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.
Let’s talk about volumising lashes. Great for parties, useful for quick every day make up and fabulous fun for when you want to glam it up when going out. Green People have created this volumising mascara for the party season which contains sunflower oil, Carnauba wax and beeswax which are kinder to skin. We were sent the black mascara from Green People, but you can also buy the same product in brown.
The Green People Volumising is a buildable lash mascara which means you can put on a coat, let it dry, and build up to bigger, longer lasting lashes with extra coats on top. Perfect for when you’re out all day or at work and need to reapply. The beeswax and Carnauba wax mean that you can remove it easily with an oil based make-up remover too. The mascara formula includes vitamin E and to moisturise and protect lashes too.
At £23.50 it’s not cheap, but it is comparable to the department store brands which last just as long and work just as well. You’re also buying in the knowledge that The Green People make more environmentally friendly products which are cruelty free, vegetarian and 98% of the products are natural. How did it look? Plump! The mascara builds up nicely and creates glossy lashes that don’t clump together. Stunning for the Christmas season!
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.
Dewy, supple skin is not only fashionable nowadays, but using collagen masks like the CHROMA Skin Tech Collagen Mask is a great way of self-care and some relaxation. CHROMA sent us a box of collagen masks to use and I gratefully used one whilst rushing around on a Friday afternoon and took some time out to let it work some magic (magic not included in the box!)
There are 4 masks in the box, each individually sealed. If you’ve never used a collagen mask before, it’s a face mask which is infused with collagen solution and you place it on your face and let it dry over a number of hours. It penetrates the skin giving a soft, dewy glow that lasts for about 12-24 hours. The CHROMA masks come in two parts – upper and lower face. There’s a lot of solution in the packet as well, and many influencers say to use the solution on your face as well, to give an extra boost. I struggled with getting this out of the packet though because it’s so slippery, and has a translucent plastic backing to it which doesn’t make it easy to handle. I dropped it in the sink twice!
It places over your face in two parts, and at first it can slide, so it’s easier to sit still until it starts to dry slightly. We’re talking 2 minutes whilst it fixes on you skin then you can go about your day. The mask looks white when you place it on your skin but then as it dries it goes clear. It can take up to 3 hours to dry, but with the heating on at home it took about 2 hours. It’s difficult to eat properly with the mask on though because movement makes it less adhesive, so try not to eat for first hour or drink for the first 30 minutes.
Taking the mask off is easy. It doesn’t ‘stick’ as if it’s glued to your face and instead it peels away gently, even when dry. If you take it off before it’s fully dry, it’s obviously still a bit wet so you can remove it easily too. You can’t reuse it though, which is why there’s 4 in the pack, and I would say you could use them weekly for 4 weeks and get a good overall affect. CHROMA have a lovely LED mask as well, which helps rejuvenate skin cells and also gives you a glow, so the combination of both would help your overall winter schedule.
Was my face more dewy and softer when the mask came off? Well yes it was, and what was noticeable was that my skin moved better because it was more supple. The collagen did what it’s supposed to do and ‘fed’ into the layers of skin and nourished it. It felt like I’d used a really rich moisturiser or had a really long facial with high-end products. It’s amazing how one mask can make you feel so refreshed and the compliments you get on your skin are an added bonus!
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 coffee lovers everywhere, and we mean hardcore coffee lovers, the RISE Coffee Box advent calendar has 24 days of coffee treats for you!
It’s pretty obvious that this is an advent calendar for grown-ups but it did occur to me that with the 24 days of Christmas being the most hectic of the year for any parent, the need for a freshly brewed single origin coffee every day is essential. The coffees are packed in small bags and behind 24 windows of the advent calendar which is styled like a letter with ‘special delivery’ on the front. When you open the cover, there’s a QR code for you to discover where each bag of coffee comes from in the world. The website tells you the story of the coffee as well as the farmer who grew it.
The RISE Coffee Box advent calendar also features the Rise Coffee Community, where you can taste each coffee of origin and pit your tasting buds against the community of coffee followers to see how accurate your senses are! RISE Coffee Box is a B Corp certified specialist coffee subscription business, which means they invest in coffee-growing communities throughout where they source their coffees from. So you are not only enjoying coffee but are helping the world too.
How were the coffees? Well we had the pre-ground coffee version sent to us but there is now a whole bean version too, which is slightly lower in price but it does mean that you have to grind it yourself, and not everyone has that facility. I tried a few of the coffees including this one from DR Congo. Although I’m not a coffee expert, I know what I like and all of the single origin coffees are super duper first thing in the morning – I use a cafetière for my coffee and the ground coffees work brilliantly in one, or you can use an old fashioned drip filter.
Advent calendars aren’t just for children, adults can love them too!
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.
Finally, a gift set at Christmas that doesn’t include tiny samples! The Altruist Christmas Gift Set (29.95) includes a range of their year-round products, wrapped up in a stylish grey washbag. Included in the set is:
As a skincare brand founded by dermatologist Dr Andrew Birnie, you might think that you don’t need sunscreen at this time of year. However, the whole set of products shows the range which is available to Altruist, which is not only sunscreen but skincare too. Altruist’s non-nonsense approach to skincare includes Hand Repair Cream (great for on your desk at work) and Body Lotion with Urea, to keep skin smooth and hydrated. The smaller tubes such as the Face Fluid and Moisturising Fluid with Hyaluronic Acid are small enough to be able to put them in your handbag or travel bag.
I’ve used Altruist sunscreens before, and thanks to the formula being SPF 50 and designed by a real life skin doctor, it’s very reliable and does what it says it does. I can wear Altruist sunscreen and not feel like it’s too greasy or heavy. There is the element of sunscreen film there, and it’s very rich, but it really works and it leaves your skin softer and more pliable.
The set is really lovely and can be used as a gift as well as split up and used as a stocking filler or Secret Santa gifts too!
Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own
I love wearing jewellery and when it comes to going on holiday, I like to take a few favourite pieces with me to accessorise my outfits. The big problem though is keeping everything organised. There’s nothing worse than opening your suitcase to discover your necklaces have tied themselves into an impossible knot, or finding a favourite pair of earrings rattling around at the bottom of your bag. I’ve tried individual pouches, but I still find myself spending ages untangling jewellery instead of enjoying myself! When I saw the Stackers Jewellery Roll on the Very website, I knew straight away that this would be a real gamechanger when I’m travelling. Designed with travel in mind, it’s a neat, oblong case that slips easily into hand luggage or a travel holdall without taking up too much room. The jewellery roll is available in a variety of gorgeous colours, including forest green, red, burgundy and lavender, so you can choose a shade to suit the style of either your luggage or recipient.
Open it up and you’ll find a gorgeous mushroom-coloured interior with a soft, velvety finish. It’s all about clever organisation, with dedicated spaces for different types of jewellery. There are four necklace or bracelet holders, each with a press stud to keep pieces in place, plus an elasticated band and a pocket at the bottom to keep longer necklaces secure. There’s also a zipped pocket for extra bits and pieces, an earring holder and a ring holder, so everything has its own little home. One of my favourite features is the removable velvet drawstring pouch, which I found particularly useful for storing solid bracelets.
Measuring 24.5cm deep, 10.5cm wide and just 3cm high, the jewellery roll has plenty of room without being bulky. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I could fit inside, including my watch, which means I no longer have to leave favourite accessories behind because I can’t work out how to transport them safely. Now, everything stays together, protected and ready to wear when I arrive. Best of all, I can say goodbye to wrestling with tangled necklaces before I’ve even unpacked!
The Stackers Jewellery Roll (RRP £30) would make a lovely Christmas gift for anyone who loves travelling and wants to take their favourite accessories along for the ride. It’s also a great Secret Santa idea if you’re working to a £30 budget and want something useful and stylish that feels a little more special than the usual festive offerings.
Whether you’re shopping for a frequent flyer, a weekend-break enthusiast or someone who simply loves their jewellery, this handy little organiser could be just the ticket.
For other great gift idas take a look at the Gifts for Her section at Very where you’ll find many more fantastic gift ideas for the women in your life.
Disclaimer: we received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.
If you’re anything like me, perfume is always near the top of the Christmas wish list. You can never have too many fragrances, can you? And if your other half needs a hint about what to put under the tree, I’d be more than happy to point him in the direction of the Rabanne Ladies Mini Gift Set! With four gorgeous fragrances it’s a little box of luxury that offers plenty of bang for your Christmas buck.
This gift set brings together four of Rabanne’s fragrances, each with its own personality. Lady Million arrived in 2010, bringing plenty of golden glamour, while Olympea followed in 2015, inspired by the idea of a modern-day goddess. Fame joined the party in 2022 with its contemporary, playful feel, and Million Gold for Her arrived in 2024 to add yet more golden sparkle. With four different scents to explore, there’s a good chance you’ll find one that makes you feel like the queen of the Christmas party.
The miniature bottles are little versions of their full-sized counterparts, making them lovely to display on a dressing table as well as practical for everyday life. They’re ideal for popping into your handbag for a quick refresh, tucking into your wash bag for a weekend away or taking on holiday without sacrificing precious luggage space. After all, there’s only so much room in a suitcase once you’ve packed the shoes!
They’re also a brilliant way to experiment with different fragrances without committing to a full-sized bottle. You can choose something glamorous for an evening out or a scent to suit your everyday mood. And if you discover a new favourite, you’ll know exactly what to ask for next Christmas!
Available from Very, the Rabanne Ladies Mini Gift Set would make a lovely present for a mum, sister, daughter or friend who enjoys a little pampering. Very has plenty of other Christmas gift ideas to browse in the “Gifts for her” section of their website , so you might even manage to tick a few more names off that ever-growing list. Just don’t forget to drop a few hints about what you’d like yourself!
Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.
Filled with delicious festive treats, a food hamper is one of those gifts that’s just as lovely to receive as it is to give. Who wouldn’t be delighted to open a basket packed with tempting food, drinks and a few extra surprises? 123 Hampers has a fantastic selection to choose from, and the Traditional Family Basket, priced at £125, would make a wonderful gift for friends or relatives this Christmas. Having seen what’s inside, though, I wouldn’t blame you for keeping it for yourself!
First things first, let’s talk about the basket itself. I know you’re probably thinking it’s what’s inside that counts, but this is a rather impressive bit of wickerwork. It’s sturdy, well made and fastens securely with two buckled straps, while the blue fabric lining gives it a smart finish. This isn’t destined for the back of a cupboard once Christmas is over, I can see it being put to good use in many homes as a stylish storage basket. But enough about the basket. Let’s get to the good stuff!
The presentation was excellent, with plenty of protective packing keeping everything safe during transit. There’s something rather exciting about lifting out the goodies from the top layer and discovering what’s hiding underneath. We were very impressed by the variety of items in the hamper, there’s a good balance of sweet and savoury treats, along with drinks to suit different tastes, making this a hamper designed for the whole family rather than just the adults.
Those with a sweet tooth were immediately drawn to the Valley Bakery Shortbread Festive Shapes. Buttery, crumbly shortbread is a classic for good reason, and these seasonal shapes make a lovely addition to the biscuit tin. The children were particularly taken with Grandma Wild’s Gingerbread Reindeer Decorating Kit. This is a brilliant way to keep little ones entertained during the holidays, giving them the chance to decorate their own gingerbread reindeer before eating them!
My husband, meanwhile, is firmly in the savoury camp. A mountain of biscuits and chocolates simply won’t do when there are savoury snacks to be had. The NibNibs Sun Dried Tomato Big Minis were soon opened and paired with a tasty dip, accompanied by a glass of Vino De La Sierra Red Wine. It proved to be a winning combination, making an ideal nibble for a relaxed evening in.
There’s also a bottle of Belvoir Mulled Winter Punch, perfect for a warming seasonal drink, along with a box of Valley Tea Breakfast Tea. Whether you fancy something special to sip in the evening or a proper cuppa to start the day, there’s something to suit all tastes.
The Christmas cracker filled with Valley Chocolates Milk Chocolate Buttons is a Christmassy touch, combining a traditional cracker with a chocolatey surprise. And then there’s the teddy bear, quite possibly the cutest member of the entire hamper!
Christmas is a great time for snacking and very festive green and red Popcorn Shed Candy Cane Popcorn is perfect for munching whilst watching a Christmas film
Finally, no traditional hamper would be complete without a Christmas pudding, and this one contains a pudding from Valley Bakery. It’s deliciously moist, with plenty of fruity flavour and is lovely served with cream or a drizzle of brandy sauce.
This wonderful hamper is bound to add plenty of festive flair to your Christmas festivities, whether you treat yourself or give it as a gift. With a selection of food and drink which is sure to have your mouth watering there will be something for the whole family to enjoy this Christmas.
And the good news is that free next-day delivery is available across the UK and Northern Ireland, making it easy to send a little seasonal cheer straight to someone’s door. For an extra £3.99, you can also add a personalised card featuring your own photos, making this a lovely gift for someone special. Just remember, if you order one for the family, you might need to be quick if you want to get your hands on the best bits!
Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.
Christmas will be here before we know it, and if you’re anything like me, the panic over finding presents for everyone will probably start somewhere around the time I realise there are only four shopping weekends to go. Luckily, we’ve found a Lee Stafford haircare bargain that could tick several names off the list in one go.
The Lee Stafford London Hair Scentsations Gift Set would make a great Secret Santa present, stocking filler or little Christmas treat for yourself. In fact, I’m seriously considering splitting the set up and putting one of the mists into three different stockings. We love a bargain here at The Review Studio, and at £17.50 for all three, this set is a real steal. With each 80ml Hair Perfume Mist usually priced at £9.99, buying them separately would cost £29.97, making the gift set an real Christmas win. Even better, it’s currently included in the Boots 3 for 2 Christmas offer, making it an even more tempting festive buy.
The set contains three of Lee Stafford’s signature hair scents: Red Idol, Caramel Brûlé and the Original Lee Stafford Hair Perfume Mist.Red Idol is probably the most sophisticated of the trio, with Jasmine, Ambergris and Woody Cedar creating a lovely fresh fragrance. The Caramel Brûlé, which smells exactly as indulgent as you would hope, has a warm salted caramel fragrance and the Original Lee Stafford Hair Perfume Mist, has the instantly recognisable Lee Stafford fragrance.
These perfume mists aren’t just about making your hair smell gorgeous , these multi-tasking mists refresh your hair, add shine and also helps tame frizz, while the star ingredient, Sunflower Extract, helps protect against the effects of heat, UV rays and environmental pollution.
They spray nice and evenly, with a light mist which doesn’t feel sticky on my hair. The fragrances last surprisingly well and I’ve received lots of compliments since I started using them.
So whether you’re looking for a Secret Santa gift, a stocking filler or simply a little Christmas present to yourself, the Lee Stafford London Hair Scentsations Gift Set is a great beauty buy.
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.
Marvellous Mavala Christmas gifts sent us two kits available this Christmas which make excellent Secret Santa or stocking filler gifts. If you’ve never heard of Mavala before, it’s a Swiss beauty company that specialises in precision beauty, meaning they like to produce the best quality products that ‘honour individuality and authenticity.’ They are an independent, family owned business with its roots going back 65 years. Their products are never tested on animals, are 100% Swiss engineered and have zero compromise on quality or safety. We were sent two of their Christmas range products; Your Nail Growth Routine and Ruby Christmas Duo.
Ruby Christmas Due contains two miniature colour nail polishes in shades called Las Vegas and Paris. These vibrant colours are more for the adventurous nail polish wearer or for going out at night, so perfect for the Christmas season, or as a gift for someone who likes to make a statement with their nail art. Even though they’re miniature varnishes, they’re perfectly good to use weekly, not just for Christmas or special occasions. They are great for going on holiday with though, as they’re small enough but bright enough to wear with confidence!
The Mavala nail care kit; Your Nail Growth Routine is a two-stage treatment kit to help your nails grow. The first Mavaderma treatment is an oil based formula that helps nails grow healthily at the root, and contains wheat germ and sweet almond. The second treatment is pistachio to fortify nail growth in the long term. For best results, apply Mavaderma daily at night time, on clean, varnish free nails. Massage into the nail bed and leave on overnight to allow to work. Before a manicure the next day, apply Mava-Strong as a base before colour.
I haven’t been using Mavala for long, but I do feel that the Mava-Strong gives my nails the extra strength I need to keep the nails strong, and prevent splitting which is a problem I’ve had for a few months. The Mavaderma should help in the long run with promoting nail growth at the base, but it will take a few months for that to become evident. These are both great gift sets for Christmas and can be used all year round, so by the time next Christmas comes around, your nails will be perfect!
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.
Rum isn’t generally as well known as a tipple as some other spirits nowadays, with gin, vodka and whisky normally taking top spot. Rum is usually synonymous with the Caribbean as well, but Barti Rum is from surprisingly close to home – Wales!
A finalist in The Grocer’s New Product category for 2026, Barti Rum was started by Jonathan Williams when he moved to the Pembrokeshire coast and started The Pembrokeshire Beach Food Company. His menu originally featured seaweed heavily and the company caters for the Olympic village, Glastonbury and lots of other UK events. In 2017 however, Jonathan has the idea to combine his signature seaweed and rum. From then, the brand has continued to grow and now produced straight rum, Barti Cream and a this set of cans.
The Barti Mini Duo Pack (£13.50 online) includes 5cl bottle of Barti Spiced Rum and a 5cl bottle of their award winning plant-based cream liqueur. Whilst the Barti Spiced Rum is nicely warming and just the comfort you need for winter, the the Barti Cream is decadent and rich, and just the treat you need on a cold night.
The Barti Can Triple Gift Pack (£12.50) has three flavours; Barti Ginger & Lemon Iced Tea, Barti Sea & Buckthorn Fizz and Apple & Barti. None of them are flavours you come across every day, but they are all refreshing, with the quiet undertones of Barti Rum. All of the flavours have the subtle warming texture of rum in them, so if you’re partial to a bit of comfort rum after dinner, Barti Rum makes a nice change to some of the other spirits out there.
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.
Sleeveless jacket, gilet, padded vest; whatever you call them from wherever you are, the sleeveless jacket is back in fashion. Versatile for both casual and sportswear, the Verglas Down Vest from Helly Hansen is made with a waterproof, toughened fabric that doesn’t tear easily. It also squashes down to almost anything so can be in the side shelf of the car, in a backpack or even condensed down into a pocket.
Speaking of pockets, there’s two zippable pockets on the chest which is great for dog walking or as an addition to sportswear because they’re incredibly deep. There’s enough room for a phone and keys in each pocket and still ample left for anything else. I wear a size 16 and this is a size XL which does up easily on the zip from top to bottom. It keeps you nice and snug too with the down filling evenly quilted throughout. The high neck is also useful in winter but you can of course wear it without being done up to the top so you have more freedom. The waist is toggled so you can draw in if it’s too big for you and need to reshape it or if it’s really cold and need the protection.
This gilet isn’t just for casual though, it can be a base layer with skiing or under winter sports gear. It only comes in black at the moment which is probably the mos versatile colour and doesn’t show up any marks. There’s also a zipped inner pocket on the chest and some deeper inner pockets too so if you’re skiing, they’re super useful.
As winter comes in, and autumn becomes cooler this is a great vest to use with layers, out running or even for commuting and around the house. I think I’m going to enjoy the freedom it gives with not having to wear a coat all the time, especially with all those pockets!
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 those friends and family members who seem to have everything, making Christmas shopping a little more challenging than we would like. When I’m stuck for ideas, I usually buy a nice box of chocolates, as you really can’t go wrong with a box of luxury chocolates.
Hotel Chocolat was originally a mail order business specialising in chocolate that was a little more exciting than the usual supermarket offering. Founded back in 1993 they have grown into one of Britain’s best-known luxury chocolate companies, with shops across the UK.
The Hotel Chocolat Everything 9-Piece Boxed Selection costs £14 and contains a great selection of chocolates. With a mix of milk and dark chocolate and nutty, fruity and boozy chocolates there should be something to suit all tastes.
The chocolates are beautifully presented in a stylish brown and gold box. Lift the lid and you’ll find pictures and descriptions of each chocolate, so you know exactly what you’re about to enjoy. There’s also a handy guide for anyone with specific dietary requirements.
The nine delicious flavours are Peanut Butter, Raspberry Smoothie, Passionfruit Heart, Classic Champagne, Pistachio, Billionaire’s Shortbread, Dizzy Praline 70%, Dizzy Praline 40% and Caramel Cheesecake. Ordinarily when we have a box of chocolates there are a couple that are left because nobody likes them but there wasn’t a single chocolate in this box that I didn’t like! My favourite was the Raspberry Smoothie which was very tangy whereas my husband who is a white chocolate fan preferred the Passionfruit heart.
Whether you’re looking for a special Christmas present, a Secret Santa gift or simply a ‘just in case’ box for someone who deserves a little treat, the Hotel Chocolat Everything 9-Piece Boxed Selection is a deliciously easy choice. And if you buy one for someone else, nobody says you can’t buy yourself one too – it is Christmas after all!
Very have these chocolates and many more gift ideas in the “Gifts For Her” section of their website.
Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
We might not want to think about it yet but winter will be here, and some of us will be skiing in that time. Even if you don’t ski though, a snug pair of ski gloves goes a long way in the cold! I have had ski gloves for several winters now and I won’t be without them. Helly Hansen have a range of gloves for women including these Alphelia gloves in the colour snow.
The Aphelia glove have 4 layers of material for keeping your hands cold in extreme and prolonged lengths of time in the cold. The outer shell fabric is waterproof but also breathable thanks to the Helly Tech professional layer underneath which wicks away moisture whilst exercising. Perfect for outdoor sports where you work up a sweat in winter. There’s also insulation layers underneath and then the soft lining.
To wear these gloves, I have a size Large but my hands are really little for an adult, but these are a bit snug. I would say to go up a size at least if you want lots of room or if you have long nails! The gloves come over your wrists and are elasticated, with a snap clasp to hold them together. There’s also a lead to attach them to your ski suit. Even if you don’t ski though, these gloves will keep your hand toasty warm in winter, or if you are exposed when taking the pram out, running, driving or just walking the dog, they’re a must have for about 4 months of the year!
Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
I love honey. Honey has had a bad reputation in the past few years with the scandal that so many brands are using sugar syrup instead of honey, and the real honey has become really expensive with climate change making honey harvesting more unpredictable. I am delighted to say that the British honey from Black Bee Honey is homegrown, available to buy in plenty and isn’t as expensive as you might think. Black Bee Honey sent us this completely unexpected gift box of honey.
The gift box contains 4 jars of honey which weigh 227 grams each, so yes, this is a heavy gift box! The honey is sourced from the 4 seasons of the year, which explains why each jar is a different colour and a different texture. For example, spring is light cream colour, and is harvested when rapeseed, hawthorn and plum blossom are in bloom in Somerset, Yorkshire and Northamptonshire. The honey is soft and opaque so suits being used in baking to add sweetness. The summer honey, even though it’s harvested just a few months later, is transparent and resembles more like what we think of as honey. It’s sourced from all over the country in the summer so could come from any source of blossoms and flowers.
I use honey for so many meals and dishes. I make salad dressings from it, use it as a substitute for sugar and even use it for medicinal purposes. I only ever buy British honey because I have ridiculously bad hay fever and I can’t take over the counter medicine without falling asleep at the drop of a hat. So I take British honey every morning in some form, even if it’s just a teaspoonful and it gets rid of 80% of my hay fever symptoms, but can be taken as often as needed throughout the day. With this in mind, I love having honey around and I know my honey flavours! The idea of having seasonal honey is unbelievably useful to someone with hay fever who needs to have the antihistamine properties available throughout the year, depending on what causes the allergy.
As for the taste of the honey – well, it’s real honey! Each jar has a slightly different taste to it above the sweetness, whether it be a slightly more floral, or a delicate blossom flavour. I love this gift as a great idea for anyone who loves honey, or who cooks, has a family of honey lovers or likes using British homegrown products.
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.
Matcha lovers will love the range of matcha tea from The Matcha Yaad this Christmas! We were sent some strawberry and peach flavoured premium matcha to try, along with a sample sachet of chocolate (my favourite!) so how did we get on?
Premium matcha from The Matcha Yaad can be used for making matcha tea, or added to smoothies lattes, ice-cream, lemonade, cakes or much more! Try putting it over the top of a dessert like tiramisu or making a milkshake out of it. With a product like matcha, there are lots of different ways you can use it and make dishes more interesting. I first started using it as a tea but then discovered that the best way to use it was as a supplement flavour for other foods, and that’s when I discovered adding it to smoothies and ice cream!
What does it taste like though? Well matcha is usually quite sour tasting, and not easy to drink all in one go. The Matcha Yaad make premium matcha though, so it’s authentic leaves which are infused with a flavour and most of the flavours are naturally sweet so you don’t need to add any sugar or sweetener to it. The flavours of the peach and strawberry come through subtly, but I really enjoyed the chocolate flavour the most! If you’re making up a latte or drink with the matcha, then just add water to some matcha (a tablespoon amount will be enough for one mug) and then add cream, coconut milk or something similar, and blend. An espresso whisk will do the trick, then you can enjoy either on it’s own or add a shot of latte and some ice to make a summer tall drink!
The Matcha Yaad matcha is expensive, but it goes a long way and is for the matcha lover who wants the authentic taste. It has no added sugar and no dairy so it’s suitable for a wide range of matcha lovers too.
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 is a brilliant gift for anyone who reads, and not just book lovers. The Flexilight is a bookmark and book light in one, allowing you to read anywhere thanks to the built-in light at the top of the page marker.
The Flexilight Bookmark is ultra slim to be a bookmark, but the neck can be tilted towards the pages so that you can angle the light at the top to be able to read whatever size book you are looking at. The LED light has 8 lumens of bright light and comes with the 2 batteries needed, but you can change the batteries in the future if you need to.
This is a great Secret Santa gift , especially as it’s only £8.99 at the moment, and it’s great for children who like to read in the back of the car, or under the bed covers at night. Imagine having this in a sofa cushion den under a blanket and being able to read in secret? This is a great stocking filler, and any age can use it!
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 Penmark Ruler Bookmark caught my eye because it’s multifunctional. Not only is it a pen, but it’s thin enough that it can be a bookmark too. Additionally, the decoration on it is that of a 10cm or 4 inch ruler. Not only that, but the Penmark comes with two refills and already comes with an ink cartridge.
I know I would use this in the office when I’m running about and trying to find a pen for my notebook – this fits into the pages nicely and won’t get lost. If you’re in an industry where you need a ruler too, this is an exceptionally good gift. It’s brilliant for a stocking filler or Secret Santa, or just for putting in your handbag because it’s so light and easy to carry around.
Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
I have the perfect P|usheez gift for you! This ocean-inspired clown fish is not only a desk toy, but it is designed to prop up your phone too. Whether you’re charging your phone, on a call or trying to read something, the Plusheez Phone Holder can prop up your phone either vertically or horizontally.
I kept the Plusheez on my desk at home, so that I could take a call on my mobile and have it facing me and the microphone could pick up my voice whilst I was on my laptop. It works just as well with video calling too, so that you’re hands free. The fact that Plusheez is a soft toy is also great for phones because it doesn’t mark or damage them in anyway with grippers or anything that secures phones in place like a tripod does. If you’re like me and need to have something on the desk to distract your hands when you’re on a long, boring call, the Plusheez toys are great for that too, and they don’t make a noise when you drop them or play with them!
The Plusheez are really great toys that have a use, anyone can use them. Fabulous Secret Santa or stocking filler gifts too.
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 pretty tile is more than just for decoration, and it’s not a coaster either! The Tile Wireless Zip Charger from www.thinking.gifts uses a USB-C cable to connect to either your laptop, a plug or any compatible device (which could even be your car if it has a USB-C plug). If you place your phon over the centre of the tile, the light changes to red and charging starts. It even works through a phone cover, depending on the material. Once fully charged, the red light turns blue.
The Tile Wireless Phone Charger works with Apple iPhones, Samsung and many major phone brands, and also works with Apple Airpods. The Tile is really light weight, and uses a normal USB-C cable so if you’re packing for work or for travel, you don’t need that many cables. It’s really lightweight too, and is only 12cms by 9cm in size.
This is a brilliant Secret Santa gift or a Stocking filler for teenagers or anyone who spends a lot of time on a laptop and needing to charge a phone on the go. It looks so pretty too!
Disclaimer: We received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.
Summer is made for getting outside, whether that means hiking over hills, cycling along country lanes or spending weekends under canvas. After a few hours of walking, hauling kit around and generally expecting my legs to perform as though I’m still 21, though, a bit of recovery is definitely required. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been putting a selection of products from Scottish herbalists Napiers through their paces.
Napiers has been around since Duncan Napier founded the brand back in 1860. Scotland’s oldest herbal apothecary combines traditional herbal remedies with natural skincare and wellbeing products, all with that unmistakable old-school apothecary feel. There’s plenty to choose from, whether you’re looking for something to soothe tired muscles, deal with summer bites or simply give your bathroom shelf a bit of herbal sophistication.
The company still operates from Bristo Place in Edinburgh, where it all began, and Duncan’s great-granddaughter, Lynda Napier, continues the family legacy with her husband Eric. Hstorian, Eric has even written a biography of Duncan Napier’s life and work, so this is very much a family business with some serious history behind it.
The heritage doesn’t stop with the ingredients. Napiers’ packaging is very traditional, with dark glass bottles and classic apothecary-style labels that give the products a rather lovely old-world feel.
The Napiers Magnesium Body Gel (RRP £19.99) is just what you need after a long day cycling or walking. The gel contains high-strength magnesium (500mg per 5ml), aloe vera, lavender and vitamin E and the lightweight, non-greasy gel is designed to be massaged into tired muscles. I found spending a few minutes massaging it into my tired legs in the evening made a real difference to my tired legs. It absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave my legs feeling sticky, while the gentle herbal fragrance is very relaxing.
There are plenty of things I love about camping, but midges definitely aren’t one of them! Fortunately, Napiers also sent me their Bugbuster Outdoor Body Spray (RRP £9.99) and I made sure that was in my bag on our recent camping trip to Brecon Beacons.
The water-based herbal spray combines citronella, lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint and Highland bog myrtle and the fresh botanical scent is a lot nicer than the harsh chemical aroma of many traditional insect repellents. It’s quick and easy to apply, a few sprays before heading out for an evening around the campsite or setting off on an evening walk was enough to keep the evening bugs at bay. The bottle is small enough to slip into a pocket or rucksack, so it’s always close at hand when the insects start making an appearance.
Of course, even the best outdoor preparation doesn’t guarantee an entirely bite-free adventure and when I received a bite from a horsefly, the Napiers Bite Ease Post Bite Comfort Serum (RRP £12.99) proved its worth. Made with calendula flower extract alongside tea tree, lavender and peppermint essential oils, it is designed to soothe skin after an insect bite. The 50ml bottle fits nicely in my rucksack pocket and is a very useful addition to our walking and camping kit. It will definitely be coming on our annual Scout camp, which, being beside a river, always attracts plenty of hungry bugs!!
Our summers involve plenty of walking, so the Napiers Foot Recovery Skin Cream (RRP £19.99) has had plenty of opportunity to prove itself this year. My feet always need plenty of attention after spending a day in walking boots, and this rich cream was a real treat for them. Coconut and jojoba oils are combined with cooling chickweed, comfrey and calendula, alongside lavender, peppermint and rose geranium and the foot cream smells lovely and fresh and herbal, while the rich texture feels particularly comforting after covering many miles. I’ve been applying a generous layer in the evening before popping a pair of cotton socks on and then leaving it to soak in overnight. When I wake up my feet are lovely and soft ready for another day of walking over the hills and dales.
These four products are all you need to care for your skin when you’re spending lots of time outdoors, The Magnesium Body Gel takes care of tired muscles, Bugbuster helps tackle the flying brigade, Bite Ease deals with the aftermath and Foot Recovery gives hardworking feet some much-needed TLC. What I particularly like is that they don’t feel like products designed to be hidden away in a bathroom cabinet. They’re practical enough for a rucksack, but with the botanical ingredients, beautiful fragrances and traditional apothecary feel, they bring a touch of beauty-editor luxury to outdoor life. Because spending time in nature is one thing, but there’s no reason you can’t come back from the hills smelling fabulous and feeling considerably less battered.
Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.
I’m a big fan of wash bags with plenty of pockets and compartments because there’s nothing more annoying than rummaging through a dark, messy washbag looking for your toothbrush, when you’re already late for breakfast! The Osprey Daylite Hanging Toiletry Kit is my kind of washbag, offering plenty of storage without turning the whole thing into an unnecessarily complicated piece of luggage.
With a 4-litre capacity, there’s enough room for everything you need for several days away, while the zipped compartments keep your toiletries neatly separated and easy to find. There’s also a washable liner, which is particularly welcome because, sooner or later, something in a wash bag will leak. It’s one of the immutable laws of travel, somewhere between forgetting your phone charger and discovering the hotel hairdryer has the power of a tired mouse.
As soon as I started filling the Osprey Daylite Hanging Toiletry Kit for my holidays, it was obvious that it had been designed by people who actually travel. There are plenty of different sized pockets so that everything has its place, and there’s enough flexibility to accommodate a decent collection of toiletries without having to play Tetris every time you pack.
The hanging loop is one of my favourite features. Bathrooms in hotels, hostels and campsites aren’t always blessed with acres of useful worktop space, so being able to hang the bag from a shower rail, hook or door handle is incredibly handy. It also means you can see everything at a glance rather than balancing your toiletries precariously on the edge of the sink.
There’s a deep zipped pocket at the top, with a smaller zipped mesh pocket in front of it, while the lower section has another large zipped compartment and two open mesh pockets. These are particularly useful for shower gel and shampoo, keeping them easily accessible when the bag is hanging up in a shower cubicle.
This is also a washbag that can take some abuse. I stuffed it to the point where common sense suggested I should probably stop, then subjected it to the sort of aggressive tugging normally reserved for a stubborn tent zip. It coped brilliantly. There was no strain or fraying on the stitching or fabric, while the zips glided smoothly throughout testing.
The Osprey Daylite Hanging Toiletry Kit is a simple piece of kit, but it’s one that gets the important things right. It has plenty of storage, keeps everything organised, takes up relatively little space and can be hung wherever you need it. Whether you’re heading off for a weekend camping, travelling around the country or simply escaping to a hotel for a few days, it’s a very useful addition to your travel kit.
Why we like it
Plenty of pockets and compartments without becoming unnecessarily bulky or complicated
4-litre capacity gives you enough room for toiletries for several days
Hanging design is perfect when bathroom space is limited
Adjustable strap can be looped over hooks, shower rails, doors or drawer handles
Washable liner makes cleaning up inevitable leaks considerably less painful
Robust construction stood up well to being stuffed and tugged during testing
Made using bluesign® APPROVED, 100% recycled materials
Available in Black and Tan Concrete and has a RRP of £30
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 smallest fit ever” is what the packaging on the JLab Mini JBuds claims and we’d have to agree! Even the casing is smaller on these diddy earbuds, which are perfect for children or those with smaller ears. The ear buds are 30% smaller but the case is 50% smaller than other ear buds, which also makes them easier to carry, especially in pockets. They’re so small in fact, that at just 3.3 grams each and a total of 18.5 grams for the case, they make an ideal keyring or can be worn as a charm on your phone.
The JBud ear buds pack a punch though with a 6mm dynamic driver speaker for audio and an output of 103 ± 3dB. The battery life is around 20 hours when fully charged, which is impressive amount of play time with such small headphones. It takes between 1.5 and 2 hours to charge depending on how you charge the case, which is a USB-C port and comes with the C to C cable. The ear buds connect to Bluetooth 5.3 (the most recent version) and have approximately 30 foot range.
These are especially great for children because of their size and they also connect really easily to devices when in ‘find’ mode. There’s not very many settings on them either, and the 4.5cm length case is easy to handle and keep on children in their pockets, rather than having to hand them to someone else or carry a bag with them. They’re a great price too, either as a gift or as a stocking filler and they’re currently on sale at £29.99 on the JLab website below!
Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
Here’s a great gift for the teenagers or when you’re travelling – a portable Bluetooth speaker that lights up and connect to other JLab speakers to create a wall of sound!
Imagine being out on a picnic, or camping, and having a team of these JLab Pop Party Bluetooth speakers all playing the same music at the same time from the same device. Each of the speakers lights up so that not only can you find them easily amongst all your stuff, but as night falls, you can see each other in the glow or red, green and blue lights. They each have 8 hours of power in them; enough for a whole day outside or a night time party. The JLab Pop Party Ultra-Portable Bluetooth speakers are only £24.99, and make excellent birthday gifts, stocking fillers or gifts for children and teenagers.
With 5 watts power and a 2 year warranty, the speaker is only 7.55 inches tall and has a 2 inch driver and 2 inch woofer. It has various mounting options and a detachable magnetic loop, which you can hold in one hand or mount on a bicycle handle or in the backseat of a car. It has IP55 waterproofing so you can take it outside (it’s rain protective, not water protective so you can’t submerge it!) It’s lightweight so you can carry it in hand luggage or just over your wrist.
Charging is with a C to C cable in the USB-C port and takes around 3 hours to fully charge. Syncing is with Bluetooth 5.3. There’s approximately 30 foot range of connectivity. You get the most out of t he RGB lights if you use the JLab App to control the frequency, pattern and create the light show from it.
This is the first time I’ve seen these ‘Pop Party’ speakers and ever got to use them. They’re really useful for just taking out for the day and for children to play with in the garden or for teenagers to take out with them. The sound quality is excellent and connection to my phone was super easy one I turned on the speaker and it was ‘findable’. The JLab Pop Part Ultra-Portable Bluetooth speaker is ultra-easy to get along with and use, making it a perfect gift for anyone!
Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
I’d never heard of the company Eyeam before, so when they offered to send us some SPF NoTox face cream, I had a look at their website to see what it’s all about. Turns out, this is a British company with an holistic approach to beauty through using pure products, small batches and using the body’s connections. Their Four Pillar approach bridges the mind, body, spirit and skin to bring out the best in women. Even more interesting, is that Eyeam is run almost completely by women FOR women. Their website is fascinating to find out more about the science and spirit behind their approach to wellness and skin care.
We were sent the Eyeam Daily SPF face cream. Boasting a SPF of 20+, it’s called NoTox because it has pure ingredients and is non-comedogenic, meaning it doesn’t clog your pores. As a daily cream, it can be worn under make-up, is free from fragrances and protects against UVA and UVB rays. It also gives Polyphenol-rich antioxidant peptide protection and actives. As we’ve had a lot of very sunny weather recently, it was easy to try this daily moisturiser in very direct sunlight!
The Eyeam Daily SPF 20 cream is very thin when you dispense it. It’s only slightly less thin in consistency than single cream, but it’s very rich so you don’t need too much. I found that it takes a while for it to blend into the skin. It leaves a slight white gloss over your skin until you rub it in and settle. I believe this is to do with the SFP and creating that barrier between your skin and the sun’s rays. Once it’s blended into your skin, it has a tiny bit of sheen to it, which give a nice glow in the sunshine, with the knowledge that your skin is protected. It can be used as a primer though, where you can apply make-up on top and it acts as a base.
It lasted all day during the summer heat. It left my skin plumper all day, with a slightly waxy texture but not anything that meant my make-up slid off. It felt like a barrier cream that moisturised at the same time, but not like a film, more like a base. It certainly worked as a SFP as well, with no colour getting to my face the whole time I’ve worn it, and I’ve been wearing it daily for a few weeks now.
There are lots of other items available on the Eyeam website, all of which are made in the UK in small batches to ensure quality.
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.
There are some sacred things in this life, and the first cup of coffee in the morning is probably high up on most people’s wish list! What better gift to buy a caffeine lover than a whole set of coffee and a cafetière too, all in this pretty presentation box, ready to wrap and hand over.
TrueStart have a range of coffees available by both strength (strong, smooth, decaf, half cafe) and type (instant, coffee bags, ground, beans etc). They also have a starter packs, gifts packs and accessories, so a natural progression at Christmas time is to have a Coffee Starter Pack. You can create your own starter pack too, which is what we were sent when we received this cafetière (in grey but blue is available too) and two coffees. I chose the TrueStart Super Blend coffee with a strength of 8, and the TrueStart Energising Colombian ground coffee with a strength of 7. I can’t stress how cute it is to have the box arrive with the handle of the cafetière as the handle to the gift box, making it easier to carry!
The glass cafetière has 1 litre capacity, which is enough for 8 cups of coffee and has a stainless steel finish. It needs to be hand washed because the glass is delicate, so not suitable for the dishwasher nor the oven. It’s a lovely, classic design which comes in both grey and dark blue so suits many kitchens. I have a pet peeve with cafetières that they’re either too small and you can’t get enough cups out of them, or they’re too big and therefore just functional and don’t look pretty enough for modern kitchens. This one looks lovely though, and would sit nicely on any worktop.
We tried both coffees (multiple times!) in our house. We chose stronger coffees with more aromatic tastes so the Super Blend and Energising Colombian were perfect for us. They both had a strong, bold taste which lasted throughout the whole cup of coffee, and because you can make up to 8 cups in one cafetière, we were able to drink a second cup quite quickly afterwards and each cup kept it’s integrity. Delicious!
If your’e not used to a cafetière, this is a great starter pack, and they’re really easy to use and keep clean. In fact, I would say it’s the most fun way of making coffee, and you can alter the strength of the coffee easily depending on how much you add to the jug. I loved the coffee, which is carefully selected and curated by the TrueStart coffee company since 2015 who take coffee very seriously. It’s a great size for a gift as well, or for students going off to university and needing the whole kit that’s the right size for their room. The ability to choose which coffee you want also makes it perfect for gifting and I will be looking at these as gifts at Christmas too!
