Gorillapod pocket tripod £14.95

Make sure you’re in at least some of your own Christmas season party photos buy getting yourself a handy flexible tripod that can stand on shelves, cling to back of chairs, or hang from light fittings. If you wait until Christmas to see if someone else has thought of it, you’ll have no evidence that you went to the office party at all.

Tefal Quick Cup instant kettle £59.99

Satisfy your eco-friendliness and your natural impatience at the same time. Instead of reflexively filling and boiling a kettle every time somebody wants a cup of tea (and let’s face it a mince pie can be pretty dry without one) just squirt out precisely as much boiling water as you require. Save money, save the environment, and get that essential instant beverage gratification on Christmas morning.