John Lewis Advent Calendar 2023, Day 8: Get baking together
This one is an activity the whole family can get involved with. Get busy together in the kitchen and make some gorgeous gifts for loved ones and treats throughout Christmas.
By Gemma Wilcock | Last updated Dec 13, 2023
Created by
One of the best parts about Christmas is the food - and we’re not just talking about the Christmas Day feast, but also the yummy treats you can graze on throughout the festive period. For our Mumsnet users, this means baking up some tasty Christmas goodies to share with friends and family.
It’s an activity you can get your kids involved in, too. Whether it’s baking festive gingerbread biscuits or whipping up a batch of homemade mince pies, children love to make a mess in the kitchen. It can also make leaving a homemade biscuit or pie out for Santa even more special knowing they made it themselves.
Why stop at Santa though? You can share the treats with family and friends when they come to visit or even box them up and give them out as yummy edible gifts. In the run up to Christmas, our Mumsnet users make everything from fruit cake and cookies to cinnamon rolls and Christmas muffins.
We bake something every Christmas Eve, last year it was gingerbread men…
I’m not sure what it’ll be yet but I want us to bake something that’ll become a signature Christmas recipe. Maybe cookies to leave for Santa?
I make cranberry & white chocolate cookies, they are known as Santa cookies in our house. I also make mini Christmas cakes in November & feed them for several weeks before gifting.
New to this tradition or need some tools to make Christmas baking even more fun? John Lewis has you covered. The retailer has an extensive range of baking tools to help you cook up a storm in the kitchen, including festive themed cookie cutters, cake moulds and spatulas to gorgeous crockery to display your Christmas treats on.
I have a Kitchen Aid, it’s 20 years old, looks like new and works perfectly - I use it 2/3 times a week and fully expect it to last a lifetime. In terms of cost per use, it’s not at all expensive.
KitchenAid 125 Artisan 4.8L Stand Food Mixer, £300
KitchenAid
johnlewis.com
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Don't forget these baking must-haves:
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Currently lusting over the Mason Cash mixing bowls...
Mason Cash Ceramic Mixing Bowl, from £28
Mason Cash
johnlewis.com
What is the John Lewis Advent calendar 2023?
For the first 12 days of December, we’re serving up Christmas inspiration, gift ideas and thoughtfully curated products that carry the seal of approval from our very own Mumsnet users. Make sure you check back daily!
About John Lewis
Known for much more than just those tear-jerking Christmas adverts, John Lewis is a department store that will accommodate all your needs. From home, garden, electricals, beauty, and fashion it's the perfect place to find a special gift for someone, or for yourself.
About the author
Rebecca Roberts is a writer, editor, and content marketing expert hailing from Leeds. Here at Mumsnet, she brings parents content designed to make life easier. As a mum-of-two, she knows all too well how difficult it can be organising Christmas. So, she's fully invested in finding the best Christmas gift ideas, offers and promotions for families this year.
Beyond her role as an editor here at Mumsnet, Rebecca can be found balancing life as a working mum of two toddlers and when she’s not at her desk, you’ll likely find her at a local playgroup, in a nearby coffee shop, or walking the dog.