Category: Gifts for Her

Altamura Vodka for Father’s Day

alcoholic drinks, Birthday Gifts, Drinks and Mixers, Father's Day, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Summer

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.

You probably don’t associate vodka being Italian, bu I bet you didn’t know that Altamura Vodka was made from ancient grain, making it 2,000 years old? The ancient durum wheat is grown in Altamura or neighbouring Puglia to produce vodka which can confidently say that it’s been around longer than most other spirits!  

At 43% proof, this is one for cocktails, which Altamura is perfectly suited for thanks to its raw wheat taste which blends to a soft finish. There’s tones of lemon and grapefruit there too, not unlike the hills of the Altamura region in Italy.

For vodka lovers, Altamura is a great choice as something different yet classic. There are fewer ingredients which gives it a clearer taste and makes it excellent for making cocktails with.  Versatile vodka is great for Father’s Day or as a birthday present, especially if Dad likes Italian spirits!

Available for £36.25 at: https://www.masterofmalt.com/vodka/altamura/altamura-vodka/?utm_content=altamura/altamura-vodka&currencyCode=GBP&utm_source=database&utm_medium=base&utm_campaign=mom_base_1&gad_source=4&gad_campaignid=17147192555&gbraid=0AAAAADr4rM2JLNRmgLeQLC1RQMhK-LIxU&gclid=Cj0KCQjwu7TCBhCYARIsAM_S3NhTrnTaW3PNe9xSs8Y00q0eoblHeZO8FBotZaRj0H6Soxl1kChHBK0aAiEQEALw_wcB

Sake Ono Bottle for Father’s Day

alcoholic drinks, Birthday Gifts, Father's Day, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers

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.

Take Father’s Day to a new level and give Dad some Sake Ono instead of a boring bar of chocolate! Sake Ono, made in Niigata, Japan, is 15% ABV so it’s a bit stronger than wine but not as strong as whisky or vodka. It can be drunk either in a glass or as a part of a cocktail, but I prefer to drink it on its own, along after a meal.

Sake Ono sits like a wine with a soft, crisp texture. Although made with water, rice, koji (to ferment the rice) and yeast, you can’t taste either the rice or the yeast. It’s less like beer and more like wine.  It’s brewed then pressed, filtered and pasteurised in the Japanese Alps using the finest quality water. 

Sake Ono is a great alternative to spirits with a lower ABV and works especially well with cheeses and charcuterie, or in a New School Negroni.  It has a light, slightly citrus and a pinch of floral taste and a sweet after taste. Why not try it yourself before you gift a bottle to Dad?

Available for £54.95 at: 

Sake Ono Junmai Daiginjo 72cl

Yankee Candle Bayside Cedar Large Jar Candle

Autumn, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Father's Day, Fragrance, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Home, Home & Garden, Mother's Day, Winter

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

When it comes to Father’s Day, most of us tend to fall back on the usual gifts – chocolate, gadgets and beer. They’re safe bets, sure… but maybe just a little predictable. So, here’s a thought – have you ever considered buying him a candle?

It might not be the first thing that springs to mind, after all, candles have traditionally been seen as something aimed at women. But times have changed, these days, candles aren’t just for bubble baths and spa days (though let’s be honest, those are lovely too). They’re about setting a mood, creating a space that feels calm, warm, and a touch luxurious. And yes – men enjoy that too.

In fact, plenty of candle brands now cater specifically to more masculine scent preferences. Think earthy sandalwood, rich leather, smoky cedar, or even tobacco and oak. These fragrances are deep, grounding, and a far cry from anything overly sweet or floral.

One of my go-to candle brands is Yankee Candle, and their Bayside Cedar Large Jar Candle is perfect for the men in your life. It’s described as “a walk along the forest path right after the rain,” with refreshing notes of grapefruit, mandarin blossoms, and warm amber filling the air. It features top notes of bergamot, green pear and grapefruit, mid notes of mandarin blossom and water lily, and finishes with base notes of amber, cedarwood and musk. With two wicks and a premium soy-wax blend, it creates a beautiful ambiance and at 567g, it offers 65 to 80 hours of burn time.

Candles also hit the spot when it comes to dads who are hard to buy for. He might already have all the tools, ties, and tech he needs, but chances are, he hasn’t splurged on a really good candle. That’s what makes it such a thoughtful gift, it’s very unexpected, totally personal, and shows you’ve made an effort.

So this Father’s Day, maybe skip the beer multipack and pick up a candle instead. For your dad, stepdad, grandad or father figure, it could be just the gift he never knew he wanted.

Because let’s be honest — who doesn’t love a home that smells amazing? Even dads.

RRP £29.99 available here

Catherine Lansfield Zero Twist Six Towel Bale

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

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

There’s something quietly satisfying about a fresh set of towels, so I was really pleased to get my hands on the Catherine Lansfield Zero Twist Towel Bale. New towels are one of those little luxuries you don’t always think to buy for yourself – but once you have them, you wonder why you ever put up with those thin, tired old ones in the first place!

The towel bale is available in ten different colours and I opted for classic navy blue as it’s a great all-rounder- stylish, practical, and ideal for a house full of boys. Navy goes with almost anything, and it’s brilliant at hiding the odd splash of mud or DIY-related grime making them perfect for dads who spend their weekends in the garden, tinkering with tools, or elbow-deep in the shed.

Now, let’s talk texture, I like my towels soft and absorbant, there’s nothing worse than a towel that looks great on display but does nothing when it comes to drying. These ones though are just right, they’re soft and cosy without being too plush, reasonably thick, and best of all, properly absorbent. They feel lovely to use and do the job well.

I’ve washed them a couple of times now on a standard 40°C cycle and they’ve come out brilliantly – no roughness, no colour fade, and no shrinkage. Just the same soft, reliable towels, ready to use again.

The bale includes two bath towels, two hand towels, and two face cloths and are ideal for giving your bathroom an instant refresh without costing the earth. The towels actually feels much more expensive than the price tag suggests.

So if you’re looking for a Father’s Day gift that’s practical with just ahint of indulgence, this set is a brilliant choice. It won’t make any noise or need charging, but it will make Dad’s mornings that little bit nicer – and really, isn’t that what it’s all about?

RRP £56 but they are currently on offer at £26.92 which is an absolute bargain.

Stabilo Pen Gifts For Dad on Father’s Day

Birthday Gifts, Children, Family Life, Father's Day, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Home, Stocking Fillers

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.

Stabilo have some smashing gifts for Dad this Father’s Day, including this set of Stabilo Pointball Pens in 6 colours, and the Stabilo Flow Fountain Pen. Dad doesn’t have to be a teacher to be able to use them either!

The Stabilo Flow Fountain Pen reminds Dad of days gone by when everyone (including me!) had to have a fountain pen for school. This often meant that you’d see people using fountain pens at home or in the office, especially when it came to signing documents. The Flow Fountain Pen has an ink cartridge with the easily found and this blue ink is erasable with the right ink eraser.  The nib is stainless steel and handle is ergonomically designed for an easier grip.

The Set of Pointball pens which contains the colours dark blue, black, red, green, purple and teal are retractable ball point pens. These are great for teachers as it contains the stable blue and black which are needed for teaching and even the red ballpoint pen for marking and green for adjudicating.  They’re 0.5mm in diameter too and although they come in this handy pocket pack, I would be inclined to keep them on my home desk so that I have a colour to hand at any time.

Not just Dads and not just teachers can find a fun use for almost anything in the Stabilo range this summer.

Stabilo Flow Fountain Pen available for £9.58: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fountain-Pen-STABILO-Blister-cartridge/dp/B08D68CJ4T/ref=sr_1_5?crid=2U62V2T58MJCS&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LAKn_KRMauU9IY3BvU5suXOb0vKiVRxUKkMaGL7dgStAG3wnLtEOVVjwNDHDXvGIijD6kF8a5lFEFh4qInkDMN76kYBUzudPnWzxU4GFBJZv2DzQDGA356T4kSjOqAnt-sy6Jy64DKaUiEnGmJ1WI7X0YTp4yTAW_tbK3ZX-i99TXaYkaa5bsSUabspiLTlQEnhAWVw4i_IHwOAWqdNHDkeFELqJcior-7WnbetQ6u9TAc7jqSwwxeE3lXG9oxe3V3NL0Lxwqdq0EFN-jvETVjEQJgLMtp5QatWLkXwNhOg.Rrd2zQeJVbzjNxxFaA5Dl5IMLBVZ19RiIEW6q9RwQtU&dib_tag=se&keywords=stabilo%2Bflow&qid=1749493233&s=officeproduct&sprefix=stabilo%2Bflow%2Coffice-products%2C95&sr=1-5&th=1

Stabilo Pointball pens available online for £10 at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ballpoint-STABILO-pointball-Assorted-Colours/dp/B00AVQ8IAC/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3LUWSEA2I6LL6&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.3jlAj6SY39ReqoThMpc2trF5r59_TWGqvg3ygDdgSPLlSl3-TSlIwRcPUkL5r2PSe5TVXU4jZmOLAU6PzgDq7Tkqzu0yE-DqYD9JtywxGfex461_MWfECTwqJ5zSCceNpzXInsKlruqvsPKti5KUw0nDZd4AQjQU7NboYfg0r7wJofNOURcXYxoCI1BGpDLPdKBNPuSbUUAVG0nm1IuHqJuwSlCpFcgsak4pO7JnLU6jxLE2og4pPPt9CrtF0YrMTVxtPY7Xgp9wEzPhYsgZa-hH9UiPUt0-BDug-hw-QsY.4XoweD4Mh4JZPcYsZKxUFbu9VjF33brNGX2NeuRgmgI&dib_tag=se&keywords=stabilo%2Bpointball&qid=1749493153&s=officeproduct&sprefix=stabilo%2Bpointball%2Coffice-products%2C63&sr=1-4&th=1

Mr White’s Gin

alcoholic drinks, Birthday Gifts, Drinks and Mixers, Father's Day, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Summer

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.

Marco Pierre White is known as being Britain’s premier Michelin Star winning chef from the 80s to today with number other awards under his belt, and well as making more hot dinners, well than you’ve had hot dinners!  Did you know that he’s ventured into making gin though? Mr White’s London Dry Gin was created by Marco with Master Distillers to use to top of the range ingredients and the best distillery process to make this top tier, 40% gin.

The London Dry gin has been described as ‘redefining a London Dry’ due to the gin being juniper-forward. This is not a gin for a first-time taster, but more the pinnacle gin for those who have tried every gin out there and got bored.  Wanting to try a more sophisticated flavour, connoisseurs will love the simplicity of this taste that incorporates the smooth texture of London Dry as well as the gin/juniper flavour. 

The taste is not ostentatious.  You can tell that it’s been cultivated in copper pot still because of the clean taste but it’s also powerful and hits like a gin from first sip to aftertaste. The 40% proof is evident, and I would suggest only drinking neat the first time then mixing afterwards, or creating a fabulous cocktail with it that exemplifies its pureness.

The bottle is gorgeous (white of course!) and signed by Mr White himself. The bottle is also huge, but only the average spirit size of 70cl. You’ll notice Marco Pierre White’s name at the top and ‘Established 1961; which refer to the chef himself, not the age of the spirit!

This is a brilliant Father’s Day gift for gin lovers, or anyone who appreciated a really good bottle being added to the collection. If you’re serving cocktails to that special man this Father’s Day, you might like to try this…

The MR. WHITE’S Classic Negroni Bianco

* 30ml MR. WHITE’S GIN

* 30ml White vermouth

* 30ml Suze.

Method

Add all ingredients into mixing glass and stir with ice. Strain into a clear, heavy tumbler, with a single large ice cube or ice ball and garnish with grapefruit peel.

Available at: https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/groceries

The Traitors Board Game

Birthday Gifts, Children, Family Life, Games, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Home, Stocking Fillers

If you have watched the Traitors on TV then you know this game. Play as a Faithful or Traitor over 4 rounds to gain gold for your personal fund, survive the game and have the most gold by the end to then compete with another player to split the money or betray them and take it all!

Faithful and Traitors will play through 4 rounds of tasks that are set out in 1 of about 4 or 5 scenarios. The faithful are trying to help the task be done to gain gold (points) and stay alive. Traitors have secret objectives they must complete to gain extra points and the ability to remove a faithful at night. 

This game is rather complicated for an adaptation of the tv show to play at home. For a family or casual group of players it will take a while to understand the rules and set up and longer to play. But if you like the Traitors it can be worth it as it is reasonably faithful to the tv shows feeling. 

The problem with this game is it is needlessly complicated for a social deduction game. As a huge fan of Social deduction games, they are meant to have a low bar for entry, simple rules, and straight forward win conditions…so why is the Traitors so complicated? The Traitors Board Game adds extra steps, mechanics, and criteria which muddies the water and dilutes the real point of social deduction.

The thrill of not knowing who is good or bad, who you should trust and who is working against you is all part of much better games like Coup, Werewolf, and even the grandfather of these games Mafia! These games are simple, you have a number of good players, a handful of bad players and after a death in the night, you start to talk and, wait for it, socially deduce who might be bad and who is good. The best part is when the evil player gets the good players on side to destroy their own and comes out on top through true deception.

The Traitors board game is a fine introduction to these games and if you like the show, it would be a fun time. But if you like the show and like the idea of social deduction, find one of the games I mentioned above as these will give you much more than this game.

5 Second Rule: The fast and Chaotic Trivia Game

Birthday Gifts, Children, Family Life, Games, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Stocking Fillers, Toys

Do you think you know a lot of footballers? Musicians? Countries with coastlines? Do you want to put that knowledge to the test? Then pick up this game.

5 Second Rule is as simple as the name suggests, you have 5 seconds… to do what you ask? Well to say the name of 6 rappers, or name 7 kitchen appliances. What makes this game chaotic is the timing tower, a tall spiral tower with a ball bearing that will noisily whirl down in, you guessed it, 5 seconds! 

As it stands that sounds easy but the difficulty comes from the group dynamic. A players turn starts with someone drawing them a card and reading the prompt and then flipping the tower to start the noisy timer. But, pay attention as if the first player can’t do it they flip the tower and the person to their left must try and meet the prompt. The difficulty, fun, and chaos ensues… Because you cannot use any of the previous players’ guesses.

Play continues around the group until someone gets it or it reaches the starting play in that case the tower has won! When we played we tracked the tower’s points as well as our own for fun – it did annoyingly well! 

This is a fast paced party game that is suitable for most ages and is a fun exploration of what random trivia you can pull from the deep parts of your memory. Your mum might surprise you with her knowledge of Spanish kings, or your grandma might weirdly know the films list in the top grossing films list.

If you are a fan of party games at family gatherings or with friends I highly recommend grabbing this game as it is quick and a wild time – it can really get everyone up on their feet screaming and shouting or saying something random that gets the whole group laughing.

Murdle: A Quirky Mystery Solving Game

Birthday Gifts, Children, Family Life, Games, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Stocking Fillers

Murdle is an interesting blend of Mastermind and Cluedo, you and your fellow players compete to figure out which of the 4 suspects is the guilty party. The twist, you all learn certain starting information and then must carefully reveal information to learn more but try to not give too much away to the other detectives!

You take turns to do one of two things, tell every something that is not true or something that is. Each has their own rules but they all lead to taking one of the suspect files and looking at a new piece of information. While you do this, your opponents can try to deduce what this information means to them.

All your information is collected on the central grid for the game that all players can see, this grid shows the suspects, potential weapons, and locations. Using large crosses and ticks in columns and rows the game highlights for the crime what, where, and by who. As the game progresses all players will start to see more information and be able to make a final deduction but be careful, get it wrong and you are out for the rest of the game!

We found this game to be a fun quick game with experienced players and would probably take longer for more casual players. The instructions are simple and clear. The only problem we found was if one player gets lucky early on and learns who the guilty person is, they can quickly win before anyone else has a chance to make a deduction. We felt as a group it should be harder to learn who the guilty party is or have more suspects – this would extend the game but could make for a fun series of Sherlock Holmes moments for the players.

Overall we enjoyed the game but for experienced board gamers who play a lot of social deduction games this is a nice and quick game to play between bigger and more complex games. It left, for us at least, a little bit of a lackluster feeling at the end. 

For a family or casual group, this game is a great introduction to social dedication and information gathering games and I would recommend trying this out.

JLAB Epic Sport ANC 3 Earbuds

Birthday Gifts, Family Life, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, hiking, National Walking Month, Sport, Tech

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.

Once upon a time, we just had one pair of headphones, and they were for the Walkman we took with us to work, or if we were inclined, on a run!  Those headphones were most definitely wired to our Walkman, and over time, that wire would start to fray and we’d have to replace them.

Nowadays, we have Bluetooth headphones, and so many different ones for commuting, chilling out and working out. The JLAB Epic Sport ANC 3 Earbuds are designed for running or cardio work as they fit over the ear so that there isn’t much movement.  As Bluetooth headphones, they connect to any Bluetooth appliance but usually your phone, so that you can run or workout freely and not be hindered by the dreaded wire!

One thing I must stress about the JLAB Epic Sport earbuds is that the packaging is impossible to open! It took me a few minutes and lots of tearing in order to get the packaging open and even then, I had to tear further to get out the instructions.  The instructions are remarkably easy though – all you have to do is take the earphones out of the carry case and when the lights on them blink blue, they are discoverable on your device.  On my iPhone, I just have to open the Bluetooth settings and I could see the JLAB earbuds and could simply connect. From connection, I could play anything on Apple Music or a podcast and it was instantly audible.

You can download the JLAB App to work the finer features and have them upgraded, but the earbuds have their own touch controls so you don’t have to use your phone all the time. Tap once to play or pause, twice to track forwards and 3 times to track back. The same applies to answer, and hang up a call, or there’s a noise control if you press and hold.  

The JLAB Epic Sport ANC 3 earbuds come in a carry case that doubles up as a charger.  The case has its own USB-C cable to connect to an adaptor or a computer. When the earbuds are in the case and it’s connected, you know they’re charging if the light on the front is blue. If the light is flashing white then it means the case is between 25%-99% charged and less than 25% the light turns red. 100% charged and the light is solid red. You can also wirelessly charge the headphones by placing the case (with the headphones inside) on a wireless charging pad. Don’t forget to take the stickers off of the charging points before you put the earbuds back in the case though.

As for using the headphones, it’s very easy! They already have the rubber ear pieces on or the packaging contains two more pairs of different sizes. You just take the arms over your ears and use your device to start playing music.  It takes a while to get used to the touch settings, but if you use the app you can not only control what you hear, but you can change the settings if you need to. There app also has various equalizer settings so you can change the audio settings depending on what you’re listening to, which really helped when I was listening to something with a lot of bass!

The JLAB Epic Sport ANC 3 Earbuds aren’t cheap at £99.99 but they do have a lot of features and the durability of not only the case but extra ear pieces so they won’t get mangled in your pocket or bag.  The sound quality is excellent and the ability to change the levels on the app makes all the difference to your enjoyment of what you’re listening to.  I really enjoyed using them, especially as I can wear them in the gym and whilst I’m running, but at any time at home, on the commute or even on holiday, the JLAB Epic Sport AC 3 Earbuds have all your needs covered.

Available from £99.99 at: https://www.jlab.com/en-gb/products/epic-sport-anc-3-true-wireless-earbuds-black

Elegear Cooling Blanket

Birthday Gifts, camping, Family Life, Father's Day, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Home, Summer

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.

We’ve been lucky with the warmer weather this spring but what we’re not lucky with is air conditioning! When the weather gets too hot, it’s difficult to cool down in the summer without some help. Luckily, Elegear have this Cooling Blanket that has Arc-Chil technology to literally cool down your body when it’s warm and wick away heat. We were sent a blanket to try out!

The blanket comes in sizes relating to bed size, so our blanket was 150cm by 200cm, which is a double bed size.  He instructions say to keep the ‘cool’ or shiny side of the blanket in contact with your body, which might be counterintuitive but this is the side where the Arc-Chil technology works. The blanket absorbs heat from the body and vaporizes sweat away using the layers of nylon and micro materials, keeping the body at an even temperature all over.

The blanket feels huge but it’s actually quite thin in texture. Our blanket was grey but there are other colours available such as pink, blue, beige and green and other sizes. When it comes to ease of use, it’s very easy to just wrap around you, and the more I think about it, the more I realise it could be used at home, camping, BBQs, for children or for the elderly.  The blanket really does evaporate away heat! It’s noticeable that it stays cool, much like the cold side of the pillow when you’re trying to get to sleep.

The Elegear Arc-Chil Cooling Blanket can be washed at 30 degrees centigrade but is not to be tumble dried, ironed nor dry cleaned. It is best to hang it outside to dry, and in the shade so that the colour doesn’t fade.  It’s a great price as a gift too!

Available online now for £27.19 at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0897H7LMN?th=1

Lonely Planet Books – Best Bike Rides Great Britain and Amazing Train Journeys

Birthday Gifts, Books, Father's Day, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him

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

I’ve always enjoyed reading Lonely Planet books, with decades of travel know-how and a genuine passion for discovering the world, their guides are full of expert advice, practical tips, and breathtaking photography. With Father’s Day just around the corner they also make lovely gifts and whether your dad is planning a real adventure or simply enjoys dreaming from the comfort of his armchair, there’s a Lonely Planet book that is bound to spark his imagination!

For the dad who enjoys life on two wheels and loves the open air, Best Bike Rides Great Britain is a fantastic gift. This beautifully put-together guide features 40 routes that crisscross the country, from the wild coastal paths of Cornwall to the rolling roads of the Scottish Highlands. But it’s not just about the maps. Each route comes with local tips, scenic stop-offs, downloadable digital maps, and helpful details like distance, terrain, timing, and difficulty ratings. Whether he’s a seasoned cyclist or just keen to potter along on a Sunday afternoon, this book will help him plan rides that are as rewarding as they are refreshing.

RRP £15.99

And if your dad prefers to travel from the comfort of his armchair, Amazing Train Journeys might be just the ticket. This book captures the romance of rail travel through 60 of the world’s most breathtaking routes. From the iconic Settle to Carlisle line and the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways, which are two of my personal favourites, to the dramatic, snow-dusted landscapes seen aboard Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer, the journeys are as varied as they are magnificent. Each journey is handpicked from the recommendations of over 200 travel writers, celebrating everything from breathtaking engineering marvels to lines that hug rugged coastlines or wind through mountain peaks. With practical information like ticket options, distance and journey time as well as inspiring photos and illustrated maps, this book is perfect for dreamers and planners alike. Whether he’s reminiscing about past travels or planning the next great adventure, it’s the perfect guide for train lovers of all ages.

RRP £22.99

So this Father’s Day, why not skip the socks and beer and give your dad the gift of adventure, whether that’s out on a bike, onboard a train, or tucked up with a cup of tea and a good book.

Drinks By The Dram – The Premium Gin 6 Dram Tasting Set 18cl

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

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

If your dad enjoys a good gin, or is just beginning to discover the joy of it, this Drinks by the Dram Premium Gin Tasting Set is a gift he won’t forget in a hurry. Beautifully presented in a sleek black presentation box there are six wax-sealed 30ml miniatures, each one chosen for its character, craftsmanship, and story. From the award-winning smoothness of Bathtub Gin to the punchy personality of Blackeye Gin, there’s something here for every palate. Japanese Gin brings a refined elegance, while Procera Green Dot adds a herbaceous twist. Then there’s the floral brightness of Silent Pool, and the wild Highland charm of The Sassenach Wild Scottish Gin, a truly memorable finish to the journey.

But this isn’t just about the gin, it’s about the experience. Each dram invites him to slow down and savour, to notice the botanicals, the balance, the subtle complexity in every sip. Whether he prefers his gin neat, over ice, or with a splash of tonic, he can experiment with these minature bottles and maybe even find a new favourite.

Tasting notes are included in the box, offering gentle guidance through each pour and helping him appreciate the craft and care behind every drop.

So this Father’s Day, skip the socks and aftershave and give him something a little bit different which he can sit down and enjoy!

RRP £32.95

Hair Syrup Pre-Wash Conditioner

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Gifts for Her, Mother's Day, Summer, Women

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 folks at Hair Syrup are serious about hair care. With various ‘flavours’ of syrup, their aim is to treat hair to give you your best look regardless of how brittle, frizzy, oily or thin it is.  We were sent the Original Hair Syrup this week to try out for ourselves.

The premise of Hair Syrup is that it’s a ridiculously thick oil which repairs damaged hair.  The bottle says to leave on your hair for 1-3 hours, so not one for disobeying orders, I put the Hair Syrup on my own hair, making sure all areas were covered and set about my normal weekend routine for just over 3 hours. I made sure all areas of my hair were covered, right down to the tips, as well as the scalp. My hair had only been washed the day before, but needs a trim so the ends were a bit dry – a good test for this pre-conditioner I thought!

I only had to tie my hair up to let the Hair Syrup magic work, but I could feel over time that it was really heavy. This was partly because after about an hour you can feel the syrup drying, so in the height of summer like this, I might cover my head next time so that it doesn’t dry. It was a nutritious oil which was working on my hair.

When it came to shampooing it out (and they suggest on the bottle that it takes 2 shampoos) I was able to get most of the by now dry, brittle mixture to come out with one shampoo. The second one was to make sure it was completely clean.  Conditioning as normal as I did (you can leave out the conditioner if you like) I then rinsed off to see the effect.

After just one treatment (of 3 hours) my hair was much more conditioned. I let it dry naturally, and instead of the frizziness I usually have and then have to straighten, I had my proper, big curls back.  They weren’t perfect, but this was after just one treatment and with no product, drying on a hot day.  It’s seriously impressive that I didn’t have to do much else, nor spend that much time or money on the result.

I think Hair Syrup is one for the long term. Once I get my hair trimmed this week, a few more Hair Syrup pre-conditionings and I’ll have some seriously slick hair!

Available for around £15.95 online and on the Hair Syrup website:

SYRUPS

Helly Hansen Women’s Verglas 2.5 Layer Fastpack Jacket

Autumn, Birthday Gifts, camping, Days Out, Family Life, Fashion, Gifts for Her, hiking, National Walking Month, Spring, Summer, Women

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.

In our final item from the Helly Hansen delivery, we have the Women’s Verglas 2.5 Layer Fastpack Jacket.  This extremely lightweight jacket can be folded into one tiny sized pocket to take on hikes, or can be worn whilst running or hiking without getting in the way due to its weight. It’s waterproof too so you can keep the majority of the weather away from you. It’s breathable too so you can wear it in the rain, when it’s windy or hot or a combination of all three!

The added benefits of. The Verglas 2.5 Fastpack Jacket include a hood, zip-up pockets, fleece chin guard, elastic cuffs and hem, and the 2.5 layer material construction which adds the waterproof and breathable functions.  It’s pricy at £200 but it’s meant for the serious outdoor types who love the wet weather!  This is a quality piece which can be worn or taken out for years.  I wear a size XL in this and it’s a bit snug, so if you’re bulked up with layers underneath, it might be worth getting a larger size than normal.

The Veriglas 2.5 Layer Fastpack Jacket is brilliant for putting in a backpack on a long journey, even if you’re just travelling by train across the country or leave it in the car because it’s so light it can’t not be useful.

Available from £200: https://www.hellyhansen.com/en_gb/w-verglas-25l-fastpack-jacket-63313?color=290002

Helly Hansen’s Women’s Escape Anorak

Autumn, Birthday Gifts, Days Out, Family Life, Fashion, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, hiking, National Walking Month, Women

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.

Some relief from the recent rains – the Helly Hansen Escape Anorak for women is an all-season lightweight waterproof jacket, perfect for hiking thanks to its design. There’s a huge pocket at the front with a roof to prevent rain getting in, so you can store your phone, map and keys all in one place whilst you walk.  The waterproof material (100% polyester) dries quickly and stretches too, especially along the seams. I like this jacket because the arms are particularly long, and it doesn’t have a fastening – you just throw it over your head and the rain can’t get in! The high neck has vertical poppers to both keep you warm and there’s poopers on the cuffs too, which limits the amount of water in your sleeves when it’s REALLY raining! It has an adjustable hem too – a draw string to keep you snug when it’s cold.

This jacket isn’t just for hiking but for any outdoors pursuits, especially because it’s so light that you can put it in the car and forget about it. The jacket comes in other colours (pink and black) and is size XS up to XL which is what I’m wearing here. 

Available for £80 at: https://www.hellyhansen.com/en_gb/w-escape-anorak-54328?color=627457

Luxeclarity Radiant Neck & Décolletage Elixir and Nightcalm Soothing Restore Night Cream

beauty, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Stocking Fillers, Summer, Women

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.

Along with the delicious Mangoscience and Hydroboost, I have also been testing Harley Street Skin’s Luxeclarity and Nightcalm.  Perfect for bedtime and therefore easily tied with Nightcream, Luxeclarity is a neck and décolletage elixir. It’s incredibly rich cream help restores youthfulness when massaged in, and although I used it at night, it can be used by day as well, especially under make-up. You only need a small amount though as it’s very rich!

I liked using this as part of a wind-down skin cleanse and moisturiser before bed, and I don’t normally moisturise my neck and décolletage so this is a real treat.  It’s lightly fragranced but not overpowering and leaves skin with more hydration that it had before. 

I also slathered my face in Nightcalm every night to restore my skin whilst I slept. I enjoyed letting Nightcalm work its magic thanks to the enzymes, Niacinamide, Bakuchiol and Albatrellus Confluens among other ingredients that leads to a less flushed appearance. It also cleans skin and the massaging effect is really soothing too. I felt my skin relax down into the night routine before I slept with hydration and no tightness. In the morning, my face was still moisturised and plump, which was great with the Hydroboost too. Every morning it feels like I’ve had a facial before bedtime!

Luxeclarity Radiant Neck & Décolletage Elixir available for £95: https://www.harleystreetskinclinic.com/shop/brand/harley-street-skin-care/luxeclarity-radiant-neck-decolletage-elixir-100ml/

Nightcalm Soothing Restore Night Cream available for £55: https://www.harleystreetskinclinic.com/shop/brand/harley-street-skin-care/nightcalm-soothing-restore-night-cream-30ml/

Harley Street Skin Mangoscience and Hydraboost Replenishing Serum

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, Stocking Fillers, Summer, Women

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 lovely team at Harley Street Skin have sent us this box of gorgeous skincare products to try this summer so we’ve set about looking our best as the weather gets warmer!

I’ve started by looking at the Hydraboost – Ultrahydrate Replenishing Serum and Mangoscience – Mango & Papaya Mousse Exfoliant. If they leave your mouth watering then I don’t blame you! I’m sitting next to them here loving every second of testing them out and have been for the past week now!

Starting with the Mangoscience, you know you’re going to enjoy it when you open the jar to a fabulous aroma of mango and fruit fragrances.  The Mangoscience is a light mousse exfoliator which can be used up to 3 times a week to wick away dead skin cells and brighten your skin. Containing 6 different natural exfoliating agents including both mango and papaya fruit extracts and pumpkin enzyme. Silica an bamboo stem powder give the mousse its gentle exfoliant and blackcurrant extract nourishes the skin with vitamins and antioxidants. It sounds delicious – but it is not for eating!

I used Mangoscience after a run and when I was in the bath, letting the mousse work for a few minutes before washing off gently. It exfoliates gently with no tightness when cleaned away and left my skin soft and clear.

In conjunction with Mangoscience, I used the Hydraboost Replenishing Serum. This pipette and very light serum is rich enough that you don’t need much of it to cover your skin, so I added some to my neck and decolletage as well. It provides lasting hydration from the immediate time you use it and over time has a more permanent effect. It absorbs beautifully too, and is great to use after Mangoscience so that the exfoliation and hydration work together to give a lovely skin base before make up. I can certainly recommend using both of them, one after the other.

I have also used Hydraboost at night, once I’ve taken my make up off and cleansed my face. It’s great for working at night whilst you sleep and your skin repairs and in the morning I can still feel that my skin is supple. I do add moisturiser too though, and the Hydraboost works very well under it, keeping my skin hydrated literally all day!

Hydraboost Serum £69: https://www.harleystreetskinclinic.com/shop/brand/harley-street-skin-care/hydraboost-ultrahydrate-replenishing-serum-50ml/

Helly Hansen Women’s Verglas Light Hoodie

Birthday Gifts, Family Life, Fashion, Fitness, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, hiking, National Walking Month, Spring, Summer, Women

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.

Another win for this interchangeable spring weather – the Helly Hanson Verglas Light Hoodie. Unlike other hoodies, this is ultra soft and ultra light with elastane to also stretch where it’s needed. It’s really soft to the touch too, so you don’t need to wear anything underneath and it could be a perfect spring camping pyjama top that you can snuggle into with the drawstring hood too!

There’s plenty of room in this hoodie as it’s really long on the body but the only thing missing is some pockets. The tailored side sections give a svelte shape when wearing it so maybe the pockets would detract from the shape and you need a pair of leggings or trousers with the pockets instead. The Verglas Light Hoodie would also be a great fashion piece to dress up or layer for festivals.  It also has wicking properties to accommodate those unpredictable summers. I can see myself reaching for this top in the cooler evenings when outside with friends or taking a walk at sunset across the countryside while on holiday.

Online at Hellyhansen.com in XS-XL sizes and in various colours including grey, green blue and pink shades.

Available from £75: https://www.hellyhansen.com/en_gb/w-verglas-light-hoodie-62964?color=627364

Helly Hansen Women’s LIFA Active Solen Long Sleeve Top

Autumn, Birthday Gifts, camping, Family Life, Fashion, Fitness, Gifts for Her, hiking, National Walking Month, Sport, Spring, Summer, Women

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.

This multi-purpose women’s long sleeve top is perfect for all weathers and all sports! 

Interestingly, it’s make through a process called S.Cafe which infuses the fabric with coffee grounds to give the wearer UFP 50 (Ultraviolet Protective Factor 50) without using chemicals.  The LIFA technology also wicks away moisture when you’re outside, no matter the weather, to keep you drier.

I particularly like that this top is long sleeved so you can wear it in the spring and autumn as well as the winter and the long sleeves and high neck give you more protection from the sun. You can see that the material has pores which are the LIFA technology working to help you keep dry, and as I tested this out on a run, I can attest to it actually keeping you dry!  In fact, this top isn’t just for sailing or hiking but can be used in all disciplines thanks to the technologies used. I wore it on a trail run through woodlands, open land and near a lake and it stood the test of British weather.  The material is very stretchy too, so you can wear it in different sizes depending on your sport.  This was me in a size XL.

If you’re looking for an all-rounder top though, this is great as it can be used in winter as well as for when the sun is out.  It’s rare to find a long-sleeved women’s top that is so versatile and the more I think of how I will use it, the more I realise it could be a staple piece of my gym wardrobe.

This top comes in sizes XS to XL. If you’re not keen on the colour, there are others available on the Helly Hansen website including white, navy and ultra blue!

Available from £55: https://www.hellyhansen.com/en_gb/w-hh-lifa-active-solen-ls-49352?srsltid=AfmBOoogCE06HlND4e0EhAgahwamlLOT74jgh9iZv7ORUkymh_ln2pqw

Women’s Helly Hansen Nordvik 2.0 Boots

Autumn, Birthday Gifts, camping, Family Life, Fashion, Fitness, Gifts for Her, Home, National Walking Month, Sport, Summer

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.

I’m thrilled with these all-purpose “wellies” that turned up this week from Helly Hansen! Even though the weather has been glorious and there’s not been a drop of rain around for weeks, I thought I’d take these out for a spin to do some heavy gardening. They didn’t disappoint.

The Helly Hansen Nordvik 2.0 Boots for women are these half-sized Wellington boots which have extra grippy soles and a HH Custom Insole. With the outer uppers made of rubber, they’re perfect for outdoors but especially for marina and sea life because of their EVA Comfort Insole for maximum cosiness and the HH Max Grip soles. In a nutshell, they’re comfortable as well as practical in all weather. To make you salivate even more, they’re temperature resistant meaning they can be worn in the summer and the rubber won’t perish, or in the freezing cold of winter and won’t get damage by the weather.

Practically, the half size is easier to wear. Very rarely do we trudge in mud that comes past our ankles (at least I don’t anyway!) so the extra calf length isn’t needed.  They come in other colours too. These are black but there are also bright yellow and navy on offer.

You can see the that soles are really sturdy, made of thick vulcanised rubber which also gives them some twist as you move. They’re comfy too, thanks to the EVA lining and survived being bent whist gardening and worn whilst hauling out roots. They stuck firm with their extra grip soles, with no slippage even in water. I’m looking forward to wearing them in the autumn for the rainy park walk but for the time being, they’re my best friend in the garden.

Available online for £65 at: https://www.hellyhansen.com/en_gb/w-nordvik-2-11661?color=290002&qu=Nordvik&ct=autosuggest_top_product

Chilli No 5 Hot Sauce Gift Set

Birthday Gifts, Family Life, Father's Day, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Home, Summer

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.

Well this was a real treat when it turned up! Chilli No 5 sent us a gift set of 12 gorgeous chilli samples as part of a gift box for Father’s Day.

The beautifully presented box has glass vials of 12 different chillies and sauces ranging from the mild Devilish Dijon to the 3/3 hot Forever Phall.  The labels have indicators on them of how hot the sauces are on a 1-3 scale to give you a clue. There’s not just the conventional chillies though, the gift set also includes Chinese Hot & Sour, Jamaican Jerk, Wicked Wasabi and Ever So English. If you’re wondering what Ever So English tastes like, then you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the beetroot base sauce which is flavoured with horseradish so goes equally well with beef or any stronger meats.

The gift set isn’t called Passport Piccanté for nothing – the 25ml sauces from all over the world make up this beautiful set but are all freshly made in the UK and South of France. The range of sauces are created by the team at Chilli No 5 are inspired by the public’s searches on Google, ensuring that with the right superfoods, antioxidants and health supplements, the sauces are appealing to everyone.

The Passport Piccanté is a real treat for both food lovers and those who love hot spices. The smaller vials mean that if you don’t like one flavour, you don’t have to worry about the rest of the jar, and the one vial, one flavour gift box means there’s still enough there to make a dinner with that flavour. Each of them are delicious and you can taste the fresh food used in it. I still think my favourite is the Ever So English sauce. Nothing better than improving an already perfect roast with something that brings out the flavour even more, and makes Father’s Day Roast even more memorable for Dad.

Available online for £35 at: 

https://chilli-no5.com/buy/hot-sauce-gift-sets/passport-piccante/

The Alphabet of Happiness – book by Klaudia Mitura

Books, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Mental Health Awareness, Stocking Fillers

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.

We promised you a review of Klaudia Mitura’s book The Alphabet of Happiness and now that it’s reaching publication date, here it is!

We struggle as a society to be happy. Many of us don’t have time to be happy, convince ourselves that we’re happy because we ‘have it all’, or more to the point, declare ourselves unhappy because we’ve not got it all. Klaudia Mitura’s book, The Alphabet of Happiness explores how to become happy in a gentle, non-judgemental way.

The book looks at simple ways to change your life bit-by-bit. There’s no overwhelming science (although Klaudia does cite some in her explanations) and there’s no reasoning about how much happiness we should experience in life, or trying to dictate that there will be times that we’re not happy and we should just live with the feeling. I know some ‘happiness’ gurus have written books which I had to put down and stop reading because of how unhappy their reasoning made me. Ironic?

Klaudia’s chapters are short but not boring.  Yes, they are based on the A-Z format but that doesn’t matter as each of the chapters stands on its own merit. The book is easy to read.  She starts by looking at what happiness is, and what it isn’t. The first chapter is on Acceptance.  One sentence in particular stood out to me which made me reflect and actually, it sets the tone of the book too. It said, “Reflect: What emotions or experiences are you not accepting at the moment? How could shifting your judgement help you?” Starting out the book with this thought made me think that there were things I need to undo, rather than do, that would make me happier.

I’m by no means an unhappy person, but the chapters have some really interesting exercises and Food for Thought sections. Each chapter has a Take Action at the end too, to make you think, journal or help you resolve what the topic of the chapter is. One particular chapter that made me think was, “Chapter 8: Habits: Implementing Daily Routines that Stick.” In this chapter, Klaudia dissects what a habit is, then explains how you can create happiness-building habits for daily use, called Keystone Habits. 

I defy you to find something you don’t find useful or informative about improving your life in this book, but even if you aren’t looking for happiness, it’s a charming book that gets you thinking and in itself, makes you feel happier. 

Follow Klaudia on Instagram @thehappinesschallenge-klaudia

Follow @literallypr on both X and Instagram for more inspiration too!

Available at: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1803417560/ref=x_gr_bb_amazon?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_bb_amazon-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1803417560&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2

Oro Bailen Arbequina Olive Oil Gift Box

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Family Life, Father's Day, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, health, Home, Summer

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.

Here’s a novelty Father’s Day Gift you Dad will love, without being the predictive socks, chocolate or whiskey!  The Oro Bailen Arbequina Olive Oil Gift Bod is surprisingly more straightforward than its name. It’s a beautiful award winning 500ml bottle of olive oil, complete in a box that’s easy to gift.

I was taught that the best olive oils come in dark glass, to preserve it from the sunlight which destroys good olive oil.  The Oro Bailen Arbequina Olive Oil is just that – high quality olive oil in the deepest of dark glass and presentation box! If you’re in any doubt about the quality or taste, just take a look at the side of the gift box where it’s earned 25 different awards from around the world. Top of the awards is the 2024 Great Taste Award (2 stars) which sits proudly on the bottle.

The Andalucian Spanish olive oil is cold pressed within 2 hours to give a 99 point score in the Flos Olei International Olive Oil Guide.  The 2024/25 harvest from a single Spanish estate is a mild flavour, extra virgin green olive oil that has a multitude of uses.  The slight aftertaste is not acidic at all, just a mild olive taste which is rich and smooth.  I don’t like using extra virgin olive oils of this calibre to cook, but instead to use as a dressing or ingredient.  I think this harvest, along with the 99 point scoring, makes the Oro Bailen an excellent gift for Dad, or anyone who enjoys really good food, especially high quality ingredients.  The taste speaks for itself, and makes a unique, and usable gift.

Available for £22.90 at: https://www.artisanoliveoilcompany.co.uk/collections/food-gifts/products/oro-bailen-arbequina-olive-oil-gift-box-500ml

Tolpa Dermo Face Creams – Lipidrio Range

beauty, eco friendly, Gifts for Her, Mother's Day, Stocking Fillers, Women

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

Since hitting the menopause, my skin has become noticeably drier, tighter, and let’s not even start on the fine lines creeping in. I’ve had to rethink my skincare entirely, moving away from my old lightweight moisturisers to something far richer and more nourishing. That’s when I came across Tolpa, a Polish skincare brand that’s just arrived in the UK and is now available at Boots. Tolpa sold over six million products in Poland last year, and now they’re starting to get glowing reviews here in the UK too. So naturally, I was curious to see if their Lipidro range, specially designed for dry skin, could give my menopausal skin the extra care it’s been crying out for.

The Nourishing Regenerating Cream is a real multitasking day cream that claims to nourish, regenerate, smooth, and generally rescue tired, parched skin. It works to repair the skin’s protective barrier and helps heal all those tiny bits of damage we might not see, but certainly feel. It also promises to soothe irritation and keep those pesky wrinkles at bay. Big claims, but my skin was certainly ready for it.

The Nourishing Regenerating Cream-Oil is Tolpa’s night treatment. Now, this one’s clever, it starts as a cream but melts into an oil as you apply it, giving your skin an overnight boost while you sleep. It’s designed to deeply hydrate, ease tightness, and leave skin feeling plump and refreshed by morning.

One thing I really like is that both creams come in aluminium tubes, not only are they better for the environment, but they also keep the product fresher and more hygienic.

Despite being rich and nourishing, the texture of both creams is surprisingly light once applied. They absorb beautifully without leaving that heavy, greasy feeling. Straight after using them, my skin feels soft, comfortable, and crucially, hydrated.

The ingredients list reads like a skincare wish list: peat (a Tolpa signature), avocado, jojoba oil, squalane, shea butter, honey extract, plus hydrating favourites like panthenol and hyaluronic acid.

After six weeks, my fine lines are definitely looking softer, but more importantly, my skin feels plumper, calmer, and back to feeling like me again. A little TLC in a tube which is just what I needed!

Tolpa’s skincare range is exclusive to Boots, so you can pick it up in store or pop it in your online basket. They’ve got a selection of ten products, with products to suit a variety of skin concerns, whether you’re dealing with acne, rosacea, or, like me, battling the dryness that comes with menopause.

RRP £8.57 available at Boots