Sometimes Christmas gifting can go awry for a variety of reasons. And they're usually not your fault, either.
A warehouse burns down, a delivery firms goes bankrupt, a Royal Mail Sorting Office goes on strike, a retailer promises to deliver but, in reality, they never had them in stock are only a short list of the problems that can result in a gift going AWOL.
No matter what the reason or excuse for you being let down, you will probably feel guilty, even though it's not your fault. You probably think "It's not my fault, but it is my responsibility."
So, what can you do to make sure that the person who should have been the recipient of your gift doesn't go without a present on Christmas Day?
Amazon Gift Vouchers which you can send electronically or print off, depending on how you want to deal with it.
Also, how about a Wetherspoon gift voucher which they can exchange for meals and/or drinks?
There are also other retailers who offer electronic gift vouchers and All4One (and similar companies) offer physical or electronic gift vouchers that can take the place of the missing gift. And after the New Year you can get on to the retailer or delivery company who let you down to see how they intend to make things right for you.
The National Geographic Traveller (UK) Food Festival is back for 2024, returning to London for its fourth installment with a host of new features and a fresh line-up of big-name contributors, including headliner Nadiya Hussain.
The TV chef, best-selling author and winner of the sixth series of The Great British Bake Off, will appear on the Main Stage on Saturday 20 July, where she’ll be treating visitors to a live cooking demonstration peppered with tales from her own kitchen.
The Main Stage
Nadiya will be joined by a host of big-name chefs, cooks and food personalities on the Main Stage, who’ll be cooking up some of their signature dishes. Visitors can look forward to demonstrations by the likes of Nisha Katona, Matt Tebbutt, Ravneet Gill and Richard Corrigan. Expect further announcements over the coming months.
Authors’ Area, Masterclass Theatres & More
In the authors’ area, visitors can catch interviews with writers behind some of the most exciting recent food releases. Elsewhere, the Masterclass Theatres offer attendees the special chance to pick up cookery tips from guest chefs representing cuisines from all over the world, while the newly expanded Wine & Spirits Theatre will host a programme of expert-led tutorials and tasting sessions.
Looking ahead to next year’s show, Glen Mutel, editor of Food by National Geographic Traveller (UK) says: “It’s great to be back on the festival calendar and I’m confident the 2024 edition will be our best ever. Not only will we welcome some of the food world’s most exciting talent to our stages, but we’ll be combining new ideas and fresh features with all the elements that have made the festival so memorable in previous years.”
Festive Ticket Offer
Tickets are on sale now, just in time for Christmas gifting to the foodies in your life. It's the perfect Christmas gift for food lovers and travel enthusiasts, single day tickets are currently £10 plus booking fees- and that’s a third off the full ticket price.
Phaidon (Phaidon.com) is pleased to announce the publication of Signature Cocktails, which is a stunning, landmark volume that showcases 200 iconic drinks from around the globe and throughout history.
What is a signature cocktail? It's a special, bespoke drink that expresses the nature of the time, person, venue, city, or country for which it was originally created.
This stunning compendium serves not only as a recipe collection but as an unprecedented history of these legendary drinks, too.
Signature Cocktails spans in excess of 500 years, uniting everything from the classic Mimosa to the Brittany Spears-inspired Hit Me Baby One Mai Tai to create surprising juxtapositions and a fresh overview of the subject.
Curated by New York-based cocktail connoisseur Amanda Schuster - in consultation with regional experts across the globe - Signature Cocktails is a satisfying collection of drinks, all of which are remarkable in their breadth and character. Each entry is accompanied by the name of the creator, place and date of invention, and spirit type, alongside the original recipe and a specially commissioned contemporary image of the drink.
It's in hardback at £29.95, and will be an excellent gift for the professional or amateur mixologist in your life.
Seeking out a last-minute Christmas gift for the drinks lovers in your life? Fever-Tree's new Cocktail Shaker looks fab and makes the perfect cocktail every time.
You could pick one up on the way to your next dinner party as a gift for the host or as a Secret Santa present? Available now at Waitrose with an introductory deal of £12 and Sainsbury's for £15.
Pair the shaker with Fever-Tree's cocktail mixers, available in Espresso Martini, Margarita and Mojito, just add the alcohol to the mixer, shake and pour:
Fill your Fever-Tree cocktail shaker half full of ice.
Add 100ml of Fever-Tree cocktail mixer and 50ml spirit.
Shake for 15 seconds and pour into your glass!
Why the Fever-Tree Cocktail Shaker?
Style AND function: when creating drinks, Fever-Tree know their stuff,the screw cap mechanism makes the shaker easy to open and prevents the lid getting stuck. It's double walled, to prevent condensation and stop your hands getting cold, and there's even an integrated strainer so it's easier to pour, too!
Effortless Mixing: Turn anyone into a cocktail pro with just a few shakes.
Stylish Design: Sleek and modern, it's a showstopper for any home bar.
Compact and Portable: Ideal for those who love to mix drinks wherever they go.
60% of us feel unsafe when walking alone –a new app from Callie and ADT wants to change that.
Whether it’s exploring a new country, going for an evening jog or just walking to work or to the shops; Callie wants people to feel safer and more connected.
A new study by the ONS shows that most of us feel unsafe whilst walking alone. A pioneering new app by safety experts Callie and ADT wants to help us feel safer when we’re out and about.
Empowerment, quality, trust
“Empowerment, quality, trust” –that’s the ethos of the exciting, innovative new personal safety solution, Callie, which has already racked up millions of views on social media and thousands of downloads across iOS and Android.
Conceived as a way to help people feel more connected and confident when they’re alone, Callie consists of a completely free app and a premium safety monitoring service that’s powered by security experts, ADT.
Whether it’s exploring a new country, going for an evening jog or just walking to the shops; Callie wants people to feel safer, more connected and more empowered when they’re alone. But, with up to 80% of women and 40% of men feeling unsafe when walking alone, how can an app help?
How Callie Works
With the free Callie app, users create temporary ‘sessions’ that are shared with people they trust, usually friends, parents or partners. A typical session may look like “First date with John - 2 hours” or “Cycling to the gym - 20 minutes.”
While a session is live, the user’s trusted ‘guardians’ can see where the user is, what the session's for, and how long it's expected to take. They can even see the user’s battery and signal strength.
If the user fails to check in as safe before the session ends, an alert will be automatically sent to the user’s chosen guardians. The user can also manually trigger an alert at any time by pressing a button on the app.
Right now, thousands of people across the UK and further afield use Callie on dates, commutes and nights out. Callie is used on bikes, on foot, on public transport and in taxis. And best of all? –All these features are completely free.
Partnered with ADT for 24/7 Protection
As well as its “free forever” offering, Callie offers a premium safety monitoring service that’s powered by security giants, ADT.
“For 150 years, ADT has protected people, their businesses and their homes” explained Callie’s spokesperson. “With Callie, we wanted to expand that trusted protection to wherever people are, whatever they’re doing.”
A Callie user may trigger an alarm because they’ve been knocked off their bike, because they’re being followed, or because they’re being harassed on a night out, or waling to work or the shops.
Whatever the situation, ADT’s agents are trained to provide support, help the person find a safe route out of the situation and, if necessary, escalate the situation to the emergency services.
Beyond the expertise, one of the key benefits of CalliePlus is having someone available day or night to check in on the user should an alarm go off. This is particularly helpful for people who are working or socialising late into the night and don’t want to disturb those waiting at home.
Privacy and security
A comprehensive study by BMC Public Health has revealed that users of safety apps appreciate the peace of mind they can bring but they are concerned about reliability, price, and privacy.
As part of Callie’s focus on “trust”, they wanted to provide a solution that respected privacy at every level. For Callie, that meant no round-the-clock tracking, no ads, no creepy data mining and no back-door snooping. Whether you use Callie’s free plan or ADT-backed premium plan, your sessions and data will always be private.
A spokesperson for the brand said, “Callie is for those moments when you want someone watching over you –but it’s not a traditional tracking app. When your session is done; it’s done. No one can watch you without your consent, and that’s really important to us”.
In the UK, over 40% of parents use some sort of location tracking on a daily basis. These apps can make parents feel more comfortable but they can be a cause of friction –particularly as kids grow up and want more freedom.
Callie users report finding this compromise more attractive to both parents and kids. With Callie, kids can create a session when they’re walking to school or when they’re cycling to a friend's house, but then check in as safe and leave it off.
For Gen-Z and younger Millenials, who grew up with smartphones and tracking apps, Callie can provide a sense of security and of freedom. For those going to university or moving out for the first time, Callie provides a perfect compromise.
Some of the most vocal support for the Callie app has come from students. At a recent freshers fair, where Callie had set up shop, students turned up in their hundreds to praise what the team were doing. In particular, the freshers liked that they could get benefit from the safety features they’d grown up with, but without feeling like they were being tracked by their parents.
Similarly, many modern couples may appreciate their partner watching over them when they’re walking home from a night out, or when they’re on a long drive, but won’t want to be tracked all day, every day. Callie fills this niche nicely.
Built by experts, backed by experts
As well as being backed by one of the oldest and most recognised security brands in the world, Callie was also built from the ground up by safety experts, Safepoint. This is where the “quality” of Callie’s three-part ethos comes in.
Safepoint protects thousands of workers for household brands such as the NHS, Brewdog, Michelin and Aldi through their dedicated apps and wearables. With Callie, they’ve brought all that experience and made it available to a much wider audience.
An app worth talking about
Despite only launching several months back, Callie has proved incredibly popular on social media –with millions of views and interactions across all channels.
A lot of this success comes from Callie’s community-first ethos. Most of their audience is made up of Gen-Z and Millennials who appreciate Callie’s down-to-earth videos on personal safety.
By talking about the issues and worries that young people (particularly women, girls and members of the LGBTQ+ community) face, Callie have built an incredibly engaged conversation with their audience. These conversations help the Callie team develop the app and provide features their audience genuinely appreciates.
One community-inspired addition is Callie’s “Fake Call” feature, where users can trigger a realistic-sounding, pre-recorded phone call on a timer. If Callie users are feeling uncomfortable, they can simply trigger the Fake Call, wait for their phone to start buzzing and politely make their excuses.
What the future holds
2024 is set to be a big year for Callie. Not only do the team expect to bring on thousands of new users across their free and premium plans, and to reach millions of new viewers across social media, but they will also launch their much-anticipated safety bracelet.
The Callie safety bracelet is a clever, yet easy-to-use, panic alarm that looks and feels like a premium piece of jewellery. With just a tap of this unique wearable device, users can surreptitiously trigger a ‘smart alarm’ and let their loved ones know they’re in trouble.
Commenting on the big year ahead of them, Callie’s spokesperson had this to say, “Our goal is to empower people. Whatever your goals are in 2024: taking up a new hobby, getting fit, going on that dream trip, or just wanting to meet new people… We hope that Callie can help you get there.”
Try Callie for free
Those interested in the Callie app can download it for free on iOS or Android.
Anyone interested in learning more about the ADT-powered CalliePlus package, buying a package as a Chirstmas gift or the upcoming safety bracelet can head over to getcallie.com.
A Salcombe Brewery Co. 'Pub in a Box' is the perfect Chirstmas gift for any beer lover and includes everything they need for a quiet night in.
There are three different options in the range, including a gluten-free set. Each contains some of Salcombe Brewery Co.'s fabulous beer, tasty snacks from the west country, branded glasses, beer mats and bar towels and is available for nationwide delivery from www.salcombebrewery.com.
Get fruity with your loved one this Christmas with the help of Sandford Orchards.
Treat them to award-winning Sandford Orchards' Fabulous Fruits Hamper, full of lovingly crafted cider and snacks from Devon.
A treat for any cider-lover, it includes a bottle of Fanny's Bramble, Berry Lane, Old Blossom and Wilde Cherry. To enjoy with the artisan cider, there are two scrumptious bars of Willie's Cacao chocolate and, for the perfect pour, there's a Sandford Orchards branded glass too.
For further information on Sandford Orchards and to see their full range of gifts for Christmas and the rest if the year please visit www.sandfordorchards.co.uk, follow Sandford Orchards on X, Facebook and Instagram.
EVA Books is proud to announce the release of Death by Dandruff, the sixteenth book in the Unexpurgated Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes series by writer and TV/film producer, NP Sercombe.
Priced at £9.99, Death by Dandruff is available to purchase directly via www.unexpurgatedsherlock.com, Amazon UK, and the prestigious Hatchards bookshop.
The dramatic adaptation of the well-known book series for TV has been underway for three years featuring top industry talent.
NP Sercombe’s Unexpurgated series explores the intimate relationships of the famous characters and delves into their inner humanity. The books provide full, uncensored, and humorous accounts of Sherlock Holmes cases in an accessible format, beautifully illustrated by Juliet Snape.
NP Sercombe commented: “I am excited Harry King Television is currently in discussion with broadcasters and streamers with the aim to produce features based on the Unexpurgated Sherlock series in 2024. This is the first time the original Conan Doyle stories have been adapted for TV in forty years!”
About Death by Dandruff:
In Death by Dandruff, Watson’s house is up for sale. Miss Clytenmestra Fanning has made an appointment to view the property without realising she would be in competition with Professor Moriarity. She writes a cheque. But what was Moriarty doing there in the first place?
A puzzled Watson walks to Baker Street where Holmes has been engaged by Mr. Gemini Winters to investigate the mysterious job offer. They embark upon a train journey where they meet a man with the most dreadful dandruff. The man acts suspiciously, and it isn’t long before Holmes establishes his devious motivations. After a nasty medical mix-up, they return to London and are forced to intervene in a murderous hostage situation, the architect being James Moriarity.
About NP Sercombe
NP Sercombe is creative producer of television & film in the UK and USA, a screenwriter and creator of The Unexpurgated Adventures of Sherlock. He is CEO of Harry King TV and Cheyne Walk in London and Dr Bink’s Films in Los Angeles.
This will make the perfect Christmas gift for the dedicated Sherlockian in your life. Or as an ideal example of self-gifting, perhaps? Go on! You know you deserve it!
You should gift gorgeous bundles of Seep cleaning products for those who are looking to save the planet as well clean up their homes this festive season.
Seep products are guaranteed to be totally plastic free, they work well and look super stylish on any draining board or sink.
So for anyone who is eco-conscious, house proud and has everything, gift these cleaning products and their conscious will be as clear as their house is clean.
SEEP SECRET SANTA BUNDLE - £10
Small but perfectly formed, ideal for eco-conscious work colleagues or ideal for stocking fillers, this bundle consists of an eco sponge with a scourer, two festive sponge cloths and a pair of natural latex rubber gloves.
SEEP CHRISTMAS CLEANING BOX - £25
The perfect introduction to Seep plastic free cleaning tools for anyone who really enjoys a good clean (and it might encourage those who don’t!), this box features all the tools the recipient needs for a spick and span home. It includes a pair of natural latex rubber gloves, a copper scourer (which can be recycled or even used to scare away slugs and snails in the garden), two festive themed sponge cloths and a stylish tote bag.
SEEP ULTIMATE CLEANING HAMPER - £50
Containing everything needed for a sustainable Christmas clean, this hamper is a great gift for the home, him or her. It includes a pair of natural latex rubber gloves, recyclable copper scourer, two festive themed sponge cloths, pack of three bamboo washing up cloths, five plastic free sponges, pop up sponge cloth, a bamboo dish brush and a stylish tote bag.
Seep is the only B-Corp certified (that's the gold standard for sustainability) cleaning tools brand in Europe, aims to prevent 1Bn plastic cleaning items from ending up in landfill by 2030 and offers a fantastic range of plastic free cleaning items.
Seep is an award-winning start-up bringing pioneering products to a dusty cleaning category, continuing to rethink traditional materials and innovate. https://theseepcompany.com
Seep products are ‘gentle on the planet,' promising to be plastic waste free, compostable, climate positive, made from only renewable sources and longer lasting, too. They are also ‘gentle on the eye’, having been beautifully designed so they can be displayed with pride on top of the sink. Seep products are also ‘gentle on you’ being made using only natural materials.
As with all Seep products both it and its packaging are fully recyclable and made from sustainably managed (FSC) sources.
What's the story behind Seep?
Seep was founded during the 2020 lockdown by Laura Harnett, a former director at Selfridges. Identifying a huge gap in the household market, Laura was left frustrated at the sea of plastic that awaited her every time she went down the cleaning tool aisle. Noting there were lots of emerging eco brands in the cleaning spray and detergent category, it became apparent it wasn’t the same for the rest of the household essentials such as sponges, cloths, bin liners and dustpans.
There's a joke that one line comedian Gary Delaney tells. He said he wanted to know what his niece might like for Christmas, so he asked his sister what his niece was into. "Frozen stuff," was the reply. So Gary relates that he got her some oven chips and peas.
Whilst that's obviously a joke, I'm sure we all remember a time when a well meaning perhaps older relative bought us a gift that was wildly inappropriate, the wrong style, the wrong size or perhaps inadvertently offensive, such as a nice pair of leather boots for a committed vegan.
Sometimes we might be the person who made the gifting faux pas, which can be an embarrassing mistake to make. (I'm not admitting to anything here!) The recipients have to fake not being disappointed and will have to try to get a swap, a refund or take it to a charity shop.
If only there was a company offering a way to ensure these gifting mistakes were never made in the first place!
With only weeks before Christmas you will be relieved and grateful to learn that such a company already exists in the shape of One4All Gift Cards.
They are accepted at in excess of 170 major High Street brands, with popular retailers such as Argos, Curry's, Robert Dyas, Ikea, M&S, Office Outlet, Nando's, Primark and many more besides including cinemas, restaurants, electronics retailers, fashion shops, etc, etc.
You can purchase physical cards for spending in bricks and mortar premises or as online gift cards to be used with online retailers.
Where can you buy them? You can buy them here https://www.one4all.com or in some retailer partners such as Morinsons, which is where I bought my One4all Gift Card.
They are available in denominations from £15 to £100.
One4all points out that they are also available for businesses to purchase to give out as Christmas gifts to staff members or to loyal customers
With the Christmas countdown upon us, it’s time to choose a gift that really does go the extra mile, that keeps on giving all year long and will be used well beyond the festive season.
A subscription to Readly, the digital magazine and newspaper app, is the perfect choice this Christmas. It’s guaranteed to inspire and entertain loved ones, environmentally friendly and kind on purse strings too. It's the true definition of a win-win situation!
With a Readly subscription, you can browse and read an absolutely stunning 7,500 digital magazines and newspapers whenever or wherever you wish. Plus the subscription also includes regional newspapers, podcasts and a portfolio of Disney comics and magazines, besides!
There’s really something for entire family wrapped up in one handy app to read on your tablet or mobile wherever you may be.
Whether you’re into interior design, travel, Pilates, tech, music, fashion, sport or some gardening or enjoy reading business features, news or researching recipes, DIY tricks or looking for something to entertain the kids this Christmas, there’s a title for every occasion - all the latest issues and back issues too!
If you want to curl up on the sofa or read in a snowy log cabin or whilst you are travelling, you can download up to 500 titles and read in the offline mode too.
And as Readly gives five profiles per household, the whole family can be entertained and inspired with the subscription. It’s unlimited reading of all your favourite titles and many more in a climate-friendly way, wherever you may be!
5 reasons why Readly should be on every list this Christmas:
Inspire a new hobby: Support family and friends to fulfill their dreams and support a hobby or read about a new travel destination with the huge range of titles available! Whether mainstream lifestyle or niche, there’s a title for you.
Easy reading at home or on the go: as Readly can be read anywhere, anytime, friends and family can use their gift when travelling, cooking, sitting on the sofa, working out, commuting or in the garden. It’s really perfect for every occasion!
With newspapers and podcasts plus magazines - Readly has so many of the leading national, international and regional newspapers as well as magazines for everyone in your family or the family of your gift's recipient read. Or tune in to listen to a podcast, it’s all there, waiting to be enjoyed.
And what's more, it's a genuinely sustainable way to read. Because reading a digital magazine on Readly results in 86% lower greenhouse gas emissions than reading the printed equivalent.
You can read too!- a Readly subscription gives users five profiles per household so if you’re lucky enough to live with the person you’re giving the gift to, you can read too!
A subscription is just £9.99 a month and there is a range of Christmas GiftCards available for 3, 6 and 12 months, starting at £28.47 . Visit www.readly.com for more information.
Christmas is upon us, and what better way to spread some festive cheer than by surprising your loved ones with unique and quirky Christmas gifts?
Instead of the usual run-of-the-mill presents, let's explore some out-of-the-box ideas that will put a smile on the faces of both men and women.
Whether you're shopping for your significant other, family members, or friends, these one-of-a-kind gifts are sure to make this Christmas extra special.
For the Men:
Personalised Whiskey Decanter Set: Elevate his spirits with a custom whiskey decanter set engraved with his name or a special message. Complete with glasses and a wooden display, this gift combines functionality and elegance.
Darth Vader Waffle Maker: If he's a Star Wars fan, this Darth Vader waffle maker will make breakfast times a galactic adventure. Who could resist the allure of a crispy waffle shaped like the Sith Lord's iconic helmet?
Virtual Reality Headset: Transport him to otherworldly realms with a high-quality virtual reality headset. It's an experience he won't soon forget, and it's perfect for gamers and tech enthusiasts.
Desktop Punching Bag: Help him relieve stress and have some fun with a desktop punching bag. This quirky gift will not only provide a laugh but also offer a healthy outlet for frustration.
Bonsai Tree Kit: For a more zen gift, consider a bonsai tree kit. It's a unique way for him to tap into his nurturing side and add a touch of nature to his living space.
For the Women:
Customised Star Map: Gift her a personalised star map that captures the night sky's appearance on a special date, like an anniversary or her birthday. It's a beautiful and sentimental reminder of a cherished moment.
Morse Code Jewellery: Morse code necklaces or bracelets are a clever way to convey a hidden message or a meaningful word. Choose something that's close to her heart, and she'll love the thoughtfulness behind it.
Aromatherapy Diffuser: Turn her home into a haven of relaxation with an aromatherapy diffuser. Paired with essential oils, it's a thoughtful and unique gift that promotes well-being.
Literary Candles: For the bookworm in your life, literary-themed candles with scents inspired by classic novels can transform her reading nook into a cosy, magical world.
DIY Embroidery Kit: If she enjoys crafting, an embroidery kit with a beautiful pattern can be a delightful and relaxing way for her to spend her free time. It's a perfect gift for those who appreciate the art of handcrafting.
Plant Parenthood Kit: Encourage her green thumb with a plant parenthood kit, complete with stylish pots, soil, and easy-to-care-for indoor plants. It's a great way to bring the outdoors inside.
These quirky Christmas gifts for men and women are sure to stand out amidst the sea of traditional presents. Remember, the most cherished gifts are often the ones that show thought, care, and a dash of creativity. So, this holiday season, think outside the gift-wrapped box and make your loved ones' Christmas extra special with these delightful surprises. After all, the best gifts come from the heart.
Showcasing precision engineering and the latest in portable LED technology, the Porto and Porto Mini by J. Adams & Co are the ultimate luxury gift for the Christmas season.
The Porto and Porto Mini by J. Adams & Co introduce an enchanting blend of luxury and functionality. Crafted with an unwavering attention to detail, these portable lights have been thoughtfully designed to fit seamlessly with any interior style.
Both Porto and Porto Mini are available in four exquisite finishes, antique brass, bronze, satin nickel, and satin brass, further enhancing their versatility and making them an ideal gift choice for this Christmas.
As the holiday season draws near, make it extraordinary with the gift of illumination and elegance. Whether creating an inviting nook for reading and relaxation or setting a charming display on your festive dining table, Porto will make a beautiful and practical addition to any home.
Building on the visual language of the best-selling Flume collection, Porto marks a new direction for J. Adams & Co., combining the brand's trademark precision engineering with the latest in portable LED technology.
With a design that maximises on flexibility, the light can be easily picked up and moved to change the ambience of any space.
Featuring a completely wireless touch-sensitive light source, dimming capabilities, and a battery life of 6-10 hours, the Porto Table Light is both fun and intuitive to use.
FACTFILE: J. Adams & Co is a British lighting manufacturer that specialises in elegant luminaires of unparalleled quality. Handmade in the UK, their Birmingham factory has over half a century of manufacturing and metalworking expertise.
The brand seamlessly melds traditional techniques with a nuanced, modern sensibility, focusing on craftsmanship and longevity. The result: refined and contemporary lighting that is built to last.
SonicScrubber™, the social media cleaning sensation- loved by leading cleaning influencers Lynsey Queen of Clean, Anna Louisa and Mrs Hinch- is expanding its product range and has launched a stylish new brand identity, along with new, eco-friendly packaging.
“SonicScrubber has become a huge social media success story,” enthused CEO, Craig Huth. “Its growing popularity is thanks to the thousands of SonicScrubber™ fans who’ve taken the time to post on social media how effectively it’s cleaned the nooks and crannies of their homes.”
Huth went on to say: “Now we’re announcing the next chapter in the SonicScrubber story. A new, expanded SonicScrubber™ range goes on sale from today, featuring our updated brand identity along with more environmentally friendly plastic-free packaging.”
SonicScrubber powers a range of brush heads for different cleaning jobs and tasks. Oscillating 10,000 times per minute, the brushes clean up to 25 times faster than manual scrubbing. This has earned the product over 30,000 positive online reviews, including glowing endorsements from cleaning experts and influencers.
Cleaning influencer Anna-Louisa recently told her 3.6 million Instagram followers, “SonicScrubber has been a staple gadget in my cupboard for years. With its multiple attachments, I can use it for so many cleaning jobs including grout, taps, the washing machine drawer, dishwasher filter and more. I wouldn’t be without mine!”
Cleaning guru Mrs Hinch swears by her SonicScrubber too, regularly sharing with her 5 million followers how she uses it to keep her beautiful home sparklingly clean.
The new SonicScrubber range features four new cleaning systems, developed with feedback from its two million existing users, to build on the brand’s social media success:
SonicScrubber™ Household System is the latest version of the classic SonicScrubber tool, designed to clean hard-to-reach nooks and crannies in every room: Behind bathroom taps, along window frames, between kitchen tiles or wherever annoying grime gathers.
SonicScrubber™ Footwear System is powered to give footwear an ultra-clean brush up. From outdoor pursuits to muddy walks, the oscillating cleaning brush heads will scrub treads, revive tired upper soles, spruce-up sneakers and ensure your boots are match ready.
SonicScrubber™ Vehicle System is an electric detailing tool, designed to clean tight spaces, gaps and grooves on all kinds of vehicles. From alloy wheels to bike gears and car interiors, the vehicle brush heads will achieve the perfect showroom finish in next to no time.
SonicScrubber™ Washing-Up System is an entirely new product, developed through customer feedback, to remove stubborn food and drink stains from cookware, glassware, worktops and crockery. Featuring oscillating brush heads, a bottle brush and a special set of SonicScrubbies™ pads, it makes washing-up almost as enjoyable as eating your dinner.
All of the products in the new range have been designed to effectively clean without using harmful cleaning chemicals, feature replaceable heads and are backed by an improved 5-year warranty. Their new plastic-free packaging, proudly bears the new SonicScrubber™ brand identity.
The SonicScrubber™ range is sold through leading retailers such as Lakeland, Amazon and eBay. It can also be purchased directly from the brand store at SonicScrubber.com.
Whether you're in seeking out a gift for an animal enthusiast, a spiritually inclined individual, or someone with a penchant for hedonistic living, Emilia Mala offers a diverse selection of printed silk scarves.
Each piece of artwork is a vibrant narrative in itself, making it a unique and meaningful choice. Crafted in England from high-quality 100% silk twill, these scarves are available in two sizes: 60x60 cm and 130x130 cm, priced at £85 and £189, respectively. You can find them for purchase on emiliamala.com.
Founded in 2017 in London, Emilia Mala's core mission is to re-invent the timeless silk scarf by employing the art of visual storytelling. These prints are derived from hand-drawn illustrations and encompass themes from shamanistic wisdom to materialism. The creative force behind the brand is Anna Tuomaala, responsible for all design and artwork.
Weirdstock, a New Female-founded Ethical Bedding Brand, Making a Statement with Colourful Retro Designs.
Weirdstock is a small London-based homewares brand specialising in organic cotton bedding in bold, retro-inspired prints.
Launched by Johanna Haughey-Lewis in September 2023, their range bridges the gap between vintage style and modern quality, while also having a minimal impact on the planet.
Each product has been thoughtfully designed to be fun and uplifting, injecting some 1970s eclecticism into your unique and joyful home.
Their sheets are 100% organic cotton, ethically sourced, and have that deluxe 'hotel-feel', so you can have a positively groovy bedroom without compromising on quality.
While Weirdstock is predominantly an ecommerce branding selling at our own website weirdstock.co.uk, we have also taken part in the award-winning Salad Days market, and we are currently stocked at Radical Giving, a boutique independent store in Lewes East Sussex. We are also joining the Wolf and Badger family, and will be stocked by Wolf & Badger online from 1st November 2023.
Way back in 2004, in a spare room in South Yorkshire, Melody Maison’s director; Anna Elkington began to create the Melody Maison Empire that we all know and love today!
She would use her garage as a miniature warehouse; take five parcels a day to the post office after the daily school run (kids in tow!) and answer emails at 2am.
Over 15 years later, Melody Maison has become a leading retailer for Shabby French Chic and vintage style home furnishings. Melody Maison is still very much a family run business, with cousins, brothers, aunties and daughters all working together to offer a personal touch to every single Melody Maison customer.
Of course, they have added some fabulous members of staff outside of the Elkington heritage since then, all of which we treasure just as much!
The little things really do make a difference to us, that’s why if you give us a call we won’t put you through to a robot, we just have a customer care team here all day, happy to answer any questions you may have.
They design, manufacture and distribute French style furniture to all corners of the globe, and have many thousands of satisfied customers worldwide.
A spokeswoman said: "I hope you will agree that we have many beautiful things, mainly furniture ranges in our most popular colours; cream, ivory and white. Each range of furniture is either designed by us and made exclusively for Melody Maison, or sourced from our chosen suppliers from all over the world.
"Here at Melody Maison we have the most unique selection of French style furniture and home accessories in the world, and pride ourselves in doing so. Our promise to you is to provide the smoothest and most stress free purchase you have ever experienced over the internet, with fabulous customer service at every step of the way.
"You only have to read our reviews to realise we treat every customer with the up most respect that they deserve."
Christmas is a magical time of year when we come together with loved ones to celebrate the spirit of giving and joy. Our pets are a significant part of our families, and it's only fitting that they receive their fair share of festive cheer.
This holiday season, let's pamper our furry friends with thoughtful Christmas gifts that will make their tails wag and purr with delight. From cosy beds to interactive toys, we've curated a list of the perfect Christmas presents for your pets.
Personalised Collars and ID Tags
Start the Christmas festivities by gifting your pet a personalized collar and ID tag. This is not only a stylish accessory but also a practical one. Engrave their name and your contact information to keep them safe while adding a touch of personality to their daily attire.
A Cosy Bed or Blanket
As the temperatures drop, there's nothing your pet will appreciate more than a warm and comfortable bed or blanket. Choose one in festive colours or patterns to get them into the holiday spirit. Whether your pet is a dog, cat, or something else entirely, there are countless options available to suit their preferences.
Tasty Treats
Treats are a classic way to express your love and appreciation for your pets during the festive season. Consider buying them a special assortment of gourmet treats, ensuring they'll have a mouth-watering Christmas feast of their own.
Interactive Toys
Interactive toys are not only entertaining but also mentally stimulating for your pets. Puzzle feeders, treat-dispensing toys, and electronic mice for cats can keep your furry friends engaged and happy for hours on end. These toys are the perfect way to curb boredom and anxiety while offering mental exercise.
Stylish Pet Apparel
For pets who love to strut their stuff, consider gifting them a fashionable outfit for Christmas. From sweaters to bowties and bandanas, there's an array of options to make your pet look even more adorable during the holiday season.
Grooming Kits
Help your pet look and feel their best by giving them a grooming kit. Brushes, shampoos, and nail clippers are essential for keeping your pet's coat clean and shiny. Plus, it's an excellent way to bond with your pet as you pamper them.
Customised Pet Portraits
Turn your pet into a work of art with a custom pet portrait. You can find artists who specialize in capturing your pet's unique personality in a beautiful painting or digital art piece. This gift is not only thoughtful but also a lasting memory of your beloved pet.
Subscription Boxes
If you want to keep the festive spirit alive all year round, consider a subscription box for your pet. These boxes typically contain a variety of toys, treats, and accessories delivered straight to your door each month. It's a gift that keeps on giving!
New cages
How about buying your pet bird a new cage for Christmas? There are plenty to choose from in all sizes and models.
Christmas is a time for giving, and our pets deserve to be part of the celebration. The joy they bring to our lives is immeasurable, so why not show your appreciation with a thoughtful Christmas gift this year? Whether it's a cosy bed, tasty treats, or a personalized collar, the right present can make your pet's holiday season unforgettable. Remember, it's the thought that counts, and your furry friend will undoubtedly feel the love through your kind gesture. Merry Christmas to you and your beloved pets!
With Christmas rapidly approaching, the UK's leading Out of Home media and infrastructure company Clear Channel UK has released a new study focusing on ‘Gifting in the UK’.
Based on a study of 1,000 respondents, it offers fascinating insights into the most generous cities in the UK, how much people spend on Christmas gifts, the most purchased gifts and the ways people shop for them, plus the main sources for gift inspiration and whose gift people put the most effort into.
Clear Channel wanted to find out where in the UK people are the most generous when it comes to giving gifts. The research revealed the most generous people live in Liverpool, with 60% of respondents claiming they enjoy giving gifts. Southampton is the second most generous city in the UK with 59%, closely followed by Nottingham, where 58% of people enjoy treating their nearest and dearest.
Londoners found themselves among the least generous, taking the 10th spot on the list with only 50% of people enjoying giving gifts. However, Manchester was the least generous city overall with only 41% of respondents embracing the gifting tradition.
The full list of the most generous cities in the UK can be found below:
1.Liverpool – 60%
2.Southampton – 59%
3.Nottingham – 58%
4.Leeds – 55%
5.Bristol – 55%
6.City of Edinburgh – 53%
7.Brighton and Hove – 51%
8.Leicester – 51%
9.Newcastle upon Tyne – 50%
10.Greater London - 50%
11.Glasgow – 48%
12.Birmingham - 48%
13.Sheffield – 46%
14.Cardiff – 45%
15.Greater Manchester - 41%
Other key findings from the survey:
- Only 25% of people plan to do their Christmas shopping online, while 34% plan to shop on the high street. The majority of people (41%) prefer to use a mixture of online and in-store shopping.
- The most purchased gifts are clothing (35%), toiletries & cosmetics (26%) and toys (27%).
- The most purchased gifts by women are clothing (43%), toiletries & cosmetics (35%) and toys (34%) while the most purchased gifts by men are clothing (28%), food & drink (21%) and toys (20%).
- Brits spend the most time and effort on their partners’ gifts.
- Brits plan to spend the same amount of money on Christmas gifts this year as last year.
- The majority of Brits plan to spend on average £101-£200 (23%) and £201-£400 (22%) on Christmas gifts.
Ben Hope, who is the Marketing Director at Clear Channel UK, said: “Christmas is the perfect opportunity for businesses to establish a connection between brand and audience. As they finalise their festive advertising strategies and start to consider their 2024 campaigns, we wanted to dive deep into consumer behaviour data and pull out some revelatory insights on shopping approaches in the UK. By creating the ‘Gifting in the UK’ report, we wanted to help businesses target their efforts more effectively and efficiently as they start their Christmas season marketing pushes.’’
FACTFILE: Clear Channel UK is one of the UK’s largest Out of Home media and infrastructure companies, operating over 33,000 advertising sites nationwide and employing 600+ people in 14 locations.
Clear Channel’s mission is to Create the Future of Media, transforming their estate to the benefit of all stakeholders through data-driven innovations and infrastructure. Their purpose is to provide both A Platform for Brands and A Platform for Good, delivering on advertisers’ media objectives whilst having a positive impact on the world around them.
We'd like to thank Clear Channel UK for sharing their data with us.
