Christmas Gift Guide for Him & Her

Ad | Contains affiliate links The third and final Christmas gift guide is here and it is a mega one! I have curated fantastic gifts in dif...

Ad | Contains affiliate links

The third and final Christmas gift guide is here and it is a mega one! I have curated fantastic gifts in different price ranges and to suit different tastes. From fashion to fragrance and from gadgets to skincare, the guide has everything. Take a look!

Here is our gift guide for foodies, if you want to take a quick look!

ARRAN Sense of Scotland’s After the Rain Eau De Parfum

Have you heard of ARRAN? They are a family-run business who have been creating vibrant, evocative scents which are made in Scotland and inspired by the Isle of Arran's breath-taking scenery. Head to their website and you will find everything from stocking fillers to luxurious gift sets in every price range. There's bath & body products, hair care range, fragrances, hand care products and home fragrances like scented candles, reed diffusers and room sprays.

Featured in our guide is ARRAN’s best-selling fragrance - After the Rain. It is a sensual fragrance that is a blend of rose petals, musk and floral citrus mixed with the soft notes of Arran’s precious woods - a fresh, delicate & floral scent that is perfectly balanced for everyday wear. 

Buy After the Rain EDP here.

TCL 20SE Smartphone 

Looking for a new smartphone as a gift but one that is a combination of fantastic features and a great price? Then, the TCL 20SE is a smartphone that fits your requirements. 

With a 6.82-inch display, TCL's NXTVISION technology and Hi-Res Audio and dual speakers, this smartphone gives the user the maximum media experience. In addition, the smartphone's 5000mAh battery with reverse charging can power even the longest of streaming sessions. The battery also provides more than enough power for up to two weeks standby time with one single charge. Impressive, isn't it? 

For those who love photography the smartphone's AI Powered Quad Camera will capture all moments, big or small. There's an 8MP front camera, a 16MP rear camera 16MP and another 9MP rear camera. Some of the camera features include 10X digital zoom, Panorama, photo filter, Portrait, bokeh, Slo-Mo, Super Steady and Wide-Angle. The video capture is in 1080p HD quality. 

The smartphone also includes TCL's unique Super-Bluetooth function which allows the user to connect and share content with 4 Bluetooth devices simultaneously, perfect for sharing music or sharing a screen, without sharing headphones. 

Technical specifications:

• 1.8GHz octa core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor. 
• 4GB RAM. 
• Operating system: Android 11. 
• App store compatibility: Google play store. 

Dimensions:

• Size H172.08, W77.14, D9.1mm.
• Weight 206g. 

The internal memory is 64GB and it comes with an expandable memory up to 256GB when using the microSD card slot. You could use this to increase the storage to hold more music, videos, photos or even extra apps. 

Like I mentioned earlier, it has the NXTVISION display technology that produces an enhanced image and video quality with fantastic colour, crisp clarity, great definition and stark contrast. This combined with the 5000mAh battery provides an overall smooth performance. 

I also like the phone's fingerprint scanner which offers simple, safe and speedy unlocking and better security for the smartphone. 

In terms of performance, the TCL 20SE is fast enough for browsing the web, checking and sending emails and for playing games. For those users for whom the phone camera is an important feature, the TCL 20SE takes decent photos in good light or in the outdoors. And features like contactless payment; linking up your card to your phone for easy buying are what pushes it into the higher end of budget smartphones. 

The build quality looks sturdy and the battery longevity is also good. The 5000mAh battery lasts around 2-3 days depending on usage. And in terms of design and styling, it looks similar to more expensive phones. 

If you are looking for an ultra-affordable smartphone with great features, the TCL 20SE is a great buy. It has an RRP of £149.99 and can be purchased from www.argos.co.uk

Waterproof Cold Weather Roll Cuff Beanie Hat

For the outdoor lover, the Waterproof Cold Weather beanie hat from Sealskinz would be a fantastic and useful gift. Sealskinz make excellent waterproof accessories using premium materials and innovative technology. Their product range includes socks, gloves, hats and overshoes.

The Waterproof Cold Weather beanie hat is 100% waterproof and uses a unique three layer construction that combines a waterproof membrane with a warm and stylish acrylic knit outer layer and a fleece lined inner layer enabling the user to stay warm and toasty in any weather.

The beanie can be used for a wide range of activities like rainy hikes, winter walks, sailing, hiking, dog walking, mountaineering, or even your daily commute. It is warm, cosy and stylish as well making it a great, practical gift.

Priced at £30, the beanie hat can be purchased from www.sealskinz.com

It is available in S/M, L/XL and XXL and in four colours: black, grey, navy and red.

Farmologie Discovery Set | Uplifting Pink Grapefruit

Farmologie's range of irritation-free fragranced body care products are made using responsibly and sustainably sourced products to rehydrate the skin and leaving it feeling moisturised and nourished.

If you are new to the brand or want to introduce someone to this vegan brand, then you can get their Discovery Sets. There are two variants currently available - Pink Grapefruit and Moro Orange.

The zesty pink grapefruit range features travel-sized selection of four 15ml tubes - one each of pink grapefruit vegan body moisturiser, body wash, bath soak and hand cream. All the products contain colloidal oatmeal and oat oil formula and help lock-in moisture during your skincare routine.

All the tubes in the discovery set are made from 70% PCR (post-consumer recycled plastic) and are fully recyclable after use. The outer box is made of recycled paper, which is printed on with vegetable-based inks and can also be recycled in its entirety.

You can read more about Farmologie and buy their products from www.farmologie.co.uk

Urbanista Lisbon Wireless Earbuds

If you’re looking to gift someone earbuds this year, without breaking the bank, then take a look at the Urbanista Lisbon. These true wireless earbuds are Urbanista's most compact to date. They are so light-weight and comfortable that the wearer will barely know they’re there. But don't let the small size deceive you, as these are powerful earbuds offering an impressive 9 hours’ playtime.

Other key features of the compact Lisbon include: touch controls, Siri and Google Voice Assistant, compatibility with iOS & Android, Type C charging and Bluetooth. It comes with a small and compact charging case holding up to 2 extra charges.

A great gift for someone who is into sports or music!

Urbanista Lisbon is priced at £49.90 and can be ordered from www.urbanista.com

Kikkerland's Goat Yoga Magnets

Next in the guide are these super cute magnets which would make a great stocking filler for any Yoga lover.

Kikkerland's Goat Yoga Magnets feature 5 beautiful hand-painted designs by Eiko Simada. Each hand painted design features a different pose and makes for a fun accessory for the fridge or any other magnetic surface.

Beautiful, functional and unique, these fridge magnets are great for lovers of yoga and goats alike!

Buy the Goat Yoga Magnets here.

thebeautyworX 3 Step – Skin Solution Gift Set

Looking for a gift set packed with beauty products. Take a look at thebeautyworX. The brand is disrupting the skincare, haircare and cosmetics world with its innovative, trend-led, affordable and solution-focussed range, which is dedicated to 'Clean Beauty' and high performance. 

For Christmas, they have released three fantastic gift sets - Essential Face Serum Collection, 3 Step Skin Solution and Day & Night Duo. Featured in this guide is the 3 Step Skin Solution which contains 150ml HA Facial Cleanser, 50ml  Collagen Day Cream and 50ml Retinol Night Recovery Cream.

All the products are 90-95% natural, and most are vegan. They are made using quality, ethically-sourced ingredients in advanced formulations for people who care about their bodies and the planet. In line with their brand ethos, none of the products contain any harsh or toxic ingredients and all are free from sulphates, parabens, dyes, petrochemicals and phthalates. The products are also not tested on animals.

Interested to learn more about thebeautyworX or want to purchase one of their gift sets? You can do so at www.thebeautyworx.co.uk

Red Letter Days | The Merry Christmas Gift Box

Red Letter Days! I am sure you must have heard about them; they are the pioneers in the concept of giving experiences as unforgettable gifts. On their website you will find thousands of different experiences to choose from such as spa days, short breaks, flying and other adventure experiences. They also have something called as 'Experience Gift Boxes' which is a collection of unique experiences included in each gift box. With a 2-year validity, and available in every price range, the experience boxes are a fantastic gift idea suited to every personality type. 

For Christmas, they have a special box called the 'Merry Christmas' box which features over 2625 experiences to choose from. There's animal encounters, spa days, afternoon tea experiences, gourmet dining, zip lining, go karting, gin master class and so much more. Whatever is the lucky recipient's idea of adventure or fun, they are sure to find something interesting in the box.

The Merry Christmas Gift Box from Red Letter Days is priced at £49.99, and is packed with fantastic days out to be enjoyed throughout the UK. The recipient can take on a thrilling zip lining adventure, enjoy 50 laps in a go kart, delight in a burger afternoon tea in Soho, a gin master class in Liverpool or take on a 4x4 with an off-road drive - there are 2,625 experiences across the UK to choose from, so there is something for everyone. There is plenty of time to use the voucher with a 24-month validity period, and there is an option at the checkout for the gift to be sent as an e-voucher, so you can gift sustainably too.

Also, Red Letter Days will be donating 10% of sales from the Merry Christmas Gift Box to Child Poverty Action Group from 15th November–25th December. Child Poverty Action Group works on behalf of the more than one in four children in the UK growing up in poverty. They use their understanding of what causes poverty and the impact it has on children’s lives to campaign for policies that will prevent and solve poverty – for good. They also provide training, advice and information to make sure hard-up families get the financial support they need. 

And Red Letter Days’ charity donation will mean that Child Poverty Action Group can help even more struggling families.

Priced at £49.99, the Merry Christmas Box is available to purchase from www.redletterdays.co.uk

Dove Winter Skin Care Range

Why not give the gift of nourishing care with a bundle of winter care products from Dove! Dove's range of winter care products are formulated with nourishing ingredients to help soothe and moisturise skin. Running a warm bath filled with Dove Bath Salts, made from pure sea salts and skin-natural moisturisers will not only give some much needed ‘me-time’ but will also leave the skin smooth and nourished. Follow up with a moisturiser containing essential oils which will make sure the deeper layers of the skin are also cared for.  

You could put together a bundle featuring the following products.

• Pro Age Body Butter: combines skin natural nutrients and olive oil in a creamy formula to keep skin protected and hydration locked in away from the cold. Leaves the skin intensely moisturised for 24 hours.
• Lavender & Chamomile Relaxing Care Foaming Bath Soak: specially made to relieve tired and aching muscles, and leave skin soft and smooth. This formula contains 100% gentle plant-based cleansers and is free from sulphate SLES and dermatologically tested. Also available in two other scents.
• Original Beauty Cream Bar: Dove's Original Beauty Cream Bar combines a gentle cleansing formula with their signature ¼ moisturising cream to give soft, smooth, and healthy-looking skin while also helping skin to retain its natural moisture.
• Coconut & Cacao Restoring Care Bath Salts: made with pure sea salts and skin-natural moisturisers, this caring formula of bath salts helps to soothe tired and aching muscles while leaving your skin soft, smooth, and delicately fragranced with the indulgent scent of coconut and cacao. Also available in two other scents.

Dove's winter care range is available to buy from Boots and Superdrug.

SkinLabo Skincare and Make-up Products

SkinLabo are a family-run, Italian brand that has a range of products across skincare, makeup, haircare and body care. Their main aim is to deliver top-quality beauty products at an affordable price, while also connecting with their customers through a dedicated team of digital beauty advisors who are happy to assist them to select products for suited to their skin type and skin concerns.

For the make-up lovers, you could look at gifting products like the Volume Finale Mascara Extra Care which is a formula based on jasmine wax, keratin, and has a restructuring, volumizing effect.  The wavy, hourglass applicator helps to volumize even the finest eyelashes and enables even distribution of the mascara, without forming lumps, for an intense look and full lashes. 

Or you could look at their Paparazzi Effect Lip Plumper which is a delicate gloss with hyaluronic acid and ginger extract, which envelops and nourishes the lips, providing an immediate and long-lasting volumizing effect. 

Another product for the make-up lover could be the Luce Gold - Face & Body Stick Highlighter which has an extremely light and creamy texture and is enriched with jojoba oil and pomegranate sterols to help make the skin soft and elastic. It glides gently over the skin for a natural illuminating effect and a radiant finish.

For those who love their skincare routine, the AHA+BHA Pure Shot could be a great gift. It delicately exfoliates the skin, helps free clogged pores and improves the skin’s luminosity. If used daily, it helps significantly reduce imperfections in the skin such as spots, blackheads, acne, and dark spots.

To order any of these fab products or to check out SkinLabo's entire range, visit www.skinlabo.uk

Weird Fish Clothing

Founded in 1993, Weird Fish had a mission to produce well-priced, well-made and distinctive clothes. And even today they still have the same founding values at their core. They pride themselves on the quality of their clothing and are always looking for cleaner and greener processes as a part of their sustainability strategy.

Featured in this guide are two products from Weird Fish - one for him and one for her. 

The Liza Fair Isle Knit Jumper is beautiful! With a lovely Fair Isle design and with ribbed cuffs and hems, this super soft jumper is sure to add a feel-good factor in the wearer's day. It is made from an acrylic and polyester mix and has a touch of stretch for all day comfort. 

I love how comfy and snuggly the jumper is without being bulky. 

You can purchase the Liza Fair Isle Knit Jumper from www.weirdfish.co.uk

The next item from Weird Fish is the Ferris Organic Reverse Brushed Hoodie for men. Made with organic cotton and with brushed panel on chest with Weird Fish logo and a Kangaroo pocket, this hooded sweatshirt is just what one needs to keep cosy during the colder months. This has become Mr.H's go-to hoodie because it is super comfy, snug and can be paired with jeans, joggers or even PJ bottoms.

The hoodie is available in two colours: Navy and Washed Teal. You can order the hoodie here.

Mobile Accessories from Tech21

Tech21 recently unveiled a new range of iPhone13 cases offering solid protection against the all too common phone drop. Tech21 cases offer max protection, saving costly devices against multiple drops with some products offering up to 20ft drop protection. 

The latest iPhone13 range from Tech21 boasts of a range of exciting new features like:

• superior multi-drop level protection
• a built-in hygienic formula
• MagSafe compatibility 
• stylish range of colours 
• compatibility with the larger camera modules announced with the new iPhone13 range

Some of the brand new cases from Tech21 are:

• Evo Max: it offers the highest level of multi-drop protection (up to 20ft) and is made for the outdoors. It is available in black or a Khaki colourway.
• Evo Clear: it is a completely clear case with the same built-in hygienic formula as the Evo Check, reducing microbes by 99.99%. The Evo Clear also has built-in UV-resistant materials ensuring the case doesn’t go yellow or discolour in the sunlight. 
• Evo Tactile: this one offers seamless connectivity and all-round protection. The rear grip finger pattern provides a more secure grip while the wireless charger-friendly design and easy-to-press buttons add something extra. There’s also enhanced camera protection and a built-in microbe-reducing formula.

Wanna grab one of these cases for yourself or as a gift, then head to the Tech21 site.

 

Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Real-Life Tales of Black Girl Magic

Next on our guide is an inspirational book that is a book for all ages - adults and children alike. Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Real-Life Tales of Black Girl Magic features inspirational stories of some really amazing Black women. Each story is laid out on a single page with a lovely artwork accompanying it. The book has been curated and illustrated by black women and non-binary artists from cover to cover.

Some of the women featured in the book include: Naomi Osaka, Olive Morris, Toni Morrison, Shirley Chishol, Roxanne Shante, Bessie Coleman, Aretha Franklin and more.

It is a fab book that is designed to acknowledge and amplify the amazing stories of Black women and girls both from the past and the current times.

You can order the book here.

OhMySkin - Sublime Enzyme Masque Gift Set 

Harley Street based aesthetic clinic - Hedox Clinic - do personal skin assessments, recommend medical grade skincare plans and supply skincare products as well. In addition to supplying products from a range of brands like Obagi, ZO Skin Health, SkinCeuticals, NeoStrata and Dr Levi, Hedox Clinic also have their own product range - OhMySkin.

One of their best sellers is the OhMySkin Sublime Enzyme Face Mask. It features a natural enzyme-based clinical formula that contains a myriad of potent botanicals including; Cacti Enzyme, Wheat Grass Extract, Meadowfoam, Moringa Oil and a range of concentrated vitamins, all of which have powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. OhMySkin uses no harsh acids, abrasives or micro beads that can burn or irritate the skin surface and lead to premature aging. It is like a chemical peel, but without any of the burning and inflammation and a fraction of the cost!  

You can buy products from the OhMySkin range individually or as full sets. The Sublime Enzyme Exfoliate & Resurface Home Therapy Kit is priced at £79.00 and contains 

• Exfoliate & Resurface Mask
• 10x Magnification Mirror
• Advanced Derma Cloth
• Luxury Headband

You can purchase the gift set here.

CBD products from Papilio 

Papilio is a range of premium quality CBD products including three CBD Oils, a CBD Tiger Balm as well as CBD Team Blends.. These make the perfect gift for the fitness fanatic looking to achieve optimum performance, or for the mindful person in your life who is looking for more grounding amongst the stresses of everyday life. 

All of Papilio's products are manufactured in the UK and they offer broad-spectrum CBD products which have had the THC removed. 

Papilio's CBD oils are available in three variants

• Refresh: with notes of grapefruit and tangerine 
• Balance: with notes of wild peppermint and vanilla 
• Relax: with notes of lavender and eucalyptus 

Their CBD Tiger Balm has notes of camphor, clove and menthol and contains 500mg CBD in each 50ml glass jar. It helps to relieve tired and aching muscles. 

Papilio recently released a new range of teas as well which come in 6 different flavours and contain CBD. 

• Elderberry, Rosehip, Hibiscus and Hemp – Body Soothing CBD Herbal Tea 
• Nettle, Peppermint and Hemp – Body Cleansing CBD Herbal Tea 
• Lemon, Ginger and Hemp – Immune Boosting CBD Herbal Tea 
• Turmeric, Chai and Hemp – Anti Inflammatory CBD Herbal Tea 
• Green Tea and Hemp – Energy Boosting CBD Herbal Tea 
• Chamomile and Hemp – Calm Inducing CBD Herbal Tea 

A fantastic range of CBD teas that one can enjoy and at the same time nourish their body and mind, naturally. 

All of Papilio's products can be purchased online from www.papilioproducts.co.uk

Theatre Tokens Gift Cards

Looking for the perfect gift for your theatre-obsessed partner, friends or family? You can’t do better than Theatre Tokens. Theatre Tokens gift cards can be used in more than 260 venues nationwide, including the best regional theatres and all of London’s famous West End stages. With no expiry date, Theatre Tokens for London and the UK are available for highly anticipated productions, as well as all those classic musicals. Birthday, anniversary, Father’s Day or Mother’s Day, our choice of physical Theatre Tokens and eGifts make your present even more personal. At the end of the day - there’s no better gift than the gift of theatre. At the end of the day - there’s no better gift than the gift of theatre.

Theatre Tokens are available as plastic Gift Cards and eGifts, in any amount from £5. You can buy Gift Cards and eGifts online here or in person from participating theatres or high street retailers including Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, Waitrose, WHSmith and Waterstones.