Stuck for a Christmas present? Check these out!

Picture courtesy of photostock

With only weeks to go till the big day, town centres are becoming congested as the mad rush to stock up your Christmas gift collection goes into overdrive.

For those who prefer to browse the web to choose their festive delights, the stresses of knowing what to get who and why may well lead to the need to reach for a stiff drink.

As well as being an enjoyable time to spend with family and friends, Christmas brings trials and tribulations that make Easter egg selection look like a walk in the park. The trusty 'socks for dad' is perhaps not so trusty anymore with the range of technology available in many outlets.

But there are always innovative, and perhaps simple ideas that could be just what is needed to raise a smile around the turkey dinner.

In this piece I will review six items, ranging from alcohol delights to delightful touches that I feel should be considered as excellent options for Christmas presents for friends and family. Included at the end of each review will be a link to the product website, where you can snap up the relevant festive delight.

Please visit the 'Reviews' tab, accessible at the top of this page where you will find individual pieces on the six, as well as a best of the rest section. You can also view picture galleries of all the products. Hope this helps you with your Christmas selections!

The designs will go down well with the wearer

Frugi – scrumptious organic clothes

I probably should leave till the last so you continue reading on the Christmas present that will want you clicking on the link and ordering away, but let's grab the attention immediately.

Clothing from Frugi – which is Latin for 'fruits of the earthy' are simply adorable! Originally set up in 2004 by Lucy and Kurt Jewson, a couple who wanted to develop sustainable clothing that would fit a cloth-nappy wearing baby, the brand has developed majestically, both is design and substance.

The clothing is ethically manufactured cotton, which will not only please the parent for piece of mind and washing ease, but also the baby/toddler who will feel comfortable and content.

The designs of Frugi clothing are simply adorable (posed by model)

From jumpers and cardigans to trousers and dungarees, for both boys and girls, as well as comfortable nursing wear for mothers, the Cornwall couple have extended their range in order to be a top choice in the baby-range.

The designs are not only cute and pleasing to the eye for the parent, but also, and importantly, to the child wearing the clothing, which can only aid to the struggles of bringing up a child.

Frugi has been nationally recognised, and with modern designs as well as a mission statement that brings home all that should be good with the production of clothing, this company's clothing range would be an excellent choice when considering what to buy for a baby/toddler.

Visit the website at www.welovefrugi.com for more information, as well as to order your presents online.



Yes...the new next top model (me)

Expedition Healthy Back Bag

So, receiving a bag for Christmas might not seem all that exciting, but wait! How about a bag that won't make extra work for your back or shoulder and is still big enough to store your all-important items.

This is a unique teardrop shape which contours to the natural curve of the spine to make a heavy load feel light.

Weight is distributed asymmetrically throughout the length of the bag, rather than pulling from one point keeping the stress off you back and the bag in place.

Versatile, stylish and practical the bags can be worn cross-body or on the shoulder. The multi-pocketed interior and exterior of the bag make for easy organisation and the double zip is always against the body for extra security. The wearer can access the contents of the bag without having to take it off.

The Expedition Bag is made of strong, water resistant cotton twill. It is robust and long lasting and comes in a neutral selection of colours paired with retro-rugged styling and leather trim for a everyday use or outdoor activities. It's macho-looking and the large sized bag is big enough to take a laptop or documents. These bags are also great for students and young dudes

Men also like the Healthy Back Bag's leather styles and the Classic Leather HBB is available in black, espresso or chestnut colours. £112. They make great gifts for him.

For her we have the new 'BoHo' Healthy Back Bag that's glamorous and chic with retro overtones. It is made of durable, synthetic leather material that is both soft and water resistant.

There are a variety of healthy back bags to choose from

The bags feature curved outer pockets and a fun colourful shoulder strap and pocket detailing styled on a vintage 1960s guitar strap! Funky yet functional, this new addition to the Healthy Back Bag range comes in Teal, Grey, Purple or Black and retails for £56

OR, try the new Vintage Canvas Healthy Back Bag. Made of durable cotton canvas, the fabric is distressed to give a weathered, waxed vintage look. It is water resistant and robust making it perfect for active, outdoor lifestyles. Bags are available in Brown, Blue and Olive and retail for £65.

Available from selected independents or on line at www.healthybackbag.co.uk

Very different to your usual 'socks'

Heat Holders - the ultimate thermal socks

The old adage that socks are just the usual, last-minute present that will be less gratefully accepted and more accepted go out the window with this product - Heat Holders.

Heat Holders are diverse, fashionable socks that keep feet more than seven times warmer than normal cotton socks. Long term exposure to cold conditions can not only have detrimental effects to your feet, but to your overall health.

With a tog rating of 2.34, Heat Holders provide a practical and economical alternative to layering socks.

The unique patent pending extra long looped thermal pile which is unique to Heat Holders has been newly developed. This innovative knitting technology locks in warm air, holding this closer to the skin, keeping feet warmer for longer. The soft brushed inner adds comfort and softness where feet need it the most.

Their gentle grip prevents rubbing or discomfort that may be experienced from a sock with a lower tog rating. Furthermore the advanced insulating yarn created for Heat Holders provides high performance insulation and superior moisture wicking abilities.

As the RRP for a pair of Heat Holdersstarts at just £7.99, they are perfect as a bargain buy that can be used time and time again.

The intense heat on offer from Heat Holders socks lead to huge demand for similar products to keep extremities warm in the cold weather. Heat Holders response was warming and breathable thermal hats and gloves, which priced at £10, launched onto the market last year. This year, Heat Holders will be releasing a thermal underwear range, priced from £14 as well as a leggings and tights range, priced at a reasonable £8 each, plus much more to come.

Check www.heatholders.com for more information and to put your order in!

Why not try a Scotch Whisky and Cola

The gift of Grant's

Show someone your appreciation this Christmas with a quality gift from Grant’s, the award-winning family owned blended Scotch whisky.

When you’re struggling to find the perfect stocking filler, offer the discerning whisky lover or someone who just enjoys the occasional dram, the chance to discover a different angle on their favourite tipple with the Grant’s Whisky Discovery Collection gift pack.

With a whisky for everyone to savour and enjoy, the gift pack is priced from £7.00 and is available at selected outlets.

The Grant’s Discovery Collection caters to all tastes - whether it’s appreciating The Family Reserve for a complex, clean and fruity flavour, the Ale Cask Finish for a creamy, malty and honeyed taste or experiencing the Sherry Cask Finish that imparts distinctive sherry, wood notes. Grant’s has it covered.

Give the gift of Grant’s and discover a different angle yourself by mixing the ultimate Christmas Cocktail – Grant’s Redfire. By mixing together Grant’s Family Reserve Whisky, cherry brandy, a splash of tonic and for an unsuspecting surprise garnish with a single sage leaf, you are guaranteed to be left feeling truly indulged and in the spirit.

As they say, good things come in small packages and they don’t come much better than the Grant’s pre-mixed serve – ideal for any occasion. So the next time you fancy trying something new, why not pick up this little treat and take the stress out of creating the perfect serve, allowing you more time to enjoy a richer, deeper experience.

The pre-mixed serve of Scotch Whisky & Cola is perfect for that final present to fill the stocking to the brim.

The new Grant’s Whisky Discovery Collection gift pack is priced from £7.00 and is available at selected outlets. Grant’s Scotch Whisky & Cola is available in a 250ml can and has an ABV of 6.6%, from £2.00 at selected Tesco and Asda stores nationwide.

For more information on Grant’s Whisky visit www.grantswhisky.com/uk

My lovely gift!

Who's got a sweet tooth then?

Now this offering is simply delightful.

Choose your jar size, choose your sweets, and then personalise your gift and the lucky recipient will receive a superb jar of sweets with a very special Christmas label (as shown by my gift, right)!

Posh Pick & Mix have a wide range of sweets on offer including Fizzy Cola Bottles, Shrimps, Oreo Cookie Flavoured Popcorn, Jelly Beans, Pear Drops, Candy Watches, Liquorice All Sorts, Chewy Snakes, Fizzy Strawberry Bites and Fizzers.

And it's as simple as that. All you do is visit the website, www.poshpickandmix.com, select your jar size, select your sweets, and select your message, which will be printed on the front of the jar.

You will also receive a cute little sweet scoop to fish out your scrumptious delights!

Not only that, but the sweet jar is delivered immaculately packaged which guarantees a smile from the person who peels off the packaging.

All jars are dispatched within 48 hours, so you best get involved now!

Are you man (or woman) enough?

Add a bit of a kick to Christmas with a unique connoisseur chilli sauce specially chosen by Hot-Headz!, stockists of the largest selection of all things chilli in the UK www.hot-headz.com.

It’s original, has fantastic novelty value and is something that will be used! In fact we believe a bottle of chilli sauce is the perfect stocking filler for any male of the species, guaranteed to bring Yuletide cheer and warmth! A Perfect gift for the office Christmas party too!

We all know there is a love hate relationship between men and chillies.

They can’t resist the temptation and yet when they indulge they end up asking themselves ‘why on earth did I do that’ whilst swilling down gallons of water to kill the heat  - and then they go and do it again! It’s all down to the endorphins that chillies make us produce by creating a sense of euphoria, along with a pinch of male bravado no doubt!

And with a bottle of superb provenance chilli sauce from Hot-Headz! typically costing from £3.99 to £6.99, it won’t make a dent in the old wallet. So why not buy a bottle or even a few. 

Here are our top five ‘connoisseurs’ recommendations to choose from, gradually moving up the heat scale from ‘beginners mild’ to ‘it’ll blow your head off’ (In addition to the heat, the range of flavours, colours and textures are genuinely quite remarkable and varied, just like with wines, so why not try a few and do a tasting):

1. Tapatio Hot Sauce - This year marks the 40th Anniversary of this Mexican inspired sauce that's found on every table top in bars and restaurants across the USA. A robust cayenne pepper sauce with great flavour and a sweet citrusy tang that's good for all round use. A perfect‘easy on the heat’ sauce for the chilli novice! Hot-Headz heat rating: 3/10. £3.99

2. Brother Bru-Bru's Mild African Pepper Sauce - a mouth watering blend of chilli peppers, garlic and Brother Bru Bru’s rare African spices. Brother Bru Bru is in fact no other than session musician Bruce Langhorne who used to play with Bob Dylan. It's a fact that Dylan wrote Mr.Tambourine Man about Bruce. Yes that's him on the label! Splash it on or in everything! Hot-Headz heat rating: 5/10. £3.99

3. Pyromania! Wanna play with Fire? Made with habanero peppers and chipotle "Chee-Poht-Lay" (smoked jalapeno) peppersfor a wonderful rich and smoky hot sauce that's great on everything from eggs and vegetables to fish, meat, rice, pasta and tofu. Getting warmer. Hot-Headz heat rating: 7/10. £3.99

4. Hot-Headz own‘Who Dares Burns! Crushed Naga Hot Sauce’ - Now we're getting serious! A whopping 65% chilli pepper content gives this all natural sauce a killer heat with fresh, fresh flavour! The Naga Bhut Jolokia is the Guinness Book of World Records holder of the Hottest Chilli in the World. We've skilfully blended these deadly hot chilli peppers with select ingredients to make the tastiest Naga sauce on the market. In skiing parlance, this is definitely black run. Hot-Headz heat rating: 9/10. £3.99

5. Mad Dog 357 - Claiming to be the ‘World's Hottest Sauce’ this is about as hot as you can go without being classed as a food additive. This‘not for the faint of heart’ sauce has a blend of 160,000 scoville super hot cayenne peppers, fiery hot red habanero peppers and finally a whopping 2,000,000 scoville pepper extract. Totally off-piste! A tongue scorching 357,000 Scoville unit sauce. Hot-Headz heat rating: 11/10. £7.49 (Collectors Edition with bullet key chain containing tiny tasting spoon! 600,000 Scoville units - £9.95)

To purchase: Go to www.hot-headz.com to order on-line or call: 01453 731052. P&P (UK Mainland): £2.00 - £6.75 depending on no of items ordered. Free delivery on orders over £100. Some products in the selection may need to be altered due to availability.

And the journey starts...

Make a wish... (Picture courtesy of Naitoo8)

So, having sent out a few media requests to aid with the formualtion of my first blog feature, I have received good feedback and advice, and have decided on the content of my first two pieces.

The first blog feature I will be writing will be called the "Christmas: Solutions to the perils and pitfalls of present-buying". I have decided to do an introduction to, what for many, is a stressful time when it comes to buying gifts, and then I will pick a few products to review that not only could be an ideal stocking filler (and perhaps bigger) but also things that you may not have thought about.

I would like to say thanks to the companies who have already helped out on this, and I will try and link reviews direct to the portal so readers can find out more and buy if necessary.

Set the scene (Photograph by BJWOK)

My second blog feature will be on how to get out and about around London and take in all the festivities that our nation's capital offers us; some are free, others are priced, but there's plenty of choice out there. So I shall be compiling a 'Where's best' which will include eating out, arts and architecture, and events. Waiting on a few more contacts to get back to me for this, but looking promising so far.

I will of course be including an array of pictures for my features, both contained within the piece, but also in a separate picture gallery which I will of course make easy to find. Hopefully I can get a bit of video going, which I think might be funny viewing as I test out some of the prospective Christmas gifts (marshmallows....I will say no more)!!

Thanks for all the people who have given me support so far, especially one former work colleague and friend who shall remain nameless for fear of embarrassing her! Please, please get in touch if you have any ideas or comments.

Also, for anybody who has advice/contacts/ideas on my other project of setting up a boxing/celebrity website, likewise please get in touch.

Stay safe everybody,
John.

Good morning world!

Picture courtesy of Ohmega 1982

Hello to one and all,

So, the time has come for me to re-design myself as a dynamic, multi-platform media God, and this is just the start!
I am going to use this blog for posting about a variety of topical subjects of the day, as well as any feature pieces I do along the way. I appreciate comment and opinion, so please feel free to get involved at any time, and also remember, it is early days for me!
I work as a sports sub for a local newspaper, as well as freelance for the Daily Mail. I am looking to develop my skills by hopefully setting up some sort of media company in the not to distant future, which will start with a website, and then progress on from there. So likewise, if anybody wishes to offer opinions on this, pointers to people I should be talking with, etc, then chip in! I am thinking of an angle on sports/celebrity at the moment, as the difference between the two these days is minimal. Obviously looking at stories of the day on this, but also looking into the audience aspect of the two, who watches what, etc. I think there is good potential on this....

So, thanks for reading, I will try and keep everyone posted with how things are going. You can follow me on Twitter @jono_1984 and also on Facebook, John Hutchinson.