Sweet treats for a more traditional Christmas

It's that time of the year that causes so many of us undue stress, intense deliberations, and sleepless nights.

Ok, well perhaps the sleepless nights might be a bit of an extreme description, but buying friends and family CHRISTMAS PRESENTS is often less fun and more stressful.

With there being so many gadgets and gizmos out there, it's easy to forget about the more 'traditional' gifts that used to be the norm at this time of year.

So here, I am going to take a look at a selection of gifts, for both sexes, that could be a wise choice for loved ones at Christmas.

Can you prove yourself to be a 'Smart Ass'

Smart Ass - University Games

This is a board game, with a difference. It encourages competitiveness while keeping that element of fun.
The basic description is that all players, barring the reader (which changes at each dice roll) has to answer either a 'Who am I?' 'What am I?' or Where am I?' question. There are 10 clues, and the beauty is that any player can shout out their 'guess' at any point. Beware though, if you guess incorrectly though, you have to sit out.

Get your question correct, and you roll the dice to move around a fairly small game-board, with the ultimate aim to reach the end, which is the 'donkey's ass'!

The more players the better, so I would say at least three. The beauty of it is even if you get the question right, land on a bad square on the board, and you could be going back three spaces. But it remains key to get the questions correct, and importantly, first!

The lovely volunteers had a fun time trying to reach the Ass!

Also, the games don't take too long to complete, which means you can go again, and read through more of the substantial question cards again.

A couple of criticisms - it is perhaps not so visually appealing, but that is far from the most important thing. Also, there should be card holders, as they have a tendency to slide off each other, and are easy to be knocked around, etc.

All in all though, this should certainly be considered as a Christmas gift, and one that can be played straight after you've finished your turkey!

Smart Ass travel would make a fun stocking filler (RRP £9.99), stockist include Argos, Toys R Us, Amazon and Tesco.
 

Give the gift of good furtune this Christmas with
Jura Superstition

 

Jura Superstition - Jura Whisky

Jura distillery has Christmas all wrapped up this year with its award-winning Superstition whisky, which comes with a generous measure of good fortune for all lucky recipients.

Superstition, with its mysterious spirit, unique style and character, has a subtle taste of spice, honey, pine, peat and a whisper of smoke - ideal flavours to complement the festive season.

The community of Jura, known as Diurachs, regard the island as a place of myth, legend and intrigue and for thousands of years good fortune and mystery has enhanced island life.

In recognition of these mythical qualities, the Egyptian symbol of good fortune and immortality, the Ankh cross, is displayed on the front of every bottle of Superstition. Islanders believe everyone can enjoy some good fortune by holding the Ankh cross firmly in the centre of your palm while pouring the malt.

Jura distillery manager, Willie Cochrane, said: “Superstition encapsulates the island’s mystical properties and the superstitious nature of the islanders. One particular Diurach is believed to have lived to see over a hundred Christmases on the island, so I for one like to believe Jura Superstition does bring good fortune.”

“Superstition’s lightly peated taste with hints of smoke and spice is perfect to warm up even the coldest winter’s night.  Its honey and spice flavours also perfectly complement a range of Christmas dishes, working especially well with cheeses. Or for those having an alternative to turkey, it works well with meats with added tang such as gammon steak, salted pork or game.”

Jura Superstition is available to purchase online at www.isleofjura.com/shop for £36.

Barratt Sweets - Tangerine Confectionary 



Go old school with this delightful sherbert-filled mug

 

Tired of giving socks and umbrellas as stocking fillers? Fear not - Barratt is here to rescue Christmas, with some of its best-loved sweets in festive gift format. Christmas is the perfect time to rekindle childhood memories, which is why Barratt has introduced three nostalgic gifts for you to impress your retro-sweet loving friends and family.

For the Sherbet Fountain enthusiasts, a limited edition Sherbet Fountain mug (RRP £4.99) containing four tubes of Sherbet Fountain, is enough to make fans cheer with Christmas joy!  For the liquorice purists out there, the Catherine Wheels tin (RRP £3.99), is a great pencil case sized gift, filled to the brim with Catherine Wheel treats.

Barratt’s time capsule (RRP £4.99) contains all your childhood favourite sweets, sealed into a sweetie cylinder capsule that can be used as a money box once empty – the perfect gift for big and small kids alike! The capsule contains the bestselling Barratt sweets - Black Jacks, Fruit Salads, Sherbet Fountains, Dip Dabs, Flumps, Refreshers and Nougat. 

Barratt’s Christmas gifts are available from B&M, BHS, Matalan, Selfridges and a selection of independent specialist stores. To keep up to date with all the news from Barratt sweets, visit www.facebook.com/barrattsweets

The Shape Of Shit To Come (book)

 

A great present for the man who loves his gadgets and can’t wait for the next big thing... Once, we were promised hover boards, jet packs, robot servants and flying cars but so far this has been a sci-fi future that has never turned up. But what if it really is on its way now?

The Shape of Shit To Come comes from the rather bitter minds of Steve Lowe and Alan McArthur, authors of the mega-selling, Is It Just Me Or Is Everything Shit?

They take readers on a funny and unsurprisingly sarcastic tour of a near future that is taking shape before our very own (jaded) eyes. This is a future apparently full of sex robots, hotels floating in space and children making their own pets with gene-splicing kits.

You Can Stick It (book)

 

Perfect for rebellious brothers and bored boyfriends, You Can Stick It is the activity book for adults. Forget spray cans, Banksy and toilet cubicle graffiti, stickering is the true form of artistic expression.

This book is the ideal antidote to the age of calorie-counting, Health and Safety and parental control. Mysterious designer PK Munroe, the originator of the current stickering craze, has created hundreds of hilarious, subversive and just plain silly stickers to help you hit back at the bossy, finger-wagging experts who think they are in charge.



Juvenile, irresponsible, and completely pointless, You Can Stick It is the sticky, stress-busting self-help book for our times.

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.