Showing posts with label gift ideas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gift ideas. Show all posts

Christmas Gift Ideas For Grown-Ups

 AD - This post contains PR samples and sponsored links.

We are venturing into December, which means there are less than 4 weeks till Christmas - can you believe it? Keeping with my yearly traditions I've put together a couple of Christmas gift guides. Hopefully, they'll inspire and give you a couple of ideas - especially if you are still scrambling for inspo. All items featured are PR samples, however, they are all products I recommend and will be gifting this year.


Kicking off this year's gift guide are lots of suggestions for those who like a nibble and a drink during the festive period. First on the list is a brand we opt for most years, Lindt. I received their Lindt Advent Calender, Lindt Lindor Selection box, and a Lindt Chocolate Teddy Bear - a present for me, my partner, and the kids. I don't need to tell you how delicious Lindt is but I will link to their website and across Lindt stores in the UK.


The Little Gin Company have pulled out all the stops when it comes to their Christmas gift selections - for gin lovers, like myself, of course. I was sent their home tasting kit which retails at £25.00 with free delivery! Included in the kit are x4 5cl bottles of Trailer Made gin and x4 Folkington's artisan mixers. I'd like to say that I've saved this for Christmas, however, that would be a lie! Big thumbs up from me - I'll be ordering in the future.


Would Christmas be the same without Opies? They've brought out a couple of new products just in time for Christmas and kindly sent them along with their classic cocktail cherries and pickled walnuts. New to the menu are the red berries with pink gin, apricots steeped in syrup infused with Famous Grouse Blended Scotch Whiskey, and figs with dark rum. Prices are all under £10 and they can be purchased online and in-store at most supermarkets.


ZeroWater is the only water filter brand that delivers the equivalent to purified bottled water into your home. Developed a pour-through system, with an aim to deliver the best filtration possible with their premium five-stage ion exchange technology, this filter removes virtually all total dissolved solids, a claim which no other filter can say. The 12 cup jug retails at £39.99 - more can be read on their website.



I've featured Mermaid Gin a couple of times, here on the blog, and on social media, however, he is something new! Mermaid Salt Vodka retails at around the £35.00 mark - depending on where you shop. It's described as a vodka from the Isle of Wight made with a small amount of rock sea salt to evoke the fresh sea air and the saltiness on your lips after a day at the coast, or indeed sailing on the surrounding waters! It's great with mixers, or just on the rocks!


For the sporty so and so's in our lives how about some sports equipment? Lockdown has made me want to pick up some of my favorite sporting activities and I'm guessing it's probably the same for others too. Badminton was one of my favourite sports back in school and a sport I want to get into again. These Babolat Badminton Rackets would make a fantastic and thoughtful gift, with prices starting at just £20.00.


Speaking of sports and the urge to move more there's a multitude of products such as skateboards, longboards, scooters, roller skates, clothes, accessories, and much more at Skates.co.uk. I know that Noah is interested in skateboarding so perhaps I'll buy matching boards for him and his Dad. I could just see it now, a fun activity for them to learn together - they'd certainly look the part.


My Christmas is complete if I find some smellies under the Christmas tree and two of my newest favourite scents are Polly by Ted Baker and Daisy by Marc Jacobs. I can see why they are so popular, such timeless and chic scents - both brands can be found online, at Fragrance Direct and Perfume Direct with prices starting from £20.00.


Lockdown has changed me in many ways - I'm now a jigsaw lover, hurray! Gibsons’ Limited Edition Christmas Puzzle is back again and ‘This Way to Santa’ is the 18th puzzle in the popular series. Painted by the talented artist Tony Ryan, ‘This Way to Santa’ depicts the boys and girls who are getting in the Christmas spirit as they wait in the snow to visit Santa in his Christmas Grotto. With a present-laden sleigh and his trusty elf by his side, Santa has a treat for everyone on the ‘nice’ list! This 1000 piece puzzle is packaged in a shiny, eco-foiled gold box, and inside is a special, serial-numbered certificate to make it the ultimate collector’s item. It retails at £17.00 and available to order from their website. I can't wait to sit down on Christmas Eve with this puzzle.


Moving swiftly onto gifts for pets, or for pet lovers! HexBug doesn't just make toys for children, they make them for animals too! The HexBug Remote Control mouse retails at £14.99 and I can't wait to play with the cat, and dogs with it! The Happy Birthday and Welcome to the Family tins are by Fred Aldous Ltd. - with prices starting at £8.75.


Time for some stocking fillers brought to you by Zippo, Poo-Pourri, and Below the Belt Grooming. All products are very practical and would be received well by many members of my family. When a trusty pair of gloves will no longer cut it, you can call on Zippo to save the day. The Zippo Hand Warmer. Available in two compact sizes that fit perfectly into your coat pocket and a range of classic colours, providing gentle, odourless heat for up-to 12 hours. The Zippo handwarmer retails at £21.95. The Poo-Pourri and Fresh and Dry Balls wash - need I say anymore? Visit their websites for more wonderful stocking filler ideas.



Here we have more fantastic stocking filler suggestions from Bamigo and The Natural Barber CoBamigo’s premium collection of bamboo socks, t-shirts, pants, and pyjamas are available in a variety of colours and styles, making them ideal for the different men in your life. A sustainable and durable alternative to cotton, bamboo allows the skin to breathe, ensuring a fresh feel throughout the day, whilst looking effortlessly stylish. We received the James Socks 4 pack which retail at £24.99. The Natural Barber Co offers the perfect Christmas gifts for any man in your life. Not only are The Natural Barber Co products great for your hair, using natural ingredients which are free from petrolatum/ mineral oils, parabens, phtalates, synthetic fragrance, and other nasty chemicals but they are also great for the environment. The Hades Matte Paste is a lightweight thickening paste, ideal for fine and medium hair ensuring a light hold without weighing down hair. The Zeus Pomade creates the classic slick back with a glossy, natural finish. Both products are available on the website for £16.95 each.


How about some pure indulgence with Slow Ageing Skin products? This pair of products are glorious - the perfect relaxation combination. Even better when paired with the dreamy Slow Ageing Skin. This multisensorial elixir of intensely relaxing & soothing oils gently coax mind & body into harmonious balance. The set of both products are available from the website for £95.00.


Luxury body care is what it's all about and what we really need after this year. The Acqua Di Miele Toner, Silvian Skincare Radiance Balm, and N. 04 Dakar Skin Softening Body Cleanser would all make the most gorgeous stocking fillers - for both men and women alike. Two of these products are included in gift sets - more details can be found on their respective websites.


Last, but certainly not least we have energydots! energydots are low-powered magnets that have been programmed with natural frequencies to protect people (and pets) from the potentially harmful effects of electro-magnetic radiation (EMR) emitted from the wireless devices that we enjoy every day – from mobile phones to Wi-Fi routers. The clever (and stylish) discs can be attached to devices, worn or displayed in the home – working to bring positive energy and harmony to all around them. There are six DOTS in the range and each has a different recipe of frequencies for its specific use. Prices start at £25.00 and more details can be found on the website.

Which product do you like the sound of the most?

Christmas Gift Guide For Her


Christmas is a only a month away and I'm hoping that I can have all the presents bought and wrapped by the end of November. I say this every year and it never happens but I'm really going to try and be a bit more organised this Christmas. Every year I put together Christmas Gift Guides and today is my Christmas Gift Guide for Her.


1. VQ Retro Mini DAB Radio - £59.99
VQ Radio's are my go to gift this Christmas as I can't rate them enough. I was lucky enough to win one earlier this year and as soon as it arrived I set it up in my kitchen. There's something about doing a spot of cooking whilst singing and dancing to your favourite songs! The VQ Retro Mini is such good value for money at just £59.99 and it comes in a whole array of different designs and colours. I'm currently running a competition where you can win one, simply click here to enter. 

2. Harley & Lola Candle - £21.00
I love receiving candles for Christmas and I know lots of other people do too so I do find they are on my gift guides every year. There are quite a few nice varieties to choose from over at Harley & Lola all made from hand poured soy wax and have a burn time of 40 hours each. I'm also running another competition where you can win one here. 

3. Tyrrell's Popcorn - £2.19
Not so much a present but a lovely stocking filler for fellow popcorn lovers like myself. Tyrrell's Poshcorn is my absolute favourite popcorn brand as they are so inventive with their unique flavours. The newest to their range is Peach Bellini which is just perfect for Christmas time!

4. Weleda Wild Rose Ribbon Box - £35.00
For a luxurious gift option, I'd choose the Weleda Wild Rose Trio Ribbon Box which is beautifully packaged and contains three full-sized products; creamy body wash, skin-softening body lotion and fragrance spray. This gift set costs £35.00 but when you buy Weleda you know you are splurging but buying the utmost quality. 

5. La Marca Prosecco - £10.00
Christmas isn't the same without a little bit of fizz whether it's alcoholic or alcohol free. I won't be having any Prosecco this year being pregnant but this bottle from La Marca has already been put to one side for guests. It's a newly launched fizz which adds sophistication to any Christmas party without breaking the bank too.

6. Vintage Cosmetic Company Gift Tin - £27.50
The Girls Night Tin Gift Set from the Vintage Cosmetic Company is a gift that is my taste to a tee. It contains a headband, tweezers, fantail brush, nail scissors, nail buffer and toe separator. All these products are displayed in a gorgeous pink tin heart which is the perfect place to store them in. 





7. Dakota Faux Fur Throw - £50.00
One of the highlights of the Christmas season has got to be getting all cosy on the sofa with my family. All huddling under a blanket with snacks to enjoy a Christmas film or two. A faux fur throw and eyelet curtains from Julian Charles would be perfect for moments like those as there's nothing like snuggling under a throw with the curtains drawn.


8. Hotel Chocolat Christmas Sleekster - £22.50
Hotel Chocolat is one of my favourite chocolate brands and nothing says Christmas like the Christmas Sleekster! The box is full of so many exciting chocolate varieties from Cinnamon Bun through to Mince Pie Brownie. I was recently sent a box to try out and I've had to hide them so I don't tuck into them straight away! 


9. Blooming Lovely Bola Necklace - £30.00

This gift is aimed at the pregnant ladies like myself and having received it a few weeks ago I had to include it in my Christmas gift guide. Some say there's a relationship between the time when babies are born and the lunar cycle. The Blooming Lovely Bola Necklace satin pendant draws inspiration from the soft glow of the moon and it rests above your bump until your baby is born. It's a stunning piece of jewellery and the chime is so comforting. 

10. Me Before You DVD - £9.99
I love Christmas films just as much as the next person but I do like to mix it up a little too. Me Before You is based on the best selling novel of the same title and a film that I've been desperate to see for some time now.


11. Marvellous Mummy Kit - £24.99
The Marvellous Mummy Kit from Love Boo is the perfect gift for Mummy's and pregnant ladies alike. It's another luxurious set from Love Boo and contains some of their most popular products; body smoother, body wash, miracle oil, and bath soak. I was recently sent this kit and I can't wait to start using it, especially the miracle oil as I've heard wonderful things about it.


12. Crabtree & Evelyn Hand Therapy Trio
- £15.00
In these colder months, we are all prone to dry and chapped skin, especially on our hands. Beautifully packaged, this gift set is a joy to receive and include a trio of Hand Therapy products, allowing friends and family to enjoy old favourites while discovering new ones.

13. Love, Laughter & Happy Ever After Cushion - £17.99
Last but certainly not least we have the Love, Laughter & Happy Ever After cushion from Prezzybox. I personally love receiving home wear gifts for Christmas as I like to update my interiors quite often. I currently have one of these for myself and for my Mum for Christmas and it will make a welcome addition to our living rooms that's for sure.


What's on your Christmas list this year?

- This post contains some PR samples.

Christmas Gift Guide For Him


Christmas is just around the corner and now is the time when I've been making my lists and planning what gifts to buy everyone. For me the men in my family tend to be the most difficult to buy for so I thought I'd put together a Christmas Gift Guide full of gift ideas which I'll be planning on buying this year and hopefully my picks can inspire you too.


1. Personalised Wine - £25.00
I have a penchant for personalised gifts, I love them. What's better than celebrating Christmas with a bottle of personalised wine? You can buy a wide selection of different types of personalised wine over at Bottle Bazaar for a great price. We've got a bottle of white and prosecco put away for gifts for Christmas day.

2. VQ DAB Radio - £129.99
This is something that I know my partner wants for Christmas and as I'm already familiar with the VQ brand I really approve of his choice. The DAB radio he chose was the Christie model which has such a chic and vintage feel to it, a real timeless classic. Find it here.

3. Emergency Chocolate Kit - £18.95
Chocolate is my go to gift for family members who are notoriously difficult to buy for as most people like chocolate I tend to find. This Emergency Chocolate Kit from Prezzy Box is bound to go down a storm with a couple of members of my family as it contains so many different types of chocolatey goodies.

4. Christmas Jumper - £45.00
Christmas wouldn't be the same without Christmas jumpers, not for us anyway! It's become quite the family tradition to have matching jumpers for the lead up to Christmas. Esprit stock a wide range of different styles which can be found here and I've also spotted one I would like for myself too! 

5. Jelly Belly Bean Boozled Game - £14.99
I just had to add this to our list because I can imagine our family having such a good time with this on Christmas day. Jelly Belly Bean Boozled is a Russian roulette style game with jelly beans but not all of them taste nice! You could spin and it land on disgusting flavours such as dog food and rotten egg!

6. Yankee Candle - £21.99
Candles aren't just for us ladies as I know quite a few men who appreciate a good candle too. My go to brand has always been Yankee Candle as the quality of their candles is next to none and have so many different scents and varieties to choose from too. The Star Anise and Orange is a new scent for this season and a new favourite of mine.




7. Suicide Squad DVD - £14.99
This is a film we haven't seen yet believe it or not! My partner has been wanting to see it ever since it was released so I picked up a DVD copy to add to his Christmas presents. I'm really looking forward to sitting down and watching it with him over the Christmas holidays as it will be a nice change from Jingle All The Way and Home Alone!


8. Tyrrell's Crisps - £2.19
This isn't a Christmas present but the crisps of choice we will be serving as a snack on the big day. Three Bird Roast is a new flavour from Tyrrell's and you couldn't come across a more festive bag of crisps!

9. Weleda Moisture Cream - £14.95
Last but not least is a little stocking filler from Weleda. Nick tends to overlook his skincare routine but as we are both getting a little older now it's time we both try a little harder. We don't want to look older than our years. This moisture cream for men will keep his skin supple and hydrated in these colder months. 


What gifts are you planning on buying the men in your life? 

- This post contains some PR samples.

Christmas Gift Guide for Women



With Christmas right around the corner I thought I would put together a little collection of gift guides to inspire anyone who is currently struggling with ideas. Everything mentioned in these posts are items that myself, my partner and son will be receiving for Christmas and products that I have seen first hand and love! 


First up is my Gift Guide for Women-



1. Personalised Cushion - £22.99
If you know me at all or read the blog regularly you will know how much I love personalised things. From personalised mugs through to personalised bean bags, we have so much and just love it all. My favourite item on this gift guide has got to be this personalised cushion from Getting Personal. You can have it embroidered with any initial and of course I just had to choose N & J, which could mean Nick and Jen but also Noah and Jen too! I adore the neutral colour of the cushion and it's going to be a great accent piece in my living room.


2. Personalised Candle - £29.99
Candles are one of my favourite things so a personalised candle is a clear winner for me. This candle is also from Getting Personal and costs £29.99. It's quite a large candle with a burn time of 70 hours which is great if you like to have a candle lit every night like I do. The light scent of Lime, Basil and Mandarin is gorgeous and not too overpowering.



3. Lanolips Body Balm and 101 Ointment - from £20.00
I've only recently discovered Lanolips and I do wonder where it's been all my life. The Triple Buttermilk Body Balm and 101 Ointment has been a godsend for my dry skin and is a must have for Autumn and Winter when the weather is harsh on our skin. Both would make lovely stocking fillers.




4. Bagsy Make Up - from £8.00
Bagsy is a new and upcoming makeup brand so I didn't feel too out of the loop when I discovered them a few weeks ago. All four products that I've bought look fantastic and I cannot wait to use them. Bagsy to me looks like a brand to watch!



5. Rathbornes Candle - £30.00
Rathbornes was founded in 1488 making it the oldest candle company in the world. With so many years making candles it's no wonder that they produce some of the very best. This premium scented candle is simply divine and the notes of bitter orange, birch tar, and balsam create a truly wonderful and sophisticated scent.


6. Festive Biscuits - £14.99
This personalised biscuit tin is another gift from Getting Personal. I think it's a great idea for a little extra something for anyone in the family really. The label on the tin can be personalised and inside is filled with shortbread and chocolate chip cookies.


7. Baylis & Harding Slipper Set - £9.99
I love receiving little gift sets like this at Christmas. I don't think there's anything better than getting a nice pair of fluffy slippers and some lotions and potions. At £9.99 this is a bargain and I am thinking of buying in a few for my Mum and Mother in Law.

8. Godiva Christmas Chocolate Gift Box - £27.25
If you want to splurge on anything at Christmas, well at any time of year it has got to be on Chocolate. Like perfume and fine wine you really get what you pay for and this box of assorted chocolates is simply to die for! It's been so hard not to tuck into it already! 



9. Christmas Tea Towel - £8.85
Okay, this is a guilty pleasure of mine but I do love a nice tea towel. I love themed ones especially and this Christmas Yule Log Recipe tea towel from Rock Bakehouse is right up my street. The perfect stocking filler for any baker out there.


10. Daisy with Love Compact Mirror - £29.00
This designer compact mirror from Vanroe is made from fine silver chrome and is traditionally hand polished and finished. It's presented in a velvet pouch and gift box and would make the most perfect gift this Christmas.






11. Yankee Candle Advent Calendar - from £29.99
Now being an advent calender this is something you need to snap up and buy now! Who said the kids are the ones that are the only ones who are allowed a calendar this year? We should be able to treat ourselves at the time of year as a huge candle lover this Yankee Candle advent calender is what my dreams are made of and I can't wait to begin opening it in December. 


What is on your Christmas list this year?


- This post contains some press samples.