With Christmas just around the corner, choosing that perfect gift can seem the season's biggest challenge. It's especially tough if you have limited time, or a large extended family or wide group of friends to buy for.
Shopping online, of course, takes away a lot of the stress by saving time, completely eliminating the need for worrying about parking, and allowing you to shop in a time and at a place that suit you best. Often, some of the best bargains are to be found on the Internet, too.
If you're stuck for Christmas gifts ideas, presents for the home invariably go down a treat, especially if the person or people have just moved house or are recently married.
After all, for most of us, the cliché of our home being our castle tends to be true! And these kinds of gifts tend to give pleasure for much longer than something which can be worn, eaten or put in the bath.
Doormats, for example, make excellent gifts for the home, and are proof that these types of seasonal offerings do not have to be boring! Shop carefully and you'll find a huge variety of products on offer.
Mats are not just there for keeping dirt and dust out, or for wiping your feet on, essential though those functions are, especially during the winter months. They also give the first impression of a property, and make a statement about the people who live there, literally the minute visitors step across the threshold.
Affordable and durable, there's more to doormats than meets the eye! And you'll be amazed at the variety of styles and designs they come in, from funky to floral to ones with amusing slogans.
Making Your Choice
If you're choosing mats as Christmas home gifts, there are a few things you need to bear in mind. While many people think you just have to plump for a suitable colour, there's more to it than that!
For example, you have to consider whether it is going to be laid on a hard floor or carpeted surface, and whether you want to go for something machine washable. Equally, do you want the backing to be made from rubber or vinyl?
The pile the item is made from is another key consideration. Ideally you want something which removes and traps dust and debris from foot traffic. It should also be absorbent enough to draw moisture away from soggy footwear - not to mention pets if they're around too! A twisted pile is often highly effective.
Especially if the mat will be lying on a carpeted surface, it is important that it doesn't move, so consider one with a cleated back. The cleats are small nodules on the backing which grip the carpet to prevent 'creeping'.
For coverings going on smooth or hard floors, a rubber backing can provide more traction to avoid mat movement since it is heavier than vinyl.
Clearly, keeping the mat in place not only makes the hall or entranceway look tidier, but will help stop trip hazards as well. The last thing you want your recipient to have to deal with is guests tumbling into their home!
Also give some thought to how the doormat will be cleaned. If your gift cannot be easily washed in a machine, some models can be safely hosed off.
Something else to be aware of is the thickness of the mat you are buying. It can be all too easy to make your purchase and then realise that it is so thick the front door won't open properly.
Bear in mind that a mat doesn't have to be super thick to be of the best quality. It's possible to have a thin version which is just as effective at removing dust and dirt from feet as they enter the house, as well as moisture, providing it is made from the right materials.
So, when you are deciding, consider all the variable factors that come into play, But the good news is that, by making the right choice with these home Christmas gifts, you will have be giving a mat which will last for years.
Mats from The Mat Factory
At a time of year when foot traffic increases as most of us have more guests than usual, and when British weather tends to throw its worst at us, Dirt-Trapper mats from The Mat Factory, able to trap 95% of dirt and moisture, make ideal festive offerings.
Made from durable 100% cotton, machine washable and tumble dryable, these products are super-absorbent, no matter how wet shoes, boots and pets' paws get. And, with a five-year guarantee, longevity and quality come as standard.
With mats available in a wide range of designs and colours, and a choice of backings, we've got Christmas covered.
01204 389 540
Union Jack mats
