FOR MUM: SCENTED CHRISTMAS CANDLES

Infused with the finest fragrances, Best Kept Secrets range of specially scented Christmas candles are guaranteed to cement mum’s Yuletide cheer with over 50 hours of candle sniffing fun.

The 3×3” candles feature flavours ranging from Spicy Satsuma to the aromatic and spicy Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh all of which have been custom created to compliment that Christmas feeling.

Starting from £7.99, this thoughtful gift is easy on the purse strings and a sure fire way to your mother’s heart.

FOR DAD: POWER TOOLS

Jesus was a carpenter, so why not Dad? SIPUK offer a wide range of workshop tools, saws and just about everything in-between to make sure that somebody gets a poorly made spice-rack this Christmas.

SIPUK also offer free delivery on orders over £100 so if you’re feeling generous, or just desperate for Dad to fix the shed, order online for quality savings.

FOR BRO: COMPUTER GAMES

Being an avid gamer, I can assure you that big retailers never give the most competitive deals on games. Check out Grainger Games for cut throat prices and free delivery on all Xbox 360 games within the UK.

And with so many games scheduled for release this November there won’t be any trouble in making a decision, but if you’re looking for a recommendation I would suggest either Modern Warfare 3 or Battlefield 3.

FOR SIS: RUBY NECKLACE

What’s the fastest way to a woman’s heart? QP Jewellers range of Ruby Necklaces of course. This unique series of necklaces are made from real Rubies and come in variety of different styles and shapes.

If that’s not her cup of tea there are plenty of other jewels available at QP and all at competitive prices.

So if you’re like me and you like to do all your Christmas shopping online before the madness ensues we hope that these suggestions will make Christmas shopping that little bit easier and if you have any further ideas on what to get the family we’d love to hear them below.

As much as I love getting whimsical gifts and pretty trinkets, my true favorites are the most practical.  A practical gift doesn’t have to be “un-fun” or boring – I’m not talking a set of spatulas or monogrammed hand towels.  There’s a huge middle ground, where practicality meets fun; no matter who you’re shopping for, you find items they need AND want!

One of my favorite gifts this season is a stylish coffee mug!  Whether you’re shopping for a business woman, a student, a mom with errands to run – or really, just anyone who leaves the house – a coffee mug is a gift that will be used over and over again.  And each time your lucky lady pours in her favorite blend, she’ll think of you’re fabulous gift giving sensibility!

Aladdin is a brand that immediately caught my eye due to their huge range of products and the gorgeous graphics.  I was sent some fab products to review, each and every one of which is a perfect gift for the ladies on your list!  Let’s check out some of my faves.

16oz Create-Your-Own Mug, $13

“Consider this mug your blank canvas. It can display just about anything you can dream up– original artwork, photos, even your beloved sticker collection.”

What a genius idea!  If you’ve got a doodler on your hands, this is a great gift for them.  I think that teen girls will like this mug a lot as well; they’re always writing each other notes and writing on end of the year tees & yearbooks is a big deal.  So how about giving them a DIY mug that their friends can design for them (probably during a boring math class)?

16oz Hybrid Stainless Steel Travel Mug, $10

“A classic everyday item, this mug is made with a mix of stainless steel and plastic so you can enjoy durability without sacrificing style.”

This is a totally chic option for moms, aunts, and anyone else who likes a little pop but not a lot of flair.  Totally streamlined, this mug is perfect for travel and the wide handle will make grabbing your mug while navigating your morning routine perfectly simple! The top trend purple makes this a total winner, but there are also gorgeous shades of blue and grey available.

12oz Artist Series Insulated Mugs, $20

“The worlds of art and coffee collide in the new Aladdin Artist Series that puts art in your hands! This first-edition collection features the orginal artwork of six different artists.”

These fun insulated mugs immediately made me think of my graphic design major friends!  They’re such a great update from the usual, boring silver/grey mugs.  These are really fun for kids that like to take hot chocolate with them in the morning, or ones that go camping (even if it’s just in the backyard).

20oz Artist Series Insulated Art Bowl, $20

“Spend your lunch hour savoring beauty with the new Aladdin Artist Series that puts art in your hands. This first-edition collection features the orginal artwork of six different artists.”

Another great graphic piece!  Mini fashionistas can take their lunches, while big girls will be happy to do the same.  I love the color coordination between the bowl, lid, and graphic design.  Last night’s leftover’s are suddenly much more appealing in one of these beauties, and so are those healthy soups and salads that weren’t much fun to eat before.  Oh and did I mention that these bowls remain cool to the touch, but are microwave safe?  Score!

10oz Recycled & Recyclable Snack Container, $7

“Do your part for the planet (and your wallet) with this fun recycled snack container. Make your own munchies (or buy in bulk) and pack it all to go so you can snack wherever, whenever.”

Now that’s affordable!  This is one piece I’m definitely keeping for myself; it fits perfectly into my purse or laptop bag.  I’ve been filling mine with trail mix, dried fruit, or nuts for healthy snacking.  The vending machines on campus are so much less tempting when I know I’ve got a delicious option with my already – plus it’s a lot cheaper to bring snacks from home!

24oz Clean & Clever Water Bottle, $12

“Don’t be fooled by its good looks. This water bottle is good for you, too! It’s made with Bisphenol-A free Eastman Tritan copolyester plastic, which is durable, crystal clear and dishwasher safe.”

This is the same bottle pictured at the very top; it’s my favorite piece!  I buy water in 3L jugs, which aren’t exactly portable.  However, they’re much cheaper and more eco-friendly than buying 8oz bottles in bulk.  I have a stash of water bottles, but a lot of them get “gross,” and don’t seem to get clean enough when I wash them.  The Clean & Clever Water Bottle is a real gem; it’s big and see through, so I can remember if I’m drinking water or ice tea and not top off with the wrong beverage.  It also fits perfectly into my purse or laptop bag, even when I’ve got the Recycled Snack Container in there as well.

For more Aladdin products, check out their website.  There’s are four main sections:  Drink It Hot, Drink It Cold, Do Lunch, and Kiddos.  Each are chock full of products you are your loved ones will use all year long!

Sisters, nieces, daughters, oh my!  What to buy?  I present to you the solution, and might I add, the greatest innovation in tween beauty I’ve seen to date – YoYo Lip Gloss!

“This retractable gloss surpasses every gal’s dream of makeup that goes the distance with you, literally.  Simply clip it on (to anything, any time, anywhere), then swipe it on for lip-smacking shine, sensational shimmer, and sweet, sassy color and flavor.  Fabulous!”

I was super excited to get samples of YOYO Lipgloss, even though I’m all grown up (supposedly).  The colors are sweet, the smell is delicious, and the gloss is shiny – top marks all around!  Of course, what really attracted me to YOYO is the design!

For young girls and tweens, lip gloss is a Big Deal.  And losing it?  An even bigger one!  So how genius is this design, with a clip that can fit on a back pack, belt, or purse strap?  Even with all the pockets in my handbag, I’m constantly losing my cosmetics into the deep blue yonder.  Keychain lip glosses get tossed around too much, and often beat up or broken.  But a gloss that can go anywhere?  That’s what I’m talkin’ about!

AND, the deal is even sweeter with the retractable cord – now not only will your little lady will know where her gloss is, but she’ll be able to apply it without a hassle!  No searching, no unhooking or rehooking – just pull, swipe, and go!  That’s how all makeup should be, but even more so for little beauty queens.

YOYO Lip Gloss is available in an array reminiscent of my favorite snacks:  Bodacious Blueberry, Big Bounce Bubblegum, Kissable Kiwi, Crazy Cotton Candy, Cha-Cha Chocolate, Girly Green Apple, Power Packing Pineapple, and Super Strawberry Cheesecake.  Large glosses are $4.99, while the retractable minis are only $2.99.

I suggest using these adorable glosses as stocking stuffers, or clipping one or two onto the strap of a brand new purse!  And if you’re buying for a crowd of little girls (like lots of nieces, or the mini fashionistas you babysit), a single gloss per girl will make a thoughtful gift that won’t break the bank!

PS – By Spring 2010, YOYO will be adding lip balm, zipper gloss accessories, lipstick, blush, eyeshadow, and nail polish…  All the fun products your budding beauty will need (okay, or just want).  For updates, follow @yoyolipgloss on Twitter.

“Now you can create your own customized frozen pops, including cream-filled varieties, in as few as seven minutes. The nonstick cast-aluminum molds have a proprietary solution sealed inside their bases to enable rapid, uniform freezing – no electricity required. To enjoy homemade ice pops at a moment’s notice, simply store the compact base in your freezer. After being prechilled, the Zoku can make up to nine 2 1/4″ x 3 1/2″ pops before you need to refreeze it. Durable, reusable plastic pop sticks have unique ridged designs that allow pops to adhere securely, with special drip guards for tidy eating. A specially designed tool helps to quickly release the frozen treats from their molds. Hand-wash. Includes a 8″ x 4 1/4″ x 4 1/2″-high base (makes three 2-oz. pops), six pop sticks, six drip guards and a recipe booklet. A Williams-Sonoma exclusive.”

I saw the Zoku in December’s issue of “Real Simple” Magazine and had to check it out…  Now I’m dying for a Zoku of my own!  Such a convenient, practical gift for the at-home gourmet, multiple child families, or anyone trying to eat healthier (they can control the ingredients in their frozen indulgence).

The Zoku Quick Pop Maker retails for $44.95, or $79.95 for two.