Christmas is still a couple of months away, but the Lifeboat would like to remind you of the cards and gifts that are available from the RNLI Sales catalogue and website, and from RNLI shops around the UK and RoI.

The RNLI’s exclusive Christmas cards are always popular – whether you’d like to show your support with a lifeboat design or stick to the more traditional robins and holly, you can be sure you’re sending something special. There are also decorations, wrapping paper, festive napkins, and jigsaws.

Of course it wouldn’t be Christmas without lots of nice things to eat. This year, as well as the usual mix of confectionery, preserves and hampers, RNLI Sales has an exclusive sweet set comprising chocolate, fudge, mints, jelly lifeboats and a mystery RNLI gift!

A new range of toys will appeal to children of all ages, while the usual mix of clothes, gadgets, books and ornaments are sure to provide inspiration for the rest of your seasonal shopping.

Looking further ahead, 2009 calendars and diaries are now available, with themes such as sailing, lighthouses and, of course, lifeboats in action.

Call 0845 126 6999 to request a catalogue, or visit rnlishop.org.uk. You can also buy a selection of virtual gifts. For more information, see rnli.org.uk/splashout and the address sheet with some copies of this magazine. All profits go to the RNLI.