Gifts for Her – Page 10 – The Review Studio

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

Tea Infuser £15.99 At: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Contigo-Infuser-strainer-stainless-dishwasher/dp/B084C25JMQ/ref=sr_1_5?crid=2BWY8VOYMITXI&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.SCRFxTLti8pkQw7yg8bFVAlfG4qU32VNabvQjZjyTx3pFvmNSKQE7IdNQfuZzVV432WZc1nks_BhQEJlXeq1flfHLg4Gldudz0gMEZ63sOk7x5TeZ_MD_d9YZRc9v5foD4rWDYMFzaXMzE_IlYJapkmaTjD9OGxpGD_nM6IZIznyiBc8z3kByLO7Zxp49Pha0cQeQ7JdGfsOIWrtRN9Hrr8nzNHpyMQcrmNjmgAZ8oLdZlhlhAK4XzZEVBIu8mAhM8Eee0UOGtAzLMZnYYq6h20wAQxg5xQSC4e6K3ksyIE.T6hoMdPPp0fa-inAPsOEa2Uc_lDoYEr350cK0fo8nQ8&dib_tag=se&keywords=contigo+infuser&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1730636581&sprefix=contigo+infuser%2Caps%2C60&sr=8-5

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

Clean Co Alcohol Free Gin

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Drinks and Mixers, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Vegan, Vegetarian

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

The original is still the greatest and the Clean G Alcohol Free Spirit (otherwise known as the non-alcoholic gin) is still up there as the standard for 0% gins.

The first zero alcohol spirit in the Clean Co drinks cabinet (they also have alcohol free pink gin, rum and whiskey among others), Clean G is made without the distilling that creates the alcohol, therefore giving it the gin taste but without the fumes! It also means that Clean G is lower in calories, sugar free and available to be added to cocktails just as easily as the alcohol version.

Does it taste like gin though? Without mentioning that a bottle of Clean G had been sent to me, friends commented on how the Clean Co product was just as tasty as gin and sin-free too so makes for a perfect tipple on a school night or when out at lunch with work. It’s award winning too, not just for taste but for how easily it substitutes the alcoholic version in G&Ts or mixing into cocktails. It’s made in the UK and vegan friendly too and contains less than 6 calories per double shot. All-natural flavourings and no artificial sweeteners, this is perfect for Christmas either as a gift to anyone, or for drinking and not worrying about the hangover afterwards.

If you haven’t heard of the Clean Co range of drinks, you’re certain to over Christmas and into 2025 as they gain notoriety for being so versatile and much friendlier than spirits. So many people are switching to Clean G and even pubs and restaurants are making non-alcoholic cocktails with Clean G products that it’s becoming the fashion now to drink and not be drinking alcohol.

Available in shops and online from £16:

Clean G

The Beirut Box Luxury Food Hamper from Lebnani

Christmas, Family Life, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Home

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

Foodies will love this selection of Lebanese food in the Lebani Beirut Box! The mix of different ingredients make a welcome change to the Christmas puddings, mince pies and jars of tea that are so common and instead, inspire you to cook different foods based on Lebanese recipes.

Inside the Beirut Box you’ll find:

Jar of Lebnani Sumac
Jar of Lebnani Zaatar spice mix
250ml Bottle of Zet Zeytoun Lebanese Extra Virgin Olive Oil
250ml Bottle of Chtoura Pomegranate Molasses
Jar of Mrabba fig jam with roasted sesame seeds
Jar of pickled wild cucumbers
Pistachio Backlawa
Recipe card from Chef Jad Youssef
250ml bottle of Chtaura Orange Blossom Water

All of the ingredients keep in the cupboard for ages, but you’ll find the recipe card has a mixture of included ingredients and some fresh that you’ll need to buy. You can of course, use the ingredients however you wish!

The Sumac and Zaatar spices are particularly good to experiment with as they’re not found in supermarkets easily. Sumac has a slightly tangy flavour and is used in meat dishes and hummus but can also be added to salads and other savoury dishes. Zaatar is a mix of spices, including sumac and is used in dishes such as roast chicken or as a seasoning for baked sweet potato or salads.

Most of the Lebanese recipes which include the spices and seasonings also include the Zet Zeytoun Lebanese Extra Virgin Olive Oil. These olives are picked from the Lebanese mountains by hand it is known to be rich in texture and buttery, with a cut-grass-like aroma. I am particularly partial to the Mrabba fig jam too. Figs are not only my favourite fruit but fig jam is great with any scone or on toast and can be added to recipes such as brownies or cookies to give both texture and sweetness. I didn’t realise that Lebanese fig jam is in another league though! The Mrabba fig is not the garden fig variety we have in the UK so this was a pleasant surprise to find how fruity and sweet it was.

Chtoura Pomegranate Molasses is used in Mediterranean cuisine to add fruitiness to savoury dishes, much like sumac and zaatar. There’s a running theme in this box that the ingredients add not just some sweetness to recipes but a real flavour of the Mediterranean to everyday cooking. Pomegranate molasses is no exception and with the sweetness of the sauce, you get a great mixture of flavours to add to any humble dish like a salad, which is also one of the recipes included in the recipe card from Chef Jad Youssef – the Tatbila Salad including onions, tomatoes sumac and the pomegranate molasses.

The picked wild cucumbers are suspiciously like the gherkins we have in UK supermarkets but these are smaller and no less tasty! Adding zing to your salad or as a side dish they’re deliciously juicy. The Orange Blossom Water from Chtaura was a surprise which I didn’t know what to do with. Its water distilled with orange blossom petals to give another sweet addition to many dishes, both savoury and sweet. I think this one would be perfect for adding to sweet desserts instead of a sugary essence like vanilla or making a custard a little bit more exciting.

Finally, the last and most delicious piece in the Beirut Box is the Pistachio Backlawa. I’m not normally a fan of backlawa but this was an education thanks to the 3 pieces included in the food box! The cake-like sweets are dense and sweet with layers and layers of flakey pastry filled with the pistachio sweet filling. There’s no nutty flavour to it but a slight texture and oh my goodness – it was delicious! I’m sure other backlawa I’ve tried before isn’t this satisfying but I really felt like this was a wholesome, filling treat in the afternoon with a cup of coffee and is a dessert or treat which brings about joy! The box alone is worth it just for the backlawa and I could easily have eaten all 3 pieces in one go. (don’t worry, I didn’t!)

Anyone with an interest in Lebanese or Mediterranean cuisine will love this box. If you’re a food lover and want to experiment with different flavours and textures, then this is a great introduction and the recipe card is a great way of getting involved and trying out some of their ideas. The mixture of ingredients also ensures that you’re covered for both savoury and sweet meals and the spices, olive oil and orange blossom water especially will last a long time.

It’s been great fun trying out the ingredients and thinking about different ways to use them!

Available online for £38 plus delivery of £6.95 per hamper at: https://lebnani.co.uk/eventsbookings/the-beirut-box

Afternoon Tea at The Imperial Hotel, Blackpool

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Days Out, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Mother's Day, Restaurant, Valentine's Day Gifts, Women

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

Opened in 1867, The Imperial Hotel in Blackpool is a charming Victorian establishment steeped in history, having hosted notable guests such as Charles Dickens, Winston Churchill, Queen Elizabeth, Princess Anne, and even the Beatles. This grand hotel, with its impressive entrance, sits proudly along the seafront, a true reminder of Blackpool’s Victorian heyday when visitors flocked to enjoy the therapeutic seawater and Turkish baths.

The moment you step into the Imperial Hotel’s magnificent foyer, you are transported away from the bustle of daily life. The wood panelling and grand staircase set a refined atmosphere, promising an experience of timeless elegance.

We enjoyed afternoon tea in the Palm Court Restaurant, where the restaurant manager warmly welcomed us and led us to a table with a stunning view of the sea. After introducing us to the menu, he brought us each a glass of prosecco and a pot of tea. Once the tea had brewed, a classic three-tier cake stand appeared alongside a savoury plate featuring a small cup of delicious soup, a mini tomato and mozzarella quiche with beautifully crisp pastry and a homemade sausage roll with cranberries and thyme, served warm with wonderfully flaky puff pastry which was absolutely delicious.

The bottom tier of the cake stand was arranged with a selection of finger sandwiches on white and brown bread, with fillings of maple-cured ham with grain mustard, egg mayonnaise with watercress, mature cheddar with spring onion and roast turkey with smoked bacon, red onion, and mayonnaise. The sandwiches, served on soft, fresh bread, were full of flavour and very tasty. They weren’t sparing with the fillings either, which always gets a tick in my book.

The middle tier presented freshly baked scones with an array of accompaniments -clotted cream and strawberry jam for the cherry scones, and onion jam and chive butter for the Lancashire cheese scone. This savoury twist was a welcome change, particularly enjoyed by my husband, who doesn’t have a sweet tooth and really enjoyed his cheese scone. The scones were excellent with the perfect mix of crisp outer shell and soft (but not dense) centre.

On the top tier, a beautifully arranged selection of bite-sized pastries and cakes awaited. We were treated to a lemon Madeira drizzle with raspberry gel, a banoffee tart garnished with crisp banana and chocolate shavings, a mixed berry mess topped with mini meringue, and a mini-Eccles cake with candied orange. Each was delightful, with the Eccles cake emerging as our favourite.

By the time we had sampled all three tiers, we were pleasantly full and content to linger and soak in the elegant surroundings. And, for those who can’t quite finish, the hotel thoughtfully offers to box up any remaining treats for you to enjoy later.

We really enjoyed our afternoon tea at The imperial Hotel and being in such lovely surroundings made this afternoon tea experience that little bit more special.

With Blackpool Illuminations in full swing, now is the perfect time to experience this iconic seaside resort. Treat yourself to a delightful afternoon tea, then stroll through the world-famous Illuminations – you won’t be disappointed! To add a festive touch, a Christmas-themed afternoon tea will be available starting November 25th. Or, make a weekend of it by booking a stay in one of The Imperial Hotel’s charming rooms.

Afternoon Tea is served daily from 14:00 – 16:30 and costs £20.50 for adults and £12.00 for children. If you are in the mood for something fizzy then a glass of prosecco can be added for an additional £5.00 per head.

Prezzee Gift Card

Birthday Gifts, Children, Christmas, Father's Day, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Mother's Day, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Valentine's Day Gifts, Women

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!

That Boutique-y Gin Company Advent Calendar

advent calendar, alcoholic drinks, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Drinks and Mixers, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Winter

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

For adults, advent calendars have taken on a whole new twist, and this year’s countdown to Christmas promises to be both sophisticated and delicious with That Boutique-y Gin Company Advent Calendar. It’s the ultimate treat for any gin enthusiast, turning each day of December into a journey of unique flavours and botanicals.

With 24 wax-sealed 30ml miniatures, each one distinct and some even holiday-themed (Christmas Pudding gin, anyone?), this calendar lets you savour a different gin every day. For the seasoned gin lover, it’s a fantastic chance to explore bold new flavors and perhaps uncover a new favourite along the way – scan the QR code and vote for your favourite!

The lineup is impressive, and a few sound especially exciting including Chocolate Orange Gin, Toasted Marshmallow Hot Chocolate Gin, and Spit-Roasted Pineapple Gin. Whether you’re a connoisseur or just beginning to explore the world of gin, this calendar offers a festive array of smooth, spiced, citrusy, and Christmas-inspired gins. Many of these are hard to find in stores, adding a welcome element of surprise to each day’s tasting. Picture yourself winding down each evening with a “GINgle All The Way” in hand -now that’s the Christmas spirit!

Whether given as a gift or kept as a special treat for yourself, this gin advent calendar is a fun and exciting way to countdown to Christmas. Each day feels like a little celebration, and by Christmas Eve, you’ll have experienced a tour of the gin world from the comfort of your own home.

RRP £ 64.95

Marshall Minor IV Earbuds

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

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

If you’re starting to think of Christmas gifts then you can’t go wrong with a pair of earbuds, especially a cool pair like the Marshall Minor IV earbuds. First off, let’s talk about looks, because when you’re dealing with Marshall gear, you know they’re going for that whole rockstar on tour vibe—even if your tour is mostly the supermarket and the occasional jog. These little guys are oozing with Marshall aesthetic, and you’ve got that iconic logo on the charging case. Classic black with brass accents? Check. Textured case that makes you feel like you’re holding a mini guitar amp in your pocket? Double check. It’s like they took the essence of a stage amp and shrunk it down into something you can pop in your ears.

Now, here’s the thing about design: they’re open-fit. Which is just fancy talk for “they don’t have rubber tips jamming into your ears like you’re getting an ear exam.” Depending on who you are, that’s either a win or a dealbreaker. Me? I wasn’t sure but after wearing these for a week or so have found them comfortable and secure. It’s like getting that smooth, carefree sound without the deep-pressure sensation of in-ears. One thing to bear in mind, the open fit lets a lot of the outside world in and there is no background noise reduction.

For tiny earbuds, the Minor IVs hold their own. Marshall’s really got the mids and highs dialled in – vocals come through super clear, and the treble’s crisp enough that you’ll notice those delicate high-hats or twangy guitar riffs. The bass isn’t exactly bone-rattling, though. I’d say it’s more tastefully understated. Not the kind of bass that you’ll feel in your teeth, but it’s balanced, not too muddy. If you’re a basshead, you might be left wanting a bit more thump, but for everything else – rock, jazz, podcasts it’s solid.

Marshall claims 7 hours of playtime, and an extra 24 hours from the charging case. In my field test – by which I mean doing normal human things and listening to music while pretending to be productive – the battery held up pretty close to that. And let’s face it, if you’re listening to music for 7 straight hours and not stopping, either you’re on an epic road trip or your hobbies are way more intense than mine.

Touch controls are simple to use and can be changed using the Marshall App which also gives you access to firmware updates, battery management settings and equaliser options. Connectivity is good, they’re Bluetooth LE ready and I had no problems connection them to my phone.

The Minor IV has wireless charging, which is great but if, like me, you’re yet to embrace the latest technology you can fall back onto USB-C (cable included) when you need to juice it up old school.

So, what’s the verdict? The Marshall Minor IV aren’t your “I need absolute isolation and my skull to rumble” earbuds. They’re more your “I want to look cool while listening to Led Zeppelin and still hear the barista call my name” earbuds. They’ve got style, decent sound, and comfort—if you like the open-fit feel—and that classic Marshall attitude that says, “Yeah, I rock. But, you know, casually.”

Would I recommend them? If you’re a Marshall fan and like your earbuds with a side of swagger, absolutely. They won’t replace your high-end over-ear headphones or some fancy active noise-cancelling buds, but for daily casual listening with a splash of rockstar flair? Yeah, they’ll do just fine.

RRP £119.99

Stabilo Pens

Birthday Gifts, Children, Christmas, eco friendly, Family Life, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Learning, secret santa, Stocking Fillers

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?

Seola Sparkling Clover Necklace

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Fashion, Gifts for Her, Jewellery, Stocking Fillers, Women

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

Christmas is a time to think about the people in your life and the type of gifts they deserve. Seola believe in finding joy in the little things and celebrating life every day not just a few days of the year. With that in mind, they have a gorgeous collection of jewellery for Christmas which is available now. The team at Seola sent us the necklace from their Clover Collection, part of a much bigger gift range featuring the clover leaf design.

The Sparkling Clover Necklace is 18K gold plated stainless steel, designed to be both waterproof and sweatproof so you can wear it whether you’re swimming, in the gym or even in the shower. With a length of 40 centimetres, it sits on the collar bone of the wearer where a stunning clover pendant is surrounded by 4 clover leaf cut outs along the chain. It’s a lovely gift for anyone who’s active and worries about losing jewellery especially if there’s sport involved!

I particularly like that the 5 clovers are set on a delicate chain which can be worn on its own or as a layer of chains, especially from the whole Clover Collection range. There’s also earrings, a bracelet and a range of different Clover design necklaces which over time, could create a personal collection for someone, or be a range given as one gift from different members of the family.

The Seola Sparkling Clover Necklace is a timeless piece, with the clover symbolising luck, which will be able to be worn for a very long time to come thanks to its waterproof design and enduring look.

Available from £28.99 at:

Sparkling Clover Necklace

Pearhead Clay Pawprint Desk Frame

Birthday Gifts, Children, Christmas, cruelty-free, Family Life, Gifts for children, 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.

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

Birthday Gifts, Children, Christmas, cruelty-free, Family Life, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Pets

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:

ink pawprints desk frame

Edifier X3 Lite Wireless Bluetooth Ear Buds

Birthday Gifts, Children, Christmas, Family Life, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Summer, Tech

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

StylPro Make Up Brush Cleaner and Dryer

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, Home, Women

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

Here’s a lovely present for anyone who loves their make-up! The StylPro Make-Up Cleaner and Dryer from Boots is an extra element we don’t think about in our daily life when thinking about make-up. How often do you clean your make up brushes, and how do you do it? It’s something I never really think about, only giving my brushes a quick rinse every so often but experts say that we should clean our make-up brushes every week.

The StylPro Make-Up Brush Cleaner and Dryer makes it easy to clean brushes. The set comes with a bowl and 8 attachments for different size brushes. There’s cleaning fluid (for foundation brushes) and the StylPro device itself, which even comes with 2x AAA batteries. The attachments are all kept safe in an aerated bag to help prevent bacteria multiplying.

It’s simple enough to clean your brushes; add a small amount of cleaning fluid (or use soap for non-foundation brushes) and some water in the base of the bowl. Choose which attachment fits the handle of the first brush you’re going to clean and attach it to the device. Dip the brush into the soapy solution for about 5 seconds so that it absorbs some of the cleaning fluid then hit the button on the device to spin the brush. Leave it in the shallow water for about 10 seconds then raise above the water level and spin for another 10 seconds. This spins off the excess water and you’ll see how much make up is left in the water afterwards!

The brushes are still a bit damp so you need to take them out of the device and let them dry somewhere that’s well ventilated and won’t let any water pool. The brushes look a bit bedraggled at this point because they’re still damp but they do dry off quite quickly if near a radiator. I would try the StylPro with an old brush first as it takes a while to get used to the depth of water needed and then where in the height of the bowl to hold the brush so that it gets clean but also doesn’t hit the bottom and damage the fibres. You have to be mindful of spinning as well as too much spin makes some of the fibres on bigger brushes splay out and tangle a bit. There’s a knack of being able to spin off enough water but also not damage the brush. The colour of the water after the spin session was all I needed to see to know that the StylPro works!

Available for £29.99 at: https://www.boots.com/stylpro-makeup-brush-cleaner-and-dryer-10224940?CAWELAID=620000410000293710&cm_mmc=bmm-buk-bing-ppc-_-PLAs-_-Beauty_Cosmetic-_-UK_Smart_Shopping_Beauty_Cosmetic&gclid=a7e0340bff7b1d41071052b4f08129d1&gclsrc=3p.ds&msclkid=a7e0340bff7b1d41071052b4f08129d1&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=UK_Smart_Shopping_Beauty_Cosmetic&utm_term=4575686381129242&utm_content=Beauty_Cosmetic

Amonax Ab Roller Home Workout Set

Birthday Gifts, Fitness, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, health, Home, Women

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

Not that we’re thinking ahead to New Year, but there are definite pros to getting exercise equipment before Christmas! The Amonax Ab Roller Workout Set is designed to help cardio and ab fitness from home with the help of an Ab Roller, skipping rope and press-up handles. We were sent the set to try as a gift idea for Christmas, but I think I’ll be using this for a long while afterwards!

The skipping rope is 3.1 metres and long enough for an adult to use. If you find it’s too long though, you can always adjust it by cutting, as explained in the instructions. It’s good quality, with foam handles and the rope is non-tangle, unlike the string we had on the skipping ropes we used as a child. Skipping ropes are brilliant for on-the-spot cardio workouts and can be used by adults and children alike. Brilliant for travelling if you don’t know if there will be a gym or not, or for keeping children entertained, it is a really good addition to a home gym and gets the heart beat going really quickly!

The push-up bars are made of steel but with foam grips for comfort. They’re set at a 15 degree angle too, so that you hold on ‘up hill’ and it makes for an easier grip. Push-up bars are great for body strength work but also for working on the abs in push ups, planks etc and especially shoulder work. The non-slip mat that comes with them is also useful if you don’t have a suitable floor surface to work on.

Finally, the star of the show is the Ab Roller. This nifty contraption can be either one or both wheels and each wheel can be placed a different width apart depending on your level of difficulty. If you’ve never used them before, then have a look at some You Tube videos, the basic concept is that you kneel, with your weight on the wheel out in front of you with straight arms and roll the Ab Roller away from you and crucially, you wheel it back again towards you. This engages the abdominal muscles in a way in which your back is still supported but it works the muscles beautifully. It’s an upper and lower ab workout but be warned, you will definitely feel it the next day! This is the exercise that will get you a more sculpted torso, but it will take a while and a lot of repetitions!

The Amonax kit is called the Ab Roller Home Workout Set but it can be used for more than just the abs which is why it’s so versatile. The cardio and strength elements (skipping rope and pus-up bars) can be used along with the Ab Roller to give a really good overall workout and I especially like that this kit is quite small, can be taken apart and is very light. If you’re tight for space, travelling or just want to use one element of the set at a time then it’s really easy to adapt the apparatus to the workout you want. It’s a really good beginners set as well if someone isn’t sure about going to the gym yet and the Ab Roller on its own is a brilliant piece which even top athletes use.

For the price of £20.99 too, this is an excellent idea as a gift for anyone!

Available from £20.99 at: Ab Roller Home Workout Set

BeautyPro T-Bar Device

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Gifts for Her, 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.

I love a new gadget and this T-Bar Device from BeautyPro is right up my street. It’s a simple concept – a wand in the shape of a ‘T’ which vibrates at sonic speed and helps your skin absorb products, tones and aids lymphatic drainage.

The AA battery powered device vibrates at 6000 pulsations per minute. This speed helps stimulate the skin for a better, repairing blood flow but also stimulates toxins to move from the surface of the skin as a lymphatic drain. Puffiness reduces when the fluid under the skin drains away and is dealt with at the lymph nodes on you face (there are several places you can find lymph nodes) and flushes out toxins to leave skin clearer. The increased blood flow also helps new cells form and breaths new oxygen into the skin and muscles.

The vibrations also help with absorbing the nutrients from facials and topical face creams. The pulsations help work the products into the skin, giving a better overall effect. Skin and muscle are also said to be firmer and more contoured too.

It’s really easy to use; just add an AA battery (not provided) and twist the base of the handle. You can both hear and see the T-bar vibrating. Hold the device against your face and you can feel the vibrations working the top layers of your skin. It’s recommended your skin is wet, or even better has some kind of serum or product on so that the vibrations can work their magic. It tickles at first but you get used to it especially around the nose and ears! The cold metal of the T-bar helps sooth the skin too. Use upward strokes to move the fluid from your skin around and down to the lymphatic areas for drainage.

It took me a day or so (morning and night) to get used to the sensation but whilst you’re adding the serum or product to your skin daily anyway, the added T-Bar Device gives you that little lift to either work the product in more or to start contouring the skin. I have been using it for a few days now and I like the drainage effect with my skin being less puffy, but over time I should start to see more of an effect on the smoothness of my skin and shape the T-bar creates.

Available from £39 at:

https://www.lookfantastic.com/p/beautypro-t-bar-device/14848110/?affil=awin&utm_medium=affiliate&sv_campaign_id=531573&awc=2082_1723734984_a27637985a5df416098f7b48b5a56a5e&utm_term=CSS&utm_campaign=AffiliateWin&switchcurrency=GBP&sv1=affiliate&shippingcountry=GB&utm_source=AWin_531573&utm_content=https%3A%2F%2Fshopforward.nl%2F

Wickedly Welsh Chocolate Standard Gift Hamper

Birthday Gifts, Children, chocolate, Christmas, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Stocking Fillers, Winter

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:

Original Standard Gift Hamper

Lakrids by Bülow Classic Chocolate Coated Liquorice

Birthday Gifts, chocolate, Christmas, Father's Day, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Gluten Free, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Valentine's Day Gifts, Winter

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

Christmas is the time of year when we put diets on hold and indulge in delicious food and sweet treats. Stores are brimming with boxes of chocolates, which not only make for a lovely treat but also make delightful gifts too. Premium chocolates, in particular, are a wonderful choice because they offer a touch of luxury without being overly expensive. Even in small quantities, they provide the recipient with a taste of decadence. Plus, sweet treats are a stress-free gift option and you can be confident that they’ll be appreciated and won’t feel impersonal.

Lakrids by Bülow, the brainchild of Scandinavian entrepreneur Johan Bülow, was born out of his belief that liquorice deserved more recognition. He opened his first shop in 2007, and it was an instant success, selling out of all its liquorice in just two hours! Building on that success, Johan opened a factory the following year, and by 2009, he had the brilliant idea to coat his liquorice in chocolate. They kindly sent me a tub of their Classic Caramel flavoured liquorice and these chocolate-coated liquorice balls, with their festive golden sheen, are perfect for Christmas as they look incredibly festive and sophisticated.

Whilst I enjoy both chocolate and liquorice, I’ve never thought of combining the two so I was curious to see how this fusion would taste – and I have to say I wasn’t disappointed. One bite into these treats reveals a winning combination of sweet liquorice, smooth chocolate, and a subtle hint of sea salt that truly excites the taste buds. The sweetness of the chocolate is perfectly balanced by the salty touch, making them incredibly addictive. Even the members of my family who aren’t usually fans of liquorice fans were pleasantly surprised and quickly reached for more!

Perfect for lovers of chocolate and liquorice, they are a great choice this Christmas.

RRP £14.95

Embryolisse Purpose Moisturiser, Calm and Sooth Facial Oil and Rubis Tweezers

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Gifts for Her, Vegan, Vegetarian, Women

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

We’ve been sent this lovely ensemble of beauty products for Christmas and I couldn’t wait to try them for you and let you know what they’re all about! The size of these products and in combination together make them ideal for going on holiday, or for a Christmas stocking.

We start with the Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré Multi-Purpose Moisturiser. It’s a multipurpose moisturiser but is very rich so can be used for lots of purposes. I love a rich moisturiser anyway but this can be used as make-up remover, a face mask, hand cream or as a body lotion. It doesn’t have an SPF so I would use this during the winter when my skin is dry and the heating and air conditioning are on full blast, and additionally as a hand cream. It would be brilliant in the spring and summer on holiday because it’s so versatile. I love the cool texture and it’s not greasy, plus at the sale price of £11.19 (it’s usually £13.99) it’s a steal.

Facial oils are all the rage now and I personally love them. The Calm and Sooth Facial Oil from Elemental Herbology is blended with plant extracts and essential oils to nourish your face. Just one drop is enough to cover your whole visage and you can really smell the calming flower essences which helps with the calming effect. I use the facial oils to give myself lymphatic massages, which is a huge boost to tone your skin and gives you an even colour. It’s very relaxing too and with the Calm and Sooth Facial Oil, you will be in bliss within a few hours of massage!

Finally, the staple of the beauty cabinet is a very good pair of tweezers. Rubis are famous for producing high quality tweezers and these are no exception. Sharp and slanted, they are designed for eye brows but can be used for many tasks as they’re so precise. They come in different colours but these gold ones look especially good if you’re going on holiday too! These ones are coated in yellow gold so are also antibacterial. I love using them because of how precise they are and you can get a good grip. Fabulous tweezers are the staple of any beauty regime so these are a great investment for your make up bag.

Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré Multi-Purpose Moisturiser £11.19: https://www.lookfantastic.com/p/embryolisse-lait-creme-concentre-multi-purpose-moisturiser-30ml/11118732/?switchcurrency=GBP&utm_medium=cpc&shippingcountry=GB&gclid=93cbe3f17d671c4d0db0854f59c88a68&msclkid=93cbe3f17d671c4d0db0854f59c88a68&utm_source=bing&utm_campaign=LF%20%7C%7C%20UK%20%7C%7C%20EN%20%7C%7C%20PMAX%20%7C%7C%20ePMAX%20%7C%7C%20Skincare&utm_term=2331995443444706&utm_content=Skincare&affil=thgppc&gclsrc=3p.ds

Calm and Sooth Facial Oil £44: https://www.elementalherbology.com/collections/best-selling-skincare/products/calm-soothe-facial-oil

Rubis Tweezers available for £27.88 at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rubis-tweezers-classic-slanted-satin/dp/B0133ME3MC/ref=sr_1_7?crid=WPXC0BMQADRH&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.39ZvDIUrai-G8HPYwmq69kikaMs1bZU2czq4ySto4AlkQplv5t83cK92fOkIC5p7bCs-oildpwdpBV_jvVlwg-OyfDb4jeK6gARhY6Y8rMOGTXS4sDVhWtuI93Dm67wW-yAQOXiQS6TUfGbWb0rTfVF7nkKprnBR2we1-Lqq-jhGPqM0TxKtZ14tpeifh8PhAOjGVRvjuys5VhHnpaYNTdUXCtFWTAIVuBAw0Iay6RvtpbJjiGkHwlU_IxJDW7kGcd5NMoP3EY5riatxasUYvbYwjitTZSvKVCWaXIeGhyA.t_V9Ty7mOGoEmWhX64FrZBS_cyxzxKMnb3C5mmYb9J8&dib_tag=se&keywords=rubis%2Btweezers&qid=1721639198&sprefix=rubis%2Btweezers%2Caps%2C76&sr=8-7&th=1

Wickedly Welsh Luxurious Chocolates

Birthday Gifts, chocolate, Christmas, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Stocking Fillers

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

It’s a little known fact that not only does Wales produce chocolate, but it’s probably the finest chocolate to come out of Britain. Handmade chocolates are always special, but the Wickedly Welsh Luxurious Chocolates are a feast of deliciousness that will wow this Christmas or keep the decadence of your Christmas lunch going.

The box contains 24 of the crafted chocolates which are flavoured and designed on themes from Wales. You’ll see the Welsh Dragon, honey bee, daffodils and a Celtic Cross as part of the aesthetics. The box is a mixture of milk, white and dark chocolate with an emphasis on their famous milk chocolate. The flavours though are not what you would usually find and are again based on the Welsh surroundings they come from. Included in the flavours are Spring Blossom Honey (hexagonal with a light dusting on top of a bee picture), Ginger Bread (square with a pretty geometric design on top) and Salted Praline, which uses the locally sourced salt that Wickedly Welsh is famous for.

There are 12 flavours in all and most of them are not what you would find in High Street boxes of chocolates. The chocolate is incredibly rich whether it’s the milk, white or dark chocolate you choose. My favourites were the Ginger Bread and Spiced Praline because they’re completely different flavours from what you would find elsewhere and the milk chocolate is especially smooth. They’re the right sized box to be able to share with the family or for someone to enjoy on their own, no matter what celebration.

I can’t get enough of the Wickedly Welsh chocolates anyway and the fact that these are so delicious as well as being handmade makes them a great gift and a special treat!

Just a note that the factory handles nuts, milk, eggs and gluten so check with recipients before hand.

Available from £24.99:

A Box of 24 Specially Selected Chocolates

Raquex Racquet Backpack

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Family Life, Fashion, Fitness, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Sport

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

Here’s a nice gift for anyone who is into any racquet sports – a proper racket backpack!

Most people carry their tennis or squash racket separately to a game or practice but now you can carry your racket with all your other sports equipment thanks to the Raquex Backpack, which is designed for racket sports.

The Raquex Racquet Backpack has its own racket compartment and an additional laptop compartment with a Velcro secure strap. There are several pockets too including a secure pocket for a wallet or mobile phone and a vented pocket for trainers which is separate to the main body of the bag. Water bottles fit in the side compartments and you’ll find other pockets are handy for loose change, membership cards or travel cards and anything else you need to secure. All of this in one backpack which has padded straps and back plate so that you can wear it with comfort and the racket won’t get in the way.

Not only for adults who like to play racket sports, the Raquex Racquet Backpack is also great for school aged children to take their PE kit into school. The multiple pockets are invaluable and the separate compartment for the trainers is a gift in itself for those muddy winter shoes but the main part of the backpack, if not used for a racket, is great for school books or a lunchbox too. The classic black look is easy to take to school and the racket compartment could be used for the project that won’t fit A4 size and needs securing on the way to and from school.

The Raquex Racquet Backpack is the type of gift you’d never think of owning yourself and one which once you have one, you won’t know how you did without!

Available online from £37.99:

https://www.raquex.com/product/raquex-racquet-backpack/

Marshall Emberton III Bluetooth Speaker

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

Disclaimer: We received this product as a review sample but all thoughts and opinions are our own

Let’s talk about the Marshall Emberton III Bluetooth speaker. If you’re familiar with the Marshall brand, you already know they embrace a rock ‘n’ roll aesthetic, and the Emberton III is no exception, resembling a mini guitar amp, earning full marks for style. The classic black and brass design is timeless, looking just as at home on your coffee table as it does out in the wild. That’s key because you’re buying this speaker as much for its visual appeal as its sound quality.

Speaking of sound, the Emberton III delivers an impressive performance for its size. It won’t shake the room, but for a compact speaker, it packs a punch. The bass is rich without being muddy, and the highs are clear and crisp. It avoids the common pitfall of small speakers where everything turns into a flat mess at high volumes. Does it rival professional studio monitors? No, but that’s not the point, you’re not mixing tracks in your bathroom, you just want great sound while you shower. Maybe the Emberton III is overqualified for such casual listening, but that’s part of the fun.

The battery life is a respectable 30 hours on a full charge, and it only takes 2 hours to recharge and the simple 10-bar LED gauge keeps you aware of the remaining battery.

The IP67 rating means it’s dustproof and water-resistant. While I wouldn’t suggest tossing it in a pool, it can handle sawdust in the garage or a splash from a drink on the patio without missing a beat.

Control-wise, the brass joystick on top lets you adjust volume and skip tracks with a tactile, old-school feel, like turning a radio dial, which is far more satisfying than a touchscreen. It features Bluetooth 5.1 with Bluetooth LE support, and in my tests, it maintained a stable connection throughout the house. The speaker also comes with a companion app, and whilst not essential, it does offer firmware updates, EQ settings, and battery management.

So final thoughts? The Marshall Emberton III is like that tool in your workshop you don’t necessarily need but really want. It’s not the cheapest option, but you’re paying for the cool factor as much as the audio quality. It’s got style, it’s tough and has enough sonic oomph sound to keep you energised while working on those endless DIY projects.

Is it overkill for casual listening? Probably. Would I still recommend it? Absolutely. Because sometimes, you just want to blast some tunes and feel like you’re backstage at Woodstock – even if in reality you’re just doing a spot of DIY in the garage!!

RRP £149.99

TokyoTreat and Sakuraco Subscription Boxes

Birthday Gifts, Children, Christmas, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Halloween, snacks, Stocking Fillers, Subscription Boxes, Winter

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

Try these different gift ideas for Christmas with the TokyoTreat and Sakuraco subscription boxes delivered straight to the door!

If you’re stuck what to buy someone for Christmas, try a subscription box… they’re not what you think! Becoming even more popular during lockdown, subscription boxes cover a whole range of products now including these Japanese snack subscription boxes, direct from Japan. Each box contains a months’ worth of treats from top Japanese brands but the boxes have different qualities for different loved one. We were sent some samples (which we’re still munching our way through now!) to see what was in them and honestly, it’s a whole new world and adds a different dimension to gifting…

The TokyoTreat box is probably aimed more at children, or at least the big kids. Absolutely stuffed full of Japanese treats including brands such as Kit Kat but mostly brands you’ve never heard of, there’s chocolate, biscuits, sweets and even a whole Danish pastry! Some of the sweets are similar to what we would find in the UK or US but some of them are completely different. Part of the fun is working out what’s inside the packaging but most of the packets are small enough that you can take a risk on opening it… I say most, there are some big packets of Japanese biscuits but luckily you can work out what’s in them before you open them! The TokyoTreat we received this month was a Halloween special but each month they have a different theme. Great for the family to fight over but also more exciting than a usual box of biscuits for the neighbours next door.

From the same parent company, we also received the Sakuraco subscription box. This one is more based on Japanese culture as it has other items in it such as this beautiful Japanese finger bowl. There are lots of snacks in there too including a cat shaped biscuit, a bag of sharing biscuits, sweets and some green tea bags. The box is beautifully presented with products that support Japanese small businesses and promote Japanese culture, so you’re learning a lot too, and the enclosed leaflet gives a background to each product. Like the TokyoTreat, the content changes with each months’ delivery so you won’t get bored and the whole family will learn something new each month!

Sakuraco and TokyoTreat subscriptions from US$32.50 per box subscription: https://sakura.co/subscribe

https://tokyotreat.com/subscribe

Rumi Cosmetiques Ultimate Lash Care and BrowCare+

beauty, Christmas, cruelty-free, Gifts for Her, Stocking Fillers, Vegan, Vegetarian, Women

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

Since 2020, Rumi Cosmetiques has been on a mission to produce the highest quality make-up with the intention of helping all women, but especially older women, be their very best. This meant creating a make-up range which is made for sensitive skin, vegan and cruelty free. Starting with their eye make-up, Rumi have products for all ages and all of them are confidence building to make you feel more beautiful. We were sent the Ultimate Lash Care Kit and the BrowCare+ Kit for to see how they stand up to being Christmas gifts!

The Ultimate Lash Care Kit comprises of 3 products; mascara (VolumeCare+), eye liner (LushLine+) and serum (LashCare+). If you look on the website (below) you can choose which colours suit you best and the serum size so you can mix and match as you wish. There’s also a cool option to be able to have the products on a 3-month subscription so that you don’t ever run out! We had the black eye liner and black mascara to try, which I would say are the safest and most standard colours but as time goes on and if you order more, you could get a mix of colours for different looks.

VolumeCare+ Mascara is designed to thicken eye lashes which naturally thin with age. The mascara dramatically volumizes eye lashes with deep colour and also separates each lash, leaving it waterproof too (great if you’re going on holiday!) but you will need to have proper eye make-up remover to remove it at the end of the day. The easy-to-apply LashLine+ is a pencil like eye liner which makes it easier to apply than a liner brush and easily glides onto the eye lid. In combination with the VolumeCare+ Mascara, it accentuates the eye, probably because it draws out the corner of your eye and works in tandem with the mascara to elevate the lashes. So far so good!

The LashCare+ serum is a new one on me. I don’t normally use serum on my eye lashes but seeing as I uses extra serum on my skin and a similar serum on my hair nowadays it makes sense to use one on my eye lashes. It’s applied once a day, so I’ve been putting it on before bed. It’s only been a few weeks so I can’t see the full effect but I’m hoping it works even better over time as it does with helping the mascara bond to my eye lashes. Make-up for older women has really come along!

Lastly, we were also sent the lovely BrowCare+ Serum. Again, a brow serum is not something that I have used before but with my eye brows becoming more erratic (yes, I used that word!) it makes sense to try and tame them with something that makes them fuller but also more controllable. The BrowCare+ Serum needs just one application a day (makes sense for it to be at night at the same time as the eyelashes) and nourishes the brow hairs so that they grow thicker and stronger, and tamer too! This typically takes a month or so to start showing so it’s another one of the long road ahead and perhaps a very good reason to buy more than one BrowCare+ Serum at a time.

Over time, my eye lashes and brows should start to thicken, back to (nearly) what they were in my youth!

Ultimate Lash Care Kit £67.00: https://uk.rumicosmetiques.com/products/mascara-eyeliner-lash-serum

BrowCare+ £64:

BrowCare+ Serum

Opies Preserved Fruits

Christmas, Family Life, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Stocking Fillers

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

For Christmas, there is a certain set of rules that doesn’t apply at any time of year, and that is especially true with food. Opies Preserved Fruits are the type of treat you would never ever think of buying for yourself at any other time of year, nor would it be a gift for someone else unless it was something they particularly asked for! Perhaps that’s why Opies only release these preserved fruits at Christmas – so that you look forward to buying and consuming the luxurious preserves a family, or because you know the perfect recipient for the Kilner jarred delicacies, perhaps as part of a hamper?

We were sent part of their 2024 range including the Black Cherrie, Baby Pears and Peaches. Each of the fruits are preserved in a different alcohol (so Granny might enjoy this but probably not one for the children!) which included Kirsch for the black cherries, Amoretto for the pears and 12 year old brandy for the peaches. Packed by hand, the preserved fruits come in generous 500 gram plus sized portions and are now in fabulous Kilner jars, so when you’re finished with the fruit, you can use the jar again and again.

Starting with the Black Cherries, the label has various recipes inside, but for starters you can use these in trifles, Christmas or otherwise. I like them on their own with some cream, or one year I made croissants and added cherries to the middle, which gave the croissants a festive red colouring as well! The baby pears are great as statement pieces at a Christmas dessert, or sliced up with their Amoretto flavoured juices as a Tarte Tatin. My favourites though are the Brandy peaches. The recipes include Peach Melba, but imagine these sweet, soft peaches in a peach crumble with delicious custard or ice cream as an alternative to Christmas Pudding?

Opies have other hand packed preserved fruits available on their website; have a look to see who you’ll be buying for this year, or maybe treat yourself?

Available from £6.99