Christmas Gift Ideas For Foodies & Festive Tipples

AD - This post contains PR samples and affiliate links.

It really is starting to look like Christmas - there are just four weeks to go until the big day! Are you prepared? If not and you have gifts yet to purchase then this gift guide may be of some use to you. It features dozens of food and drink (hic) suggestions that are ideal for many members of your family, or friends.

1. Chase Pink Grapefruit & Pomelo Gin - £35.95

Gin is my tipple of choice, and I know it's currently one of the most popular spirits on the market. Chase Pink Grapefruit & Pomelo Gin is a favourite of mine - Made with Williams GB gin as the base spirit and infused with a delicate range of eight botanicals including; juniper, orange peel, licorice, elderflower, and bitter almond before distillation in a copper gin still with pink grapefruit and pomelo peel. You can find this gin and more over at 31Dover.

2. EasiYo Yogurt Maker - £16.75
The EasiYo Yogurt Maker is an option for those who like to make their own foods, all while cutting down on plastics. It's has a sleek and simple design, which would suit any kitchen. It's able to create delicious, thick and creamy yogurt, without the use of any electronics or moving parts. It's easy to make, and fun to do! The Yogurt Maker Pack retails at £16.75 and includes the Pink Yogurt Maker, 1kg Yogurt Jar, and Information leaflet. Yogurt sachets can be purchased separately, at £3.00 each, or in various multipacks.

3. Cranes Cider Gift Set - £16.99

This gift set from Cranes is perfect for those who enjoy fruit cider. Included in the set is one of each of their flavous of fruity ciders; 1 x Cranes Cider Cranberries & Limes, 1 x Cranes Cider Raspberries & Pomegranates, 1 x Cranes Cider Blueberries & Apples and 1 x branded glass. Handcrafted in Cambridge, the drinks are made from all-natural ingredients and contain 30% fewer calories than brand leaders. I have this wrapped up for a family member already.

4. The Gin Club Subscription Box - £34.99
Another suggestion from 31 Dover is their gin subscription box which costs £34.99 per box. Every month, or every quarter, depending on your subscription you'll receive a bottle of gin, plus mixers and other accompaniments. The gin will always be something interesting and exciting as they like to select unique bottles from talented distillers across the world.

5. Beanies Mini Stash Box - £9.00

For lovers of quick, flavoured instant coffee, the Beanies Mini Stash Box would be ideal. You can select 3 flavours from their extensive collection of coffees, including their decaf options. The Christmas box includes; Mulled Wine, Christmas Pudding and Ginger Bread 3 x 50g jars and costs just £9.00. Beanies Thick Shakes would also make a great stocking filler at just £3.50 each.

6. I Heart Wines Rioja - £8.00

I have family members who swear by a bottle of red, especially at Christmas time. With top notes of red berries and a hint of vanilla from aging oak, I heart Berceo Rioja is ideal for drinking with a Christmas dinner and works just as well with sweet dishes too. Rioja and Christmas pudding - it sounds like a winner to me! It's available to buy at Bargain Booze, Nisa, and McColl's - or you can treat yourself to a case of three from Amazon.

7. Mionetto Prosecco DOC Treviso - £11.00

Red isn't my thing personally, but Prosecco is. Mionetto Prosecco is known for its style, quality, and taste. It's so fruity and light, with notes of honey, golden apple, white peach, and acacia blossom. I might have to save this bottle for me! You can find Mionetto Prosecco at Morrison’s, Tesco, NISA, Budgens, Bargain Booze, CostCutter and Londis or online at Amazon.

8. Popcorn Shed's Popcorn Gift Boxes - £3.50 each

Many people like sweet treats at Christmas, how about popcorn for a chance? Popcorn Shed is my favourite popcorn brand, they have a wide range of different sweet and savoury flavours, presented in bags, cardboard sheds, jars, and they even come in hampers too. Butterly Nuts and Pecan Pie are the two flavours that stood out to me, and I'm looking forward to gifting and trying them this Christmas. You can purchase multipacks and more on Amazon.

9. Four Seasons Gin Gift Set Collection - £25.00

There are lots of gifts for gin lovers at Yumbles and their four seasons gift set would tick many boxes, for many people. The gift set contains each one of their limited edition seasonal flavours, all in 5CL bottles. The varieties are; Lemon and Rosemary, Summer edition Strawberry and Black Pepper, Autumn edition Apple, Blackberry and Cardamom and the Winter Edition Cranberry and Clementine - all of which sound amazing.

9. Masha - £39.99

Masha is a multipurpose kitchen tool that is a must-have for all kitchens. It can be used to mash, whisk, beat, blend and puree in a matter of seconds. Its lightweight design has non slip sides, making it easy to handle and use. It's also dishwasher safe as the electric components can be removed for easy cleaning. Masha would make Christmas dinner much easier, that's for sure. You can order a Masha directly from Amazon for £39.99.

10. Booja-Booja Dairy Free Chocolate Truffles - £9.99

This Booja-Booja Award-Winning Selection features 16, dairy-free chocolate truffles for just £9.99 RRP. This is their best-ever value gift box to date, it is a dream come true for chocolate lovers across the UK. The box contains melt-in-your-mouth truffle varieties including; Hazelnut Crunch, Almond Salted Caramel, Around Midnight Espresso, Rhubarb & Vanilla Fool and more. The Booja-Booja Award-Winning Selection is available now from Holland & Barrett, online and in-store. It will be available from independent health food shops across the UK from December.

Which of these items do you like the sound of the most?

Christmas Stocking Fillers & Festive Treats For Children

AD - This post contains PR samples.

There's no denying it now, Christmas is just over a month away! Can you believe it? Whether you are organised or not, the pressure is now on to have everything ready for the big day and as ever - everything is a little chaotic for us. We have quite a large family, and the gift-buying always tends to be left to me - I have so many different Christmas lists on the go. Over the next week or so I'll be posting various gift guides, containing samples I've been sent that I'll be gifting to my own family this year.

1. Chocolates from Thorntons - £5.38

Thorntons are known for pulling out all the stops at Christmas - providing a wide range of delicious chocolate products. Thorntons Cheeky Elf is back for another year, along with the Cheeky Reindeer and Snowy Bear. They retail at £5.38, perfect for in Christmas stockings and are bound to be popular with the little ones. 

2. Mizzie The Kangaroo - £16.80

Mizzie is a baby teething toy is designed for infants’ sensory development and sore gums. Stimulating babies’ sense of sight, touch, smell and hearing. And of course, she squeaks! Mizzie The Kangaroo is made out of 100% natural rubber, contains water-based non-toxic dyes and is free from PVC, BPA, nitrosamines, and phthalates. Designed by parents, you just know it ill be a well-received gift for youngsters.

3. Stib Jumbo Pencils - £9.95
Stib Jumbos are more than just a tub of coloured pencils - they have designed to support and inspire children, making them feel good on the inside and to encourage them to do good deeds too. The pencils are all embossed with a positive and inspirational word and they are presented in a brightly coloured tube. The pencils come with a pencil sharpener, sticker sheet or colouring templates. They retail at £9.95 and 10% of profits go to charity.

4. Foodie Roos - £7.99Foodie Roos are a new collectible toy on the market, brought to you by John Adams. Each Foodie Roo is presented in a brightly colored, realistic-looking food container - ids can choose from popcorn, gummies, chips, cookies, fruit cup, soda, pretzels, juice, cereal, and rare treats! Inside is a collectible, soft plush, which is scented and great for sensory play. Read more about Foodie Roos here.

5. Haribo Christmas Selection - from £4.00

Forget chocolate, some people prefer candy for Christmas. Featuring a mix of favourite sweet treats, the Haribo Hamper is ideal for those with a sweet tooth. Bursting a fab selection, the hampers include a little something for everyone; sour Bear Buddies, Squidgy Strawbs, Jelly Beans, Balla Stixx, Chamallows, and delicious Dummies Z!NG. The Haribo Selection Box and Sweet Medely Box are also great inclusions to the range.

6. Ion8 Leak Proof 'Ladybugs' Kids Water Bottle - £10.00

As a parent, I really appreciate useful gifts and the Ion8 leak proof water bottle is just that. It's just the right size for children, looks super cute and is easy for them to use with the flip lock, soft feel and carry strap. It's BPA free, made from phthalate-free, non-toxic TRITAN and is suitable for hot or cold drinks.

7. Goes To Sleep book - £16.99

Personalised gifts are also a favourite of mine and the Goes to Sleep bedtime book would make a thoughtful gift, especially if the recipient doesn't sleep very well. The book has been created in partnership with ‘The Children’s Sleep Charity’ and each copy is easily personalised for every individual child, and is proven to help children and parents sleep better through the night. What more could you ask for in a gift?

8. Experience Voucher from Red Letter Days - from £20.00

If you wanted to think out of the box this Christmas then I would highly recommend purchasing an experience voucher from Red Letter Days. There are lots to choose from which are specifically aimed at families and children. We have a voucher for Drayton Manor and we are so very excited.

9. Baby Born Clothing - from £9.99
Baby Born sells an array of different clothes, accessories, and furniture which are great for children who have Baby Born dolls or dolls of a similar size. I have a few outfits that I've put away for Ava's dolls for Christmas that I know she'll adore - which will also add more excitement when it comes to role play.

10. Snacks from Fruit Bowl - from £2.99
Great for stocking followers, snacks from Fruit Bowl are a healthy treat and are perfect for nibbling on during the festive period. Their fruit yogurt flakes have been a favourite of Noah's for years so he'll be delighted when he discovers the variety pack in his stocking this Christmas. They are filling and contribute towards their 5 a day. The blackcurrant and raspberry peelers are something new for them to try - I'm sure they'll enjoy them just as much.

11. Bamboo Tableware Set - £15.95
Finishing off the guide nicely is a very practical gift idea with the Miko the Panda Bamboo Tableware Set from Rex London. This set is ideal for children from weaning age, through to toddlerhood and beyond. It features a matching plate, bowl, beaker, fork, and spoon - all made from bamboo and melamine. I adore the the design and I'm sure my children will get many years of use out of it.

12. Klean Kanteen Kids Classic Sports Bottles 12oz - £16.95
I've been a fan of Klean Kanteen for the past couple of years, however, the kids were yet to have their own bottles. These 12oz stainless steel sports bottles would make the best stocking filler, as they are a useful and practical gift and one which is environmentally friendly too. The bottles are great to use at playgroup, nursery, school, at home, and on the go. Read more about Klean Kanteen and purchase them on their website or at Amazon.

Which of these stocking fillers or treats do you like the sound of the most?

Christmas Gift Guide: Stocking fillers for Toddlers

I hope you are all getting on well with your Christmas shopping but if you are anything like me then you will still have a few bits left to buy. I'm getting there, slowly but surely but I wish I was more prepared.

Two of my favourite type of presents to buy are baby products and stocking fillers so I thought I would combine the two and share some of the products that are in Noah's stocking this year.

Noah has plenty of Christmas presents put away for the big day so his stocking fillers are looking a little sparse but I think it covers the basics. A bib, snacks, socks and smellies!

1. Reindeer Dribble Bib from Zippy Bibs. We have a few dribble bibs from Zippy Bibs and they are great, they stock such a wide range of different designs and colours. Every toddler and baby needs a Christmas themed outfit with a matching bib and I've fallen in love with this cute Reindeer design.

2. Organix Goodies Selection Box. We love Organix and have been using their range since we began weaning Noah all those months ago. We were really impressed when we saw their healthy take on a Selection Box. It's crammed full of yummy snacks and I think Noah will really enjoy the little gingerbread men.

3. Sophie le Giraffe Cosmetics Starter Kit. Sophie is possibly the worlds most famous giraffe and the brand has now reached out into baby cosmetics. This starter kit contains everything you need for the perfect bath and skincare routine; baby face cream, baby body lotion, baby hair and body wash and baby oil. It's a gorgeous set and smells beautiful.

4. Chatty Feet Socks - Captain Awesome. It wouldn't be Christmas without receiving a funky pair of socks and the Chatty Feet Socks range is fantastic. Not only do they sell socks for children but adults too. You could buy a pair for every member of the family.

What's in your Child's stocking this year?

- Contains PR samples.