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Last minute Christmas gifts guide 2020

Saturday 19 December 2020

Well here we are everyone, Christmas 2020! What a year we have had and will continue to have next year I fear. I hope you and yours are all fit and well.

It's that time of year again where I try to help you with those last minute gift ideas, I hope my suggestions help! 

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New year.


Dads



Braun series 7 shaver.

Number one on my Dads wish list this year was this super stylish electric shaver from Braun. Mainly due to the 5 minutes quick-charge which provides enough power for one shave, as he is terrible at remembering to charge his current one!

Suitable for wet and dry use, you can always trust a Braun shaver to not only look modern but to give a good shave too.

Available from Argos for £129


Lynx set.


The good old Lynx set just cant fail! My Dad has traditionally had one of these from me every single year. I'm sure this is a tradition in many other families too. Available in most shops, supermarkets and in a huge range of scents these days, you really can't go wrong!

The Lynx Ice Chill Duo I have featured is available from Asda for just £3


Ekster Parliment wallet.

This modern wallet is perfect for slim storage as well as quick card access. At the click of a button your cards will appear before your eyes! Made from aluminium to prevent skimming and finished in beautiful leather, you could make him very happy this Christmas to find a super stylish wallet under the tree,

Available from www.ekster.com and priced at $66.75


Cranes cider gift set.

Available in 3 flavors - Blueberries & Apples, Cranberries & Limes and Raspberries & Pomegranates - Cranes Ciders contain 30% fewer calories than brand leaders as they only use the natural sweetness of the super fruits. Gluten-free and suitable for vegans, this gift would be the perfect gift to give this Christmas.

Available on Amazon Prime for £16.99


Carfume.

Making a lovely stocking filler this Christmas, these lovely car fresheners come in a range of colours and styles as well as scents. How lovely do they look?

Priced at just £9.99 and available from www.carfume.co.uk 


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Mums



BuyaGift voucher

Every year I buy my Mum one of these. It allows her to choose a weekend away, a fancy meal or a day being pampered at a spa. The beauty about it is that whichever option you choose. the recipient can simply log in to the website and change the experience to whatever they would like, you literally can't go wrong!

Valid for 20 months and FREE to exchange experiences, take the stress of yourself and buy the best gift this year.


Easy to purchase from www.buyagift.co.uk with a variety of prices to suit every budget.


Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin

A triple-distilled spirit, handcrafted in a traditional copper pot still in small batches this Gin’s recipe is derived from the ancient Indian knowledge of herbs. Seven of the 11 botanicals used in the distillation come from India. Darjeeling Green Tea leaves from Eastern India and Lemon Peel from Western India, Angelica Root, Liquorice and Caraway Seeds which lend a spicy, slightly anise-tinged flavour to the gin. This is in my top 3 gins I have ever tried - and I have tried a lot! It has such a fresh unique flavour that it really stands out. Any gin lover would appreciate this gift.

Available from the Whiskey Exchange priced at £34.99


Silk-épil 9 Flex


From being busy with work, fitting in the fitness regime, to looking after the kids and the other half, a beauty and grooming routine can feel almost impossible. Everyone can agree that flexibility in its many forms offers greater choice, more freedom and more time for enjoyment. Braun’s latest innovation is here to offer some flex appeal to beauty routines. Braun know from its years of experience that women want lasting hair removal without the need for daily upkeep. With the Silk-épil 9 Flex, there’s one less thing to worry about.

No more messy wax kits, creams or razors, instead smooth, hair free skin in no time, which lasts up to four weeks. The Braun Silk-épil 9 Flex is the latest staple beauty tool for women looking to minimise on time, without having to sacrifice on results. The epilator also comes with a body exfoliating brush, which helps to remove dead skin cells leaving your skin softer and smoother to touch. As well as the Braun FaceSpa – an innovative facial cleansing brush which leaves skin looking revitalised for total body care.

I am personally hoping to find this tucked under my tree on the big day!


Available from www.braunshop.co.uk for £134.99

Joe Browns Gatsby velvet art deco bag


How beautiful is this bag?

Channel Gatsby vibes with this elegant Art Deco bag. In plush velvet with sparkling metallic sequins, it's perfect for bringing a little glitz and glamour to your outfit - even in lock down!

With secure zip fastening and either a wrist or shoulder strap, this really could accompany many outfits.

Dimensions are 20cm x 30cm x 2cm. Strap Length: 110cm

Available from www.joebrowns.co.uk for £40


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Parents to be.



Sea Arch Coastal Juniper set 


Sea Arch is a crisp, complex, alcohol-free spirit. Bursting with seaside botanicals, the Coastal Juniper blend has all the deliciousness of gin with none of the alcohol. A perfect guide for Mums to be who want to avoid alcohol but still have a special drink this festive season.

Available from www.seaarchdrinks.com Gift set 25cl Sea Arch Coastal Juniper and 2 light tonics: £19.95

Baby book from Quarto publishing

The perfect gift for all new parents, this lovely baby book will be lovingly looked through for many years. 
Containing everything you need to record special moments, including structured record pages, charts and guides.  Beautiful modern design and compact format with ribbon marker, internal storage pocket and elastic enclosure.

Available here for £13.16.

ASKA maternity movement bracelet 


This bracelet is not only beautiful and easy to wear, but also helps play a critical role in pregnancy. The theory behind the bracelet is that - starting from the pearl - the mum to be simply moves the charm over one bead every time she feels the baby moving around.

The silver or gold plated charm is attached to the bracelet by an elasticated loop which, allowing it to easily be moved across the gemstone pearls.

Available in 3 different designs from www.askamaternitymovementbracelet.com Priced at £30

BabyBjörn baby carrier move

Designed for use from day one, this carrier allows parents to wear their baby close while having use of both hands.
The baby carrier’s thin and flexible 3D mesh fabric ensures that a newborn baby is sitting in a perfect position and the size of the baby carrier can be adjusted as the baby grows. The soft fabric hugs the baby’s back, legs and hips, and provides good support.

The superior back support and an ergonomic waist belt makes the Baby Carrier Move super comfortable for parents too. It will quickly become a firm favorite for new parents.

Available from www.babybjorn.co.uk from £119.99


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Toddlers



Scootasoot

Scootasoot is a unique breathable, portable, waterproof all-in-one for children aged 18 months to 7 years. The Scootasoot opens down the whole of one side and closes via magnets sewn into the seam. It is incredibly easy to get on and off – you don’t even need to remove shoes!

The hood is designed specifically to go over a helmet, and reflective tape is sewn onto the suit to help them be seen.

When you take the Scootasoot off, you can simply stuff it into the hood through the zip. There’s plenty of space, you don’t have to faff around or fold it a certain way, then you can carry it round in the bottom of your bag.  

Available in red, yellow and blue from www.scootasoot.co.uk priced at £24.99

Stabilo

Woody 3 in 1 pencils

STABILO woody 3 in 1 is multi-talented as it combines a colouring pencil, watercolour and wax crayon all in one. With its high opacity and colour intensity even on dark paper it is a favourite for every child. 

Its XXL lead is perfect for large areas and suited for children's hands as the chunky pencil allows a good grip. Plus, its thick and soft lead glides smoothly onto the paper and is suitable for nearly all painting techniques. Water soluble and easy to remove with a damp cloth, it is the ideal pencil for creative freedom at the highest standards and is recommended by teachers, occupational therapists and special needs experts. Comes with a pencil sharpener.

Available from Stabilo priced at £15.33

Trio deco

The STABILO Trio DECO metallic pens make drawing with 8 sparkling colours truly exciting. Ergonomic triangular grip zone makes the product suitable for children encouraging them to hold the pen with the recommended tripod grip. 

The robust XL tip makes colouring in larger areas fun and easy whilst adding a shimmer to the final master piece. A clever gift idea for children and adults! The metallic fibre-tip pens are perfect for colouring and are also great for do-it-yourself projects. 

The pens create magical glitter effects on paper, cardboard, wood and other absorbent surfaces. Great for decorating gifts and designing cards, letters and photo albums. Trio DECO - great effects for brilliant moments of colouring!

Available from Stabilo priced at £7.99

Paw Patrol alphabet pad


Let your child learn while having fun with Ryder and the Pups. Hear the phonic alphabet with three different activities with question on letters, sounds and words.

Have fun learning about letters with the Alphabet Pad using different activities. Your child will learn letter recognition using fine motor skills.

Size H12, W17, D8cm. Batteries included.

Available from Argos priced at £13.50

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Children.



Fabrikid construction kit

Fabrikid is a construction line combining tools and wood like material allowing kids to saw, nail, screw, and build anything they can imagine.

Each set contains all the building material required and some blueprints. Additional blueprints are available online. You can easily build 2 out of the 6 various objects described in the instructions manual. Just use the tools to build an airplane a chest or even a robot!

Allowing kids to saw, nail, screw, and build anything they can imagine safely, Fabrikid would be a great Christmas gift this year.

Available from Argos priced at £20

Na Na Na surprise Pom Doll

On Livs list this year, she will be one happy girl unboxing the cutest new friend ever with the Series 4 Surprise Pom Doll from the Na! Na! Na! range (styles vary).

There are so many amazing surprises in this Pom Doll set! First, blow up the pink balloon and pop it for a beautiful confetti shower. Then, open up the pack to see which Pom Doll you have received! Each doll is wearing a stylish outfit and has beautiful long hair.

The fun doesn’t stop there, though. Your Pom Doll comes with an adorable pom-pom pal, who can be clipped on to your school bag or used as a decoration in your room. Collectable accessories are included too.

For ages 3 and over.

Available from the Entertainer priced at £19.00

Spy X set

The Micro Spy Gear set is perfect for mobile Spy Surveillance! Featuring a utility belt with 4 micro tools, including a Micro spy light (with an ear clip for hands-free), an Invisible ink pen (decoder light reveals secret messages), a Micro Motion Alarm (beam detects movement or vibration) and a Micro listener (features ear piece).

Everything a spy needs for surveillance on-the-go!

Perfect for little secret agents, this kit encourages kids to explore their surroundings and increases spatial awareness.

Available from Argos for £20

Poopsie sparkly critters

If your little one was a big fan of the original Poopsie, this gift would be a huge hit this Christmas.

Open your can and discover which sparkly Critters you have. Give the figure a drink made with slime powder, shake and squeeze. Which surprise slime is waiting for you? 

Includes 1 sparkly Critters with slime powder, 1 dummy, 1 can, 1 slime storage bag, 1 bag of special powder, 1 bag of glitter and 1 spoon. 

Assorted designs Suitable for ages 6 and up.

Available from Amazon for £14.01

Science mad rock tumbler


If you have a science or rock mad little one, this set allows them to polish rocks to create semi-precious gemstones. 

Includes all the accessories you’ll need to start polishing dazzling gems. Use the included ring fastenings to create beautiful homemade jewellery! Rock tumbling is a fun activity for children of all ages and promotes an interest in geology and science.

Includes a selection of rocks, 2 ring settings and a key ring. 

Available from Smyths for £39.99


Marvins Magic box of tricks


Become a magician with Marvin's Magic Made Easy Tricks, with 130 different tricks to learn you will be able to wow your friends and family in no time. With this set comes an illustrated instruction booklet so you will be able to master tricks and play pranks, and remember this is an Argos exclusive!

This is not just magic, it's Marvin's Magic made easy for young magicians, only at Argos!

Easy-to-perform magic tricks with a clearly illustrated instruction booklet - perfect for any budding young magician.

Includes membership to Marvin's Magic Club.


Available from Argos for £12

Smiggle




You really can't go wrong with childrens gifts from Smiggle. Liv absolutely loves all of the bright colours and sparkles found on a lot of their items.

With a huge sale on at the minute, you can really find gifts to suit all budgets, even some unique stocking fillers.

This year Liv has 
Smiggle splats for £1.40
*Sleepy sprouts scented markers and glitter glue for £6
Graphic scissors for £1.95
*Smiggles collectables gift bundle for £4
*Unfortunately these items have since gone out of stock.

All of the above was purchased for under £50 and made quite a large pile of gifts. You can't go wrong with Smiggle!


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Teenagers



Typically the hardest to buy for, here are my Teenage gift recommendations for this year.

Skullcandy lucky Indy Evo earbud

As well as fabulous sound quality, these wireless earbuds look absolutely stunning.

With a genius charging storage case, you can easily charge your ear buds on the go. They also come with three different sizes of ear gel to ensure the best fit possible for the user.

When you buy any Mood Boost bundle, you’ll be helping people find hope and treatment for mental health issues through our friends at To Write Love on Her Arms. Get to know them @twloha.

Available from Skullcandy priced at £89.99

Thunder glow drone

Possibly the only "toy" older teenagers would be interested in is a drone. These are actually great fun for the whole family, you will even find Nan waiting for a turn!

The Thunder Glow is a medium size Drone with LED lights all around it. Including 6 axis gyro stabiliser, long range 2.4 GHz control, low/medium/high speeds and an automatic trim function. 

Includes: back to home and headless mode. 

Available from Buzz retail priced at £50

NOW that's what I call music 107

The NOW series is back with the final numbered NOW of the year. The legendary compilation includes 2020’s greatest chart-topping hits and latest releases. Get your copy of this year's winter soundtrack - the perfect gift for Christmas.

Available from Amazon priced at £12.99

Loop ear plugs

When the norm returns and your teens are back at gigs, worry no more about there hearing with these fantastic ear plugs. 

Loop Experience Pro offers flexible attenuation of between 20-25db through the addition of Loop Mute. Loop Experience Pro is a high-fidelity earplug that delivers superior sound quality and flat attenuation. Ideal for audiophiles, musicians and music enthusiasts. Reduce the noise, not the sound.

Available on Amazon for £22.95

Helly Hansen

Look no further for quality, fashionable winter wear. Whether you are heading off on a skiing break, doing some hiking or just out and about at home, Helly Hansen have the perfect outer wear.

I have got my Neice this absolutely beautiful waterproof outfit for her upcoming skiing trip. Comprising of a lightweight quick dry Hybrid insulator jacket with softshell panels in the colour melon for £140,  and the comfortable elasticated waist W seven J pant for £70, he will look super stylish and be kept lovely and warm and dry while she is hitting the slopes.

JOSE EBER trio curling tongs

The next generation of styling tool, José Eber’s HST Curling Iron Trio features three interchangeable barrels to create a multitude of waves. 

Designed to focus heat longer at the roots and less at the tips to prevent damage, this innovative styler is clipless to achieve a natural-looking finish and provide more freedom and flexibility.


Available in www.joseeberhair.co.uk for £210


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For the home. 



Neos smart cam, motion kit and leak sensor.

Is there anything quite as scary as having to go out and leave all of the christmas gifts unatended? It always terrifies me! The thought of being burgled at any time of years is horrendous of course but at Christmas it would just be 100 times worse.

This Neos smart cam is a little peace of mind in a box! Unbelievably easy to set up this little camera alerts you to any motion and noise detection with alerts straight to your phone. With night vision and the availability to download clips straight to your phone or even view in real time, this little camera really is a god send. 

Alexa compatible.

Now available with an additional smart motion kit consisting of 2 Smart Contact Sensors, 1 Smart Motion Sensor and 1 Smart Bridge. When placed on doors you will receive notification when they are opened.

The sensors are small, battery powered with a powerful range, so you can fit them almost anywhere and can be installed in minutes.

Add a leak sensor kit consisting of 3 Smart Leak Sensors and 1 Smart Bridge.
The Neos water Leak Sensor detects a single drop of water and sends notifications straight to your Neos SmartHome App. You can even monitor your home's temperature through the Neos SmartHome app from anywhere in the world, anytime. Set parameters to receive alerts if your home is too hot, or cold for you.

Your worries will be eased all year round!

Available from Amazon:
Neos smartcam for £29.99

Crosskey Avenue candle


I think we can all agree that nothing makes a house smell as good as a high quality scented candle.

New for 2021 this unisex Langkawi fragrance will appeal to both women and men and will fill your home with a rich tropical, sultry, floral perfume.

Inspired by the relaxing scents of Malaysia’s tropical island paradise. Breathe in and take a walk along white sandy beaches as the warm waves gently lap at your feet. Heavenly frangipani combines with milky coconut and fresh lemongrass to create this irresistibly luxurious fragrance. 

This exclusive and original Langkawi by Crosskey Avenue perfume uses only the highest quality ingredients, including blends of essential oils.

Presented in a quality box, this really is the perfect gift this Christmas.

Available from www.crosskeyavenue.com for £39

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Skin care

 

Nivea skin care gift set


Who doesn't love a Nivea gift set for Christmas, well any time of the year actually! These are my favourites with the added bonus that they are on 3 for 2 in Boots at the moment.


Containing a sensitive shower gel, sensitive anti-perspirant roll on, sensitive  moisturiser and a toiletry bag, your man has no excused not to be preened this festive season!


This ultra-stylish cosmetic bag, is packed with NIVEA essentials, making it the perfect gift. This set has everything to help keep skin feeling super smooth and cared for. 

Containing:

NIVEA Soft - a highly effective, revitalising moisturising cream for everyday use. The light formula with Vitamin E & Jojoba Oil is quickly absorbed and refreshes the skin.

NIVEA Original Care Lip Balm

NIVEA Clay Fresh Body Wash Hibiscus & White Sage Shower Cream. Feel the power of kaolin clay in every shower in a daily shower gel that perfectly balances deep cleansing, freshness, and care.

NIVEA Daily Essentials Refreshing Facial Wash Gel with Vitamin E cleanses and hydrates by supporting the skin's own moisture balance.

The lucky recipient will feel fully pampered after using these luscious products.


This fabulous NIVEA skin treats trio is the perfect stocking filler gift. It has everything you need to give your skin a beauty-boost and comes in an attractive star shaped keepsake tin.

NIVEA Soft is a highly effective, revitalising moisturising cream for everyday use. The light formula with Vitamin E & Jojoba Oil is quickly absorbed and refreshes the skin. Enjoy the invigorating feeling of soft and supple skin.

Good Morning Fresh Skin Refreshing Face Mask
The refreshing formula with Natural Aloe Vera & Vitamin E provides skin with instant freshness and an intensive moisture boost.

NIVEA Hydro Care Lip Balm



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Not forgetting the Dog!




"Reserved for" dog bed cushion 

Manufactured from a sturdy yet soft 340gsm canvas material with black backing on the reverse, this cosy cushion with zip means the cushion filling can be removed for washing.

The cushion is available in three sizes, small medium and large. The size changes with the dog breed, e.g.small cushion for Chihuahua. Simply select 'Personalise this gift' and create a unique personalised cushion your pet will love!

A good quality bed that is well made while also being comfortable for your pup!

Available from www.lovegifts.com priced at £29.99


Wishing everyone a healthy and happy Christmas from Life with Liv.

Disclaimer - some of the items featured have been sent to me in consideration for this guide. All opinion is my own. No payment has been taken. 

All prices correct at the time of publishing.

Sharing the Stokke Tripp Trapp® love.

Tuesday 13 October 2020

When Liv was almost one, I realised that every time she was eating in her highchair, she would push her feet up into the dining table or the underneath of her highchair tray. It seemed to me that she was searching for something to rest her feet on and when I actually stopped and thought about it, why wouldn't she? I mean imagine sitting to the dinner table and having your legs suspended mid air, unable to shift position, it can't be very comfortable. So, I started to research chairs with footrests. Initially I was finding more high chairs, which at 1 already I knew Liv wouldn't get much use out of so I took to trusty Social Media and asked for any recommendations - the response was overwhelming and all praising the one and only Stokke Tripp Trapp®!




Even better, someone was selling one locally! The paint was a bit tatty here and there but after 5 years use the chair was in fantastic condition and both Liv, her Daddy and I immediately LOVED it! 

You see, the seat and foot plates are both fully adjustable, meaning it is easy to arrange them at the perfect height for your table while allowing the Child to have their feet on a solid surface. We immediately noticed a difference to how Liv ate, no more lifting her legs, she sat straighter and had better control with her cutlery from being sat properly.


A quote from the Stokke 
Tripp Trapp® talented Designer - Peter Opsvik.

“In 1972 the only sitting devices for children from the age of two onwards were special, low chairs, or ordinary chairs designed and intended for grown-ups. My objective was that one chair should seat persons of all sizes in a natural way at the same table. My hope was that this would make sitting at the table more enjoyable and make activities easier to perform there.”


She has used her Tripp Trapp® every day since, it has grown with her and will continue to do so until Adulthood. If we had not bought the Tripp Trapp® our choices after a high chair would have been an adult sized dining chair (image below) or a booster seat, neither of which would have her at the correct height for the table and she would be left with nowhere to rest her feet again.


What is even more brilliant about this particular chair is that it is suitable from Newborn (with the addition of the Newborn Set) you can then attach the harness while you need to keep your little one restrained at the table, then remove when they are older. One of the things Liv loves is the independence of being able to get up onto her chair by herself, a must for any self respecting 3 year old! It's also pretty much identical to its original 1972 design - now how many products can say that?!

As I'm sure you can tell we adore the Stokke Tripp Trapp® and have recommended it to anyone that will listen for the last 2 years!

If you are debating buying one, please do. I promise you, you won't regret it.

Disclaimer - we were sent the pictured chair for the purpose of the review, however all opinion and images are our own.