If your average lunch hour consists of looking forlornly at Instagram photos of sun-kissed beaches the chances are you’re suffering from a case of post-holiday blues. Save from wearing flip flops to work and adding ice lollies to your menu of elevenses, there are very few things that can reinvigorate the holiday spirit other than...well...planning your next holiday.
However, if your annual leave total reads zero, the gifts below could help add a ray of sunshine into an otherwise cloud-filled, post-holiday world.
1. Go deckchair dotty
While the idea of instating a deckchair in your living room may be taking your penchant for holidays a step too far, creating a pair of blinds using decking canvas is definitely within the realms of the acceptable. Why not snap up some Flamenco deckchair fabric (£12 a metre) from Deckchair Stripes and test out your handiwork?
2. Recreate the sound of summer
After a long and uneventful day at work, why not bring back of the joy of the summer season with an upbeat summer hits collection such as Holiday Anthems – Summer Classics (£9.99)? You may not be able to hear the sound of waves lapping at your feet, but this will definitely be the next best thing.
3. Take a virtual holiday
The Sims and their families are a busy bunch, with a seamlessly endless list of adventures on their to-do list each time a new game is released, they are definitely in need of some R & R. Take a virtual break as you play a round or two of The Sims™ On Holiday and help this much loved family plan the break of a lifetime.
Picture credit: Christina
4. Bring a touch of the exotic to your cocktails
Supping on cocktails is a year-round event, but for a tasty mixer that screams ‘summer holiday’ why not add a cute and colourful cocktail umbrella to your cocktail of choice? Examples include these vibrant paper umbrellas from Drink Stuff.
5. The gourmet food hamper
Why wait until your next holiday to sample gastronomic delights from foreign shores? Simply plump on your favourite cuisine and head online to order a hamper filled with tasty delights. Why not say ole to the La Roja hamper (£55) from Brindisa featuring mouth-watering Manchego cheese, cured chorizo and much more?