Christmas is fast approaching, and it is time to start that all-important gift shopping. One gift that is given a lot are socks, the Christmas staple that finds their way into a lot of presents hidden beneath the tree. The giving of socks as Christmas gifts stretches back to when socks were made by hand, they were and still are are a functional gift. But socks are boring and unimaginative right? Well, they don’t have to be as there are plenty of interesting and fun novelty socks available to brighten up anyone’s Christmas, after all most of us do wear socks to keep our feet warm and protected – especially at this time of year. A pair of cheap, thin plain black socks thrown loosely into a small square of poor-quality gift-wrapping paper wouldn’t be a good idea and certainly not a very good gift, but a pair or two of good quality novelty socks featuring a favourite movie or character, lovingly wrapped would be a gift to remember and a gift that will get lots of use throughout the year.
Novelty socks doesn’t mean they have to be crass or tasteless, or of such a poor quality that after wearing for Christmas Day they are thrown away on Boxing Day. Jimmy Lion have a range of over 200 premium quality socks in a range of designs for children and adults that would make the perfect stocking filler this year and they kindly sent us some of their range for us and the kids to try out – we received a bundle in adult medium and large sizes from their casual and athletic socks ranges and kids socks in medium and large. The socks we received were from the Universal range covering the films Minions, Jurassic Park, E.T., Back to the Future and Jaws.
The first thing we noticed when opening the package was the vibrant colours on the socks, they really are noticeable and do stand out, screaming quality already. The next thing we noticed was how soft they all felt; the casual socks are thin without being too thin so perfect for wearing with shoes and the athletic versions (my favourite) are thicker with slightly padded heals. All of the toes are hand lined. The description on their website says, “Jimmy Lion socks are made of high-quality combed cotton to make your feet feel like they are in heaven” and, quite frankly, we would all have to agree with that, they really are soft and comfortable.
Jimmy Lion socks are all made in Europe (various countries) from Organic Combed Cotton, Polyamide and Elastane and come in a range of sizes: kids, no-show, ankle, quarter, mid-calf and knee-high so there are sizes to fit the pickiest of sock wearers (the kids left theirs on at home which has to be a first!).
We loved the different designs that we received, whilst the kids went straight for Minions the other designs brought back memories for the adults of old films going all the way back to the 70s with Jaws. On having a look around the Jimmy Lion website, the range of designs is vast and there truly is something that will suit most people from plain basic socks to large knee high athletic socks for men, women, kids and even customised packs; there is a plethora of colours, patterns, styles and even limited editions.
Overall, we have all loved these socks. We have all been wearing different ones over the past few days, including a busy weekend and found them to really soft and comfortable. They have gone through the wash without any issues, keeping their size and shape (on a 30° wash, although Jimmy Lion do recommend a cold wash without bleach to preserve their colours and maintain size and shape. They will last longer if you keep them out of the dryer).
The amount of patterns, colours and styles on the Jimmy Lion website is enormous and the kids have already been going though it picking out what they want next (the youngest has her eye on the giraffe socks – she is giraffe mad). We love the idea of customising sock packs to get exactly the sock styles, patterns and colour that you want rather than having to buy a pack that might have socks in that you won’t wear or don’t like.
Those of you that have already had a quick peak of the Jimmy Lion website will have noticed that they are not the cheapest of socks. Pricing starts at £6.95 for a single pair of kids socks up to £10.95 for men’s and women’s athletic socks with pack sizes saving you between 10-20% depending on pack size. Whilst they are not the cheapest, you can feel the difference in quality over cheap socks when you first pick them up and hold them, and when you put them on and wear them all day it definitely confirms the quality and comfort. They feel really durable, not only from wearing but washing as well. So whilst more expensive than say a supermarket bundle, they will last a lot longer and are definitely much more comfortable (especially around the heels and toes), making them better value for money in the long run.
Jimmy Lion also give back. They are very proud to be able to support various social projects like the Aura Foundation, with their social and work integration programs, or the Seabin Project, whose initiatives help to keep our oceans clean.
If you are looking for some excellent quality socks that are fun and funky either for yourself to wear or to give as a gift this Christmas, then we can really recommend a pair or more from the Jimmy Lion collections. Soft, warm and durable, fun and funky socks that look and feel great and something that will be definitely remembered when opening the gift wrapping (no “oh, socks” with these on Christmas morning), and a gift that will be remembered all year round when wearing them.
Have a browse through the Jimmy Lion website, if you can’t find a design that you like we would be very surprised.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £6.95 to £12.95 (individual pairs)
For more information or to buy, visit jimmylion.com.
