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Christmas gift guide 2023 - for him

Thursday, 7 December 2023

Lastly this year is the for him guide. I hope I can give you some ideas to finally tick everyone off your list this year.

Wishing you all a merry Christmas and a happy new year!

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Traditional personalised cheeseboard



This 'Traditional Brand' Cheese Board set is made from environmentally friendly Hevea wood and includes 3 wooden handled specialist cheese knives with stainless steel handles. Personalise the top of the lid with a name and year to create the perfect gift for any cheese lover! 

Cheese board includes: Cheese fork, Stilton Knife & Cheddar knife Dimensions of board: 22cm x 22cm x 4cmDimensions of knives: 12cm x 3cm (at handle


Available from boutique gifts currently priced at £29.99


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Mens Helly Hansen Nordsjo parka



This mens Nordsjo Parka is modern, warm and weatherproof, delivering protection even on the coldest snow days. 

Built with trusted HELLY TECH® protection construction, so it’s waterproof/breathable and windproof. Made with the environment in mind, the water-repellent treatment is PFC-free and the insulation is made from 100% recycled materials. Extra features include fold-up reflectives on the sleeves for visibility and knitted wrist gaiters to help keep your body heat trapped inside. 

detachable faux fur to the hood, combining style and functionality by creating a warm microclimate around your face when you put your hood up.

If all that isn’t enough, this parka comes equipped with an innovative “life pocket”. Developed by NASA to protect devices in space, the special pocket helps keep your device alive longer in cold environments by keeping this pocket two times warmer, genius!

Weighing in at 2100g, the man in your life will be toasty warm in this stylish parka.

Available in 3 colours from Helly Hansen, currently priced at £320

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Men's Gobi 2 Hellytech® WATERPROOF Low-Cut Hiking Shoes



These supportive, lightweight, and protective Gobi 2 hiking shoes will take you all the way this festive season. 

They’re fully waterproof with trusted HELLY TECH membrane and boast a flexible midsole, max-grip sole technology known for superior traction, these shoes have truly been designed for comfort and stability. 

Not forgetting to always keep the environment in mind, Helly Hansen have made  60% of the upper with recycled materials.

Available in 3 colours from Helly Hansen currently priced at £110

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Men's Dubliner Waterproof Pants



Built to keep you dry and comfortable whether you’re biking to work or spending the day in the forest, the versatile Dubliner pants are designed to keep the elements out. 

With a trusted Helly tech protection system, they’re waterproof/breathable and windproof. They also feature 2 layer construction, sealed seams and quick-dry lining, these Dubliner waterproof pants will keep you warm and dry no matter what you put them through this Christmas.

Available from Helly Hansen currently priced at £75

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Mulled cider gift set




This festive Cranes Mulled Cider Gift Set is the perfect gift this Christmas - warm, spiced and full-bodied.

A luxurious blend of Cranes Premium Apple Cider with festive flavours of cinnamon, cranberry & orange added. Sounds delicious right?!

We have a set each put away ready for Christmas eve when all the hard work has been done, I can’t wait!

Gluten free and vegan friendly, this 3.4% tipple, is perfect this Christmas.

Box contains 1 x 75cl bottle and 1 x etched glass mug.

Available from Drink Cranes currently priced at £15.50

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Topix board game



Under our tree this year is a special box from Liv to her Dad *shhhh, keep the secret* it’s Cheatwell Topix, a game of rapid recall! 

An excellent game for players of all ages, Topix will test everyone's memory whilst providing fun-filled entertainment for the whole family!

Played against the clock, it's a race to find as many examples as you can for your given topic; the catch being that all of your answers must start with the same letter 

Example question - Types Of Animal; 
you've chosen the letter A, so you can write down - Anteater, Aardvark, Alligator and any others you can think of within a minute.

Box contents:
Game chips with questions
Round and game scoring pads,
Pencils, 
Sand timer and set of rules 

Suitable for age 12+ 

Available from Amazon, currently priced at £17

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Disclaimer - some of the above items were sent to me for consideration of this gift guide, all opinion is my own. All information and pricing is correct at the time of publishing.

Christmas gift guide 2023 - for her

Traditionally known as the hardest to buy for - really are we *that* bad? Here are some of my favourite gift ideas this Christmas. I hope they help!


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Women's Helly Hansen Aden Down Parka




Stylish and cozy, this Helly Hansen Aden parka will keep you comfortable when the cold sets in this winter.

In addition to having a protective and stylish long silhouette, it has a water repellent treatment to shed light moisture. Perfect for those wet morning school run, drizzly weekend football matches or even on a shopping trip with your friends, this parka will keep you cozy through them all with its warm, light, duck down insulation. 

Don’t worry though, the down fill used is certified to the Responsible Down Standard (RDS), ensuring that this parka only contains down and feathers from farms certified to animal welfare requirements.

Available from in 3 colours from Helly Hansen, currently priced at £240


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Women's Garibaldi VL Insulated Winter Boots



These women's Helly Hansen Garibaldi snow boots are the perfect blend of style and function with their protective toe-to-heel rand, combined with waterproof nubuck leathers and a warm faux fur lining. Fully sealed seams, lightweight, protective, these really are a stylish winter boot with unrivalled traction outsole and an Eco Ortholite comfort footbed.

Lined with luxurious faux fur for a luxe look and feel, they also boast a vulcanised rubber outsole for grip and temperature resistance.

I bet I’m not the only one that will be dropping hints for a pair of these this Christmas!

Available in 5 colours from Helly Hansen, currently priced at £170


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Women's Helly Hansen Hod Beanie 2.0




This beautiful Helly Hansen womens beanie is on my list this year. Made from 100% soft, warm, merino wool, knitted in a classy houndstooth pattern and topped with a playful pom-pom! 

Whether you are off skiing or simply on the school run, this beanie will keep you toasty warm and looking stylish. What more could you ask for?

Fiber content:
Shell: 100% Merino WoolCare Instructions:
Contains non-textile parts of animal origin.
Weight:180g

Available in 2 colours from Helly Hansen, currently priced at £50

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Kikkerland Whale foot-file



The perfect stocking filler for me would be this Kikkerland Whale Exfoliator, it is just adorable! Made from rubberwood, these double sided foot files are sturdy and strong, perfect to scrub and polish your party feet!

Indulge in some self-care time with this exfoliator designed to scrub away tough and dead skin and leave you feeling refreshed and soft.

Available from Kikkerland, currently priced at £13

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Sos serum skincare set




Treat yourself or a loved one this festive season with this fabulous SOS Superstars Beauty Elixir Seasonal Collection gift set, worth over £72.

My personal favourite skin care regime, this set is excellent value and I must confess to treating myself to one already, you will not be disappointed if you do the same!


The set contains:

1 x SOS Cleanse, 15ml 
1 x SOS H20 Day Cream, 50ml 
1 x SOS Night Cream, 50ml 
1 x SOS Lip, 10ml 
1 x Essential Drops Fragrance for the Home: Pomegranate & Lychee, 50ml

All presented in a beautiful white festive gift box so you don’t even need to wrap it!

I have everything crossed another lovely set will be under my tree on the 25th!

Available from SOS Serum priced at £45


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Zerowater 12 cup water filtration jug



Now I know this may seem a little out of place but I have already decided that my new year’s resolution is to drink less bottled water. Our tap water is awful so I only drink mineral water but I am painfully aware of all of the single use plastic I use. So to change this I’ve put this water purifying jug and dispenser right at the top of my Christmas list.

This Zerowater 12 Cup Ready-Read Water Filtration Jug is perfect for a busy household to ensure you and your family have easy access to filtered water. 

Get peace of mind knowing you're always getting the purest tasting water with the new integrated TDS meter. This upgraded model with Ready-Read Technology gives an instant TDS readout of water as it passes through the device’s body. The premium 5-stage water filtration removes virtually all dissolved solids from your tap water – more than any other leading brand!

 See for yourself by detaching the meter and reading TDS levels before and after filtering your tap water.​

Dimensions (L x W x H): 25.4 x 12.7 x 25.7cm

Available from Zerowater, currently priced at £44.99

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Christmas gift guide 2023 - older children

Wednesday, 6 December 2023

The hardest group for me to buy for is the older kids, that don’t want typical toys anymore but aren’t ready for gift cards just yet. Here I have listed a few of my favourite options I’ve come across this year. I hope they inspire you!

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Kikkerland wireless earphones




These Kikkerland Wireless earphones are perfect for them to listen to music, podcasts or even messages on. Attached by braided cotton, these earphones are easier to find (and keep track of) than those that are loose.

Compatible via Bluetooth and with a transmission range of 10m – 5 + hours of audio playback and  high sound quality, these lightweight and comfortable ear buds will make you very popular this Christmas!

With a built in remote control and microphone, customisable ear buds in 3 different sizes, 2 pairs of ear hooks and charging cable, these really are the perfect gift idea this year!

Available from Kikkerland. Currently priced at £26


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Ant & Dec's Limitless Win Board Game


Now you can challenge your family and friends with this  Limitless win board game!

Based on the hit tv quiz show hosted by the nation’s favourite double act, Ant and Dec, Climb the limitless money ladder higher than your opponents to win!

This well-known trivia quiz game is great fun for families and a great way to entertain the kids, teens and grown-ups at get-togethers, parties and family gatherings.

Simply answer trivia questions, each related to a number to climb further and further up the limitless money ladder. But be careful, if you give an answer over the correct answer - you will lose everything!

What’s in the box?
Limitless money ladder
600+ questions
2 answer dials
Score tracker
Cash out button
Easy-to-follow rules

A great way to get those older children involved in family fun!

Available from Ginger fox, currently price at £21.24

Suitable for ages 8+

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Geomag Glitter building Set 



This super stylish Geomag glitter building set, is perfect for the people in your life who adore sparkly colours, have a great imagination and love being creative!

There really is hours of fun to be had for all ages building and rebuilding with this set of beautiful rods and magnets. Our 12 year old loves these and I frequently find a new creation built on her desk.

Why not get involved and see what creation you can come up with!

Suitable for children 3 and over due to small and magnetic parts.

Available from Amazon, currently priced at £43.49

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Taskmaster the secret series game



A brand new Taskmaster game complete with all-new tasks! 

This Taskmaster Secret Series Game invites you and your family and friends to take part in your own home made series of Taskmaster!

Carry the scores from each individual game forward into the next round until you complete 10 'episodes' and crown an overall series winner! 

Who will be the ultimate champion and will they win a prize? 

What’s in the box:
Sealed task envelopes, 
Taskmaster art playing pieces, 
Wipe-clean pen,
Cards in a sleeve, 
Secret boxes, 
Series leader-board chart
and the all important rules.

Available from Ginger fox currently priced at £21.24

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Geomag Mechanics Loops & Turns 




Created for the more advanced user, this Geomag Mechanics Gravity Loops & Turns set harnesses the invisible forces of magnetism and gravity through original and surprising means.

The spheres inside the circuit are set in motion by an innovative magnetic cannon that uses the force of attraction of the accelerating magnet.

Developed with more advanced players in mind, the new construction system is based on an innovative "gravity motor": this uses the weight of the Geomag spheres to kickstart the mechanisms and movements of the Geomag Mechanics structures. The motion is provided by the invisible forces of Gravity and Magnetism, without using electricity or batteries. The play experience is based on these fundamental principles of physics. Mechanics Gravity is a STEM product that can truly stimulate curiosity and inspire to learn more about science

Available from Toys R Us currently priced at £18.49

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Disclaimer - some of the included items were sent to me for consideration of this gift guide, however all opinion is my own. All information and prices are correct at the time of publishing.

Christmas gift guide 2023 - for the kids

Yes it’s that time of year again! If you are scratching your head trying to come up with ideas for the children in your life, here’s a guide that may help. Happy shopping!


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Number blocks mini tablet


Teaching your little one to count has never been easier thanks to this Numberblocks Mini Tablet!

Ready to go with four interactive games including Meet the Numberblocks, Numberblock Adventure, Number Magic plus 1 and help Blockzilla work out which number is bigger! It really is the perfect interactive toy to help children learn maths skills through play and fun.

Specification
Height: 7.5cm, Width: 13.5cm, Depth: 2.5cm

Suitable for Ages: 3+

Available from the Range, currently priced at £11.69

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CONNETIX magnetic 120 piece pastel creative pack



Carefully and expertly designed to encourage hours of limitless creativity, fun and learning through play, this pastel creative pack features a variety of shapes in 8 lovely pastel colours. The perfect starter option for family and friend play, you can add packs allowing your little ones to build bigger, more intricate Connetix creations.

A truly fantastic aid in the development of fine and gross motor skills, watch as children build endless creations like castles, rockets, towers, coin drops and bridges, only limited by their own imagination! Learning as they explore patterns and shapes, learn colours, sorting and so much more. 

This Connetix pastel creative pack will grow with your child as they learn and their play becomes more complex. Never worry what to buy again as their collection will always be able to grow.

Suitable from age 3+ (contains magnets and small parts)

Available from Connetixtiles.com, currently priced at £115


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Cheatwell Games Christmas Trivia & Card Games for The Whole Family



Introduce some fun and chuckles into your Christmas celebrations with this box of Cheatwell Christmas trivia and card games.

With a wide selection of quirky quizzes, cheeky challenges and classic family favourites, there really is something for everyone in this festive box of fun.

Suitable for ages 12+

Currently priced at £13.70 on Amazon


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Kikkerland teeter totter shape wooden balance game



This fun, graphic and artistic wooden balance game, encourages children to learn colour recognition, different shapes as well as hand-eye coordination and balance skills. Learning through play the little ones in your life will surely rope you in for a game or two!

Each set includes 11 quality wooden stacking shapes.

Suitable for age 3+

Available from Kikkerland currently priced at £25

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Kikkerland catch a bug wooden fishing game



My personal favourite is this lovely wooden fishing game that encourages children to learn colour recognition, counting, hand-eye coordination and how to take turns.

Either sit back and watch how many of the 11 colourful magnetic bugs and plants they can catch, or get involved yourself, bringing back memories of your childhood Christmas fun.

Suitable from for 3 years and up

Available from Kikkerland, currently priced at £25


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Number blocks clip and learn


Everyone meet the Numberblocks! They are colourful characters made up of blocks from 1 to 20 that can split apart or join together to perform amazing number magic!

This Numberblocks clip and learn set enables kids to learn new maths skills as well as better understand how numbers work. Join in with interactive games including Meet the Numberblocks, Numberblocks Adventure, and Number Magic plus 1.

These interactive games are designed to engage kids in a fun and educational way, whilst helping them develop their number recognition and counting skills. A perfect Christmas gift that children and parents will both love!

Suitable for ages 3+

Measures: 39 x 32 x 3 cm approx. 

Available from The Works, currently priced at £24

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Christmas Express board Game



I have found the perfect family Christmas game for this year! Climb aboard the Christmas Express and join this jolly journey through a winter wonderland as you race to be the first to get to the North Pole. 

The aim of the game is to be the first player to travel along the train track from the Home Station to the North Pole Station. You'll have to avoid the Hustle Bustle, the Reindeer Crossings, the Snow Storms and maybe the naughty elf, but keep an eye out for Santa's sleigh as he could help you on your way! 

We absolutely loved playing this game last year, it really added to the excitement on Christmas eve and kept people amused while dinner was cooking Christmas day too.

I hope your family love it as much as mine!

Suitable for ages 6+

Currently priced at £15.49 from Amazon


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Disclaimer - some of the above items were sent to me to try out for possible inclusion, all opinion is my own. All prices, availability and information was correct at the time of publication.





Fathers day gift guide 2023

Tuesday, 6 June 2023

Not sure how, but it’s already that time of year where we celebrate the Dad’s, Grandads or whoever fulfils that role in your life! Here are some gift ideas if you are struggling!

For the Dad who looks after his skin.

COSRX – Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser



Working to gently remove impurities and excess sebum while tackling blemishes, the Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser is non-drying, making it perfect for daily use. Infused with salicylic acid to remove dead skin cells and clear pores, and a natural BHA component to dissolve oils, the creamy cleanser leaves skin soft and smooth without that tight, stripped feeling.

Available for £18.00 from Beauty Bay

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SOS Serum – SOS Essentials Travel Collection


For the Dad that travels. He can enjoy his favourite SOS Serum Skincare products on the go with the SOS Essentials Travel Pouch. Featuring six conveniently-sized cleansing and moisturising treats giving users the benefits of these skincare favourites wherever they are.

Available priced at £25.00 from sosserum.co.uk

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Rubis Classic Slanted Tweezers

For those stray hairs - wherever they may be - rust and corrosion resistant, these tweezers have a non-slip grip, and the slanted tips provide the utmost accuracy for brow shaping and hair removal. 

They are designed by experts, and aim to provide comfortable use without compromising on their effectiveness.

Available priced at £25.30 from Amazon


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For the Dad that loves cider.

Cider gift set



For the Dad that loves a fruity cider, you really can’t go wrong with this thirst quenching gift set from Drink Crane.

After relentlessly working on the recipe, Drink Crane have created a refreshingly natural cider by utilising the sweetness of the fruits, resulting in 30% fewer calories compared to brand leaders. 

Cranes Cider Gift Set includes:
1 x Cranes Cider Cranberries & Limes
1 x Cranes Cider Raspberries & Pomegranates
1 x Cranes Cider Blueberries & Apples
1 x Cranes Branded Glass

At 4% alc, Cranes Ciders are the perfect fruity drink served over ice.

Gluten Free and Vegan Friendly

Available from Cranes cider priced at £14.50

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For the Dad that loves photographs.

Photo canvas




Why not bring one of your Dad’s favourite photographs to life on a beautiful 24x16" portrait photo canvas?

Available with either a stretched edge (where the image is continued around the sides of the wooden frame) or alternatively a black or white edge.

It even comes with a fixed saw tooth hanging kit and also clear rubber feet to ensure no movement when hung on wall. These are a premium quality gallery product, made using the finest materials and mounted onto a very sturdy wooden frame. They are manufactured by one of the UK's leading canvas art manufacturers and the print quality is to an exceptionally high colour definition on poly cotton canvas.

Available from boutique gifts priced from £39.99


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For the modern Dad

Ekster laptop sleeve


If your Dad carries a laptop, why not get him this sleek laptop sleeve. Designed for 13" laptops and tablets, this stylish sleeve conveniently stores cables, chargers, pen, mouse, notebook, and more without the added bulk.

Complete with protective microfiber padding, custom elastic storage, secure magnetic closure & hidden pockets this laptop sleeve is also made from environmentally certified leather.

Available from Ekster in 3 colours, currently priced at £75

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Aluminium card holder


For those on trend Dads, check out this space-grade 6061-T6 aluminium smart wallet built for quick access. This cardholder fans out up to 12 cards at the click of a button, blocks RFID to prevent wireless theft and the expandable metal backplate allows him to carry more while keeping a slim profile.

Add a Tracker Card to make it virtually impossible to lose.

Available from Ekster in 13 colours, currently priced at £73

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Slimline key case


For those Dads who like things streamlined, this easy-access key holder organizes 2-8 keys in a silent, smooth stack. Made from stainless steel and premium leather to prevent scratches on your phone in your pocket. Complete with a D ring for larger or car keys to attach to. 

Add a Key Tracker to make it almost impossible for him to lose!


Available from Ekster priced at £39

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Fortuna parliament leather card wallet



Eksters flagship smart wallet is now refined with the very best design philosophy. Luxurious materials, golden accents, and unmatched beauty. Hand-stitched with full-grain environmentally certified American hides and treated with wax for a subtle shine, the leather is exceptional in its aging. The built-in aluminium cardholder fans out cards at the click of a button and protects them against skimming.

Despite holding 12 cards, this wallet is modern and slimline. Add a Tracker Card to make it unlosable

Available from Ekster in 3 colours, currently priced at £123

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Modular bifold wallet


The perfect smart wallet for those who carry more. With its removable magnetic card sleeve, this modular bifold wallet gives him the freedom to travel light and the ability to carry more than just the essentials. Holds 1-12 cards and bills.


Removable magnetic card sleeve
Holds 1-12 cards and bills
4 quick access card slots
Environmentally certified leather
Add a Tracker to make it unlosable

Available from Ekster in 3 colour options, currently priced at £56

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Tool card 



What Dad wouldn’t love this compact multi-tool made from 304 stainless steel? With 8 useful features, this tool card caters to a busy lifestyle and is perfect for all of those little jobs Dads seem to find everywhere!


Features:
5-inch wrenches
Phone stand (insert card)
Flathead screwdriver
SIM card pin
Box Opener
Bottle Opener
Metric Ruler
Inch Ruler

Available from Ekster, currently priced at £34 or free with orders over £100.

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For the golf lover


Golf hip flask


For the Dad who spends endless hours practicing his swing. With this stylish stainless steel flask set, he can have a refreshing drink on hand as well as some handy golf equipment.

Holding 6oz inside, this flask also has a handy divot tool and 3 golf tees on the outside.

Dimensions: 9,6 x 11 x 3,6 cm


Available from Kikkerland priced at £25

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For the music loving Dad


Guitar multitool




Gift Of The Year 2022 UK Finalist - Tech & Gadget Category

Whether he is at a concert, or on the go this guitar just wants to lend a helping hand!


Comes with a rocking bottle opener, 3/16 flat head screwdriver, mini knife and crosshead screwdriver.

Material: stainless steel, beechwood

Dimensions: 9,5 x 3,2 x 1,8 cm


Available from Kikkerland priced at £26

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Disclaimer - all prices correct at time of publishing. Some items were sent to me as samples for consideration for this gift guide. All opinion is my own.