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.

“Mike Natenshon started Marine Layer because he couldn’t find new t-shirts that fit and felt like his precious few favorites and his girlfriend was going to dump him if he kept wearing the same 5 tees from college.  It took about a year of trial and error and a heap of credit card debt to get the first shirt made, but it was a beauty.”

You can read about how Marine Layer sustainably manufactures their tees in the US here.

So what’s so special about Marine Layer?  Well for one, they’ve thrown normal sizing guidelines out the window and introduced a whole new method.  Simply use their “Fit Finder” to decide if you’re a Smedium, Medium, Marge, Large, Larger or Extra-Large.

Next, it’s all about the feel.  I received a tee from Marine Layer check out and hands down, it’s the softest tee ever.  Crazy, comfortably, you’ll want to live in these tees soft.  I was planning on giving it to my boyfriend, but now I’m tempted to claim it as my own.  If you want to check it out yourself before committing to a tee, Marine Layer will send you a free sun glass cloth made of their super-soft cotton for free.

If you read the manufacturing info above, you’ll also know how much effort goes into the making of these tees.  It’s evident that the tees are well made when you actually check on out; these won’t fall apart like the rest of the tees in your closet.

So to sum up:  perfect fit, super soft, high quality.  Oh and did I mention that Marine Layers offers free shipping AND free returns – on all orders?  So ordering is essentially risk free, as you’ll be refunded whatever you paid.  Perfect, right?

I’m not a big fan of logos, so I prefer the Blank tees.  The shirt I received is the Super Blank T ($29) in Shamrock Shake Green (pictured above).  The color is gorgeous, but if green’s not your thing, there are several other shades available.  All are rich and non-intrusive, so they’ll blend easily into your guy’s wardrobe – no worries!

This holiday season, get your guy something he’ll really love – a super soft, super stylish tee from Marine Layer!

Still not sure what to get for that sporty brother, father, or boyfriend?  We feel your pain!  Men can be such a challenge to shop for, so it’s best to stick to the basics.

For guys who are big into exercise, sports, and the great outdoors, the gift solution can be really simple!  Think about what they need:  gear and accessories.  Since actual sporting gear can be expensive – and something to stay away from unless you really know what your guy wants, I suggest sticking to those accessories!

Icebreaker is a company that specializes in outdoor and travel related items.

“Icebreaker, like many great things, started by accident.  In 1994, an American girlfriend introduced me to a merino wool farmer she had stayed with as she backpacked around New Zealand.  Brian Brakenridge lived on an isolated island in Marlborough with his family and 8,000 sheep. He had developed some prototype thermal underwear made from 100% pure New Zealand merino wool.  He threw me a piece of this extraordinary fabric across the lunch table. It felt soft and sensual, looked lustrous and was totally natural.  It was nothing like the wool I had grown up with, which was heavy and scratchy. And you could throw this stuff in the washing machine.   My first thought was that maybe I could sell this to the Americans, and pay for a ticket to the US to see my backpacking beau. Hey, I was 24.  But as I wore this fine wool t-shirt, it proved to me – and to the others we showed it to – how well merino wool performed in the outdoors, and how wonderful it felt. I was so enthusiastic about this discovery that I never saw my American girlfriend again – she was jilted by sheep.”

Socks are a great gift.  They’re going to get a lot of use, and every guy could use socks – even though they think the ten pairs with huge holes in them currently hanging out in their sock drawer are fine. Having the right socks for sporting activities is super important; I once went cross country skiing with thin socks on and wound up with blisters the size of half dollars.

Icebreaker has four main categories of socks:  Alpine, Outdoor, GT, and Everyday.

Icebreaker sent me a pair of socks for review and while I’m passing them on to a lucky guy this Christmas, I did spend some time checking them out.  The pattern is definitely one that will appeal to guys, as it’s streamlined in bold, basic colors.  The material is durable and will protect feet, while keeping them warm and comfortable.  They’re also breathable and lightweight so no worries about bulk or overheating.  And none of those blisters!

If your guy already has a big selection of quality socks, consider some other basic necessities – hats, scarves, and gloves!

I love the Icebreaker Powder Hat ($41.99), which is available in four colors.  I received the Ink/Reef/Thunder combo (pictured above) and think the colors are gorgeous!  This beauty’s going to my step brother, who’s big into snowboarding and other winter sports.  He’s always tricky to shop for, but I know he’ll be a big fan of this sleek, stylish hat.  The non-itchy material and added length for ear coverage are going to keep him warm and comfortable all year long!

Icebreaker doesn’t just cater to men; there’s a wide selection of clothing and accessories for woman as well.

When you’ve got a bunch of technology addicted friends like I do, it can be difficult to find gifts for them!  True geeks seem to already have amassed all the latest and greatest technology.  My little brother is a computer addict and already has the special keyboard, headset, gamer mouse – you name it, he has it.  So what’s left?

Surprisingly, he doesn’t have a laptop bag.  Something so simple, and yet it’s missing!  I find this to be the case with a lot of my tech friends; they’ve got high end equipment but they’re tossing into their backpacks or tucking it under their arms, rather than storing it safely.

When I got a new laptop in the fall, the first thing I did was start looking for a bag for it!  Probably because I’m so addicted to purses…  Pinder was kind enough to send me their GiddyUp bag (pictured above) in Black & Lime.

Best.Bag.Ever.  It’s so functional and convenient that I often toss a few vital items into this bag and skip bringing my purse altogether.  A bag that’s replaced my purse?  Seriously, you know it’s got to be good.

“Are you looking for a laptop bag that has room for files/folders, lightweight, protective, water repellent and doesn’t look like a traditional laptop bag? Then the new GiddyUp laptop tote is ready to be your new best friend. With a durable ballistic nylon exterior and 100% cruelty-free faux leather trim, the GiddyUp will keep you and your laptop looking snazzy. It offers one zip compartment to carry your laptop and another compartment to carry all that other stuff like your power supply, mouse, folders, files and magazines.”

The GiddyUp comfortably fits my Mac, laptop charger, cellphone, wallet, planner, two notebooks, a folder of press releases, pens, lip gloss, and whatever else I know I’m going to need during the day.  That’s actually more than my purse holds – by far! – so you can see why I’ve started carrying it all the time.

The GiddyUp is incredibly well made, stylish, and durable.  Currently, it’s on sale for $40 and offered in a wide range of colors.  I love the big handles, but there is another style available with a much smaller handle as well.  You can also visit sister site Gut Cases for a range of cases for hand held devices sch as Blackberries and iPhones.

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!

Burt’s Bees Tingling Treats Gift Set

“Nothing says holidays like peppermint! So we combined a few of our favorite minty little things in this gift collection that pampers from head to toe. And even better, this set offers a $4.00 savings compared to items purchased separately. Give this invigorating collection or just enjoy it yourself!  $19.99″

CONTAINS:

Beeswax Lip Balm
Fabulously Fresh Peppermint & Rosemary Body Bar
Fabulously Fresh Peppermint & Rosemary Body Wash
Peppermint Foot Lotion

Burt’s Bees Polka Dot Perfect Mani-Pedi Gift Set

“All the full-sized products and tools you need for a luxurious mani-pedi are wrapped up with an adorable polka dot carrier this holiday season.   You’ll save $7.00 compared with purchasing these products separately, and even better, you also get an adorable bag stuffed w/ 2 cuticle sticks and a nail file!  So hands and feet can look perfectly polished, wherever your holiday travels take you. Treat yourself or a loved one to this pampering gift!  $19.99″

CONTAINS:

Almond Milk Beeswax Hand Creme
Coconut Foot Creme
Lemon Butter Cuticle Creme
Replenishing Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil
Bee Nail File
2 Cuticle Sticks
Red & White Polka Dot Bag

Burt’s Bees Favorite Things Gift Set

“We have so many favorite things, it was hard to pick just four for this gift!   This festive holiday kit includes the top-rated favorites to cleanse, moisturize and protect skin from winter weather–and enjoy, all year long.   Plus, you’ll save $7.00 with the purchase of this set compared to purchasing the products individually. Our favorite thing is that we’re passing along an even better value to you! $19.99″

CONTAINS:

Beeswax Lip Balm
Lemon Butter Cuticle Creme
Naturally Nourishing Milk & Honey Body Lotion
Soap Bark & Chamomile Deep Cleansing Cream

Burt’s Bees Mini Lip Gloss Set

“Drench your lips in moisture and beautiful sheer color gloss. These hydrating natural lip glosses are flavored with citrus oils for a kiss of fresh-squeezed flavor. $12.99″

Burt’s Bees Natural Skin Care For Men, Essentials Travel Kit

“Look and feel your natural best wherever you go with skin care formulas sized for travel. Take them with you to cleanse, moisturize, shave and invigorate your skin with natural botanicals including Sunflower, Coconut, Cyprus and Fir oils, Aloe and Vitamin E.  $13.99″

CONTAINS:

Natural Skin Care for Men Cologne
Natural Skin Care for Men Aftershave
Natural Skin Care for Men Shave Cream
Natural Skin Care for Men Bar Soap
Natural Skin Care for Men Body Wash
Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm

I was sent a sample for review.  I’m a long time fan of Burt’s Bees products and will be including them in my holiday gift-giving this year, as always!  The lip balm with pomegranate is a favorite, and the peppermint foot cream is a close second!

Recently, I posted on The Fashionable Gal about the fab selection of tees offered by Crazy Dog and Nacho Mama.  I love the fun selection of ladies shirts, but what I was really struck by was the huge selection of mens tops.  I always have trouble finding birthday and holiday gifts for the men in my life, but now I don’t have to worry – there’s a tee for each and every guy I know!

That’s Shady - Zombie Apocalypse

Classic Tee – Chuck Norris

As I mentioned in my previous review, these are high quality tees!  The cotton is super soft and comfy, just the way your guys want their favorite tees to be!  And of course, they have equally high quality printed graphics that will fit with everyone’s style.  No matter what your guy is into, Crazy Dog and Nacho Mama have a tee for them!

Dunder Mifflin – Pugs

My boyfriend’s big on video games and cartoons, so these websites are a mecca of future gift; I’ll be back for his birthday for Round 2!  I can’t wait to see how he likes the Dunder Mifflin tee (above).  My little brother is actually the most difficult person I have to shop for, as his interests don’t really extend past his computer screen.  However, I knew he’d be a big fan of the Pug tee (above)…  At least he’ll look great while he’s gamin’ it up.

Crazy Dog and Nacho Mama have completely reasonable prices.  There are daily sales, including a new tee for $6.99 and lots of $9 options.  With prices like those, you can easily snag a gift for every dude on your gift list without breaking the bank.  As nice as those prices are, though…  How about free?  Crazy Dog gives away a TON of tees on their Facebook Page through a daily trivia question.  You can also follow them on Twitter for more deals and prizes!

Perfect for your brother, father, boyfriend – or any other hard to shop for man in your life!

“Protect one of your most valuable players, your lips!  This powerful lip balm features organic ingredients, SPF 15 for ultimate protection and a blend of organic hydrators to nourish and moisturize.  A soft, non-waxy formulation, T.K.O. POW! RIGHT IN THE KISSER! contains one of each:  Italian Ice (Wild Cherry) and Iced Out (Spearmint).  $6.”

Lip balm is a perfect stocking stuffer, or an adorable add-on to a bigger present!  They also make a sweet gift for teachers or coworkers – Secret Santa, perhaps?

“This earth-friendly nailcare set shows respect for the planet.  Made with recycled stainless steel which saves energy and reduces waste.  File is made from bamboo and eco paper.  Contains:  Stainless Steel Scissors, Stainless Steel Nipper, Eco Paper Nail File, Stainless Steel Tweezers, Bamboo Cuticle Wood Sticks.  $14″

If your dude’s into manscaping, or you’re trying to give a gentle nudge towards better nail care, check out the Recycled Nail Care 7 Piece Set!

“A dynamic fragrance that’s packed with energy, LEO combines sparkling citrus top notes of mandarin, bergamot, lemon, and neroli with sheer accents of herbal lavender, musk, and jasmine.  $38.”

Fragrance is a wonderful gift for your guy, especially if he needs a little boost in the scent department.  He’ll be thrilled to wear a scent you picked, and the bonus for you – it’s a scent you picked!  And if Leo doesn’t sound like it’s right for you and your man, check out Jock’s other scents!

I was sent a sample for review and am thrilled with the quality and fun of Jock Soap’s products!

Whether using a simple point-and-shoot camera or an advanced SLR (single lens reflex) model, the Grimms’ new book takes you through the steps to improve, display, print, and preserve your digital images.  The authors answer all our questions about the mechanics of digital cameras so you can become more creative and have pride in all your pictures.

You’ll learn how to print your own photos, pt together a snazzy slideshow, show off your pictures on the Internet, shoot successfully with a cell phone camera, and back up favorite images for posterity.

Whether you are new to digital photography or have been shooting for several years, you’ll discover ‘The Basic Book of Digital Photography’ is the most comprehensive and readable reference for all your photographic pursuits.”

This is an amazing resource for the photography lover in your life – maybe someone you gave a camera to last year?  Or if you know of someone who’s going to be gifted a camera this season (like a sibling), this will be a great “part two” gift; just make sure yours doesn’t get opened first and spoil the surprise!

I love the clear illustrations this book uses, as I’m a total visual learner.  There are even photographs of where certain buttons and features are on the camera, which is super helpful if you or your loved one is a novice photographer.  The color photos are incredibly beautiful, and make the book even more of a treasured reference.

Another cute idea is to pair this book with a Sharper Image Digital Photo Frame, 2.4″ Portable Viewer or Sharper Image 16310 Digital Photo Frame, Keychain!  Then the lucky recipient can not only take better pictures, but then show them off in a tech savvy way!  Good old fashion Nexxt by Linea Picture Frame, 27.5″ Shim Collage and a ream of photo paper will be a thoughtful accompaniment as well.  And of course, don’t forget your OWN camera so you can snap a few shots of your thoughtful gifts being unwrapped!

The Basic Book of Digital Photography: How to Shoot, Enhance, and Share Your Digital Pictures

I was sent a copy for review.

If we want more love in our lives, we must become more loving; if we genuinely want to end terrorism and to bring real and peaceful change to the world, then we have to change from being concerned with our own needs to reaching out and helping each other. As Ed often says, ‘when we make peace with ourselves, there is one less person suffering.’

For kindness and compassion to become a natural expression of who we are, we may need help, guidance, and support. Meditation in its many forms is the one method we have found that does all of this. When we get to know ourselves more deeply we discover that we are more than we thought we were, that we have the resources, strength, and wisdom to not only make changes but to become the change we so long for.”

If you’re struggling to find a meaningful and spiritually based gifts for a close friend or loved on this season, I suggest a copy of “Be the Change.”  With a foreword by the Dalai Lama, as well as one by Robert Thurman, “Be the Change” will be a gift that gets noticed.

The book is divided into four parts:  “The Greatest Adventure of All,” “Transforming from the Inside Out,” “Transforming Us Transforms the World,” and “Practice Makes Perfect.”  Each section contains chapters that will educate, instruct, and inspire.  The book is also packed with luminaries from great minds and spiritual figures, such as Gangaji, Rabbi Zalman Schachter, Ram Dass, and many more.

I received a copy of “Be the Change,” for review, and am struck by how it’s beautiful both inside and out.  The cover is serene, with a beautiful photograph and cool tones of blue.  The sections and chapters are clearly organized, easy to follow, and full of personal experience.  All the things I look for in a book!

I find literature to be a wonderful gift, as even though you’re giving a material item, books are a very personal way to do so.  Long after the last drop of perfume has been sprayed, the lotion’s all gone, or the nail polish has dried out – a meaningful book will still be close by!

Be the Change: How Meditation Can Transform You and the World is available from Amazon for $13.57.