Hi Everyone,
Welcome to my final newsletter of 2024—and what a year it’s been! Reflecting on the past 12 months, it’s clear that 2024 has been a highly consequential year, even in an age when we’ve had quite a few once-in-a-generation events.
It’s been a whirlwind for me, from attending thrilling sporting events like the Olympics to commenting on major financial shakeups and adding new services to the Enso brand. We saw the internet go down and an unexpected Oasis reunion (not to mention their remarkable ability to part me from my money). On the same note, we’ve had a change of government with all the financial ramifications of that democratic choice already playing out.
On the business front, my predictions about AI transforming every aspect of our lives were spot on. This technology now influences how we engage with commerce, government, and entertainment. However, I see this technology making the management of your business finances increasingly insightful and responsive, which is precisely why I started Enso in 2018.
Of course, we have the upcoming inauguration of an orange-tinged POTUS on January 20, 2025, which promises to bring even more twists to an already unpredictable landscape.
But before we face 2025, let’s focus on the festive season. The holidays are an insane period for many of my client’s businesses. So, to help out and as a follow-up to the success of my TikTok gift list for 2023, here are my prime picks for this Christmas. It might save you some time and effort, especially if you find gift buying a chore.
You’re welcome!
For The Person Who Has Everything…
No one really has everything, do they? There’s always something to buy, whether the recipient likes it or not. These viral TikTok picks have items that look kinda useful and some obvious candidates for regifting. All are available on that site named after a South American river that we all use whether we admit it or not!
OK, look at the following array of excellence (or otherwise) and always remember: it’s the thought that counts.
Cleaning Gel for The Car
You know I love my cars, especially EVs. But I hate cleaning my motor after the kids turn it into crumb central. So this cleaning gel looks oddly satisfying to squish into air vents and other inaccessible nooks and crannies as you wait at the lights. With over 40,000 five-star reviews, this gooey stuff will make a spot of car cleaning oddly enjoyable.
Flame Air Diffuser
Is there anything more evocative at Christmas than a crackling open fire to toast your tootsies? Well, this product is nothing like that, but it gives you that flamey vibe. At the touch of a button, this gadget turns your favourite essential oils into a calming mist, complete with a flame-like light perfect for that yuletide mood—and there’s no chance of burning the house down. That’s a win/win in my book!
Levitating Bulb Lamp
A floating lamp? Tell me more. Yes, a lightbulb that hovers mysteriously above its plinth. It’s like some Harry Potter-like sorcery. Perfect for office desks or bedside tables, this levitating light bulb adds an instant “cool or what?” vibe to any room. And before you ask, yes, it actually lights up, so it’s functional, too—what a time to be alive!
Laser Keyboard
This thing is like those floating consoles you often see in sci-fi movies. A keyboard you can project onto any surface and ferociously tap your fiendish plans like a James Bond villain. Connect via Bluetooth to a phone or tablet, and you’ll be in business. Great for gaming, texting, or making your desk look like the command bridge of the Death Star. Talking of which…
Lightsaber Chopsticks
Do you like Chinese food? I love it, and the experience has just reached a new level with these lightsaber chopsticks, I can cosplay my inner Jedi while making vroom-vroom noises as I enjoy my Chow Mein. As a bonus, I can tell my baffled fam I know what they’re getting for Christmas – ‘because I have felt their presents’. Is it me, or is this a gift that keeps on giving?
Portable Plastic Cereal Cup
It’s a busy world. Sometimes, we don’t have time to scarf down a bowl of Frosties before hitting the road. This quirky invention lets you combine cereal and milk as you drink them from the container. It brings a new dimension to breakfast-on-the-go, although I’m not sure how well it’ll cope with my preferred three shredded wheat.
Shower Foot Scrubber
Take two bottles into the shower? And a footscrubber? This gizmo attaches to your shower floor with suction cups, allowing for beautifully massaged and cleansed feet without perilous shower gymnastics. Practical, funny, and the perfect way to feel every part of you exits the shower thoroughly scrubbed—your feet will love it.
Rechargeable Selfie Mini
Some of you may have seen my occasional forays into vlogging. These are usually recorded when I need to tell you something significant. That’s why this mini rechargeable ring light is definitely something I’m considering. It clips onto your phone and offers three levels of brightness to ensure occasional or professional influencers are always ready to create social media content because, as we all know, there is not enough of that stuff!
Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera
Back in the 70s, these were called instamatic cameras and were akin to witchcraft to people of the age. This updated version is precisely the same and instantly prints your shot so you can share memories on the spot. How does that differ from a modern mobile phone that you can show and share with anyone, I wonder? Whatever floats yer boat and them Christmas stockings won’t fill ’emselves.
Bissell Little Green Portable Carpet Cleaner
Are you having a party this Yuletide? Then, hazards lie ahead for the proud homeowner. Imagine the horror of seeing revellers grinding a mince pie into your quality shagpile. Or the sinking feeling of seeing someone sit on a discarded Bounty Celebration on your stylish Draylon sofa. Or worse, you see the majestic arc of carelessly waved red wine as it lands on your expensive curtains. This viral sensation might be a lifesaver. The Bissell mini cleaner extracts accidental stains and spills from your household fabrics in a jiffy. Even as the culprit apologises profusely, the offending blots are gone. It’s not cheap, but neither are professional cleaners.
What great choices, eh? Something for everyone, I think, so grab your cards and get ordering!
Let’s Make This Holiday Season Extra Special!
So, as we say goodbye to 2024, Let me wish you a Yuletide filled with joy, laughter, and plenty of success, especially if the festive season is vital to your revenue stream.
The Enso team is here to support you through the seasonal rush. Need help managing the end-of-year forecasts, refining your strategies or adding a sprinkle of festive financial magic? We’re here to help. Get in touch on the usual channels.
And don’t forget to take a moment for yourself—pop on some Rudolph antlers and enjoy some downtime with loved ones as you recharge for the year ahead.
Thank you for being a valued Enso client. Here’s to making 2025 your most successful (and lucrative) year yet!
Wishing you a fantastic festive season and a Happy New Year.
Cheers
Adam