Tag: Japan

Lonely Planet – A Kid’s Guide to Japan – book

Birthday Gifts, Books, Children, Christmas, Family Life, Gifts for children, Learning, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Toys

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

You don’t have to visit a place to be interested in a Lonely Planet Guide, and the Kid’s Guide to Japan is no exception. The culture in Japan is so unique, it’s worth just buying the book for children to pique their interest, but if you have Japan on your bucket list and are thinking of going, you’ll want to take a peek at this book and get some ideas. It’s not just for children!

The book is full of photos on every page, with stories, history, facts and information such as transport, art (including animé and Hello Kitty), food and geography. There’s a section on Tokyo, and details on cultural references like Geishas, snow monkeys, origami and sumo. At the back of the book, there’s some ‘What’s the Difference?’ Puzzles for children to complete, using photos relevant to Japan.

The whole book is bright and colourful with lots of photos on each page and just as much to read.  I would say that this book is aimed at children aged 7-10 years old as there’s a lot of topics to get into and a lot of interesting facts. It would take a while for a child to read the whole book, but if they’re interested in Japan, it’s something they could read over and over and learn all the facts.  I learned a lot!

The Lonely Planet Kid’s Guide series also includes books on New York City, London, Paris, Rome and Italy.

Available from £10.95 at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lonely-Planet-Kids-Guide-Japan/dp/1837587736

Airy Home Reed Diffuser 

Birthday Gifts, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, Home, Home & Garden, Mother's Day, Stocking Fillers, Valentine's Day Gifts

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 all struggle for Valentines gifts especially if we want something that’s not mushy! Airy Fragrances were born in Japan, based on the Japanese art of Kōdō where fragrance is not a function, but a feeling. The company was started by two Japanese women in 2024 who realised that the Japanese way of scenting the home was not the same as in Europe, and so the Airy home reeds were developed.

We were sent the Airy Elegant Harmony Home Reed Diffuser to try out in White Tea scent. A beautiful presentation box arrived with a bottle of scent, five reeds and the round, glass bulb. Setting up the diffuser is easy with the lid of the bulb vase easily detached and then replaced before the reeds are inserted. The circle of the round glass represents the concept of ensō, symbolising harmony, impermanence and quiet beauty. The Elegant Harmony scent is very soft, floral, and a touch musky. I can detect the slight vanilla scent as well which is what carries most in the home. 

Although expensive, the Airy Home Reed Diffusers make a great gift and last 2-4 months each. The fragrances can be bought separately so you can replace them without having to replace the bulb vase as well. They’re also alcohol free. The website is set up to send the diffusers as gifts so you can send them straight onto the recipient.

Unlike other diffusers, the Airy Home Reed Diffuser is much lighter in fragrance and feels like there’s equally less heavy ingredients.  They make great gifts because they’re so beautiful and have a range of different scents which can be purchased online, and no doubt more scents will follow. They’re a beautiful fragrance for the house and the scent carries really quickly, making it a gift which will last.

Available from £43 at: https://www.airyfragrances.com/products/elegant-harmony-whitetea-reed-diffuser