Category: Gifts for teachers

Contigo West Loop Mini Travel Mug

Birthday Gifts, camping, Christmas, Days Out, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, hiking, Home, REUSABLE, secret santa

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

Let’s take a moment to appreciate all of those friends and family who buy us Christmas gifts which are both stylish and practical.  With the Contigo West Loop Mini travel mug, you could be one of those gift-givers because Contigo have come up with this excellent design of travel mug that will make anyone happy!

The Contigo West Loop Mini travel mug is designed to fit into outdoor pockets or be able to be carried snugly thanks to its curvy design. It keeps drinks hot for p to 4 hours or cold drinks are cold for up to 14 hours due to a clever design with BPA-free stainless steel.  It’s dishwasher safe as well, including the lid which twists off and reveals 470ml of drinking space – the size of most coffee mugs.

The most ingenious design of the Contigo West Loop Mini is the 100% leak-proof seal.  If you play around with the lid, you find that there’s a spring release autoseal (marked ‘AUTOSEAL’) which when pressed, release the sip cover so that you can drink. When it isn’t pressed, the West Loop Mini is completely sealed so that it doesn’t spill anywhere. That means you can use it in the car, put it in a bag or rucksack and not only will it keep the heat of the drink but it will not leak at all. You can see by the sturdy design of the lid and the inner spring that it’s really effective and when I tested taking it out into the garden, there was indeed no spill no matter how much I threw it around!  This would be great for when you’re out with the children or if you’re into real outdoor pursuits in all weathers.

tea mug

The team at Contigo were also generous enough to send me what I consider a luxury – a proper tea infuser! For those of us who appreciate loose tea, this is a fabulous addition you don’t normally find in travel mugs.  Once the loose tea is put inside the stainless steel strainer, the infuser fits inside the lid before you affix the lid in place. Perfect for having the West Loop Mini full of boiling water, then you can add the already filled infuser to the mug and allow the tea to brew. No more stewed tea when you go out!

Contigo have thought of everything with this travel mug, and there are other products in the Contigo range such as the water bottle which has similar clever designs. The Contigo West Loop Mini comes in 5 different colours (the one featured here is the liquorice design) and sizes.

Available on sale from £24.99 at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Contigo-Autoseal-Stainless-Leakproof-Easy-Clean/dp/B07TRG2RGH/ref=sr_1_5?crid=10N00O7XWBK&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ogA6XhsejKBbFGmkCasxzOXzSCx29RM-0uVZYE8lOLFz7qAzDuDzdktzKHqhIp3r9qmIxhzLB7E-ry8Yg9FHPTxXNAzqcAJeyeviFR8CZch-QogxE_O5yyfIAQfFlHb1gGXRpZEbTm6NdFmJdGXHQCPGhIKTbt6hA3NAaznjAz-vODrevzmiXzj3NyQPduKjoL-f2BFd1J3RMmITfKlELJ4vBUEMoWoJ8_DOprMcMcRNKGE1voWwPKlRVfQqoQG6YRItmMv2USIWdP5p_H-yvi3dulsawpgipU6sfXMGvjE.I9HFuC3mx6yte5i-trYQXRlOZJFFsiZunzc7tUooUNo&dib_tag=se&keywords=contigo&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1730636284&s=sports&sprefix=contigo%2Csports%2C74&sr=1-5

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

Clean Co Alcohol Free Gin

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

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

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

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

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

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

Available in shops and online from £16:

Clean G

The Beirut Box Luxury Food Hamper from Lebnani

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

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

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

Inside the Beirut Box you’ll find:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prezzee Gift Card

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

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

The Prezzee digital gift card is the perfect solution for those “hard-to-buy-for” family members – let’s face it we all have a few! It takes the guesswork out of gifting by giving recipients the freedom to choose from over 200 popular brands including high-street stores, hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, cinemas, and theatres. With so much choice the recipient is going to be spoilt for choice!

Purchasing is quick and easy via the Prezzee website and there is the option to personalise your gift by adding a photo, video, or voice message. With gift cards starting at just £5 and going up to £500 it will suit any budget.

The gift card can be sent instantly or you can schedule it for a specific date which is great for birthdays and special occasions. The gift card is delivered by text or email and when the recipient opens their email, they’ll see a digital “parcel” that they need to click to open – it will then reveal the  gift, complete with any personalized message or video you included.

Redeeming the card is secure and simple – just enter the PIN from the email, create an account and then swap the Prezzee card for a digital gift card from the many retailers on the site. There’s also an app which is great for accessing your gift card if you have chosen a restaurant or venue to redeem it at.

Should you need any help, Prezzee offers support through a 7-day helpline, online chat, and email

I’ll definitely be choosing Prezzee cards again – the recipient gets to pick something they really want and I skip the hassle of finding that “perfect” gift!

Stabilo Pens

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

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

When it comes to stocking fillers, pens are a fantastic choice for both children and adults alike. Whether for school, work, or creative projects, STABILO offer such a wide variety of pens that it’s easy to find a set for everyone.

The STABILO Trio DECO Metallic pens are a great choice for children or crafters, with eight shimmering metallic colours, these pens are perfect for creating dazzling Christmas masterpieces, especially on dark paper. Their bold, vivid colours and metallic shine make them ideal for a variety of art projects, from cards to festive decorations. Designed with children in mind, the ergonomic triangular grip makes them easy for little hands to hold.

RRP £7.81

For those who enjoy precise drawing and sketching, the STABILO Fineliner in pastel colours are a good choice. With eight soft shades, these pens are ideal for writing, drawing, and sketching. The 0.4mm tip ensures clean, precise lines, making them a favourite among those who love to do detailed drawings.

RRP £4.74

The STABILO Boss Original highlighters in bright, vibrant colours will keep notes and important information easy to spot, making them incredibly useful for both students and professionals. Their special anti drying technology means you can leave the cap off for up to four hours without the ink drying out. With a wedge tip that allows for both 2mm underlining and 5mm highlighting these pens are nice and versatile. They are refillable too, helping to reduce plastic waste.

RRP £3.99

In addition to being great stocking fillers why not pair them with a colouring book or coloured paper for a creative Secret Santa gift, perfect for a budding artist?

Pearhead Clay Pawprint Desk Frame

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

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

When working away from the home office, or indeed if you like to have photos of your loved ones around you in the house, this Pawprint Desk Frame is a great Christmas gift for pet lovers.

One side of the wooden frame holds a 4×6 inch photo whilst the other side is a box frame for a paw print. The frame can be desk mounted or hung on a wall but the star of the show is the keepsake clay pawprint which occupies the second of the two frames.

The clay is included in the kit as is the frame, complete with glass.  Preparation is minimal with the non-toxic clay rolled out onto aluminium foil (a rolling pin is included but the foil isn’t) and then with a bit of persuasion, the paw of your cat or dog (or both if they fit!) needs to be impressed onto the clay. The clay is then left to dry for 48 hours before it can be put in the frame but you don’t need to bake it or heat it at all.

There’s no reason why you need to stop at a cat or dog. Hamster or guinea pig feet could just as easily be imprinted, or the feather of a bird could be pressed into the clay. Other items like a collar tag could be embedded as well, as long as it wasn’t too heavy. The Pearhead Clay Pawprint Desk Frame can be a wonderful keepsake for a pet’s memory or even for a new puppy or kitten’s first Christmas.

Available from £19.99 at: https://www.pearhead.co.uk/collections/pet-frames/products/clay-pawprints-desk-frame-copy

Pearhead Pawprint Ornament and Pawprint Ink Desk Frame

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

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

Christmas with pets has exploded in recent years, and so have the Christmas decorations and keepsakes. Pearhead have some excellent pet-inspired keepsakes for 2024 which will stay with you for years to come, and the children will love making the memories.

Starting with the Pearhead Pawprint ornament, you will love this kit and making up the keepsake with your cat or dog.  The kit contains everything you need including the circular frame, ribbons, hole punch and of course the impression material. It’s really simple so children will love to do this on a rainy afternoon before Christmas. The impression material doesn’t need water or anything else added to it, just roll it out and place on aluminium foil. The paw should be wet before the impression is made and you might need someone to hold down a squirming pet but it doesn’t take long to get the imprint.  Use the circle frame to create the perfect ornament shape and the hole cutter to make the hole for the ribbon. Leave to dry for 48 hours but no need to bake or heat it to dry. Once it’s made, you can hang the pawprint on the Christmas tree or if you are feeling arty, children might like to paint it and date it!

The second pet keepsake is the Ink Pawprint Desk Frame.  One side of the frame is for a photo (probably of your pet cat or dog) and the other side is an ink frame.  The term “ink” isn’t what it seems though because the pet paw doesn’t actually go in ink. Instead, it creates an ink impression with the kit that’s included so the weight of their paw makes the image, not the actual ink. There’s no mess and no toxic anything for the pet to lick later and it doesn’t mean you have to be outdoors or clean up after the artwork is made.  It’s another one that the children will love to help out with!

Both items make great presents either for pet lovers or for families who have a beloved cat or dog. 

Pawprint Ornament available from £9.99: https://www.pearhead.co.uk/collections/pet-christmas/products/pawprints-ornament-copy

Pawprint Ink Desk Frame available from £19.99:

ink pawprints desk frame

Edifier X3 Lite Wireless Bluetooth Ear Buds

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

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

Christmas present alert!  Edifier have these brilliant Wireless Bluetooth Ear Buds for just £29.99 and they’re perfect for the gym, commuting or even as stocking fillers for children. We’re always losing headphones so who can turn their nose up at another pair?

The Edifier X3 Lite (here in ivory colour) have 24 hour battery life when fully charged. They come with their own case which doubles as a charging unit and the Type-C charging cable in included so you can charge it from your laptop or any USB socket whilst you’re on the go. When the red light is blinking, it’s still charging – no red light means fully charged and ready to go! The earbuds connect to your phone with Bluetooth, which is done by tapping the touch panel on each earbud 5 times to be in pairing mode. Depending on your phone (or other Bluetooth device), follow the instructions to pair with the earbuds. 

The earbuds have touch control so you don’t need to fumble for your phone each time. Each ear bud (left and right) has similar controls such as tap three times on the left to skip back a track, or three times on the right to go forward. You can also use the touch controls to answer and hang up on calls, or hold down for 2 seconds to reject a call.

As well as being Bluetooth 5.3, they are noise cancelling but with human voice ambient sound. The box also contains spare silicone buds which I believe are a different size to the ones fitted – perfect for children to use. They’re not waterproof but they are water resistant which means they don’t get affected by sweat or light rain.  They feel really, really light in your ears and the case is light and easy to put in a pocket if you’re out and about.

Available from £29.99 at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Edifier-Lite-Cancellation-Microphones-Customization/dp/B0CG8L288V/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=20JGZ3QFG56PE&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.QR_2YJTQr4DXW2MZcbdIDOpCanFqVLxhSzBO6caxz83B8BOh7_HxQ6R-WWtuZTY7zRvMsYUnsSZhuBTO8u3a3pHoov-G-dskI7KyM_97GI04JgvJTugzyj85h3fDLsWBvJmXPhjyfK-Y-3v7aFn9TYulS37_jsi2oYzVYjJkYbEzkgwC6SrIKN9dSvL3fsCSGE0lT3Uor3OLSZ-cC5t64hmrYSmu_xOdVf7cdMCctmk.C9gjZqPDxe7FuMyQnJDcWOwwOGns-DHmhmKIfnEP2XY&dib_tag=se&keywords=edifier+x3+lite&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1729008161&sprefix=edifier+X3+Lite%2Caps%2C73&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

StylPro Make Up Brush Cleaner and Dryer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wickedly Welsh Chocolate Standard Gift Hamper

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

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

Chocolate lovers are easy to buy for at Christmas but if you’re a real chocoholic, you’ll know that just any old chocolate won’t do.  It has to be good quality and taste like chocolate.  The Wickedly Welsh Gift Hamper (standard) makes a perfect gift for anyone but if you love chocolate, this is a real treat!

The quality of the chocolate is first to note. It’s handmade so there’s a lot of love and care that goes into it but with anything that’s handmade, it means that someone has had to physically deliberate over the goods and make sure that they’re of the highest quality.

The ingredients are often more authentic as well, and Wickedly Welsh products are no exception with locally sauced elements to mix the chocolate and flavours to be the best they can.

The Wickedly Welsh Chocolate Gift Hamper is bursting with different chocolates, all of which are sold separately too. There’s three bars of chocolate (Milk Chocolate, Orange & Honeycomb and Welsh Sea Salt & Caramel), two hot chocolate mixes (each sachet makes 2 mugs of hot chocolate), a box of 6 handmade chocolates of different flavours and a bar of milk and dark chocolate from the Wickedly Welsh Love Spoons range.  The whole gift is presented in a letterbox-sized box with window so you can post this or package it up easily as a gift.

My first call was the chocolates which are so moreish and easy to eat! I like to have a chocolate pick-me-up in the afternoon and one or two of these chocolates is ideal.  I don’t know if different boxes contain different flavours but these 6 were Citrus Burst, Raspberry & Vodka, Spiced Praline, Gingerbread, Dark Praline and Mocca Coffee. A lovely assortment and the chocolate alone is delicious!  Secondly, I tried the hot chocolate.  Heating a mugful of milk and adding the chocolate flakes to melt into the milk, this gave a delicious, smooth hot chocolate and the chocolate hit without too much sugar. 

The bars of chocolate were a treat for watching TV or sometimes I just have a small piece in the afternoon. The Milk Chocolate is a favourite with the whole family but the Orange & Honeycomb and Welsh Sea Salt & Caramel are best sellers at Wickedly Welsh and you can tell why. The Orange & Honeycomb is a flavour that’s not widely available with other retailers so you can tell that adults in particular love this. I know I did! The Welsh Sea Salt & Caramel is also a flavour which I would buy, given the chance to look around a chocolate shop on a rainy afternoon so this is especially good. The final Love Spoon Milk and Dark Chocolate bar is an intertwining bar based on the famous Welsh Love Spoons, so it would make sense to give this to your loved one. However, the chocolate is very indulgent and a perfect snack, so I wouldn’t blame you if you kept it for yourself!

This is a brilliant gift not just for Christmas but for anyone at any time and especially chocolate lovers.  There’s something for everyone and the whole family can enjoy the handmade excellence of Welsh chocolate.

Available online from £26.99:

Original Standard Gift Hamper

Lakrids by Bülow Classic Chocolate Coated Liquorice

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

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

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

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

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

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

RRP £14.95

Wickedly Welsh Luxurious Chocolates

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Available from £24.99:

A Box of 24 Specially Selected Chocolates

TokyoTreat and Sakuraco Subscription Boxes

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

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

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

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

snacks

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

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

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

https://tokyotreat.com/subscribe

Opies Preserved Fruits

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

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

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

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

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

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

Available from £6.99

Arty Bee Designs Coaster

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Father's Day, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Home & Garden, Mother's Day, secret santa, Valentine's Day Gifts

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

I’m always on the hunt for unique gifts, so I was delighted when Beth from Arty Bee Designs got in touch -she’s an incredibly talented artist with a fantastic range of cards and gifts. You can find her at Shipbourne Market on Thursdays, and she’ll also be showcasing her work at various farmers markets across Kent in the lead-up to Christmas. If you’re not local to Kent, no worries – you can easily purchase her beautiful creations from the Arty Bee Designs website.

A coaster is a great choice for both stocking fillers and Secret Santa gifts and the Pierre La Patisserie Croissant Coaster, featuring a playful croissant wearing a beret is bound to bring a smile to anyone’s face on Christmas morning. The design is whimsical and light hearted, adding a charming Parisian touch to any desk or coffee table.

When you buy from small businesses like Beth’s, you’re not just purchasing a product -you’re supporting an artist’s passion and dedication. So, if you’re looking for a unique gift bursting with character, make sure you take a look at the gifts on Beth’s website.

Coaster £3 each or £10 for 4

The Hoy Coffee from Artisan Coffee Co

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, coffee, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Home

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

Nobody likes bland coffee, so when The Artisan Coffee Co sent us a new blend of coffee to try, we were all for it!  Not only was this a new artisan blend, but it was developed with Sir Chris Hoy, Olympic champion.

Sir Chris discovered artisan coffee during his Olympic training in Melbourne, Australia and has since joined forced with Artisan Coffee Co to create The Hoy No 6 blend.  With a combination of Arabica beans from Sidamo in Ethiopia, Brazil and El Salvador, the distinct flavour is strong, with a smoothness you’ll appreciate as a coffee lover but with a sweetness that makes it ideal for after dinner.  The luxury of this Hoy No 6 from Artisan Coffee Co means it’s ideal for Christmas Day, or for relaxing on Boxing Day without being too strong.

The Hoy No 6 is a limited-edition coffee, designed especially as a flat white, which incidentally is how Chris likes to drink his coffee!  The coffee is a tribute to Hoy’s sporting achievements and as a celebration to the 2024 Olympic season.

The Hoy No 6 Artisan Coffee Co blend is available in whole bean bags of 240 grams. £1.50 of every bag sold will be donated to The Christie Charity, which supports the work of the Christie NHS Foundation Trust in providing world-class cancer care.

Available online for £12.25 at: https://www.artisancoffeeco.com/products/the-hoy-whole-bean-coffee?_pos=1&_sid=b8df84670&_ss=r

Slice of Heaven Brownies

Birthday Gifts, chocolate, Christmas, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Mother's Day, secret santa, snacks, Stocking Fillers, Valentine's Day Gifts, Women

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

We all have that one family member who’s hard to shop for at Christmas, so if they have a sweet tooth, why not surprise them with some mouthwatering homemade brownies?

Nikki at Slice of Heaven creates the most amazing cakes and brownies, and we were lucky enough to try one of the Brownie 4 boxes. With six indulgent flavours to choose from – Chocolate, Oreo, Twix, Milky Stars, Kit Kat, and Bourbon – there’s something for every chocolate lover.

The brownies arrived in pristine condition, packaged in a sturdy box with a clear plastic lid, with the ingredients listed on the bottom of the box. We tried the Oreo and Bourbon varieties, which were thick, full of flavour, and incredibly moreish! The added Oreo or Bourbon biscuits baked into the top takes the chocolatey experience to the next level making them the perfect treat for a loved one this Christmas. Whether you enjoy them hot or cold, these brownies are sure to be a hit, plus, they come in a letterbox-friendly box, making them a perfect, hassle-free gift to send to friends and family.

RRP £15.50

The Copenhagen Company Grapefruit Candle

Autumn, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Fragrance, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, Home & Garden, Stocking Fillers, Valentine's Day Gifts, 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.

Candles have a magical ability to transform any room into a cosy, inviting retreat. The gentle flicker of the flame, combined with a beautiful fragrance, creates an ambience perfect for unwinding after a long day. Whether you’re curled up with a book, soaking in a bath, or listening to soothing music, candlelight helps relax both body and mind.

The Copenhagen Company have a fantastic range of candles, diffusers and room sprays with a great range of scents including classic florals like French Lavender and Peony and my all time favourite – Grapefruit. The family business was established in 1999 and draws inspiration from founder Bo’s Danish roots and love for fine fragrances. Their collection captures the essence of Hygge, offering products that bring warmth and comfort to your space, and are perfect as we head into autumn with the longer, darker nights.

The grapefruit-scented candle has refreshing top notes of grapefruit, blackcurrant, and passionfruit, with a rich base of vanilla and sandalwood. Once lit, the fragrance quickly fills the room and the beautiful scent lingers long after the candle has been extinguished – in fact I can still detect it the following morning.  

The grapefruit’s zesty aroma is uplifting and energizing and perfect for brightening your mood and refreshing your space. Whether it’s your kitchen, living room, or home office, the scent brings a revitalizing touch to any room. The candle’s double wicks ensure an even burn, consistently releasing fragrance while providing extra warmth and light, enhancing the cosy atmosphere for those peaceful moments of relaxation.

The 600g candle has a burn time of 60-65 hours so my home is going to be smelling lovely in the run up to Christmas!

Not only is this candle a wonderful treat for yourself, but it also makes a thoughtful Christmas gift. The bright, citrusy scent is a refreshing change from traditional holiday aromas, making it an ideal gift for anyone looking to elevate their home with a warm yet invigorating fragrance.

RRP £17

Lily O’Brien’s Christmas Chocolate Selections

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

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

We love Christmas chocolates and Lily O’Brien chocolates are no exception. Throughout the year there are selections of Lily O’Brien chocolates in the shops but at Christmas time, they bring out the special limited edition varieties to tempt you into the world of after dinner dessert chocolates. We were sent a box of dessert chocolates (which are already in the shops) and a box of Limited Edition Dessert Chocolates in time for the feasting to happen. We were not disappointed…

Made with only the best ingredients, we opened the 312 gram (11oz) big box of Christmas Dessert Chocolates first. These are a real treat because they contain 9 different flavours;

  • Crème Brulée
  • Banoffee Pie
  • Lemon Posset
  • Spiced Latte
  • Raspberry Infusion
  • Hazelnut Torte 
  • Dark Orange 
  • Berry Eton Mess
  • Tripe Chocolate Shot

These flavours are not what you would normally find in boxes but reflect the time of year with the seasonal addition of favourite desserts and indulgent chocolate.  I particularly liked the Berry Eton Bess with the dried berries, tiny meringue pieces and white chocolate in a milk chocolate cup, and the Dark Orange which is a ganache filling with pieces of dried orange. These were particularly reminiscent of Christmas with their specific spiced flavours and perfect for after dinner, or sitting down with a hot drink to catch up with friends.

The second box was the favourite Dessert Collection. This contains 6 flavours, some of which were found in the Christmas Limited Edition Box:

  • Lemon Posset
  • Banoffee Pie
  • Crème Brulée 
  • Raspberry Infusion
  • Key Lime Pie
  • Hazelnut Torte

My favourite here was the Key Lime Pie with the citrus lemon curd and lime infused truffle in dark chocolate, which has always been my best of chocolates. With both boxes, the chocolate is smooth and generous with the rich flavours being very overpowering, hence they work well as dessert chocolates and you may only need 1 or 2 after a meal to give you the chocolate sweetness or that dessert flavour you crave. This 210 gram box (7.4oz) is handy for stockings or Secret Santa as it’s a bit smaller and more affordable, but both of the boxes have such a mixture of flavours and different chocolates that anyone can dive in and enjoy them!

Lily O’Brien Dessert Chocolates from £7.50: https://groceries.morrisons.com/products/lily-o-briens-desserts-591089011

Lily O’Brien Limited Edition Christmas Dessert Chocolates available later in the year at £12 from Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Tesco.

The Biskery 12Days of Christmas Biscuit Tin

advent calendar, Children, Christmas, Family Life, Food & Drink, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, secret santa, snacks, Stocking Fillers

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

Biscuits for grown-ups, especially at Christmas become more of a special gift than just a snack. The Biskery have brought out a perfect Advent Calendar for the 12 Days of Christmas with their handmade biscuits as affirmations in a reusable biscuit tin. They’ve sent us a sample to try before Christmas gets started and we couldn’t wait to try them!

The delicious tin contains 11 biscuits with affirmations on them, separated by rice paper with the 12 Days of Christmas written on them, and a 12th biscuit with “Merry Xmas.” The biscuits are jam filled with a cut-out on each of them, much like Jammie Dodgers but with handmade vanilla biscuits. The crisp biscuits are fragrant, crunchy and filling like a biscuit should be but as they are freshly made at the Biskery HQ, they’re that special kind of crumbly that you only get with bakery biscuits that haven’t got any additives or preservatives in them.

With free postage within the UK, you can send them as a gift at short notice.  Although children will love the biscuits, adults appreciate the affirmations too and the home-baked quality of the jam filled cookies. There’s a free gift note included as well and the tin will live on long after the biscuits are gone. I think these could be used as excellent after dinner treats at Christmas time, as a treat for teachers or even as the cookie left for Father Christmas on Christmas Eve…

Freshly baked for £29.95: https://www.thebiskery.com/products/12-days-of-christmas-biscuit-tin

Method Body Wash

beauty, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, health, Home, Stocking Fillers, Summer, Women

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

Method, which is usually known as a cleaning brand, have entered the body care arena this summer with some very cool body wash in flavours, Pure Peace, Energy Boost and Simply Nourish.  Not only are these new to the market and available in Sainsbury’s, but they’re loved by the Kardashians too!

We were sent these three different scents, all at a generous size of 18 fl oz (532ml) to try out during the summer.  Never ones to shy away from a good beauty product, we got to work trying them and weren’t disappointed.  

Starting with Pure Peace, this body wash contains peony, rose water and pink sea salt all of which give it this blush colour; cheerful in itself.  The Method bottles are particularly useful as the ingredients are part of the wording on the packaging. All of the Method body products are plant based too, so there’s more natural ingredients than most other beauty washes. The fragrance is delicate, rose-like and very fresh so you can use it as a body wash or even in the bath to make bubbles!

The second scent is called Energy Boost which contains citrus, ginger and sea buckthorn.  This fragrance is great when you’ve had a big night out and need to get awake in the morning, like a shot of pure energy to wake you up. The citrus really comes through in this wash, and livens up a shower to get you ready to go.  The final variety is Simply Nourish. Containing coconut, rice milk and shea butter you can guess that this body wash is for feeding your skin and making you feel silky soft. Again, it can be used in the bath or to lathe up in the shower with the coconut aroma giving relaxing vibes as well as nurturing. This fragrance reminds me of tropical holidays with the rich rice milk scent and coconut and the shea butter leaves your skin soft like a hotel spa.

In combination, all three look fabulous on the bath side and you can pick and choose which one you prefer depending on your mood, or how hard your day’s been.

Available from Sainsbury’s for £6.50 at: https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/SearchResults/method%20body%20wash

Clean G Pink Non Alcoholic Crisp Fruity Botanical Spirit

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Drinks and Mixers, Father's Day, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Mother's Day, Stocking Fillers, Valentine's Day Gifts, Vegan

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

The sun has finally made an appearance and the forecast for the next few days is good so I’m looking forward to some lazy afternoons in the garden once I’ve finished work for the day. Whilst I would love to unwind with a cool gin and tonic, I’ve a busy week so can’t afford to wake up with a hangover,so a sophisticated non alcoholic drink like Clean G Pink from Clean Co is the perfect choice. Founded in 2019 by Spencer Matthews Clean Co has quickly made a name for itself with its stylish art deco style bottles and high quality alcohol free spirits. Clean G Pink is not only refreshing but captures the essence of a classic pink gin, offering a vibrant blend of botanicals and a hint of sweetness just minus the alcohol.

The Clean G Pink spirit has a delicate pink hue and the bouquet of aromatic botanicals, berries and pink peppercorns creates an inviting aroma that promises an enjoyable drinking experience. The taste is fruity and zesty with the juniper leading the way. The clean and crisp taste makes it incredibly refreshing and whether you pair it with a standard or flavoured tonic, lemonade or make a mocktail it is the ideal companion for unwinding and relaxing.

With less than 0.5% ABV, no sugar or additional sweeteners and only 14 calories per 50ml serving it’s the perfect choice when you want something special that isn’t alcoholic.

A 70cl bottle costs £16 and is available from Clean Co and supermarkets.

Immature Garden – Home Grown Microgreens

Birthday Gifts, Children, Christmas, eco friendly, Family Life, Food & Drink, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, health, Home, Subscription Boxes, Vegan, Vegetarian

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

What a great gift! The team at Immature Garden sent us one of their Large Microgreen Growing Kits to show us how indoor planting of microgreens is not only easy, but a great present for anyone.  We had no idea what was in the kit when it arrived, so what you’re seeing is a succession of photos as we unpacked what was inside. Read on to see how it works…

The Colour is in the Box
Immature Garden
What the kit looks like…
setting up the coconut bowls

Anita and Arnold founded Immature Garden in 2019 when they couldn’t find a sustainable, easy way to grow microgreens at home.  Fast forward to today and they do indeed have a lovely business growing microgreens, selling the kit and everything that goes with it. What are microgreens though?  Vegetables which you would normally go and buy in the shops at maturity are just as nutritious, if not more, when they are seedlings and before the vegetables or fruits start to grow.  You see microgreens on lots of restaurant dishes and if you are serious about increasing your ‘5 a day’ to increase your nutrition intake, microgreens are the way to go. They’re also excellent for growing indoors and during the colder months where you can just cut them down and use them as you need them.

We were sent the Large Microgreen Grow Kit which has more than enough of everything for you to be able to grow microgreens for yourself.  Within the box, there are 3 coconut shell and 6 packets of coco soil. Hidden within the box (and this is great for kids as you have to pull the box apart to find what’s hidden at the bottom!) contains three different types of microgreen seeds; radish, kale and clover. The box comes with instructions or there is a video online but if you’re a gardener or have grown microgreens before, you’ll know how easy it is to put together.

The soil provided is just the right amount for each of the coconut bowls. Empty one packet into a bowl, keeping the plastic bag to one side.  Fish out one of the packets of seeds – a whole packet covers the soil of one bowl as long as you spread the seeds out evenly and this is important to stop them from becoming mouldy. Water them sparingly just so that the soil and seeds are wet. Using the plastic bag the soil came in, enclose the bowls and seal up the bag so that there is enough heat generated for the seeds to germinate. Once they have started to sprout, you can take them out of the bag and keep them indoors until they grow to a reasonable height. The seeds will keep growing unless you cut them and use them, but with the multiple packs you can keep the Immature Garden going for several months – and order more seeds from the website too.

This is a fabulous gift for anyone who is interested in either cooking or gardening, and families with children will love it too as they learn about growing seeds as well as being hands-on. I recommend starting the kit outdoors so that the soil doesn’t go everywhere, which is what I did, then you can move the bowls in the bags indoors.  The kit can be started any time of year not just in summer so as a gift it would be great for Christmas, and in the winter is when we need more nutritious food that can’t be found in shops as easily. It’s also great fun watching them grow and make beautiful centre pieces for dining tables and decoration on shelves!

Check back to see my photos as the kale, clover and radishes sprout and grow – I can’t wait!

Large kit £33.80: https://www.immaturegarden.co.uk/product-page/Large-Microgreen-Grow-Kit

Starter kit: £17.75: https://www.immaturegarden.co.uk/product-page/Starter-Microgreen-Grow-Kit

UPDATE: We have some germinated seeds already! Don’t they look fab!

Cocoba Chocolates 

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

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

Chocolate aficionados will know that supermarket chocolate is not what it used to be. Thankfully, there are lots of new chocolate companies out there who are killing it in the market with those who appreciate good chocolate.  Cocoba Chocolate is one of those companies, starting as a pop-up hot chocolate drinking shop in Brent Cross, London.  Founder Darren comes from Australia and arrived in Blighty to find that he couldn’t find the same quality hot chocolate he was used to growing up. So he made his own. From hot chocolate, the business grew and now includes bars, boxes of chocolates, truffles and a whole range of gifts. We were sent some bars of Cocoba Intense 70% Dark Chocolate, Cocoba Salted Caramel Milk Chocolate Buttons and Cocoba Cocoa Dusted Salted Toffee Truffles.

 I started with the Salted Caramel Chocolate Buttons (you’ve got to start somewhere, right?) as they’re so easy to open and pop into your mouth.  It only takes one button to give you that chocolate hit and they’re relatively small so I had these as mini-snacks after lunch or with a cup of coffee. They’re very smooth milk chocolate but with a hint of the salted caramel to them which makes them extra sweet and a bit crunchy.  To add a different dimension, keep them in the fridge and then let them melt in your mouth after a hot drink to feel the texture as well as savour the flavour.

Cocoba chocolate

The mini bars of chocolate (33 grams) are 70% dark chocolate, hence they’re called Intense 70% Dark, and they are certainly intense! There’s no flavour to them other than the dark chocolate and very few ingredients either, just cocoa mass, sugar, cocoa butter and natural vanilla flavouring. I love dark chocolate anyway and these are perfect because the size means they’re a light snack, fit into a lunch box or are beautiful after dinner, but 70% dark chocolate isn’t so rich that it’s difficult to eat.

Finally, the Cocoba Cocoa Dusted Salted Toffee Truffles were my favourite! Truffles are a big hit with me anyway but I didn’t know that these were going to be such dark, smooth chocolate and have the extra texture of the salted toffee. You can taste both the salt in them and the small pieces of toffee that get into your teeth – but don’t worry, they’re not toffee enough to take out your fillings!  You can really taste the soft cream in these and the cocoa coating is left on your hands when you pick them up. They’re great for after dinner or for sharing and make magical gifts as well.

I’m never one to refuse chocolate but when it’s good quality chocolate like this? What is there not to like?

Salted Caramel Milk Chocolate Bag £4.95: https://www.cocobachocolate.com/products/salted-caramel-milk-chocolate-buttons?_pos=3&_sid=954c85107&_ss=r

Cocoa Dusted Salted Toffee Truffles £7.95: https://www.cocobachocolate.com/products/cocoba-cocoa-dusted-salted-toffee-truffles?_pos=1&_sid=94397d296&_ss=r

Intense Dark Chocolate Mini Bar 70% £2.50: https://www.cocobachocolate.com/products/intense-71-dark-chocolate-mini-bar?_pos=1&_psq=intense-dark&_ss=e&_v=1.0

Marty’s Virgin Bloody Marys

Drinks and Mixers, Family Life, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Home, Summer, Vegan, Vegetarian

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

Who needs lessons in cocktail making when you can buy the cocktail mixers ready-made nowadays, and enjoy your cocktail without any of the mess!

Marty’s Virgin Bloody Mary is a pre-mixed Bloody Mary cocktail but without the alcohol. If you’re a fan of just the tomato juice, apple juice and apple cider vinegar summer drink then pop this in the fridge and drink away. Hugely hydrating, Marty’s Virgin Bloody Mary has no additives, is vegan and only contains natural sugars. You can of course, add your favourite alcohol to it to make up your own cocktail (conventional Bloody Marys have vodka but you can add anything you like to this!) or you can use it to create a completely new cocktail by adding other ingredients.  The high tomato content in this 750ml bottle can also be added to cooking – Bolognese sauces will never be the same!

Marty’s Mild Virgin Bloody Mary comes in a 750ml bottle but we were also sent the spicy version in 250ml. This had more of a kick to it and I would recommend the spicy version for cocktails where the alcohol balances out the spices. Both drinks are sold alcohol free though, so you can really taste the rich tomato flavours coming through in them, the spices that add the summer flavour and best of all, there’s no pulp from the tomato that you have to wade through in order to get to the flavour!  It is best to shake up the bottle first though as the natural juice does settle.

Best of all, Marty’s has won the Great Taste award in 2023 and A in the Aurora International Taste Challenge. Whenever a food wins such prestigious awards, I always like to find new ways of using it, so my lasagne is going to taste amazing this week, and I have ideas for a new salad dressing too!

MILD Virgin Bloody Mary currently on Sale for £20.99 for 3 at: https://drinkmartys.com/shop-uk/p/martys-virgin-bloody-mary-mild-3-pack

SPICY Virgin Bloody Mary currently on sale for £16.99 for 6 at: https://drinkmartys.com/shop-uk/p/martys-virgin-bloody-mary-6pack