Christmas Gift Guide!

Did you just realise you forgot someone on your Christmas list? Or is someone’s stocking is looking a little empty? Postage can be tricky in the lead-up to Christmas and cash can be a little impersonal. Luckily, there are plenty of other options if you’ve left some of your Christmas shopping to the last minute… 

Theatre tokens 

While we’ve loved catching up on all the filmed shows from home, it’s great to see signs that theatre will be back in 2021. 

The main benefits of theatre tokens is that they are accepted in over 260 venues across the country (here’s a map) and never expire – even tokens bought back when they started in 1984! 

So pick some up – gift cards can be mailed, found in many high street retailers, or emailed – and start planning your next theatre trip together.

Or, if you’re happy waiting for sunnier weather, check out our list of the UK’s best outdoor theatres for inspiration! 

Support your local bookshop 

There are several platforms where you can order books and other gifts while supporting your local bookshop.

With Hive.co.uk you can order books and collect them at your local independent bookshop, or get them delivered to your home. A portion of the order goes to supporting the bookshop. 

Bookshop.org is originally an American site that recently launched a UK version. You can choose your local bookshop and, again, a portion from your order will go to them. If you don’t choose a specific shop, the money is pooled and divided between all the shops on the platform. 

What’s also great is that bookshops and authors on Bookshop.org have profiles where you can see their personalised recommendations, perfect if you’re stuck for inspiration. For example, check out these very specific lists:

• New and Bestselling Books about Friendship, Family and Self-belief for 8+
• Our Favourite Alice in Wonderland editions
• Our Favourite Mysteries for Under-11s

(Bookshop recommend ordering by 16th December for delivery before Christmas, and Hive recommend before the 18th for 2nd class delivery.)

Take in shows at home all year round

The Disney+ streaming service is currently offering a gift option, allowing you to gift a year’s subscription delivered (via email) on a date of your choice. (The recipient can then activate it when they like.)

Along with the expected Disney classics and Marvel and Star Wars films, it’s also the easiest way to experience the stage phenomenon Hamilton, with a filmed version with the original Broadway cast debuting this summer. They also recently released a  Taylor Swift concert to accompany her album folklore. 

There are also several theatre-specific streaming services offering gift options for Christmas, including BroadwayHD (American but available in the UK), Marquee TV, and National Theatre at Home. Great for inspiration and catching up on shows they might have missed (or never had the chance to see in the first place!). (Not all shows will be suitable for all ages!)

Jigsaw vouchers! 

Of course, we can’t go without mentioning Jigsaw vouchers, available this year for the first time! Give the fun of dance, singing and drama classes to the children or teens in your life.

No prior experience is needed. Our classes develop children’s confidence, self-expression, focus and social skills, while they have fun and make lots of new friends. This is a gift that will create memories to last a lifetime!

To find out more about giving Jigsaw as a gift, get in touch with your nearest Jigsaw, using the search on our home page to find your nearest school.

Jigsaw Performing Arts is dedicated to developing performance skills, promoting self-expression and building confidence. We offer performing arts classes for children aged between 3 – 18. Find your nearest school by entering your postcode into the search on our home page.