Quirky Gift Ideas With Flamingo Gifts

When it comes to gift giving some of the best and most exciting gifts I have received have been a bit on the quirky, unique side. I also love to give gifts that are a bit different, unique and something that the recipient probably wouldn't have or expect. I was kindly sent a few quirky and cute gifts from the lovely people at Flamingo Gifts. 

Firstly, we have a gift idea for all the stationary nerds out there *you know who you are, the people with 12 notebooks along with the need to buy more*. I have the *Happy Jackson London A5 (£7.99), this notebook is currently out of stock on the website but there are other Happy Jackson notebooks to choose from. I love the cute but simplistic design and the text on the front which reads 'Great Ideas, Cunning Plans' which I think would be a great, unisex gift. 

Another gift idea from the Happy Jackson range is the *Happy Jackson Instant Genius Glasses Case (£8.99) which again has the same bright, simple design as all the other cute Happy Jackson products have. I personally love this case and I think it will last a long time because it is a hard case and it feels really durable. The inside lining is bright yellow so the notebook and glasses case would be a great gift combo. I think this case would be a great fathers day gift (yes, I am super organised and early on it this year). 

Last but not least, the *Bring On The Bake Off Mug (£8) which I have to say is one of my favourite mugs on their website. Myself, my mum, my sister, my aunties, cousins and most of my friends are massive fans of baking and the tv show The Great British Bake Off so this would be the perfect mug for SO many people! The design is clearly printed on both sides of the mug and it just looks so darn cute!

Overall, I love the products I was kindly sent and I think they are great, unique unisex gifts! There are so many products to choose from on the Flamingo Gifts website - you will find something for everyone from cupcake flavoured toothpaste, jewellery holders, bacon soap, candles, jewellery, books, cushions, greetings cards, baking accessories and even breaking bad theme bath products as well as many many more gift ideas! I want one of the Pyro Pet Candles, I haven't seen anything like them before. Flamingo Gifts have 1p first class delivery on all orders, how amazing is that!!

I have quite a few birthdays and events coming up over the next two months as well as fathers day; here is my Flamingo Gifts wish list & other gift ideas:

Have you bought anything from Flamingo Gifts? What do you think of my gift ideas?

*I've just reached 2,000 followers on Bloglovin, thank you so much*

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Mens Christmas Gift Guide: Part One

I love this time of the year when the leaves are changing, everything feels a little more cosy and all of the Christmas gift sets are being released. I have quite a few beauty gift sets and advent calendars on my wish list this year! Today's post is my first mens gift guide of 2019 featuring a range of grooming, fragrance, lifestyle and home gifts for a range of budgets. Check out my first womens gift guide of the year for more gift ideas and to enter my giveaway to win a £60 gift card for TJ Hughes!

*Green People Grooming Ritual Gift Set (£15)

Let's start with a few grooming gifts as I think those are some of the 'safest' and easiest gifts to give at this time of the year, especially as men can be a little difficult to buy for, in my opinion. I love buying and giving gifts for friends and family but the two people I struggle with the most when it comes to finding great gifts are my dad and grandad. They end up with the same gifts every year but thankfully they always seem to like grooming or fragrance gifts.

This gift set from Green People is a fantastic all round, easy and natural gift set that I think would be perfect for those who are difficult to buy for including dads, friends and uncles but also people you might not know quite as well too such as friend's partners, colleagues or cousins, for example. I have been lucky enough to try quite a few products from green people such as their skincare, SPF and makeup with my favourite product of theirs being the *Green People Velvet Matte Lipstick but their gift sets are equally as fantastic.

The gift set contains three x 30ml bottles of their exfoliating face scrub, soothing shave gel and the cooling moisturiser, all three of which are certified organic, cruelty free, suitable for vegans and recyclable. I think this gift set is fantastic for so many people, not just in terms of the quality of the products and the ethos of the brand but it's a great basic set and I love the packaging!

*Carbon Coco Magnetic Charcoal Mask (£54.95)

Sticking with the grooming and skincare theme, Carbon Coco have recently launched their magnetic charcoal face mask. Skincare isn't just for women, everyone needs to look after their skin as it's one of the first lines of defence, it is the largest organ and it is also the first place to visibly show the signs of ageing, dehydration or a poor diet.

I will be posting a full review of the mask in the next couple of weeks but I wanted to include it within this gift guide as I think it's a great gift set idea and something a little different too as I imagine most people haven't used a magnetic face mask before. I've only tried it once so far but I love it and can't wait to share my full review soon.

*Remarkable Trees by Christina Harrison and Tony Kirkham (£24.95)

Next up, a couple of book gift ideas as along with beauty or grooming gifts, I think books are a safe bet, especially non-fiction. I personally love to receive book gift cards or books as gifts but they're even better if they are beautifully published and designed which all of the books from Thames and Hudson seem to be. I've raved about the gorgeous books I've received and bought from Thames and Hudson in various posts, including a couple of last years gift guides and my book recommendation for 2019 is no different.

Remarkable Trees is not only a beautifully published book but I love the layout and the incredible illustrations through it which depict various trees, plants, landscapes and seeds to provide a comprehensive look at the remarkable world of trees. This book would be perfect for those interesting in the natural world, natural history or gardening in general. I find most aspects of non-fiction fascinating so this book is perfect for me and it will be fully reviewed as part of my October and November reading wrap-up at the end of the month.

*Teatulia Classic Tea Selection (£14.95)

If you've read my womens gift guide then you will have seen the jasmine green tea from Teatulia that I mentioned (and loved) but today's post is all about their classic tea selection gift set. The set comes beautifully but simply packaged and includes three tins of their black, oolong and green tea options. The tins are 30g each and contain loose leaf tea so if you're gift recipient doesn't have a strainer or infuser then you could include one (along with a few other goodies) and the selection as a mini hamper.

Even though I'm English, I don't like tea unless it's black, herbal, green or mint but thankfully Teatulia has a great range of options to choose from including caffeine free herbal tea, spiced tea, teaware and tea gifts such as this lovely set. I think the set is great for tea lovers or those who want to try new varieties of tea. Check out Teatulia for more tea related gifts and teaware.

*ASDA Photo Double Sided Wall Calendar (£13)

I personally love to give and also receive personalised gifts and a photo book or personalised calendar ticks all the boxes for a thoughtful, memorable and special gift but one that it also practical - we all know by now how much I love practical gifts. I've gifted numerous photograph and personalised gifts over the years, from photo books and printed cushions to notebooks and calendars and they are always received with smiles!

I think any personalised gift will go down very well as a Christmas gift as it shows more thought and time has gone into the gift compared to a generic store-bought gift, especially if you can add memorable, funny or beautiful photographs. I added lots of lovely holiday photos to my wall calendar for 2020 as there are so many wonderful memories within the photographs that I want to display. I opted for a variety of collages and single photographs to I could fit the best photos in the best places and to add more to the calendar.

I usually gift my granddad a photograph calendar for christmas with photos of myself, my sister and our grandad which he always seems to love. I've made his calendars on a variety of websites over the past three or so years and using the ASDA Photo site was very easy, delivery was quick and I'm really happy with the print quality and colours. If you're looking to give a personalised photo gift this year then definitely check out ASDA Photo!

*Reco Plastic Free Shaving Starter Box (£25, sale)

2019 has been the year of reducing plastic and veganism and I couldn't be happier but one aspect that I haven't really considered until now is gift giving. I know that certain rolls of wrapping paper can't be recycled so I will be using brown paper this year that can be; however I haven't really considered plastic free gifts before. Thankfully more and more companies are brining out plastic free or more environmentally friendly products and Reco is one of them!

I was very kindly sent their plastic free starter box which contains the Reco 3R safety razor, Astra razor blades (x5) and their natural shaving soap. I have only used disposable razors, I've never tried a safety razor and it is a little intimidating, especially as the razor blades are so sharp and they have to be fitted each time. However, I am trying to reduce plastic waste so it seems like a fantastic, reusable option.

The safety razor is unisex, the blades are cheap to replace and there should be less irritation with a single blade. I've only used it once and while it is mildly terrifying to use, it isn't difficult but it requires a little practice. I think it would make a great eco-friendly and practical gift for men or women, particularly if you want to give more environmentally conscious gifts this year.

*Two Tiered Slate Cake Stand (£24.99)

Another great unisex gift idea is this beautiful, sleek and personalised two tiered cake stand! Again, this gift ticks all the boxes for gift giving as it's beautiful, unique, practical and it can be made a little extra special with a personalised message such as a quote, message or a name. I love the look of slate for homeware or kitchenware and this cake stand is no different. I think it would be ideal for anyone who loves to bake as it's a great size to display and serve sweet treats on such as brownies, cake slices or cupcakes, especially over the festive season. I love to cook and bake over the christmas period, particularly vegan gingerbread which would look so cute on the cake stand. If you're looking for personalised gifts, check out Happiness is a Gift for a wide range of wonderful gift ideas for all ages, budgets and interests!

*The Amazing Mystery Box - GOT (from £19.99 per box)

If you have a fan of a particular TV show, movie or series in your life then The Amazing Mystery Box would make a fantastic and unique gift idea! I chose the Game of Thrones box as it's one of my favourite TV series and I usually love the merchandise from the show. The value of the box is double the cost so it's amazing value for money and you can specify the box you want such as a particular TV show or movie (for example, Doctor Who and Star Wars) or by the age of your recipient.

My box contained six items ranging from stationery, pins and wearables to homeware and figurines. I'm happy with the range of items in the box as typically there are mainly figurines in boxes like this but I'm glad there are a few more practical items such as the glasses, tote bag and notebook, all of which I'd love. If you follow me on Instagram (@ofbeautyand), you'll have seen my unboxing.

I think it's a great gift idea that is a little more unique and even though it's a mystery box of goodies (which anyone would love to receive), it can be more personal to your gift recipient by the type of box you choose. If you have an adult, teen or child to buy for that loves mystery boxes, certain TV shows or movies or collectables then I can't think of a better gift this Christmas.

*Emporio Armani Diamonds For Men (£29, 30ml)

Last but definitely not least are a couple of gift ideas from TJ Hughes! I've included a couple of similar gifts from TJ Hughes within my womens gift guide if you want to check it out and be in with a chance of winning a £60 TJ Hughes gift card. TJ Hughes has such a great range of gifts to choose from including homeware, beauty and fragrance gifts. All of the gifts and fragrances on TJ Hughes are at fantastic prices and this one is no different so if you want to grab a bargain for yourself or someone else, check out their website or stores.

Emporio Armani Diamonds For Men contains the following notes: Italian bergamot, woods, pepper, cedar wood, vetiver, amber and cocoa bean which combine to make such a rich fragrance that I think will be a hit with so many gift recipients - my dad included and he can be very picky when it comes to all gifts but especially fragrances. If you are looking for a fragrance gift for yourself (treat your self!) or someone else this christmas then it's well worth looking on the TJ Hughes website or in-store to see if they have what you're looking for as you might be able to save a little money, which is always welcome at this time of the year.

*Baylis and Harding Citrus, Lime and Mint Grooming Duo (£7.99)

Lastly is a gift set from Baylis and Harding which is a great gift idea for dads, colleagues or as a secret Santa gift as you can't really go wrong with lovely smelling toiletries for christmas! This set contains a 300ml body wash as well as a 200ml shower gel. Baylis and Harding gifts always tend to be well presented and very inexpensive so if you're on a budget, it's a great brand to check out.

I just wanted to mention another unique gift to finish today's post and it's a luxe subscription service, Summerton Whisky Club, which I reviewed in my mens gift guide last Christmas. The subscription service is £50 per month and for the price you (or your lucky gift recipient) will receive the monthly bottle of whisky which is specially selected. I think it would make a very special and luxe gift this Christmas and it's a gift that will keep on giving for the length of the subscription you choose.

I hope you found a few gift ideas for the men in your life from today's post and don't forget to enter my latest giveaway with TJ Hughes for your chance to win a £60 gift card giveaway. It is UK only (sorry!) and it ends on the 17th November so you still have time to enter.

What do you think of my first mens gift guide of the year? 

*gifted

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Christmas: Pampering Gifts: His + Hers (and giveaway)

Christmas is fast approaching so gift guides are in full swing! I've already posted a few with more pampering gifts and today's post carries on from them but instead of just focusing on womens pampering gifts, I'm looking at a few womens gifts, mens gifts and unisex gifts that would be great gift sets this Christmas!

I was very kindly sent a range of gifts from the wonderful Heathcote & Ivory, Temple Spa and Green People, all of which are gorgeous with some being inexpensive and others are a little more luxurious. I've had a fantastic response to my early gift guides this year already so I hope you like this one and maybe you'll find some gift ideas for friends and family.

*Gardners Tree Tidings (£5)

Let's start with one of the most inexpensive items and one of the cutest! I love the packaging of this little gift set as not only does it look like an adorable Christmas tree but you could potentially hang it on your Christmas tree, if the branches are sturdy enough. The set contains three minis including a Shea butter hand cream (15ml), hedgerow hand cream (15ml) and relaxing bath tablets (25g). I think it's a great unisex gift set, I know my dad would use the hand creams and as they are minis, they are great for keeping in the car, by the sink or on a bedside table. I also think my aunties would love this cute set too!

*Heathcote & Ivory Lavender Fields (£8)

We all know how much I love lavender so this set is perfect! The packaging is so pretty and I think it's a great all around gift as it contains a hand and nail cream, hand scrub and nail file so I'd give it to my mum, aunties, neighbours or friends. The lavender scent is so nice and the sizes of the products are great too - the hand cream is a 100ml bottle and the hand scrub is 30ml.

Within the Lavender Fields range, there are so many other products and gift sets including a bigger hand cream and wash set, soap, bathing flowers and even an eau de toilette so theres something for everyone. If lavender isn't your thing or you don't think your gift recipient will love it (first, what's wrong with you), then there are other ranges to choose from such as blush rose, sweat pea & honeysuckle and lily of the valley options too.

*Temple Spa Bon Voyage Set (£22)

Next up is a set that will be perfect for so many people, men or women as it looks so festive and it is filled with a range of products from haircare and a shower gel to a skin balm, hand cream and soothing balm for aching feet and limbs. I know that my mum or dad would be happy with this set so would my fussy sister!

The items included are as follows: Good Hair Day frequent use shampoo, In Good Condition everyday hair conditioner, La La Lagoon aromatic bath & shower gel, Peace Be Still calming skin balm, Palm Balm luxury skincare for the hands and finally AAAHHH! soothing balm for aching feet & limbs.

It's such a nicely presented, neat and beautiful gift that almost doesn't need wrapping as the box is so pretty. Each bottle is 50ml so you get a decent size of each to try out before maybe buying the full size. This set would be ideal for those who haven't tried the brand before or for those who travel often as 50ml is a perfect travel size.

The products within the set contain Mediterranean botanicals and essential oils to match this luxurious gift set. Other ingredients include jojoba oil, lemon peel oil, chamomile flower oil, vitamin B5, dandelion leaf extract, sugar cane, bergamot fruit extract, tea tree leaf oil and many more.

*Temple Spa Air & Spaces Spa Aromatic Diffuser (£35, 200ml)

You can't have a pampering evening within a candle or diffuser! I adore candles but I know that not everybody does as they can be very overpowering and a fire hazard so diffusers are the perfect alternative, especially what it's as beautiful as this one from Temple Spa. The diffuser combines spices and botanical essential oils such as cedar wood, patchouli, bergamot, orange and cinnamon for this gorgeous festive fragrance.

Some of the essential oils listed are some of my all time favourites such as patchouli, bergamot and cedar wood so I knew I was going to love this diffuser instantly. It not only sounds amazing but the box is so pretty as well. The style is similar to the Bon Voyage set with the deep background and foiled design on the front.

However, the beauty doesn't need there as looks at how stunning the glass bottle of the diffuser is! I didn't expect it to look so gorgeous as on the website it looked mainly black but in the light it has a clear botanical pattern all the way around the bottle - the design matches the one on the box. I honestly don't think I've seen a more beautiful diffuser!

It also comes with black seven diffuser sticks to match the black design of the bottle. It's such a luxe, fancy diffuser that will definitely turn heads and I know so many of my friends and family tat would love to find it under the tree on Christmas Day. I cannot recommend these two divine Temple Spa gifts enough!

*Benecos Winter Dream Gift Set (£10.95)

Now onto a gift that is ideal if you know that your gift recipient has sensitive skin or if they are vegan as this set is perfect! All three products within the gift set are suitable for vegans to use, some of the ingredients are natural and some are also organic which is fantastic. The set contains a shower gel (200ml), body lotion (150ml) and a lip balm (4.8g), all of which contain vanilla extract - it's a scent that for me is so cosy and comforting! 

Benecos is a new brand to me but it sounds wonderful and seems like a very ethical, natural brand and since trying these products, I can definitely recommend them as they are gentle, subtly scented and effective with a low price point. The only thing I'm not a massive fan of is the glitter in the lip balm but it's a wonderful festive gift set that would be ideal for those with sensitive skin and friends or family members who are vegan. 

*Green People Forest & Fruit Gift Set (£22.95)

The final two gift sets are extra special and as a treat for the readers of my blog, you'll have the chance to win these two sets below! But first, the Forest & Fruit set contains a gorgeous cypress and tangerine shower gel and body lotion. Both products are large 100ml bottle so it's a great way to full try the brand to see if you want to try more.

Green People is an extra special brand because it is vegan, crudely free and the products contain certified organic ingredients - 83% of the ingredients within this set are organic. Additionally there are no parabens, fragrance, lanolin, alcohol, colourants or petrochemicals within their products so it's another brand that would be ideal for those with sensitive skin or allergies.

*Green People Tree & Seed Gift Set (£24.95)

Last but not least for today's gift guide and it's a great option for the men in your life as not only does it come from an amazing, natural and ethical brand that would be great for sensitive skin but it's set that's beautifully presented and practical - you know how I feel about practical but pretty presents!

I've tried a few products from Green People over the past couple of years including their Scent Free Sun Lotion and their Sensitive Skincare which I loved and I'd definitely recommend all of those products, particularly if you have sensitive skin as I do (I have eczema and these products didn't irritate my skin at all).

This set contains the eucalyptus and mint shower gel and moisturiser, both of which are 100ml and contain 73% organic ingredients; also some of the natural ingredients are fair trade which is always fantastic. The products smell so gorgeous, fresh and masculine - I think my dad would absolutely love the scent. I cannot recommend these two gift sets enough so you should definitely enter the giveaway below and check out their other fabulously festive gift sets.

To enter the giveaway, make sure you watch the video below and fill in the Rafflecopter form below. It's UK only (sorry) as it's difficult to post certain beauty products outside of the UK. It will start on the 20th and end on the 30th so you have plenty of time to enter and there are options to enter every day.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This winner has been contacted - thanks for entering!

What do you think of these gift sets? Have you entered my giveaway? 

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Ultimate Father's Day Gift Guide: Part One

Father's Day in the UK is on the 18th June this year and that's not too far away now! My dad is a little bit difficult to buy for, I know he likes aftershave and foodie gifts but I don't want to keep buying him the same thing every year! Here are some unique and interesting Father's Day or birthday gift options from some amazing sites and brands including Amara, The Soap Kitchen, Half Ounce, Osmology and Find Me A Gift!

*Half Ounce Men's Organic Gift Set (£29.99)

When it comes to gifts, the actual gift is important but more so than ever, the packaging is important. Gifts should look the part and I adore the packaging of this amazing gift set from Half Ounce which is a small UK company that makes natural and organic products that are cruelty free - that's amazing!

The gift set comes with: scissors/comb, brush, a lip balm...whisky scented, beard tonic, beard wash, beard balm, beard wax and a wash bag. It contains so many items, all of which would be great for travelling. I think this set would be amazing for beardy dads and other men in your life as it's really well presented, it's natural and the products look amazing - very victorian/apothecary themed to me. I've liberated...the lip balm as I've never seen a whisky lip balm before and I'm a lip balm hoarder so I had to try it and it's really nice! It doesn't smell or taste like whisky, it's just a subtle warm scent and it leaves my lips smooth and super soft. Definitely a gift set to keep in mind for Father's Day or a birthday!

*Osmology x The Nomad Society Candle (£15)

I've reviewed this candle already on my blog so you can read my full review if you want more information but this candle would be a fantastic gift for Father's Day as unlike most candles, this one doesn't look very feminine and it's a very unisex scent. To me it smells like the scent of the garden after a rainy day, very fresh and green. I adore this candle and it's a great price for a handmade candle that lasted quite a while.

*The Sherlock Holmes Book by DK Publishing (£16.99)

Myself and my dad really like the Sherlock BBC series as well as the films so a book like this all about Sherlock Holmes would be perfect. I love the layout of these books and they would make fantastic coffee table books as who doesn't love a bit of Sherlock. They also have a Shakespeare version as well as others - I've mentioned them on my blog previously, if you want to check out that post.

*The Pendragon Legend by Antal Szerb via Pushkin Press (£12)

I have read a few books published by the amazing people at Pushkin Press and I've loved all of them but this one was my favourite! I adore the cover, I love the boxy, petite size and the story is just perfect. It is a classic but it's very assessable and it's a thoroughly enjoyable adventure with ghosts, welsh folklore, magic and haunted castles.

 *The Soap Kitchen Orange & Cedarwood Body Wash & Shaving Soap 

Toiletries and aftershave are staple, safe dad gifts I think as you just can't go wrong and they are very practical. These two gift options are both handmade and contain essential oils so they smell amazing! They both smell citrusy but earthy, rich and musky - I love the scent, I think it's a nice unisex scent.

I've been using the body wash as a hand wash and it's fantastic even on my sensitive skin; it can also be used as a shampoo and even a facial wash which would be perfect for my dad as he doesn't know or care about the difference between those products anyway! I use a shaving soap and they are amazing and I think this one will be great too. However, if you don't like the sound of this scent then check out their website as they have so many products and scents to choose from.

*Wooden Memory Box (£24.99)

I love the website Find Me A Gift as they always have such amazing and unique gifts such as this gorgeous wooden memory box which contains compartments and containers for all kinds of items and souvenirs. I have a couple of memory boxes from school and for certificates but my dad doesn't have any so I think this one would be great for holiday souvenirs and other little items that don't have a home yet.

They could fill it themselves or a more personalised option would be to fill it yourself with items that are memorable and special? Maybe from a birthday or holiday? I think it would make a very different and also very special gift for Father's Day or a birthday - not just for men but for anyone as it's a lovely idea. I partiularly love the tins, notebooks and containers in the box that can be used to store special items.

*Carry On Cocktail Kit - Old Fashioned (£25)

Amara is such an amazing online store for homeware and gifts, I've mentioned them in previous gift guides as they have unique and amazing gifts for anyone...or yourself! This kit is one of the cutest and unique I've seen as it's a mini cocktail kit (no alcohol included though) to make some yourself.

The kit contains aromatic bitters, cane sugar, a linen coaster and a spoon/muddler. I adore the design of this kit, I think it's such an amazingly designed gift. The items inside the tin are within a canvas bag and you get a little cocktail recipe card too. I think this gift would be amazing for so many people, especially dad's this Father's Day. Amara is currently running a weekend long price match offer.

What do you think of my video and the items I've featured in today's gift guide? 

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Final Father's Day Gift Guide 2018

Father's Day in the UK is less than one week away (it's this coming Sunday) but there is still plenty of time to buy gifts so today's post is my final Father's Day gift guide featuring a range of amazing brands including Teapigs, Cheerz, Crabtree and Evelyn, Thames and Hudson and Temple Spa, all of which are brands that I love! 

*Teapigs Feel Good Teas (£3.99 each)

I have been very lucky to work with the super lovely people over at Teapigs a few times previously reviewing their Matcha Green Tea Drinks, Feel Good Teas and some of their gifts as part of one of my Last Minute Gift Guides last year. Within todays gift guide, I'm including some of their newer flavours in the feel good teas range including the 'trim', 'happy' and 'calm' flavour options. 

The feel good tea flavours are all fantastic and my favourite of the three has to be the 'trim' tea which includes guarana seed, rosehip, hibiscus and peach - the flavour is so summery, fresh and fruity which I love at this time of the tea. The feel good tea options are fantastic as gifts as they not only look so colourful and cute but they also taste lovely, they can help in specific ways depending on what tea you buy and they'd be perfect to add into a hamper. 

I've also tried their peach lemonade, peppermint, apple and cinnamon and green tea with mint and I cannot recommend them enough, they're all delicious and would also be great for a Father's Day hamper too. If you want something a little more summery then the matcha green tea drinks are ideal particularly for spring/summer picnics. 

*Teapigs Stag Mug (£7.50)

Next up is a gift idea that I love, mugs! I have so many mugs but somehow I need more mugs and there are quite a few on Teapigs that are so cute, including this adorable stag mug. The stag mug comes in a gift box and looks so nice as a gift. The design is very simple with a stag illustration and quote on the handle but you know I'm a fan of minimal design. Mugs are a great gift idea, they'd also be great to add to a hamper as I've done along with tea and a keep cup. 

*Teapigs Keep Cup (£15.99)

Lastly from the super generous people at Teapigs is probably my favourite eco-cup design, it's the Teapigs keep cup. Keep cups are made of durable glass, BPA free plastic and sustainable sourced cork so it's an environmentally friendly made reusable cup that would be perfect to take to work, on the go or to a picnic! 

I love the cute, compact design although it does hold 340ml so it's bigger than it looks (like the Tardis of reusable cups) and it would be ideal for tea or coffee (or hot chocolate). It isn't a thermal cup but it's great for on the go rather than storing hot drinks for a long time. I've been using mine off and on recently while visiting a few historic houses around Manchester and Cheshire (follow me on instagram to come along with me). 

*Cheerz Framed Photo (from £15)

Speaking of brands that I love and have worked with multiple times over the past year or so (and I've bought items from them as well), is Cheerz. Cheerz is a French brand focusing on wonderful photograph gifts including photo albums, canvases, memory boxes, magnets and more. One of their newer products, along with their canvases, are these wonderfully designed framed photos which come in a wide variety of options. I have the 20cm by 20cm framed photo with four photos included but you could opt for just one photo. The other size options include: 40cm by 40cm, 40cm by 60cm and 50cm by 70cm. 

As well as being able to change the frame size and number of photos, you can also change the colour of the frame from white and black to oak, I chose the latter even though it's a little more expensive because it matches our living room and kitchen decor really well. Photos for the frames can be uploaded from your computer or social media including facebook and instagram which is so handy although for my Father's Day gift, I opted for older photos of my dad, our family and a rather cute photo of myself and my sister back in the 90's. I cannot recommend Cheerz in general enough as their products are so cute, they make unique personalised gifts and the quality is amazing. 

Both the frames and the retro prints are both reduced for Father's Day and the last day for standard shipping in time for Father's Day is TODAY (11th). The last day for express shipping is the 13th so you still have time. It's so easy to order, especially using their free app! Use the code: 10BEAUTY to get 10% off your order but you have to hurry as it ends on the 17th June!

*Sentinels Of The Sea by R.G Grant (£19.95)

From January 2016 I started reading again after not reading fiction for around ten years (apart from maybe three books per year); however since then I've fallen in love with reading and I'm surpassing my yearly goals by 237% (2017) and 142% (2017). Since I started reading again I've had to discover my favourite genres and one of them is definitely quirky non-fiction and Sentinels Of The Sea definitely fits into that category!

Sentinels Of The Sea is a quirky and incredibly beautifully designed non-fiction read all about the history of lighthouses, from the very early designs to the engineering and designs used today as well as some of the main individuals involved in that evolution. As well as an easy to follow history, it also contains so many blueprint style photographs and diagrams of lighthouses throughout the world which I loved! Additionally, the cover matches the beautiful content within as it too is stunning. I have a few books from Thames and Hudson that are of a similar style including one about dentistry, surgery and another about 'madness' - I've only read the dentisty book so far but I can't wait to read the others. If you're looking for a quirky, beautiful book for Father's Day then look no further. Check out my GoodReads for my book ratings.

*Crabtree and Evelyn Anti-Ageing Hand Cream (£15.20, sale)

Now onto a couple of pampering products because dads deserve some pampering too! My dad doesn't like anything too 'girly'...but he does love hand cream and aftershave, the latter he receives all the time so hand creams are a safe, practical gift. Crabtree and Evelyn is  a fantastic, high quality and effective pampering brand with a range of fantastic gifts for Father's Day! I've tried the hand cream and it's so lovely, rich and moisturising but it isn't very greasy or heavy on the skin, thankfully. It contains so many gorgeous ingredients such as cucumber, sage and rosemary extracts which makes for a perfect hand cream. This hand cream is currently on sale on their site!

*Temple Spa Unisex Travel Bathroom Kit (£18.50)

The final gift idea is from another wonderful pampering and beauty brand, Temple Spa. I absolutely adored their room spray, diffuser, concealer and mascara so I'm very confident that I'm going to love all of their products as they're not only very high quality but smell lovely and they're so effective.

This unisex set contains their frequent use shampoo, everyday hair conditioner, aromatic bath and shower gel and their calming skin balm, all of which are 50ml sizes so they'd be perfect for a weekend away. I love the packaging, all of the products are so well designed and presented and they smell so nice! I love the sets and gift options from Temple Spa as they look so luxe and expensive, I can't recommend them enough. They offer free delivery on orders over £50 and you can get 10% off if you sign up to their newsletter.

That's it for final Father's Day gift guide for 2018, luckily this year I've been able to share quite a lot of gift ideas from so many wonderful and lovely brands, especially those included in todays final post! I love all of the gifts included and if you still haven't bought anything for your dad or grandad yet then you still have time. I hope my gift guides have given you some Father's Day or birthday gift ideas! Check out my video for a few shot clips of some of the gifts in my gift guide!

What do you think of the gifts included in my final Father's Day gift guide? Do you have any gift ideas? 

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Last Minute Valentines Gifts + Discount Codes

Valentines day is just around the corner so I have another valentines gift guide with a couple of discount codes! This post contains mostly gifts for girlfriends/wives/friends as well as a couple of unisex gift ideas. This is not a sponsored post and this post doesn't contain affiliate links.

1. Diptyque Rosafolia Scented Candle (£44, 190g): Who wouldn't want to receive a Diptyque candle, they are so luxurious and pretty! They have a wide range of scents but this rose scented candle looks and sound divine and perfect for valentines day! 

2. Latest In Beauty His & Hers Beauty Box (£14.95): A bit of an unique gift idea; it is a beauty box filled with products for men and women such as a mascara, nail polish, fragrance samples and mens skincare. It contains products from a wide range of brands from Dove and Crabtree & Evelyn to Charlotte Tilbury, Jimmy Choo and Rituals. 

3. Floric Valentines Hat Box (£39.99): Flowers in general are typical valentines day gifts and they are perfect for this time of the year when the weather is dull and grey, as they add much needed colour to the home! Not to mention flowers are lovely gifts to receive anyway, especially roses! If you use the code LOVE20 you can get 20% off your order - it expires on valentines day!

4. Love Lolly May Sweet Box (£14.99): Another more unique gift, a sweet cube full of retro sweets such as love hearts and jelly beans. I loved these sweets as a child and I think it would make a cute, nostalgic gift. You can receive 10% off your order with the code LOVE. 

What do you think of my gift guide? What gifts would you love to receive? 

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Ultimate Father's Day Gift Guide: Part One

My favourites posts to write are gift guides and my Father's Day gift guides are no different. I've already published a couple of father' day gift posts reviewing individual products but today's post is my first full Father's Day gift guide of the year and it features a range of fantastic gifts! Thanks so much to all of the wonderful brands within today's post. Make sure you check out my latest two giveaways in which you can win a gorgeous unisex watch and a blog birthday prize bundle!

*Heath Hand Salve (£10)

Let's start with some of the grooming gifts that I was very kindly sent from the ever so lovely people over at Heathcote and Ivory, the first of which is the Heath London Hand Salve. Heath London is a brand I haven't tried before but I love the look of all of their product as they're so simple, classic and fuss free.

The hand salve contains shea butter and vitamin B5 with a spring-like mint and lavender fragrance which I love! It has a non-greasy formula but it's still very nourishing and moisturising which I definitely need and my dad does too as his hands are always so dry. I think this brand would be a great option to choose for dads, step dads or grandads who don't typically like to use grooming products because it's simple to use, fuss free and effective.

*Heath Moisturiser (£15)

Another product from Heath London is their moisturiser which contains lots of fantastic ingredients such as Vitamin E, coconut oil and hyaluronic acid, the latter is amazing for dry skin - it's an ingredient I always look out for as it really helps to lock in moisture. The moisturiser comes boxed, as does the hand salve and it would make a great addition to a grooming or general Father's Day gift  hamper!

I love the pump dispenser on the moisturiser as it makes it more convenient and simple to use so for those who have dads like mine, who don't like to use products that aren't as convenient as they can be, then this moisturiser is a great option to consider. If you want to gift your dad or grandad a few effective but simple grooming/skincare products for Father's Day then definitely check out Heath.

*Morris & Co Glasses Case (£18)

Next up from Morris & Co are a couple of products from their 'Refined Gentleman' range which is inspired by heritage designs and artisan craftsmanship. The glasses case and the travel bag both feature the gorgeous acanthus leaf pattern which I love (you can see it on the packaging of the travel grooming set below too). The glasses case when it isn't used is very flat and perfect for on the go but it's still very sturdy and perfect for protecting your glasses. My dad definitely needs a sturdy glasses case as his glasses were very expensive at over £400...and he never has a case for them!

*Morris & Co Travel Bag (£18)

The second accessory from the Refined Gentleman range is the travel bag which is made of vegan leather - how amazing is that! I personally didn't realise it was made from vegan leather and I think it's fantastic that more and more products are being made to be suitable for vegans! The travel bag is a great size for a weekend away and as with the glasses case, it is well made so I think it will last for a while. As well as the glasses case and travel bags, there's also a wash bag, wallet, hip flask and luggage tag in this range.

*Morris & Co Hair and Body Wash (£8)

All of their grooming products such as the hair and body wash have their gorgeous Refined Gentleman signature blend fragrance of vetiver, bergamot, pepper and amber so I think it will be a scent that most will love. The body wash packaging has the same classic and timeless leaf design as the rest of the range and I love it. The body wash would be ideal to combine with one or more of the accessories to make your own set of products. Additionally, you could make up a hamper of your dads favourite things or a selection of new products to try.

*Morris & Co Travel Grooming Set (£22)

The first set from the Refined Gentleman collection from Morris & Co is their travel grooming set which contains the hair and body wash, moisturiser, face scrub and shave gel. The sizes are all 100ml each which I think is a fantastic size for a travel set or just to trial the products for the first time before potentially buying the full size equivalent.

I think travel sets are great gift ideas, especially if it's a new or expensive brand. It would also be ideal for dads who like to travel or dads who have to commute to work. I love that this set has a great range of items, including a more unusual face scrub which is an item that I haven't ever seen within a mens travel set before. Overall, I love the Refined Gentleman range of Morris & Co and I especially like the travel grooming set as a safe and easy gifting option for difficult to buy for dads or grandads.

*The Sartorial Travel Guide by Simon Crompton (£16.95)

If you've read any of my book posts or my gift guides including books, then you'll already know of my love for the publisher Thames and Hudson. I adore their non-fiction reads, especially The Smile Stealers and all of Richard Barnett's books - all of which I'd also recommend as great niche non-fiction gift ideas for book loving dads and grandads.

Thames and Hudson manage to produce not only niche and unusual non-fiction but also every book is so beautifully designed and published, this one is no different. The Sartorial Travel Guide is a gorgeously designed hardback with colourful ribbon bookmarks, all about Simon Crompton's experience of travelling around the world and meeting the finest menswear designers and producers. I think this book would be great for dads who are passionate about tailoring, menswear and travel.

*Father's Day 'Best Taxi Driver' Card (£3.75)

If you read any Mother's Day gift guides then you might have noticed the brand Love Layla and I'm lucky enough to be featuring more of their products in today's Father's Day gift guide. They have such a fantastic range of humorous, naughty and sarcastic gifts, greeting cards and wrapping paper for many occasions and gift recipients.

The have a fantastic Father's Day range and I was kindly sent a few of their products to review, including one of my favourite Father's Day cards ever! I chose the 'best taxi driver' design which has a taxi driver review on the front - my dad has been our personal taxi driver for years so I think this is the perfect Father's Day card for him!

*Your Favourite Child Wrapping Paper (£2.75)

Another funny option is their wrapping paper sheets which has 'your favourite child' printed all over it which is something that myself or my sister would always write in our Father's Day cards so again, it's a perfect option for my dad! The quality is great too, unlike most wrapping paper options that always tend to rip somewhere while I struggle with it (we all know by now that I can't wrap gifts). They have so many wrapping paper options to choose from as well as gift bags so you can find everything in one place.

*Dad's Bad Joke Notebook (£9.95)

Lastly from Love Layla is the 'dad's bad joke' notebook which is similar to the Mother's Day option I reviewed a couple of months ago. It's a sturdy hardback notebook with an elastic strap and pocket at the back of the notebook for extras. It is lined with 160 pages and an elastic pen holder so it's ideal for on the go! While it is 'dad's bad joke' notebook, I think would be great for many uses and I cannot recommend their notebooks enough - you can never have too many notebooks.

*Sneaker Cleaning Kit from Men's Society (£20)

Next up is another unusual but practical gift (my favourite kind of gifts to give) is the sneaker cleaning kit from Men's Society. I adore their little kits as they don't just make great gifts but they look fantastic, you can re-use the tin and the kits are usually quite specific or unique such as this sneaker cleaning kit.

The sneaker cleaning kit contains a suede and canvas cleaning brush, neutral cleaning fluid and an instruction guide. I love how simple the kit is but how gorgeously designed it is and the attention to detail in each product. You can even purchase a personalised version (£20) of this kit with the name of your gift recipient on the brush handle! If the sneaker cleaning kit isn't suitable for your dad or grandad then check out their vast range of kits such as the grooming and beard, golf, festival survival, bicycle, travel and alcohol kits!

*Taylor's Eye Witness Copper Knife Set

Cooking gifts, along with toiletries and aftershave, are all 'safe' gifts for my dad and I know he'll like them but it can become a little boring after a while so anything I find that is a little unusual is fantastic. I was very kindly sent this knife set a while ago and I've being using it for a couple of months - I love them!

Firstly, they come very nicely and safely packaged, they have a two year guarantee and they are made with hard titanium so they should last for a while. They also have soft rubber handles which make them easier and more comfortable to use. Additionally, I have to mention the amazing copper details and blades - as a blogger I love anything that is copper or rose gold. As I said, I've been using them for a couple of months and they are so effective and nice to use.

*Personalised Beer from PrezzyBox (£19.99)

The final gift for today's Father's Day gift guide is a personalised gift from the incredibly lovely people over at PrezzyBox. I've been so lucky to have worked with PrezzyBox numerous times over the past couple of years and I genuinely cannot recommend their products enough as they are always so unique!

I was very kindly sent their set of three personalised beer bottles which feature a personalised label including a message and the gift recipients name. Also, the bottle labels spell put 'dad' which is just another nice attention to detail. Each bottle is 500ml and contains award winning pale ale from Yorkshire - it's the perfect gift for my dad, I know he will absolutely love them!

What do you think of my first full Father's Day gift guide post of the year? Make sure you watch my mini video below for a more detailed view of the products shown in today's post.

What do you think of my gift ideas? 

*Gifted

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