Category: Gifts for teachers

Neve’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balms

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Winter, Women

Tucked away in North Oxfordshire, Neve’s Bees is a charming family run business, named after founder Julie’s daughter, Neve. Following a spot of experimentation with “lotions and potions,” – blending beeswax with pure, natural plant oils and butters, they soon realised they could create an entire range of skincare products using only genuinely natural ingredients – ones that felt far better on the skin than anything they’d bought before. And so, Neve’s Bees was born. Today, they offer a wonderful selection of natural products, including ten different lip balms, available individually for £6.50 or as a trio for £18. Whether you prefer something floral, zingy, minty or simply plain and gentle, there’s a balm to suit every taste. Each one is blended with 100% natural ingredients -organic wherever possible – bringing together nature and a touch of science to create a beautifully rich, premium product. All of the balms are made with natural beeswax from Neve’s Bees own bees along with organic apricot kernel, organic jojoba and coconut oils, plus natural vitamin E for extra nourishment. The lip balms are in little slide tins which are small enough to slip into a coat pocket or handbag to keep lips moisturised when out and about.

I always seem to get chapped lips in winter and much prefer natural lip balms as they seem to soothe my lips much better. Using them both morning and night has become second nature, so I was quite excited when the parcel of Neve’s Bees lip balms arrived  and I could tell from the minute I opened the first tin that these lip balms are much better quality than an off the shelf lip balm. They smell lovely and have a silky smooth texture which glides easily onto lips, The balm is quite solid in the tin but quickly warms up with the warmth of a finger and once on your lips it doesn’t feel greasy or sticky and it leaves my dry lips feeling soft and hydrated.

I’ve been spending a lot of time outdoors this week, so I’ve been able to really put these lip balms to the test.  My ideal lip balm is one that pampers and nourishes lips, keeping them soft and hydrated no matter what the conditions are and these lip balms definitely ticked all these boxes. Whether I’ve been out walking, cycling or when I was battling Storm Claudia, a quick application of this lip balm has helped to keep my lips protected and prevent them from drying out and I’m confident they’ll continue to keep my lips hydrated as the cold weather settles in.

The three balms I have been trying out are  –

Honey Vanilla – this is Neve’s Bees least fragranced lip balm and has just a hint of vanilla to soothe lips and allows the natural honey take centre stage.

Rosey is my favourite of the three balms, it is made from thousands of crushed rose petals and  scented with Rose Otto and Rose Geranium. It is rich in vitamins A and E and it’s really helped soothe my dry lips.

Buttermint is inspired by the classic sweets and contains a blend of vanilla and peppermint. This lip balm is great for the men in your life who need to protect their lips but don’t want a flowery or feminine fragrance. This nourishing lip balm is full of goodness and is ideal for restoring softness and moisture.

These Neve’s Bees lip balms make brilliant little gifts and are just the thing for popping into a Christmas stocking, adding to a Secret Santa bundle, or slipping into a card along with a money gift.

Neve’s Bees also donate 10% of their profits to wildlife causes, helping to restore precious wildflower meadows and providing vital habitat for bees and other pollinators so when you buy their products you’re also making a difference to the natural world.

The lip balms are available from the Neve’s Bees website here

Silk Eye Mask from The Silk Club

beauty, Birthday Gifts, camping, Fashion, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, Mother's Day, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, travel, 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.

A little treat for yourself before the spring sunshine sets in or some nice cosy nights early to bed, the Silk Eye Mask from The Silk Club is useful to everyone.  Made with 100% Mulberry Silk, it’s available in 5 colours and two sizes; Small- Medium and Medium-Large.  As it’s made of pure silk, it’s also environmentally friendly and biodegradable. Does it work though?

The softness of the silk means it fits most faces with just the elastic band in place and covers the whole eye area. It’s not uncomfortable to lay on the mask to sleep either, and as the elastic band is covered in silk too, it’s very delicate on the skin.  Silk means it’s kind to your skin microbiome and helps prevent pillow face. I know a lot of women who swear by silk pillowcases to help prevent wrinkles and the Silk Eye Mask is similar.

To block out light, the mask is padded to give maximum blackout.  Once you get used to having something over your face all night, it becomes comforting especially in the spring and summer when the sun comes up. It’s particularly good for travelling too, when you need to sleep on planes or in a car. Sadly, it doesn’t do anything for noise but it does help you concentrate on sleeping! The combination of noise cancelling headphones and the Silk Eye Mask is an absolute winner. They look very stylish too, with the plain block colours in pale pinks and blues.

A lovely gift for a friend who travels or for those who have trouble sleeping – but like their bed wear stylish too!

Currently on sale for Black Friday at £29.99: https://thesilkclub.co.uk/products/pink-mulberry-silk-eye-mask

Instant Confidence – book by Ant Austen

Birthday Gifts, Books, Father's Day, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Learning, 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.

Ultimate confidence is something which is learned, not given.  You aren’t born with confidence in the way that you’re not born to be able to project your voice when public speaking or to be able to handle stress, but it is something you can actively teach yourself. 

Confidence comes from knowing yourself though, not from being brave and standing in front of a room of people and giving a PowerPoint presentation. That’s the first lesson that Ant Austen is teaching you in his book, “Instant Confidence.”

Starting with a heart-wrenching back story, the book sets the scene for what confidence is.  Going through some simple exercises, Ant helps you to identify your limiting beliefs and where they come from using a series of questions. There’s a long section on being truthful with yourself, which is ultimately how those questions are answered and then worked on to be able to eliminate your limiting beliefs and grow.  

Following these truths, the book goes on to deal with any guilt you hold, the fear of changing these limited beliefs, and the freedom that comes when you break through. Only after reading through the book and the exercises can you find out what that freedom means to you or how you want to achieve it to get instant confidence.

The book is a self-help, short read that you can pick up and put down easily and has just 61 pages. Great for commuting, you can come back to it and do the exercises all over again and pick up a different limiting belief before you work on yourself and move on to even greater levels of confidence.

Available for £6.99 at: 

Emerald Storm at the Emerald Theatre, London

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Days Out, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, Theatre

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.

Hailed as the 21st Century’s answer to Riverdance, the Emerald Storm production by Adam Garcia returns to the West End again, and this time at the Emerald Theatre.

A fusion of Irish dancing, tap dance and urban street dance, the story is brought to audiences by The Boss, played by Tom Ball. A singer in a cabaret show, The Boss punctuates the story as Irish dancers take the stage, The Boss sings, and the immersive theatre happens around you. Watch out for the Mop Boy at this point… then the dancers blend away as tap dancers take the stage and finally singers take on the harmonies as they all take it in turn to bring the dance experience to you.

Every song in this musical extravaganza is accompanied by dance.  The theatre is a cabaret-style, two tier theatre with cocktail tables, several bars and sofa seating to sit back and relax. There are actors walking around before and after the show, who then appear on stage as part of the story.  Not only does Tom Ball need a shout-out for his talent, but principal dancers Olivia Graydon (Irish dancing) Bayley. Graham (tap) and Matt Walker (Mop Boy) also feature heavily in the dancing as well as the interactivity. There’s lots of stomping, clapping, audience echoing and the main show is book-ended with a house band to open, and audience tap dancing on stage afterwards.

There’s a fabulous energy to the show and lots of smiles – genuine smiles between the performers who all hail from performing schools across the country.  The mix of different dance styles is really engaging and is heightened by some fabulous singers and cheeky to-and-fro between the cast and the floor.

It’s an energetic night out with lots of uplifting dance and music, close up and in a cocktail evening style that you don’t get in many places across London nowadays. Magnificent! 

https://www.emeraldstorm.net

Solecup Reusable Glass Travel Cup

Birthday Gifts, camping, Christmas, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, 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.

The super-sized SoleCup is a travel mug with no compromise. The cup is built from a toughened glass so it not only resists breaking but it keeps the taste of hot drinks fresh without the plastic sensation. If you know anything about saving the planet, then glass cups are much better all-round. The glass doesn’t leach plastic into any hot drinks either, which can be a problem with cheaper plastics and can cause health issues long term.

The lid of the SoleCup seal (which is in black in this sample) is a non-splash design which makes it easier to keep in the car. It’s a screw lid with a seal over the drinking lid so that you can keep it safe. There’s a cuff to protect your hands from the heat of the drink too, and all of it can go in the dishwasher. On the website, you can buy tea infusers and smoothy filters as additions, which is a nice alteration to the original purpose. 

This is a solid travel mug and a chunky 18oz or 510ml size to be able to carry it around and make a meal of it. In fact, the size makes it perfect for a smoothie as a replacement meal, or if you’re on a long car journey and need a hot drink to keep you going. I love the glass design that’s sleek as well as practical and you can tell whose drink is whose – no more having to taste them to find out if you’ve picked up your partner’s one by mistake!  

I love this as a gift idea too. Everyone needs another travel mug and most people love a hot drink most days. This is great for anyone going to work on public transport, and I would even say it’s great for long walks, running or exercise thanks to the non-spill design.

Available from £20 for this size at: https://solecup.com/product/reusable-coffee-cup/

Brick Like This! LEGO Card Game from Asmodee 

Birthday Gifts, Children, Christmas, Family Life, Games, Gifts for children, Gifts for teachers, Learning, secret santa, 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.

This Christmas, Lego have a genius card game for after dinner or Boxing Day, or as a great gift for families who love constructing with LEGO.

The game is usually played in pairs where one person is the builder and the other a communicator. The communicator takes a card with a diagram of an abstract Lego design and has to describe it to their partner. The game is timed, so the team who build the LEGO model quickest gains the most points!

There are 92 models to build and 20 challenge cards to make the game more interesting, like having to communicate without speaking or building with just one hand! 

The game includes 48 LEGO pieces which pertain to the designs on the cards, and the pieces are full sized LEGO pieces. It can be played with 4-8 players and is aged from 7 years upwards but you do need a stopwatch or time keeper of some kind. The small parts are not suitable for younger children either.

This is a really fun and easy to understand game for everyone. There’s nothing complicated about it and you don’t have lots of rules to memorize before you can play. The scoring is easy, but the actual building of the models is more difficult than you think so it’s really eye-opening to see how people cope with having to describe an abstract shape.  The timing element of the game makes it more urgent and therefore more fun, especially at Christmas time when everyone is more jovial anyway! I loved this game and the whole concept of building with LEGO and can see us playing this as a family throughout the year.

Available from £18 at: https://www.argos.co.uk/product/7716074?deeplink=true&gclsrc=aw.ds&&_$ja=tsid:11675|acid:169-582-1252|cid:10199914028|agid:102806174795|tid:dsa-44200048968|crid:763987808626|nw:g|rnd:5883392337404542790|dvc:c|adp:|mt:|loc:9045872&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=10199914028&utm_term=&utm_content=text&utm_custom1=102806174795&utm_custom2=169-582-1252&cmpid=GG05X&GPDP=true&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=10199914028&gbraid=0AAAAAD9II9kL59fDoEw9wHarGCcZoHXlj&gclid=CjwKCAiAraXJBhBJEiwAjz7MZb-m_opPTTM2pjGuiQLV7uW6JAwZmTizGM7ZYBHPIeqkEaf3t-U8lxoCkYsQAvD_BwE

Sanctuary Spa Gift Sets

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, secret santa, 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.

There has been talk in this office this week of our annual Secret Santa and with a budget  of £15, these Sanctuary Spa gift sets fit the bill perfectly. Sanctuary Spa is such a well-loved high-street favourite, with plenty of gorgeous sets available at a range of retailers this Christmas. With Black Friday and Christmas offers popping up everywhere, it’s well worth keeping your eyes peeled – you might just snap up a bargain!

Now, even if you don’t know your Secret Santa recipient terribly well, you simply can’t go wrong with a beauty gift set and we would love to discover these Sanctuary Spa sets under our Christmas Tree this year.

The Sanctuary Spa Discovery Body Cleansing Collection (£15) is available from Boots (and is in the 3 for 2 deal) and includes four 75ml body washes – Aqua Serenity, Lily & Rose, Golden Sandalwood and Signature – all neatly presented in a clear, reusable wash bag. The body washes are the perfect size for travelling and they are also a great way to try some of the other fragrances in the range.

The Sanctuary Spa Signature Restoring Spa Collection (currently £10 at Tesco with a Clubcard) includes a 150ml Signature Body Wash, a 150ml Signature Body Lotion and a 100ml Body Scrub. With a fragrance blend of jasmine, grapefruit and vanilla, this trio really does bring that “spa-at-home” feeling to life. Cleanse, buff and moisturise and step out with soft, beautifully scented skin.

So whether you’re hunting for a Secret Santa surprise, a stocking filler, a gift for teachers, or simply fancy treating yourself (and why not?) a Sanctuary Spa gift set is the perfect choice.

Weleda Christmas Gift Sets

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, cruelty-free, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Winter, Women

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

Christmas is coming (yes, already!), and it’s the perfect excuse to treat your friends, your family…. or yourself! Beauty gift sets always feel special, especially at this time of year and at Christmas many include reusable wash bags or cosmetic pouches. I also find they are usually much better value than buying everything separately. If you’ve never dipped your toe into Weleda before, a gift set is a wonderful way to be introduced to their gorgeous natural products without committing to full sizes straightaway.

This year they have some lovely sets and here are two of my absolute favourites:

The Skin Food Essentials Gift Set (RRP £10) is a brilliant stocking filler. It contains a 10ml tube of Skin Food Original along with a Skin Food Lip Balm (8ml) which are the perfect size to keep in your handbag so you are always ready for winter emergencies. Skin Food is one of those iconic products that is loved by everyone, it’s been around since 1926 for a reason, and its fan club spans generations. I use it for soothing dry patches of skin, doubling as a rich night cream, even calming my eczema. It’s quite thick but it doesn’t  feel heavy or greasy on my skin. The nourishing plant oils, protective natural waxes and Skin Food’s signature herbal blend make it nice and hydrating and perfect for my sensitive, eczema prone skin. It also contains rosemary to boost circulation, sunflower and sweet almond oils to feed the skin, and beeswax and lanolin to lock all that goodness in. Paired with the Lip Balm, you’ve got the ultimate winter rescue duo for dry or chapped lips.

If you want something a bit more indulgent, the limited edition Very Cherry Gift Set (RRP £19.95) is a very festive treat. Tucked inside the gorgeous velvety cherry-red make-up bag are three fantastic products – Cherry Shower Cream (200ml), Hand Cream (50ml) and a Lip Balm (4.8ml).

The limited edition Weleda Very Cherry is new this year, and I do hope that they decide to keep it on a permanent basis. The fragrance is fruity and uplifting and leaves my skin delicately scented. The Shower Cream is rich and creamy, lathering beautifully and leaving my skin feeling fresh, clean, and hydrated. The Hand Cream simply melts into my hands and doesn’t leave them feeling greasy. As someone with very dry hands, I use hand cream regularly and the 50ml tube is the perfect size to pop in my bag so I can keep my hands nourished throughout the day.

The Lip Balm has that subtle cherry scent and glides on effortlessly, giving a lovely hit of moisture. It feels protective and soothing, exactly what you want when the winter wind picks up.

Every product in the Very Cherry collection is made from 100% natural origin ingredients and certified by NATRUE, which only adds to the feeling that you’re treating your skin to something honest, gentle, and genuinely good.

This is one of those Christmas sets that not only looks great but is even better to use. Perfect for anyone who loves a bit of fruity freshness, or for the friend who needs a bit of everyday pampering

If you’re hunting for great-value Christmas gifts (or just fancy treating yourself ), these Weleda sets tick every box – natural, beautiful, practical, and perfect for newcomers and long-time fans alike.

By Terry Lip & Cheek Bliss Duo

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, 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.

By Terry have an excellent range of gifts this Christmas, including this Lip & Cheek Bliss Duo available at Sephora, Next and John Lewis for £39.  The gift set contains a CC Liquid Blush and Lip Care, which is a lip repair gloss to condition lips.

The By Terry gift pack contains the 7 gram click brush liquid blush and 2.3 gram bottle of Lip Care (called Baume De Rose).  The Liquid Blush clicks to reveal the colour which you can blend into your cheeks with ease, or if you’re creating a look, it can obviously blend into your contouring application too. It gives a bright, dewy look to your skin and lasts all day, although you might want to apply a second coat at night if you’re going out, just to finish off the look!

The Lip Care is a regenerating salve which cools, comforts and sooths lips. Perfect for cold weather, it hydrates rather than colours lips but works great in tandem with the liquid blush to create a look, especially if you’re on the go or on holiday, and there’s the added bonus that the Lip Care is hydrating and regenerating too.

These make great stocking fillers or gifts for teens who don’t want to be wearing too much make-up or all the time.

Available for £39 at: https://www.sephora.co.uk/p/by-terry-lip-cheek-bliss-duo?curr=GBP&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23232543001&gbraid=0AAAAADm1HxHnQlSMYbMSmazIE8QUhklD3&gclid=CjwKCAiAt8bIBhBpEiwAzH1w6euWvuI-O02VUZAbw0Zz_ZdoykqVQmc6fhNtc-xPzcLvvqhfrbmpzBoCOx0QAvD_BwE

Stabilo Pens

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

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

Have you started shopping for Christmas yet? If not don’t panic as we’ve some great ideas for creative minds of all ages. Stabilo pens make great stocking fillers for both children and adults and whether for school, work, or creative projects there’s such a wide variety of pens that it’s easy to find a set for everyone. Also you can add a colouring book or sketch pad to make a lovely gift for an artistic friend or relative.

With STABILO’S instantly recognisable striped pattern on the pens the pointMax Arty range is perfect for creating masterpieces.  The robust nylon 0.8mm tip was designed for high volume use and makes crisp, smooth lines that glide effortlessly over paper. The bright colours are striking, and the pens are perfect for writing, doodling or colouring. The lid clicks nicely on the end when you are using it so it’s far less likely to end up on the floor. Available in over 40 brilliant colours and in multipacks of 15, 18, 24, 32 or 42 pens which will keep everyone busy over the Christmas period and beyond.

RRP from £15.90

The STABILO Cappi Arty felt tip range have clever caps with a small ring at the top which means they can be threaded onto to a ring to keep them together. You can clip them onto a bag with a carabiner which is ideal for keeping them all in one place, especially when you’re out and about. It also means no lost lids too! The triangular shape is comfy to hold and it stops them rolling about on the table too. The slighter larger 1mm fibre tip gives bold, vibrant colour and the ink holds well on different thicknesses of paper and card. These pens are great for children as they can be left uncapped for up to 24 hours without drying out. Available in packs of 12 or 18 colours.

RRP from £7.23

The moss green/oak STABILO GROWSingle pen is STABILO’s most sustainable ball pen with a shaft made from 100% FSC®-certified wood and an ergonomic grip zone made from almost 100 % renewable raw materials. It’s fully climate neutral, with all unavoidable CO₂ emissions offset through certified climate protection projects.

It’s refillable too, making it better from the environment and there are 6 different colours to choose from. The pen cap fits snugly and snapped into place with a satisfying click and it’s easy to swap the ink with the refill being easy to remove and replace. The medium weight pen is very comfortable to hold and is lovely to write with, It’s a great choice for friends and relatives that still write letters or who enjoy doing crosswords or puzzles.

RRP from £20.49

So, whether you’re shopping for a budding artist or a lifelong doodler, STABILO pens make a wonderful Christmas gift. They’re colourful, high-quality, and designed to last and will also fit nicely in a Christmas stocking.   

Available from Amazon

Yankee Candle Glistening Leaves Signature Large Jar Candle

Autumn, Birthday Gifts, Fragrance, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, Home, Winter, Women

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

Now that the evenings are drawing in and there’s a distinct nip in the air, I love to curl up in front of the fire with a good book and a few candles flickering around the room to create a cosy, relaxing atmosphere. At weekends I like to have one burning in the hallway so when friends or family arrive, they’re greeted with a beautiful scent as they step through the door.

Looking out of my window right now, the garden’s covered in a carpet of golden leaves so it’s only right that my candle of choice at the moment is the Yankee Candle Glistening Leaves. Available in four different sizes, Signature Large Jar, Signature Medium Jar, Signature Small Tumbler and the Yankee Candle Mini, there’s one to suit every space and style. The fragrance smells nice and autumnal with fresh top notes of grapefruit, eucalyptus, and Meyer lemon, middle notes of rose, jasmine, and oakmoss followed by the warm, comforting base of amber, patchouli, and vanilla. The scent is fresh and earthy and reminds me of crisp autumn days.

As the candle burns, the beautiful scent fills my living room, lingering long after the candle has been blown out. The jar comes with a lid, making it easy to extinguish, simply place it back on top to gently snuff out the flame and keep the fragrance contained. The two wicks ensure an even burn and with an impressive burn time of 65–80 hours I can see it lasting right through to December, just in time to switch to one a little more festive!

I also love that once the wax has melted away, the labels peel off easily (no sticky residue in sight), leaving a beautiful glass jar that’s ideal for storing makeup brushes, cotton pads, or even a string of fairy lights to get you in a festive mood.

The Yankee Candle Glistening Leaves Signature Large Jar retails at £29.99, and it’s well worth it for the quality and burn time. You can check out more of their gorgeous seasonal fragrances over on the Yankee Candle website.

Edifier ES60 Portable Speaker

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

You would think that a portable speaker would just be for teens going to a summer festival, or your 20 something who is obsessed with having music on the beach but it turns out that portable speakers are everywhere and suitable for everyone. Edifier’s ES60 is the portable and affordable speaker that anyone can use, teenager, 20 something or even retired!

Using the speaker requires a Bluetooth compatible gadget, which usually means your smart phone, or it can be a laptop or Bluetooth enabled tablet as well. If you’re on the go though, it makes sense to connect it to your phone but it can be set up on multiple devices. To pair the devices, you just need to press the ‘on’ button and it immediately tries to find a Bluetooth enabled device. Using my iPhone, I went to Settings – Bluetooth and at the base of the window the ES60 was ‘discoverable’ and able to be linked to. Easy!

The speaker has all of the buttons you’d imagine on the top; play/pause, – and + for the volume and the on off switch. There’s also a 5-light display to show how much battery charge there is (and it can be charged using the cable provided for which is a USB-C cable. I also really like the additional button which is a light underneath! It makes it much easier to find the speaker if you’re camping, outside or just in a room at night and need to find it.  The light has two settings; warm and bright light. You can download the Edifier app too and connect to the ES60 speaker remotely to control it too.

The sound quality is excellent, with a 360 degree sound experience thanks to the multiple speakers and design of the device.  There are 9 hours of continuous play on a single charge but you can plug it in to play too. There’s an integrated microphone on the top of the speaker so you can connect it to your phone and be able to be heard, or use it to carry out Teams calls if you need the extra boost of a portable speaker to be able to talk to your colleagues! 

A proper all-in-one portable speaker with some nice added benefits such as the microphone and ambient light make this not only a great gift but an all-round must have item at home.

Available from £119.99: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Edifier-Bluetooth-Waterproof-Dustproof-360-degree/dp/B0F8J2SWGL/ref=sr_1_4?crid=10WT591Q4COF0&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.F1207H9GgtkzrZT4zxgg469n2VQE_7bZCrLhE5iWVPImydl0K4JJkTZ0aDavWPCwRBigEIl4aVh2u8QV8qKY2RiFMowF7CPH_9QzQ2FkGmRcrqIet-aBHUjqBoLqHQ52mVMdB91r8rpeCT2uet4cPia_BFuoTDnyoT9LJBvUZwk-m5lT-EFUjeWM5Ka-7_IpMPu54WBN9q79_93Vm0sjGyFD5Q3Xrwf6N9-hAZRRU_w.1UeREBHv6fZuHfm_gAsN9vyWHSaE4TeztxwgRxA8laI&dib_tag=se&keywords=Edifier%2BES60&qid=1762366952&sprefix=edifier%2Bes60%2Caps%2C147&sr=8-4&th=1

Sanctuary Spa Lily & Rose Perfect Pamper Parcel

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, 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.

For the woman in your life, at Christmas, there’s nothing easier than getting her a paper set, especially one from Sanctuary Spa. This year the Perfect Pamper Parcel contains all she needs for pampering in 2026 and we were sent this selection to be able to test out its contents before the holidays. Lucky us!

The Sanctuary Spa Lily & Rose Perfect Pamper Parcel contains Bath Float, Body Wash, Body Scrub and a body sponge for the pampering, plus Body Lotion and Hand Cream for the finishing touches.  With the floral Lily & Rose scent in each of the bath and body products, the light fragrance carries through from bath to bed and all day long.  I like how you can mix and match too by having just the bath set, or the body wash or hand cream available and it makes for a multi-use hamper of treats that can be used any time of day.

At just £20 it’s a steal too, saving money but in a lovely gift set that can be given to teenagers right up to Gran!

Available from £20 at: https://www.next.co.uk/style/su872044/v12927?gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17309306546&gbraid=0AAAAADm_5UW07HjWIjczR8vWt23t5AiGD&gclid=CjwKCAiAzrbIBhA3EiwAUBaUdSqTUJ1WzyY3LWZcqrY4n5LBcFAOORjiQuBCyBcZu5s2G7pG3Ko74hoCJGEQAvD_BwE

LUSH! Yum! Christmas Giftset

beauty, Christmas, cruelty-free, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, secret santa, Vegan, Winter, Women

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

Looking for the perfect Christmas gift? Why not treat a loved one, or even, treat yourself! to the Yum! Gift Set from LUSH. It’s already beautifully wrapped, which makes it perfect for last-minute gifting or as a “just-in-case” pressie under the tree for those surprise guests. The bright orange ribbon and contrasting paper look super stylish, and the packaging is all eco-friendly too, made from 100% recycled paper and board, with biodegradable “eco pops” inside.

I’ve been a LUSH fan for years and I can never resist popping in to their stores “just for a look”… which always turns into a little treat for myself! So, you can imagine how thrilled I was to get my hands on the festive Yum! Gift Set.

Inside the box are four festive treats:

✨ Yog Nog Shower Gel (120g)
✨ Catch Me If You Can Bath Bomb
✨ Humbug Scrubee Body Scrub Bar
✨ Yule Log Soap (100g)

Even though I’m use LUSH products regularly these four products were all new to me so I couldn’t wait to try them.

The Catch Me If You Can Bath Bomb is shaped like a cheeky little gingerbread man and  fizzed away beautifully in the bath filling the room with a lovely  Christmassy scent. The yellow and blue swirls created gorgeous golden patterns in the water before turning the water a very bright green – think the colour of Grotbags face (if you’re old enough to remember her – google her if you’re not!!) whilst the zesty lime and sweet wild orange oils smelt divine and were perfect for helping me relax after a busy day. The illipe butter and extra virgin olive oil in the bath bomb helped leave my skin feeling soft and nourished.

Next up, the Yog Nog Shower Gel and wow, this one’s a Christmas dream. It’s glittery, golden, and smells like sweet, spiced caramel. LUSH shower gels always turn a quick shower into a mini pamper session, and this limited-edition scent might just give my all-time favourite, Snow Fairy, a run for its money!

The Humbug Scrubee Body Scrub is shaped like a cute little bug and is packed with ground almonds and coconut shell for a gentle exfoliation. It also contains hydrating butters and pomegranate molasses which melted into my skin, leaving it lovely and soft. It has a double dose of peppermint and spearmint oils which gives a fresh, tingly feeling which has been perfect for waking me up now the dark winter mornings are here.

If I have to pick a favourite product from the box it has to be the Yule Log Soap. As a self-confessed chocoholic, this one was always going to win me over. It looks just like a slice of Yule log and even smells chocolatey. Made with maple syrup, cocoa butter, and macadamia nut oil, it gives a creamy lather that not only cleans my skin but soothes and hydrates it too. It looks and smells good enough to eat, though best to stick to admiring it every time you wash your hands!

There’s such a fantastic range of LUSH gift sets this year, all wrapped in vibrant, eco-friendly paper and ready to pop straight under the tree and the Yum! Gift Set is certainly one of my top picks.

RRP £35

Fatso Chocolate

Birthday Gifts, chocolate, Christmas, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Vegan

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

I’m a real chocoholic and it doesn’t take much of an excuse for me to reach for a bar of chocolate, so with Christmas around the corner, I’m really enjoying “researching” the festive chocolate selection.

This year, my taste buds have been utterly spoiled by FATSO, a brand that never fails to surprise with its inventive and indulgent flavours. Their chocolate is rich, bold, and just a little bit cheeky – just what you want when the nights draw in and you fancy something comforting (and possibly a little naughty). FATSO chocolate is sourced exclusively from Luker, a family-owned, Colombian co-operative that champions ethical, sustainable cocoa farming. Their beans have earned the prestigious Fino de Aroma classification – a mark of exceptional quality and their work supports local communities, biodiversity, and better farming practices. So, every bite not only tastes good but it does good too!

Top of my Christmas list this year is FATSO’s Drunk’n Monkey (RRP £7.25), a gloriously grown-up combination of spiced rum, banana chips, and salted crackers, all covered in FATSO’s signature dark Colombian chocolate. It’s a real tipsy treat and just as delicious as it sounds.

If you haven’t tasted FATSO chocolate before then the FATSO Foursome (RRP £15) is the perfect introduction. The giftset contains four individually boxed 40g bars –

Sweet Tart – a wonderful combination of cherry, almond and shortbread that balances sweetness and crunch beautifully.

King’s Ransom – for mint chocolate lovers. It contains mint, pistachio and cocoa nib and is minty without being overpowering. The pistachio and cocoa nibs add a nice crunch.

Home Run – 60% cacao chocolate with generous chunks of salted pretzels, whole almonds and honeycomb. The saltiness of the pretzel takes away some of the bitterness of the dark chocolate and sweetness comes from the honeycomb. Nuts add a satisfying crunch to this bar making it impossible to stop at just one bite.

Nan’s Stash – this contains peanut, toffee and digestive biscuit and is incredibly moreish – I challenge anyone to stop after only one piece!!

FATSO has set the Christmas chocolate bar (quite literally) high this year, and I can honestly say it’s the best chocolate I’ve tasted in quite a while. If you’re a fellow chocoholic – or shopping for one – FATSO should definitely be making an appearance this Christmas!

Mr White’s Gin

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

Even the bottle, with it’s white and read marketing and the name ‘Mr White’s Gin’ will scream Christmas at you.  The Mr White which is referred to is Marco Pierre White, Michelin-starred chef and London restaurant entrepreneur who has produced this new 70cl and 40% gin and is bringing it to Christmas via some festive cocktails.

Mr White’s Gin is a dry London gin, with a tangy juniper taste to it. It’s perfect for Christmas with its slight aromatic scents and enhanced floral tones. You can tell that it’s a good quality gin because it’s so smooth to taste, but this Christmas, it works wonderfully in some festive cocktails.

We particularly like the Rosemary & Red  Yuletide Blush(below) which uses Mr White’s Gin as well as cranberry juice and orange liqueur. Enjoy!

Rosemary & Red – Yuletide Blush

A merry twist on a modern classic. This festive Cosmo blends the crisp botanicals of MR. WHITE’S GIN with tart cranberry juice, fresh lime, and a splash of orange liqueur—evoking the brightness of winter berries and citrus under twinkling lights.

Ingredients

40ml MR. WHITE’S GIN

20ml Cointreau or triple sec

10ml fresh lime juice

30ml cranberry juice drink

Fresh rosemary and glacé cherry to garnish

Method

Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into a tall-stemmed glass, and garnish with a glacé cherry pierced with a sprig of rosemary.

Available from £30 at: https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/product/mr-whites-london-dry-gin-70cl

Elemay Starry Nights Luxury Refillable Ceramic Candle

Autumn, Christmas, Fragrance, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, Home, REUSABLE, Stocking Fillers, Vegan, Winter, Women

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 candles, I’ve found it’s worth paying a little more for a better quality candle. While cheaper ones will flicker away quite happily, many are made with paraffin wax, which can release soot and toxins into the air. Spend a bit more, however, and you get something altogether different. Natural wax candles burn more cleanly, with a steadier flame and the scent actually smells like what it says on the box.

Which brings me to Elemay candles – they’re made from 100% natural soy wax with lead-free cotton wicks, making them just as as kind to the air as they are beautiful to look at. The brand was dreamed up by Ellie while she was on maternity leave. And you can tell – this isn’t some faceless corporation churning out identical jars of wax. Every scent has been chosen with care to bring a sense of calm, joy and a little bit of luxury into your day. And I think we can all agree, we need more of that.

With notes of jasmine, zesty citrus, sweet musk and vanilla, the Starry Nights fragrance is inspired by Steephill Cove on the Isle of Wight with Ellie wanting the candle to capture the magic of a clear summer night under a starry sky.

In my opinion candles should look as good as they smell and Elemay certainly delivers on that front. The luxury refillable ceramic candles are in handcrafted ceramic pots, made exclusively for the brand by Sussex-based artist Beth. Each pot is uniquely glazed and the Starry Nights pot has midnight blues and dusky purples to reflect the starry sky above the coast. Mine even arrived with a photograph of the cove taken by Ellie’s dad, and it’s incredible how Beth has echoed the image in her design.

I was surprised to discover that in most areas of the UK, candle jars can’t be recycled, so Elemay’s refill option is such a great idea. It’s not only a more sustainable choice but also a more cost-effective way to enjoy their candles. Refills are priced at £15, while the Starry Nights candle itself is £35.

The 220g candle has a burn time of around 40 hours comes with a care card and refill guide, and is packaged in a reusable linen gift bag, making it a perfect treat for yourself or a lovely Christmas gift.

Bare Hands Rescue Kit

Autumn, beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, health, Mother's Day, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, 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.

With autumn here and the cold of the winter around the corner, hand creams and lotions make excellent Christmas gifts.  Bare Feet & Hands have a lovely array of products this year, including this Hand Rescue Kit which includes a Buff & Shine tool, Glass Nail File, Conditioning Nail & Cuticle Serum and Conditioning Cream. You can purchase them individually but this set is for Christmas and comes in cheaper than if you were to buy them piece by piece.

Starting with the Conditioning Nail & Cuticle Cream, this smells divine because it contains sweet almond oil, ginger extract and manuka honey.  The honey is for hydrating as well as antibacterial and the ginger helps with fungus and bacteria too. The combination of the fragrances is lovely though! The serum helps condition nails and skin before you apply the cream. It can be applied alone, but I like to apply it before I’m sitting down at my desk to work, so that it works in all the goodness as I type.

The Conditioning Cream is the ‘top coat’ which is a rich, sweet almond and aloe vera combination, with added cucumber. You can really smell the aroma of the cucumber when you apply it, and as it absorbs in, it leaves a softness to your skin. In combination with the serum, the two work together so that you have long lasting nourishment to help your hands last winter.

Lastly, there’s the glass file and the Buff & Shine tool. The glass file lasts forever (literally, they never smooth) so this is a really good gift or life-long apparatus to keep by your side. The Buff & Shine tool is used on naked nails to take away any ridges or unevenness on your nails, and gives them a shine before you take the paint to them.

Bare Hands Rescue Kit isn’t just for a gift, although it is a nice gesture for Christmas and works brilliantly as a stocking filler. It’s a fab gift to yourself to have available when your hands are dry or if like me, you just like to have them ‘on hand’ whist you’re working!

Available for £25.00 at 

Hand Rescue Kit

Teoxane Discovery Set

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, Stocking Fillers, travel, 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 Teoxane Discovery Set is a travel sized version of Teoxane’s signature products. It. contains 5 items; Micellar Solution, RHA Serum, R(II) Eyes, Advances Filler (normal to combination skin) and UVA Shield SPF 50+. The Discovery Set is also a travel bag, which in clear plastic means it could go on a plane as well but works nicely as a make-up case for holidays.  

TEOXANE RHA is a patented hyaluronic acid, for skin hydration and anti-aging. Teoxane RHA forms a mesh on the surface of the skin to maintain moisture in the epidermis and strengthens the skin by preventing moisture loss. This leaves the skin looking not just hydrated, but plump and smooth too.  

The Discovery Set includes 5 products that are used in combination to create optimal skin conditions. The Micellar Solution cleanses the skin in preparation for the treatments. R (II) Eyes is for the delicate areas around the eyes whilst RHA Serum is for the rest of the face and neck. Advanced Filler Normal to Combination create the deep hydration for skin whilst the UVA Shield protects morning and night, and whenever skin is exposed to sun.

The Teoxane Discovery Set is pricy at £45 but it’s for older skin and with an emphasis on repairing and anti-aging.  It makes a great kit for someone who is going away on holiday during the summer so that they have everything they need to protect from the sun and repair, all in a small travel size.  It’s very luxurious too, with a slight fragrance but it screams luxury!

Available for £45.00 at: https://www.teoxane.co.uk/product/700177-00?srsltid=AfmBOoq4Y9OACGzshLCCdrV9iR0x_w-YotJoVwJQ0XGpxalNVYofsTIK

Winnie The Pooh Bath & Beauty Advent Calendar

advent calendar, beauty, Christmas, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, 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.

Mad Beauty’s Winnie The Pooh Bath & Beauty Advent Calendar is not for children, but for adults who love the book characters but want the grown-up luxury of a beauty advent calendar this year!

With 24 days (unlike some beauty calendars that only have 12 days) this calendar contains a selection of different beauty gifts such as clay face masks, body lotion, bath milk and lip balms. There’s also some beauty tools in there too including Hydrogel under eye masks (great for putting on whilst sitting in the bath), lip mask, body puff and nail files.

Most of the pieces have the Winnie The Pooh characters on them, like this nail file and hand cream, with some pieces able to last well into 2026 and be used again and again. There’s bath bombs and bath salts that can only be used once, but when you add up the value of all the 24 gifts, they last much longer than just advent. The smaller pieces are great for handbags or going on holiday too.

I know that there are always staples that I need for myself throughout the year, and I hate having to buy things like body lotion and bath bombs for myself when I know I’m going to get them in a gift set at Christmas!  You don’t have to be a lover of Winnie The Pooh to be able to use and enjoy this advent calendar either, the gifts have been selected thoughtfully so that anyone can use them.

The full list of items can be found on the link below (with photos). In the meantime, I’m going to wait until Advent to find out what lies behind each of the windows!

Available for £24.99 at: https://www.madbeauty.com/disney-c157/winnie-the-pooh-c166/disney-winnie-the-pooh-advent-calendar-p3073

iWalk Sparkly Portable Charger

Birthday Gifts, Children, Family Life, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Mobile Phone, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, 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 gifts go, anything that is useful is good with me.  The iWalk Sparkly Portable Charger is a USB-C charger with the added appeal of being sparkly, and in the case of the model sent to me to review, it’s purple too!

Suitable for newer iPhones as well as lots of other models and gadgets, the iWalk is easy to charge and easy to use. Inside the box, the charger has a cable which hooks up to your PC via a USB-C so that you can charge it whilst you’re working. It holds 500mAh of charge, which is about 2.5 battery life charges for my iPhone 16 if you start with the iWalk fully charged. It’s also able to be used with the iPhone 15 and SAMSUNG S24/23+, Google Pixel 3, AirPods, iPads and some other phone and tablet models too.

With its sparkly purple colouring, it looks like a piece of make-up rather than a boring techie object and can fit in even the smallest of handbags. I particularly like having it because you can put it in your bag and forget about it, plus you can plug it into your phone and still be using your phone (or tablet!) at the same time. Not many charging banks are easy to use like that, but the iWalk is designed to be used on the go. It even comes with its own pouch for keeping in your luggage or handbag!

This is a great gift for a teenager or a stocking filler for your loved one. It’s a bit more expensive than some chargers, but it makes up for it by being quicker on charging (42% in 30 minutes for an iPhone 16) and the super handy size that can fit anywhere!

Available for £29.99 at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/iWALK-Upgraded-Portable-Connector-Compatible/dp/B0F38C9888?th=1

The Moon Tarot Cross Stitch Kit

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

If you are looking for a cracking gift for the creative person in your life or a relaxing new hobby for yourself, a cross stitch kit from Innocent Bones is a great place to start.  Modern, stylish designs combine craft with art for both beginners and more experienced sewers, offering a mindful and rewarding experience that creates an artwork you can display in your home.  There are several collections available including Folklore, Mystical and Gothic, and each collection includes a rich choice of design options enabling you to tailor the choice of kit to the personality of the recipient or even to build up a whole collection over time.

I have been enjoying creating The Moon from the Tarot collection in my free time over the past few weeks.  It’s a really simple and effective design with a modern feel to it, and I absolutely love the colour choices.  The thing about cross stitch that particularly appeals to me is that you don’t need to come to it with any particular skills or even a lot of free time.  It’s something you can just pick up and put down but it’s also a very rewarding process.  I always find that taking some time out of my busy day to sew a few lines centres me and brings a wonderful sense of calm.

Each kit contains a guide to basic cross stitching, a printed design chart to follow, cross stitch and backing fabric cut to size, and a generous amount of high-quality embroidery floss that is more than enough to complete the design.  The kit also includes all the necessary equipment for the complete beginner, including a 5 inch wooden embroidery hoop, a pair of embroidery scissors, a packet of needle threaders and the perfect size needle.  It all comes packaged in an attractive eco-friendly box that is tailor-made for gifting to someone you love.

I would give Innocent Bones’ cross stitch kits a solid five stars and would recommend them to anyone.  These high quality kits are an inspired gift idea – creative but not complicated, great value for money and you get to create something beautiful!

Available for £18.00 at: https://innocentbones.com/products/tarot-moon-cross-stitch

Danilo Elvis, Dr Who and Disney for Christmas

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

Danilo are synonymous with calendars and Christmas is the perfect time to give your loved ones a themed calendar they will love. The team at Danilo sent us three which are for all the family; Elvis, Dr Who and Disney!  Each of the calendars are marketed differently for a range of ages, so if you see something you like here, search on the www.Danilo.com website and see if there’s one in a different format. They’re great stocking fillers and some of them are on sale right now!

The Disney Calendar is a family calendar for up to 5 people. Each page has a Disney cartoon theme from Dumbo to Aladdin and Lilo & Stitch.  It also comes with a page of fabulous stickers for denoting the school holidays, parents’ evening and the school play, right down to character stickers and phrases. These are great for adding to the calendars but also great for keeping the children entertained in the kitchen when you’re trying to cook or concentrate.  It’s lovely and colourful too so you can’t miss it on the wall!

Elvis fans will adore this special edition Elvis calendar in the form of an LP. It opens up from what looks like a retro LP cover to reveal the calendar which has a photo of Elvis on every month and the calendar days underneath. It even notes Elvis’ birthday on 8 January!  The photos are from his Promised Land album, released in 1975, which is the theme of the calendar. The photos are all portraits and glossy with retro details of some of them being in black and white but all of them high quality. It shows Elvis at his best, if you’re wondering about what he looks like from his final years.

Finally, the Dr Who Collector’s Edition of the BBC programme is a Dr Who fan’s dream!  It comes in a presentation envelope and opens up to reveal 12 frame-ready prints. This isn’t a calendar for making plans on, it’s a monthly collector’s calendar where you can remove the poster-like prints and save them to frame, but there is the monthly dates across the top of each page.  The posters are all themed on details around Dr Who rather than the doctors or cast themselves. They remind me of artistic album covers which would look good on a wall anywhere, so it’s great to have a calendar which you can keep for longer than a year.

Disney Calendar £10.99: https://danilo.com/products/disney-classics-2026-family-organiser-calendar-with-stickers-and-pocket

Elvis £11.99: https://danilo.com/products/elvis-2026-collectors-edition-record-sleeve-calendar

Dr Who: £14.99: https://danilo.com/products/doctor-who-classic-2026-a3-deluxe-calendar?_pos=13&_sid=05f909d1b&_ss=r

Warmies Keyrings

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

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

Sometimes it’s the little things that bring a smile to my face and my pink bunny Warmies® Keyring has been doing just that since it hopped onto my keys. Cute, cheerful, and surprisingly practical, it never fails to make me smile – and it also means I can find my keys a lot easier in the depths of my bag!

At just 3 inches tall, this mini bunny has a soft, squidgy body and the sweetest little ears that are impossible not to stroke. Like its bigger Warmies® friends it’s scented with lavender, so whenever I’m feeling stressed, a quick sniff is all it takes to help me relax. One thing to be aware of though, especially if you’re already a fan of Warmies® is unlike the larger toys these keyrings aren’t designed to go in the microwave.

The bunny is just one of a whole family of Warmies® Keyrings. With 11 different characters to collect – including an irresistibly sweet pink elephant, whichever character you choose, you’ll end up with a pocket-sized companion that brightens even the most ordinary of days.

At £8.99, they’re affordable and perfectly suited to those small-gift occasions: think stocking fillers, Secret Santa, or simply a treat for a friend. They’re lovely for children too, with the gentle scent making them especially soothing.

Technics AZ40M2 Earbud Headphones

Birthday Gifts, Children, Christmas, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Mobile Phone, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, 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.

These days, headphones are not only getting smaller, but these essentials of everyday life are being produced in better and better quality. The Technics AZ40M2 earbuds are headphones with Multipoint (meaning the headphones can be switched between use on different devices such as your laptop, phone etc) and Bluetooth with noise cancelling thanks to the earbud design.

The drivers are 6mm for ultimate comfort. The carry case is exceptionally small too, which makes them ideal for commuting or at the gym, and the short charging cord (USB-C) means the headphones can be charged at your desk, or whilst you’re travelling. The red light pulses on and off when the box is charging, green when the headphones are fully charged. There are 3 additional ear bud sizes available with the packaging, which, by the way is completely plastic free.  The earbuds have about 5.5 hours of play on full charge if you’re using noise cancelling, or 18 hours without. You can charge just one headphone at a time if you still want to listen to music though, which I thought was a really good tip! 15 minutes of quick charge will give you 60 minutes of listening. I haven’t yet been able to check though, how long it takes to fully charge them from completely dead, but I’m told it’s around 3 hours.

The headphones come in 3 different colours; silver, black and these ones are rose gold, which matches most brands of phones too. You can have noise cancelling as a complete block-out, or Attention Mode to focus on speech. Natural Ambient Mode allows you to select how much background sound to hear.  The touch controls on the earbuds include one tap for play, two taps on the left for volume down, two taps on the right for skip a track and so on… there’s a menu in the ‘Let’s get Started’ guide which comes in the box.

 The instructions also explain how to pair the earbuds with your phone using Bluetooth. Just put the earphones in your ears, press the control pad for 5-8 seconds and you’ll hear music playing. Your device with Bluetooth will be able to pick up that the earbuds are available. It literally took 3 seconds! I would recommend downloading the Technics app for your phone though, as it gives more flexibility in the different controls you have, especially if you don’t want to learn what the tapping sequences do when wearing them.

The sound quality is excellent and very sharp. I didn’t find that the Bluetooth dropped out at all, and I used the app for the controls at first so that I didn’t have to keep looking for the paper instructions. I like my music quite loud, and I like to be able to adjust the bass etc. It doesn’t take long to learn the app and the headphones adjust quickly.

These are brilliant headphones for a stocking filler or a Christmas gift to yourself!

Available for £99.99 at: https://www.technics.com/uk/products/headphones/eah-az40m2.html