It's the last Tuesday in October, and our local supermarket has already put the mince pies right next to the Halloween sweets. Nobody asked for this, but here we are..
Before December comes charging in, there's a day we think deserves a bit more fuss than it usually gets. St Andrew's Day falls on Monday 30 November this year, and it's Scotland's national day. Officially it's a bank holiday in Scotland, but plenty of people end up at work anyway. To be honest, that's all the more reason for a decent brew.
People mark it in all sorts of ways: a ceilidh, a big pot of Cullen skink, a plate of shortbread that somehow empties itself by teatime. It's a much smaller day than Christmas, and that's exactly why a little gift goes down so well. Nobody's expecting one. So here are our ideas, sorted by who you're buying for.
For the one who flies the saltire at every chance
You know who they are. The flag's on the car, on the phone case, and quite possibly on a jumper the dog wears. Some people are proud of where they're from, and they're VERY proud of it.
We'd start with our Flag Mugs. If you want something with a bit more personality, try the Country Hand Flag Mugs and the Country Thumbs Up Flag Mugs. Go with whichever suits them best. A big cheery thumbs up just feels right for a Monday.
For the Scot who lives miles from home
If you're in Bristol or Brisbane, St Andrew's Day can go by pretty quietly when nobody around you marks it. A parcel turning up that week says "we remembered you", and that's a lovely thing to hear.
For this one we'd look in I Love Countries, or the Keep Calm and Support Mugs if they're the sort to shout at the telly on match day. One sensible bit before the fun: check the delivery dates on our shop pages before you leave it too late, especially if it's going abroad.
For anyone called Andrew (or Andy, or Drew)
It's practically their day. Any Andrew who doesn't get a bit of a fuss on 30 November has every right to sulk. A mug with their name on it is a cheeky way to remind them it's their day, and it's still sitting on their desk long after the day itself.
Andrews, Andys and Andreas are all in Names A-C, and the Drews are in Names D-F. If you'd rather go for something with a bit more of a wink, the Hashtag Name Mugs are worth a look. Our favourite trick? Hand it over first thing on the Monday with a brew already in it.
For mum, dad and the grandparents
These are the people who taught you the Dashing White Sergeant at a family wedding and wouldn't let you sit down until you'd got it right. They've earned a cuppa on the house.
Have a browse through our Mum Mugs, Dad Mugs and Grandparents Mugs. It's a small thing, but it gives you a good excuse to ring them on the day. That bit counts for just as much as the mug.
For the friend you'll be dancing with
Every ceilidh has two kinds of people: the one who knows all the steps, and the one who spins off in completely the wrong direction while laughing their head off. Ideally you've got one of each in your group.
Our Friend Mugs are made for exactly that kind of mate. Pick one that matches your in-jokes and say nothing. They'll know..
For the walker heading up a hill on the day off
Some people see a Monday off and think "lie-in". Others see it and think "Munro". If you know someone who'll be out with binoculars and a flask while the rest of us are still under the duvet, take a look at our Birdwatching Slogan Mugs.
And for the runner who'll be out in sideways rain no matter what, the Running Slogan Mugs might be just the thing. Something to hold while they tell you how many miles they've done. Again.
For the office
If half your team has the day off and the other half doesn't, a little something on someone's desk goes a long way. Our Colleague Mugs are good for that desk-mate who always puts the kettle on. Or the one who never does, and could do with a hint.
What we'd skip
We'd steer clear of anything that relies on the tired old jokes about Scotland. You know the ones, and so does every Scot who's heard them a thousand times. St Andrew's Day is for feeling proud, not for being the punchline.
We'd also skip leaving it until the Sunday night. With Christmas coming straight after, November has a habit of disappearing.
Sorted, then
A hot mug of tea, a plate of shortbread and someone who thought of you. To be honest, that's most of what St Andrew's Day needs. And if you start in our Personalised Mugs, you might tick a couple of Christmas presents off at the same time. Two birds, one brew..
