Category: Gifts for Him

Opies Christmas Fruits in Syrup

Autumn, Christmas, Food & Drink, 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.

Opies have once again started their Christmas selection with their Fruits in Syrup. The range is extensive, but we were sent a delicious selection to start with. Succulent & Lavish Peaches, Indulgent & Luxurious Black Cherries and Luscious & Indulgent Baby Pears. Each of the jarred fruits are marinated in alcohol too, so this is not one for the children!

Starting with the Opies Baby Pears with Luxardo Amaretto, these are whole pears, peeled and in syrup. They don’t have much of the Amaretto taste to them but they are very textured, like very, very ripe pears. These would be great on their own, to accompany a main dessert or even better, as part of a main dessert display with lots of different fruits. I think these Baby Pears would also work well with a cheese board, as the central character and lots of different cheeses around it.

The Opies Peaches with 12 year old Brandy again don’t have an overpowering brandy flavour, but they do have the soft silkiness from the syrup which makes them my favourite. I really like these on their own just with cream and would be a great antidote to Christmas’s rich food.  Perhaps in ‘Twixmas’; the time between Christmas and New Year? The jars make it easy to eat any of the fruits, I just keep them in the fridge and the syrup and the alcohol keeps them fresh.

Lastly, it’s the very Christmassy Opies Black Cherries in Luxardo Kirsch.  These have more of an alcoholic tang to them, and you feel like you can eat more because they’re smaller!  These are perfectly delicious to add straight to a trifle or a Black Forest Gateaux, or on top of a flan.  The black cherries are very juicy, and have the flavour of the Kirsch, but the cherry flavour comes through as well.  You can add these to just about any pudding or cake at Christmas time, and they certainly make desserts more festive!

Available online at: https://www.bennettopie.com/collections/all and available at www.waitrose.com and www.nisa.com from October.

Prezzee Personalised Digital eGift Card

Birthday Gifts, Children, Christmas, Family Life, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, secret santa, 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.

Probably the easiest, and most personalised gift you will ever be able to send, Prezzee is a digital gift card which can be sent with a video message which you can record yourself.  With a price range of £5-£500, the Prezzee gift card can be converted into vouchers for over 200 stores including Apple, Argos, John Lewis, Dunelm or even for restaurant vouchers such as Cote, Five Guys or Pizza Express.

Using the Prezzee website at www.pressee.uk, after you create an account, click on the Buy Now button. You then choose whether you’re treating yourself or sending the card to someone else, the amount of money to add to the card and the design of your eGift card. This can include a Gif or a recorded video. Yes, you can record your own video on your phone and have it attached to the Prezzee eGift card when it’s sent, to make your present more memorable. Add the recipient’s details and whether you want to send it via email or SMS and click through to the preview and payment.

When your recipient opens the email or SMS, there is a link to the Prezzee website where they can open the eGift card and convert it to any of the stores affiliated with Prezzee. I chose Marks & Spencer, which takes you to a page where you can redeem your card and print out a pdf of the gift card to use either online or instore.

For Christmas, you can choose a festive greeting card and distance isn’t a problem with Prezzee when you’re just an email away from sending someone you love the perfect, personalised gift.

Create an account at: https://www.prezzee.uk/

Bedsure Sherpa Fleece Throw Blanket

Autumn, Birthday Gifts, camping, Christmas, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Home, Home & Garden, Winter, Women

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

A cosy blanket is one of those gifts that you don’t realise you need until you receive one and then wonder how you ever managed without it! There’s nothing better than snuggling up on the sofa, watching a festive film, whilst snuggled up in a cuddly blanket. And they’re not just for the sofa – pop one on the bed and it’s perfect for keeping the chill away on those frosty winter nights.

Bedsure recently sent me one of their Sherpa Fleece Blankets which are available in four sizes – Throw/Single, Twin/Double, Queen and King. With an impressive 22 colours to choose from ranging from soft pastels like pink, cream and lilac to bolder shades like navy, black and dark grey there’s a colour to suit all tastes whether it’s for a Scandi-style living room or to add a pop of colour to a bedroom.

The Throw/Single size measures 130 x 150cm and is the perfect size for sharing on the sofa or layering over the bed. It’s also reversible, one side is silky-soft 220 GSM flannel, while the other is a wonderfully plush Sherpa fleece. It’s incredibly warm but surprisingly lightweight and if you’re of those people who feels the cold easily then you definitely need one of these blankets on your Christmas list this year! Although summer might not seem the perfect time to test a blanket, I took mine on a caravan trip and was very glad I did. It was perfect for wrapping myself in when we were sat outside chatting with friends and it kept me lovely and snug when the temperature dropped.

The blanket is machine washable between 30°C and 60f°C, although 40°C is recommended to keep it in top condition. You can also tumble dry it on a low heat, which helps maintain its softness after washing.

Some people are more difficult to buy for than others, but this year I’ll have them covered – quite literally – with a Bedsure Sherpa Fleece Blanket. It’s the kind of present that’s practical and indulgent and I can already picture them curled up in it on Boxing Day, cup of tea in hand, feeling toasty and very pleased with their gift.

RRP £25.99 available from Amazon

Levitex Anywhere Travel Pillow

Birthday Gifts, camping, Children, Christmas, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, health, Home, Summer, travel

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.

For the traveller, taking some home comforts with you on your journey is the perfect remedy to long distance flights or uncomfortable car rides. Levitex, the sleep posture experts, have a travel sized pillow in their customary design which can be taken on a plane as hand luggage or packed away.

Measuring approximately 30cms by 35cms when inflated, the pillow comes in 4 sizes (S-XL) and the website details how you work out what size is needed depending on your height and your sleeping position. The Levitex Anywhere Travel Pillow also differs from other pillows because it is completely compressible and can deflate into a roll, secured with the enclosed strap so that you can take it with you in a rucksack or hand luggage.

To inflate the pillow to the correct pressure, you use the valve to allow air in to maximum size. Then, by literally punching the pillow with your fist to a depth of about 1cm, allow some of the air to escape then close up the valve. The firmness of the foam in the pillow give your head and neck the support needed to compose a good sleep posture to be able to sleep anywhere, and as it’s individualised to you in both pillow size and the firmness of the inflation, you can adapt it subtly to give you an even better sleep. 

No more carrying bulky neck pillows at the airport and having nowhere to store them!  Levitex Anywhere Travel Pillow is also great for keeping in the car on long journeys or for children needing a pillow to travel. It also comes in a drawstring bag to protect it but allows you to keep it packed in between journeys.

Available online from £65 at: https://levitex.co.uk/products/anywhere-travel-pillow

Technics AZ100 Earbuds

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

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

From the moment you lift the lid on the Technics AZ100 earbuds, they make an impression. The sleek, weighty charging case feels every bit as premium as you’d hope, while the neatly laid out set of ear tip sizes hints at just how much thought has gone into comfort and fit. And the experience doesn’t stop there, the Technics Audio Connect app helps guide you to the right ear tips size to give a snug secure fit that blocks out unwanted noise.  

These earbuds are clearly designed for people who really care about sound and it shows. With Hi-Res Audio Wireless support and Dolby Atmos optimisation, the AZ100s deliver an immersive high fidelity experience that’s hard to match in the wireless earbuds category. But what really sets them apart is the inclusion of magnetic fluid drivers, a high-end feature that coaxes out deep, textured bass with astonishing control. The result? Warm, full sound that feels balanced and easy to listen to.

For those who love to fine-tune their sound, the Technics app offers a range of pre-set EQ modes plus custom settings, allowing you to customise your audio experience so whether you’re into classical, rock or podcasts, the AZ100’s will make your content sound its best.

The touch controls on the AZ100 earbuds are nice and simple to use, especially as they  can be customised to your own preference by using the Technics Audio Connect app. I found it really easy to assign functions like play/pause, skip tracks, volume control, switching noise-cancelling modes, or answering calls to either earbud and you can also choose the number of taps to each function making them work in a way that suits you best.   

The noise cancelling on the AZ100 earbuds is seriously impressive. While other earbuds can struggle when your surroundings change, these ones automatically adjust to what’s going on around you. So whether you’re on a noisy train or walking through a quiet park, they block out just the right amount of background sound to keep your listening experience clear and consistent.

The battery life is equally impressive – with up to 10 hours listening time on a single charge, with the case adding an additional 28 hours which is perfect if you’re off on holiday this summer. USB-C charging and Qi wireless support make it easy to top up the charge wherever you are.

Connectivity, too, is another area where the AZ100 excels. With multipoint pairing for up to three devices, switching between your phone, laptop, and tablet is seamless, a real boon for multitaskers who don’t want to fiddle with settings every time they change tasks.

I’m really enjoying the Technics AZ100 earbuds, they fit comfortably, sound fantastic, offer excellent battery life, and come with an easy-to-use app that enhances the whole experience. Whether you’re after crisp detail, deep bass, or just a reliable pair of earbuds that perform across the board, these deliver on every front.

RRP £259 available in silver, black or champagne gold.

Available from Amazon here

BBox Insulating Flip Top Bottle

advent calendar, Birthday Gifts, camping, Children, Days Out, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, hiking, National Walking Month, REUSABLE, 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.

The insulating Flip Top Bottle from BBox is one of those items you don’t know you need until you start using it. The 690ml bottle (shown here in spearmint colour but is also available in varieties of blue, green and pink) appeals to both adults and children thanks to the colours as well as the easy of use and volume.  It has stainless steel inners with a similar stainless steel straw and a flip top spout so that it doesn’t spill. There’s a bendy carry handle too which makes it easy to fix to a backpack or carry by hand and not get broken.

I found this really easy to use. It’s easy to fil up with the screw lid coming off to reveal the stainless steel. Your water doesn’t have to touch any plastic.  I am particularly passionate about not using plastic bottles because of the damage they do to the environment, but few people know what damage plastic does to our bodies, so stainless steel is the best option.  I like the fact that the BBox Insulating Flip Top Bottle can keep drinks cold as well as hot, so it has use during both the summer and the winter. 

It’s great for take out on trips, and the robust design means it can be taken to football games, put in the car (the insulating layers means it won’t get hot quick) or in a backpack for lunchtime.  The huge capacity means though, that you can stay hydrated all day on just one fill up. It can take drinks from temperatures as low as -20C right up to 120C. Tell me who wouldn’t want to use a versatile insulating bottle with those credentials?

Available from £28.99 at: https://uk.bbox.com/products/690ml-insulated-flip-top-bottle-spearmint?_pos=3&_sid=55527eae2&_ss=r

Edifier ES20 Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Birthday Gifts, camping, Children, Christmas, Family Life, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Home, 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.

As far as Christmas presents go, you can’t go wrong with a Bluetooth speaker. Edifier have this new 6 watt, Bluetooth v5.4 portable speaker which almost fits in your hand. It has a 43mm driver with neodymium magnets and a 55mm bass radiator.

Enough of the tech talk though – what’s it like to use?  It’s 9.4cm x 9cm x5cm and has a USB-C charging port which comes with the relevant cable.  The controls on the top are on/off, + & – and a light feature. There’s a display of how much battery there is and it illuminates when the speaker is switched on. There’s also a microphone function light which you can see lights up when the microphone is on. The light surrounds the speaker on both sides and pressing it several times changes the light colours or to a solid white. Great for when you’re camping and need to leave a light on to find your way back or to carry with you and see where you’ve left it!

To set up, just switch on the ES20 speaker so that you hear the chime noise, then look in your Bluetooth settings on your phone or device. The ES20 speaker should be there, and you can connect immediately! The speaker actually has multipoint pairing on v5.4 which means you can connect more than one speaker at a time to your one device. There’s about 15 hours of playtime on the speaker too, although I haven’t managed to test that yet as I’ve been playing it for hours on a full charge and it hasn’t given any indication of running out of steam!

You can use the controls on the speaker or there’s the EDIFIER ConneX app which allows you to change settings as well as simple tasks like volume. For the festival goers, it’s also waterproof and dustproof and comes with a handy strap handle to carry it with. 

Like most Edifier products, this is a great Christmas gift or handy for yourself when you’re camping, in the garden or for a teenager’s bedroom.

Available from £49.99 at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Edifier-Portable-Bluetooth-Waterproof-Dustproof/dp/B0F8HYJB3F?th=1

Swan 11 Litre cyclone Duo Layer Air Fryer

Christmas, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Home, kitchen appliances, 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.

Air fryers have become a part of modern living and there are so many on the market nowadays. Swan have a different take on the air fryer with this huge 11 litre capacity double layer (and two drawer) air fryer as part of their range available for Christmas.

If you’re not familiar with an air fryer (where have you been?) then let me explain. Using hot air, in a smaller capacity than an oven, they heat food from the outside in at high temperatures but using a fraction of the energy of an oven. No need to heat up vast expanses of metal in a conventional oven, the air fryer starts cooking as soon as you turn it on, with no need to heat it up first.  With the ‘Cost of Living Crisis’ at the moment, many people are finding air fryers quicker and cheaper to run than conventional ovens. 

The Swan 11 litre Cyclone Duo Layer Air Fryer actually replaces an old air fryer I bought a few years ago and has some added features. There are 2 drawers. That means the drawers can keep different food apart and also increases the capacity, but still cooking at the same time.  Each of the drawers has two layers, the top one having legs which you can extend so that you can get double the amount into each drawer. That’s enough size per drawer to cook a whole chicken, or enough food for up to a family of 8. We use one drawer for meat and fish and one for vegetables and snacks, which means there’s less cleaning as well as the vegetable drawer doesn’t have the fat residue that the meat drawer has, and can be cleaned quicker.

There’s 10 pre-set meal selections too. It may not be obvious first but the controls are down the right hand side of the appliance and if you remove the sticker, the pre-set selector is there, including the on/off key.  You can fold out the control panel too so that it’s facing you and is easier to see. With a bit of mastering, you can sync the cooking times in both the drawers so that they finish at the same time. So if you’re cooking a whole meal in the air fryer (which is totally possible) then you can have the air fryer time it so that they finish at the same time to serve all food hot.

I absolutely love air fried food. Meat often keeps its juiciness and vegetables keep their flavour whist still being cooked thoroughly.  We tried a Sunday Roast in the Air Fryer, seeing as there is such capacity and versatility with the different layers.  Pork belly is absolutely gorgeous, and doesn’t take as long to cook in an air fryer. The fat crisps up beautifully with the meat staying succulent too. There’s minimal extra fat needed on any foods as the air convection sears the meat and keeps the heat in.  Vegetables are also juicy. Our courgettes, which are home grown, kept their flavour and didn’t need any extra seasoning even though they were sliced. Potatoes are great roasted in the air fryer too. You can add some fat to them but even if you don’t, they give a lot of flavour and still cook thoroughly, leaving the middle fluffy!

The Swan 11 litre Cyclone Duo Layer Air Fryer has the added bonus of being more user-friendly.  If you have difficulty bending to take something hot out of the oven, the worktop-mounted air fryer is a brilliant alternative. If heavy pots are a problem, then the one-handed drawer is much easier, and lighter to manoeuvre.  The time it takes to cook food is much quicker too, so if you’re on your own, this is a life saver!

Available for £99.99 at: https://shop.swan-brand.co.uk/products/11l-duo-layer-air-fryer

JBuds Mini

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

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

If, like me, you’re forever rummaging through your handbag, coat pocket or rucksack to find your earbuds, you’ll love the JBuds Mini from JLab. The clever charging case has a built-in keyring loop, so you can clip them onto your keys or bag meaning no more “Where did I put my earbuds?” moments. It’s such a simple idea, but incredibly useful, especially when travelling. These dinky little earbuds are among the smallest on the market, but don’t let their size fool you, they pack an impressive punch when it comes to sound.

I’ve been using them for a few weeks now, including on a recent holiday, and they’ve been brilliant, compact and lightweight, yet they deliver crisp, well-balanced audio that easily rivals more expensive brands. Whether you’re relaxing by the pool or catching up on a podcast during a long journey, they never miss a beat.

They come with three different tip sizes for a comfy, secure fit, and while there’s no  active noise cancellation, the snug design naturally helps to block out background noise. There’s also a clever “Be Aware Mode” which lets in ambient sound. perfect when you’re out exploring and want to stay alert.

They’re splashproof (so you don’t have to panic if you get caught in a downpour), and the battery life is good – 5.5 hours of play from the earbuds, with an extra 20 hours from the compact charging case.

The JBuds Mini are also supported by the JLab mobile app, which adds an extra layer of personalisation. You can adjust touch controls, switch between EQ presets, or even create your own sound profile, all from your phone.

Available in five colours, black, sage gray, teal, mint, and my favourite, bright pink, the JBuds Mini come with a 2-year warranty for added peace of mind. Cute, clever, and seriously convenient, they’re the perfect companion for holidays, commutes, and everything in between.

RRP £39.99

Q The Music’s James Bond Spectacular

Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Theatre

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

James Bond, the legendary British spy created by Ian Fleming, first appeared in the 1953 novel Casino Royale, introducing 007 as a suave MI6 agent tackling global threats with gadgets, charm, and razor-sharp wit. The character quickly leapt from page to screen, becoming the face of one of cinema’s longest-running and best-loved franchises. With thrilling missions, exotic locations, and that unmistakable Bond cool, the films have captivated audiences for decades. And of course, no Bond experience is complete without the iconic theme songs performed by legends like Shirley Bassey, Duran Duran, and Adele which have topped charts both here and abroad over the years.

Back in 2004, Bond superfan Warren Ringham set out to celebrate the unforgettable music of 007 by forming a band, and over 20 years later, Q The Music is still wowing audiences across the UK. Last night, we had the pleasure of seeing their spectacular show at the beautiful Blackpool Opera House.

While the band can scale up to a full orchestra or down to a tight five-piece, we saw their classic 12-piece setup with a lead vocalist. The mix was spot on, with a bold brass section that perfectly captured the dramatic, punchy sound so essential to the Bond experience.

The evening was hosted by Caroline Bliss – aka Miss Moneypenny in the Timothy Dalton films The Living Daylights and Licence to Kill – who guided us through the performance with behind the scenes stories and warm reflections from her time on set.

The show opened, as expected, with the iconic instrumental James Bond theme, a powerful introduction that set the tone for the night. The next two numbers were the perfect way to showcase the evening’s vocal talent – Kerry Schultz and Matt Walker. Kerry dazzled with both her voice and stage presence, delivering a bold and brilliant performance of the Shirley Bassey classic “Goldfinger.” She truly owned the stage. Matt followed with “Thunderball”, channelling Tom Jones with an astonishingly long final note that brought the house down – what a way to kick things off! Later in the evening, he showed his incredible vocal range with a stunning, emotional rendition of “Writing’s on the Wall”, capturing the haunting style of the Sam Smith hit beautifully.

The first half took us on a thrilling journey through Bond soundtracks, ending the first half with a phenomenal performance of “Tomorrow Never Dies” complete with dramatic pyrotechnics and was a fitting end to the first half of the show.

The second half burst back into action with the Bond theme once again, with another electrifying guitar solo from the brilliant Dan Booth – it really set the tone for what was to come. Highlights included a high-energy performance of “Live and Let Die” and a beautifully delivered version of Adele’s “Skyfall.” Looking around, it was clear we weren’t the only ones impressed – the audience were completely absorbed, and the enthusiastic applause said it all.

With Warren Ringham’s expert musical direction, every member of the band gave an outstanding performance and you could see their passion for the music, making the entire show an absolute joy to watch.

Q The Music is currently performing one-night shows at theatres across the country, with their next stop at Glasgow Pavilion on 18th July. For full tour dates and tickets, visit their website – it’s a night no Bond fan should miss.

Photo credit – Bryan Marshall

The Krafted Connex

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Family Life, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Home, Mobile Phone, Tech, travel

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.

Keep your devices connected and up-to-date with the Krafted Connex in your pocket. 

The handy Connex gadget has 5 connectors in one product which can allow for high speed data transfer between phones, laptops and other devices as well as charge from one to another. Like a Swiss Army knife, the Krafted Connex folds up into the size of a packet of chewing gum to be able to be packed, in a pocket or thrown at the bottom of a bag.  It also comes in two colours; jade (like the one in the photo) and charcoal.

The Krafted Connex has a USB-C plug at one end, which comes with a USB-C to USB-A adaptor already attached. This is important because when it comes to charging or data transfer, the Connex needs to be plugged in to each device at opposite ends. So I had to remove the USB-A first, then attach my speaker to the USB-C plug on the other end in order to charge it.

All the connections are: 

INPUT:

  • USB-C Connector
  • USB-A Connector (as an adaptor)

OUTPUT:

  • Lightening Connector x2
  • USBC-Connector
  • Micro USB Connector

There’s actually 8 different combinations of connections you can make with the gadget, and because it’s made of Flex Silicone rubber, it can twist in all sorts of ways to get the connection you need. It folds up nicely so that you can store it away and the keyring on it ensures you’ll always have it handy.

This is great as a Secret Santa or for the stocking of a teenager or someone travels a lot. You could also use them as gifts for clients who are always out and about – nearly everyone would find a use for them!

Available from £29.99 at: https://www.kraftedtech.com/products/connex-jade

Swan 20 litre Nordic Digital Microwave

camping, Christmas, Family Life, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Home, kitchen appliances, 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.

Kitchen appliance company Swan have the slogan ‘Designed for Life’ and that’s exactly what this Nordic Digital Microwave is for.  With a stylish, modern aesthetic, the handle is in Scandi-style wood and the design is very sleek with a turn-dial for the timer and limited buttons for the settings. It’s not very heavy either, so this is great for a student moving in and out of digs, or for someone with limited dexterity who can’t press buttons easily.

Straight out of the box, the microwave has a glass turntable which needs setting up, but it can be plugged in and used straight away. There are instructions of course, but it doesn’t need many as we all know how a microwave works now and Swan have their displays down to a ‘T’!  I set the clock (without instructions, it was that easy) and then you press microwave and turn the dial to see the time set. There are settings too for vegetables, reheat, fish, meat and pasta among others, when you use the Auto Cooking feature. There’s also a defrost feature and this is a 800w microwave, which is important when reading recipes!

The inside of the microwave is white and easy to clean, with the removeable turntable and clean surfaces plus an interior LED light.  If you’re not familiar with a 20 litre capacity, it is about the size of a dinner plate, so for anyone living alone, this is the prefect capacity size. This model colour is oatmeal in colour but it also comes in white, blue, grey and green. Swan give you a 2 year guarantee on top too.

The Swan 20 litre Nordic Digital Microwave is part of the Nordic set which also includes a kettle, toasters, slow cooker and storage jars. I’ve loved using it this week, and find the controls really easy, especially with a busy life and no time to learn a new How To book. It fits in with my kitchen too!

Jade & Joy Collagen Protein Bars

Christmas, Family Life, Food & Drink, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, health, snacks, 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.

We always seem to be hungry at The Review Studio, so when Jade & Joy sent us these chocolate bars, we decided to tuck in and enjoy the vast selection of bars they sent us. 

Collagen is needed for skin, hair and nail growth and is often credited for keeping skin in good condition.  As we get older, we lose collagen in the skin and don’t make as much of it so taking a supplement has its benefits. Jade & Joy have a range of different chocolate bars which contain collagen as well as other added vitamins and minerals. I was amazed at the range of flavours the bars were, from Salted Caramel to Cookie Crumb, Caramel Blondie and Marshmallow biscuit. They don’t taste like ‘health’ bars at all because they’re mostly chocolate and still have the sweet taste to them, with no bitterness like some alternative products have.

Jade & Joy were also kind enough to send us a selection of the plant based Yubi Bars in a Variety Pack which also includes some Christmas seasonal flavours.  Great for stockings, Secret Santa as well as a daily snack, there are flavours such as Yule Log, Gingerbread and Choc Orange.  All of them contain 10 grams of protein, 99 calories and 0.3 grams of sugar. These bars are pocket sized for snacks after school but as they’re high in protein, they’re also great for after the gym. The festive flavours are fabulous though, with gooey centres. The Mint Choc bar was probably my favourite but all of them were yummy with a few quiet minutes in the afternoon.

Various boxes available online from £21 at: https://jadeandjoy.co.uk/vegan-collagen/vegan-collagen-selection-box/

You can shop the whole range (including the pick n mix) here: https://www.yubibar.com/collections/vegan-protein-bars

Yubi Bar christmas bars will be available here in the festive period: https://www.yubibar.com/products/christmas-protein-bar-selection-box

Helly Hansen Scout Duffel and Scout Wash Bag

beauty, Birthday Gifts, camping, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, hiking, Summer, travel

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

Whether you’re camping in the Yorkshire Dales, catching a flight to somewhere hot and sunny or heading to a cosy countryside hotel, there are two pieces of kit every traveller needs  and they are  a decent wash bag and a sturdy holdall.

Over the years I’ve owned plenty and the quality really does vary from brand to brand. Broken zips, flimsy fabric that doesn’t stand up to wear and tear, and wash bags that fail to contain leaks – I’ve seen (and cleaned up) the lot. So, when Helly Hansen got in touch and asked if we’d like to test out their Scout Duffel and Scout Wash Bag, I was more than happy to put them through their paces.

A wash bag might not be the most glamorous piece of travel gear, but it’s one of the most useful – and one of the most abused. It needs to be strong, practical, and large enough to carry all the essentials and the Helly Hansen Scout Wash Bag (RRP £25) impressed me straight away. It’s made from tough 600D polyester with a water-resistant TPU membrane and is ideal for keeping the inevitable shampoo or shower gel leaks contained and away from the rest of your luggage.

Inside, there’s one spacious main compartment, plus a mesh ventilation pocket for smaller items like lip balm or toothbrushes. The hanging loop is sturdy and ideal for use in campsite toilet blocks where surfaces can be few and far between. It’s deep enough to stand travel-sized bottles upright and even fits a few full-sized products without becoming bulky. The only thing I’d add is another mesh pocket for a bit more internal organisation, but all in all, it’s a robust, functional wash bag that is made to last.

Now, on to the Scout Duffel. This one comes in four sizes – 30L, 50L, 70L, and 90L – so there’s one for every kind of trip, from overnight stays to longer adventures. We tested the 30L version and found it to be the perfect size for weekends away. It’s got a wide, U-shaped zip opening that makes packing and unpacking nice and easy and even when empty, the bag will hold its shape, which makes organising your things that little bit easier. A handy separate zipped compartment at one end is great for shoes or dirty laundry, and if you want to keep your hands free, padded shoulder straps are tucked away in the top lid so you can wear it as a backpack.

Like the wash bag, it’s made from tough 600D nylon with a TPU coating for water resistance – handy when you’re navigating train stations in the rain or hauling your bag across a muddy field. There’s also a lockable zip on the main compartment, offering that extra bit of security if your bag’s going in the hold or overhead rack.

Both the Scout Wash Bag and Duffel come in a range of colours – Rain Blue, Purple Clay, Alpine Frost, and classic Black so there’s something to suit every taste.

In short, these two bits of kit are practical, well-designed, and built to withstand the demands of regular travel. Whether you’re a camper, a weekender, or a frequent flyer, the Scout range from Helly Hansen is well worth a look.

Peppersmith Taster Box featuring Gum, Mints and Pastilles

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Family Life, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gluten Free, snacks, Stocking Fillers, Vegan, Vegetarian

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 can’t make up our minds whether this is a stocking filler, Secret Santa, gift for teenagers or a subscription box for the whole family, but Peppersmith surprised us with this tasty variety box of gum, mints and pastilles so we thought we’d try them and find out!

Featuring two boxes of six varieties (that’s 12 boxes in all), there’s both Peppermint and Spearmint gum, Extra Strong Mints, Peppermint Mints, and Strawberry and Lemon Pastilles.  Made in Britain with the mint sourced from a Hampshire farm, all the products contain no sugar, just Xylitol which is lower in calories and approved by the Oral Health Foundation. They’re also gluten free, vegan, nut oil free and free from palm oil and the boxes are made of cardboard so there’s very little litter from them, totally recyclable.

I started with the mints, which is not something I usually eat unless it’s after a posh meal at a restaurant. The Peppermint Mints (In the green box) were very strong with a peppermint taste. I crunched mine to release the flavour which I find is the best way!  On the back of the Peppermint Mints, I then tried the Extra Strong Mints (blue packet). I think both of them are particularly strong, and I only had one of each. Each time, they left my mouth unbelievably minty fresh and the freshness lasted quite some time. There’s about 25 mints in each packet, so great for a pocket or a handbag.

The Strawberry and Lemon Pastilles aren’t what I would usually buy but they were lovely none the less. The same size as the mints, they’re round gems of flavour with the lemon variety being my favourite. As the pastilles don’t contain sugar, they don’t coat your teeth after eating them and the lemon one is especially refreshing. 

Although I don’t chew gum much these days, I would only chew sugar free, so the Peppermint and Spearmint Gums were a nice change. Again, you can taste that there isn’t any sugar in them and all-natural flavours. The only downside to the gums was that the flavour and texture didn’t last that long and I found myself disposing of them after about 10 minutes. With commercial gum, I find that I can chew it for about an hour and it loses only some of its elasticity. Peppersmith’s gums had that lovely initial crunch as I bit into it, then there’s the flavour that hits you and finally the texture. It was the texture that I found particularly difficult after 10 minutes, although I don’t know how long chewing gum is meant to last – maybe 10 minutes is it’s maximum! Still, there’s plenty of pieces in the pack and there’s two packs of each flavour.

I wasn’t expecting to enjoy this Taster Box as much as I did, but I found that I was popping a mint or chewing some gum each time I sat down to work or after a meal. It could totally become addictive and a subscription in our house, especially as there are even more flavours to try that I haven’t even looked at yet!

Peppersmith Taster Box available from £17.99 at: https://peppersmith.co.uk/collections/bestsellers/products/taster-pack-12-x-15g-mixed-pocket-packs-2

Desire2 Smartphone Stand, Tablet Stand and Laptop Stand

Birthday Gifts, Family Life, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Home & Garden, Mobile Phone, 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.

Tech accessories are everywhere nowadays, but few are actually useful! Desire2 sent us this set of lightweight aluminium stands for laptops, smartphones and tablets. As I never got around to getting any of them during lockdown, it was a bit of a treat to be able to set them up and use my tech properly!

Each of the stands pack completely flat. They’re metal, but very light to carry so you can pack them to travel or even in a laptop bag. Each one has rubber footings to make them more secure and non-slip on a surface. The laptop stand can hold a computer measuring from 10-15.6 inches with 6 different level adjustments depending on what height you’re looking for. The higher levels allow you to prop up a laptop (such as a MacBook) with a camera at the top so that you’re eye-level during a call. Otherwise, the lower levels allow you to watch a video or type at a more comfortable angle.

The smartphone stand can be used for either phones or tablets, depending on their size and how you want to view them.  With a rubber foot to hold your device up from the table surface, it won’t mark a touchscreen as there are no metal corners. You can adjust the angle of the view as well as the back support to give a higher lift.  You can feel that even though the stand is lightweight, it’s incredibly anchored and doesn’t move, especially with the grips on the base. The last stand is the smaller ‘Anywhere’ model which is designed for taking anywhere. This stand is so small that it can be flattened to about 1 centimetre flat and even fits in a pocket, but it’s useful for both phones and tablets.

Each of the stands are designed for easy charging access, especially as most smartphones charge from the bottom nowadays. The smaller stands are both really stable, and the laptop stand would be too but for the lever at the back that doesn’t sit as firmly in the support as I would have liked. It collapses if you pick it up from the wrong arm as there’s no pivot in the lever and changing levels means you have to pick it up and hold the weight of the laptop to fix it into place. It works perfectly if it’s stationary but it would be more sturdy if the back support snapped into place. It still folds flat though and is still very strong.

These are great as Secret Santa items or for setting up a home office for a teenager needing accessories for their new laptop. I have so many uses for them because I always have my phone and laptop around and need some way of propping them up whilst I’m doing a million other things, so I’m very glad to have them at hand now!

Supreme Lite Portable Laptop Stand £29.99:  https://desire2.co.uk/products/portable-adjustable-laptop-stand-silver

Anywhere Foldable Tablet Stand £17.99: https://desire2.co.uk/products/holrtsi-anwywhere-rotatable-holder-for-smartphones-and-tablets-silver

Smartphone Folding Stand Holder £12.99: https://desire2.co.uk/products/d2fpholbk-anywhere-smartphone-folding-holder

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.

Ed’s Stuff Cheeky Father’s Day Gifts

Birthday Gifts, Family Life, Father's Day, Gifts for Him, REUSABLE, 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.

If you don’t know what to get Dad for Father’s Day, have a look at https://edsstuff.co.uk for some fun ideas. There’s everything there from artwork and sculptures, aprons and tea towels to greetings cards and wrapping paper. We were sent one of their jolly tote bags and some wrapping paper to show what there is available.

The Sea Dog Tote bag (£15) is an original design on cotton fabric, measuring 40cm by 32cm with a gusset and both long and short handles. It’s remarkable how much you can carry with just one bag, and the gusset of 12cm makes it easier to load it with shopping, or even books as it has the strength to carry a lot more.  If you buy more than one tote bag, there’s a £5 discount too!

The wacky wrapping paper comes in 9 different designs including these; Helmets and Fiat 500. They measure 500mm by 700mm and are sold on a per sheet basis but if you buy 3 sheets or more you get one sheet free! 

Each of Ed’s items on the Ed’s Stuff online store is a unique design, and there’s often an explanation behind how each of the designs came about.  The website also evolves with more stock coming on and special collections available, so if you like Ed’s slightly quirky style, keep watching!

Wrapping Paper starts at £2 a sheet: https://edsstuff.co.uk/collections/wrapping-paper

Sea Dog Tote Bag £15: https://edsstuff.co.uk/collections/tote-bags/products/sea-dog-tote-bag

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.