Mini Mother’s Day Gift Guide 2021

Today's post is my mini Mother's Day gift guide, my first gift guide of the year, and it features a few lovely pampering products that would be ideal for mums and grandmas this Mother's Day or as treat for yourself. Just a reminder, Mother's Day in the UK is on the 14th March so thankfully you still have time to find a card, buy a gift or craft an item. 

*Tea Plus - Sleep 

I was kindly gifted this tea late last year and I have been slowly drinking it since then, especially recently as I have had trouble sleeping. The tea is designed to help you have a restful sleep and I find the process of drinking the tea as well as the flavour to be quite relaxing in itself! I personally really like the cherry and blackcurrant flavour and I have been loving the ritual of drinking a hot mug of this tea with a book before bed to help me relax. I think any tea would be great as part of a Mother's Day self care hamper, along with a few of the other items in today's post. 

*Bomb Cosmetics Silver Linings Bath Blasters (£2.99)

I have been buying Bomb Cosmetics products for years, even before I started this blog back in the carefree days of 2012. However, I am lucky enough to be gifted their products from time to time. The bath blasters, bath mallows and bath creamers I've either been sent or bought myself have all been so lovely. I think that Bomb Cosmetics products are always so cute, unique and inexpensive so they'd make great little gifts. 

*Feather and Down Home Sweet Home Set (£9.60 - sale)

We all know by now how much I adore Feather and Down products as well as their lovely and inexpensive gift sets; although I will definitely be buying some of their sets in the future - when I've used up the products I already have. So many of the Feather and Down gift sets are currently reduced on their website so now might be a good time to pick up a Mother's Day gift. 

The 'Home Sweet Home' set contains a mini calming candle (50g) and a gorgeous room spray (100ml), both in glass containers. I absolutely adore the scent of any Feather and Down product and these are no different - in my opinion they smell utterly heavenly and relaxing. I love the look of this gift set as well as the 'sleeping bag' set - so many options are available on their site. 

*Feather and Down Massage To Sleep Gift Set (£8 - sale)

The final product from Feather and Down in today's short but sweet Mother's Day gift guide is a great set for someone who hasn't tried the brand before as it contains a couple of their most gorgeous products. The set contains the pillow spray (50ml), bath essence (50ml) and massage soap bar (125g); my favourite product has to be the divine pillow spray. 

I think all Feather and Down products are fantastic, from my experience, and the gift sets make wonderful treats at an affordable price. I personally adore the pillow spray and also the melting shower cream, both of which I use sparingly so I don't run out of them too quickly. 

Have you tried any of these products? What do you think of my mini Mother's Day gift guide? 

* AD - gifted items sent to me, not paid

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Christmas Beauty Gift Guide 2020

Today's post is my final Christmas gift guide of the year and it is focusing on all things beauty, from gorgeous fragrances and cosy candles to winter skincare saviours, pampering face masks, wonderful haircare products and a couple of 2020 essentials. If you are looking for more gift ideas, check out my unisex gift guides for 2020 as well as my previous gift ideas posts. Also, make sure you are following me on Instagram (@ofbeautyand) for unboxings, PR mail and sneak peeks of upcoming posts. 

*Upcircle Coffee Grounds Candle (£11.99)

I'll start with a few heavenly scented products, the first is definitely one for any coffee lovers in your life. The Upcircle coffee grounds candle is handmade in London using soy wax, coffee seed powder and coffee seed oil. It is vegan friendly, cruelty free, plastic free and the coffee used in the candle is repurposed coffee grounds. The candle itself looks so unique especially with the gorgeously scented coffee grounds on the top so I think it would make a very aesthetically beautiful gift or stocking filler. I personally LOVE the scent of coffee but I know a few people who don't love the flavour however they adore the scent so I think it would make a great gift for many. They have a great range of skincare and body care items too, some of which (such as their body scrubs, one of which I reviewed last year loved) are also made using repurposed coffee grounds. If you are looking for a unique coffee focused gift this year, look no further. 

*Shay and Blue English Cherry Blossom via QVC

I reviewed this wonderful fragrance as part of a TSV set on QVC a couple of months ago but I had to recommend the English Cherry Blossoms fragrance again as it is just so beautiful. I adore the packaging, the sets are great value and I think their fragrances all look very luxe! The scent is floral and musky, an easy crowd pleasing scent that I'm sure many will adore. 

*Gold Collagen Hydrogel Mask (£20)

As well as candles and fragrances, I think luxury skincare and pampering products are great gifting options too. Sheet masks, especially hydrogel or Korean-made, variations are so popular right now and they're a great travel friendly and mess-free face mask option. I used to be sceptical about sheet masks but 2020 has definitely been the year that I have embraced them fully as a quick, easy and very effective form of face mask; the hydrogel options have been my favourites so far. 

I've included the Gold Collagen Vegan Supplement Drinks within my recent October and November favourites post but I also wanted to mention their face masks in todays gift guide as I've been loving them. They claim to moisturise and improve skin texture, leaving radiant skin. I love the cooling effect of using a hydrogel mask and I find that on the whole they tend to adhere better than paper or fabric sheet masks. I'd highly recommend checking out both the supplement drink and their masks. 

*Bella Forever Hawaii Twist Mask (£14.99, 50g)

You can't go wrong with a traditional face mask either, especially one that smells great and hydrates the skin which is something I think we all need at this time of the year when the temperatures are dropping! Bella Forever has a wide range of natural face masks as well as body masks, handmade headbands, skincare tools, face creams, balms, bath bombs, sets and more - you are sure to find a great pampering gift idea, stocking filler or treat for yourself. 

The Hawaii Twist mask is available in either a plastic pot or a biodegradable pouch - the latter is what I have and I think it is a great eco-friendly option to choose. It is a hydrating face mask filled with natural ingredients such as clay, lavender oil and tea tree oil. I've tried it once so far and my skin liked it so I think it will be a great go-to mask over the festive period. 

Winter Skincare Favourites 

Speaking of festive and winter skincare, I'm going to recommend a few winter skincare saviours that have been helping my skin over the past couple of months. My favourite skincare product of 2020 overall has to be the incredible *Emma Hardie Brilliance Facial Oil which I included and reviewed fully within my wellness post with Very UK. If you suffer with dry, tight or uncomfortable skin especially during the colder months then I cannot recommend it enough and I will be buying a new bottle as soon as I've finished this one. 

Another product I'd highly recommend for those with dry and sensitive skin is the La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume which was a product I bought years ago after reading so much hype and now I can confirm that it is as fantastic for soothing irritated skin as everyone claims it to be. I thankfully don't suffer with awful eczema on my face anymore but it is great for extra dry or sensitive areas of my skin and the eczema on my hands. 

A Hydrating serum and cleanser are staples for me all year round and recently I've been loving the very effective (but very lightweight and fast absorbing) *Nordic Roots serum from Green People. I also adore the *Temple Spa Be Gone Cleansing Creme as a nourishing, soothing and effective cleanser that would be ideal for those with sensitive or uncomfortable skin. 

*Lee Stafford For The Love Of Curls Range (£7.99 to £9.99)

My penultimate beauty gift recommendation is from one of the nostalgic brands from my teens, Lee Stafford. Every time I see Lee Stafford products in their bright pink packaging or smell the signature scent, it instantly reminds me of using their poker straight range constantly as a teenager. As an adult approaching my thirties (oh god!), I am embracing my natural waves and curls more as I think waves or curls are flattering on everyone! 

If your gift recipient (or yourself, it is 2020 after all and we need all of the small treats we can get), is a fan of bouncy waves or defined curls then why not add a few curl friendly products to a beauty hamper or as little stocking fillers? The brand new 'for the love of curls' range is dedicated to all kinds of waves and curls to help soften the hair and tame frizz - everything I need in a haircare range. 

I've been using the *Lee Stafford For The Love Of Curls Shampoo and Conditioner (£7.99 each) for the past couple of weeks and it has been fantastic for my hair especially in helping to soften and reduce frizz. They also have a *Frizz Taming Oil (£9.99), *Custard Cream For Waves and Curls (£8.99), leave in moisture mist, mask, defining gel and more to choose from. The products are all currently 3 for 2 on the Boots website so go, go go!

*Organii Hand Gel and Surface Spray (£3.95)

It wouldn't be a gift guide in 2020 without the obligatory hand sanitiser and cleaning products, would it? I was very kindly sent a couple of minis from Organii that I think would make ideal practical 2020 stocking fillers, including their purifying hand gel and surface spray, both of which are certified natural and vegan friendly. Both items, contain organic tea tree as well as aloe leaf juice, within the hand sanitiser. I've been using both products over the past couple of weeks or so and they are very effective as well as a great size for keeping in my handbag and in the car for use after shopping. I'd highly recommend both as well as their heavenly scented lavender hand wash which I reviewed and adored back in 2017. 

What do you think of my gift ideas? Have you tried any of these products? 

* AD - gifted items sent to me, not paid

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Last Minute Christmas Gifts 2020

Today's post is my penultimate Christmas gift guide of the year! The lead up to Christmas has really sped by but thankfully there's still time to purchase (in-store or online) a range of wonderful Christmas gifts for friends, family, neighbours or colleagues. I wanted to include a very wide range of gift ideas in today's post so we have a few stocking fillers and essentials as well as a few non-fiction book recommendations, along with a unique subscription box, home fragrance ideas and a rather luxe item that would be ideal for dads and grandads. 

*Justice Professional Cool Mint Shampoo and Conditioner (£9.99 each)

Let's begin with a few essentials that I think would make fantastic, practical stocking fillers (or as part of a self care hamper). Justice Professional is a new-to-me salon quality brand, from Just Cuts. They have a great selection of haircare products as well as treatments, styling tools and home hair colour, along with three inexpensive Christmas hair packs which look very colourful and festive! 

I was very kindly sent a few of their products, including the cool mint shampoo and conditioner which are both designed to improve circulation, stabilise oil production, correct irritation and promote hair growth. I have definitely noticed a lot of hair loss during 2020 and I think it is something a lot of us have experienced due to anxiety and stress so I hope this very refreshing duo will help with long term use. 

*Justice Professional Treatment Mask (£11.99)

The product I've been using the most and that I was initially impressed by has to be the treatment mask. The mask contains vitamins and oils to strengthen, moisturise, add shine and to revitalise coloured hair. I've used it on dry hair and then followed with the cool mint shampoo and I have used it as directed - both left my hair feeling smoother, moisturised and softer. I'll definitely be using all three products from Justice Professional throughout the winter months to try to strengthen my hair and restore it to it's normal pre-pandemic state! 

*Limited Edition Christmas Carfume (£11.99)

Another fantastic practical stocking filler is a car fragrance from Carfume (great name!). The car fragrance  comes in a variety of aftershave and perfume scents such as Black Opium, Si, Alien and Flowerbomb, to name a few. However they also have a selection of three limited edition christmas fragrances to choose from as well including Christmas spice, Christmas tree and gingerbread - I was kindly sent the latter. 

Each car air freshener comes with a hand painted glass bottle, cork stopper and fragrance of your choice - there are so many to choose from. Additionally, you can choose from their premium range, gift sets, deluxe boxed air fresheners, home air fresheners, wax melts, diffusers, subscription and more. I personally love the limited edition christmas option and the gingerbread scent as it looks so festive, especially with the red glass bottle. I cannot recommend it enough as a cute, heavenly scented and practical stocking filler. 

*Temple Spa Siesta Forever Candle (£25)

Sticking with the theme of heavenly scented products, next up are two gorgeous and luxe candles that I think anyone would love to receive this christmas! Temple Spa has been one of my favourite brands for a couple of years but it has become even more of a go-to brand this year as I have been using their incredible Be Gone cleansing creme constantly (my skin adores it). However, I've also been a little obsessed with their Quietude room spray and Siesta Forever candle too.

The candle is composed of natural wax with a relaxing blend of essential oils which has a burn time of around 45 hours. The scent is wonderfully calming, relaxing and subtle - it is not headache inducing or too strong. I think it is the ideal relaxing candle for those who don't love overpowering or strong scents. Check out the fantastic Temple Spa gift sets too!

*Rituals The Ritual of Jing Candle (£19.90)

I received this gorgeous candle in the LookFantastic x Rituals box earlier this year and I utterly adore every single product from that box, my absolute favourites being the hand cream and candle. Firstly, the packaging is so simple but beautiful and the scent is even more so. It has a very calming and soothing scent but it is also quite woody, natural and earthy - which is definitely my kind of scent! 

*The Passenger: Japan published by Europa Editions (£18.99)

Next up, I wanted to recommend a few non-fiction books as 2020 has definitely been the year of non-fiction for me with some of my favourite books of the year being non-fiction. One of the most beautifully published non-fiction books I read in 2020 has to be an essay/article collection published by Europa Editions, all about various aspects of Japanese culture and its people. It is both an interesting glimpse into a culture I didn't know too much about but it is also a look into facets of the Japanese people, their customs and traditions as well as devastatingly tragic experiences and natural disasters. 

You'll have to read my upcoming favourite books of the year post to read the full list of my non-fiction recommendations from 2020 but here are a few books I'd highly recommend as Christmas gifts this year, for readers and non-readers alike:

• Tiny Tattoos by Rebecca Vincent 
• City of Light, City of Poison by Holly Tucker 
• Smoke Gets In Your Eyes by Caitlin Doughty 
• The Smile Stealers by Richard Barnett
• Stiff by Mary Roach 

Make sure you are following me on GoodReads to see my occasional reviews, ratings and what I'm currently reading! I'm currently reading a great non-fiction book, Cursed Objects by J.W Ocker which is fantastic and so far, I'd recommend it too. 

*Skimming Stones Subscription Box (£25)

My penultimate gift idea is a great option for those who love crafting and DIY as it is a subscription box focusing on beautiful fabrics that you can transform into a beautiful item each month! The box contains a new project and everything you need to create it including handy step by step instructions, delivered straight to your door with free postage. You can purchase a one off box which would make a great gift for £25 or you can purchase a flexible subscription for £25 each month. In addition to the subscription box you can also purchase fabric and accessories such as pre-made wash bags, tote bags and more - although orders of these items will be made after the 15th January. 

I was very kindly sent their December box which features a wash bag and pouch project that includes their beautiful 'forget me not' fabric which I adore! I love the look of the design and so far the instructions have been easy to follow but as sewing isn't my forte, the project is taking me a little while to complete; however I'll be sure to share my final creation when it is finished on instagram soon (@ofbeautyand). I think it would make a fantastic and unique gift for anyone who loves fabric and crafting. Order before the 27th December to receive the January box which includes a project to create fabric hearts filled with lavender - how cute! 

*Barrington Single Watch Winder - Shadow Black (£149)

The final gift within today's gift guide is a fantastic, luxe option that I think would be ideal for dads and granddads. The Barrington watch winder is designed to be used with automatic watches - watches that do not have a battery which typically means older and or higher end watches. The watch winder I was very kindly sent is the shadow black option (love the name) in the standard size but it is also available in a flexible cushion size as well as a wide range of colours from burnt amber, crimson red, midnight blue and racing green to slightly more unique options including electric yellow, American walnut, grey koto and glacier white, among others. As well as the single watch winder, there are dual winders, along with four, six, nine and twelve options too. 

I think it would make a very luxe gift, although it is a fantastic price compared to other watch winders online; however the quality isn't compromised. We all know by now how much I love aesthetically pleasing gifts that are also very practical so this one ticks all of the boxes and I think my grandad will absolutely love it; especially as it beats a pair of socks and a tin of biscuits which is what he usually wants for Christmas! They also have a variety of watch cases, storage options and a repair kit so if the watch winder is a little out of your price range, you can still pick up a fantastic gift from their selection.

What do you think of my gift ideas? Have you finished your Christmas shopping yet? 

* AD - gifted items sent to me, not paid

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Unisex Christmas Gift Guide 2020

It is almost December so it is time to post my next Christmas gift guide which is filled with lots of gift ideas that I think would be great for anyone regardless of gender, age or your budget. Today's gift guide features a wonderful tea subscription box, pampering products (as always), a shaving subscription kit and a few handy daily essentials. For more sneak peeks, PR mail and unboxings, don't forget to follow me on Instagram (@ofbeautyand). 

*Creightons Body Bliss Bath Treats (£6)

Let's start with the pampering and body care gift ideas, beginning with this cute gift set from Creightons which includes four bath and shower gels in the scents: mango and papaya, coconut water, raspberry and pomegranate and vanilla and macadamia - the latter is definitely my favourite of the four, although they all smell heavenly. I don't think you can go wrong with a bath gift set at christmas especially when it smells as lovely as this set. Also, the price is fantastic (it is currently on sale for Black Friday at £4.20) so it would make a great secret santa gift! 

*Feather and Down Pillow Spray Duo (£6)

We all know by now how much I love all of the products and amazing gift sets from Feather and Down; I've been lucky enough to review many of their fantastic products on my blog over the past couple of years but I have also purchased their gift sets as presents too. One of my favourite sets has to be the pillow spray duo which includes their original and well loved pillow mist as well as the 'breathe easy' version, both of which I adore. I've used up so many bottles of their pillow mists and I genuinely cannot recommend them enough, along with the selection of amazing gift sets. 

*FFS Small Shaving Set - Peony (£20)

Another of my favourites brands (and one that will be included in my wrap-up of my 2020 favourites) is FFS, formerly Friction Free Shaving. I love their shaving kits, super effective razors and extras such as the shaving cream and natural deodorant. For christmas this year they have created a range of fantastic gift sets including a selection of their shaving kits (some of which can be engraved/personalised as an extra special gift) as well as small kits and tanning gift sets too.  

I was very kindly set their small peony gift set which I think is so cute and a great practical gift (we all know I love practical but aesthetically pleasing gifts). The set comes with their razor blades, peony handle, travel pouch, protector, shower holder and their very effective shaving cream. I think it would make a great gift for friends this christmas! I'd highly recommend checking out their sets (which also includes a mens gift set) as practical pampering gifts for friends and family. 

*Luna & Leaf 30% CBD Oil (£118)

Next up is the most expensive item to today's gift guide although they do have lower percentage oils at a lower price point; the 10% oil (£66) and the 20% oil (£88). CBD has become THE skincare, beauty and health ingredient of 2020 and it is easy to see why as it claims to help with depression, acne, anxiety and sleeplessness, among other issues. Early studies have shown many positive results involving CBD and I think would would make a great gift for those who already use CBD or are interested in trying it. I'll be reviewing this CBD oil fully in an upcoming post next week so stay tuned! 

*A Poem For Every Winter's Day edited by Allie Esiri (£14.99) and Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu (£12.99)

As well as CBD, another option I've found that massively helps my anxiety and restless mind is reading. Since January 2017 I've been an avid reader, something that I fell out of love with during high school and up to university but I'm so glad that I started again as it brings so much escapism, joy and entertainment. I think reading can be such a mindful, relaxing (depending on the book) and meditative practice that so many could benefit from. 

I don't have any IRL friends or family members that read to the extent that I do so I am always trying to gift books at every opportunity and Christmas is a great excuse! You'll see my end of year reading wrap-up as well as my favourite books of 2020 posts soon but in the meantime, the two beautifully designed books above are currently on my December TBR and I cannot wait to read them. If you want to follow along with my TBR and my ratings, make sure you are following me on GoodReads. 

*Teapro Tea Subscription Box - December 2020 (£18 per month) 

My penultimate gift idea is another unique subscription box, a tea subscription. I love herbal, mint, floral and green tea but I never really venture into new varieties, brands or blends so a tea subscription box is the perfect way to try new options! Teapro is a themed tea subscription box which includes four plastic free (yay!) tea pouches; the theme and flavours change each month so you'll always enjoy a new blend. Also, with your first box you will receive a free three piece glass infuser and cup. A educational information included in the box will enable you (or your gift recipient) to turn into a Teapro! Additionally, if you are buying a box as a christmas gift, you can have it gift wrapped with a personalised message. 

I was very kindly sent the 'black and yellow' December box which includes a unique selection of four black and rare yellow teas to try as well as a cork coaster. The teas included in the box are: Gold Dian Hong Pagoda Black Tea, OP1 Rukeri Rwanda Black tea, Supreme Meng Ding Yellow Buds Tea and High Mountain Wuyi Wild Black Tea. I've only tried the Gold Dian Hong Pagoda Black tea so far which was sweet, floral and subtle - an unusual but very calming tea. I can't wait to try the others which I'm sure I'll share on my Instagram Stories. Be sure to check out Teapro for all of your tea needs as well as their lovely subscription box which would make a thoughtful gift for any tea lover. 

*Smart Screen Antibacterial Cloth (£9.95)

Last but not least, I wanted to share and recommend a little stocking filler idea that is a great practical everyday essential. Smart Screen have created a luxurious feeling, antibacterial microfibre cloth that is perfect for cleaning your phone or tablet screens leaving them crystal clear and clean. The cloth is antibacterial (which is more than necessary in 2020), compact and easy to store as it comes with it's own pouch. There are many colours to choose from but I personally like the navy blue option I was sent. If you are looking for a practical secret Santa present, a stocking filler or a little something to add to a present hamper, look no further. Check out their fantastic Black Friday offer but hurry as it ends on the 30th November! 

What do you think of the gifts within today's gift guide? Do you have any gift recommendations? 

* AD - gifted items sent to me, not paid

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