leaves room for a signature, and stays readable in handwriting.
From Short funny poems for cards
Is it fine to copy a card verse?
Completely. Everyone does. Change one noun and add a sincere last line and it reads as yours.
From Short funny poems for cards
What can I write in a Christmas card that isn't boring?
A four-line rhyme about one true Christmas thing - the sprouts, the tree, the tin of biscuits - then one warm line to finish.
Can I use these rhymes in homemade crackers?
Yes. Print them on narrow strips, fold them small, and slot them in with the hat. The cracker-style section is written for exactly that.
Are these Christmas rhymes family-friendly?
All thirty are clean and safe to read aloud at the table, in a school assembly or in a card sent to anyone.
What can I write in a leaving card that isn't 'good luck'?
A two-line rhyme plus one specific thank you. Naming the thing they actually did is what makes a leaving card worth keeping.
From Funny leaving rhymes
Is it safe to be funny in a work leaving card?
Yes, if you aim at the job rather than the person - meetings, the printer, the biscuit budget. Never performance, pay or personal habits.
From Funny leaving rhymes
How long should a leaving card message be?
Two to four lines. Forty colleagues are signing the same card, so brevity is a kindness.
From Funny leaving rhymes
Do I need to credit a quote in a card?
Only if it is famous and you are quoting it word for word. A short attribution under the line looks deliberate rather than borrowed.
From Funny quotes
How long should a quote in a card be?
Two lines maximum. The quote is the opener, not the message - leave two thirds of the page for your own words.
From Funny quotes
What is a good short birthday quote?
'Older, wiser, still trouble' works for almost anyone. Short quotes are best when the card has a design that already says happy birthday.
From Birthday quotes
How do I use a quote in a birthday speech?
Open with the quote, then contradict it with a real story about them. It gets a laugh and buys you thirty seconds to settle your nerves.
From Birthday quotes
What do you write in a card for a friend for no reason?
One quote and one specific memory. 'Thinking of you' is fine, but naming the thing you were thinking about is what people keep.
From Friendship quotes
Are friendship quotes too cheesy for a card?
Only if you stop at the quote. Add a line about something that actually happened and the whole card reads as sincere.
From Friendship quotes
What do you write in a retirement card from the whole team?
A quote at the top, then leave space. A card with thirty short personal lines beats one long paragraph from the manager.
From Retirement quotes
Should a retirement card be funny or sincere?
Both. Open funny, finish sincere - the last line is the one they remember reading at home.
From Retirement quotes
What do you write in a get well card for a serious illness?
Avoid 'get well soon'. Say you are thinking of them, offer one specific practical thing, and make clear no reply is needed.
From Get well soon quotes
Is it better to send a card or a text?
Both, but a card sits on a windowsill for weeks. During a long recovery that visible reminder does more than a message thread.
From Get well soon quotes
What is a good motivational quote for a card?
'Start where you are, use what you have' works for almost any new beginning. Pair it with one line about why you believe they will manage it.
From Motivational quotes
Do motivational quotes actually help?
A quote alone rarely does. A quote from someone who then offers a specific bit of help usually does.
From Motivational quotes
Riddles and quizzes
Browse all riddles and quizzes guides
What age are riddles good for?
The easy set works from around five or six. Medium riddles suit eight and up, and the hard ones are aimed at adults - they are the ones worth saving for a quiz night.
From Riddles with answers
Can I use these in a quiz?
Yes. Pick ten, read them out twice, and give teams thirty seconds each. A riddle round of ten works well as the fourth round of a pub quiz when concentration is dipping.
From Riddles with answers
What is the difference between a riddle and a lateral thinking puzzle?
A riddle has one right answer hidden in the wording. A lateral thinking puzzle needs questions asked back before the answer makes sense - like the photographer one in the hard set.
From Riddles with answers
Are these riddles suitable for school?
Yes - they are clean and work well as a morning starter or an end of day filler. The ages 7 to 9 set is the usual sweet spot for a whole class.
From Riddles for kids
How do I use riddles on a long car journey?
Give each passenger three riddles to ask. Turn taking stops one child dominating and gets you roughly twenty minutes per round of the M6.
From Riddles for kids
How do I run a riddle round at a quiz?
Ten riddles, read twice, thirty seconds each, one point per correct answer and a bonus point for the group that gets the lateral thinking one without hints.
From Hard riddles with answers
What makes a riddle hard rather than unfair?
A fair hard riddle has all the information in the wording. If solving it needs a fact nobody has, it is trivia, not a riddle.
From Hard riddles with answers
Can I write a riddle inside a card?
Yes, and it lands best on the left page with the answer underneath your name. Keep it to one line so there is still room for a proper message.
From Funny riddles with answers
Are these riddles child friendly?
All fifty are clean and safe for a classroom, a cracker or a lunchbox note.
From Funny riddles with answers
How many questions do you need for a quiz night?
Six rounds of ten is about ninety minutes with marking and a break. Any longer and the last round is played by four people and a dog.
From Quiz questions and answers
How should teams be marked?
Swap papers between teams at the end of each round and read the answers out. It halves the quizmaster's work and doubles the arguing, which is the point.
From Quiz questions and answers
How do you break a tie?
Use a closest-guess question like the ones in round ten - nobody can dispute a number.
From Quiz questions and answers
How many rounds should a pub quiz have?
Six is the standard: two general knowledge, one music, one picture or paper round, one themed and one tiebreak-friendly numbers round.
From Pub quiz round ideas
How long does a pub quiz take?
Around ninety minutes for six rounds of ten with a halfway break. Allow ten minutes for marking and reading scores.
From Pub quiz round ideas
What makes a good quiz round?
One everyone can start. If the first two questions are gettable, teams stay engaged even when questions eight to ten are brutal.
From Pub quiz round ideas
Games and activities
Browse all games and activities guides
What are the best car games for young children?
I Spy, Yellow Car and colour counting work from about four upwards because they need no memory or reading. Save alphabet and memory games for seven plus.
From Car journey games
How do you play Pub Cricket?
Each pub sign you pass scores runs for the number of legs in its name - The Red Lion scores four. A sign with no legs, like The Crown, is a wicket.
From Car journey games
How do you entertain a child in a waiting room?
Short, quiet, no-equipment games work best - silent I Spy, copy-me hand games, noughts and crosses on a receipt. Save any screen for the last stretch.
From Waiting room games
What can you do during a stressful hospital wait?
Grounding exercises like naming five things you can see help more than games. Planning something mundane together - a meal, a trip - is a good middle ground.
From Waiting room games
What games can you play in a pub with no equipment?
Word games like Categories and the Name Game, guessing games like Who Am I on a beer mat, and beer mat flipping all need nothing you cannot find on the table.
What is the beer mat flip game?
Balance a beer mat on the table edge, flick it upwards and catch it in the same hand. Add another mat each successful round.
How long should a children's party game last?
Around five minutes at ages three to four, ten at five to six, and twelve to fifteen from seven upwards. Stop while they still want more.
What party games work for four year olds?
Non-elimination games only - pass the parcel with a prize in every layer, musical statues, bubbles and sleeping lions.
What games are good for someone with dementia?
Non-competitive, no-timer activities - music from their youth, photo sorting, dominoes, simple card games. The aim is company, not testing recall.
From Games for older relatives
What card games are easiest for older people?
Rummy, whist and newmarket are widely known across generations. Large-print cards make all of them far easier.
From Games for older relatives
What is the best board game for mixed ages?
Articulate, Codenames in teams and Dobble all work across a wide age range because they need no reading-heavy strategy and pair well in teams.
From Best board games for families
Why does Monopoly take so long?
Usually because of house rules - money on Free Parking and not auctioning unbought properties both stretch the game considerably. The official rules are much faster.
From Best board games for families
What are the charades hand signals?
Cranking a camera for film, a rectangle for TV, open palms for a book, mimed singing for a song. Fingers show word and syllable counts, and tugging an earlobe means sounds like.
From Charades word lists
How long should a charades turn be?
Two minutes is standard. Ninety seconds keeps a big group moving.
From Charades word lists
What are good hard Pictionary words?
Abstract concepts work best - gravity, jealousy, deadline, nostalgia, inflation. They force the artist into storytelling rather than object drawing.
How long is a Pictionary turn?
One minute is standard, timed by the opposing team. Ninety seconds is kinder with harder words.
What are the best traditional party games?
Pass the parcel and musical statues for under-eights, charades and Who Am I? for family gatherings, and the hat game for adults.
From Old fashioned party games
What party games need no equipment?
Sleeping lions, Simon says, twenty questions, wink murder and the name game all need nothing but people and a room.
From Old fashioned party games
How many games should a children's party have?
Four to six for a two-hour party, with food in the middle. Any more and the energy collapses before the cake.
From Old fashioned party games
What are the rules of British Bulldog?
One player in the middle, everyone else runs from one end to the other. Anyone caught joins the middle. The last one uncaught wins and goes first next round.
From Playground games we all played
What is kerby?
Two players stand at opposite kerbs and throw a ball at the far kerb. A clean hit that bounces back to you scores; miss and it's the other player's turn.
From Playground games we all played
Why were playground games like British Bulldog banned?
Injury rates in the 1980s and 90s. Most schools replaced them with tamer chasing games, though the rules survived in playgrounds anyway.
From Playground games we all played
What is the most popular British pub game?
Darts, followed by pool and dominoes. Cribbage is still the most widely played pub card game in the UK.
From Classic British pub games
How do you play shove ha'penny?
Slide five coins up a board marked with nine beds, aiming to land three coins in each bed. Coins that land on lines don't count.
From Classic British pub games
What's the right format for a pub quiz?
Six rounds of ten questions, including a picture round and a music round, with a joker round that doubles your score.
From Classic British pub games
What card games can you play with one deck?
Almost all of them - Rummy, Cheat, Sevens, Whist, Pontoon, Hearts and Newmarket all need only a standard 52-card deck.
From Classic family card games
What's a good card game for young children?
Snap and Pairs from four years old, Go Fish from five. All three teach matching and turn-taking without needing to read.
From Classic family card games
What is the best family card game?
Cheat. It works from age seven to eighty, needs one deck, and the whole family can play at once.
From Classic family card games
What can families do indoors on a rainy day?
Den building, an indoor obstacle course, baking flapjack, card games and a home cinema afternoon cover most ages using things already in the house.
From Rainy day activities for families
What rainy day activities need no equipment?
The floor is lava, hide and seek with torches, musical statues, twenty questions and a family quiz all need nothing at all.
From Rainy day activities for families
How do you keep children busy all day indoors?
Plan one activity per two hours, alternate high-energy with quiet, and build tidying into the last five minutes of each.
From Rainy day activities for families
What are good garden games for a birthday party?
Rounders, an egg and spoon race, water balloon toss and a five-event garden Olympics cover children and adults at the same party.
What garden games work for mixed ages?
Boules, giant Jenga, welly wanging and the water balloon toss all work from about six years old to eighty.
How long should garden games last at a party?
About an hour in total - five events of ten minutes with breaks. Any longer and people drift towards the food.
What do people remember most about growing up in the 90s?
Taping the charts off the radio, dial-up internet, Woolworths pick and mix and playing out until the streetlights came on come up more than anything else.
From Growing up in the 80s and 90s
How do you use nostalgia at a 40th or 50th birthday?
Build a quiz round around the year they turned ten, print childhood photos, and play the number ones from the year they were fifteen.
From Growing up in the 80s and 90s
What makes a nostalgic birthday card message work?
One specific shared memory beats a general one - the ice cream van, the school disco, the game cartridge you both blew into.
From Growing up in the 80s and 90s
How many questions should a quiz round have?
Ten. Six rounds of ten runs about ninety minutes with a break, which is the right length for a party quiz.
What makes a good nostalgia quiz round?
Questions everyone can half-answer. The fun is the shouting and the arguing, so aim for recognisable rather than obscure.
What are good prizes for a party quiz?
Small and daft - a pin badge, a bag of retro sweets, a bar of chocolate. Big prizes make people competitive in the wrong way.
Party planning
Browse all party planning guides
How far in advance should you plan an 18th birthday party?
Three months is comfortable, and it matters most for the venue — function rooms and halls get booked out for Saturdays well ahead, especially between May and September.
From How to plan an 18th birthday party
Can under-18s attend an 18th birthday party with a bar?
Usually yes, if the venue agrees and there is adult supervision, but rules vary by venue and licence. Ask the venue directly and confirm in writing what they will and will not allow.
From How to plan an 18th birthday party
How much does an 18th birthday party cost in the UK?
For around 50 guests, roughly £900 to £2,400 outside London. A hall at £10 to £35 an hour or a free-hire function room with a bar spend, a buffet at £10 to £20 a head, a DJ at £350 to £800 and a cake are the five costs that decide it. London adds 20 to 40% on music and a premium on venue hire.
From How to plan an 18th birthday party
What time should an 18th birthday party start and finish?
7pm to midnight is the standard, with the venue's licence deciding the end. Food at around 9pm keeps everyone going and slows the drinking.
From How to plan an 18th birthday party
How many people should you invite to an 18th?
Ask the venue for its capacity first, then invite to about 80% of it — attendance for an 18th usually runs high and plus-ones appear uninvited.
From How to plan an 18th birthday party
What are good 21st birthday party ideas on a budget?
A house party with a cocktail station, a booked bar area on a minimum spend, or a games night with proper prizes all come in around £150 to £300 for about 20 people.
From 21st birthday party ideas
How much does a 21st birthday party cost in the UK?
A house party runs £150 to £300 for 20 people. A booked bar area is usually free hire against a minimum spend of £250 to £500 outside London, or £1,000 and up in central London, and a restaurant meal is £30 to £50 a head before drinks.
From 21st birthday party ideas
When should you hold a 21st if friends are at university?
Pick a weekend in the holidays or a reading week and set it eight weeks ahead. Term-time weekends split the guest list in half.
From 21st birthday party ideas
Do you need a theme for a 21st birthday party?
No, but a light one — a colour, a decade, a dress code — gives people something to talk about and makes the photos look intentional.
From 21st birthday party ideas
How long should a 21st birthday party last?
Five to six hours is the sweet spot for one venue. If the plan runs longer, split it into two locations with a clear move time.
From 21st birthday party ideas
What are the best 30th birthday party ideas?
The ones that suit a mixed guest list: a pub function room with an early family-friendly stretch and a later drinks session, a garden barbecue that runs all afternoon, or a supper club for a smaller group.
From 30th birthday party ideas
How much does a 30th birthday party cost in the UK?
For 60 guests, roughly £1,200 to £3,000 covers venue, buffet at £10 to £25 a head, a DJ at £350 to £800, decorations and a cake. A free-hire function room on a bar minimum spend is the biggest single saving available; swapping the DJ for a live band adds about £1,100.
From 30th birthday party ideas
How do you plan a 30th when friends have young children?
Split the day: a family-friendly first half from about 3pm with food, then drinks and music from 7pm. Say so on the invitation so nobody has to ask.
From 30th birthday party ideas
How far in advance should you book a 30th birthday party?
Ten weeks for a venue, longer if you want a Saturday between May and September, when function rooms book up first.
From 30th birthday party ideas
Do you need a theme for a 30th?
Not really, but a colour scheme or a birth-year playlist gives the room a look without asking guests to buy costumes.
From 30th birthday party ideas
What are good 40th birthday party ideas?
A black tie evening in a function suite, a garden party with a hog roast, or a wine tasting for a smaller group. Pick the scale first — twenty people sitting down and eighty standing up are different budgets entirely.
From 40th birthday party ideas
How much does a 40th birthday party cost in the UK?
For 80 guests, roughly £2,500 to £6,000, driven mostly by catering: a buffet at £12 a head against a served sit-down meal at £45 a head is a £2,600 difference on its own.
From 40th birthday party ideas
How do you plan a surprise 40th birthday party?
Give one trusted person the job of getting them to the venue, invite guests by group message rather than post, and put a decoy plan in the diary. Most surprises leak in the last fortnight, so keep the guest list off shared calendars.
From 40th birthday party ideas
How far in advance should you book a 40th?
Three months for a venue and caterer, six if you want a Saturday in summer or a popular local venue.
From 40th birthday party ideas
How long should speeches be at a 40th?
Two speakers, five minutes each, before the food rather than after. Anything longer and the room drifts to the bar.
From 40th birthday party ideas
How do you plan a 50th birthday party?
Set the budget and guest list first, book the venue twelve weeks out, then catering and music. Send invitations nine weeks ahead, confirm numbers at two weeks, and plan the running order — food early, speeches short, music after.
From How to plan a 50th birthday party
How much does a 50th birthday party cost in the UK?
For around 70 guests, roughly £2,200 to £5,500. Catering is the swing factor: a buffet at £15 a head against a served sit-down meal at £50 a head changes the total by about £2,450.
From How to plan a 50th birthday party
What is a good venue for a 50th birthday party?
A hotel function suite or a golf or sports club room, because both come with a bar, staff and parking. A village hall is the best value if you are happy to arrange catering and a bar yourself.
From How to plan a 50th birthday party
Should a 50th birthday party be a surprise?
Only if they would genuinely enjoy it. At fifty, most people would rather help choose the guest list — a surprise element within a party they know about tends to work better.
From How to plan a 50th birthday party
What time should a 50th birthday party start?
7pm arrival, food at 8pm, speeches at 9pm and music until midnight is the standard shape, and it keeps older guests through the main part of the evening.
From How to plan a 50th birthday party
How do you plan a 60th birthday party?
Book the venue twelve weeks ahead, checking step-free access and parking, then catering and music. Invitations go out at nine weeks, numbers are confirmed at two, and on the day serve food early, keep speeches short and leave somewhere quiet to sit.
From How to plan a 60th birthday party
How much does a 60th birthday party cost in the UK?
For around 70 guests, roughly £2,000 to £5,000. An afternoon tea at about £24 a head or a buffet keeps it at the lower end; a served sit-down meal at £50 a head with a live band at around £1,100 pushes it to the top.
From How to plan a 60th birthday party
What is the best venue for a 60th birthday party?
A hotel suite or a sports club function room, because both offer parking, a bar and step-free access. Village halls are the best value when the guest list is large and family-heavy.
From How to plan a 60th birthday party
Should a 60th birthday party be a surprise?
Only with a co-conspirator who can get them there and a guest list they would have chosen themselves. Many people would rather know, and a surprise guest or gift within a planned party often works better.
From How to plan a 60th birthday party
What is a good alternative to an evening party for a 60th?
A Sunday lunch or an afternoon tea. Both suit mixed ages, cost less on drinks, and let older guests and young grandchildren attend without a late night.
From How to plan a 60th birthday party
What is the best way to celebrate a 70th birthday?
A daytime celebration — a long family lunch or an afternoon tea — suits most 70ths better than an evening party. It's easier for older guests to travel to, cheaper on drinks, and lets grandchildren attend.
From How to plan a 70th birthday party
How much does a 70th birthday party cost in the UK?
For around 40 guests, roughly £1,200 to £2,800. A restaurant lunch at £35 a head with a cake and flowers sits comfortably in the middle of that range; an afternoon tea at about £24 a head brings it down.
From How to plan a 70th birthday party
What should you check before booking a venue for a 70th?
Step-free access, parking close to the entrance, accessible toilets, seating for every guest and whether the room gets loud when it's full.
From How to plan a 70th birthday party
How far ahead should you plan a 70th birthday party?
Eight weeks is enough for a restaurant or hall booking. Allow longer if relatives are travelling and need accommodation.
From How to plan a 70th birthday party
What do you give someone turning 70?
Something they'll keep rather than something they'll store: a framed print, a photo book of the family, or an experience with the people in it. Pair it with a card everyone at the party signs.
From How to plan a 70th birthday party
How do you plan an 80th birthday party?
Keep it short, seated and in the daytime. Book an accessible venue eight weeks out, confirm the menu including any soft-food needs, post invitations, and plan for two to three hours rather than a full evening.
From How to plan an 80th birthday party
How long should an 80th birthday party last?
Two to three hours. A lunchtime start means guests travel in daylight and nobody flags before the cake.
From How to plan an 80th birthday party
How much does an 80th birthday party cost in the UK?
For around 30 guests, roughly £900 to £2,200 covers a restaurant lunch at £25 to £45 a head, or a hall with a caterer, plus a cake, flowers and decorations.
From How to plan an 80th birthday party
What are good 80th birthday party ideas?
A family lunch with a photo timeline, an afternoon tea, or an open house across an afternoon so guests can come and go rather than sit through the whole event.
From How to plan an 80th birthday party
What should you check with the venue?
Step-free access, parking at the door, accessible toilets, seating for everyone, and whether the room stays quiet enough for conversation when full.
From How to plan an 80th birthday party
How many balloons do you need for a balloon arch?
Around 60 to 70 balloons per metre for a full garland arch — so about 130 for a 2 metre doorway arch and 200 for a 3 metre backdrop. Buy 10% extra to allow for pops.
From How to make a balloon arch
Do balloon arches need helium?
No. Garland arches are air-filled and attached to a decorating strip, which holds the shape far better than helium and lasts two to three days indoors.
From How to make a balloon arch
How long does it take to make a balloon arch?
About 90 minutes for your first 2 metre arch, and closer to an hour once you've done one. Most of the time goes on inflating, so an electric pump is worth the £15.
From How to make a balloon arch
How do you hang a balloon arch without damaging the wall?
Command hooks or 3M strips at each end and one in the middle. Loop the decorating strip over the hooks rather than sticking balloons directly to paintwork.
From How to make a balloon arch
How far in advance can you make a balloon arch?
Build it the day before. Air-filled balloons stay inflated for two to three days indoors, as long as you keep them out of direct sun and away from radiators.
From How to make a balloon arch
What colours work best for a balloon arch?
Three or four: two main shades, one accent and one neutral or metallic. More than four and the garland looks busy rather than designed.
From How to make a balloon arch
How much helium do you need for 50 balloons?
For 50 x 9in latex balloons you need about 20 cubic feet, so a large disposable tank or a hired cylinder. A medium 14 cu ft tank will only get you to around 40.
From How much helium do you need for balloons?
How many balloons does a small helium tank fill?
A standard small disposable tank holds about 8 cubic feet, which fills 20 to 30 x 9in latex balloons or 10 to 12 x 18in foil balloons.
From How much helium do you need for balloons?
How long do helium balloons last?
9in latex floats for 5 to 7 hours, 12in for up to 24, and 18in foil balloons for 3 to 5 days. Treating latex with Hi-Float extends it to 2 to 4 days.
From How much helium do you need for balloons?
How much does helium cost in the UK?
£25 to £35 for a small disposable tank, £60 to £75 for a large one, or £40 to £70 plus a deposit to hire a cylinder for a week.
From How much helium do you need for balloons?
Should you inflate helium balloons the day before?
Only foil balloons. Standard 9in latex will have sunk before the party starts, so inflate latex on the day — ideally within a few hours of guests arriving.
From How much helium do you need for balloons?
Is there an alternative to helium balloons?
Yes, and it's usually better. Air-filled garlands, arches, balloon walls and weighted table clusters cost a fraction as much, last for days and don't escape to the ceiling.
From How much helium do you need for balloons?
What do you put in an adult party bag?
Three things that get used: something to eat or drink, something practical like a candle or socks, and one thing that raises a laugh. Skip the filler — three good items beat six cheap ones.
From Party bag ideas for adults
How much should you spend on adult party bags?
£2 to £5 a head for a standard party, and £8 to £12 for a milestone birthday or wedding where the bag doubles as the thank you.
From Party bag ideas for adults
Are party bags for adults a bit much?
Not if they're useful. A miniature bottle, good chocolate and a hand-written note reads as hospitality. A bag of plastic novelties reads as landfill.
From Party bag ideas for adults
What are good party bag fillers for a 40th or 50th?
A miniature spirit with a mixer, a small candle, retro sweets from their birth decade, or a printed photo from the night. Milestone guests tend to be adults who'd rather have one nice thing.
From Party bag ideas for adults
What can you use instead of a party bag?
A small tote, a glass jar with a lid, a cellophane bag tied with ribbon, or a boxed favour left at each place setting with a name tag.
From Party bag ideas for adults
What props do you need for a photo booth?
Eight to twelve is plenty: oversized sunglasses, hats, a boa, speech bubble signs, moustaches on sticks and one giant inflatable. Lay them on a table rather than leaving them in a box.
How do you make photo booth props at home?
Cut shapes from card and tape them to bamboo skewers. Speech bubbles, moustaches, lips and masks all take about ten minutes each, and a whole set costs under £10.
What makes a good photo booth backdrop?
A balloon garland, a foil fringe curtain or a plain ironed sheet in a strong colour. Whatever you choose, light it with two lamps at 45 degrees rather than the ceiling light.
Do you need to hire a photo booth?
No. A phone on a £12 tripod with a self-timer, a backdrop and a table of props costs under £50 and the photos go straight to a shared album.
Where should you put the photo booth at a party?
Near the bar or the main room, never in a side room. A photo corner people have to seek out doesn't get used after the first hour.
How do you share the photos afterwards?
Print a QR code linking to a shared album and stick it on the wall beside the props. It gets far more uploads than asking people to email you.
Decorations and how-to
Browse all decorations and how-to guides
What are the best colours for a balloon arch?
Three or four shades: two main colours, one accent and one metallic or neutral. Sage with ivory and gold, or blush with nude and rose gold, are the two schemes that suit almost any room.
From Balloon arch ideas
How much does a balloon arch cost to make?
Around £25 to £30 in materials for a two-metre garland — roughly 130 balloons in bulk packs, a £4 decorating strip and glue dots. An electric pump is a one-off £15 and pays for itself on the second arch.
From Balloon arch ideas
What shape balloon arch works in a small room?
A half arch over one corner, or a diagonal garland across the top of a photo wall. Both fill a photograph without taking floor space or blocking a doorway.
From Balloon arch ideas
Should a balloon arch match the banner?
Match one colour, not all of them. Pick the banner first, then take one of its shades as the arch's accent colour and keep the rest neutral.
From Balloon arch ideas
How far in advance can you build a balloon arch?
The day before. Air-filled balloons hold for two to three days indoors, away from direct sun and radiators.
From Balloon arch ideas
What comes in a balloon arch kit?
A roll of balloon decorating strip, 100 to 120 mixed-size balloons, glue dots and usually a tying tool. Better kits add adhesive hooks; most leave out a pump.
From How to use a balloon arch kit
How many balloons does a balloon arch kit cover?
Most cover about 1.5 metres at 60 to 70 balloons per metre, even when the photo shows a full doorway. Buy a second pack of balloons if you want two metres.
From How to use a balloon arch kit
Do you need a pump for a balloon arch kit?
Not strictly, but an electric inflator at around £15 turns a 90-minute job into 40 minutes and saves your hands on 130 balloons.
From How to use a balloon arch kit
Can you reuse a balloon arch kit?
The decorating strip yes, the balloons no. Keep the strip, buy fresh balloons, and you'll spend a fraction of the kit price next time.
From How to use a balloon arch kit
What size should bunting triangles be?
15cm across the top and 20cm deep is the standard. Drop to 10cm by 13cm for table or cake bunting.
From How to make bunting
How much fabric do you need to make bunting?
Half a metre of 112cm-wide cotton gives roughly 12 to 14 triangles. A five-metre string needs about 25 triangles, or 50 pieces if you back them.
From How to make bunting
How do you make bunting without sewing?
Cut felt triangles, which don't fray, then fold the top edge over a ribbon and fix with iron-on hem tape or fabric glue. It takes about two minutes a triangle.
From How to make bunting
How far apart should bunting triangles be?
About 20cm, which is five triangles per metre of tape. Even spacing matters more to how it looks than the fabric does.
From How to make bunting
How long does it take to make bunting?
An afternoon for a sewn five-metre fabric string, about an hour for no-sew felt, and half an hour for paper bunting.
From How to make bunting
How do you hang bunting without damaging the wall?
Command hooks or 3M strips, applied an hour ahead so the adhesive sets. Picture rails and curtain poles work with no fixing at all. Avoid drawing pins and masking tape on painted walls.
From How to hang bunting
How much bunting do you need for a wall?
The length of the wall plus a third, so a three-metre wall wants about four metres of bunting. Without the extra it hangs flat instead of draping.
From How to hang bunting
How high should bunting be hung?
At least 2.1m at the lowest point when it crosses a room, or about 30cm above head height behind a table so it shows in photographs.
From How to hang bunting
How do you hang bunting outside?
Cable-tie it to fence posts, branches or a frame rather than using adhesive hooks, keep runs to five metres, and use plastic or laminated bunting rather than paper.
From How to hang bunting
What should you put in a kids' party bag?
Two or three things that last: a bubble wand or badge, a sticker sheet or notebook, and one small edible. One good item beats six pieces of plastic.
How much should you spend on a party bag?
£2 to £3 a bag is the normal range, or £4 to £5 if you replace the handful of fillers with one proper item. Set the per-bag figure before you shop.
Are party bags still expected at children's parties?
Something at the door is expected; a full bag is not. A slice of cake, a book or a single badge handed over as guests leave is entirely normal now.
What are good plastic-free party bag fillers?
Seeds and a paper pot, beeswax crayons, a wooden yo-yo, an enamel pin, a homemade biscuit, or a charity-shop book — all in a paper bag rather than a printed plastic one.
How many party bags should you make?
One per invited child plus two spares. Siblings turn up, and a spare bag saves an awkward moment at the door.
What should you put in a party bag?
Three things: one that lasts (a badge, book or notebook), one to do (stickers, bubbles, a puzzle) and one to eat. That covers it at £2 to £3 a bag.
From What to put in a party bag
What should you not put in a party bag?
Anything with loose small parts at a party with under-threes, noisy items, slime, nuts, and more than one edible. Assorted sweets nobody chose are the least-appreciated filler.
From What to put in a party bag
How many party bags do you need?
One per invited child plus two spares. Siblings arrive unannounced and a spare bag avoids the awkward moment.
From What to put in a party bag
Do adults get party bags?
Favours rather than bags — a pin, a small candle or a biscuit on the table setting. Expect around half of guests to take one.
From What to put in a party bag
Fancy dress and themes
Browse all fancy dress and themes guides
What is a good fancy dress idea?
Pick something that reads from across a room and that you can sit down in. A witch hat, a cowboy hat or an all-black cat outfit each take one item and are recognised instantly.
From Fancy dress ideas for any party
What can I wear for fancy dress with no costume?
Raid the house: all black plus ears, a white shirt and sunglasses, a dressing gown and a mug, or normal clothes with a printed 'error 404: costume not found' sign.
From Fancy dress ideas for any party
Do you sell fancy dress costumes?
No - we make cards, badges and party decorations, designed in house and printed in the UK. These guides are for planning the party rather than buying the outfit.
From Fancy dress ideas for any party
How much does fancy dress cost?
A homemade outfit from charity shop clothes is usually under £10. A shop-bought adult costume typically runs £15 to £35, and a single accessory such as a hat or wig is £3 to £8.
From Fancy dress ideas for any party
What is a good fancy dress theme for adults?
Decades nights work best - 70s disco, 80s neon or 90s indie - because almost everyone can assemble something from a wardrobe or a charity shop without buying a costume.
From Fancy dress party themes everyone can actually do
What is an easy fancy dress theme?
A single colour. All black, all white or all gold takes no shopping, photographs well and still makes the room look planned.
From Fancy dress party themes everyone can actually do
How do you get people to actually dress up?
Pick a theme that costs nothing, say so in the invitation, and offer a prize for both the best and the worst effort. A spare box of masks by the door catches the rest.
From Fancy dress party themes everyone can actually do
How do you plan a fancy dress party?
Pick a wardrobe-friendly theme, send the invitation three weeks ahead with the theme in it, put up one banner and a cake topper, plan four games, and give prizes for the best and worst costume at around 9.30pm.
From How to throw a fancy dress party
What games work at a fancy dress party?
Ones that use the costumes: costume charades, guess the outfit in three words, best entrance scored out of ten, and a photo scavenger hunt.
From How to throw a fancy dress party
How far in advance should I invite people?
Three weeks. People need time to sort a costume, and a shorter notice is the main reason guests turn up in normal clothes.
From How to throw a fancy dress party
What is the easiest last-minute fancy dress?
All black with ears and drawn-on whiskers, or a white shirt with a red tie and fake blood. Both take under five minutes and use things already in the house.
From Last-minute fancy dress ideas you can do tonight
What can I make into a costume at home?
Cardboard boxes, tinfoil, balloons, sticky notes, cotton wool and newspaper cover most quick DIY costumes - robot, bubble bath, cloudy day, office nightmare and yesterday's news.
From Last-minute fancy dress ideas you can do tonight
How cheap can a last-minute costume be?
Free if it's from your own wardrobe, and usually under £10 with a charity shop suit or dress plus tape or make-up.
From Last-minute fancy dress ideas you can do tonight
What is a good hen party fancy dress theme?
One colour for the group with white for the bride is the easiest and cheapest. If you want more of a costume, 80s neon, 70s disco or cowgirls all work from clothes people mostly own.
From Hen party fancy dress themes and outfit ideas
What if the bride doesn't want fancy dress?
Use one accessory instead - a boa, a hat, sunglasses or a badge each. It photographs like a theme without anyone feeling on show.
From Hen party fancy dress themes and outfit ideas
How much should a hen party outfit cost?
Keep it under £15 a head. Anything more and someone in the group quietly resents it, especially on top of travel and accommodation.
From Hen party fancy dress themes and outfit ideas
What prizes should I give at a fancy dress party?
Small and funny beats expensive. A pin badge, a card with the award written inside, a candle or a bottle wrapped in a bin bag all land better than a big prize.
From Fancy dress prize ideas for best and worst costume
What categories should a costume competition have?
Best costume, worst costume, most effort, cheapest costume and best group entry. Worst costume is the one that gets reluctant guests to dress up.
From Fancy dress prize ideas for best and worst costume
How do you judge a costume competition fairly?
Judge at a fixed time with a show of hands or a phone vote, keep the host out of the running, and make sure nobody takes home two awards.
From Fancy dress prize ideas for best and worst costume
How do you make a fancy dress costume cheaply?
Start with what the costume is made of rather than who it is. A cardboard box, a charity shop suit, a bag of balloons or a felt offcut each cover several outfits for under £10.
From DIY fancy dress on a budget
What is the cheapest homemade costume?
Static electricity - grey clothes you own, backcombed hair and socks safety-pinned all over. It costs nothing and it always gets a laugh.
From DIY fancy dress on a budget
How long does a DIY costume take to make?
Kitchen-cupboard ones take under half an hour. A cardboard build takes an evening, and anything glued or painted needs to dry overnight, so start the day before.
From DIY fancy dress on a budget
What do you wear to an 80s party?
Neon, shoulder pads, denim on denim, or aerobics gear with leg warmers and a sweatband. Almost all of it can be assembled from a wardrobe and a charity shop.
What food do you serve at a 90s party?
Cheese and pineapple sticks, vol-au-vents, sausage rolls, Party Rings, Space Raiders and a blue punch. Cold buffet food that can sit out all night.
What games work at a decades party?
Name that tune in ten-second clips, musical statues, a dance-off judged at 9.30pm, and prizes for the best outfit from each decade.
Family milestones
Browse all family milestones guides
How long should a first birthday party be?
Two hours. Long enough for food, cake and photos, short enough that it finishes before the nap and before the adults run out of small talk.
From First birthday party ideas
How many people should you invite to a first birthday?
Whoever the baby actually sees regularly - usually grandparents, a couple of close friends and their children. Ten to twenty people is plenty at home.
From First birthday party ideas
Do you give party bags at a first birthday?
Not really needed at one. If you want to, a piece of fruit and a bubble pot per child is enough and costs about a pound each.
From First birthday party ideas
What do you write in a 1st birthday card?
A short wish for the baby and a line for the parents. Something like: 'Happy 1st birthday! One whole year of you. Well done mum and dad, that was a big one.'
From What to write in a first birthday card
Should you sign a first birthday card from the pet or the family?
From the family reads better in a keepsake box years later. Save the dog's signature for the cards nobody keeps.
From What to write in a first birthday card
What is the 25th wedding anniversary called?
Silver. The 40th is ruby, the 50th is gold and the 60th is diamond.
From Wedding anniversary years and gifts
Do you have to follow the traditional anniversary list?
No. It is a useful prompt when you are stuck, but a gift they actually want beats a technically correct one made of tin.
From Wedding anniversary years and gifts
What is the 1st wedding anniversary gift?
Paper. In practice that means a good card, a framed print, a photo book or tickets to something.
From Wedding anniversary years and gifts
What is the traditional 25th anniversary gift?
Silver. Silver jewellery, a silver photo frame or anything engraved with the two dates is the usual route.
From Silver wedding anniversary ideas
Do you throw a party for a silver wedding anniversary?
Many couples do, and it is often smaller than the wedding - twenty to forty people, a buffet and the original playlist.
From Silver wedding anniversary ideas
What is the 40th wedding anniversary?
Ruby. Red is the theme, which is why forty red roses are such a common gift.
From Ruby wedding anniversary ideas
What do you buy for a ruby wedding anniversary?
Something with red in it or something about the forty years - a photo book, a meal out, or flowers. Ruby jewellery is traditional but rarely the best value.
From Ruby wedding anniversary ideas
What do you write in a graduation card?
Congratulate them, mention the specific course or the years of work, and keep career advice out of it. 'Congratulations - three years of work and you did it' is plenty.
From What to write in a graduation card
What do you write for a master's graduation?
Acknowledge that it was on top of everything else: 'A master's while working full time. Genuinely impressive - congratulations.'
From What to write in a graduation card
How much should you spend on a graduation gift in the UK?
Friends usually spend 10 to 25 pounds, wider family 25 to 75, and parents anywhere from 100 upwards. Cash towards a deposit is normal and welcome.
Is money an acceptable graduation gift?
Yes. Most graduates are about to move or travel, so cash in a good card is genuinely the most useful thing you can give.
Do you get a card from the King at 100 in the UK?
Yes. You can request a message from the monarch for a 100th birthday, and again at 105 and every year after, through the Anniversaries Office at gov.uk.
Which family milestones need a party?
First birthday, 18th, graduation, wedding and the big anniversaries usually get a gathering. The rest are fine with a card and a meal.
Celebrations
Browse all celebrations guides
When should you have a baby shower?
Usually four to six weeks before the due date, so around 32 to 36 weeks. Late enough to feel close, early enough that the parent-to-be is still comfortable and the baby hasn't arrived early.
From Baby shower ideas
Who pays for a baby shower?
In the UK it's normally the host - a friend, sister or mum - rather than the parents-to-be. Guests bring a small gift and a card, not a contribution to the costs.
From Baby shower ideas
How long should a baby shower last?
Two to three hours is right. Any longer and it drags, especially for someone in their third trimester sitting on a dining chair.
From Baby shower ideas
Do you open gifts at a baby shower?
Yes, usually after the cake. Ask someone to write down who gave what as it happens - it saves an impossible thank-you list later.
From Baby shower ideas
What is a celebration cake?
Any cake made for an occasion rather than everyday eating - birthdays, milestones, weddings, christenings, retirements. It usually carries a message or a topper naming the occasion.
From Celebration cake ideas and toppers
How do I choose a cake topper?
Pick one about two thirds the width of the cake, in a colour already used on the cake, and use one topper rather than a name and a number together. Push it in before guests arrive.
From Celebration cake ideas and toppers
How far in advance should I order a celebration cake?
Two to three weeks for a bakery cake, longer in December and around wedding season. A supermarket cake plus a topper can be sorted in a couple of days.
From Celebration cake ideas and toppers
How much cake do I need per person?
A party portion is roughly 1 x 2 inches. An 8 inch round gives about 20 to 24 of those, and you only need to cater for around two thirds of an evening guest list.
From Celebration cake ideas and toppers
What is a celebration of life?
A gathering that focuses on the person's life rather than their death. It can be held instead of a funeral or separately afterwards, and the family chooses the readings, music, venue and tone.
From Celebration of life ideas
How is a celebration of life different from a funeral?
A funeral usually follows a set order and takes place soon after the death, often with the coffin present. A celebration of life has no fixed structure, can be held weeks or months later, and is generally less formal.
From Celebration of life ideas
What do you wear to a celebration of life?
Whatever the family asks for. Many invitations ask for colour rather than black. If nothing is specified, smart and understated is always safe.
From Celebration of life ideas
How long after a death is a celebration of life held?
There's no rule. Some are held in place of a funeral within a fortnight; others happen months later, often at a time of year that meant something to the person.
From Celebration of life ideas
What do you say at a celebration of life?
Speak about one specific memory rather than trying to sum up a whole life. Two or three short speeches work better than one long one, and it's fine to laugh.
From Celebration of life ideas
Who pays for an engagement party?
Traditionally the bride's family, but in the UK now it's most often the couple themselves, or whichever family offers. There's no expectation either way.
From Engagement celebration ideas
Do you give gifts at an engagement party?
No. A card is the normal thing to bring. Save the gift for the wedding.
From Engagement celebration ideas
How long after getting engaged should you have a party?
Within about three months, while it's still the news. After that, wedding planning tends to take over and it can feel like a rehearsal for the wedding.
From Engagement celebration ideas
Who should you invite to an engagement party?
Only people who will also be invited to the wedding. Inviting someone to the engagement and not the wedding causes more upset than not inviting them at all.
From Engagement celebration ideas
How do you celebrate a graduation?
Most families do the ceremony and photos, a meal out on the day, then a party at home the following weekend once everyone has recovered. A banner, a cake and a card cover most of it.
From Graduation celebration ideas
What is a good graduation gift?
Something for the next stage rather than a souvenir of the last one: things for a first flat, a keepsake box for the certificate, a framed print, or money towards an interview suit.
From Graduation celebration ideas
How much money do you give for a graduation?
In the UK there's no fixed amount and cash isn't expected at all. Where people do give money, £20 to £50 from family is typical, often towards something specific.
From Graduation celebration ideas
When are UK graduation ceremonies held?
Most universities hold them in July, with a second round in November or December for winter graduates and resits.
From Graduation celebration ideas
How do you celebrate someone's retirement?
Usually twice: an office send-off on their last Friday with a cake, card and short speech, then a family party at the weekend. A memory book signed by colleagues is the part people keep.
From Retirement celebration ideas
What is a good retirement gift?
Something for the life they're starting rather than the job they're leaving - hobby kit, a heritage membership, a framed print of their years of service, or a signed memory book.
From Retirement celebration ideas
How much do you give for a retirement collection?
In a UK office, £5 to £10 per person is typical, more from close colleagues. One good gift from the whole team beats several small ones.
From Retirement celebration ideas
What do you say in a retirement speech?
Keep it to three minutes, tell one specific story rather than listing achievements, thank their family, and end on what they're going on to do.
From Retirement celebration ideas
What is the 50th wedding anniversary called?
The golden anniversary. Gold is the traditional and modern gift material, and gold with ivory is the usual colour scheme for the party.
From 50th wedding anniversary ideas
Do you get a card from the King for a 50th anniversary?
No. Royal congratulations are sent for 60th, 65th and 70th wedding anniversaries, not the 50th. Many councils and MPs will send a letter for a golden anniversary if you ask.
From 50th wedding anniversary ideas
What do you give for a 50th wedding anniversary?
Something gold or something lasting: a gold-foil print of the wedding date, the original wedding photo restored, a memory book of messages, or a bench or tree with a plaque.
From 50th wedding anniversary ideas
How do you celebrate a golden wedding anniversary?
Most families hold an afternoon gathering of about three hours - a long lunch or afternoon tea, gold and ivory decorations, a slideshow, and often a renewal of vows beforehand.
From 50th wedding anniversary ideas
What are the traditional anniversary gifts by year?
Paper, cotton, leather, linen and wood for the first five years, then tin at ten, crystal at fifteen, china at twenty, silver at twenty-five, pearl at thirty, ruby at forty, gold at fifty and diamond at sixty.
From Anniversary celebration ideas
Which anniversaries are the big ones?
The first, then silver at twenty-five, ruby at forty, golden at fifty and diamond at sixty. Those four later ones are usually family gatherings rather than a night out for two.
From Anniversary celebration ideas
How do you celebrate an anniversary at home?
Cook the meal from the first date, open something you've been saving, look through the wedding photos, and write proper cards rather than signed ones.
From Anniversary celebration ideas
What is a good celebration quote for a card?
Short ones work best: "Count the memories, not the candles" or "Joy shared is joy doubled". Add a line of your own underneath so it doesn't read as borrowed.
From Celebration quotes
What do you say in a celebration toast?
Thank the host, name the reason everyone's there, then finish with the quote - it's the line people remember. Keep the whole thing under a minute.
From Celebration quotes
How do you start a celebration speech?
With one specific detail about the person or the day rather than a general greeting. Save the quote for the end.
From Celebration quotes
How long does a christening celebration last?
The service is usually 30 to 45 minutes, and the lunch afterwards runs from about half twelve to three. Any longer and the baby, the toddlers and the grandparents all give out at once.
From Christening celebration ideas
Who do you invite to a christening?
Godparents, close family and a few friends. It's normally a smaller guest list than a wedding or a big birthday, partly because church space is limited.
From Christening celebration ideas
What do you give as a christening gift?
Something keepsake rather than practical: a keepsake box for the certificate, a framed print with the date and church, silver, or a book with a message inside the cover.
From Christening celebration ideas
How much do you spend on a christening gift?
£20 to £30 is normal for friends in the UK; godparents and close family often spend more, sometimes putting money into a savings account instead.
From Christening celebration ideas
When should you have a housewarming party?
About six weeks after moving in. The boxes have gone by then, but people are still curious enough to want the tour.
From Housewarming celebration ideas
What is a good housewarming gift?
A candle, good coasters, a framed print of the house or street, or a hardy plant. By tradition, bread, salt and a bottle covers the first night.
From Housewarming celebration ideas
Do you bring a gift to a housewarming?
Yes, but something small. A card and a candle or a bottle is the normal thing in the UK - nobody expects furniture.
From Housewarming celebration ideas
How long should a housewarming last?
Run it as an open house across four or five hours in the afternoon so people can come and go, rather than one sitting everyone has to stay for.
From Housewarming celebration ideas
Work and colleagues
Browse all work and colleagues guides
What are good Christmas party ideas for work?
For a small budget: a Christmas jumper day, Secret Santa, a quiz over a long lunch or an office afternoon tea. For a bigger one: a pub function room, a shared hotel party night, or an activity like bowling or an escape room with food afterwards.
From Work Christmas party ideas
How much should a work Christmas party cost per head?
£5 to £15 a head in the office, £15 to £30 for a pub buffet, £25 to £45 for a restaurant set menu and £35 to £70 for a shared hotel party night. Keep the total under £150 a head across the year to stay inside the UK annual event exemption.
From Work Christmas party ideas
What can you do instead of a Christmas party?
A long lunch with the budget given as vouchers, a charity afternoon, early finishes through December, or a January party - cheaper, easier to book and usually better attended.
From Work Christmas party ideas
What time should a work Christmas party start?
Start early - 4pm or 5pm - and put a finish time on the invitation. Daytime and early-evening parties get better attendance from parents and commuters, and cost less in taxis.
From Work Christmas party ideas
When should you book a work Christmas party?
Book the venue in early October at the latest. December Fridays and Saturdays at popular venues are gone by September, and shared party nights sell out earlier still.
From The work Christmas party: planning it, running it, surviving it
Is a work Christmas party taxable in the UK?
HMRC's annual events exemption allows up to £150 per head including VAT, travel and accommodation, across all annual staff events in a year. Exceed it and the full amount becomes a taxable benefit, not just the excess. Check current HMRC guidance before committing.
From The work Christmas party: planning it, running it, surviving it
Do you have to go to the work Christmas party?
No. Attendance should be optional and it should feel optional. Offering a daytime alternative usually gets better turnout than pressuring people into an evening event.
From The work Christmas party: planning it, running it, surviving it
Who pays for the work Christmas party?
Usually the employer, sometimes with a contribution towards partners' tickets or the bar. Say clearly on the invitation what's covered and what isn't - people budget differently.
From The work Christmas party: planning it, running it, surviving it
What are good office Christmas party games?
Short ones. Christmas song intros, an emoji quiz, guess the baby photo and a five-round quiz all work in any office. Secret Santa steal-the-gift is the most reliable big-group game.
From Office Christmas party games
What games can you play at a work party with a big team?
Bingo, a photo scavenger hunt and a team quiz all scale past fifty people because everyone plays at once. Avoid anything where one person performs while the rest watch.
From Office Christmas party games
What are good prizes for office party games?
Something small and specific: a pin badge, a signed card, a cake with a topper, a coffee voucher or an extra hour at lunch in January. Big prizes make the game feel competitive in the wrong way.
From Office Christmas party games
What do you write in a leaving card for a colleague?
Two or three lines: a good wish, one specific memory or detail about working with them, and your name. 'Good luck in the new role - the standups won't be the same without your Monday coffee run' beats a paragraph of general praise.
From What to write in a leaving card for a colleague
What do you write in a leaving card for someone you don't know well?
Keep it short and warm: 'Our paths didn't cross much, but good luck with the next one.' Nobody expects a personal story from someone on a different floor.
From What to write in a leaving card for a colleague
Is it rude not to sign a leaving card?
No, but signing takes ten seconds and being missing from a card people keep is noticeable. If you genuinely have nothing personal to add, a name and 'all the best' is plenty.
From What to write in a leaving card for a colleague
What should you not write in a leaving card?
Anything about why they're leaving, anything about pay or management, inside jokes only three people get, and 'we'll miss you' if you won't. Keep it something they'd be happy to read again in ten years.
From What to write in a leaving card for a colleague
How much should you spend on a colleague's leaving gift?
£3 to £5 a head for a colleague and £5 to £10 for a manager or someone with long service is the usual UK range, which puts most group gifts between £30 and £100.
From Work colleague leaving gift ideas
What is a good leaving gift for a work colleague?
Something specific and usable: vouchers for a restaurant they like, a good notebook or pen for the new job, a framed team photo, a plant, or a pin badge referencing a team joke - always with a signed card.
From Work colleague leaving gift ideas
Do you give a gift if you barely know them?
Sign the card and put in whatever the collection asks for. Nobody expects a separate gift from someone they worked with twice.
From Work colleague leaving gift ideas
Who organises the leaving gift at work?
Usually their closest colleague or their manager's assistant. Whoever it is should set a deadline, use one payment link and buy the card first so it can go round while the money comes in.
From Work colleague leaving gift ideas
What are good office party ideas?
A Friday afternoon tea, a breakfast party, an office bake-off or a games hour for a small budget. For a bigger one: a pub function room, an activity like bowling or crazy golf, a rooftop bar in summer, or an awards dinner.
From Office party ideas
How do you make an office party fun?
Move the desks out, feed people within the first hour, keep speeches to three minutes, and run two short games with real prizes. Long unstructured standing about is what makes office parties dull.
From Office party ideas
What time should an office party start?
4pm on a Thursday gets the best attendance - people can go on afterwards or go home, and it doesn't eat a Friday night.
From Office party ideas
What are good work party games?
Two truths and a lie, a five-round quiz, Pictionary and beat the intro for smaller groups. For a big room: bingo, a photo scavenger hunt and an awards ceremony with silly categories.
From Work party games
What games can you play at a work party with a large group?
Games where everyone plays at once - bingo, heads or tails, a table quiz or a scavenger hunt in teams of five. Avoid anything where one person performs in front of everyone.
From Work party games
How long should work party games last?
Ten minutes each for icebreakers, an hour for a full quiz. Two games at a lunch and no more than four across a whole evening.
From Work party games
What are good team building ideas?
For no budget: a Monday round, a skill swap or a short quiz. For half a day: an escape room, bowling, or a cooking class. For an away day: half real work and half activity, which holds up far better than a full day of games.
From Team building ideas
How much does team building cost per person in the UK?
An escape room is £22 to £35 a head, bowling or crazy golf £15 to £30, a cooking or cocktail class £35 to £60, and a facilitated away day with a venue and catering £60 to £150.
From Team building ideas
What team building activities should you avoid?
Trust falls, anything with forced physical contact, personality-type workshops, weekend events on people's own time, and anything built around drinking or that isn't step-free.
From Team building ideas
How often should you do team building?
Something small and free every week or two, something booked once a quarter, and one bigger day a year. Frequent and low-key beats one expensive day everyone dreads.
From Team building ideas
Does team building actually work?
It works when it's aimed at a named problem - new starters, two teams who don't speak, a team that's never met in person. It doesn't fix workload, pay or a bad manager, and trying to make it do that is why people roll their eyes at it.
From Team building ideas
What do you write on a work party invitation?
Date, start and finish time, venue with a step-free note, what the food is, what it costs and whether partners are invited - plus who to reply to and by when. Everything else is decoration.
From Work party invite wording
How far in advance should you send a work party invite?
Six weeks for a Christmas party, two weeks for an office party or summer social, and a few days for a leaving do or office birthday. Chase once, not three times.
From Work party invite wording
Should you say the work party is optional?
Yes, and mean it. Saying 'come for an hour or stay for all of it' gets better attendance than implying everyone must be there, because people who'd otherwise avoid it will show their face.
From Work party invite wording
How do you word an invite when people have to pay?
Put the cost in the second line, not the last one, say exactly what it covers, and give a payment deadline. Never let anyone find out on the night.
From Work party invite wording
What are good office party themes?
Free ones work best at work: Christmas jumpers, worst festive socks, a single colour, a decades theme or desk decorating. If a theme costs money to follow, a good chunk of the team will quietly opt out.
From Office party themes and decorations
How do you decorate an office for a party?
Decorate one surface properly. A banner behind the food table, balloons in threes at the corners, confetti down the middle, fairy lights along one shelf, and half the overhead lights off. That's ten minutes.
From Office party themes and decorations
Can you put decorations up in a rented office?
Usually yes, with removable putty or washi tape and nothing on fire doors, sprinklers or alarms. Send facilities one email before you buy anything and agree a takedown time up front.
From Office party themes and decorations
What decorations should you avoid at work?
Glitter on carpet, confetti cannons indoors, anything blocking a fire exit, balloon arches that take an hour to build, and anything someone else has to clear up on Monday morning.
From Office party themes and decorations
What are good leaving do ideas?
Cake and cards in the office at 3pm, a pub afternoon from 5pm, lunch out on their last working day, or bowling or a games bar for a team that hates standing in a circle. Ask the leaver which they'd prefer.
From Leaving do ideas
How long should a leaving speech be?
Two to three minutes from the manager and two from one peer. Anything longer loses the room. One specific story beats a list of achievements.
From Leaving do ideas
When should you start the leaving card?
Two days before the do. Cards started on the morning of the send-off end up half signed, and the person who was on annual leave never gets a chance.
From Leaving do ideas
What do you do for a leaving do after a redundancy?
Keep it low key - a card, a short and genuine speech, and a quiet drink. No banners, no jokey gifts, and no pretending it was their choice.
From Leaving do ideas
What are good office birthday ideas?
Cake in the kitchen at 3pm with the card handed over, their choice of cake asked a week ahead, a coffee run on the company, a decorated desk before they arrive, or an hour off at the end of the day.
Should the office celebrate every birthday?
Mark everyone the same way, or don't do it at all - the worst version is where senior people get a fuss and nobody else does. Ask new starters at induction whether they want theirs marked.
Who pays for office birthday cake?
A small team budget is far better than an envelope going round every month. If there's no budget, rotate who organises and cap contributions at a couple of pounds.
How do you celebrate a remote colleague's birthday?
Post the card so it arrives the day before, spend ten minutes on a call with cameras on and no agenda, and send a food voucher so they get cake too.
What do you write in a work birthday card?
Keep it warm and short: happy birthday, one specific thank-you for something they do, and a wish for the day. Avoid age jokes unless you know them very well.
Speeches and toasts
Browse all speeches and toasts guides
How long should a best man speech be?
Five to seven minutes. Anything past ten loses the room, however good the material is.
What should a best man never joke about?
Exes, anything genuinely humiliating from the stag do, money, family disagreements, and anything the couple's grandparents would not want repeated.
How many jokes should a wedding speech have?
Three or four across five minutes is plenty. A speech that is only jokes has nothing for people to feel.
From Wedding speech one-liners
Who speaks at a wedding and in what order?
Traditionally father of the bride, then the groom, then the best man. Modern weddings often add the bride and maid of honour, and the order is entirely the couple's choice.
From Wedding speech one-liners
How long should a birthday toast be?
About thirty seconds. Three lines - attention, one true thing, the toast - is the reliable structure.
What do you say when raising a glass?
End with the person's name - 'To [name]' - said clearly. That is everyone's cue to raise glasses and drink.
How long should a retirement speech be?
Around five minutes. Two or three specific stories beat a full career summary every time.
What do you say in a retirement speech for a colleague?
Say when they arrived, tell two stories that show who they are, name what will be missed day to day, then toast what comes next.
How long should a eulogy be?
Three to five minutes, roughly five hundred to seven hundred words. Funeral timings are usually tight, so check with the celebrant or funeral director.
Can a eulogy be funny?
Yes. One well-judged story that makes people laugh is often the moment the room relaxes. Keep it affectionate and keep it brief.
How long should a toast last?
Thirty to sixty seconds. Anything over ninety seconds has become a speech, which needs warning and a different structure.
From How to give a toast
Do you drink to yourself when being toasted?
No. If you are the subject of the toast, stay seated, do not raise your glass, and thank people afterwards.
From How to give a toast
How long should a maid of honour speech be?
Four to six minutes. Long enough for one proper story, short enough to keep the room.
From Maid of honour speech ideas
What should a maid of honour speech include?
How you know the bride, one story that shows who she is, what she is like as a friend, why this relationship is different, and a toast to the couple.
From Maid of honour speech ideas
Cheering someone up
Browse all cheering someone up guides
What do you text someone who is feeling low?
Something short that says you are thinking of them, makes clear no reply is needed, and offers one specific thing you will do. Skip advice entirely.
From How to cheer someone up over text
Should you keep texting if they do not reply?
Yes, lightly. One low-pressure message every few days says you are still there. Repeated questions demanding an answer do the opposite.
From How to cheer someone up over text
How do you cheer up a friend who does not want to talk?
Offer company with no conversation attached - a walk, a film, sitting in the same room. Presence works when talking is too much.
What if you say the wrong thing?
Say so, briefly, and carry on showing up. Friends forgive clumsy words far quicker than they forgive silence.
What do you say to your partner after a bad day?
Ask whether they want to talk or be distracted, then do that. Guessing wrong is the most common mistake and the easiest to avoid.
From How to cheer up your partner
When is a bad mood more than a bad day?
If low mood, sleep problems or withdrawal last more than two weeks, suggest they speak to their GP. NHS 111 and Samaritans on 116 123 are both free.
From How to cheer up your partner
How do you support a colleague without prying?
Notice out loud once, offer something practical, and leave the door open. Repeated questions read as pressure at work.
From How to cheer up a colleague
Should you tell their manager?
Not unless they ask you to or there is a safety concern. Breaking a confidence at work rarely gets forgiven.
From How to cheer up a colleague
What do you send someone who is ill?
Something for the boredom rather than the illness - a card, something to read, a candle, real food. Avoid anything that needs energy to use.
From How to cheer up someone who is ill
How often should you check in?
Little and often, with no reply expected. Week three onwards matters most: that is when everyone else goes quiet.
From How to cheer up someone who is ill
What do you say to someone who is grieving?
Say you are sorry, use the name of the person who died, and share one specific memory. Avoid anything that starts 'at least'.
From How to comfort someone who is grieving
When does grief support matter most?
Three to six months in, when the cards stop and everyone assumes they are through it. Cruse Bereavement Support offers free UK help on 0808 808 1677.
From How to comfort someone who is grieving
What do you say when someone fails an exam?
Acknowledge the disappointment, say plainly it does not change your opinion of them, and leave options for tomorrow.
From How to cheer someone up after failing an exam
How do you help a teenager after bad results?
Make clear you are not angry, avoid comparisons with siblings or friends, and let the school explain the options before anyone panics.
From How to cheer someone up after failing an exam
How do you support someone from far away?
Convert what you would do in person into something deliverable: post a card, send food, pay for a taxi, or ask a local friend to call round.
From How to cheer someone up long distance
Is a posted card better than a message?
For long distance, yes. A card is physical proof that someone spent time and money on you, and it stays in the room long after a message is scrolled past.
From How to cheer someone up long distance
What should be in a care package?
Something to eat, something that smells good, something to do, something funny and a handwritten card. Five items is plenty.
From Care package ideas
How much should you spend on a care package?
Twenty to thirty pounds covers a thoughtful one. Spending more can make the recipient feel they owe you something, which defeats the point.
From Care package ideas
What is a good thinking of you gesture?
Something specific and unprompted that needs no reply - a posted card, a photo from years ago, or a job quietly taken off their list.
Do small gestures actually help?
They are what people remember. The proof of thought matters more than the value of the thing, which is why a card outlasts most gifts.
When is Random Acts of Kindness Day?
17 February each year. The ideas work just as well on any other day of the calendar.
From Random acts of kindness ideas
What is the easiest random act of kindness?
Telling someone specifically what they did well. It takes ten seconds, costs nothing, and people repeat it to themselves for years.
From Random acts of kindness ideas
What is realistic self care on a bad week?
Water, daylight, clean sheets, food that needs no cooking, and cancelling one thing. Anything more ambitious usually goes undone and adds guilt.
From Self care ideas for a bad week
When should you get help?
If low mood or sleep problems last more than two weeks, speak to your GP. Samaritans on 116 123 is free at any hour in the UK.
From Self care ideas for a bad week
What are good gifts to make someone smile?
Small, useful, personal things beat big gestures: a scented candle, a funny pin badge, a print for a bare wall, a coaster set for the desk, or a card with a proper handwritten note. The gift gets used, the note gets kept.
From Gifts to make someone smile
What should I send someone who's having a hard time?
Send something that asks nothing of them — nothing to water, assemble or reply to. A candle and a card is the safest combination, and posting it so it lands midweek matters more than people think.
From Gifts to make someone smile
What shouldn't I send as a cheer-up gift?
Avoid self-help books, diet or fitness gifts, anything that hints they should be over it, and jokes about the specific thing that's gone wrong. If you're grieving-adjacent, skip funny entirely and keep it quiet.
From Gifts to make someone smile
How much should I spend on a cheer-up gift?
Between about £5 and £25 is normal in the UK. Spending more can make it awkward to receive, especially at work — the point is the thought landing, not the price.
From Gifts to make someone smile
What do you write in a cheer-up card?
One honest sentence beats a verse. "Thinking of you, no need to reply" or "You don't have to be fine with me" does more than a paragraph of advice.
From Gifts to make someone smile
What is an appropriate pet memorial gift?
A candle, a print or keepsake, and a pet sympathy card with the animal's name in it. Together they cost around £15–£25, they need nothing back from the owner, and they acknowledge the pet by name — which is the part that matters.
How long after should I send a pet loss gift?
Any time. The first few days are crowded with people and then it goes quiet, so something arriving two or three weeks later is often the gift they remember most.
Is it silly to grieve a pet?
No. For a lot of people the animal was daily company for a decade or more, and vets and bereavement charities treat it as real grief. The kindest thing you can do is treat it that way too.
Do you sell engraved pet urns or paw print casts?
No — we make candles, prints, coasters and cards in the UK. For an urn, engraved stone or paw print casting, use a memorial specialist and send a card and candle alongside it.
Feel-good reading
Browse all feel-good reading guides
Is laughter really good for you?
The social effects are well documented - people who laugh together report feeling closer. The specific physical health claims rest on small studies and are best treated as encouraging rather than established.
From Why laughter matters
Why do we laugh at things that are not funny?
Because most laughter is punctuation in conversation rather than a response to humour. It signals friendliness, agreement or nerves far more often than amusement.
From Why laughter matters
Does smiling actually make you happier?
Possibly, a little. The famous 1988 pen study failed to replicate in 2016, though a large 2022 multi-lab study found a small effect. Treat it as a nudge, not a cure.
What is a Duchenne smile?
A genuine smile that involves the muscles around the eyes as well as the mouth, named after the physiologist who first described the difference in the 1800s.
What defines British comedy?
Class, embarrassment, failure and wordplay. The recurring British hero is someone with ideas above their station in a room too small for them.
From A short history of British comedy
What is the most influential British sitcom?
For international reach, The Office. For structure and craft, Fawlty Towers. For proving sitcom could be serious, Steptoe and Son.
From A short history of British comedy
What is the most quoted British sitcom line?
"Don't mention the war" from Fawlty Towers and "I have a cunning plan" from Blackadder are the two most often repeated in everyday British speech.
From Best British sitcom one-liners
Can you use sitcom quotes in a card?
For a personal card to someone who loves the show, yes. Short, well-known lines land best - anything requiring explanation does not.
From Best British sitcom one-liners
When is World Smile Day?
The first Friday in October. It was created in 1999 by Harvey Ball, the American artist who drew the original smiley face in 1963.
From Feel good days of the year
Is Blue Monday real?
No. The 'formula' behind it was produced for a travel company's publicity in 2005 and has no scientific standing. It survives because it is convenient.
From Feel good days of the year
Who invented the smiley face?
Harvey Ball, an American commercial artist, in 1963 for an insurance company. He was paid about forty five dollars and never trademarked it.
From World Smile Day
When is International Day of Happiness?
20 March every year. It was established by the United Nations in 2012 and first observed in 2013.
From International Day of Happiness
What does the World Happiness Report measure?
Mainly people's own ratings of their lives, alongside factors including social support, income, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity and perceived corruption.
From International Day of Happiness
Why do April Fools' pranks stop at midday?
It is a long-standing British and Irish custom - anyone playing a trick after noon is considered the fool. The rule is not observed in most other countries.
From April Fools' Day
What was the BBC spaghetti tree hoax?
A 1957 Panorama item showing a Swiss family harvesting spaghetti from trees. It is still regarded as one of the most successful broadcast hoaxes ever made.
From April Fools' Day
Christmas and seasonal
Browse all christmas and seasonal guides
When is Christmas Jumper Day 2026?
Save the Children's Christmas Jumper Day is held on the second Friday of December, which is 11 December in 2026. Plenty of workplaces run their own on the last working day before the break instead.
From Christmas jumper ideas: 45 outfits for Jumper Day and the office party
How do you make a Christmas jumper?
Start with a plain jumper and add one big idea rather than lots of small ones: a hot-glued tinsel wreath, safety-pinned baubles, felt letters or a stitched-on stocking. An evening and under a tenner is enough.
From Christmas jumper ideas: 45 outfits for Jumper Day and the office party
What's a good office Christmas jumper?
Something festive you could still take a client call in - a single embroidered tree, muted fair isle, or a plain colour with a Christmas pin badge. Skip flashing lights and any joke you'd have to explain.
From Christmas jumper ideas: 45 outfits for Jumper Day and the office party
Do you sell Christmas jumpers?
Not at the moment - we make cards, badges and party decorations, designed in house and printed in the UK. If we add jumpers, they'll appear on the Christmas pages first.
From Christmas jumper ideas: 45 outfits for Jumper Day and the office party
What can I wear if I've forgotten Christmas Jumper Day?
A red jumper with a Christmas pin badge, tinsel worn as a scarf, or a bauble hooked through your collar. Nobody checks the knitting.
From Christmas jumper ideas: 45 outfits for Jumper Day and the office party
What do you write in a Christmas card?
A greeting, one personal line and a sign off is enough. "Merry Christmas — hope the new house makes this one special, love from us both" beats a generic wish because it names something only you'd know.
From Christmas card messages: what to write in a Christmas card
What can I write in a Christmas card for work?
Keep it warm but neutral: thank them for the year, wish them a restful break and look ahead to the new year. Season's greetings works well if you're not sure everyone celebrates Christmas.
From Christmas card messages: what to write in a Christmas card
When should Christmas cards be posted in the UK?
Aim to post second class by around the middle of December and first class in the week before Christmas, and earlier for international post. Ordering cards by the end of November gives you time to write them properly.
From Christmas card messages: what to write in a Christmas card
What do you write in a Valentine's card?
One honest line and one that sounds like you. Name a small everyday thing you love about them, then finish simply — "still you, always you" does more work than a long verse.
From Valentine's card messages: what to write in a Valentine's card
What do you write in a Valentine's card for a new relationship?
Keep it light and warm without overcommitting. Something like "early days, but I'm very glad you're in them" says enough without landing heavy in month three.
From Valentine's card messages: what to write in a Valentine's card
When should I post a Valentine's card in the UK?
Post first class two to three working days before 14 February, or second class the week before. If it's going to a work address, allow an extra day.
From Valentine's card messages: what to write in a Valentine's card
What do you write in a Mother's Day card?
Thank her for something specific rather than in general. Name the lifts, the phone calls or the meals, then finish with a simple line like "have a proper rest today".
From Mother's Day card messages: what to write for mum
What do you write for a first Mother's Day?
Reassurance beats congratulations. "First Mother's Day and you're already brilliant at it" lands better than anything about sleepless nights.
From Mother's Day card messages: what to write for mum
When is Mother's Day in the UK?
Mothering Sunday falls on the fourth Sunday of Lent, so it moves each year and is usually in March — several weeks earlier than the US date. Post first class a few days before the Sunday.
From Mother's Day card messages: what to write for mum
What do you write in a Halloween card?
A pun and a sign off is plenty. "Have a fang-tastic Halloween" or "hope your Halloween is a scream" works for friends, kids and neighbours alike.
From Halloween card messages: what to write in a Halloween card
What do you write for a Halloween birthday?
Lean into the double occasion: cake and sweets, pumpkins and presents. "Born on Halloween, which explains a lot" gets a laugh from anyone who shares the date.
From Halloween card messages: what to write in a Halloween card
Do people send Halloween cards in the UK?
Increasingly, yes — usually to children, close friends and anyone with a birthday around 31 October. Post a few days ahead so it arrives while the decorations are still up.
From Halloween card messages: what to write in a Halloween card
When is Grandparents' Day in the UK?
The first Sunday in October each year, so the date changes annually. It is not a public holiday.
From What is Grandparents' Day? The UK date, where it came from and what to send
Is UK Grandparents' Day the same day as the American one?
No. The US marks it on the first Sunday after Labor Day in September, several weeks earlier than the UK date.
From What is Grandparents' Day? The UK date, where it came from and what to send
Do you send cards on Grandparents' Day?
A card is the most common way to mark it in the UK, often written or decorated by the grandchildren, with a visit or a phone call alongside it.
From What is Grandparents' Day? The UK date, where it came from and what to send
What do you buy for Grandparents' Day?
Most people keep it small: a card, a photo of the grandchildren, a candle or a Sunday lunch together. It is not a big gifting occasion here.
From What is Grandparents' Day? The UK date, where it came from and what to send
When does Elf on the Shelf arrive and leave in the UK?
Most UK families have the elf arrive on 1 December and fly back to the North Pole on Christmas Eve, so that's twenty-four moves. Some start on the first Sunday of Advent instead.
What happens if a child touches the elf?
The usual story is that the magic fades. A sprinkle of cinnamon in a bowl overnight 'recharges' him, which resolves the crisis in about thirty seconds.
How do you do Elf on the Shelf without spending money?
Almost every idea above uses what's already in the house - loo roll, flour, cotton wool, dental floss, toys. Save spending for one or two small notes or badges as rewards.
What do you write in the elf's arrival letter?
Keep it to four lines: who sent him, why he's here, the rule about not touching him, and when he leaves. There are copy-and-paste versions above.
What goes in a Christmas Eve box?
Something to wear, something to watch, something to eat and something to do. Four items is enough - the box is meant to set up the evening, not compete with Christmas morning.
How much should a Christmas Eve box cost?
Most UK families spend £10 to £20 a box. Pyjamas are usually the biggest line; everything else can be under £5.
When do you open a Christmas Eve box?
After tea on the 24th, so the pyjamas go straight on and the film starts. Some families open it at breakfast instead to stretch the day out.
Do adults have Christmas Eve boxes?
Plenty do - usually a candle, something to drink, a film and a card, opened once the children are asleep.
When is World Book Day 2027 in the UK?
World Book Day in the UK and Ireland falls on the first Thursday in March. Check your school's letter, as some hold their dress-up day on a different day of that week.
From World Book Day ideas
What are easy World Book Day costumes?
Where's Wally, Matilda, the Very Hungry Caterpillar, Paddington and Harry Potter are all doable from clothes most families already own plus one prop.
From World Book Day ideas
What can you do if you have no costume?
Send them in normal clothes with their favourite book and a badge naming the character. Most UK schools now actively discourage shop-bought costumes.
From World Book Day ideas
Do you sell World Book Day costumes?
No. We make cards, badges and party decorations, so this is a planning guide - the only thing here worth buying is a badge for a prize or to finish a homemade outfit.
From World Book Day ideas
How many rounds should a Christmas quiz have?
Six rounds of ten questions works best. It runs about forty-five minutes with marking, which is as long as a room stays engaged after a big meal.
From Christmas quiz questions and answers
What are good prizes for a Christmas quiz?
Keep them small and funny - a pin badge, a bar of chocolate, a bottle for the winning team. Booby prizes get bigger laughs than first prizes.
From Christmas quiz questions and answers
How do you run a Christmas quiz at work?
Teams of four to six, one quizmaster who doesn't play, swap papers to mark, and skip anything that relies on drinking. Our office Christmas party games guide has more.
From Christmas quiz questions and answers
What can you put in an advent calendar instead of chocolate?
Stickers, badges, hair clips, Lego minifigures, jokes, teabags, activity notes and books all work. A mix of treats, tiny objects and notes is cheapest and most popular.
How much does filling an advent calendar cost?
At £1 to £2 a door you're looking at £24 to £48. Using activity notes for a third of the doors brings it under £20 without anyone noticing.
When does advent start?
Church advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, so the date moves. Shop-bought calendars almost always start on 1 December.
What are the main British Christmas traditions?
Cards, a tree, crackers, stockings, turkey with all the trimmings, the King's 3pm broadcast, a walk, Boxing Day football and pantomime. Most were established or popularised in the Victorian era.
From Christmas traditions in the UK
Why do we send Christmas cards in the UK?
The first commercial Christmas card was commissioned by Sir Henry Cole in 1843. Cheap postage made sending them affordable, and the habit has held for nearly two centuries.
From Christmas traditions in the UK
Why is it called Boxing Day?
It comes from the boxes of money, food or gifts traditionally given to servants, tradespeople and the poor the day after Christmas.
From Christmas traditions in the UK
When should Christmas decorations come down?
Twelfth Night, which is 5 or 6 January depending on which count you follow. Superstition says leaving them up beyond that is bad luck.
From Christmas traditions in the UK
What do you write in an Eid card?
'Eid Mubarak' is the standard greeting and is enough on its own. Add a line about health, family or the year that's passed, then sign your name.
From Eid card messages
What is the difference between Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha?
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and the month of fasting. Eid al-Adha falls later in the Islamic calendar and marks the end of Hajj. Both are greeted with 'Eid Mubarak'.
From Eid card messages
Is it appropriate to send an Eid card if you're not Muslim?
Yes. Sending Eid greetings to Muslim friends, neighbours and colleagues is welcomed. Keep it simple and warm - 'Eid Mubarak, wishing you and your family a happy day' is perfect.
From Eid card messages
Do you sell Eid cards?
Not yet. This is a wording guide, and our blank-inside cards work if you're writing your own message.
From Eid card messages
What do you write in a Diwali card?
'Happy Diwali' or 'Shubh Deepavali', followed by a wish for light, prosperity or health in the year ahead. Keep it short and warm.
From Diwali card messages
What does Diwali celebrate?
Diwali is the festival of lights, celebrated over five days, symbolising light over darkness and good over evil. It's marked by Hindu, Sikh, Jain and some Buddhist communities, with different stories behind it in each tradition.
From Diwali card messages
Is Diwali a new year?
For many Hindu communities, particularly in Gujarat, the day after Diwali begins the new year, which is why 'Saal Mubarak' is also used.
From Diwali card messages
Do you sell Diwali cards?
Not yet. This is a wording guide - our blank-inside cards and candles work well if you're writing your own message.
From Diwali card messages
What do you write in a Chinese New Year card?
Start with 'Happy Chinese New Year', 'Xin Nian Kuai Le' or 'Gong Hei Fat Choy', then add a wish for health, prosperity or success. Short is traditional.
From Chinese New Year card messages
What's the difference between Gong Hei Fat Choy and Xin Nian Kuai Le?
'Gong Hei Fat Choy' is Cantonese and wishes prosperity. 'Xin Nian Kuai Le' is Mandarin for happy new year. Both are widely understood.
From Chinese New Year card messages
What is red envelope etiquette?
Red envelopes (hongbao or lai see) hold money and are given by married adults to children and unmarried younger relatives. Use crisp new notes, avoid amounts with a four, and give and receive with both hands.
From Chinese New Year card messages
When is Chinese New Year?
It falls on the new moon between 21 January and 20 February, so the date changes each year, and celebrations run for about fifteen days to the Lantern Festival.
From Chinese New Year card messages
What is a good last-minute Halloween costume?
All black with cat ears, a white shirt with a red tie and fake blood, or a dressing gown and a mug as a sleep-deprived parent. Each takes under five minutes and uses things already in the house.
From Halloween costume ideas: 50 outfits you can actually pull off
What Halloween costume can I make at home?
Beetlejuice from a charity shop suit and black tape, a voodoo doll from hessian-look fabric and oversized stitching, or a jack-o'-lantern from orange clothes and a felt face. All cost under a tenner.
From Halloween costume ideas: 50 outfits you can actually pull off
What are good couples Halloween costumes?
Devil and angel, Ghostbuster and ghost, bride and groom of Frankenstein, or salt and pepper shakers if you'd rather be funny than frightening.
From Halloween costume ideas: 50 outfits you can actually pull off
Do you sell Halloween costumes?
Not at the moment - we make cards, badges and party decorations, all designed in house and printed in the UK. If we add costumes we'll list them on the Halloween pages first.
From Halloween costume ideas: 50 outfits you can actually pull off
How much should a Halloween costume cost?
A homemade one is usually under £10 with charity shop clothes and make-up. Shop-bought adult costumes typically run £15 to £35, and a single accessory like a hat or fangs is £3 to £8.
From Halloween costume ideas: 50 outfits you can actually pull off
What are good Halloween party ideas?
Pick one theme people can dress for, four games (apple bobbing, doughnuts on strings, wrap the mummy and murder in the dark cover most of an evening), one hot dish with everything else cold, and a cake with a topper. That's a full night without a themed food table.
From Halloween party ideas and what to write in a Halloween card
When should Halloween cards be posted?
Post first class around 28 October so it lands before the 31st. Party invitations should go out two to three weeks earlier so people can sort costumes.
From Halloween party ideas and what to write in a Halloween card
How much does a Halloween party cost?
At home it's mostly food and drink. Decorations from us run £2.45 to £5 a piece, and food is typically £5 to £10 a head if you keep it to one hot dish, snacks and a punch.
From Halloween party ideas and what to write in a Halloween card
What can I write in a Halloween birthday card?
Lean into the clash of dates — free decorations, cake and pumpkins in the same evening — then add a normal birthday wish. It's a joke everyone born on 31 October has heard, and they still like it.
From Halloween party ideas and what to write in a Halloween card
Secret Santa
Browse all secret santa guides
What are the basic rules of Secret Santa?
Everyone draws one name at random and keeps it secret, everyone spends up to the same agreed budget, and everything is opened together on one agreed date. Redraw if anyone gets their own name.
From Secret Santa rules
What is a normal Secret Santa budget in the UK?
£10 to £15 in most workplaces. Families often set £20. Pick one number rather than a range and say whether the card and postage count towards it.
From Secret Santa rules
What happens if you draw your own name?
Put every name back and draw again. Fixing it privately means someone else ends up buying for themselves later in the draw.
From Secret Santa rules
Do you have to reveal who you were?
No. Plenty of groups never reveal. If yours does, do it at the end once everything has been opened, so nobody is watching the giver's face.
From Secret Santa rules
Can you say no to Secret Santa?
Yes, and a good organiser makes opting out easy and private. December is expensive and nobody should have to explain themselves.
From Secret Santa rules
How does Secret Santa work?
Everyone in the group draws one name at random and buys a gift for that person only, up to an agreed budget. Gifts are labelled with the recipient's name, not the giver's, and opened together on one date.
From How does Secret Santa work?
How many people do you need for Secret Santa?
Four is the practical minimum — below that the anonymity disappears. It works best from about six to thirty people.
From How does Secret Santa work?
How do you draw names online?
Use a free Secret Santa generator: everyone enters their name and email, the site draws the matches and emails each person their name, so nobody sees the full list.
From How does Secret Santa work?
How far in advance should you organise Secret Santa?
Draw names two to three weeks before the opening date. For remote teams make it four, because December post is slow and one late parcel spoils the call.
From How does Secret Santa work?
Should Secret Santa gifts be wrapped?
Yes, and labelled with the recipient's name only. Handwriting can give you away, so print the label or get someone outside the group to write it.
From How does Secret Santa work?
What can you get for a £10 Secret Santa?
A pin badge, a small hand-poured candle, a coaster set, an A5 print or a bookmark — all sit under £10 and all get used. Add a card, which most groups don't count towards the budget.
From Secret Santa gifts under £10
Is £10 enough for Secret Santa?
Yes — £10 to £15 is the standard UK workplace budget. Spend it on one well-made thing rather than several novelty items.
From Secret Santa gifts under £10
What is a good cheap Secret Santa gift for work?
Something for the desk: a badge, a coaster or a small print. It's used daily, it's not personal, and it doesn't need carrying home.
From Secret Santa gifts under £10
What should you avoid buying under £10?
Novelty gadgets, anything perishable, anything sized, and anything with a joke about the person rather than the job.
From Secret Santa gifts under £10
When should I order for a Friday Secret Santa?
Order at the start of that week at the latest. In December, ordering ten days ahead is the difference between a gift and an apology.
From Secret Santa gifts under £10
What is a funny Secret Santa gift for work?
Something that jokes about shared office life — meetings, coffee, Mondays — on an object they'll keep using, like a pin badge, coaster set, candle or desk print.
From Funny Secret Santa gifts for the office
What Secret Santa gifts should you avoid at work?
Anything about a person's body, age, love life, health or drinking, plus prank gifts that leave mess. If it would be awkward opened in front of everyone, don't buy it.
From Funny Secret Santa gifts for the office
Is a rude Secret Santa gift OK in the office?
Only if the whole group has agreed to it and the joke is about the job. Mildly cheeky beats genuinely rude in a mixed office.
From Funny Secret Santa gifts for the office
What's a good funny gift for the boss?
A candle or coaster with a joke about office life in general. Keep it warm rather than pointed, and let the card carry the sentiment.
From Funny Secret Santa gifts for the office
How much should a funny office gift cost?
Whatever the group set, usually £10 to £15. Funny doesn't cost more — a £6 badge with the right line outperforms almost anything else in the room.
From Funny Secret Santa gifts for the office
Festivals and world celebrations
Browse all festivals and world celebrations guides
When is Boxing Day?
Boxing Day is 26 December every year. It's a UK bank holiday, and if it falls on a Saturday or Sunday a substitute bank holiday is given on the following weekday.
From Boxing Day
Is Boxing Day a bank holiday in the UK?
Yes, in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. In Ireland the same date is St Stephen's Day.
From Boxing Day
What do people do on Boxing Day?
Walks, football, the sales, cold leftovers, pantomime, board games and visiting relatives. Charity sea swims are increasingly common along the coast.
From Boxing Day
What is Diwali?
Diwali, or Deepavali, is the festival of lights celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and some Buddhists, marking the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. It's observed with lamps, rangoli, puja, new clothes, sweets and family gatherings.
From Diwali
When is Diwali?
Diwali falls on the new moon of the Hindu month of Kartik, so the date moves each year - normally between mid-October and mid-November. Celebrations run over five days, with the main day third.
From Diwali
How do you wish someone a happy Diwali?
'Happy Diwali', 'Shubh Deepavali' or 'Diwali Mubarak' are all commonly used and warmly received. For Sikh friends, 'Happy Bandi Chhor Divas' is thoughtful.
From Diwali
What do you give at Diwali?
Boxes of mithai (Indian sweets), dried fruit and nuts, candles and lamps, and small gifts for the home. Avoid leather and alcohol, and it's traditional to buy something metal on Dhanteras.
From Diwali
What are the Chinese zodiac animals in order?
Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig, repeating on a twelve-year cycle.
From Chinese New Year
What do you say at Chinese New Year?
'Happy Chinese New Year', the Mandarin 'Xin nian kuai le' or the Cantonese 'Gong hei fat choy', which wishes prosperity.
From Chinese New Year
What is a red envelope?
A hongbao is a red envelope containing money, given by married adults to children and unmarried relatives for luck. Avoid amounts containing the number four, and use new notes.
From Chinese New Year
What shouldn't you give as a Chinese New Year gift?
Clocks, sharp objects, shoes, umbrellas, white flowers and anything in fours all carry unlucky associations. Sweets, fruit, tea and red envelopes are all safe.
From Chinese New Year
What is Eid?
Eid is an Islamic festival. There are two: Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan and a month of fasting, and Eid al-Adha, marking the end of Hajj and commemorating Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son.
From Eid
When is Eid?
Both follow the Islamic lunar calendar and move around eleven days earlier each year. The exact date is confirmed by the sighting of the new crescent moon, often only a day in advance.
From Eid
How do you wish someone a happy Eid?
'Eid Mubarak' is the standard greeting and is welcome from anyone, Muslim or not. 'Eid Sa'id' is also used.
From Eid
What do you give at Eid?
Eidi - money in an envelope - for children, and perfume, sweets, dates or flowers for adults. Never bring alcohol or anything containing pork.
From Eid
Christenings and faith milestones
Browse all christenings and faith milestones guides
What is a traditional christening gift?
Silver keepsakes, a children's Bible, a money box, a christening candle or a first piece of jewellery. All chosen because they last rather than because they entertain.
From Christening gifts
How much should you spend on a christening gift?
In the UK, guests typically spend £10 to £25, close family £30 to £50, and godparents £50 to £150. Grandparents often give savings instead of an object.
From Christening gifts
What should a godparent give?
Something lasting and identifiable as yours: an engraved keepsake, a savings account you keep adding to, or a sealed letter to be opened at eighteen.
From Christening gifts
Do you sell silver christening gifts?
No. We make cards, candles, prints and coasters. For silver keepsakes and christening jewellery you'll want a jeweller, and we'd rather say so than sell you something else.
From Christening gifts
What is the difference between a baptism and a christening?
Baptism is the sacrament itself - the water. A christening is the naming service in which an infant is baptised. In practice, for a baby in the Church of England they are the same event; baptism also covers older children and adults.
From Baptism gifts
What is a good baptism gift?
For a baby, a keepsake with the date on it: a Bible, a candle, a framed print or a silver piece. For an older child or adult, something personal - a Bible they'll use, a print of their chosen verse, or a letter.
From Baptism gifts
How much do you spend on a baptism gift?
£10 to £25 as a guest, £25 to £50 for close family, and £50 to £150 if you're a godparent or sponsor. Adult baptism gifts are usually smaller and more personal.
From Baptism gifts
What do you give at an adult baptism?
A study Bible, a framed verse, a candle, or a card with a proper hand-written letter inside. Adults being baptised have usually made a deliberate decision, and a letter acknowledging that lands harder than an object.
From Baptism gifts
What do you give a godparent as a thank you?
A candle, a framed print with the godchild's name and date, or a photo of them at the font. The card matters as much as the gift - write it in the child's voice.
From Godparent gifts
What should a godparent give a godchild?
Something lasting: a sealed letter to be opened at eighteen, savings you keep adding to, an inscribed book, or a keepsake box you fill over the years.
From Godparent gifts
How do you ask someone to be a godparent?
Ask in person and give them a card with the question written inside, saying why you chose them. Give them room to decline - it's a real commitment.
From Godparent gifts
How many godparents should a child have?
Traditionally three in the Church of England - two of the same sex as the child and one of the opposite. In practice families choose whatever number suits them.
From Godparent gifts
What is a christening?
A church service in which a baby is baptised with water and formally welcomed into the Christian faith, with parents and godparents making promises on the child's behalf.
How long does a christening last?
Usually twenty to thirty minutes. It may sit inside a Sunday service, which makes the whole thing about an hour.
What is the difference between a christening and a baptism?
Baptism is the sacrament itself and can happen at any age. A christening is an infant baptism that includes the naming and the appointment of godparents. For a baby, they are effectively the same service.
What do you wear to a christening?
Smart casual. A shirt and trousers or a dress is right; suits and hats are not expected, and avoid anything white that competes with the christening gown.
Do you have to be religious to attend a christening?
Not at all. You're there as a guest. You don't need to sing, pray or take communion, and nobody will notice or mind.
What is Holy Communion?
The sacrament of sharing bread and wine in remembrance of the Last Supper. It's also known as the Eucharist, Mass or the Lord's Supper, and understandings of it differ between Catholic and Protestant traditions.
From Holy Communion
What happens at a First Holy Communion?
After months of preparation and usually a first confession, children receive communion for the first time during Mass, traditionally dressed in white, followed by photographs and a family celebration.
From Holy Communion
How old are children at First Holy Communion?
Usually seven to nine in the Catholic Church, most often in the spring term of the school year.
From Holy Communion
Can non-Catholics take communion?
No - the Catholic Church reserves communion for Catholics in good standing. You're very welcome to go up with your arms crossed for a blessing instead, or to stay seated.
From Holy Communion
What do you wear to a First Holy Communion?
Smart clothes, more formal than a christening. Avoid white, which is for the children, and keep shoulders covered in a Catholic church.
From Holy Communion
What is a traditional First Holy Communion gift?
A rosary, a missal or prayer book, a Bible, a cross or a saint's medal. A framed prayer or a keepsake with the date is a modern equivalent.
From First Holy Communion gifts
How much do you spend on a communion gift?
£10 to £25 as a guest, £25 to £50 as family, and more from godparents and grandparents, often as savings.
From First Holy Communion gifts
What do you write in a First Holy Communion card?
Name the day, say you're proud, and add a short blessing. Sign your full name and the date - the card goes in the keepsake box.
From First Holy Communion gifts
Is money an appropriate communion gift?
Yes, and it's very common. Put it in a card with a proper message so the day is still marked in words.
From First Holy Communion gifts
Do you sell rosaries and religious items?
No. We make cards, candles, prints and coasters in the UK. Rosaries, missals and medals are best bought from a Catholic bookshop or repository.
From First Holy Communion gifts
What is a good confirmation gift?
A watch, a cross they'll wear, a modern-translation Bible, a framed verse or money towards savings. For teenagers, something they'd choose themselves with the date added beats a religious ornament.
From Confirmation gifts
How much should you spend on a confirmation gift?
£10 to £25 as a guest, £25 to £50 as family, and more from sponsors and godparents.
From Confirmation gifts
What do you write in a confirmation card?
Acknowledge that they chose this themselves, say you're proud, and add a short blessing if it suits the family. Avoid anything that sounds like a card for a small child.
From Confirmation gifts
What age is confirmation?
Usually eleven to sixteen in the Catholic Church. In the Church of England it can be any age from around ten upwards, and adult confirmations are common.
From Confirmation gifts
What does a confirmation sponsor do?
Stands with the candidate, supports them in their faith, and is often a godparent or another practising adult chosen by the candidate.
From Confirmation gifts
What is a naming ceremony?
A non-religious ceremony welcoming a child, in which parents and chosen guide parents make promises in front of family and friends. It has no legal status - registering the birth does that.
From Naming ceremony
How much does a naming ceremony cost in the UK?
A register office ceremony is usually £150 to £250, and an independent or humanist celebrant £250 to £450. Led by a friend it costs nothing; a typical whole day for forty guests runs £400 to £700.
From Naming ceremony
What do you call godparents at a naming ceremony?
Guide parents, guardians, mentors, supporting adults or odd parents. There's no rule about how many you have or what you call them.
From Naming ceremony
Is a naming ceremony legally binding?
No. It has no legal effect and doesn't change the child's registered name or appoint legal guardians. Registering the birth and making a will do those jobs.
From Naming ceremony
What age should a child be for a naming ceremony?
Any age. Most are held between three months and a year, but they're also used for older children, adopted children and to mark a new family coming together.
From Naming ceremony
What do you give as a naming ceremony gift?
The same as a christening without the religious element: a keepsake with the date, a framed print, a book signed by the guests, a candle for the parents, or money towards savings.
From Naming ceremony
What should a godparent give a godson at a christening?
Something lasting and clearly from you: an engraved keepsake, a book inscribed with the date, savings you keep adding to, or a sealed letter for his eighteenth.
From Christening gift ideas for a godson
How much do godparents spend on a christening gift in the UK?
Usually £50 to £150. Nobody is checking - a thoughtful £20 personalised keepsake is remembered longer than an expensive generic one.
From Christening gift ideas for a godson
Is money an acceptable godson christening gift?
Yes. Put it in a card, say what it's intended for, and add a small keepsake so there's something to unwrap on the day.
From Christening gift ideas for a godson
Do communion cards have to be religious?
No. A simple 'congratulations on your special day' is perfectly acceptable, especially if you're not religious yourself.
From What to write in a communion card
Do you put money in a communion card?
It's common in the UK and Ireland. £10 to £25 from guests, more from godparents and grandparents, usually alongside a small keepsake.
From What to write in a communion card
How long should a christening party last?
Three to four hours after the service. Most run 12.30pm to 4pm, which suits babies, grandparents and anyone driving home.
How much does a christening party cost in the UK?
£150 to £300 at home for 25 people, £350 to £600 for a hall and buffet for 40, and £600 to £1,000 for a pub function room with food and drinks.
How many godparents should you have?
Church of England christenings traditionally have three; Catholic baptisms require at least one practising Catholic. Naming ceremonies have no limit.
Can a godparent say no?
Yes, and you should make that easy. Say there's no pressure when you ask, and offer another role if they decline.
What is a good confirmation message?
"Congratulations on your Confirmation - may the Holy Spirit guide you in everything from here." Short, warm and appropriate from anyone.
From Confirmation card messages
Do you give money for a confirmation?
Often, yes. £10 to £30 from guests and more from godparents or sponsors, usually alongside a keepsake.
From Confirmation card messages
What is a good First Holy Communion gift?
A dated keepsake - a framed print, candle or keepsake box - alongside a card. Jewellery, a Bible or savings are the traditional options.
From Communion gift ideas
How much should you spend on a communion gift?
In the UK, £10 to £25 from guests, £20 to £40 from wider family, £30 to £75 from godparents and £50 to £100 from grandparents.
From Communion gift ideas
Can you give money for a First Communion?
Yes, and it's very common. Put it in a card, say what it's for, and add a small keepsake so there's something to open.
From Communion gift ideas
What size christening cake do I need?
An 8in round serves about 20, a 10in round about 40, and two tiers of 8in and 10in about 60. Order for fewer than your guest list - not everyone eats cake.
How much does a christening cake cost in the UK?
£15 to £30 for a plain supermarket cake, £30 to £60 decorated, £60 to £120 for a single tier from an independent baker and £120 to £250 for two tiers.
What do you write on a christening cake?
The child's name and the date is enough. "God bless [Name]" or "[Name]'s Christening" are the usual alternatives.
Do you sell christening cakes?
No - we make the toppers, banners and confetti. Buy a plain iced cake locally and dress it yourself; it costs a third of a bespoke one.
What do you write in a baptism card?
Use the child's name, add one line of congratulation and one blessing or good wish, then sign your full name and the date.
What is a good short baptism message?
"May God bless [Name] today and all the days of their life." It suits a card from a guest, a relative or a godparent.
Is a baptism card the same as a christening card?
In practice, yes. Christening is the British term for the naming part of an infant baptism, and the same cards and wording work for both.
How much money do you give for a bar mitzvah?
Gifts are traditionally in multiples of 18. £18 from a classmate, £36 from a friend of the family, £54 to £90 from close friends and £100 to £180 from close family.
What is a good bar mitzvah gift?
Money in multiples of 18, Judaica such as a kiddush cup or tzedakah box, an inscribed book, a watch, or a charitable donation in their name.
What do you write in a bar mitzvah card?
"Mazel tov on your bar mitzvah" with a line about how hard they worked, then your full name and the date.
What are the main religious milestones for a child in the UK?
Christening or baptism in the first year, First Holy Communion at around seven or eight in Catholic families, and confirmation between eleven and fifteen. A naming ceremony is the secular alternative to a christening.
From Religious milestones explained: christening, communion, confirmation and naming ceremonies
How much should you spend on a christening, communion or confirmation gift?
Guests usually spend £10 to £30, wider family £20 to £40, godparents and sponsors £30 to £150 depending on the milestone, and grandparents £50 to £100, often as savings.
From Religious milestones explained: christening, communion, confirmation and naming ceremonies
Do you have to be religious to go to a christening or communion?
No. Plenty of guests aren't churchgoers. Sit, stand and stay quiet during the prayers, and give a warm card without religious wording if you'd rather.
From Religious milestones explained: christening, communion, confirmation and naming ceremonies
Is a quiz appropriate at a First Holy Communion party?
Yes, after the meal rather than during it. Keep the church round gentle and factual, and make sure the child of the day can answer several questions themselves.
From Communion quiz questions for the party afterwards
How long should a communion quiz be?
Ten minutes, four rounds of ten questions. Any longer and the younger children drift off.
From Communion quiz questions for the party afterwards
What prizes work for a communion quiz?
A badge or small keepsake for each winning child and a bottle for the adult team. Avoid sweets-only prizes - half the room has already had cake.
From Communion quiz questions for the party afterwards
What happens at a naming ceremony?
A welcome, the naming itself, promises from the parents and guide parents, one or two readings, and a visual moment such as a candle or planting a tree - then food. It usually takes twenty minutes.
From Naming ceremony themes and decoration ideas
Do you need a celebrant for a naming ceremony?
No. Many UK families ask a relative to lead it. Registrars and independent celebrants offer naming ceremonies from roughly £150 to £400 if you want it formally led.
From Naming ceremony themes and decoration ideas
What decorations do you need for a naming day?
A banner behind the cake table, a cake topper, and one colour scheme carried through the flowers and table. Everything else is optional.
From Naming ceremony themes and decoration ideas
How much does a christening cost in the UK?
A typical 30-guest christening comes to £350 to £900. The Church of England doesn't charge for the service, though a £30 to £100 donation is customary; the rest is food, venue hire, cake and decorations.
From Christening timing, costs and what to write
What age should a baby be christened?
Most UK christenings happen between three and twelve months, but there is no deadline. Older children and adults are baptised regularly.
From Christening timing, costs and what to write
How far in advance do you book a christening?
Eight to twelve weeks is sensible, and longer for a summer Sunday at a popular parish church.
From Christening timing, costs and what to write
How much do you give for a christening gift?
Guests £10 to £25, wider family £20 to £40, godparents £50 to £150 and grandparents £50 to £100, often as savings.
From Christening timing, costs and what to write
What do you write in a christening card?
Name the baby, add one line of congratulation and one good wish, then sign with the full date. Guests write to the parents; godparents write to the child.
From Christening timing, costs and what to write
How much does a baptism cost in the UK?
£300 to £800 for a typical infant baptism with 30 guests. The service is free, with a customary donation of £30 to £100.
From Baptism timing, costs and what to write
What do you write in an adult baptism card?
Acknowledge that it was their decision. One line of congratulation, one line of good wishes, and your name with the date.
From Baptism timing, costs and what to write
How long does a baptism take?
20 to 40 minutes for an infant baptism within a Sunday service. A full-immersion adult baptism usually runs about an hour with testimonies.
From Baptism timing, costs and what to write
What age is First Holy Communion?
Around seven or eight, in Year 3, after a preparation year that usually starts the previous September.
From First Holy Communion timing, costs and what to write
When do communions take place?
Most UK parishes hold them between April and June, on a Saturday morning or within a Sunday Mass, often in groups.
From First Holy Communion timing, costs and what to write
How much does First Holy Communion cost?
£400 to £1,000 for a typical UK celebration, with the outfit at £40 to £150 and food for 30 at £120 to £300 the biggest costs.
From First Holy Communion timing, costs and what to write
How much money do you give for a communion?
Guests £15 to £30, wider family £20 to £40, godparents £30 to £75 and grandparents £50 to £100.
From First Holy Communion timing, costs and what to write
What age is confirmation in the UK?
Usually eleven to fifteen in Catholic dioceses and fourteen upwards in the Church of England, though adults are confirmed at any age.
From Confirmation timing, costs and what to write
How long does confirmation preparation take?
Most parishes run monthly sessions from autumn to spring, plus a retreat day or a service project.
From Confirmation timing, costs and what to write
How much does a confirmation cost?
£250 to £700 for a typical UK celebration, largely a meal out rather than a hall and a buffet.
From Confirmation timing, costs and what to write
How much do you give for a confirmation gift?
Guests £15 to £30, wider family £20 to £50, sponsors and godparents £30 to £100 and grandparents £50 to £150.
From Confirmation timing, costs and what to write
When should you hold a naming ceremony?
Most are held between two months and two years old, with summer the busiest season because gardens and parks make easy venues.
From Naming ceremony timing, costs and what to write
What is a guide parent?
The non-religious equivalent of a godparent. They make a spoken promise to support the child, with no faith requirement and no legal standing.
From Naming ceremony timing, costs and what to write
What do you write in a naming ceremony card?
Use the child's name, congratulate the parents, add one warm wish and skip any blessing. Sign with your name and the full date.
From Naming ceremony timing, costs and what to write
How much do you spend on a First Holy Communion gift?
Guests £15 to £30, wider family £20 to £40, godparents £30 to £75 and grandparents £50 to £100.
From First Holy Communion gift ideas, by who you are
Is money a suitable communion gift?
Yes - it's the most common gift of all. Put it in a named envelope and write in the card what it's for.
From First Holy Communion gift ideas, by who you are
What are traditional communion gifts?
A missal, rosary, cross, first bible or a piece of jewellery. Those come from a Catholic gift shop; we make cards, candles, prints and coasters.
From First Holy Communion gift ideas, by who you are
What should a godparent give at a communion?
Something grown-up and lasting: a watch, an inscribed book, a dated keepsake, or savings with a note explaining them.
From First Holy Communion gift ideas, by who you are
What do you give at a naming ceremony?
The same keepsakes you'd give at a christening, minus anything religious: a dated print, a candle, an inscribed book, a keepsake box or savings.
From Naming ceremony gift ideas, from guests to guide parents
How much should you spend on a naming ceremony gift?
Guests £10 to £25, wider family £20 to £40, grandparents £50 to £100 and guide parents £30 to £100.
From Naming ceremony gift ideas, from guests to guide parents
What does a guide parent give?
Their promise in writing, framed, plus a lasting keepsake or savings. Many choose a yearly tradition rather than a single gift.
From Naming ceremony gift ideas, from guests to guide parents
Can you give a christening gift at a naming ceremony?
Only if it carries no religious wording or imagery. Blank-inside cards and dated keepsakes work at both; bibles, crosses and christening spoons do not.
From Naming ceremony gift ideas, from guests to guide parents
Charity and fundraising
Browse all charity and fundraising guides
When is the Macmillan Coffee Morning?
The World's Biggest Coffee Morning is held on the last Friday in September, but Macmillan encourage you to hold yours on any date that works for your workplace, school or group.
From Macmillan Coffee Morning ideas
How do you register a Macmillan Coffee Morning?
Sign up on the Macmillan Cancer Support website and they send a free fundraising kit with posters, bunting and donation materials, plus a link for online donations.
From Macmillan Coffee Morning ideas
How much should you charge at a coffee morning?
A flat 'coffee and a slice for £3' raises more than pricing each bake. Add a raffle at £1 a strip and a guess-the-weight at £1 a go, and put a card reader or QR code on every table.
From Macmillan Coffee Morning ideas
What sells best at a Macmillan Coffee Morning?
Traybakes, brownies and scones sell out first because they're easy to eat standing up. Always label one gluten-free and one vegan option - they go quickly.
From Macmillan Coffee Morning ideas
Do you sell Macmillan fundraising products?
No - Macmillan send their own branded kit when you register. What we make is the bunting, banners, cake toppers and thank you cards that dress the table and thank your volunteers afterwards.
From Macmillan Coffee Morning ideas
What sells best at a bake sale?
Brownies, rocky road, cupcakes and traybakes. Anything that can be eaten standing up with one hand and priced at a round pound sells fastest.
From Bake sale ideas
How should you price a bake sale?
Whole pounds only: £1 for small items, £1.50 to £2 a slice, or £3 for a slice and a drink. Bundle deals and a card reader both raise the average spend.
From Bake sale ideas
Do you need to label allergens at a charity bake sale?
Good practice is to label the main allergens on every plate and keep an ingredients list beside homemade items. Schools and workplaces usually have their own policy, so check before the day.
From Bake sale ideas
How much can a bake sale raise?
A school or office bake sale with twenty contributors typically raises £150 to £400. A raffle alongside it usually adds as much again.
From Bake sale ideas
When is Red Nose Day?
Red Nose Day is run by Comic Relief and usually falls in mid-March, in alternate years with Sport Relief. Check the Comic Relief website for the current date before you plan.
From Red Nose Day ideas
What are easy Red Nose Day ideas for schools?
A £1 non-uniform day, silly hair day, a joke competition, a sponsored silence and a bake sale at pick-up. Between them they take almost no organising and raise the most.
From Red Nose Day ideas
What raises the most money on Red Nose Day?
Sponsored challenges - silences, head shaves and step challenges - raise the most per person, because people sponsor an individual rather than dropping a coin in a tin.
From Red Nose Day ideas
Do you sell red noses?
No. Comic Relief sell the official red noses and merchandise, and buying elsewhere doesn't help them. We make the bunting, banners, cake toppers and thank you cards for the day itself.
From Red Nose Day ideas
When is Children in Need?
BBC Children in Need is held on a Friday in November each year, with the televised appeal on the same evening. Check the BBC Children in Need site for the exact date.
What are easy Children in Need ideas for schools?
A spotty or yellow non-uniform day at £1 a head, a spotty cake sale, a guess-the-spots jar and a sponsored silence. Together they take an afternoon to organise.
Why do people wear spots for Children in Need?
Pudsey Bear's bandana is spotty, so spots have become the shorthand for the day. Yellow works just as well for schools that prefer a colour theme.
Do you sell Pudsey merchandise?
No - official merchandise comes from BBC Children in Need and their retail partners. We make the bunting, banners, cake toppers and thank you cards for the day.
What are the easiest charity fundraising ideas?
A dress-down day at £1 a head, a bake sale and a raffle. All three can be organised in an afternoon and between them cover most of what a school or office raises in a year.
From Charity fundraising ideas
What raises the most money?
Sponsored individual challenges and quiz nights. Both get people giving by card in larger amounts rather than putting coins in a tin.
From Charity fundraising ideas
What is Gift Aid and should you use it?
Gift Aid lets a UK charity claim an extra 25p for every £1 donated by a UK taxpayer, at no cost to the giver. Always include the declaration on sponsorship forms and online pages.
From Charity fundraising ideas
Do you need permission to fundraise for a charity?
Register your event with the charity first. They'll confirm what you can use their name and logo for, and send materials and paying-in details.
From Charity fundraising ideas
Badges and pins
Browse all badges and pins guides
Are enamel pins worth the extra cost?
If the badge is the gift, yes — the colour is set into metal, so it survives daily wear on a coat or bag for years. If you need several for one occasion, button badges do the same job for less.
From What's the difference between enamel pins and button badges?
Will a pin badge damage clothing?
Pinning through a seam or a thicker fabric avoids visible holes. On fine knitwear, pin it to a bag, lanyard or coat lapel instead.
From What's the difference between enamel pins and button badges?
Can I post a badge with a card?
Yes. Badges are flat and light, so they go in the same envelope as a greeting card and ship as one order with one delivery charge.
From What's the difference between enamel pins and button badges?
What size are your badges?
Most sit around 25mm to 45mm across, with the small designs at the lower end. Each product page lists the exact size.
From What's the difference between enamel pins and button badges?
Do badges come with a standard pin back?
Yes, every badge has a standard pin fastening that works on coats, bags, lanyards and hats.
From What's the difference between enamel pins and button badges?
Is a pin badge enough of a gift on its own?
Paired with a card, yes — it's the standard small gift for colleagues, teachers and friends. For a milestone birthday, add a print or candle so there's something to unwrap alongside it.
From Pin badge gift ideas: what to buy, and who for
How much should I spend on a badge gift?
Most badges sit at a few pounds, which keeps a card-and-badge pairing comfortably inside secret santa and colleague gift limits.
From Pin badge gift ideas: what to buy, and who for
Can I buy several badges in one order?
Yes, and it's the cheapest way to cover a whole team or a party — they all post together in a single delivery.
From Pin badge gift ideas: what to buy, and who for
Do you have birthday age badges, like a 60th?
Not at the moment — our range is funny, animal, pride and occupation designs rather than age numbers. For a milestone gift, pair a badge with a milestone card or keepsake print.
From Pin badge gift ideas: what to buy, and who for
Are badges suitable for children?
They're fine for older children on a coat or bag, but the pin fastening means they aren't suitable for toddlers or very young children.
From Pin badge gift ideas: what to buy, and who for
What is the best way to display enamel pins?
A felt or canvas pin banner is the most popular option: it hangs on a wall, holds a large collection, and lets you rearrange pins without damaging anything. A cork board does the same job for less if you already have one.
From How to display enamel pins
How do I stop enamel pins falling off?
Replace the butterfly clutch with a rubber or locking back, and pin through a seam or a double layer of fabric so the weight is supported. Most lost pins start with a lost clutch.
From How to display enamel pins
Can you display pins in a frame?
Yes — a box frame with a fabric or foam backing works well for a themed set, since the depth stops the glass pressing on the pins.
From How to display enamel pins
How do you clean enamel pins?
A dry, soft cloth is enough. Avoid metal polish and cleaning sprays, which strip or dull the plating, and keep pins out of damp rooms.
From How to display enamel pins
How do you store a pin collection safely?
Face up in a padded pin wallet or a lined tin, with pins spaced so posts don't scratch neighbouring enamel. Keep the clutches on while stored.
From How to display enamel pins
What is an enamel pin badge?
A die-struck metal badge with coloured enamel filled into the recessed parts of the design and a pin fastening on the back. The colour is set into metal rather than printed on top, which is why enamel pins outlast printed button badges.
From Enamel pin badges: the UK buying guide
Is hard or soft enamel better?
Neither is better made. Hard enamel is polished flat for a smooth, jewellery-like face; soft enamel leaves raised metal outlines you can feel and shows finer detail. Pick on looks and budget.
From Enamel pin badges: the UK buying guide
What size should an enamel pin be?
25mm suits a lanyard or lapel and reads clearly at conversation distance. Go to 35–45mm if the artwork has fine detail or it's going on a jacket or bag where there's space.
From Enamel pin badges: the UK buying guide
How much should an enamel pin cost in the UK?
From an independent UK maker, a small single pin usually costs roughly what a greeting card does, with larger or more colourful designs a little more. Very cheap pins normally cut corners on plating or enamel depth.
From Enamel pin badges: the UK buying guide
Are enamel pins a good gift?
They're ideal when you want the card to arrive with something in it — birthdays, leaving dos, retirements and thank yous — without the cost, bulk or wrapping of a full present.
From Enamel pin badges: the UK buying guide
Do enamel pins damage clothes?
Not if you pin through a seam or a heavier layer. On fine knitwear, put the pin on a bag, lanyard or coat lapel instead, and use a rubber or locking back on anything that gets knocked about.
From Enamel pin badges: the UK buying guide
Can I post an enamel pin with a card?
Yes. Pins are flat and light enough to travel in the same envelope as a greeting card, so a pin and card ship together as one order with one delivery charge.
From Enamel pin badges: the UK buying guide
Card design and how cards work
Browse all card design and how cards work guides
What size should a greetings card be?
A6 (105 × 148mm) for everyday cards and A5 (148 × 210mm) for milestone occasions. Both post at UK letter rate in a standard envelope.
From How to design a greetings card
What resolution do I need to design a card?
300dpi at final size, in CMYK, with 3mm bleed on all four edges. Anything below 300dpi shows as soft edges once it's printed.
From How to design a greetings card
What paper weight is best for greetings cards?
300–350gsm. Below 300gsm the card flops when it's stood up; above 400gsm it fights the fold unless it's properly creased.
From How to design a greetings card
How much margin should a greetings card have?
At least 10mm from the trim on all sides, and 15mm at the bottom of the front so a shop rack doesn't hide anything important.
From Greetings card layout: composition, grids and white space
Should the design be centred?
Place the focal point slightly above the mathematical centre. Dead-centre layouts look like they're sinking down the page.
From Greetings card layout: composition, grids and white space
How much should go on the front of a card?
One idea. If you can't describe the front in a single short sentence, there's too much on it.
From Greetings card layout: composition, grids and white space
What font size should a greetings card use?
At least 24pt for the main line on an A6 front, and no smaller than 9pt for anything printed inside.
From Greetings card typography: fonts, sizes and pairings
How many fonts should be on one card?
One or two. Beyond that the card starts to look like a leaflet rather than a designed object.
From Greetings card typography: fonts, sizes and pairings
Can I use any font on a card I'm selling?
Only if the licence allows commercial print use. Free-for-personal-use fonts are the most common licensing mistake in card design.
From Greetings card typography: fonts, sizes and pairings
What resolution does a photo need for a greetings card?
300dpi at final printed size — about 1,240 × 1,750 pixels for an A6 card front including 3mm bleed.
From Photo greetings cards: choosing and preparing images
Why does my photo card print darker than the screen?
Screens are backlit and print isn't. Convert to CMYK and lift the shadows a little before sending artwork to print.
From Photo greetings cards: choosing and preparing images
Can I use a stock photo on a card I sell?
Only with an extended or merchandise licence. A standard stock licence usually excludes physical products for resale.
From Photo greetings cards: choosing and preparing images
When is New Year's Day?
1 January, and it is a bank holiday across the whole of the UK.
From New Year explained: the date, the traditions and what to send
What is Hogmanay?
The Scottish word for New Year's Eve and the celebrations around it, traditionally a bigger event in Scotland than Christmas.
From New Year explained: the date, the traditions and what to send
Do people send New Year cards in the UK?
Some do, often instead of a Christmas card or as a late reply to one. They are also common for business contacts and clients.
From New Year explained: the date, the traditions and what to send
When is Father's Day in the UK?
The third Sunday in June each year, so the date changes annually.
From What is Father's Day? The UK date, where it came from and what to send
Is UK Father's Day the same date as the American one?
Yes. The UK, US, Ireland and Canada all mark it on the third Sunday in June, unlike Mother's Day, which differs.
From What is Father's Day? The UK date, where it came from and what to send
Why is Father's Day a different date to Mother's Day in the UK?
Mothering Sunday is tied to the church calendar and falls in Lent, while Father's Day is a twentieth-century American import with no religious link.
From What is Father's Day? The UK date, where it came from and what to send
When is Bonfire Night?
5 November every year. It is not a bank holiday in the UK.
From What is Bonfire Night? The story behind 5 November
Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?
It marks the failure of the 1605 Gunpowder Plot to blow up Parliament, after Guy Fawkes was caught with the gunpowder.
From What is Bonfire Night? The story behind 5 November
Do people send Bonfire Night cards?
Mostly as invitations to a bonfire or fireworks party. Our Bonfire Night cards are blank inside so you can add the date, the time and what to bring.
From What is Bonfire Night? The story behind 5 November
When is Thanksgiving?
The fourth Thursday in November in the United States, and the second Monday in October in Canada.
From What is Thanksgiving? The date, the meal and sending a card from the UK
Is Thanksgiving celebrated in the UK?
Not traditionally. Some families with American connections mark it, and a growing number of restaurants run a Thanksgiving menu.
From What is Thanksgiving? The date, the meal and sending a card from the UK
How early should I post a Thanksgiving card to the US?
Around two weeks ahead. Posting in the first half of November gives international post enough room.
From What is Thanksgiving? The date, the meal and sending a card from the UK
When is Burns Night?
25 January every year, the birthday of Robert Burns.
From What is Burns Night? The date, the supper and the poetry
What is served at a Burns supper?
Haggis with neeps and tatties, usually with a whisky, often after cock-a-leekie soup and followed by cranachan.
From What is Burns Night? The date, the supper and the poetry
Do you send Burns Night cards?
Not typically — it is a supper rather than a card occasion. Most people send an invitation instead.
From What is Burns Night? The date, the supper and the poetry
When is St Patrick's Day?
17 March every year, the feast day of St Patrick.
From What is St Patrick's Day? The date, the saint and how it's marked
Is St Patrick's Day a bank holiday in the UK?
It is a public holiday in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, but not in England, Scotland or Wales.
From What is St Patrick's Day? The date, the saint and how it's marked
Why is green worn on St Patrick's Day?
Green is associated with Ireland and with the shamrock, which legend says St Patrick used to explain the Trinity.
From What is St Patrick's Day? The date, the saint and how it's marked
Why does the date of Easter change every year?
It is set by the lunar calendar: the first Sunday after the first full moon on or after 21 March, so it moves between 22 March and 25 April.
From What is Easter? Why the date moves and what to send
Which Easter days are bank holidays in the UK?
Good Friday and Easter Monday in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, Good Friday is observed but Easter Monday generally is not.
From What is Easter? Why the date moves and what to send
Do people send Easter cards?
Yes, mainly to children, grandparents and godchildren, often sent with or instead of an egg.
From What is Easter? Why the date moves and what to send
How to: the questions people ask most
Browse all how to: the questions people ask most guides
Is a text apology enough?
For something small, yes - a same-day text beats a perfect message that arrives a week later. For anything that hurt someone, send the text and follow it with a conversation or a card.
From How to write a sorry message
How long should an apology be?
Three or four sentences. Long apologies drift into explaining yourself, which reads as excuse-making.
From How to write a sorry message
Should I apologise again later?
No. Say it properly once, then show the change. Repeating it asks the other person to reassure you.
From How to write a sorry message
How soon should a thank you go out?
Within a week for a gift, and within a fortnight after a wedding or a big party. Late is still far better than never.
From How to write a thank you message
Can I send the same message to everyone?
Keep the structure the same and change the middle line. The detail about their specific gift is the part people notice.
From How to write a thank you message
Do I have to mention money by amount?
No. Say "your generous gift" and then name what it is going towards.
From How to write a thank you message
Is "love" too much for a colleague?
Usually yes. "Best wishes" or "warm regards" is the safe register at work, unless you are genuinely close friends outside it.
Whose name goes first when signing as a couple?
The one who knows the recipient better. It is a small courtesy but people do notice on wedding and sympathy cards.
Do I need a sign-off at all on a short card?
Yes - even just your name. A message with no ending reads unfinished.
What if I barely know the person?
Write your name and one honest, general line - "good luck with the move" is fine. Nobody expects a memory from every signer.
Should the card go round by email instead?
A digital card reaches remote colleagues, but a physical one gets kept. If the team is split, do both and print the digital messages inside.
Who hands it over?
Whoever is closest to them, not whoever is most senior.
Do I need the county?
No. With a correct postcode, Royal Mail does not need the county for UK addresses.
From How to address a card envelope
Should the address be centred?
Left-aligned in the lower half of the envelope is easiest for sorting machines. Leave the top-right clear for the stamp.
From How to address a card envelope
Can I use a pen with coloured ink?
Yes, as long as it is dark and readable. Avoid metallic pens on dark envelopes - scanners struggle with them.
From How to address a card envelope
Why do square cards cost more?
Square envelopes do not run through automated sorting the same way, so they are often charged at a higher rate. Check at the counter if the card is square.
From How to post a card in the UK
What happens if I underpay?
The recipient is asked to pay a surcharge before it is released, which is exactly the opposite of a nice surprise.
From How to post a card in the UK
Are old stamps still usable?
Only barcoded stamps are valid. Old non-barcoded ones had to be swapped through Royal Mail's swap-out scheme.
From How to post a card in the UK
Is a funny card ever the wrong call?
Yes - for a first birthday card to an in-law, for anyone going through a rough year, and for milestone ages people are sensitive about.
From How to choose a birthday card
Blank inside or printed verse?
Blank if you have something to say, printed if you do not. A printed verse plus "love from" is better than a blank card with nothing in it.
From How to choose a birthday card
How early should I buy it?
A week ahead for posting, a fortnight for anything going overseas.
From How to choose a birthday card
Do I owe an explanation?
No. "I can't make it" is a complete answer. A reason is a courtesy for close friends, not an obligation.
From How to decline an invitation politely
Should I still send a gift to a wedding I decline?
For close family and friends, yes - a card and a modest gift. For distant invitations, a card is enough.
From How to decline an invitation politely
How quickly should I reply?
As soon as you know. Late declines cost the host money on catering and seating.
From How to decline an invitation politely
Relationships, apologies and celebrating together
Browse all relationships, apologies and celebrating together guides
Is it too soon to write I love you in a card?
If you have not said it out loud yet, a card is a heavy way to break the news. Say it in person first, then let the card repeat it.
From How to say I love you in a card
What if I am not good with words?
Write one specific thing they do and how it makes you feel. Specific beats poetic, and it is much harder to get wrong.
From How to say I love you in a card
Should I sign it formally?
No. Use whatever you call each other in real life. A card that sounds like a letter from a solicitor undoes the sentiment.
From How to say I love you in a card
How often should you message in a long distance relationship?
Little and often beats one long call a week. Agree a rough rhythm so neither of you is waiting around guessing.
From Long distance relationship messages
What do you send instead of a gift?
A posted card, a photo of something ordinary, or a booked date in the calendar. Certainty is worth more than parcels.
From Long distance relationship messages
How do you handle a bad week apart?
Name it plainly rather than going quiet. Silence gets read as distance, and distance is already the problem.
From Long distance relationship messages
Is a card too much this early?
A card is rarely too much. What you write in it can be - keep it warm, short and a bit funny and it will land fine.
From New relationship messages
What do you write for a first birthday together?
Wish them the day they want and add one line about the year since you met. Skip anything about the future unless you have already talked about it.
From New relationship messages
How do you sign off early on?
Your name and a single kiss is plenty. Save the nicknames for when they exist naturally.
From New relationship messages
How long should you leave it before making up?
Long enough to stop rehearsing your case, short enough that the silence is not doing its own damage. For most rows that is a few hours, not days.
From How to make up after an argument
Who should apologise first?
Whoever can. Apologising for your part is not the same as accepting the whole thing was your fault.
From How to make up after an argument
Does a card help after an argument?
It does when the conversation keeps going in circles. Written words get read once, calmly, without an immediate reply.
From How to make up after an argument
Should an apology card be funny?
Only for small things. Humour works when the mistake was inconvenient, not when it was hurtful.
From Apology card ideas
Do you send a gift with an apology card?
A small one is fine if the apology comes first. A large one looks like you are trying to buy your way out.
From Apology card ideas
Is it too late to send one?
No. Say the delay out loud in the first line - "this is late and that is my fault too" - then apologise properly.
From Apology card ideas
How often should date night be?
Monthly and kept beats weekly and cancelled. Put it in both calendars like anything else you would not move.
From Date night ideas in the UK
What is a good cheap date night?
A walk somewhere with a view, chip shop tea and a set time to be home. It costs under ten pounds and people remember it for years.
From Date night ideas in the UK
What about date night with young children?
Do it at home after bedtime and treat it properly: cook something, sit at the table, leave the phones in another room.
From Date night ideas in the UK
Which relationship milestones should you celebrate?
Whichever ones you both actually care about. A first holiday can matter more than a six month mark - agree on two or three and keep them.
From Relationship milestone ideas
Do you buy a gift for a one month anniversary?
A card and a decent evening is plenty. Gifts early on set an expectation somebody has to keep matching.
From Relationship milestone ideas
How do you mark a milestone with no money?
Write the date in a card and repeat one small tradition. Repetition is what turns a date into a milestone.
From Relationship milestone ideas
How long should a love note be?
One or two lines. The point is that it was quick to write and impossible to ignore.
Where do you leave love notes?
Somewhere they will find it alone: a bag, a coat pocket, the steering wheel, the fridge before an early start.
Do love notes work by text?
They do, but paper lasts. A text is read once, a note ends up in a drawer for years.
Sympathy and difficult moments
Browse all sympathy and difficult moments guides
Should you send a card after a miscarriage?
Yes, if you would have sent one for another loss. Keep it short, name what happened, and make it clear no reply is needed.
From What to say after a miscarriage
Should you mention it again later?
Yes. Most support arrives in the first week and stops. A message a month later, or on the due date, is often the one people remember.
From What to say after a miscarriage
Where can someone get support in the UK?
The Miscarriage Association (01924 200799) and Tommy's midwife line (0800 0147 800) both offer free support, and the GP can refer for counselling.
From What to say after a miscarriage
Should you send a card for redundancy?
A leaving card from the team is normal and usually appreciated. Keep the tone warm rather than jokey unless you know them well.
From What to say when someone is made redundant
Is it patronising to offer money help?
Offer something concrete and small instead - paying for dinner, covering a course fee - so it does not feel like charity.
From What to say when someone is made redundant
What UK help exists after redundancy?
Citizens Advice covers redundancy pay and notice rights, and Jobcentre Plus Rapid Response Service supports people still under notice.
From What to say when someone is made redundant
Should you say the word cancer?
Follow their language. If they have said it, say it. Talking around the illness can feel like being handled.
From What to say when someone gets a serious diagnosis
How often should you message?
Little and regular beats long and rare. A weekly message that needs no reply keeps the door open.
From What to say when someone gets a serious diagnosis
What if you do not hear back?
Keep going. Silence during treatment is usually exhaustion, not a hint.
From What to say when someone gets a serious diagnosis
Is a new home card appropriate for a care home move?
Only if the tone is gentle. A warm thinking of you card usually sits better than a celebratory new home one.
From What to say when someone moves into care
What do you write for someone with dementia?
Short sentences, present tense, your full name at the end, and a photo if you can. Avoid quizzing them on memories.
From What to say when someone moves into care
How do you support the main carer?
Ask about them, not just the resident. Guilt in the first month is almost universal and rarely talked about.
From What to say when someone moves into care
Is it wrong to bring the date up?
No. You will not remind them - they have known the date was coming for weeks. You will show them they are not alone with it.
From Death anniversary messages
What if you get the date slightly wrong?
Send it anyway. A message on the wrong day still means someone remembered.
From Death anniversary messages
What can you send instead of a card?
Flowers, a donation in their name, or a photo you have that they may not have seen.
From Death anniversary messages
Is it better to say nothing than the wrong thing?
No. Most bereaved people remember who disappeared far longer than who fumbled a sentence.
From What not to say when someone is grieving
What is the safest thing to say?
"I am so sorry. I am thinking of you." It never lands badly and needs no reply.
From What not to say when someone is grieving
Should you avoid mentioning the person who died?
The opposite. Hearing their name is usually the thing people miss most.
From What not to say when someone is grieving
How long should you keep checking in?
For grief, at least the first year and then the anniversary. For illness or redundancy, until they tell you things have settled.
From How to support someone months later
What if they never reply?
Keep the messages short and reply-free. Being thought of matters even when answering is beyond them.
From How to support someone months later
Is it too late to say something months on?
No. "I have been thinking about you and I should have said so sooner" is always welcome.
From How to support someone months later
Why do people refuse help?
Because accepting it means admitting how bad things are, and because vague offers require them to invent a task. Name the task yourself.
From Practical help to offer instead of words
How do you offer money without embarrassment?
Attach it to a specific bill or treat - covering a food shop, a train fare, a month of a subscription - rather than handing over cash.
From Practical help to offer instead of words
What if the family already has lots of help?
Take a later slot. Week six is usually empty when week one was crowded.
From Practical help to offer instead of words
Card templates, gift ideas and game instructions
Browse all card templates, gift ideas and game instructions guides
How long should a card message be?
Three lines is plenty. One opener, one specific detail, one sign-off. Anything longer usually repeats itself.
Is it lazy to use a template?
No. The template only handles the shape - the specific detail in the middle is the part they actually read.
What if I run out of space?
Write the specific line first and fit the greeting around it, not the other way round.
What do you write in a birthday card for someone you barely know?
Keep it warm and short: "Happy birthday [name] - hope you have a great day." Sign your full name if they might not place you.
From Birthday card wording templates
Should you mention their age?
Only if they mention it themselves. Milestones are usually fair game, everything in between is safer left alone.
From Birthday card wording templates
Is it rude to mention money directly?
Say "your generous gift" rather than the amount. Then say what it is going towards - that is the warm bit.
How much should you spend on a gift in the UK?
£10-£30 covers most adult birthdays, £20-£50 for milestones and christenings. Closeness matters more than the number.
What is the latest you can post a card in the UK?
First class posted before the last collection usually arrives the next working day, but do not rely on it for a Saturday.
Is a late gift worse than no gift?
No. Late and specific beats on-time and generic almost every time.
How many games do you need for a party?
Three or four for two hours. Any more and you spend the party explaining rules instead of playing.
How long should a party game last?
Ten to fifteen minutes. Stop while people still want another go.
How long do you get in charades?
One minute is standard. Two minutes for younger children or very long titles.
From How to play charades
Can you point at things in charades?
You can point at objects and people in the room, but not at written words - that is the one rule everyone breaks.
From How to play charades
How many layers should pass the parcel have?
One per child plus one for the prize, so everyone unwraps exactly once.
From How to play pass the parcel
What goes in each layer?
A sweet, a sticker or a silly forfeit. Keep toys for the final layer so the game keeps moving.
From How to play pass the parcel
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