Christmas Gift Guide 2023

This post contains gifted items:

Every year I like to put together a gift guide for Christmas. It can often be hard to think of presents and I always struggle with thinking of ideas for certain people so like to plan ahead and share my ideas if anyone else is struggling!

I also find it a lot easier to do most of my shopping online and I have tried to include a wide range of products as well as things for a variety of budgets.

Skincare

SOS Balm – Lavender & Neroli

£10.99

This balm is a great alternative to a tube of hand cream or body cream. You only need a small amount and it smells really nice and soaks into your hands well. You can also go for an unscented version if you prefer.

It’s safe to use on various skin conditions and can help heal your skin.

It’s suitable for vegans and not tested on animals.

Ren – Moroccan Rose Uplifting Body Duo

£43

I love the Ren Moroccan rose range and always have done. This body wash smells amazing, as does everything else in the range! It helps to clean your skin whilst leaving it soft and smelling amazing. A little goes a long way and it lathers up well.

The signature scent will linger on your skin after using this in the bath or shower and even more so if you are finishing off with the non greasy body lotion.

It would make the ideal gift for someone that loves a good pamper or deserves one!

SOS Serum Skincare Superstars Beauty Elixr Set

£45

This set includes five different products in a lovely gift box. It is a great way to try their range of products.

It includes:

SOS Cleanse, 15ml

SOS H20 Day Cream SPF 30, 50ml

SOS Night Cream, 50ml

SOS Lip 10ml

Pomegranate & Lychee Essential Drops (Fragrance for the Home), 50ml

I have always been a big fan of this brand for skincare and it’s great for sensitive or acne prone skin.

Daisy Amour – Reusable Face Wipes

£11.95

These reusable face wipes are made out of 100% cotton fabric and Egyptian cotton towelling. They are great if you have sensitive skin as you can use them with your favourite skincare products and then pop them in the wash and use them over and over again.

They come in a good range of designs and you can use either side depending on your needs.

Embryolisse Lait Crème Concentrate

£21

This can be used as a moisturiser, primer, make-up remover, repairing masque or after-shave product. It is a great multi functional cream so can be great for anyone’s make up bag.

I have been using this for years and it’s always one of my go to products to pop in my bag as it has so many uses and a little goes a long way.

Castle Apothecary – Gardeners Moisturising Hand And Body Lotion

£19.95

Castle Apothecary are based on Scotland and create a nice range of different skincare products. The Gardeners range is one of their most popular.

Experience the gentle scents of a historic Scottish castle garden with this luxurious hand and body skincare range. Infused with the natural goodness of Scottish and British botanicals, enjoy the delicate aromas with every use.

This hand and body lotion smells really good and soaks into your skin well. It would make a lovely gift.

Castle Apothecary – Gardeners Moisturising Foot Cream

£14.50

From the same range is this beautifully smelling foot cream. It’s perfect for tired feet or to use just before bed. You don’t need to use much and it soaks in really well and really helps to relax you if your feet hurt.

Mindful Extracts – Gingerbread & Clementine CBD Bath Bomb

£12.99

I am a massive bath bomb fan but hadn’t tried many CBD ones before so was excited to try this. Really impressed with the quality of the scent and how long lasting it lingered. It’s a good size for a bath bomb as well.

With the added CBD it makes it a lot more soothing and calming than a regular bath bomb. They have a great range of different scents as well.

Naturally Tribal Skincare – Oka Body Polish

£27

This brand is fully vegan and cruelty free and they use a great range of natural ingredients to create luxury skincare that’s kind to your skin and great to use if you have sensitive skin.

The body polish is easy to use and helps to smooth and hydrate your skin at the same time. It exfoliates without irritating your skin. Ideal if you have sensitive skin.

They have a great range of skincare for both adults and children.

Naturally Tribal Skincare – Paw Patrol Clean & Soft Starter Kit

£45

There is a huge gap in the market for clean and green products targeted at children and geared towards making bath time fun! They partnered with Paramount to debut the ‘Clean & Soft’ body and hair sets alongside the PAW Patrol pups.

This kit contains:

1 x OROMA Body Wash 50ml

1 x YARA Body Food 100ml

1 x KARI Hair Cleanser 100ml

1 x KARI Hair Food 100ml

This is a great starter set if you are looking to try different products and children love paw patrol so it’s great they can look after their skin and hair alongside their furry friends off the tv.

Haircare

Beauty Favours Shampoo Bars

£9.95 each

These is a great way to try out solid products to see if you are ready to make the change. These are ideal for anyone looking to produce less waste and reduce plastics. They are the equivalent to 2-3 bottles of shampoo!

They have a good range of different scents to pick from and all are suitable for any hair type and for coloured hair. I find them a lot kinder to my hair than regular shampoo and love the scent of the champagne and roses one.

Manta Healthy Hair Brush

£30

Not only is it important to use good quality products to wash and style your hair with, it’s also important to use a good brush.

This is my new favourite hair brush as it really helps to get tangles out whilst being gentle to your hair. It is comfortable to hold and glides through my hair well. It comes in such a good range of colours too.

A must have for anyone that likes to take care of their hair.

Paul Mitchell – Volume Gift Set

£28.99

This gift set is a 2-piece volumising and body-building set from Paul Mitchell which includes a shampoo and root lifter.

I love Paul Mitchell haircare and this range is great for those looking to liven up their hair. Both products work really together and are good size bottles.

They have a great range of sets so worth checking out some of the other ones they have this year.

Fragrance

Dolma – Calista 50ml

£45.50

Dolma Perfumes are certified vegan and cruelty free. They are free from palm oil, parabens and phthalates.

This beautiful scent opens with fresh notes of bergamot and lemon, revolving around a rich bouquet of jasmine, geranium and ylang-ylang. It then melts into a sensual trail of sandalwood and Amyris. Resonate with Calista, Greek for most beautiful.

This is such a lovely scent. You don’t need to spray much to leave yourself smelling amazing and the scent lasts all day long. It comes in a variety of sizes and you can even buy the discovery set that contains all 12 scents if you want to try them all out.

Nails

Earthy Nail Polishes

£7.99 each

These nail polishes are vegan and cruelty free and the brand have replaced the single use plastic cap with highly sustainable bamboo and all seals within the cap are made from 100% post-consumer plastic. They come in a good variety of shades and are highly pigmented so you can get away with just one coat.

Earthy Nail Polish – Berry Oil

£8.99

Much like the polishes, the treatments are vegan and produced in similar bottles. This oil helps maintain natural hydration by restoring nails barrier and recondition very dry and rough nails and cuticles. In the winter my nail beds become so dry and this is a great product to use before bed.

Clothing & Accessories

Merchoid – Space Jam Xmas Jumper

£38.99

A must have gift for any fan of Space Jam. Merchoid have a great range of Christmas jumpers inspired by popular films and tv shows.

It’s a lovely thick knitted jumper and a great present idea. They also have lots of film related Christmas decorations too that are worth checking out. Last year I treated myself to a couple of Gremlins christmas tree decorations from there.

Tennis HQ – Adidas Aeroready Baseball Cap

£23

This is a great hat, not only ideal to wear as a fashion statement but also can be worn for multiple different sport activities. It’s a good fit and I like the simple design. Tennis HQ have such a good range of accessories as well as clothing so they are worth checking out.

Tennis HQ – Adidas Melbourne Mens Ergo Graphic Tennis Shorts

£55

These are a great pair of tennis shorts. They are such a unique funky design made out of a lightweight breathable material.

Adidas are one of the best sporting brands out there and Tennis HQ have such a good range of adidas clothing and accessories.

Tennis HQ – Head Club Mens Tennis Shorts

£40

Head are another great sports brand, especially for tennis. These shorts are a good length and are comfortable to wear when playing sports.

They are a thin material so you won’t get too hot wearing them so great to wear when getting hot and playing tennis.

The Brunel Museum – Vintage London Map Scarf

£19.99

This is a really unique gift for anyone that loves London. The scarf is made of a really soft material and is really comfortable to wear. It’s a good size and not too thick.

It’s definitely a statement piece to wear and great for anyone that’s always cold or is a fan of different scarves.

Cherry Blossom – Sneaker Cleaner

£5.95

A must have for anyone that has a nice trainer collection. It’s a great way to keep your trainers clean and that’s often something we don’t think about enough.

If you have expensive trainers it’s important to take care of them and keep them clean and looking like new.

Cherry Blossom – Midsole Reviver Kit

£11.45

Another great shoe care product from Cherry Blossom. This kit is great for anyone looking to take care of their shoes and I love that it comes with a brush as well as this really helps to clean the soles.

This kit works well on trainers as well as regular shoes and is really good value.

Jumble And Co – Bits And Bobs Tote Bag

£7.99 each

These bags come in a good range of colours/ designs. They are well made and sturdy for tote bags and considering the price they are really good value.

They also have a good range of diaries and umbrellas and you can buy them in similar designs and colours to match as well.

Jumble And Co – Ups And Downs Umbrella

£14.99 each

These umbrellas have a really cool design and colour scheme, similar to the tote bags. They are really trendy and are a good size to fit in a bag when not in use.

I really like the pink and purple colour scheme and the umbrellas are well made and sturdy so can be used even when it’s really windy.

Homeware

Asda Photo – Black Photo Mug

£10

I have used Asda before for personalised products and have always been impressed with the price and quality.

The mugs are a lovely personal and unique gift for yourself or a loved one. They comes in different sizes and and you can add photos or text and really make it your own.

Asda Photo – Personalised Wall Calendar

£15

A lot of supermarkets offer personalised photo products but you have to go in store and design them which can often not be practical. With this service from Asda photo online it is so easy to use either on a pc/tablet or on a phone.

It’s so easy to create a calendar with all of your favourite pictures on and it’s really good quality too. I always have to make one with my cats on for my husband.

Another Studio – A6 Notebooks, Set Of 3

£12

These A6 set of notebooks are made from recycled paper and staple bound. They are the perfect size to keep in your handbag and take on the go for making notes. They have a really cute tropical design on them and are well made.

Another Studio – Plant Animal – Cat

£6.50

The plant animals are a really unique gift for any plant lover. They come in a good range of options and look super cute poking out of a plant pot.

Etched in brass with realistic fluffy details, just look at those whiskers. This cute cat will make a lovely little gift for those cat lovers in your life.

Cutch Company – The Christmas Cutch Candle

£25

A rich, warm, and festive scent layered with a woody base of cedarwood and the spiciness of cassia. Traditional heart notes of clove, nutmeg and pine, are topped with hints of zesty lemon, sweet orange, and fresh peppermint to produce a scent that truly encapsulates the essence of Christmas igniting the memories and feelings that it evokes.

Cutch Company use soy wax, recyclable materials and essential oils and paraben free perfumes in their candle scents and they smell amazing throughout the whole burn time.

They have a great range of different scents, with lots of different Christmas ones to pick from. I love this one as it just reminds me of sitting in front of the fire on Christmas day.

Pets

Pet Hamper – Lux Christmas Cat Hamper

£35

This cat hamper is the perfect gift for your furry friend. My three love the little catnip toys in this! You get a good range of products so is ideal if you have more than one cat as they can share.

There is a tin of food in here as well as treats and plenty of toys!

They have a good range of different toys and treats if you wanted to put together your own hamper and also lots of products for dogs too.

Food & Drink

Virginia Hayward – Chocolate Collection

£42.99

This hamper includes a great selection of treats for yourself or your loved one. The honeycomb is my favourite thing, followed by the fudge bar. If you know a big chocolate fan this is a must have.

Virginia Hayward always have a really good range of hampers, there’s something to suit everyone and for a variety of budgets.

Whitakers Chocolates – Dark Chocolate Gingers

£5.99

These dark chocolate gingers are suitable for vegans and are a lovely idea for any chocolate lover. They are really tasty and a pleasant change from a selection box or other Christmas chocolates.

Whitakers Chocolates – Luxury Mint Chocolate Assortment

£5.95

You can’t go wrong with a mint selection. This box has a nice variety of different mint chocolates so perfect as a gift or even to take to someone’s house over Christmas if going for dinner. Perfect to have after a big meal.

Whitakers Chocolates – Vegan Milk Chocolate Caramel Toffee Gift Box

£5.95

These tasty treats are perfect for anyone that loves toffee. They are so yummy and great value. Whitakers have a great range of chocolates to choose from. These are perfect for vegans too.

Simply Cake Co – Christmas Cookie Selection

£8.99

These boxes are a great idea as they are letterbox friendly if you are sending direct as a gift. I love the cookies from Simply Cake Co they are so delicious and such a thoughtful gift for anyone with a sweet tooth. They have a great range of cookies, blondies and brownies to pick from.

Simply Cake Co – Festive Treat Box

£17.99

This box has a nice range of treats in. It includes:

Baileys Brownie

Christmas Blondie

Chocolate Orange Millionaires Shortbread

This is the perfect gift for anyone with a sweet tooth and they have a good range of different boxes to pick from. You can pick from different flavours and also different size packs. There really is something for everyone. They do vegan options too.

Growseed – Vegetable Seeds Gift Set

£7.99 each

These seed packs are a great idea for someone loves growing their own vegetables or even someone that hasn’t tried to before but doesn’t know where to start. They come in a good range of different seed packs and are really good value.

All sets come with 5 packets of high quality vegetable seed, 5 plant markers and a pencil.

I hope I have given you some good ideas!

Sarah x

Loft Insulation Rolls Calculator: Maximising Energy Efficiency in Your Home

In the quest for a snug and energy-efficient home, loft insulation rolls emerge as the unsung heroes. These unassuming rolls of material can transform your living space into a cosy haven while significantly reducing energy bills. In this guide, we’ll unravel the secrets of maximising energy efficiency through loft insulation with a touch of creativity and practicality.

The Basics of Loft Insulation

For any prospective installer a solid understanding and foundation knowledge of loft insulation is needed before diving into the nitty-gritty details. Loft insulation is like a warm hug for your home. It involves installing materials, usually in roll form, to create a barrier preventing heat from escaping. This process keeps your living space warm in winter and cool in summer, striking the perfect balance for year-round comfort.

Unveiling the Loft Insulation Calculator

Imagine having a tool that can tell you how much of which insulation you need simply based on the home or room dimensions. That’s where this loft insulation calculator steps into the spotlight. The handy tool takes the guesswork out of the equation, ensuring you get just the right amount of insulation for your space without too much excess material.

Why does it matter?

Installing less insulation can be as effective as having less. The loft insulation calculator is your guide, preventing overindulgence and ensuring optimal energy efficiency. 

So, let’s embark on an energy-savings journey tailored to your home.

Getting Started: The Calculator in Action

Room Dimensions Matter: Begin by inputting the dimensions of your loft space into the calculator. It’s like giving the tool a blueprint of your home, allowing it to tailor its recommendations precisely.

Material Selection: Loft insulation rolls come in various materials with unique properties. The calculator considers the material’s thermal resistance (R-value) and your local climate to suggest the most effective insulation solution.

Personalised Recommendations: Unlike generic guidelines or estimations, the calculator provides the exact recommendation tailored to your needs. It provides suggested options of thickness!

Creative Insulation Solutions

Now that you have the perfect insulation plan, let’s infuse creativity into the process. Loft insulation doesn’t have to be mundane; it can be an opportunity to enhance your home’s aesthetic appeal.

DIY Insulation Projects: Turn insulation installation into a creative DIY project. Consider using eco-friendly materials or even recycled denim for a unique touch. You could be replacing your houses standard insulation for something more thermally insulating, or adding some insulation to an outdoor office room to make it comfortable all year round.

Insulate with Style: When installing or replacing your insulation consider using repurposed materials instead of simple plaster board or ceiling tiles. Think reclaimed wooded panels or decorative fabric-covered boards. It’s a practical way to blend functionality with style.

Wrapping It Up: Your Cosy Abode Awaits

Remember, it is essential to appreciate the impact of a well-insulated home. Not only does it contribute to a significant reduction in energy bills, but it also creates a warm and inviting atmosphere for you and your loved ones.

So, once your ready with your personalised loft insulation plan, it’s time to embark on the transformational journey towards a more energy-efficient and aesthetically pleasing home. Embrace the warmth in terms of temperature and ambience, and revel in the cosiness of your newly insulated abode. After all, a well-insulated home is a happy home!

Sarah x

Why Is Home Maintenance Always Important?

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Why Is Home Maintenance Always Important?

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Keeping a home is more than just tidying up and making occasional repairs. Regular home maintenance is crucial in preserving your comfort, property value, and safety. Neglecting these tasks can lead to expensive repairs, compromised living conditions, and potential safety hazards. With an annual maintenance cost of 1% – 4% of home value, you have every reason to keep your property in excellent condition. These are some benefits you enjoy when you do so.

  1. Enhanced safety

Home maintenance is critical in ensuring all house occupants’ safety. Ignoring these tasks increases the risk of hazardous situations that have the potential to compromise your well-being. A typical example is electrical maintenance and its potential to enhance your safety at home. Regular inspections and necessary repairs can prevent electrical malfunctions that could cause shocks, fires, or other accidents. Moreover, your fire detection and prevention systems, like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, must be an intricate part of your regular home maintenance tasks. These measures you undertake will ensure that you don’t have to take a claim for a disaster you could have prevented in the first place.

  1. Reduced repair costs 

This benefit might sound counterproductive, especially when home maintenance is an additional expense. The secret, however, is that the cost-saving element is long-term. Regular home maintenance is a wise investment as it helps you embark on preventative measures that save you significant sums of money. You would have saved thousands in extensive home repairs by avoiding costly repairs and preserving your property’s value. Many households that ignored regular home maintenance measures have been unable to prevent major damage to their property. For example, regular roof inspections can identify small leaks or loose tiles before they lead to significant water damage and expensive repairs. In another breath, timely plumbing maintenance can prevent leaks or burst pipes, so feel free to consider this. Energy efficiency is another area where you save money on your house. A simple online search such as ‘double-glazed windows Birmingham installers’ will lead you to local professionals who can install these windows to prevent air leakage, and save you money on heating your home. Old windows are a huge problem when it comes to energy wastage so always bear this in mind when planning your maintenance. 

  1. Preserved comfort and enhanced well-being

Regular home maintenance helps create a welcoming and comfortable living environment. It ensures that your home is in good condition, directly impacting your quality of life. From a functional point of view, addressing home maintenance issues promptly prevents an escalation which increases the risk of further inconvenience. A well-maintained home means a healthier living space, as cleaning regularly, dusting, and using air filter replacements can improve indoor air quality. It also reduces allergens and potential respiratory issues among home occupants, especially kids and older adults. A well-maintained home contributes to your psychological well-being, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation. A home like that helps you unwind and de-stress after a long day. By investing time and effort in home maintenance, you create an environment that supports your physical and mental well-being.

Sarah x

Personalised Art

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Personalised photo art has become an increasingly popular way to add a personal touch to home decor. With the ability to choose and display photos that hold special meaning, personalised photo art can bring life and character to bare walls.

There are several types of personalised photo art that can be incorporated into home decor. One popular option is canvas prints, which are high-quality prints on canvas material that can be stretched over a wooden frame. Another option is framed prints, which are photos printed and framed in various sizes and styles. Collage prints are also a creative way to display multiple photos in one piece of art.

There are also so many smaller options like photo blocks, mouse mats or fridge magnets. These are great small touches to make your house feel more personal and homely.

www.mypicture.co.uk create customized, high-quality wall decor and lifestyle accessories which make the perfect gift for any occasion or simply something for yourself to spruce up the home.

By choosing the type of personalised photo art that best suits your style and space, you can create a unique and meaningful addition to your home decor.

I had a few different pieces made for around the house and have been really impressed with the price and quality of the pieces.

MixBlox

These are great to have on a bookcase or mantle piece and they look really cool as the picture is mounted from the back. They are well made and you can stack them into a little display too.

Canvas Print

These come in a variety of sizes and can be personalised with any picture you want and you can design it straight from your phone. There are lots of different sizes and styles to pick from, even down to what frame you require if you go for that option. The prices of these are incredible considering the quality.

MixPix

These are cheaper than a canvas but are still a great way to display your favourite pictures on the wall. They are printed well and are easy to attach to the wall with the magnet provided. As they are printed on foam they are so lightweight.

If you want to order from www.mypicture.co.uk you can use code TRADEMARK15 for 15% off your whole order(on top of any discounts they already have!) Valid until 31st August.

Sarah x