Category: Gifts for Her

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

James Gin

alcoholic drinks, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Drinks and Mixers, Father's Day, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him

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 stuck for ideas on what to get Dad this Father’s Day, I’ve got a cracking suggestion for you – how about a bottle of gin made by none other than James May? Yes, really! The much-loved star of Top Gear and The Grand Tour has swapped fast cars for slow distilling, teaming up with gin expert Hugh Anderson from Downton Distillery to create something truly unique: a gin made with parsnips. I know what you’re thinking – parsnips and gin? But stay with me!

Originally, James just wanted to make a small batch of gin to serve in his pub, The Royal Oak in Wiltshire. But thanks to Hugh’s encouragement, they decided to produce 1,400 bottles for the public. Well, they sold out faster than you can say “reasonably priced car”! Now, you can pick up a bottle of James Gin Asian Parsnip in Waitrose, which is perfect timing for Father’s Day.

So how did this unusual idea come about? James wanted to create a gin that was unmistakably British, something that reminded him of good old Blighty. Parsnips, with their earthy, slightly sweet flavour, felt just right. But to add a bit of excitement, he decided to bring in the warm, aromatic spices you’d find in Indian cuisine. And just like that, the idea of Asian Parsnip gin was born, celebrating the comforting flavours of home with a little exotic twist.

The gin itself is packed with 12 botanicals, including parsnip, ginger, caraway seed, cubeb pepper, fenugreek, cardamom, grains of paradise, liquorice root, sweet orange, juniper, angelica root, and coriander seed. The base spirit is a smooth grain, giving it a lovely, clean finish.

Now, onto the important part, the taste. I always like to keep it simple when trying a new gin, so I had it with a splash of plain tonic. And do you know what? It’s absolutely lovely. Slightly sweet, with a gentle warmth from the spices, and yes, there’s a hint of parsnip, but it all comes together beautifully. It’s just a little bit different, in the best possible way.

So if Dad’s a gin lover and you’re after a gift that’s out of the ordinary this Father’s Day, James Gin Asian Parsnip might just be the perfect pick.

RRP £36, available at Waitrose.

Astral Intensive Moisturiser

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Family Life, Gifts for Her, health, Home, 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.

Evoking old-fashioned, get-the-job-done memories, Astral Original Intensive Moisturiser is reminiscent of the make up you remember from your youth. The fresh scent hits you as you open the blue pot, and the perfectly peaked cream entices you to stick your finger in and try out the richness.

I have a pot of Astral Original sitting on my desk.  Made in the UK, it has no fancy gimmicks, just a smooth, comforting texture. Containing lanolin to lock in moisturiser and create a barrier and Glycerine to smooth and hydrate your skin, this can be used on the face or the body, and I use it on my hands as I read my emails.  It absorbs super quickly and can also be used to remove make up.  What’s most appealing is the fresh fragrance though – there are no harsh chemical scents and the light aroma lingers on your skin once you apply it.

Great for handbags, on the dressing table or to use at work, Astral Original Intensive Moisturiser does exactly what it says it will, and being dermatologically tested, it can be used by anyone. I love it!

Available from £3.52: 

Kalme Daily Defence SPF40

beauty, camping, Children, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, health, Home & Garden, 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.

Calm your skin in this sunny weather with the Kalme Daily Defence, with the added bonus of SPF40. 

Most daily moisturisers are only SPF10 of SPF15 but the Kalme Daily Defence has the benefit of SPF40, which is higher than most sun creams.  Giving 24 hours of moisturisation, Kalme lasts longer than most moisturisers and keeps moisturising through the night. When you apply it, you can see how nutrient dense it is from the way it sits on your skin before it’s absorbed.

Kalme’s non-comedogenic formula doesn’t clog pores nor does it make your eyes sting if you accidentally touch them, although you should always rinse your eyes with water if it does occur. Tint-free, it’s also suitable for all skin tones. Kalme also works as an anti-redness aid, helping sooth skin whether sun burnt, affected by allergies or redness from an irritation.  I used Kalme as a night moisturiser as it’s so effective in the long term.  It’s been dermatologically tested for sensitive skin, and the addition of antioxidants also helps repair skin at night.

Although a heavy cream at first, it absorbs quickly and keeps the moisture in. Use it at night or in the morning, it keeps on working a treat!

Available from £26.65: https://www.amazon.co.uk/KALME-Day-Defence-Anti-Redness-Moisturiser/dp/B0F18K52Q6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1DZIBYXPJIDIS&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.OKTzMlO9eg7ApKV607S46qV314x-GbzDqKFX3MTObUbQLvQrRrfsD2DG0t_QBJqbWeHSS5Y0Urt0TvTznsaPvnT1PU70AXiAqfia-7HW6EPIuHZD8fNtKpcuVDRtSPxYSrKr2BbXcetRWCuTVayW2vtpjQRWOxq2Gk7pGwRUmodlGHAoEQtEmp9Cgl5CrOL4.hf0aOyNhdS_9l1BQ_kSZbjc9OGrvb5u6-D8lbDqexF0&dib_tag=se&keywords=KALME&qid=1746175192&s=drugstore&sprefix=kale%2Cdrugstore%2C96&sr=1-1-catcorr&th=1

Canyon 2-In-1 Qi2 Fast Charging Magnetic Stand

Birthday Gifts, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Home, Summer, 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.

Coming into holiday season, you’re thinking about where to go, where to eat and what to do but probably not thinking too much about packing yet. I know I hate forgetting something and it’s probably the charger I’ll leave behind!

Canyon has a solution with this magnetic charging stand.  Plugged in via a USB-C cable (included) the Qi2 can charge both your iPhone and Air Pods at the same time. The phone attaches to the magnetic disk whilst the base of the stand charges your Air Pods when you place them on the tray.  It works on all Air Pods and iPhones from version 12 and newer (these are the versions which have magnetic casings where you can charge them).  

Setting up is easy and straight out of the box. The cable is USB-C each end so you can add it straight into your Mac or you can use a USB adaptor if you’re using a wall socket.  The other end of the cable goes in the back of the Canyon Qi2 stand and it’s ready to use. I had to take my iPhone out of its casing though as I use a rubber case and it wouldn’t magnetically stick otherwise!  It starts charging straight away. For Air Pods, you take them out of the case and place them on the base of the stand and they start charging too. If you have more than one set of Air Pods, or you’re using this for the family, you can place them all on the base and they’ll charge.

The Canyon 2-In-1 Qi2 Charging Stand doesn’t have an on/off button and no light to tell you that it’s got power, so you have to test it with your iPhone to see if it’s working. The iPhone will display ‘charging’ in the top right corner. I don’t have any other wireless ear buds or any other make of mobile phone in the house to see if it works on other makes, so for the time being I’m sticking with the Canyon 2-In-1 only charging Apple products but if you look on the website, there are other appliances which are compatible. It does charge quickly. I’d say it charges about as quickly as the Apple charger does, and I was cabled through my laptop to charge the iPhone.  

Priced at £44.99, it costs about as much as other charges but with the advantage of being able to charge your phone and earbuds at the same time. The stand is also really handy because it’s at the right angle to watch videos, or to reply to messages and if you are on video calls a lot, it’s the perfect angle for the front camera to see you!

Available from £44.99 at: https://www.ryman.co.uk/canyon-wireless-charger-wcs-205-15w-qi2-2in1-white-without-adapter-1

Oscar Charles Day Time Hydration Kit with SPF30

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

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

The Review Studio team love discovering new skincare products, so I was absolutely delighted when the lovely folks at Oscar Charles sent us their Day Time Hydration Kit with SPF30 (RRP £37.50). You might know them for their brilliant makeup brushes, but now they’re turning heads in the skincare world with a range that’s not only effective, but kind to your skin and the planet too. Launched in 2018, Oscar Charles has a mission to create beauty products that are kind to both skin and the planet and are setting a new standard for ethical and effective skincare.

Their new skincare range lists hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, Vitamin C, and natural oils in the ingredient list and these key ingredients are all carefully chosen to give your skin a real boost. Think improved hydration, smoother texture, and that healthy glow we’re all after!

The Day Time Hydration Kit with SPF30 contains two great products – the Protect & Repair Day Cream with SPF30 and a Hydrating Facial Cleanser.

The day cream is a touch of luxury in a jar, it’s rich without being heavy, smells lovely, and sinks in beautifully. Hyaluronic Acid helps to plump up the skin and Vitamins C and B3 help brighten and even skin tone and provide deep hydration. I’ve been using it for a month now and I have to say, my skin feels softer, looks fresher, and even those pesky fine lines are starting to fade a bit. And with SPF30 built in, it’s great to know you’re protected, even on those overcast days when you think you don’t need it (you always do!).

The Hydrating Cleanser is just as lovely, it’s gentle, creamy, and leaves your skin feeling fresh but never tight. It contains Jojoba Oil and Aloe Vera, which really help calm things down making it perfect if your skin can be a bit sensitive. I love the pump bottle too, it’s so easy to use and means you can dispense just the right amount. It takes off all my makeup and the day’s grime without any fuss and my skin feels beautifully clean and hydrated afterwards.

Another thing I really like is that all their skincare is vegan, cruelty-free, and made right here in the UK, which is fantastic. No nasties either, no sulphates, parabens or any of those harsh chemicals, so it’s suitable for all skin types. And if you’re always on the go, like most of us are, these products really fit into a busy routine without skimping on results.

I have to say, I’m genuinely impressed with these Oscar Charles products. They’ve got the luxurious feel you usually only find in much pricier skincare, but without the hefty price tag – which is amazing! It’s not often you come across products that tick all the boxes – ethical, effective, and affordable, but Oscar Charles have done it! I’ll definitely be keeping these in my skincare routine, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them!

ACME Whistles

camping, Children, Fitness, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, hiking, National Walking Month, Stocking Fillers

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

As a Scout leader, whenever I’m teaching the Scouts about hiking and how to pack a rucksack, there’s one piece of kit I always make sure we talk about – a whistle. It’s small, it weighs next to nothing, but it could genuinely save your life one day. Whether you’re up in the mountains or following a rocky coastal path, when things go wrong, having a simple way to signal for help is absolutely vital and a whistle is one of the easiest  and most effective  ways to alert people to your situation.

I always advise the Scouts to clip their whistle permanently onto their rucksack. that way, it’s always there when you need it and there’s no rummaging or risk of forgetting it. If you’re injured, lost, or stuck somewhere remote, shouting can quickly leave you exhausted, but a whistle will cut through the air sharp and clear. Six blasts followed by a one minute pause and then repeated is the universal distress signal and with luck, someone will soon be on their way to help.

We recently had the opportunity to try out a couple of whistles from ACME, who have been making them for over 150 years.

The ACME Survival Whistle 649 is available in six colours. It’s made from shatterproof plastic, delivers a loud, sharp, discordant note that’s hard to ignore, and is incredibly easy to blow – giving you lots of sound for very little effort, which can be crucial in an emergency. It’s a real classic too, first developed back in 1949. (RRP £5.99)

The ACME Tornado Whistle is slightly different, offering an ultra-high pitch and is available in eight colours. It’s also extremely easy to blow and is a brilliant choice for walkers and hikers. (RRP £7.49)

Naturally, we handed the whistles out to the Scouts to test – and let’s just say, I probably should have packed some earplugs too! They had a lot of fun seeing who could blow theirs the loudest.

The skills we teach young people in Scouting really do stay with them for life. Simple habits like carrying a whistle are part of the basic, no-nonsense outdoor wisdom that could make all the difference one day.

So next time you’re packing your rucksack, whether for a short day walk or a full-on expedition, don’t overlook the little things. Pop a whistle on your kit list. It might just be the most important thing you pack.

These whistles and many more are available from ACME

Kipling ART M Bag

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

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

We love travelling, both in the UK and abroad and whether we’re on a cheeky weekend break, a whistle-stop city tour or a long-haul adventure I always carry a roomy bag. It needs to be big enough to hold all my essentials, along with a change of clothes and toiletries, just in case my suitcase decides to go on it’s own adventure! I love Kipling bags so was really pleased to be given the opportunity to try the Kipling ART M bag. It’s a brilliant multi-use medium tote bag with a handy trolley sleeve that slots over a suitcase handle and is a huge help in a busy airport or train station, especially if you’re travelling with children.

This bag is classed as a medium-sized tote, but you’d be amazed at how much it fits in. The main compartment is wonderfully spacious and I can easily fit a book, snacks, iPad, water bottle, change of clothes and toiletries inside and there’s still plenty of room for last minute airport purchases! Inside there’s a secure zipped pocket for valuables plus a handy little key chain so you’re not rummaging around looking for your keys. There are also a couple of extra pockets on the outside , one open and one zipped which are just the right size for my passport and travel documents so I can keep everything safe but easily accessible. The bag has two handles which are long enough to sling over my shoulder and I especially like the vibrant pink interior pocket and the pink base to the bag, it is so striking and a cheerful pop of colour every time I open it.

The fabric is also water-repellent, which, let’s face it, is a must if you’re travelling anywhere in the UK!

Casual enough for those who favour a low-key look, but sleek enough to make the right impression on a business trip, this bag is the perfect choice for travel so if you’re heading somewhere nice this summer then the Kipling ART M bag is the perfect choice.

The bag is available in eight colours, including the Ultimate Plum (purple) which is my favourite as it goes with everything, but if you want a more summery bag then Aqua Pool and Diluted Blue would be a great choice and would also make great beach bags too as there’s plenty of room for all your beach gear.  

RRP £107

Size:H 32 x D 20 x W 58 cm

Rubik’s Cube

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

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.

Give the kids something different this Easter instead of chocolate, but also get them off their screens! Gen X will remember the Rubik’s Cube from the 1980s and how many hours of fun we had trying to solve it.  Most of us didn’t (my brother just removed the stickers and replaced them back in the right order!)

This full sized Rubik’s Cube, which is available at Smyth’s, is the original design at 55 millimetres square. The record for completing the Rubik is 3.47 seconds, but if you’re looking for tips on how to solve it, there are tons of videos on You Tube. For the same price as an Easter Egg, the Rubik, which comes already completed, can be set up so that children can solve it in as few moves as possible.  Once solved, it can be reset again and again to provide more practice until children inevitably learn how to solve any configuration!

The Rubik Cube isn’t just for children. Teenagers and adults with the knack can enjoy this too, and it’s an excellent way of keeping adult minds occupied whilst still being social.  No screens are needed, just problem solving and some lateral thinking which is never a bad thing in the days of video games and smart phones.

The Rubik Cube is very robust, yet even at the full size is small enough to be able to be added to a laptop bag or luggage, or even a picnic bag.  It’s aimed at ages 8 plus and has a difficulty rating of 3 out of 5, but anyone who has ever tried to solve one, knows that it feels like it’s a lot harder!  This edition of the Rubik’s Cube is to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the game. The Rubik is a brilliant way of spending some downtime, and remembering your childhood at the same time!

Available from £10.99 at: https://www.smythstoys.com/uk/en-gb/toys/games-puzzles-and-books/board-games/family-board-games/rubiks-cube/p/109128

Project 173 Chocolate Rum

alcoholic drinks, Birthday Gifts, chocolate, Drinks and Mixers, Easter, Father's Day, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him

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.

Grown ups and Easter don’t normally mix, but if you throw in some rum, and a Chocolate Rum at that, you are probably going to enjoy this time of year more!

Project 173 from Atom Lab is a rum-based ‘Rumbow’ with a range of flavoured rums. There’s Black Cherry, Pineapple, Coconut, Banana, Mango, Watermelon and now the Chocolate Rum for Easter.

Sold in a stylish 50cl brown glass bottle (reminiscent of a medicine bottle, which I don’t think is a mistake) the 42% proof rum has a distinct chocolate taste. It’s for chocolate lovers more than rum lovers as it’s a departure from the usual but you can really smell the sweetness of the chocolate as soon as you open the bottle.  The rum itself is rich and doesn’t have an aftertaste. The finish is definitely chocolatey though with a smooth taste too.  It can be consumed on its own or with a mixer. A particularly good idea is to drink it out of an Easter egg, or as my colleague has just noted, you could add it to a tiramisu to give both chocolate and rum vibes. Perhaps a good Easter Sunday dessert?

The rest of the Rumbow from Project 173 looks just as interesting with flavours which you could easily add to cocktails and seem fitting for a rum.  They also have a new Hot Buttered Popcorn flavour which looks just as delicious!

Available from £20.95 at: https://www.masterofmalt.com/rum/project-173/project-173-chocolate-rum/

Smirnoff Miami Peach Vodka

alcoholic drinks, Birthday Gifts, Drinks and Mixers, Easter, 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.

#Over 18s Only

Out for summer, the new Smirnoff Miami Peach vodka is the Miami makeover to vodka that you never know you needed.

Available in either ready-to-drink cans or a 700ml bottle, Smirnoff Miami Peach is vodka (35%) with a peach flavouring.  Based on the Miami beach lifestyle, the spirit can be consumed as regular vodka with either lemonade or a soft drink, or added to a cocktail. Try a Smirnoff Miami Peach Sunrise or Smirnoff Miami Peach & Iced Tea to bring out the flavour.

Smirnoff Miami Peach has the familiar taste of vodka with the sweeter taste of peach flavoured within.  If you’re not used to the taste of vodka because you find it too harsh, then Miami Peach is a great way to ease yourself into the cocktail season. The fruity, sweet flavour of the peach makes this easier to drink, and as with all spirits, you can dilute it as much as you need to in order to get the flavour and alcohol mixture right.

Vodka is becoming more popular now, hot on the heels of the trendy gins, so expect to see Smirnoff Vodka all over the summer festivals this year.  If you can’t make it to Miami this year, Smirnoff Miami Peach brings Miami to you!

Available from Morrisons for £19.00 at: https://groceries.morrisons.com/products/smirnoff-miami-peach-70cl/114834089?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjws-S-BhD2ARIsALssG0Zy7iMH0PodJNoFrrI5w8oAHGz3VDVavOOqgmjnsVosD1eYOnKq2ggaAtCJEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Sloggi Zero Feel Bra Top

Birthday Gifts, Fashion, Gifts for Her, National Walking Month, Sport, 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.

It’s always a treat to get a new bra and the Sloggi Zero Feel Top is both a bra and a wearable top in one.  We were sent this brilliant turquoise top to try for hiking and sports this summer.

Made with 1 part Elastane and 3 parts Polyamide, the main selling point of this Sloggi bra is how invisible it is. There are hardly any seams to it and the material is so thin that you can’t see it at all under clothes. Even around the cups, there aren’t seams but there are some pockets which allow you to remove the support cups if you need to. Great for washing too!  The only seam is on the side, under the arms where you can’t see them. There isn’t even a clasp to do up which means it goes over the head and thanks to the Elastane, it’s super stretchy. I was sent a size XXL, and if you know anything about bras in bigger sizes, you’ll know that the wider straps are necessary. For this design, the wider straps are easier to deal with because they disappear under clothes due to the thin material but they also have no adjusting clasps that become visible under tight clothing.

When it comes to wearing it, the difficulty is getting it over your head, especially the first time when the Elastane is so new!  You have to wiggle it into place because it doesn’t have a clasp to open at the back (or front) and allow self fitting, so the knack is having the strength to pull it into place.  The cups give the support, again without a seam, and you can wear almost anything on top of it and I won’t show.

The Sloggi Zero Feel Top can also be worn on its own thanks to the design and striking colour. The breathable material makes it ideal for summer as moisturise evaporates away though the material. Teenagers will love this, especially the colours as there are 10 colours in all including white, tan and black. Sizes range from XS to XXL in all colours. There are no marks left as there are no clasps or seams, and the stretchy material allows you to move in all directions with restrictions. A winner for outdoors this summer!

Available from £30.00 at: https://uk.sloggi.com/10217786.html?color=1597_Quiet%20Turquoise

Osprey Transporter Gear Tote 60

camping, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, hiking, National Walking Month

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

When it comes to Scout camp, packing and transporting gear can be a real challenge. Between tents,  hiking boots, cooking gear, food, and activity equipment, I’ve soon filled the car and trailer – and that’s before I even start on my own stuff! That’s why I was really pleased to get my hands on the Osprey Transporter Gear Tote 60. Straight away, I could see plenty of uses for it – both at Scout camp and on my own adventures. It’s one of those bits of kit I didn’t know I needed… until I had one. Now, I wouldn’t be without it.

Deceptively simple, this is a large, rectangular tote bag made from incredibly tough, highly water-resistant NanoTough™ fabric — a 100% recycled high-tenacity nylon that stays open when loading and wipes clean after a wet weekend. You can sling it over your shoulder or get two Scouts to grab a handle each – it’s built to be hardwearing and much easier to carry than a large plastic box.

But don’t let its simple appearance fool you — this bag is a real workhorse. It’ll comfortably swallow up everything from water activity gear, hiking boots to a camp stove and a few days’ worth of food. Whether I’m packing for a weekend hike, a paddleboard trip, or just loading up for a full Scout camp, it keeps everything in one place. With a 60-litre capacity, weighing only 0.87kg, and measuring 35 x 62 x 42cm, it’s both spacious and practical and unlike plastic boxes it will fold flat when you’re not using it so it’s nice and easy to store in a cupboard or the boot of your car.

The removable base is such a great idea, at first glance it might not seem much, but it’s turned out to be one of my favourite features when I’m using it in the car for transporting cycling or hiking gear.  When the ground’s muddy or wet, I can take it out and stand on it while I change shoes meaning no more balancing on one leg or cold, wet socks. It’s also useful as a cover for the top of the bag when it’s in the car, keeping gear out of sight.

The wide opening makes loading and unloading quick and easy, especially when you’re in a rush to get changed or pitch camp. There’s also a large zipped front pocket and internal mesh pocket which are great for keeping smaller bits of kit safe.

Available in Pine Leaf, Raven Black, and Euphoria Purple, it’s the kind of kit that earns its place on every trip. Tough, versatile, and surprisingly useful and if you’re a Scout leader, outdoorsy person, or Explorer Scout looking to make your packing a bit easier, I’d definitely recommend giving this a try. You’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.

RRP £95

Darn Tough Hiking Socks

Birthday Gifts, camping, Easter, Family Life, Fashion, Fitness, Gifts for Her, National Walking Month, Summer, Women

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

Easter Sunday has always been about more than just chocolate in our house. We love to get outside, go for a walk, and roll our Easter eggs down a hill – it’s a great family tradition that everyone looks forward to. This year, I’m be upping the fashion stakes and hopping along in my Critter Club Micro Crew Lightweight socks from my favourite sock brand – Darn Tough!

With their cute little bunny design, the Eclipse socks are the perfect choice for Easter. But they’re not just cute though, they’re unbelievably comfortable and once you’ve tried a pair of Darn Tough socks you’ll be hooked!  Made in the USA from merino wool, they’re seam-free, breathable, and the most comfortable hiking socks I’ve ever worn – and I’ve tried many over the years! What really sets them apart though is their durability and  Darn Tough are so confident in their quality that they offer a lifetime guarantee. If your socks wear out, simply send them back for a free replacement, no receipt needed, no questions asked.

There are four fun designs in the Women’s Critter Club Micro Crew Lightweight hiking sock range: Eclipse (bunnies), Bark (for dog lovers), Canyon (with a mountain goat), and Moss with a cheeky raccoon. Available in small, medium, and large, they’ll fit feet from size 2.5 to 9. Sitting just above the ankle they’re perfect for walking shoes, boots and trainers.

What I love most, aside from how cute they are, is how well they fit. The ribbed cuff stays up without being tight, and they don’t slide down when you’re walking. They feel soft against my feet and even after several wears and washes, they’ve held their shape and still feel comfortable.

So, if you’re looking for a fun and practical Easter gift, why not treat someone to socks that are made for adventure? They’re perfect for spring time strolls, Easter egg rolling, and everything in between.

RRP £28

Silver Bunny Charm from Jeremy Hoye

Birthday Gifts, Children, Easter, Fashion, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Jewellery, 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 beautiful silver charm makes an exquisite gift for your loved one at Easter.

Not only to mark Easter, but for anyone who loves wildlife, nature and pets or wants to have something slightly different to wear as jewellery, the Silver Bunny Charm from Jeremy Hoye is hand crafted to be worn on either a chain or a charm bracelet.  With a slight Disney-look to his face, it would also be a perfect gift for Bambi and Thumper lovers, with his big eyes, full cheeks and cotton tail.  You can’t see it in the photos very easily, but up close, his left ear is bent over to accommodate the hanging loop! The inner ears, tummy and face whiskers are also visible.

The photos don’t do this charm justice. In natural light, the polished surfaces reflect the sunlight and you can see all the rabbit features, glistening. It stands about 2 centimetres tall with the look included and is actually very heavy as it’s sterling silver. Teenagers will love this, but I think it’s a great gift for a wife or girlfriend who doesn’t want chocolate or flowers at Easter, but a memorable token of an Easter getaway or maybe a first Easter together.  It lasts a lot longer than flowers or chocolates and is certainly a talking point whenever you wear it, Easter or otherwise!

Available for £90 at: https://www.jeremy-hoye.co.uk/products/silver-bunny-charm