Looking for a stunning homeware gifts for Christmas? VQ and Cath Kidston Bees have you covered!

VQ, the multi-award-winning British brand in home electronics, continues its commitment to innovation, quality and unique designs with its new Cath Kidston SDA collection. 

Launching the Bees SDA range, the two award-winning brands are launching with a 1.7L Jug Kettle and a 4-Slice Toaster in the signature Cath Kidston Bees design. 

Upgrading any kitchen collection, the new range combines superb high-quality products with charming and utterly iconic style.  

The VQ & Cath Kidston 1.7L Jug Kettle is available to buy from VQ, QVC UK and Amazon for £79.99 and the 4-Slice Toaster is available from VQ, QVC UK and Amazon for £89.99.

The VQ Cath Kidston Bees range is finally here after much anticipation and overwhelming customer demand for the playful, hand-applied Bees print. 

The cordless electric Jug Kettle has a generous seven-cup capacity, making it ideal for brewing rich-tasting coffee, delicious hot chocolate, classic mochas, and more. Ideal for those Christmas family gatherings!

Featuring the classic and chic hand-applied Bees print, each kettle is hand decorated and properly finished off with a high-grade gloss UV coating to ensure it looks pristine day in and day out, including a high-quality chrome trim complementing the stunning printed body design.

This rapid-boil electric kettle has several safety functions, too. It has a highly useful dry boil feature that automatically shuts itself down if there's no water inside it. 

It also features overheat protection with a carefully concealed heating element, a removable anti-scale filter (ideal if you live in a hard water area) and there'a a very nifty flip-top cool touch lid for safe usage, a tactile on/off rocker switch with a light indicator and fast boiling capability with a water viewing window and indicator. 

The anti-slip, sturdy handle stays cool, with plenty of holding space and non-slip feet. It also features LOSO (Lift Off Shut Off), so as soon as the jug kettle it taken off from the base it automatically powers off. An amazingly useful safety feature.

The stainless-steel kettle comes with an easy-to-use manual switch and a water indicator with eco-cup measurements that helps only boil what you need to boil, thus reducing the amount of water used daily, saving money and also our planet. 

The external visual water level viewing window allows users to see and adjust the amount of water. With a minimum boil, as little as one cup means no waste of water. It also has a 360-degree base with convenient cord storage, too.

The kettle boils water at a super-fast pace, up to 3 litres per minute! It features a built-in filter that removes limescale and other impurities that can build up in the water and cause damage to kettles, thus  extending its lifespan and efficiency. 

Made using only high-grade BPA-free & stainless-steel material, your kettle will be triple-inspected for safety and quality and is durable and resists scratches. Each jug kettle comes with a 24-month warranty when the recipient registers it.

The VQ & Cath Kidston 4-Slice Toaster is available from VQ, QVC UK and Amazon for £89.99.

The VQ Cath Kidston 4-Slice toaster is multi-functional and not only makes the perfect toast but can cook tasty bagels, luscious crumpets, and wholesome thick-sliced bread, too!

It's the absolutely perfect choice to make breakfast and style the kitchen also, it also features the classic and chic hand-applied Bees print. Each toaster is hand decorated and finished off with a high-grade gloss UV coating to ensure it always looks utterly pristine.

This 4-Slice toaster has all the features you need to create the perfect breakfast. Or evening toast meal, too?

The seven-setting variable heat control gives precise toasting at the perfect grade. The multi-functional toaster comes with multiple toasting modes including a very helpful defrost function, allowing toasting straight from the freezer. 

There's also a reheat function that heats food that has already been cooked without over-browning it or, worse, burning it. 

Also, a detachable crumb tray prevents irritating crumbs falling all over the countertop, the table or the floor.

The innovative auto-centring feature ensures that whatever you are toasting will be cooked perfectly on all sides. 

The specially designed wide slots allow users to cook tasty bagels, luscious crumpets and wholesome thick-sliced bread. 

Another one of the many great features of this stunning toaster is the high lift lever. Allowing users to remove their perfect toasted food without burning any fingers. (Ouch! That's happened to me!) It also has a handy anti-jam function which will turn the toaster off if any toast gets jammed inside.

The VQ 4-Slice toaster is made with high-grade, durable stainless-steel and is, of course, triple-inspected for safety and quality. It is durable and resists scratches.

Pair the kettle with the 4-Slice Toaster, and users can toast their favourite bread, bagels, or pastries all at once while the kettle is boiling. 

This dynamic duo of the kitchen not only streamlines your breakfast routine but also adds an extra touch of joy to every meal. 

But that's not all, the Bees SDA collection is expanding! Coming soon, there will be Slow Cookers, Digital Air Fryers, and other essential kitchen appliances, to bring a more fun and cohesive look to the kitchen.

The VQ & Cath Kidston 1.7L Jug Kettle is available to buy from VQ, QVC UK and Amazon for £79.99 and the 4-Slice Toaster is available from VQ, QVC UK and Amazon for £89.99.

For additional information, visit https://myvq.co.uk. Whilst there why not check out there wide range of other products including DAB/DAB+ Digital & FM Radios, Bluetooth Speakers, Smart Speakers, and other Kitchen Appliances?

Unique and Quirky Gifts for the Quirky, Interesting People in Your Life

If you've got people in your life who march to the beat of their own drum, it’s likely you've found that the usual socks-and-scarf combo just won’t do.

 These are the ones who adore the extraordinary, who revel in the unusual, and who cherish the kinds of keepsakes that stand out and tell a story. 

Finding gifts for them can be a joy if you think outside the box and, more specifically, into the quirky corners of it

. Here are some fantastic ideas for unique, memorable presents that celebrate the wonderfully eccentric personalities they’re crafted for.

1. Antique Paper Knives: A Slice of Elegance and History

A paper knife is both practical and elegant—a tool once indispensable in an era before self-opening envelopes. Today, antique paper knives are prized for their craftsmanship and history. From carved bone to intricate silver blades, each piece whispers tales of letters opened by candlelight, of sealing wax and long-distance love letters. These little treasures come in all shapes and sizes; some feature intricate engravings, while others might carry a touch of Victorian whimsy or Art Deco flair. They’re perfect for someone who loves the idea of a time when mail was an event, not a nuisance.

2. Handcrafted Ornaments Made from Repurposed Spark Plugs, Wires, nuts and bolts

For those who appreciate recycling and resourcefulness, ornaments made from old spark plugs, bits of wire, and other discarded parts offer a blend of artistry and industrial chic. Crafted by ingenious artisans, these creations range from robots and animals to abstract designs, making each piece a testament to creativity and environmental mindfulness. 

Picture a small metal dog sitting on a shelf, or a wire-formed ballerina dancing across a table, or a metal mosquito. These pieces make ideal gifts for those with a love for gritty aesthetics and eco-conscious values.

3. Vintage Curiosities: From Skeleton Keys to Apothecary Bottles

Is there anything more fascinating than a drawer full of forgotten oddments from years gone by? Vintage curiosities make fantastic gifts for anyone who collects trinkets, or even for the aspiring cabinet-of-curiosities creator. Think skeleton keys that once opened doors to rooms long forgotten, old apothecary bottles that once held exotic elixirs, or even pocket watches that stopped ticking decades ago. These treasures hold a mysterious allure and offer an instant conversation starter.

4. Oddball Kitchen Gadgets from a Bygone Era

Many quirky people are avid cooks, so why not add a bit of vintage charm to their kitchen? From butter churns to antique eggbeaters and Victorian sugar tongs, these curious gadgets make for beautiful and functional décor, if not everyday use. Take a look at old-fashioned coffee grinders or ornate cake servers for a bit of bygone glamour. Most can still be put to use, but their old-world charm makes them as much decoration as device.

5. Eccentric Wall Art: Vintage Posters, Botanical Prints, and Beyond

Nothing says “individuality” like bold, unique wall art. For the quirky souls on your list, bypass the usual prints and seek out vintage posters, strange botanical prints, or scientific illustrations that carry a dose of intrigue. Even those strange Victorian medical diagrams can add an unexpectedly stylish twist to a room, especially when framed in reclaimed wood. Alternatively, look for surreal, whimsical pieces or retro artwork that feels personal and unusual.

6. Miniature Terrariums: A Self-Sustaining Ecosystem in a Bottle

Terrariums offer a touch of nature indoors and bring a delightful sense of life to any room. Tiny glass jars filled with moss, tiny plants, and perhaps even a little ceramic creature add a whimsical touch to any desk or windowsill. Some terrariums are open and require a bit of watering, while closed terrariums create their own mini ecosystems and only need the occasional bit of sunlight to thrive. Either way, a miniature world in a jar is sure to charm anyone with a green thumb and a sense of wonder.

7. Taxidermy (The Ethical Kind)

Taxidermy isn’t for everyone, but for those who love natural history, a small, ethically sourced taxidermy specimen can be a fascinating piece of art. Whether it’s a butterfly mounted in a frame, a preserved beetle, or even a tiny rodent, taxidermy has a unique charm for people who appreciate nature’s beauty in an unusual way. Many small businesses specialise in ethically sourced taxidermy, so it’s possible to find these curiosities guilt-free.

8. Handcrafted Stationery with Personality

If your quirky friend loves the tactile experience of writing things down, beautifully crafted stationery is a delightfully unexpected choice. Think handmade journals with covers made from reclaimed wood, paper infused with wildflower seeds, or even personalised wax seals. For an added touch, include a dip pen and ink to give them the full vintage writing experience. Whether they journal daily or only jot down thoughts occasionally, a beautiful writing kit can inspire their creativity in the most old-fashioned way.

9. Quirky Bookends for the Bookish Collector

Bookends are a fantastic way to add a touch of personality to a shelf. Look for options made from unexpected materials like vintage brass, sculpted stone, or iron figurines. For a bit of whimsy, consider bookends in the shape of animals, miniature landscapes, or even quirky geometric shapes. Ideal for book lovers, these unique pieces add a touch of flair to any bookshelf.

Final Thought: Give Them a Story, Not Just a Gift

Gifting should always be about more than simply handing over an item; it should be an opportunity to bring joy, surprise, and a spark of wonder to the recipient. With these quirky, offbeat options, you’re not just giving a gift—you’re giving a story, a piece of history, a little mystery, and a dash of character. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the quirky, interesting people in your life who make the world so much more intriguing.

This Christmas gift beautiful and sustainable Andhand stationery that will last a lifetime

This Christmas, give that very special person in your life something a little different this Christmas with minimal stationery that will last a lifetime from Andhand.

Christmas is the truly the perfect time to refresh workspaces and create the positive working environments that everyone strives for. 

Andhand's new range of modern stationery brings minimal elegance to your desktop, the pieces are designed to delight in everyday use and are crafted with care from a minimal palette of premium materials in line with the buy once philosophy. This Christmas it's time to do away with single use stationery and give the gift of stationery that lasts for a lifetime.

Andhand's ranges include fine writing tools with beautiful detailing. The Method fountain pens make really excellent gifts that will be cherished for a lifetime, aging beautifully due to the material palette of solid machined brass, stainless steel and aluminium. Whilst the all brass mechanical pencil adds a sense of refinement to those everyday creative tasks.

Also check out their minimal accessories with sculptural essence. For example, there's the the Hoop Tape Dispenser which is a single arch shape formed of solid aluminium and available in four anodised colours creating a real presence on any desk. In addition popular accessories like the Illusion Ruler are a smart addition to any pen-pot with its Esher-esque appearance, tricking the eye in the most delightful way possible.

Method Fountain Pen - £110 | Method Mechanical Pencil - £65 | Illusion Ruler - £16.50 | Hoop Tape Dispenser - Gold - £32.50

Visit them at www.andhand.co.uk to view the full range and pricing

What is Andhand? It's a new independent British pen and stationery brand that is established in South London. Their focus is on creating products which embrace our new modern hybrid working practices and environments. 

The last few years have brought into sharp focus the importance of a positive workspace, and so the products aim to nurture working wellness, contributing to a desk environment that is supportive to both creativity and productivity. 

Design is at the very heart of Andhand. It’s founders Simon Donald and Joe Wentworth are both product designers who worked together for several years as DonaldWentworth. They have consulted and designed for a range of companies including Joseph Joseph to bring innovative products to market, receiving three prestigious Red Dot design awards to date. Andhand sees Simon and Joe as both designer and client with full art direction of the brand.