How to solve your Father's Day Present Problem

Fathers everywhere are likely to be thinking similar thoughts over the next few weeks, ‘please, no more socks!’ Thanks to ZooBooKoo you can show a little originality this Father’s day. Buy them something they will cherish in years to come; something that is not consumed in a matter of minutes and will not cost a fortune.

ZooBooKoo has a great range of Cube Books – really clever cubes that were probably the brainchild of a Victorian puzzle maker – so they have stood the test of time. Not only do these cubes magically turn inside out to reveal 12 sides (not just 6!), but they also contain loads of interesting, bite-sized chunks of information.

These are perfect stress-busters for stressed-out fathers as they fiddle, therapeutically turning the cube inside out. They make wonderful desk accessories that are sure to be coveted by colleagues everywhere, and most of all they fall into the ‘really cool’ category.

The subjects are varied and there should be one that suits most fathers: World Football; World Rugby; Formula One Legends; European Nations (statistics galore with average earnings, populations…); United Kingdom (counties map, geographical statistics and historical facts) and even the Human Body. Originally designed for children, adults wanted a piece of the ‘cube’ action, and so the range grew.

You just can’t put these Cube Books down. Alison in Derbyshire said: ‘Really great product – I would recommend these cubes and there are lots of different themes. The football cube went down a storm!’

And buying cubes is so easy. They are available from some quality book, gift and toys shops. Or visit www.zoobookoo.com. Cubes cost around £6.50, and having a happy father is guaranteed. So, make this Father’s Day one to remember – www.zoobookoo.com or 01473-735346.

Brave New Bottles And Miniature Marvels - Father's Day

www.TheDrinkShop.com recommends that the best gifts have a tale to tell. Add a surprise new miniature with a trusty bottle of Dad's favourite, or be brave with absinthe from Marilyn Manson, a single barrel Tennessee whiskey, or a quadrupled distilled Hebridean speciality. Browse new miniature gift packs, and for the first time, miniatures of spirits, liqueurs and port are available to buy as singles; and speciality beers as handy four-packs.

Minis are also ideal before splashing out on a luxury bottle. Try a mini of designer Roberto Cavalli's ultra premium vodka for £6.49 before spending on a bottle for £47.44; or a magnum for £99.62.

Father's Day 21 June is universally the single busiest distance-gifting occasion beyond Christmas. TheDrinkShop.com offers a range of delivery services. There is even an option to order up to three months ahead. Find your favourites and plenty more at www.TheDrinkShop.com the number one online off licence.

Mansinthe
£40.69
Created by shock rocker and absinthe drinker Marilyn Manson, with absinthe expert Markus Lion, this won Gold Medal at the 2008 San Francisco World Spirit Competition. This Swiss natural absinthe was developed over two years and is distilled from vermouth, aniseed, fennel and fine herbs. Naturally, pre-sweetening and artificial colouring is avoided. The label features a watercolour painting by Manson. Bottles with the original limited edition labels are now collectors' items.
Mansinthe is best enjoyed as a 3cl measure in a large stemmed glass, using a slotted absinthe spoon and sugar cube serve. Slowly drip ice cold water over it to dissolve the cube. Then fill the glass with water to preferred taste.
66.6 percent alcohol by volume. Available from 1 May, it may be reserved in advance.

Knockeen Poteen (moonshine)
From £19.63 to £52.42 for Knockeen Extra Gold Strength, Farmers Strength and Gold Strength.
5cl minatures from £3.90 to £6.50 are available from the end of May.
Knockeen's range of Irish Poteen has all the best characteristics of old fashioned 'moonshine', which is one of the world's most well known ultra, high-strength smooth spirits. The pure clear white spirit is triple-distilled in County Waterford. For novices, the 60 percent alcohol by volume Farmers Strength style has a smoother delicate flavour and can be sipped neat in moderation, and even with champagne, for a smooth finish with no burn.

Jack Daniels Single Barrel
£39.59, or with pine gift box £46.93
Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey is repeatedly purchased by enthusiasts, as each batch of the charcoal mellowed whiskey is unique. Each single barrel is sampled as it comes of age and a few are set few aside. These are the ones with the smoothest taste and the most intense flavour of varying degrees of toasted oak, caramel and vanilla. Savour the subtle difference imbued by the new American white oak barrels and the intense maturation. The decanter bottle carries the barrel number and bottling date. 45 percent abv.

Bruichladdich X4 eau de vie
£36.79
This is fast being discovered since TheDrinkShop.com first stocked it a few months ago. Considered the drink of Hebridean forefathers, this clear coloured spirit is the the first quadruple distilled pot-still spirit for possibly 300 years. Head distiller Jim McEwanLong had long been intrigued by the age old legend of 'perilous whisky' which was first distilled to a strength of around 90 percent alcohol by volume. His new classic is an exceptionally pure unaged spirit, made from malted barley, using the tall, elegant pot stills at the Bruichladdich whisky distillery. This crafted distillation gives it substantial flavour. As featured on TV's 'Oz & James Drink To Britain'. 50 percent abv.

Miniature bottles and gifts
Choose from over 80 miniatures of well known spirits through to brave new choices. Browse Chivas Regal 12 year old, rare 15 year old Pussers Royal Naval Rum or Lajita Mescal. Adding a miniature is an ideal introduction to luxury bottles. Try a miniature of designer Roberto Cavalli's ultra premium vodka for £6.49 before spending on a bottle for £47.44; or a magnum for £99.62.
An exciting range of new miniature gift packs will also be available [from May].
Speciality beers can also be purchased as a smaller, handy four-pack.

www.TheDrinkShop.com is the no. 1 most visited online off licence for Consumers & Trade and the no. 5 online wine retailer (industry standard sources imrg.org and Hitwise).
Finalist for the second year in the Off Licence News Drinks Retailing Awards 2009
Buy online www.TheDrinkShop.com
UK freephone 0800 169 6760

Lindt and Westfield London get together for Easter

Where Westfield London Shopping Centre
When Thursday 2nd to Saturday 11th April 2009
For Raising much needed funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital
What - Magical Lindt Gold Bunny World
- An enchanting maze taking families on a
Gold Bunny journey
- Lindt Master Chocolatier stilt walkers
- Free Lindt Gold Bunny chocolate surprises
- Free colouring activities for children
- Exclusive Lindt Gold Bunny pop-up shop

HELP THE GOLD BUNNY SPREAD A LITTLE MAGIC THIS EASTER

This Easter at Westfield London Shopping Centre, the iconic Lindt Gold Bunny will be hosting enchanting events to entertain the whole family. These springtime festivities are all in aid of raising much needed funds to enable parents to stay in family accommodation near their children whilst undergoing treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

The Lindt Gold Bunny world will be appearing in The Atrium at Westfield London, bringing magical delights and chocolate treats with it. A magnificent and engaging bunny maze created from real hedgerows will take families on an exciting journey to the centre, where they will find a Lindt Gold Bunny surprise! Master Chocolatier stilt walkers will be on hand to help you through the maze and there will be extra fun for the children with free colouring activities.

An exclusive Lindt Gold Bunny boutique will be selling the ultimate Easter treat; delicately wrapped in gold foil, adorned with a red ribbon and bell and tasting fantastic! With a minimum £1 donation from the sale of each delicious Gold Bunny going to Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity; the aim is to raise £25,000 in order to assist with the upkeep and maintenance of patient family accommodation.

So head down to Westfield London this Easter holiday, indulge in some family fun and delicious chocolate and help the Lindt Gold Bunny spread a little magic.

For more information on the partnership between Lindt Gold Bunny and Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity this Easter visit www.gosh.org/GoldBunny

Spring into Easter!

As nature springs to life again and daffodils start popping up in forgotten places, Easter becomes a time for taking on fresh ideas, like becoming that little bit healthier and having more of a zest for life. Feeling good on the inside goes hand in hand with all things spring-like, which is why Alpro has developed some scrumptious recipes especially for Easter. These are treats that the whole family can enjoy, full of taste, fun and chocolate!

The Food Standards Agency has launched a campaign to encourage us to lower our intake of saturated fat and the great news is that Alpro soya alternatives to milk and yogurt and delicious desserts are naturally low in saturated fat and contain omega 3 & 6, the good fats which may help to keep your heart healthy. Most importantly, they taste great and can be used in cooking, instead of or alongside dairy.

These recipes are ideal for a real celebration, or simple family suppers with a spring twist. Chicken and Spring Vegetable Pie with a Potato Topping makes a healthier alternative to a heavy pastry topped pie and is full of the delicious flavours of seasonal vegetables. Hot Cross Buns are a true indication that Easter’s well on it’s way. Lamb and Rosemary Skewers with Cannellini Beans have been marinated in honey to make them extra succulent. Spring Risotto with Spinach and Parsley makes a fresh tasting, healthy supper and Chocolate Dessert with Cracked Mini Eggs is the quickest pudding to make, it looks and tastes divine and it really wouldn’t be Easter without