Plastic Free FreshWipes

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

The company FreshWipes have a range of products available all of which are made of plastic free, biodegradable materials. We were sent a selection of them to try, and were surprised at their versatility. We received Body Wipes (one scented, one unscented), Mini Pet Wipes and Intimate Wipes, all part of the FreshWipes range.

FreshWipes Body Wipes are where the company started in 2020 with their creation of a wipe which was the adult version of baby wipes.  Their antibacterial properties make them easy to use for most personal uses, and these are especially good for people who are bed bound or can’t shower easily.  Although this is a massive part of their market, these wipes are great for travelling, camping and even having at work if you need to. Mostly though, they’re a good all-round wipe which anyone can use and the fact that they are biodegradable as well means you can dispose of them anywhere and without guilt! There are 12 wipes in each of these packs, and each measure 20 centimetres by 30 centimetres. I think I prefer the Ocean Fresh scented packs, but both are just as pleasant.

The FreshWipes Intimate Wipes are pH balanced and unscented. They’re antibacterial too, and smaller at 20 centimetres by 15 centimetres.  These are in a much smaller pack that would fit in a handbag or hospital bag.  They’re designed to not only clean with antibacterial agent but to eliminate odour too.

Lastly, the very ingenious FreshWipes Mini Pet Wipes are for all animals.  Antibacterial, biodegradable and approved pet safe, these are also mini wipes because they measure 18 centimetres by 20 centimetres in size.  These wipes are for all over use, not just for muddy paws! They’re approved for human use too so you can take these out with you on walks or if you’re visiting someone, but I should imagine these are great in a pet emergency.  They’re made from plant-based viscose fibres but can’t be flushed, just put them in the bin or a compost.

All of the wipes in the FreshWipes range are available online and in boxes as well as packs at: https://www.freshwipes.co.uk/collections/body-wipes They’re such a handy idea, and work really well that I can’t believe someone hasn’t come up with this idea before!

Edifier W800BT Pro Cancelling Headphones

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

In our continued series of reviewing the Edifier range of headphones, the W800BT Pro Cancelling Headphones make use of the most up-to-date Bluetooth 5.4 technology and hi-res audio.

The over ear headphones have 26 hours of active noise cancelling playtime when fully charged or 45 hours if no noise cancelling is used.  15 minutes of charge gives up to 8 hours of playtime, which is enough for a commute, plane journey or even a day at work if that’s what you need for concentration! Full charge takes from an hour upwards, but the headphone arrive with a fair bit of battery charge to them so you can use them as soon as you get them out of the box.

We were sent this ivory pair, but they also come in black and grey. The forth colour is Gift Set which is essentially ivory again. Charged by the USB-C cable which comes as part of the kit, they can be plugged into a laptop or a charging point, again making them suitable for airports and travelling or if you’re on the laptop and at work.  The ear pieces are made of soft leather and swivel so that you can store them or transport them easily.

The controls are on the right headpiece.  Pressing down on the Bluetooth button makes them easy to connect to any device and my laptop and phone both picked up on the headphones quickly. Then it was just press the button on screen and the Edifier W800BT Pro headphones were in my preferred list for the next time they are switched on.  The on/off button is also on the headset and doubles as a pause button, with the volume control up/down each skipping a track when you hold them down.

As well as being easy to connect and easy to use the headphones are excellent quality and I have to remind myself that for a set of ears, they are very good quality. The leather ear pieces also make them feel classy! The sound is just as sharp as sharp can be and the noise cancelling blocks out almost anything in the room. The ambient sound mode is really helpful though as it blocks out all sound except human voices, so you can wear the headphones at work and still hear people talking to you, or around the home and still be tuned into the family.  

Available for £49.99 at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Edifier-W800BT-Pro-Cancelling-Headphones-Black/dp/B0D41JQTF8

Lifestyle Gift Card

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

When it comes to last-minute gifting, a gift card always saves the day, especially when you’re short on time. Whether your recipient is halfway across the country or just up the road, this is the no-fuss, no-panic option that everyone loves.

The beauty of a gift card lies in its utter simplicity. Once upon a time, a last-minute gift meant frantically rushing from shop to shop grabbing whatever looked remotely presentable. Those days are over, now with just a few clicks, you can hop online and buy a Lifestyle e-gift card add a personal message and send it directly to your recipient’s inbox. No queues, no hassle and best of all – it’s delivered instantly so no need to feel guilty for leaving it so late!

For those that are thinking that a gift card is just a lazy cop-out. Oh no, a Lifestyle Gift card is anything but. It’s a golden ticket to over 300 top brands – think high-street shops, hotels, restaurants, cinemas, theatres, and even supermarkets and charity donations. The hardest bit is choosing what to spend it on! Fancy a spa day? Done. Dinner at a fancy restaurant? Easy. A new gadget, some groceries, or a night at the movies? All covered. This isn’t just a gift; it’s an entire world of possibilities.

Now, for those who still want something physical to hand over – don’t panic. Lifestyle Gift Cards can be printed at home or you can receive a gift card by post. Just be sure to order before 1 pm on December 20th to make sure it arrives in time for Christmas. But if you’ve missed that deadline, don’t worry. The e-gift card rides to the rescue once again, bypassing postal delays and landing in the recipient’s inbox in mere moments.

And let’s not overlook the brilliance of giving people what they actually want. A gift card removes all the guesswork. There’s no chance of buying the wrong size, colour, or model, no duplicates and no awkward returns. Instead your recipient gets the freedom to choose something they really want – whether it’s something indulgent, practical or fun.

So, if you find yourself in a gifting pickle, don’t despair. Reach for a Lifestyle Gift card. It’s quick, versatile, and utterly foolproof. A few clicks, and you’ve turned your last-minute scramble into a thoughtful gesture. Trust me, the recipient won’t just be pleased, they’ll be impressed.

Cinderella at The Grand Theatre Blackpool

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

December is here, and panto season is in full swing! Last night, we made our way to The Grand Theatre in Blackpool to see Cinderella, and what a brilliant evening it turned out to be. The theatre was buzzing with festive cheer, and the excitement in the air was electric as we took our seats, eagerly waiting for the curtain to go up.

The Fairy Godmother, played by local lass Hayley Tamaddon, kicked things off by introducing us to the classic tale with a lovely sprinkle of rhyme, magic and sparkle. She kept the story flowing as the narrator but didn’t stop there, she also wowed us with her cracking dance moves and stunning singing voice.

No Blackpool panto would be complete without Steve Royle, who shone as the lovable Buttons. From the moment he bounded onto the stage, he had the audience in stitches, connecting seamlessly with both children and adults. His slapstick antics and razor-sharp wit are absolutely brilliant and a real highlight of the show. 

The Ugly Sisters, played by Jamie Morris and Tarot Joseph, were nothing short of spectacular, delivering laugh-out-loud comedy, jam packed with double entendres. Their hilarious double act had me in tears of laughter at one point, as they effortlessly stole every scene with their outrageous antics. True to tradition, their costumes were flamboyantly over-the-top, utterly sensational, and a dazzling spectacle in their own right!

There’s so many great scenes in this pantomime and one of the highlights came just before the interval when Cinderella’s rags were magically transformed into a stunning ball gown, and her enchanted pumpkin coach appeared, pulled by two adorable Shetland ponies. The quick change was flawlessly executed, adding to the magic, while the (incredibly well-behaved) ponies were an absolute treat, earning audible gasps of delight from the children nearby. Kitty Harris shone as Cinderella, looking every inch the princess in her dazzling gown.

Choreographed by Katie Hill, the show featured lively dance routines performed by a talented troupe of young dancers from Barbara Jackson’s Theatre Arts Centre. We especially enjoyed the little ones being foxes, wowing the audience with their cartwheeling antics.

This fabulous pantomime is a treat for all ages, packed with laugh-out-loud moments and clever jokes that work on many levels – from cheeky innuendos for the grown-ups to playful humour for the kids. Don’t wait until the clock strikes midnight to book your tickets – grab your tickets to the ball now! Cinderella is a magical Christmas treat for the entire family and it’s not to be missed this panto season.

Cinderella is at Blackpool Grand Theatre until Sunday 5 January 2025 with matinee and evening performances. Tickets are available by calling the box office on 01253 290190 or visit the Blackpool Grand website. Tickets cost from £15

Photos: Martin Bostock Photography

Connetix Roads

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

When our mini reviewers were handed a box of toy cars and the new Connetix Roads set, their little faces lit up with excitement and they wasted no time diving in. Within minutes they were off, designing their own unique roads punctuated by plenty of engine noises, dramatic crashes, and imaginative storytelling. Whether it was a thrilling race, a spectacular pile-up, or a high-speed police chase, their imaginations knew no bounds. With just a sprinkle of creativity, this set has kept them (and Dad!) engrossed for hours.

The 48-piece Connetix Roads set is a dream come true for budding civil engineers. It comes with straight tracks, gentle curves, and pieces to create roundabouts and bridges, offering endless possibilities for creative road-building. One day it’s a race track, the next a twisty turny country lane leading to a farm. With so many configurations to explore, they never get bored and provides hours of entertainment. Once they’ve got to grips with the set you can add on the Roads, Ramps & Intersections Pack which has 16 pieces, including ramps of different lengths, intersections, arches and quarter circles to create even bigger and better roads.

What’s so wonderful about toys like this is how they blend fun with learning. While the kids are building roads or zooming their cars around, they’re also flexing their imaginations and working on problem-solving skills without even realising it!

Now let’s talk about quality because at £119 this isn’t a cheap toy. Each tile in the Connetix Roads set is made from food-grade, non-toxic materials so it’s safe for children. The tiles have strong magnets along every edge, so they join together easily and the riveted corners and beveled design make them sturdy and it’s clear these tiles are built to withstand years of imaginative play, making them a worthwhile investment. This is definitely one of those toys that once outgrown will end up in the loft for future generations to enjoy.

As well as being fun to play with Connetix tiles are a brilliant way to support STEAM learning (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). These tiles help develop spatial awareness, hand-eye co-ordination as well as both fine and gross motor skills. As children (and even adults!) experiment with building and designing, they naturally engage in problem-solving and gain a deeper understanding of geometric principles.

This is the perfect toy to bring out on Christmas Day, it’s guaranteed to have everyone, from little ones to Granny, getting involved and having a go! Suitable for ages 3 and up, the Connetix Roads set comes with plenty of pieces to keep the whole family entertained. Whether it’s a solo project for quiet concentration or a group effort to create the ultimate track, this set provides endless opportunities for creativity, learning, and quality bonding time. It’s sure to be a festive hit for all!

RRP £119

Prsnt Gift Card

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

As Christmas gets closer, time is running out for purchasing that last minute gift. Prsnt have the perfect solution though – a gift card that’s an instant gift.

Unlike store bought gift cards, Prsnt is a personalised gift. It’s not just a monetary amount but you can literally gift a gift through the app to someone and they use the app to purchase that gift. There’s a catalogue on the app which allows you to choose what it is that you want to send and the receiver, once they download the app, can receive the gift whenever they want. We were given access to a Prsnt account which allows you to both send and receive gifts.

First, you need to sign up to the account using your phone number or your Facebook, Apple or Google accounts. Once your account is confirmed, the app brings you to a home screen where you can pick up a gift that’s been sent to you, or you can send a gift to someone in your contacts. They don’t need to already have a Prsnt account to receive it but the do need to download the app once they do. 

We were excited to see that the lovely team at Prsnt had already sent us a gift to try out the app! Under the Received menu, there was a gift waiting to be unwrapped.  You don’t see what it is at first, you just need to click on ‘Unwrap Prsnt’.  The app goes into a lovely display of what the gift is by allowing you to reveal it slowly on your phone by swiping away the ‘wrapping’ to reveal what the gift is. We had a lovely surprise of tea and cake from Costa Coffee waiting for us! 

There are over 200 High Street brands to gift from with presents already picked out.  Some of our favourites include a book at Waterstones, Jo Malone Candle, aftershave from John Lewis, cinema tickets from Odeon and hampers from Marks & Spencer. There’s conventional gift cards as well in case you don’t see anything you like. You can even add a video message or a written message as you send it, using just their mobile number. 

It doesn’t take long to send a gift and it means you can securely send something without having to know their home address or personal details. There’s a range of gifts available with more being added all the time. It’s economically more responsible too with there being no physical aspect to the gift card that can be lost, thrown away easily or forgotten about in a drawer.

Prsnt is a brilliant alternative to gift cards or spending time on sending individual presents and in today’s international market, you can send them to anyone, anywhere in the world!

More details can be found at: www.prsnt.co.uk

Orchard Toys Games

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

Orchard Toys games are everything you want in a child’s gift, fun to play, built to last, and sneakily educational. The bright, colourful pieces are perfectly sized for little hands to grip, and they’re tough enough to handle everything from toddler tantrums to the occasional teething nibble! The thing I love most about Orchard Toys games is that they’re all really good fun to play (even for adults) and the games subtly build key skills without the children realising. Counting, memory skills, problem-solving, they’re all there, along with plenty of laughter and excitement too.  

Jigsaws are a fantastic way to help little ones develop hand-eye coordination and the Peter Rabbit themed game, Don’t Wake Mr McGregor, gets started with a fun twist – you build the board using 6 chunky jigsaw pieces. Once the board is ready the excitement begins!

Players choose their favourite Beatrix Potter bunny, Peter Rabbit, Benjamin Bunny, Flopsy or Cotton Tail and then roll the dice to move along the garden path. The fun starts when someone lands on a watering can, sending their bunny tumbling in and sneezing a loud “Atishoo!” This makes Mr. McGregor either growl or snore as he turns around. If you reach the end of the path when Mr McGregor is asleep you get to spin the spinner and collect fruit and vegetables for your basket. But if he’s awake your bunny gets frightened away and it’s back to the start of the path. Once all the fruit and vegetables have been collected, turn them over to see how many of them are good and discount the bad ones. The winner is the player with the most good fruit and vegetables.

There’s plenty of new skills to learn with this game and I guarantee there will be lots of giggles once the sneezing starts.

RRP £12

Doggy Doggy Woof Woof is as wild and hilarious as it sounds – a brilliant matching and memory game that is bursting with energy. With double sided kennel pieces you get two games for the price of one which is always a bonus. In game one players race to match three doggy heads to bodies and every time they make a match they shout “Waggy Waggy Woof Woof. ”If that wasn’t chaotic enough there’s a special waggy tail card and the player that finds it needs to stand up, wag their imaginary tail and shout Waggy Waggy Woof Woof much to the delight of everyone. It’s silly, it’s loud and it’s guaranteed to have everyone in stitches while quietly improving their memory and observation skills. Once you’re fed up of tail wagging they can calm down with the second game where players need to collect as many matching dogs as possible. With 13 different dogs to collect observation and memory skills are put to the test. Whether it’s riotous laughter or a quieter challenge, this game is all about learning through play, and it’s endlessly entertaining for both kids and the grown-ups roped into the fun.

RRP £9.75

Now, imagine this for tonight’s elf antic: your cheeky little elves have set themselves up for a game of Elf Lotto, cards scattered and boards half-filled, like they’ve been at it all night. Children will love waking up to see their mischievous mates mid-game, and here’s the best part – no mess for you to clean up after!

This festive take on lotto is beautifully illustrated with Christmas themed items, there’s candy canes, Christmas trees and snowmen. The aim of the game is to be the first to fill your board and like all Orchard Toys games the children are learning while they’re playing  – memory skills, taking turns, the lot – but they’re so wrapped up in the fun of it, they don’t even notice.

The bright, chunky pieces mean even the littlest hands can join in, and it’s cheerful enough to keep them busy while you enjoy a quiet mince pie. It’s perfect for family time during the holidays, or in this case, an effortless, mess-free elf setup that makes you look like a festive genius.

RRP £6

Jamu Wild Waters

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

As we approach Dry January, Jamu Wild Waters makes an excellent alternative to alcohol whilst being more exciting than just plain water or sparkling water in a can.  With 100% natural ingredients, each can contains zero sugar, no artificial sweeteners and is very low calorie at 18-20 calories each, depending on the flavour. Even better news, there’s 5 grams of prebiotic plant fibre per can and added Vitamin C and Zinc for immune support.

The belief of Jamu Wild Water is to make healthy living, and especially fizzy drinks, which are also good for the environment.  That’s why they don’t use plastic in their products, instead favouring the aluminium cans which are recyclable and cardboard that contains up to 70% recycled products. Made in the UK, there’s a lower carbon footprint when Jamu Wild Water isn’t shipped across the sea and the waste products are easily recycled in the UK too.

Jamu Wild Waters comes in three flavours; Sparkling Blood Orange, Sparkling Lemon and Sparkling Raspberry.  The prebiotic factor doesn’t affect the taste, with the sparkling water being bright and each flavour being distinctly different. You can taste the lemon botanical amongst the bubbles, and the Blood Orange flavour is very citrussy!  My favourite though is the Raspberry flavour, with a slightly sweet, fruity taste and the carbonated bubbles add a lightness that makes you think that you’re drinking something alcoholic. There’s no reason why you couldn’t create a non-alcoholic cocktail using Jamu, or likewise add it to children’s lunchboxes. I can’t speak of the long-term effect of Jamu Wild Waters’ prebiotics but it can’t be a bad addition to the larder!

Pack of 12 available from £23.99 at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Jamu-Wild-Water-Multipack-botanicals/dp/B0BGSX8LMH/ref=asc_df_B0BGSX8LMH?mcid=7c82553edbee3487b05c93e309fe20c5&tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=697294449551&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14122214736523997506&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9045873&hvtargid=pla-2387769947272&psc=1&gad_source=1

The Sweet Bouquet Emporium and Chocolate Bouquet Shop

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

Buying Christmas gifts for teenagers can be a real challenge, but I’ve found something that’s guaranteed to go down a treat, these incredible sweet and chocolate bouquets from The Sweet Bouquet Emporium. They’re the ultimate treat for anyone with a sweet tooth and make a fantastic Christmas gift for all those hard to buy for people that we all know and love.

Now whilst I love a bouquet of flowers, a chocolate bouquet is a real game-changer! Perfect for any occasion, but especially magical at Christmas, these beauties tick all the boxes. They’re not just delicious (and who doesn’t love a bit of chocolate?), but they’re also put together so beautifully, you almost don’t want to eat them… almost!

What’s brilliant about these gifts is the range of options you can choose from. Whether you’re a fan of Haribo, Ferrero Rocher, Dairy Milk, Galaxy, or retro sweets like Rainbow Drops and Love Hearts, there’s a bouquet for everyone. Each one is carefully arranged in a colour-coordinated box with matching tissue paper and ribbon, giving it a sophisticated yet fun look. The chocolates and sweets are displayed like a floral arrangement, which adds that all-important wow factor.

The Galaxy Chocolate Bouquet costs £28.95 and is a chocolate lovers dream It includes:

  • 2 large 114g bars of Galaxy Cookie Crumble,
  • 6 smaller 42g bars (3 each of Smooth Milk and Smooth Caramel),
  • 3 Ripple bars, and
  • 3 bags of Galaxy Minstrels.

For those who love a nostalgic treat, the Classic British Sweet Bouquet is packed with retro sweets like Refreshers, Haribo, Double Dips, Giant Fizzers, and Love Hearts. It’s a delightful trip down memory lane and a perfect gift for sweet lovers of any age, priced at £32.95.

Just like with a traditional bouquet of flowers, you can add a personalised message to your chocolate or sweet bouquet, making it an extra special gift. Plus, with delivery available across the UK, it’s so easy to send a thoughtful surprise to friends and family, no matter how far away they are. It’s a fabulous alternative to flowers, who wouldn’t love a bundle of sweet treats arriving at their doorstep?!

Whether you’re shopping for teenagers, friends, or that one person who’s impossible to buy for, a chocolate or sweet bouquet isn’t just a gift—it’s a centre piece, a conversation starter, and a guaranteed way to brighten someone’s day.

So if you want to bring some sparkle to someone’s Christmas, these bouquets are a no-brainer. Trust me, you’ll want to order one for yourself too!

Bananagrams

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+

Brush-Baby Wild Ones Electric Toothbrush and Bobbie Bunny Teether

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

NOMO Ultimate Choco Advent Calendar

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

All kids, whether they can eat dairy, nuts or eggs, will love the NOMO Chocolate Advent Calendar! That’s because NOMO make chocolate with none of those ingredients to create a vegan chocolate that’s also pal oil free and gluten free.  What’s not to like?

The NOMO Advent Calendar is filled with 24 days’ worth of NOMO chocolate drops in Creamy Choc flavour, which to you and me is the equivalent of “milk chocolate’ except as these are dairy-free, there is no milk involved!  The choc drops are each 3.3 grams in weight and have the same soft texture of the milk chocolate you buy in shops.  It’s not gritty either and doesn’t leave an after taste like some Free From chocolates do. There isn’t anything in eating them that makes you think that it’s anything but milk chocolate, so you really don’t feel like you’re missing out.

I particularly like that the NOMO calendars are still giving 24 days’ worth of treats, as advent calendars should, but may manufactures have now gone to just 12 or even 10 days of Christmas treats. Hardly an advent calendar but at least with NOMO you can give this as a gift to children and still maintain the legitimate Christmas Advent Calendar theme.

The NOMO Creamy Choc Drops Advent Calendar is a great gift for adults or children, and even better, it’s really universal so even if you’re not sure if they can or can’t eat an ingredient, NOMO has you covered.

Available from shops and online for £6

NOMO Ultimate Choco Advent Calendar

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

You won’t miss out on Christmas advent calendars this year if you don’t or can’t eat chocolate.  The NOMO Ultimate Choco Advent Calendar is dairy free, nut free, gluten free and egg free, plus their chocolate has no palm oil!

This bumper advent calendar measures nearly 40 centimetres tall and includes 24 mini NOMO chocolate bars in flavours Mint, Creamy Choc, Caramel and Orange each of 11.8 grams. On Christmas Eve, there’s also a 38 gram Caramel bar to celebrate Christmas.

All of the NOMO chocolate flavours are gluten free, egg free, nut free and most especially, dairy free. They contain sugar, rice flour and cocoa butter but no palm oil, which also lends the whole chocolate company to being Rainforest Alliance Certified.

The NOMO Ultimate Choco Advent lends itself to adults as well as children, with the variety of flavours and at just £12 for the whole 24-day calendar, it’s a great gift too!

Available from shops and online for £12 at: https://nomochoc.com/products/ultimate-advent-calendar

Tractor 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 1st 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.

Lamaze Flip Flap Le Dragon

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

Isn’t this Flip Flap Dragon from Lamaze just delightful? Bursting with sensory surprises this little dragon is bound to bring a smile to the face of any little ones this Christmas.

Made from brightly coloured eye catching fabrics, it’s a visual treat that babies are instantly drawn to. Each part of its body is made from a different fabric, there’s silky arms, crackly feet and a velvety soft body that are all fantastic for little fingers to explore. And the best bit – pull the clip and the wings start flapping! Our little one absolutely loved it.

And it’s not just fun, it also supports sensory and motor skill development, making it the perfect mix of play and learning. Plus, it’s so cute that you’ll love seeing it around the house!  

With a handy clip it can easily be fastened to a buggy or car seat so no worries about it getting lost. 

If you’re looking for a Christmas gift for a little one or a perfect present for a baby shower, the Lamaze Flip Flap Dragon is an ideal choice. Grab one for your baby, and just wait until they start giggling at that charming flapping motion. You’ll love it, they’ll love it, and I suspect you might even find yourself playing with it too!

RRP: £14.99

Suitable for ages: 0m+

Stockists include: Independent toy shops, Smyths Amazon, The Entertainer, Hamleys, Sainsburys, Tesco, John Lewis Boots, Waitrose, Ocado.

Build Your Own Pinball Machine Advent Calendar

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

The Build Your Own Pinball Machine Advent Calendar is a fantastic alternative to the usual chocolate advent calendar. When you open the lid you’ll still find the traditional 24 numbered doors but behind each one is a simple instruction sheet for assembling that day’s piece of the pinball machine. The components for each day are conveniently stored beneath the number doors and there’s also a full set of instructions (just in case you misplace the piece of paper) and a handy cardboard gadget to help you push out the slots.

Despite being made of cardboard the parts are surprisingly sturdy and pop out from the card surround easily without ripping or tearing. No glue is needed as the parts all fit together nicely.

Putting the advent calendar together is a fun experience and by December 24 you’ll have a fully functioning pinball machine. All that’s left to do is open the final door to reveal the all important marbles and then you’re ready to play. Pinball is a great game, appealing to all ages so it’s perfect for family friendly competitions over the festive period.  

Made from high quality sustainable biodegradable cardboard this eco friendly advent calendar is going to keep the whole family entertained this Christmas.

Suitable for children aged 8+

RRP £24.99

Prezzee Gift Card

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

The Prezzee digital gift card is the perfect solution for those “hard-to-buy-for” family members – let’s face it we all have a few! It takes the guesswork out of gifting by giving recipients the freedom to choose from over 200 popular brands including high-street stores, hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, cinemas, and theatres. With so much choice the recipient is going to be spoilt for choice!

Purchasing is quick and easy via the Prezzee website and there is the option to personalise your gift by adding a photo, video, or voice message. With gift cards starting at just £5 and going up to £500 it will suit any budget.

The gift card can be sent instantly or you can schedule it for a specific date which is great for birthdays and special occasions. The gift card is delivered by text or email and when the recipient opens their email, they’ll see a digital “parcel” that they need to click to open – it will then reveal the  gift, complete with any personalized message or video you included.

Redeeming the card is secure and simple – just enter the PIN from the email, create an account and then swap the Prezzee card for a digital gift card from the many retailers on the site. There’s also an app which is great for accessing your gift card if you have chosen a restaurant or venue to redeem it at.

Should you need any help, Prezzee offers support through a 7-day helpline, online chat, and email

I’ll definitely be choosing Prezzee cards again – the recipient gets to pick something they really want and I skip the hassle of finding that “perfect” gift!

Stabilo Pens

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

When it comes to stocking fillers, pens are a fantastic choice for both children and adults alike. Whether for school, work, or creative projects, STABILO offer such a wide variety of pens that it’s easy to find a set for everyone.

The STABILO Trio DECO Metallic pens are a great choice for children or crafters, with eight shimmering metallic colours, these pens are perfect for creating dazzling Christmas masterpieces, especially on dark paper. Their bold, vivid colours and metallic shine make them ideal for a variety of art projects, from cards to festive decorations. Designed with children in mind, the ergonomic triangular grip makes them easy for little hands to hold.

RRP £7.81

For those who enjoy precise drawing and sketching, the STABILO Fineliner in pastel colours are a good choice. With eight soft shades, these pens are ideal for writing, drawing, and sketching. The 0.4mm tip ensures clean, precise lines, making them a favourite among those who love to do detailed drawings.

RRP £4.74

The STABILO Boss Original highlighters in bright, vibrant colours will keep notes and important information easy to spot, making them incredibly useful for both students and professionals. Their special anti drying technology means you can leave the cap off for up to four hours without the ink drying out. With a wedge tip that allows for both 2mm underlining and 5mm highlighting these pens are nice and versatile. They are refillable too, helping to reduce plastic waste.

RRP £3.99

In addition to being great stocking fillers why not pair them with a colouring book or coloured paper for a creative Secret Santa gift, perfect for a budding artist?

Capri Sun Limited Edition Halloween Packs

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

With Halloween just around the corner, the shops are packed with an amazing assortment of spooky-themed goodies. In addition to the classic pumpkins, there’s a fantastic range of Halloween-inspired food and drinks which are perfect for Halloween parties. Our little witches and ghouls have been sampling some of these frightfully delicious treats, and the limited edition Halloween packs from Capri Sun have been a big hit this week. Each 200ml pouch showcases a fun, spooky character, and if you’re lucky enough to find a box that contains the golden ghost, you could win £1000!

RRP: £5 for 15, £3.25 for 8 available from all major UK grocery retailers including Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Tesco, Asda and Morrisons

Orchard Toys Countdown to Christmas Activity Book

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

With just over a month until December begins, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about Christmas! It’s such a magical season for children, and we’re planning plenty of festive activities to keep them busy leading up to the big day. The Countdown to Christmas Activity Book from Orchard Toys is ideal, offering 25 fun Christmas-themed activities like colouring pages, word searches, and tasty recipes. It’s a fantastic way to engage children in the holiday spirit while providing some much-needed screen-free time.

Each day comes with a numbered sticker to mark the countdown, plus a pull-out advent scene at the back where kids can create a magical Christmas display. There’s also a special letter to Santa and if you send a photo of it to Orchard Toys by December 18th, Santa will send a reply!

RRP £4

Pearhead Clay Pawprint Desk Frame

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

When working away from the home office, or indeed if you like to have photos of your loved ones around you in the house, this Pawprint Desk Frame is a great Christmas gift for pet lovers.

One side of the wooden frame holds a 4×6 inch photo whilst the other side is a box frame for a paw print. The frame can be desk mounted or hung on a wall but the star of the show is the keepsake clay pawprint which occupies the second of the two frames.

The clay is included in the kit as is the frame, complete with glass.  Preparation is minimal with the non-toxic clay rolled out onto aluminium foil (a rolling pin is included but the foil isn’t) and then with a bit of persuasion, the paw of your cat or dog (or both if they fit!) needs to be impressed onto the clay. The clay is then left to dry for 48 hours before it can be put in the frame but you don’t need to bake it or heat it at all.

There’s no reason why you need to stop at a cat or dog. Hamster or guinea pig feet could just as easily be imprinted, or the feather of a bird could be pressed into the clay. Other items like a collar tag could be embedded as well, as long as it wasn’t too heavy. The Pearhead Clay Pawprint Desk Frame can be a wonderful keepsake for a pet’s memory or even for a new puppy or kitten’s first Christmas.

Available from £19.99 at: https://www.pearhead.co.uk/collections/pet-frames/products/clay-pawprints-desk-frame-copy

Pearhead Pawprint Ornament and Pawprint Ink Desk Frame

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

Christmas with pets has exploded in recent years, and so have the Christmas decorations and keepsakes. Pearhead have some excellent pet-inspired keepsakes for 2024 which will stay with you for years to come, and the children will love making the memories.

Starting with the Pearhead Pawprint ornament, you will love this kit and making up the keepsake with your cat or dog.  The kit contains everything you need including the circular frame, ribbons, hole punch and of course the impression material. It’s really simple so children will love to do this on a rainy afternoon before Christmas. The impression material doesn’t need water or anything else added to it, just roll it out and place on aluminium foil. The paw should be wet before the impression is made and you might need someone to hold down a squirming pet but it doesn’t take long to get the imprint.  Use the circle frame to create the perfect ornament shape and the hole cutter to make the hole for the ribbon. Leave to dry for 48 hours but no need to bake or heat it to dry. Once it’s made, you can hang the pawprint on the Christmas tree or if you are feeling arty, children might like to paint it and date it!

The second pet keepsake is the Ink Pawprint Desk Frame.  One side of the frame is for a photo (probably of your pet cat or dog) and the other side is an ink frame.  The term “ink” isn’t what it seems though because the pet paw doesn’t actually go in ink. Instead, it creates an ink impression with the kit that’s included so the weight of their paw makes the image, not the actual ink. There’s no mess and no toxic anything for the pet to lick later and it doesn’t mean you have to be outdoors or clean up after the artwork is made.  It’s another one that the children will love to help out with!

Both items make great presents either for pet lovers or for families who have a beloved cat or dog. 

Pawprint Ornament available from £9.99: https://www.pearhead.co.uk/collections/pet-christmas/products/pawprints-ornament-copy

Pawprint Ink Desk Frame available from £19.99:

Edifier X3 Lite Wireless Bluetooth Ear Buds

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

Christmas present alert!  Edifier have these brilliant Wireless Bluetooth Ear Buds for just £29.99 and they’re perfect for the gym, commuting or even as stocking fillers for children. We’re always losing headphones so who can turn their nose up at another pair?

The Edifier X3 Lite (here in ivory colour) have 24 hour battery life when fully charged. They come with their own case which doubles as a charging unit and the Type-C charging cable in included so you can charge it from your laptop or any USB socket whilst you’re on the go. When the red light is blinking, it’s still charging – no red light means fully charged and ready to go! The earbuds connect to your phone with Bluetooth, which is done by tapping the touch panel on each earbud 5 times to be in pairing mode. Depending on your phone (or other Bluetooth device), follow the instructions to pair with the earbuds. 

The earbuds have touch control so you don’t need to fumble for your phone each time. Each ear bud (left and right) has similar controls such as tap three times on the left to skip back a track, or three times on the right to go forward. You can also use the touch controls to answer and hang up on calls, or hold down for 2 seconds to reject a call.

As well as being Bluetooth 5.3, they are noise cancelling but with human voice ambient sound. The box also contains spare silicone buds which I believe are a different size to the ones fitted – perfect for children to use. They’re not waterproof but they are water resistant which means they don’t get affected by sweat or light rain.  They feel really, really light in your ears and the case is light and easy to put in a pocket if you’re out and about.

Available from £29.99 at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Edifier-Lite-Cancellation-Microphones-Customization/dp/B0CG8L288V/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=20JGZ3QFG56PE&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.QR_2YJTQr4DXW2MZcbdIDOpCanFqVLxhSzBO6caxz83B8BOh7_HxQ6R-WWtuZTY7zRvMsYUnsSZhuBTO8u3a3pHoov-G-dskI7KyM_97GI04JgvJTugzyj85h3fDLsWBvJmXPhjyfK-Y-3v7aFn9TYulS37_jsi2oYzVYjJkYbEzkgwC6SrIKN9dSvL3fsCSGE0lT3Uor3OLSZ-cC5t64hmrYSmu_xOdVf7cdMCctmk.C9gjZqPDxe7FuMyQnJDcWOwwOGns-DHmhmKIfnEP2XY&dib_tag=se&keywords=edifier+x3+lite&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1729008161&sprefix=edifier+X3+Lite%2Caps%2C73&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

Wickedly Welsh Chocolate Standard Gift Hamper

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

Chocolate lovers are easy to buy for at Christmas but if you’re a real chocoholic, you’ll know that just any old chocolate won’t do.  It has to be good quality and taste like chocolate.  The Wickedly Welsh Gift Hamper (standard) makes a perfect gift for anyone but if you love chocolate, this is a real treat!

The quality of the chocolate is first to note. It’s handmade so there’s a lot of love and care that goes into it but with anything that’s handmade, it means that someone has had to physically deliberate over the goods and make sure that they’re of the highest quality.

The ingredients are often more authentic as well, and Wickedly Welsh products are no exception with locally sauced elements to mix the chocolate and flavours to be the best they can.

The Wickedly Welsh Chocolate Gift Hamper is bursting with different chocolates, all of which are sold separately too. There’s three bars of chocolate (Milk Chocolate, Orange & Honeycomb and Welsh Sea Salt & Caramel), two hot chocolate mixes (each sachet makes 2 mugs of hot chocolate), a box of 6 handmade chocolates of different flavours and a bar of milk and dark chocolate from the Wickedly Welsh Love Spoons range.  The whole gift is presented in a letterbox-sized box with window so you can post this or package it up easily as a gift.

My first call was the chocolates which are so moreish and easy to eat! I like to have a chocolate pick-me-up in the afternoon and one or two of these chocolates is ideal.  I don’t know if different boxes contain different flavours but these 6 were Citrus Burst, Raspberry & Vodka, Spiced Praline, Gingerbread, Dark Praline and Mocca Coffee. A lovely assortment and the chocolate alone is delicious!  Secondly, I tried the hot chocolate.  Heating a mugful of milk and adding the chocolate flakes to melt into the milk, this gave a delicious, smooth hot chocolate and the chocolate hit without too much sugar. 

The bars of chocolate were a treat for watching TV or sometimes I just have a small piece in the afternoon. The Milk Chocolate is a favourite with the whole family but the Orange & Honeycomb and Welsh Sea Salt & Caramel are best sellers at Wickedly Welsh and you can tell why. The Orange & Honeycomb is a flavour that’s not widely available with other retailers so you can tell that adults in particular love this. I know I did! The Welsh Sea Salt & Caramel is also a flavour which I would buy, given the chance to look around a chocolate shop on a rainy afternoon so this is especially good. The final Love Spoon Milk and Dark Chocolate bar is an intertwining bar based on the famous Welsh Love Spoons, so it would make sense to give this to your loved one. However, the chocolate is very indulgent and a perfect snack, so I wouldn’t blame you if you kept it for yourself!

This is a brilliant gift not just for Christmas but for anyone at any time and especially chocolate lovers.  There’s something for everyone and the whole family can enjoy the handmade excellence of Welsh chocolate.

Available online from £26.99:

PLAYin CHOC Christmas Collection Chocolate Toys

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

Buying gifts at Christmas for other people’s children can be tricky but the PLAYin CHOC makes that much easier! A present that is both chocolate and has a self-assembly element to the toy before children can play with it, there’s the added bonus that the chocolate is plant based. It’s vegan, dairy free, nut free and gluten free, so there’s no reason any child couldn’t receive it!

The PLAYin CHOC Christmas Collection is a suite of 6 boxes which are also sold separately.  Each of the boxes contains a toy to be put together, but they’re easy enough for a child. The toys included in the Christmas collection are a snowman, an elf, Father Christmas, a Gingerbread Man, a reindeer and a Christmas tree along with a fun fact card. Inside each box there are 2x 10 gram pieces of chocolate, individually wrapped. They’re made with no dairy, using coconut sugar and creamed coconut instead. The chocolate flavour is from the cocoa solids and the sweetness is from vanilla pods. It tastes just like milk chocolate and has none of the fake sweetener.

Why not add them to a Christmas Stocking this year?

PLAYin CHOC has won numerous awards including the Global Travel Retail Award 2024, the Great Taste Award 2022, Gold at the Free From Food Award 2023 and a Gold Vegan Chocolate Award 2023 and is certified Organic Soil Association.

Available from £2.25 at: