Birthday Gifts – Page 8 – The Review Studio

Vibrating Massage Seat Cushion with Heat

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Family Life, Fitness, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, health, Home, Tech

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

This is the gift you didn’t know you wanted! Carmen’s Vibrating Massage Seat Cushion (with heat) is a classic gift that will charm your loved ones at first, but then you don’t know what you did without it.

The Carmen Vibrating Massage Seat Cushion can be used on any seat, although I found it easier to put on my armchair. It just needs an electrical socket nearby to power it. There’s an attachment that comes with it to be able to use it in the car. More about that later though!

All you have to do is fix up the power socket to the connector and then find the control which is kept in a Velcro pocket. Turn on the Power (PWR button at the top; blue in colour) and the cushion is set to Auto. If you look at the control, you can see that the Intensity light (INT) is lit already and it will probably start on the first function which is Pulsate. This is where I started to play with all the buttons! There are 5 modes in all; pulsate, tapping, rolling auto and kneading. To change modes, you just press the Mode button and go through the list until you find the one you like, or need! The diagram shows the areas of the body which are being worked on, and the buttons to the right allow you to switch on or off each area. You can have all areas working together (upper back, lower back, hips and thighs) or isolate one area on its own. Finding the combinations and which mode is right for you is part of the fun!

The Carmen Vibrating Massage Seat Cushion has other functions too. The INT button (for intensity) gives four different levels of vibration so that you can adjust it if you are particularly sensitive or have high inflammation. There’s also a HEAT button which as it suggests, adds heat with the vibration. This is great if you need the cushion for certain types of pan management. At the bottom of the controls, there’s also a timer. You can set the cushion to 15 minutes, 30 minutes or 1 hour and it will switch itself off after each time, allowing you to go to sleep, or to relax and not have to worry about how long you’ve been there!

The attachment for the car is genius if you get backache in the car, have to travel a long way or have a relative who isn’t great with sitting for long amounts of time especially in the cold. The cushion can be amended to a very low level of vibration in just one area and you just turn the heat on, or you can have any of the vibrating functions and include heat as well. Perfect if you have an injury and find it difficult to drive long distances, or if you just need to have your circulation improved as you drive, especially in winter. It attaches to the cigarette lighter in the car, or if you don’t have a cigarette lighter, you’d have to find an adapter.

I tried it at home and was pleasantly surprised with how powerful it can be, and the versatility of it. It can be used for injuries, inflammation or relaxing and in winter, as an added way to keep warm too!

With a 1 year guarantee and an option for another 2 years.

Available from £29.99 at:

https://carmen-products.co.uk/massagers/massage-vibration-seat-cushion

Soundcore – Liberty 4 Pro Earbuds

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Father's Day, Fitness, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Mother's Day, Tech

Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

I recently had the chance to try Soundcore’s new Liberty 4 Pro noise-cancelling earbuds, and I must say, I’m very impressed. Combining cutting-edge design with a host of innovative features, these are Soundcore’s most advanced and elegantly designed earbuds to date and as soon as I took them out of the box it was clear that these were no ordinary earbuds.

First impressions matter and the Liberty 4 Pro make quite an entrance with an almost futuristic charging case with a sleek glossy light blue finish. The earbuds themselves are a striking metallic blue steel design, instantly setting them apart from the usual generic white or black plastic that dominate the market.

The case itself is quite innovative. Instead of the usual hinged design, it slides open to reveal the earbuds and a tiny OLED display. This display not only shows the charge level for each earbud but also allows you to access certain functions without needing the app which is a very handy feature.

Connecting the Liberty 4 Pro earbuds was simple, thanks to Google Fast Pair technology. During setup, the earbuds automatically prompt your device to connect and install the Soundcore app, where a host of customisations await.

The sound quality is obviously the most important feature and the Liberty 4 Pro really shine when it comes to sound. Powered by Soundcore’s ACAA 4.0 coaxial driver architecture, each earbud features a 10.5mm woofer and a 4.6mm titanium tweeter for exceptional clarity across all frequencies. In plain terms this means your music will sound like it’s being played live, so whether you’re enjoying booming basslines or a spot of Beethoven the earbuds deliver a rich, clear sound experience.

There are plenty of ways to tune the earbuds to suit your preferences. As well as standard equaliser settings, both custom options and presets; there is a sound preference test which works through a number of tests and tunes the earbuds to match your ears. This feature worked brilliantly, and I found the earbuds performed well across a wide variety of music and other audio.

The noise-cancelling technology is exceptional, equipped with seven sensors to detect ambient noise and an air pressure sensor designed to excel during flights. While I haven’t had the chance to test it on a plane, it’s proven invaluable for tackling noisy environments, like working in the garden. The addition of a wind reduction mode has been particularly helpful during recent blustery weekends outdoors.

Noise cancellation can be activated with a touch, but I prefer using the case controls which allow you to adjust the level of cancellation with a simple swipe, giving you precise control.

No two ears are the same and Soundcore knows it so there are six different eat tip sizes to ensure a perfect fit. There’s even an app based fit test to ensure they fit snugly and I found once they’re in, they stay put, even if I’m out in the garden when it’s windy.

With up to 10 hours of battery life (or 7.5 hours with noise cancellation), plus 30 more hours in the case, they’ll keep up with even the busiest of schedules. And if you’re in a rush, a quick five-minute charge gives you four hours of playtime -perfect for those “oh no, I forgot to charge it” moments.

At £129.99, the Liberty 4 Pro earbuds are a steal for what they offer. Whether it’s the smart case, the high-tech noise cancellation, or the sustainable materials (yes, they’re made from 28% recycled plastics), these earbuds combine high-quality sound, innovative design, and all-day comfort, making them an excellent choice for any music enthusiast. From their stylish appearance to their customisable audio options and impressive battery life, these earbuds tick all the boxes – and they make a great Christmas gift too!

Tolpa Dermo Face Skincare

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, health, Stocking Fillers, Women

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Rosacal Strengthening Regenerating Cream

Rosacal Strengthening Soothing Cream

Lipidrio Nourishing Regenerating Cream

Boots are now stocking a new skincare range called Topla, aimed at improving the condition of skin with conditions such as acne, rosacea and dehydration. Hailed from Poland, the new range combines minimalist skin treatments in a new collection termed ‘Skinimalism’ which has been recognised by dermatologists as a new approach to tackle skin conditions by reducing the number of products used.

In order to treat acne, rosacea and dehydration, all of which can affect anyone and are conditions that are very noticeable, Tolpa have created just 10 products. There’s no need for lengthy skin routines, just these 10 are all you need for cleansing, day cream, night cream and eye cream. We were sent two products from the Rosacal range (for rosacea) and the Lipidrio Nourishing Regenerating Cream.

The Rosacal Strengthening Soothing Cream works best on sensitive skin, and helps strengthen the capillaries over time, where the red capillaries at the surface is the noticeable sign of rosacea. It also helps to moisturise the skin and calm down any allergies or redness. This is a very light cream, worn in the day and also has a SFP 10.

Rosacal Strengthening Regenerating Cream is a night cream, which also reduces redness of rosacea and strengthens the skin, helping to even out the colour which might be affected by the rosacea capillaries. This cream is heavier, which is what you’d expect at night and also has a freshness to it that makes it soothing to put on.

The Lipidrio Nourishing Regenerating Cream massively increases the hydration of skin and can moisturise for up to 24 hours. It’s a day cream but it’s incredibly rich, and takes a while to rub in but does leave skin feeling soft and hydrated. It works particularly well when you apply it straight out of the shower and skin is still damp. I like this as a day cream because it’s so nourishing and rich, and it improves the texture of my skin before I put on make-up, which always helps!

I have been using these Skinimalism creams now for a few days so the long term effects won’t be seen and I’m not a sufferer of rosacea although I do have acne. I’m loving how rich the creams are and how easily they are absorbed and the fact that they are not complicated or over engineered but instead are a pleasure to wear!

Rosacal Strengthening Regenerating Cream available at Boots for £12.99: https://www.boots.com/tolpa-dermo-face-rosacal-strengthening-regenerating-cream-night-40ml-10342619

Rosacal Strengthening Soothing Cream available at Boots for £12.99: https://www.boots.com/tolpa-dermo-face-rosacal-strengthening-soothing-spf-10-cream-day-40ml-10342618

Lipidrio Nourishing Regenerating Cream available at Boots for £12.99: https://www.boots.com/tolpa-dermo-face-lipidrio-nourishing-regenerating-cream-day-40ml-10342620

Carmen 2-In-1 Vanity Case with LED Mirror

beauty, Birthday Gifts, camping, Christmas, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, Home, secret santa, Women

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

The Carmen 2-In-1 Vanity Case is an easy gift for anyone who loves their make-up, skincare or perhaps a traveller who needs a robust make-up bag!

The Carmen Vanity Case is unique as the lid can be detached and turned into an illuminated mirror. That’s right, the lid becomes a stand up mirror for doing hair or make-up, and at the touch of a button it illuminates to make it easier to apply products anywhere. The rigid case is tough enough to withstand hold luggage and protect your make-up from being ruined, and I’d bet that it prevents make-up melting in extreme heat as well, especially as the case is a cool colour and would not absorb sunlight if left on a window ledge. There’s a classy leather strap for a handle too, making it easy to transport around.

The lid has a stand which is 360 degree swivel so you can position the mirror exactly where you want it. It even sits in the case with an attachment inside and actually works really well to illuminate the room even if you’re not using it. Perfect for camping and having no other light at night! To recharge, use the included C-USB lead. The light is designed to be a white light, so as not to distort your colour when trying to apply make-up. The light runs for 3 hours before it needs charging again.

I really like this design for anyone who wants to transport any precious make-up or skin products as I find it easier to have everything in one case, but most cases are too soft to put into hold luggage and as we know, there’s a limit on hand luggage. The mirror and light are the icing on the cake and will make it much easier for travelling especially if you are on long journeys and know that your bag will get thrown all over the place. Although not waterproof, the Carmen Vanity Case is great for when the bathroom gets too humid or things are thrown around on a cruise ship and water goes everywhere!

I think this might be my favourite gift to send to friends for Christmas too. Who wouldn’t find a use for it?

https://carmen-products.co.uk/mirrors/vanity-case-with-illuminating-led-mirror-blue-c81167bcst

Twilight Hair Dryer Straightener Set

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Family Life, Fashion, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, Home, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Women

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

There are some products that we all use all year round, and yet we never think of buying them for ourselves. A hairdryer and a set of straighteners are among them! I don’t think I’ve ever bought myself a hairdryer but instead wait for Christmas to either ask for it on my Christmas list (thanks Mum!) or be surprised by it!

The Carmen Twilight Hair Dryer and Straightener Set includes a hair dryer with three heat and two speed settings to give a professional look and making it ideal for all hair types and all types of finish. There’s also a handy mirror in the back of the hair dryer so that you can see what you’re doing. Anyone who has curly or frizzy hair knows that you have to blow dry your hair first, with a straight nozzle, before you can straighten it. Which makes it very handy having both the hair dryer and straighteners in a set!

The Twilight hair straighteners are keratin infused to give a smoother finish and prevent burning, even if your hair is still slightly damp. It heats up to 215 degrees which is comparable to other straighteners on the market. Both the hair dryer and straighteners are part of a set of other Twilight products including tongs, a cosmetic bag and a high grade hair dryer all in the Twilight blue colour.

The Twilight Hair Dryer works brilliantly and is not as noisy as some of the older model hair dyers I’m used to. It’s light weight too and the mirror is really handy! Other models would have some diffuser and interchangeable nozzles to go with this product but if you’re drying straight hair or hair that’s a bit frizzy and needs straightening, this is the nozzle you’d use anyway. The straighteners work really well too and it’s nice to have brand new straighteners with keratin coating that glides through your hair. It left my curly hair nicely straightened and with blunt edges in just a few attempts, leaving my long hair straight all over in a matter of about 15 minutes.

Available for £29.99 at: https://carmen-products.co.uk/gift-sets/twilight-hair-dryer-straightener-set

Carmen Rechargeable Hot Water Bottle

Autumn, Birthday Gifts, camping, Christmas, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, health, Home, REUSABLE, secret santa, Winter

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

One present that’s good for Christmas this year is a Rechargeable Hot Water Bottle, ready to stave off the cold as well as relax your loved ones over the winter months. Carmen have a Rechargeable Hot Water Bottle, which doesn’t use water at all and keeps warm for up to 5 hours!

With cost of energy being high and the mantra we all have to, “heat the person not the room,” then it’s advantageous to heat up this hot water bottle and keep toasty. The appliance comes with a charging cable which heats up the water inside, which is completely sealed and therefore can’t leak if you drop it. It doesn’t need refilling either so you won’t scold yourself on the hot water tap.

There’s a plug on the hot water bottle that you use the provided cable to plug in and charge. It takes around 15 minutes for a full charge but if you charge it for less time, there’s still heat from it. The bottle is covered in a fleecy grey cover with a pocket for your hands, so you can sit with it on your lap, or safely use it in bed. It keeps the heat for about 5 hours, or through the night if you’re keeping it under the duvet! It can’t over heat because there’s a thermostat which cuts off as soon as it’s hot enough.

This is a great gift, especially as it’s so safe for anyone to use so children, the elderly or anyone who’s not I the best health can get warm quickly. I also like that it can be charged whilst you’re at work and might be cold, or to charge at work and take in the car on the journey home. Lots of work offices don’t have boiling water any longer so it would be impossible to fill a conventional hot water bottle, but this is a great idea!

Available at £14.99: https://carmen-products.co.uk/hot-water-bottles/spa-rechargeable-hot-water-bottle

Hoover Robot Vacuum Cleaner HG4

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Family Life, Father's Day, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Home & Garden, Tech

Disclaimer: we received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Sometimes you don’t realise how much you need something until you have it. For me, vacuuming was a daily chore, thanks to my two sons who constantly trail dirt into the house and whilst I knew robot vacuums existed, I just didn’t think that they would be up to the challenge, but I’m very pleased to say I have been proved wrong!

As a fan of smart home technology I already had a few smart appliances around the home, so setting up the Hoover HG4 robot was pretty simple. The instructions were easy to follow and within minutes it was connected to our WiFi and the app was up and running. Before we could start though we needed to make sure that the floors were clear so a bit of a tidy up was necessary to get the loose cables and abandoned shoes out of the way and once done the robot was ready to tackle the floors. On it’s first trip it carefully mapped out the layout of our home, tracking the walls and identifying where the furniture is. The app shows the robot’s progress and I was fascinated to see how the laser was able to “see” the walls and features of our home, even down to individual chair and table legs.

The following day I scheduled the hoover to clean the entire downstairs floor whilst I was at work. I couldn’t resist checking it’s progress on the app but I was astonished when I came home and saw just how noticeably clean the floors were! Every room had been thoroughly vacuumed and the robot had returned to the charging point ready for the next cleaning session.

Once the mapping is complete the app allows you to name individual rooms and to create cleaning schedules. Now the robot cleans the hallway and porch every morning while the rest of the house is tackled througout the week. Although most rooms are carpeted, a few rooms have hard floors and different options can be chosen for these rooms, for example I’ve chosen a lower power vacuum for the tiled kitchen floor.

While we’ve made an effort to keep floors clear, there were some early hiccups, shoelaces in the hall caused a tangle and the robot has been stuck under a table. Fortunately, these issues were easily resolved by using the app’s virtual wall and no-go zone features to restrict access to trouble spots.

The robot’s cleaning performance has genuinely impressed me. Even the edges of the carpet are cleaned thanks to the side brush that sweeps dust toward the centre. It’s easy to maintain with a spare brush, extra filter, and a handy cleaning tool included to keep everything running smoothly. Emptying the dustbin is quick and easy too, there’s a small bin at the back of the robot that lifts out and can easily be carried to the bin.

After seeing how clean my house is I can confidently say I won’t be going back to a manual vacuum cleaner ever again – the Hoover HG4 robot has certainly earned it’s place in our home!

RRP £249

Fold+Rºll Packing Organiser

Birthday Gifts, camping, Christmas, Family Life, Fashion, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Home, REUSABLE, Stocking Fillers, Sustainable

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Travellers, holiday makers and even those who enjoy an extreme daytrip, this is one for you! the Fold+Rºll Packing Organiser is designed to pack up an outfit that can be carried on hand luggage safely or even put into hold luggage so that items don’t spill out and get lost. The website even boasts, “Because no one wants to see your pants.” Which is true!

It struck me that the Fold+Rºll is designed for packing to GO on holiday, but it’s actually more practical for when you are coming back. Stopover and need a change of clothes? Fold+Rºll in your hand luggage. Need a pillow on the plane but can’t take any more hand luggage on board? Use Fold+Rºll to create a pill AND keep your change of clothes safe. What about if you need to take pyjamas on a flight for the kids? They’re nice and safe in your handbag in a Fold+Rºll.

The premise of the invention is that the easily foldable contraption keeps your clothes enclosed but with minimum fuss and all you have to do is lay your clothes on the instruction side and fold and roll. The clothes are kept safe and also away from other objects in your bag. The instructions are all printed on one side of the garment bag, and the whole piece can encapsulate an outfit. The photos below show how you place a t-shirt (in this case) in the middle of the sheet, fold over the edges then roll into a Swiss-roll shape, folding over the last edge to keep it tight.

This would work brilliantly if you have slightly damp clothes and want to keep them away from your packed clothes, or if you have dirty clothes that you don’t want to get mixed up with the rest of your luggage. It’s primarily for taking an outfit on as hand luggage if you don’t want to check anything into the hold but the more I use this (and plan my next holiday abroad!) the more uses I can find for it. Hiding jewellery? A rolled-up blanket for a baby on board a flight? Keeping soft toys safe on a flight until it’s time to be unwrapped? The possibilities are endless!

The Fold+Rºll is a great gift for travellers but also families on car journeys. It’s something that you’ll find use for for years to come.

Available from £30: https://www.foldnroll.com

Mariage Frères Noel Royal Tea

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Home, Stocking Fillers

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

If you’re looking for a gift for the tea lover this Christmas, the Mariage Frères Noel Royal Tea is a safe bet. This loose tea comes in its own gorgeous, air tight tin which can be used again but the Christmassy red packaging is perfect for the Christmas Lunch table, in a stocking or even just on its own.

Mariage Frères Noel Royal Tea is a black tea with fruit pieces added to give a more fragrant, fruity flavour. Consumed without milk but left to brew for 5 minutes (I use a loose tea strainer) it takes approximately 2.5 grams of tea to make a cup. As the tin contains 80 grams in all, that’s 32 cups of tea that can be made from just one tin! One for every day of advent or suitable for the whole family throughout the Christmas period.

The aroma of the tea when you open the packet is overwhelmingly fruity, with its sweet tones and fresh black tea fragrance underneath. It takes all of the 5 minutes to brew the tea as it’s slightly weak with only a minute or two, and I found that even after 5 minutes it didn’t become too strong so I could recommend making a pot of tea with Noel Royal.

At £28 a tin it’s for the tea connoisseurs and lovers of fragrant teas but makes a great gift for Gran or as part of a hamper at Christmas time. Noel Royal is part of the Royal Fairy range by Mariage Frères this Christmas which can be found on their website: https://www.mariagefreres.com/en/tea/tea-collections/royal-fairy-teas.html

Available from £28 at:

https://www.mariagefreres.com/en/noel-royal-te9226-other-tea-jars.html

Annabelle Minerals

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, cruelty-free, eco friendly, Gifts for Her, Mother's Day, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Valentine's Day Gifts, Vegan, Women

Disclaimer: We received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review but all thoughts and opinions are our own.

The festive season is the perfect excuse to indulge in some new beauty goodies, with endless fantastic products and irresistible offers to choose from. We’ve been trying out some fabulous makeup and skincare products from Annabelle Minerals and these vegan-friendly products, made with natural ingredients have been a big hit with the Review Studio team.

Let’s start with the Sheer Shine Lipstick – available in five stunning shades, Apricot, Brown Fig, Coconut, Dragon Fruit, and Strawberry, these lipsticks are creamy, moisturizing, and packed with natural oils, butters, and vitamin E. They’re like a lipstick and lip balm rolled into one giving you a gorgeous pop of colour and soft, hydrated lips. Plus, they come in a super chic golden magnetic case, so they look as posh as they feel. Oh, and if you’re into sustainable beauty, you’ll love the refill option – what’s not to like? RRP £12.90, with refills at £9.90.

If you prefer a lip pencil then check out the Jumbo Lip Pencils, available in five fab shades – Cranberry, Clover, Marigold, Dahlia, and Maroon, they glide on like a dream. Whether you’re going for a subtle daytime vibe or full-on glam, these pencils can do it all. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a multitasking product?

Now, if you fancy adding a bit of glow (and who doesn’t this time of year?), the Pressed Powder Bronzer is a must-have. Available in five coffee-inspired shades – Café Au Lait, Cold Brew, Ginger Coffee, Latte, and Mocha, it blends beautifully for a natural, satin-matte finish.

Whether you want a soft sun-kissed look or a sharper contour, the bronzer is buildable and will last all day. Plus, with a refill option it’s as sustainable as it is gorgeous.

RRP £19.90, refills at £15.90

Skincare fans, this one’s for you! The Soft Cream Moisturiser is a game changer, especially if you’re a fan of mineral make up. This ultra light cream is the perfect base for your foundation, keeping your skin hydrated and fresh.

Made with 95% natural and 100% vegan ingredients, it’s packed with skin-loving goodies like shea butter, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E. It absorbs instantly, leaving your skin soft, smooth, and perfectly prepped for makeup.

From their sustainable ethos to their high-quality, skin-friendly formulas, Annabelle Minerals is giving us serious Christmas gifting inspiration. Lipsticks, bronzers, skincare—you name it, they’ve got something for everyone.

So, whether you’re pampering yourself or spoiling someone special, these beauties are sure to put a smile on anyone’s face this Christmas.

Unwritten Nala The Frenchie Puppy Candle

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, eco friendly, Fragrance, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Home, Pets

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

French Bulldog owners will love the Unwritten Puppy Candle with Nala the Frenchie being the star of the show! This is a beautiful candle in the shape of a Frenchie (called Nala, naturally) that makes the perfect gift this Christmas.

With intricate design, this candle stands around 16 centimetres (about 5 inches) high and portrays a sitting Frenchie puppy in a white/cream natural wax. The design is exclusive to Unwritten so you won’t find it anywhere else around the world and the wax is blended with a delicious vanilla-like scent that fills your home even if the candle isn’t lit, known as cold scent throw. There are lots of scents to choose from including Lavender & Chamomile, Rose, Jasmine and we were sent Sandalwood & Vanilla. You really get a hit of the scent when you open the box and even though the candle is wrapped up, I can see why they call it cold scent throw! Unwrapping it, the tiny details around Nala’s eyes and nose are visible, just as if it was a fine art painting.

The candle is quite heavy, and it’s not recommended to put it straight onto a polished surface so I used a candle plate in the fireplace. It’s easy to light and burn down, and with lighting, more scent is thrown out to fill the room. You don’t need other scented candles lit at the same time as the fragrance would probably be overpowering but the vanilla essence filled my room like a diffuser. The scent lingers a little too, and the candle itself still throws out scent even when it’s been lit and then extinguished.

Unwritten use a unique blend of their own wax that doesn’t include any genetically modified ingredients, palm oil or paraffin so you won’t get any unnecessary smells and it’s better for the environment too.

The Unwritten website has lots more on offer including tens of other candle puppies, making it an amazing online shop for any dog lovers. You’ll also be surprised by the array of other candles on offer too which would be fabulous on the table at Christmas, or to gift to friends, especially dog lovers!

£48.99: https://www.un-written.co.uk/products/nala-the-frenchie

Italicus Rosolio Di Bergamotto and Savoia Vino

alcoholic drinks, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Drinks and Mixers, Father's Day, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Valentine's Day Gifts, Vegan, Winter, Women

Disclaimer: We received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

If you’re looking to bring a touch of Italian elegance to your Christmas celebrations this year, then the charming tradition of Italian aperitivo is just the thing. This pre-dinner ritual not only awakens the palate and sets the stage for a delicious meal but also encourages guests to relax and socialise. At Christmas, aperitivo comes into its own, picture your friends and family gathered before dinner, sipping on sparkling cocktails whilst chatting and snacking. It’s easy, elegant and brimming with the festive buzz we all love.

But Aperitivo is more than just a drink, it’s a great gift too as it generally comes in bottles so stunning you’ll barely need to wrap them. A simple gift tag and a contrasting bow are all it takes to create a show stopping present. They’re the perfect choice for anyone who loves a bit of sophistication and let’s be honest, the brightly coloured bottles look great in a drinks cabinet or on a kitchen shelf. Pair one with some cocktail glasses, a cocktail shaker or some gourmet nibbles and you’ve got a great Christmas gift.

ITALICUS Rosolio di Bergamotto has been created by Giuseppe Gallo and is inspired by the amazing flavours of his Amalfi Coast childhood. This aromatic liqueur delivers a perfectly balanced taste of Italy, with refreshingly bright citrus flavours from bergamot, a fruit best described as a cross between a sour orange and a lemon.

Grown, harvested, and distilled in Turin, ITALICUS features notes of ripe bergamot orange, light bitterness, and subtle floral spices. The bottle itself is a work of art with the design inspired by Italy’s architectural heritage and resembling the columns of ancient Rome. The marbled black and white stopper taking inspiration from Northern Italy’s gothic cathedrals. The aquamarine hue? It’s a clever trick of yellow liquid in blue glass, evoking the sparkling tones of the Amalfi Coast.

Drink it with Prosecco or Champagne for a ITALICUS Spritz and garnish with green olives for a touch of saltiness. Or shake things up with the ITALICUS Cup, blending tonic and grapefruit soda for a zesty twist on a classic Margarita.

RRP £31.75 available from The Whisky Exchange

Savoia is a certified vegan vino aperitivo that boasts a complex blend of 24 botanicals, including bitter orange, gentian root, pink grapefruit, and warming winter spices like cardamom and ginger. It is available in two flavours, Rosso and Orancio.

Savoia Rosso, includes a touch of Marsala wine while Savoia Orancio channels the exotic flavours of saffron and pomegranate, drawing from Marco Polo’s Silk Road adventures. Both are ideal for classic cocktails like a Negroni, Spritz, or Garibaldi, or why not try inventing a few of your own? You can find a selection of recipes on their website, casa-savoia.com.

Like the Italicus Rosolio Di Bergamotto the design of the Savoia bottles pays homage to Italy’s royal heritage, with nods to Turin, the first capital of unified Italy. The wooden stopper evokes the Mole Antonelliana building, and the horizontal infinity symbol represents the countless ways Savoia can be enjoyed. With an ABV of 18.6%, the Rosso’s design even marks 1861, the year of Italian unification.

RRP £20 Available from Italspirits

These bottles make great Christmas gifts, whether it’s for the cocktail enthusiast ready to shake things up on Christmas Day or for Granny looking to try something a bit different. Either way, they are sure to be a festive hit!

Christmas Beauty Round Up

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, cruelty-free, Gifts for Her, Mother's Day, Stocking Fillers, Valentine's Day Gifts, Vegan, Winter, Women

Disclaimer: We received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

The winter months can be harsh on your skin so it’s worth investing in some good skincare products to ensure you’re glowing and party-ready for the festive season. Begin with a high-quality cleanser to remove impurities and prep your skin for the rest of your skincare routine. The COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser is an excellent choice thanks to it’s gentle, yet effective formula that improves skin texture, clarifies and removes impurities whilst maintaining a balanced pH. Applied to wet skin and massaged in before rinsing it’s tea tree oil infused formula provides a refreshing, medicinal scent that helps wake you up in the morning! It lathers nicely and cleanses e without leaving skin feeling dry.

RRP £15.99 150ml

Next, apply a rich, hydrating moisturizer to combat the drying effects of colder weather, keeping your skin plump and radiant. The Embroyolisse Lait Crème Concentrate moisturiser is a lovely rich moisturiser which is suitable for all skin types. This multipurpose product doubles as a body moisturiser, face mask, primer makeup remover and even a post shave soother. Enriched with essential fatty acids and vitamins it nourishes, hydrates and protects your skin. It’s creamy non-runny consistency is easy to apply and is an excellent base for make up while keeping skin hydrated all day.

RRP £24.99 100ml

For your night time routine add a retinol cream to boost cell renewal and smooth fine lines for a youthful, refreshed complexion. COSRX The Retinol 0.3 is designed to target visible signs of ageing so will help those wrinkles and fine lines, loss elasticity, uneven skin tone and visible pores, making it a must have addition to your winter skincare line up.

RRP £32 20ml

Having looked after your skin throughout November, you’ll be ready to dazzle at every festive party. To take your look to the next level, a pair of false eyelashes are just what you need to add an extra touch of glamour. The Ardell Wispies Lashes (RRP £5) are a fantastic choice, they’re lightweight, easy to apply, and beautifully enhance your eyes with their fluttery, natural design. If you prefer a glue-free option, the Ardell Naked Press-On Lashes (RRP £14.50) are ideal. They’re quick and hassle-free, providing the same eye-enhancing effect with minimal effort. Whether you go for a dramatic or subtle look, these lashes will perfectly complement your radiant, party-ready skin.

Swan 1.5 Litre Digital Kettle

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Family Life, Father's Day, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Home & Garden

Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thought and opinions are our own

Imagine waking up on a chilly morning and without leaving the comfort of your cosy bed, being able to turn your kettle for the all important first brew of the day. That’s now a reality with the Swan Digital Kettle which boasts the title of the world’s first Alexa-compatible kettle. As someone who appreciates home automation, I was intrigued yet sceptical – did I really need to turn my kettle on with a voice command?

Design-wise, the kettle has a sleek, modern look, finished in glossy black with a LED touch panel. At first glance, it resembles a standard cordless kettle, but the illuminated display reveals advanced features like a temperature indicator and a “set” button, allowing you to choose the temperature of the water. With five temperature options ranging from 40°C to 100°C it’s perfect for everything from green tea to coffee. It even keeps the water warm for a couple of hours too which is ideal when you need a top up.

Now, let’s talk Alexa integration. Connecting it to WiFi via the app was very straightforward and within minutes it was under Alexa’s control. I’ve also linked it to custom Alexa routines which turn the kettle on when I say, “Alexa, I’m home,” or when I turn my alarm off in the morning. While you can’t check if there’s water in the kettle remotely, it does have a boil-dry protection feature, which turns the kettle off if there isn’t enough water in it, which is lucky as getting the family into the habit of refilling it is proving to be a challenge!

Overall, the Swan Digital Kettle is a stylish, functional addition to any kitchen, blending tech-savvy innovation with everyday practicality. A smart kettle might not be essential, but it’s undeniably a luxury that’s nice to have.

RRP £79.99 but currently on offer at £59.99

Bananagrams

Birthday Gifts, camping, Children, Christmas, Family Life, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Toys

Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

My family has a competitive streak and absolutely love playing board games. Bananagrams is a firm favourite, as this fast-paced word game is not only highly addictive but it’s a game that can easily be played in teams, making it ideal at Christmas as players of all ages can join in. The game’s competitive edge keeps everyone on their toes and as well as being fun it sneaks in a bit of learning, helping the children improve their spelling without even realising!

The concept is simple yet brilliant. Players race to build crossword grids out of letter tiles, much like Scrabble without the complexity of a board or the hassle of keeping score. This freedom to create words makes it much easier for players of all ages to join in. Once you’ve played all your tiles you shout “PEEL” and everyone grabs a new tile from the pile. If you feel stuck then all you need to do is shout “DUMP” to swap one tricky letter for three new ones. When there are fewer tiles than players the first player to use all their tiles shouts “BANANAS” to claim victory. The words must then be checked by the other players – any misspelled words, abbreviations or proper nouns means the rest of the players gleefully shout “ROTTEN BANANA” forcing them to return all the tiles to the bunch and the game continues.

The game is aptly packaged in a bright yellow, zipped fabric banana which can easily be popped into a bag, making it the perfect traveling companion whether you’re off to Granny’s for the holidays or packing for a winter getaway.

Bananagrams is a fantastic gift for children promising hours of fun, whether gathered by the fireside or around the kitchen table this Christmas.

RRP £15.99

Age group 7+

Elemental Herbology

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, Mother's Day, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Valentine's Day Gifts, Vegan, Women

Disclaimer: We received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own

Skincare gifts that combine effectiveness with a touch of indulgence are a great idea for Christmas gifts and Elemental Herbology have a fantastic selection to choose from. Inspired by the five elements of traditional Chinese medicine they blend top quality, natural ingredients with cutting end technology to give your skin exactly what it needs. These are exactly the kind of gifts I’d love to find under the tree on Christmas morning so I can indulge in a spot of pampering after the festive madness is over!!

As you know winter can be incredibly harsh on our skin, the cold air outside combined with the drying effects of central heating often leaves it feeling dry and dull. That’s why it’s so important to give your skin extra TLC in the winter months. Elemental Herbology’s face creams are beautifully rich and luxurious yet absorb quickly, so you don’t get that heavy or greasy feeling on your face. The creams are formulated with even the most sensitive skin in mind, using an ultra-hydrating complex that deeply nourishes dry, dehydrated skin to leave it looking plump and healthy.

The Cell Plumping Moisturiser has a smooth silky texture that absorbs effortlessly into the skin, providing excellent hydration without the greasiness. It feels lightweight and I’m loving the softness and slight mattifying effect that it gives. After a couple of weeks my skin feels softer, smoother and has a radiance about it that I certainly didn’t have before.

RRP £55 (50ml)

Now for the Facial Souffle Ultra Rich Cream, this is an intensely hydrating multi purpose cream that works perfectly as a day or night moisturiser and doubles as an overnight face mask. The rich, creamy texture absorbs beautifully, enveloping my skin in a cocoon of hydration. By morning, my skin feels incredibly nourished, soft and refreshed – as if I’ve had a good eight hours sleep – even when I haven’t!

RRP £55 (50ml)

The Detox Neroli & Rose Damask hand and body wash is another favourite, made with a blend of natural oils and botanicals it lathers nicely and has an incredible fragrance that lingers softly on the skin, transforming a shower into a truly sensual experience. I love how it leaves my skin feeling refreshed yet pampered, adding a touch of luxury to my daily routine. Slip this into a stocking, and it’s bound to add a touch of elegance to anyone’s bathroom!

RRP £14

And finally, the Detox Bath and Body Oil. Now, this is the one you’ll want to treat yourself to as well as gifting to others. Add a few drops to a hot bath once the Christmas festivities are over and the stress will simply melt away. It’s rich, nourishing, and leaves your skin feeling silky smooth. Plus, it’s got that spa-like aroma, so even if you’re only in the bath for a quick 10 minutes, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported somewhere fabulous. Not only is it a fantastic bath oil it also doubles as a body oil so you can enjoy the beautiful fragrance all day long. The blend is designed to detoxify and rejuvenate both body and mind and the ingredients are carefully selected for their unique benefits.

Rosemary: Boosts mental clarity and encourages digestive flow.
Grapefruit: Detoxifies the skin and supports healthy digestion.
Juniper Berry: Cleansing and purifying, it enhances circulation and refreshes the skin.

It’s the perfect addition to any self-care routine, giving your body a revitalizing boost during the winter months!

RRP £33

So if you’re looking for gifts that bring a bit of that “aaah” feeling, these are a great choice, perfect for mums, sisters, friends or anyone who loves a bit of pampering.

Jack & Orla Origami Notelets and Bookmarks

Birthday Gifts, Books, Christmas, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Stocking Fillers, Valentine's Day Gifts, Women

Disclaimer: We received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.T

I’m a self confessed stationery addict so was really pleased when Jenny, the founder of Jack & Orla got in touch to share her gorgeous origami inspired gifts. Named after her children, Jenny founded Jack & Orla out of a wish to create unique prints for her children’s bedrooms and her fantastic designs quickly became popular with likeminded people. Soon, her sister Claire joined the team and together they have grown Jack & Orla into a brand loved for its high-quality designs.

The latest collection features these fantastic origami notelets, I think the animal print ones are really cool but there’s eight other ones to choose from if you prefer something a little more subtle.The paper is beautifully thick with a smooth finish that’s a pleasure to write on and each notelet feels like a mini work of art, showcasing Jenny’s creativity and style. There’s plenty of space to write but the cleverest feature is that these cards are designed to fold to create their own envelopes! After writing your note simply fold it up again, seal it with one of the adhesive labels that is included in the set, add the address and a stamp and then just pop it in the post box.

Whether you’re sending a thank you note, a birthday message, or just a quick “thinking of you,” these notelets make every occasion feel a little more special. They’re a joy to write on and an even bigger joy to receive. In today’s digital age these are such a lovely way to bring back the art of letter-writing!

RRP £12 for a set of 6 notelets

In addition to the delightful notelets Jack & Orla also offer origami bookmarks which are just a dream for anyone who, like me, can’t stand folded page corners! These charming bookmarks come in packs of four, each featuring a unique origami design that’s as stylish as it is practical. With four different designs to choose from, they’re ideal for marking pages in recipe books or your current novel, making turned down corners a thing of the past!

Jenny’s put so much love and creativity into these designs and whether you gift them together or on their own, they’re perfect for Christmas stockings, Secret Santa gifts, or even a little treat for yourself!

RRP £6 for a set of 4

If you want to purchase them Jack & Orla are offering 10% off if you use the code THANKYOU at checkout.

Brush-Baby Wild Ones Electric Toothbrush and Bobbie Bunny Teether

Baby, Birthday Gifts, Children, Christmas, Family Life, Gifts for children, health, Toys

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

It’s baby’s first Christmas. Everyone will be buying little romper suits, cuddly toys and anything noisy that keeps them entertained but have you thought about buying something that’s both cute AND practical?

Brush-Baby have a range of products for babies which specifically help little teeth and gums, from when milk teeth first show through to helping established teeth keep clean and grow. We were sent these gorgeous Bobbie Bunny Teether, Wild Ones Electric Toothbrush and some very handy Brush0Baby Teething Toothpaste.

The Bobbie Bunny Teether is literally a bunny-shaped toy designed to fit your baby’s hand perfectly and aid teething. The textured areas help massage sore gums and give babies somewhere to bite down on and the lightweight body is shaped so that their little fingers can grip onto it. The feet are made to be even more durable so that later in teething when the molars are coming through, they can bite down on them. The textured tail also helps develop tongue control and the overall Bobbie Bunny character acts as a toy and focus for children to engage with.

Once teeth come through, there’s the Wild Ones Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush. We were sent the very cute Koala toothbrush which comes with 3 brush heads which are smaller than adults’ and softer. Each brushing session is timed to 2 minutes with a signal at every 30 seconds to give an equal amount of brushing time for the whole mouth. The toothbrush comes with a USB charging cable and doesn’t take long to fully charge, or as with lots of bathrooms now, there is a charging point for USBs in bathrooms for toothbrushes. The brush is very cute, and as well as koalas there are other animals online such as an elephant, monkey, bear, penguin and others.

Finally, Brush-Baby also have Teething Toothpastes. This comes in applemint flavour so it’s more appealing for babies to use, and has less fluoride than adult toothpastes. The added Zyltiol helps reduce sugar acids in the mouth and camomile is a natural anti-inflammatory for teething gums that will be sore. It’s safer to swallow some of this toothpaste than an adult version, so everyone can be happy that they’re doing the right thing from day 1.

Brush-Baby have a whole range of products including toothbrushes, teething wipes, and toothpastes for all children’s ages up to 10 years old. See all the products here: https://brushbaby.com

Babies will love the characters, textures and tastes in the Brush-Baby range and you’ll know that you’re doing something practical for their health this Christmas.

Bobbie Bunny Teether £16.99: https://brushbaby.com/collections/bobbie-bunny-baby-teether/products/bobbie-bunny-baby-teether-cappuccino-twist-bounce-teething-toy

Wild Ones Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush £29.99: https://brushbaby.com/collections/wildones/products/wildones-koala-rechargeable-toothbrush

Brush-Baby Teething Toothpaste £3.99: https://brushbaby.com/collections/toothpastes/products/teething-toothpaste

Dog – The Original book

Birthday Gifts, Books, Christmas, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Pets, Stocking Fillers

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Bring a smile to the face of dog lovers this Christmas with the coffee table book Dog – The Originals.

The brainchild of Yasmin, the owner of Chilli the Chihuahua who is the internet diva and social media sensation @chilliwawa on Instagram, this book is for all dog lovers! The Chilliwawa community is based on creativity and acts as an outlet for anxiety for both Yasmin and Chilli – and Sukhi the sidekick!

The book features lots of online dog influencers, and not just chihuahuas either. There’s tales of dogs from all over the world with details of their Instagram accounts and an interview with each dog. Yasmin (or maybe it was Chilli?) asked them about their pet peeves, wise wisdom and what the naughtiest thing is they’ve ever done! Each page is adorned with different photos of the dogs as well as some gorgeous double page spreads of photos too.

The book is a celebration of not just dogs, but how dogs support us in life and give us unconditional love. 50% of the proceeds of the book are being given to charity, and there’s details in the book of the charity Yasmin has chosen – The Unstoppable Dogs in Huntington Beach, California; a charity for dogs with special needs.

For dog lovers, as a stocking filler or to bring a smile to someone’s face, Chilli and his gang of beautiful dogs is great for Christmas.

Available online from £29.99 (50% of the price goes to charity) at:

https://book.chilliwawa.com

Tractor Toys

Birthday Gifts, Children, Christmas, Family Life, Father's Day, Gifts for children, Gifts for Him, Learning, Stocking Fillers, Toys

Disclaimer – We received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own

November’s here and if you haven’t started your Christmas shopping, don’t worry as we’re here to give you a helping hand. For anyone with a tractor fan in your house (young or old) there’s no shortage of great options from Britains and John Deere Kids by Tomy.

These farm sets and tractors are more than just toys, they teach children about responsibility, problem solving and creativity. Just like on a real farm children will learn how things work and develop a sense of timing and purpose. Give a child a farm set and before long they’ll be feeding animals, baling hay and fixing fences and learning the basics without even knowing they’re learning! The beauty of these toys is that they run on good old fashioned imagination, with no batteries required!

The Britains brand has been a family favourite for many years. Growing up on a farm I remember spending countless hours playing with our Britains tractors. We would spread our farm across multiple rooms (much to my Mum’s dismay), recreating the jobs my Dad was doing on the farm. Now I get to watch my own son carry on the tradition, “working “ the land with his tractors just like his granddad used to do.

Britains 1:32 die-cast replica models are perfect for children aged 3+ and are great for farm role play and development. The well made tractors are suitable for indoor and outdoor play, although keeping them indoors is best if you’d prefer to avoid mud being brought inside! I especially like the Metallic Olive Green Valtra Playset which includes a stunning Valtra tractor, two cows, a calf, a dog, a bale lifter, feeder and two bales. With big tread tyres, a detachable driver’s cab and a working steering wheel this tractor can handle uneven ground and with a front and rear hitch you can attach other 1:32 scale models to get all your farming jobs done.

And these Britains tractors aren’t just for children, they’re quite collectable, especially with the farming community. My family have them proudly displayed on desks or bookshelves acting as mini reminders of the full sized tractors we grew up or in some cases – long to own! For those of us from farming families these toys are a nostalgic link to the past, bringing a piece of agricultural heritage into our homes.

RRP £39.95

John Deere’s a familiar name when it comes to tractors and they now have a fantastic range of children’s toys If you’ve got a young one interested in farming or tractors then they will be thrilled to bits with the John Deere Kids Fun on the Farm Playset. This 20 piece set includes everything they need to create their own miniature farm and has four different vehicles – a John Deere combine, gator and two tractors along with three trailers, four animals, two farmers, four fences and three accessories. With all these items children can enjoy hitching up trailers, loading animals and moving hay bales just like a real farmer would.

For added realism the combine’s head rotates as it is pushed along and the grain moves back and forth in the hopper. One of the tractors has a lifting bonnet while the other has a loader for moving bales providing hours of farming fun for little ones. The set is also compatible with other 1^st Farming Fun sets making it easy to expand their farm as they grow.

RRP £42.95 Suitable for ages 12 months +

So if you’re thinking of what to get this year, or any time, really, look no further. A proper tractor toy or a farm set is the gift that keeps on giving. It’s a bit of education, a load of fun and it doesn’t matter if it’s a three-year-old or a fifty-three-year-old – you’ll see a smile just the same.

For the full range of Britains and John Deere Kids products take a look at the Tomy UK website.

Move Up or Move On – book by Lane & Gorbatov

Birthday Gifts, Books, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Learning, Stocking Fillers

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

This is a must-have book for anyone with a career or wanting to improve their career. Written by career coaches Angela Lane and Sergey Gorbatov, it focuses on where you are in your career now and where you want to be, but includes some really heavy coaching techniques which aren’t taught in schools nor are they in most online courses. The book includes 10 steps which develop your career and make you stand out, legitimately, with no gimmicks and no quick fixes. It’s honest, hard work getting to where you need to be in your career but the book talks you through every step of the way.

It starts with the Career Edge Model (if you’re familiar with coaching then using models won’t be new to you) and has some nifty online tools which write reports for you about your strengths and usefulness. The book is then divided into 10 chapters and 4 parts. Starting with Career Visionary, you plan out what you want to get from your career. The second part is all about what you are like now in your career, if you are a good colleague and add value to your role and how you can improve yourself here and now. Part 3 is about Brand Building and how you stand out and networking. Finally, there’s three chapters on Opportunity Seeker about how to hit the ground running, whether you are limiting your own choices and how you are going to get to where you want to be.

I said this is a high-level book and that’s because it’s really deep and probably suits someone who is on their second job at least, but this works for those who are right at the top of their careers too. The chapters have exercises to do with typically need a lot of thought and perhaps a few days to get your ideas in order before you answer the questions, then there’s examples and stories of several very successful people known to the authors. Working within the whole Career Edge Model, you can build on what you’ve learned in this book over time and go back and make changes but more importantly, you can read the book again and start over in a new industry, new leadership or just a whole new job.

I highly recommend Move Up Or Move On as a way of developing your sense of self in your job or career at least, but if you really want to fly and get higher up the ladder, only the kind of advice in this book, or a career coach, will be able to help you. Incidentally, it will probably make you a better colleague and happier too.

Available from £7.05 on Kindle at:

Edifier W260NC Active Noise Cancellation Earbuds

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, secret santa, Tech

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Everyone needs headphones nowadays and especially headphones which you can travel with, whether it’s for gaming, watching TV on the go or even sports. Edifier have these wireless W260NC headphones which are both noise cancelling and Bluetooth v5.3 and fit into this neat little box which is also used for charging.

The sound quality is excellent and with a latency of 0.08 seconds you can use them to watch TV or a movie, and equally brilliant for gaming. Gaming with wireless headphones is much easier and I find social media when you’re on public transport is so much easier with wireless earbuds, especially when they’re this small and fit into their box and then your pocket so easily.

Technically, these headphones are advanced. There’s 6 microphones on them for taking phone calls or recording video and there’s -45dB noise cancelling. They really do shut out a lot of noise and when you’re on noisy transport or someone else in the room is watching TV or gaming, you can’t hear a thing! There are up to 8 hours of playback per charge and I really like the wearing detection so that if you fall asleep, need to run or walk fast or are knocked on public transport, the headphones stop playing until you put the earbuds in again. The 6mm and 10mm duel drives give a richer sound too.

Make sure you have the up to date software or phone for the Bluetooth v5.3 otherwise the earbuds won’t connect, and the Edifier Connex app has more controls to let you play with the sound quality.

The all-round Edifier W260NC Earbuds make a great gift this Christmas for anyone who enjoys their music, gaming or just getting some quiet time.

Available from £62.66 at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Edifier-W260NC-Cancellation-Microphones-Dual-Dynamic-Dark-Blue/dp/B0CTJL37R9?th=1

Buff Polar Prints Hat and Neck Warmer

Autumn, Birthday Gifts, camping, Christmas, Fashion, Fitness, Gifts for Her, hiking, National Walking Month, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Winter, Women

Disclaimer: We received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own. And

For a cosy and practical Christmas gift, check out the Polar Prints hat and neck warmer sets from Buff. Crafted from ultra-soft polar fleece, they offer warmth and comfort without being bulky. The hat fits nice and snugly without feeling tight on my head and the double layered bottom of the hat keeps my ears lovely and warm on colder days.

The neck warmer has enough fabric to bunch comfortably around my neck and can be pulled up over my face for extra protection against the elements. The fleece material is lovely and cozy but if you get too warm it will easily fit into a pocket.

Available in shades of grey, pink, and green, these accessories add a stylish touch to winter gear and look fantastic with my purple jacket and navy fleece. Each set has unique patterns, so if you’re buying for the whole family, no two will be exactly alike.

The Buff hat and neck warmer are perfect for any outdoor activities like hiking or skiing but are also a great choice for walking the dog or going shopping. Made of 72% Polyester and 28% Viscose the quick-drying fleece is ideal for those unpredictable winter days.

RRP £25.95 available here

Contigo West Loop Mini Travel Mug

Birthday Gifts, camping, Christmas, Days Out, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, hiking, Home, REUSABLE, secret santa

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Let’s take a moment to appreciate all of those friends and family who buy us Christmas gifts which are both stylish and practical. With the Contigo West Loop Mini travel mug, you could be one of those gift-givers because Contigo have come up with this excellent design of travel mug that will make anyone happy!

The Contigo West Loop Mini travel mug is designed to fit into outdoor pockets or be able to be carried snugly thanks to its curvy design. It keeps drinks hot for p to 4 hours or cold drinks are cold for up to 14 hours due to a clever design with BPA-free stainless steel. It’s dishwasher safe as well, including the lid which twists off and reveals 470ml of drinking space – the size of most coffee mugs.

The most ingenious design of the Contigo West Loop Mini is the 100% leak-proof seal. If you play around with the lid, you find that there’s a spring release autoseal (marked ‘AUTOSEAL’) which when pressed, release the sip cover so that you can drink. When it isn’t pressed, the West Loop Mini is completely sealed so that it doesn’t spill anywhere. That means you can use it in the car, put it in a bag or rucksack and not only will it keep the heat of the drink but it will not leak at all. You can see by the sturdy design of the lid and the inner spring that it’s really effective and when I tested taking it out into the garden, there was indeed no spill no matter how much I threw it around! This would be great for when you’re out with the children or if you’re into real outdoor pursuits in all weathers.

The team at Contigo were also generous enough to send me what I consider a luxury – a proper tea infuser! For those of us who appreciate loose tea, this is a fabulous addition you don’t normally find in travel mugs. Once the loose tea is put inside the stainless steel strainer, the infuser fits inside the lid before you affix the lid in place. Perfect for having the West Loop Mini full of boiling water, then you can add the already filled infuser to the mug and allow the tea to brew. No more stewed tea when you go out!

Contigo have thought of everything with this travel mug, and there are other products in the Contigo range such as the water bottle which has similar clever designs. The Contigo West Loop Mini comes in 5 different colours (the one featured here is the liquorice design) and sizes.

Available on sale from £24.99 at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Contigo-Autoseal-Stainless-Leakproof-Easy-Clean/dp/B07TRG2RGH/ref=sr_1_5?crid=10N00O7XWBK&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ogA6XhsejKBbFGmkCasxzOXzSCx29RM-0uVZYE8lOLFz7qAzDuDzdktzKHqhIp3r9qmIxhzLB7E-ry8Yg9FHPTxXNAzqcAJeyeviFR8CZch-QogxE_O5yyfIAQfFlHb1gGXRpZEbTm6NdFmJdGXHQCPGhIKTbt6hA3NAaznjAz-vODrevzmiXzj3NyQPduKjoL-f2BFd1J3RMmITfKlELJ4vBUEMoWoJ8_DOprMcMcRNKGE1voWwPKlRVfQqoQG6YRItmMv2USIWdP5p_H-yvi3dulsawpgipU6sfXMGvjE.I9HFuC3mx6yte5i-trYQXRlOZJFFsiZunzc7tUooUNo&dib_tag=se&keywords=contigo&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1730636284&s=sports&sprefix=contigo%2Csports%2C74&sr=1-5

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Heathers The Musical at The Grand Theatre, Blackpool

Birthday Gifts, Days Out, Gifts for Her, Theatre

Disclaimer: We received free tickets for the purpose of this review but all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Watching Heathers The Musical at The Grand Theatre, Blackpool last night was like stepping into a bold mix of dark humour, nostalgia, and electric storytelling that was captivating from the very start. I haven’t seen the original 1988 film, but that didn’t matter as I was quickly drawn into the powerful story, which isn’t afraid to tackle tough themes head-on, using dark humour to explore the complex, often troubling side of teenage life. The show’s unique blend of ’80s aesthetics and a contemporary edge, created an atmosphere that seemed to reverberate with the audience, who embraced every scene with gusto.

The musical, just like the film, has gained a cult following and many of the audience were dressed in the ‘Heather’ uniform of brightly coloured, short kilts, knee-high socks and scrunchies which really added to the atmosphere in the theatre.

The Heathers (Esme Bowdler, Sedona Sky and Daisy Twells) in their perfectly coordinated blazers and skirts, commanded the stage with both elegance and intimidation, evoking the stylish allure of a high school clique. JD, on the other hand, wore a classic trench coat that brilliantly captured the cool, detached aesthetic of the 1980s anti-hero. His look, brooding, mysterious, and effortlessly rebellious, added a visual layer to his character’s complex and dangerous allure. The trench coat, especially in scenes where he faced off against the high school jocks, emphasised his outsider status and added to his dark charm.

The minimalist set design played a subtle yet powerful role, transforming smoothly from the high school setting to bedrooms and the graveyard.The lighting added an almost cinematic layer to the scenes, especially when Jenna Innes, as Veronica, stepped into her diary entries. The spotlight brought an intimacy to these moments, drawing us into her character’s vulnerable thoughts and struggles.

The canteen showdown between JD, Kurt, and Ram was one of my favourite scenes. The combination of dynamic lighting and sharp choreography brought a thrilling edge to the scene, capturing the humour and underlying tension of the moment.

Photo Credit Pamela Raith Photography

Jenna Innes’s portrayal of Veronica brought depth to a character who serves as the show’s moral compass yet finds herself constantly torn between rebellion and innocence. Her voice was strikingly powerful, yet controlled, handling the emotional rollercoaster of the character with nuance. JD’s character, played by Keelan McAuley, was equally compelling, blending charm and danger in a way that made his scenes both captivating and unpredictable.

With dark themes including murder and suicide, Heathers: The Musical is far from your typical feel-good musical, yet it works surprisingly well, delivering a darkly humorous and thoroughly entertaining exploration of high school’s pressures and contradictions. With catchy songs, sharp dialogue, and a cast that brought the story vividly to life, it’s a show that resonates deeply and stays with you long after the final curtain call, whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the story.

Heather The Musical is at The Grand Theatre,Blackpool until Saturday 2nd November, click here to book tickets.

Tickets from £17.50