A Christmas Gift Guide For Her

 I thought having bought and wrapped everything by the second week of December last year was impressive for me, but my organisation for Christmas this year is on a whole other level. I mean, what else is there to do in lockdown 2.0? Here is this years gift guide for the lovely ladies in your life, or yourselves if you see anything you want to pop onto your Christmas list.

First up, I'm going to start with skincare. Of course I have included Charlotte Tilburys Magic Cream - more on the pricey side but an absolute staple. There's not many people I know that don't use this moisturiser, it's an actual godsend. Sticking with high-end skincare, Bobbi Brown is also a must have. My sister in-law loves Bobbi Brown products and when I saw this Prep & Prime Set, I just had to get it. It includes a 50ml Face Base (vitamin enriched primer and moisturiser) and a 15ml Eye Base (vitamin enriched primer and eye cream). I swear by Bobbi Brown skincare and a little goes a very long way with their products too!

Of course I had to add in the famous YSL Black Opium perfume. You really cannot go wrong with this gift. Do shop around for this as it is a little on the expensive side but a lot of places discount it around Black Friday and the weeks leading up to Christmas.

 My sister in-law and her boyfriend bought their first home in the Summer and I thought it would be a lovely idea to get them something meaningful for their first Christmas in their first home. I almost forgot that you can personalise Yankee Candles, and I'm so glad I remembered. Her favourite Yankee is cinnamon stick, so I went with that fragrance and personalised it with a photo of them both and a message. A Yankee Candle is such a lovely gift anyway, but it being personalised just makes it so much more thoughtful and special. (The Yankee Candle is turned for privacy).

On the lines of personalisation, another meaningful gift is handwritten jewellery. When my nanny passed away last year, I thought it would be such a lovely idea to get some jewellery with my nannys handwriting on for my mums birthday. By the time I thought of it, I never got round to doing it or found anything with nannys writing on. However, as I've had more time this year to sort through bits, I managed to find her writing in old birthday cards. So for mums birthday this year, she will be getting a dainty bracelet with her mums handwriting on which she can treasure forever.

 It was a super quick turnaround time and such amazing quality that we have done the same for Liam's mum for Christmas. As Liam's mum constantly wears her Pandora bracelet, we decided to get a charm which is compatible with Pandora. Liam's auntie went into her loft for us to dig out old photos and cards with Liam's nannys writing on and we managed to put something together. It's just so special and we can't wait to gift these. Inscripture are also able to do handprints and footprints as well as ashes and hair. I highly recommend them!

A 2021 diary/planner. Hopefully we can all make use of  a diary next year to plan things. I love this rose gold and navy Matilda Myres weekly diary. There is also a travel plan section too which, hopefully we'll be able to fill out. If you're looking for a cute, girly planner then Matilda Myres is your gal.

You can't go wrong with a makeup bag can you? They always get used, whether it's for everyday use or used as a travel makeup bag. For me, Ted Baker is the one when it comes to makeup bags. They're always fantastic quality and I find they last a good few years.

This Bobbi Brown bronzer is just gorgeous. It's such a natural, rosy, glowy product - perfect for everyday wear as it's not over the top or heavy. Another must-have makeup item is the Benefit Precisely, My Brow pencil. I only very recently purchased this for myself after my sister had recommended it to me and it is hands down one of the best brow products I've ever used. You can use it lightly for a natural brow or harder for more of a bold brow. I think everyone needs to own this little number.

And that finishes off this years Christmas gift guide - for her! I hope you found some of these ideas helpful. Are you ridiculously organised like me and finished your Christmas shopping? Or have you even started yet? Let me know!

x

What I Got For Christmas 2019

I can't believe it's this time again, writing up the annual what I got for Christmas post. This Christmas has been a little different from the past. We've had to do it on a budget and spend a set amount on everyone because we're getting married next year as well as buying a house. Liam and I also set a budget for ourselves too, although I did go over his budget and bought him a little more than I should of.

Anyway, here's what I got for Christmas 2019!

I didn't ask for much this year because I really didn't need anything in particular. 

Of course I got my traditional bottle of Malibu for Christmas. If you've read my blog for a few years, you've probably seen it in each years post, which is quite funny. I also got the usual jumpers, underwear, socks, perfume, bath stuff and pyjamas.

I had pointed out these Barbie pyjamas from Primark that I wanted. I'm actually surprised my aunty got her hands on them because they were out of stock in smalls and mediums every time I looked in Primark as well as the one in Birmingham!

Liam's mum put together a Christmas Eve hamper full of pamper stuff, hair products and snacks which was really nice of her. I literally have so much bath and shower stuff, I won't need to buy anything throughout the year. I have some Christmas money to spend but I'm not sure what I'd like to spend it on yet, so I'll save it until I want something. 

What did you get for Christmas?

 

A Christmas Beauty Gift Guide

I am so pleased to say that I have done pretty much all of my Christmas shopping. There are just a few things I need to pop out and get but apart from that I am done. I'm surprised that I've finished so early this year, I usually struggle and leave everything super last minute.

Eyeshadow palettes make such great gifts. I fell in love with this Precious Stone Rose Quartz palette from Makeup Revolution. First off, the lid of the palette is covered with a rose gold glitter and when you open it, you have a selection of twenty different shades - glitter and matte & neutral and warm tones. You can't go wrong with this palette because you have such a selection to suit different people. 

For all the Charlotte Tilbury lovers out there, this little gift is fab! The pillow talk lips gift includes their best seller nude-pink matte lipstick as well as a mini lip cheat lip liner. CT says the lipstick and liner is the perfect nude-pink shade to suit and flatter everyone.

Another fab makeup gift is this contour trio from Soap & Glory. Included is the contour shade, highlight and blush. This would also make a great stocking filler!

Sticking with the S&G brand, I came across this face mask kit in Boots. In the box, there are different masks for targeting different areas; a pore-refining mask, a miracle moisture mask, a radiance-boosting mask, two de-clog masks and three under-eye brightening hydrogel patches. I thought this would be lovely as an extra gift and this time of the year is perfect for a little pamper too.

Lastly is Lush goodies. Snow fairy makes a really good gift, I rarely come across anyone that doesn't like it. It's just that delightful, sweet, sugary, candyfloss smell which is perfect for this time of the year! Lush also puts together great little boxes of gifts too, I love this Sweet Christmas one, it includes a pud bath bomb and a candy cane bubble bar - perfect for Christmas!

A Luxury Christmas Gift Guide: For Her

Don't you agree with me that women are so much easier to buy for than men!? I could've included loads more gift ideas. The trouble is, when I shop around for gifts for the women in my life, I find a ridiculous amount of things to add to my own wishlist and spend even more money than I was hoping to.

You can't go wrong with Urban Decay at Christmas. I don't know about you but I'm a sucker for Urban Decay products. They have such a wide range of colours and different products, you can't really go wrong. I have pretty much most of their palettes and I have really grown to love their lipsticks. Which is why I've included their new born to run vice lipstick and their fab ultimate naked basics palette which is great for creating both day and evening looks.

How gorgeous is this pink and rose gold Ted Baker water bottle? I wanted to buy one for myself SO badly but I managed to somehow stop myself. I've also included the silver glittery compact mirror from Boux Avenue, which could actually be more of a stocking filler but it's just so cute for an extra little present. It's perfect for those girly girls in your life. Also, who doesn't need a compact mirror? 

Coconut Lane has some lovely phone cases on their site at the minute. This rose gold marble one is so pretty and most girls would adore it. A little more on the expensive side is Pandora. Again, you can't really go wrong with Pandora. This ring has been super popular this year. The diamond isn't too big or too small so it's a perfect size, which is so handy if you're a little unsure on what that certain person likes.

This NUIT perfume from Hugo Boss is lush. It smells gorgeous and even better, I got an amazing offer on it on Black Friday. I love this little over the shoulder bag from River Island. It's black, so it goes with everything. It's the perfect sized bag for a day out shopping when you don't want to lug your big bag around with you.

I hope this guide has helped you if you have been struggling with ideas. How is your Christmas shopping going? Have you started or finished?

A Christmas Gift Guide: For the Parents & In-Laws

I always say that my boyfriend is the hardest person to buy for. But I think that parents and in-laws are actually impossible to buy for at Christmas. I seem to buy them the usual same gift every year. My parents never need or want anything and neither do my in-laws. So, I've searched the web for different and affordable bits and pieces for this Christmas.

For Him

Heated Slippers - So, slippers are usually on the top of my 'to buy' list for my dad every single year. But, I've found these heated slippers! Yes, heated! They have a little switch on the side of them so you can turn them off and on whenever. And for £20, I think it's an absolute bargain! Buy here.

Aftershave - Again, another popular present to buy men every year for Christmas. I always struggle with what scent to go for. How do I know if they'll like it or not? I usually raid the bathroom cupboard and search what they already use and see what notes the fragrance has in it and find another one similar. It seems to have worked and its not the same aftershave bottle every year.

 For Her

Ted Baker Floral Dressing Gown - Let's not argue that women are so much easier to buy for than men. Although, I find it difficult to think of gift ideas for my mother in-law. I found this gorgeous dressing gown for sale at Debenhams. Oh, and it's Ted Baker. Ted Baker is always a winner for the ladies. Buy here.

Perfume - Like mens aftershave, perfume is a popular and easy gift to give at Christmas. One of my faves is the Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb. 

For Both

Matching Luggage - It's amazing how affordable it is for a set of suitcases. I had never thought of this gift idea before and it's different to the usual 'same gift every year' gift.

Canvas Print - I love this gift idea, it's always appreciated. Who doesn't like photos? And you can get a personalised canvas print pretty much anywhere nowadays and compare prices.

Bosch Tassimo - I weren't going to include this as its original price is £100 and that's waaaay out of my budget for my parents and in-laws. However, this is currently on sale at only £40 in Debenhams. Yes forty quid! I love a good bargain. Buy here.

Personalised Gift Box - Putting together some favourite items for the person you're buying for in a gift box is such a cool and unique idea. It could be some sort of alcohol, socks, a candle, a scarf etc. It could be anything and it'll work nicely.

Photobook / Digital Photo Frame - A bit more of a fun idea than a picture in a frame or a canvas on the wall. A photobook to flick through or a digital photo frame with a slideshow of pictures on is great for a Christmas gift. You can roundup memories of 2018 or maybe there was a wedding or a newborn. Or you could even put together old memories to look back on.

Couples Spa Break - This is an obvious one. Who doesn't like a spa break? Wowcher has all sorts of deals on spa breaks in and around areas in the UK. It's perfect for couples to spend quality time together - especially if they have kids. 

Amazon Echo Dot - If your parents and in-laws like technology, or even if they don't, this is a new fun little gadget to add to the household. It can also be great fun for the family on Christmas Day! Buy here.

DIY Christmas Gift Tags

I have always been a really creative person, I love making things. I actually wanted to make my own gift tags last year but with full-time working life, I just couldn't find the time. I was not going to miss out on it this year, so I took a trip to Hobbycraft and oh my lord, there was so much stuff I wanted to buy! As you can imagine, I found everything really cute. 

Most bits and bobs were in packs for around 75p to £1 which is super affordable. I bought the glitter silver and gold and plain brown gift tags from Hobbycraft too - although, the string didn't come with the tags in the packs so I had to buy them separately. They're super easy, quick and fun to make! It also makes gifts that little more special and thoughtful.

A Gift Guide on What to get the Men in Your Life This Christmas

Like every year, I search the internet to try and help you and myself get ideas for Christmas. Men are a bloody nightmare to buy for - especially if they don't give you any ideas as to what they'd like. So, I have found lots of different bits and pieces for the men in your life this Christmas!

If your boyfriend always listens to music from his phone whilst in the shower, what better idea to get him a Bluetooth in-shower speaker!? It's so much easier and waterproof! I also found this amazing self-stirring mug, how cool! If the man in your life is a gamer, then he'd be super happy to unwrap a new controller. I've also included socks in this gift guide too, because what man doesn't get socks at Christmas? 

 1. Stick on Bluetooth Shower Speaker - £14.99 

2. 5 Pack Black Next Socks - £10.00

3. Lazy Man Self Stirring Mug - £7.99 

4. I'd Agree with You Mug - £3.99

5. iTunes Voucher

6. Black Leather Popper Wallet - £18.00

7. Black and Matte Green Xbox One Controller - £74.99

8. Maca Root Grooming Kit - £25.00

9. Light Flow Cable - £9.99

I thought that an LED desk light would be perfect for that guy who's always on his laptop/computer - especially if he uses it in the dark, he can then see his keyboard. I included Ticketmaster in last years gift guide too. I never thought of it beforehand, it's just such a good idea to get tickets to their favourite band or comedian etc. How cool is this USB cookie cup warmer though? All you do is plug it into your laptop/computer, place your cup on top and it warms it up. DVD box sets are a must for Christmas and so are portable phone chargers. They're so handy and a lot easier than carrying around a phone charger.

10. Paco Rabanne 1 Million Gift Set - £46.00

11. Navy Hoody - £29.99

12. LED Desk Lamp - £12.99

13. Ticketmaster

14. Hot Cookie USB Cup Warmer - £8.99

15. Old Skool Vans - £55.00

16. Grumpy Socks - £3.99

17. Portable Phone Charger - £7.99

18. Pirates of The Caribbean Box Set - £27.99

What I Got For Christmas 2016

First of all, happy new year! I've been blogging for just over two years and seriously, where has the time gone? I have started to see a few of the annual 'what I got for Christmas' posts floating about and thought that it's about time I wrote mine up. I didn't really know what I wanted for Christmas this year, I find it harder and harder to give people ideas every year but I was extremely happy and grateful with everything I received.

I really wasn't expecting a new handbag as I have SO many, but everything about this Ted Baker bag is beautiful! I also got a black Ted Baker clutch and mini purse for when I need a smaller bag for nights out. My boyfriend bought tickets to go and see Olly Murs in April at the O2 along with this t-shirt I have to wear, haha. Honestly, I wish he recorded my reaction, I was so happy! I wanted some new makeup brushes and after hearing that the Spectrum brushes were amazing, I asked my nan to buy them for me for Christmas. I picked out the glam clam, the colours of the brushes are so pretty and super soft too!

After so many people have raved about this book, I asked for it for Christmas. I haven't yet read it but I'm super excited to get my head in it. Along with my 2017 diary, I got a Swarovski pen. Yes, it's everything a girl could wish for... rose gold, crystals and pink! It also comes with a replaceable ink cartridge, so when your pen runs out, you don't have to throw it away. I got a few pieces of jewellery for crimbo too; choker from Lovisa, bracelet from Swarovski, both rings from Pandora and earrings from Warren James.

My mum bought me these knee high boots for Christmas back in October, they're so lush and they look amazing on! Like every year, I got multiple bath products. I'm not going to lie, I've still got some leftover from last Christmas and my birthday. I think I may have to share my products with my mum and sister so I can get through my stash a little quicker. And of course, I got the random bits and bobs like money, gift cards, chocolate, jelly beans, socks, deodorant etc.

What did you get for Christmas?

Stocking Fillers For Him & Her

I can't believe that it's almost December, honestly where has this year gone? I've actually got quite a lot of Christmas shopping done already, which has shocked me as I'm usually so unorganised and leave it all last minute. Anyway, it's that time of the year again to write up gift guides. I have found some fab ideas for stocking fillers for both him and her this year.

Anti-Farting Chocolate Drops - £3.99

Merry Christmas Reindeer Boxer Shorts - £8

Happy Jackson Hip Flask - £12

For Fox Sake Mug - £6.99

Joop! Homme Eau de Toilette - from £29.99

Black Bobble Beanie Hat - £15

Wall Mounted Bottle Opener - £4.99

Boux Avenue 'Love Boux' Body Mist - £10

River Island Black Snake Print Purse - £17

Cream Pom Pom Beanie - £2.50

Essie Let It Snow Nail Polishes Gift Set - £13

Lush Mistletoe Bath Bomb - £4.25

Open Knot Cuff Bracelet - £8

I'm On The Naughty List Briefs - £4.99

Boux Avenue Red Bow Slippers - £16

Ardell Wispies Lashes - £5.49

White Pom Pom Slipper Socks - £5.99

The 'I Don't Know What to Buy Him' Gift Guide

 I can't be the only one that struggles every year when buying gifts for men. I think that they're the hardest people to buy for, especially when your boyfriend has his birthday three weeks before Christmas. Yep, that's right, I have to think extra hard about what to buy him as I have to buy double the gifts. I normally buy the men in my life the usual slippers, socks, DVDs and jeans. Although, this year I really want to get them something different. It doesn't help when they don't give you any ideas either, sound familiar? Argh. So, after spending ages seeking the internet for something other than the usual yearly gifts, I have managed to put together this gift guide for birthdays and Christmas.

My boyfriend usually plonks his TV remote, earphones, his phone etc on the floor when he goes to sleep. This bedside pocket is fantastic to just keep everything together. A portable charger is always handy in case they forgot to charge their phone the night before or if they have a long day ahead. If the men in your life like music or comedy acts then why not buy them a ticket to go see their favourites live? I have also included an LED charging docking station for xbox controllers. So instead of charging the battery packs, you just place the controller on the dock and it charges.

1. Bedside Pocket from Menkind - £14.99

2. Pocket Powerbank from Find Me A Gift.co.uk - from £12.99

3. Cushioned Footbed Socks Pack of 5 from Next - £12

4. Adidas Gazelle Trainers from Schuh - £75

5. Get tickets from Ticketmaster

6. Twin LED Docking Station for Xbox One Controllers from Game - £14.99

7. Cosmetic Lad Moisturiser from Lush - £14.95

I love the gift sets from The Body Shop, this shaving kit will come in handy and it's such a good price for the products included (maca root shave cream, maca root razor relief and a cruelty-free shaving brush). I mentioned the Hugo Boss perfume in last years gift guide too, it's so popular and every man seems to love it. Wallets seem to be such a common gift but my boyfriend has had his for around three years and it's quite flimsy and old now. They'll always come in use even if they don't need a new one just yet.

I loved the idea of this manicure set in Topman, I just had to include it. It's just a perfect extra little gift, what guy doesn't want to have a good mani? If one of the men in your life is a gamer guy then why not buy him a new controller? They're certainly not cheap but he'll be incredibly happy. A watch is always a great present (if you have the money). Maybe I wouldn't buy this for Christmas but for a birthday, I definitely would. Also, how cute is this Superman mug!?

8. Modern Gents Shaving Kit from The Body Shop - £20
9. Hugo Boss 'Boss The Scent' from The Perfume Shop - £47 for 50ml or £54.99 for 100ml
10. Black Signature Italian Leather Wallet from Next - £25
11. Cut Above the Rest Manicure Set from Topman - £20
12. Xbox One Wireless Controller from Game - Was £49.99 Now £39.99
13. Emporio Armani Watch from The Watch Shop - £127
14. Disney Grumpy Pyjamas from George at ASDA - £12
15. The Little Book of Drinking Games from Topman - Was £6 Now £4.80
16. Superman Shaped Mug from Find Me a Gift.co.uk - £8.99

What I Got For Christmas 2015!

I wasn't expecting much off my parents for Christmas as I knew that I was getting a laptop. All I asked for was a laptop, the naked 3 palette, bow earrings from Pandora and an Olly Murs calendar. I love the 2016 diary from Next, it's so pretty! Also, I didn't have a clue that I was getting a new Ted Baker purse. My clasp on my current purse is broken - probably because I've had it years. My sister got me some Norwich City car mats to jazz up my car a little more! I am so so grateful for what I have received off of my parents and sister.

My boyfriend, Josh, has done so well this year! I didn't have a clue what I wanted for Christmas this year and he actually went out and bought my presents without any help! I can't wait to watch my tinkerbell DVD's in my tinkerbell pyjamas. I also can't wait to try out the Ted Baker luxury goodies and the vintage cosmetic company products! All them eyelashes!

My boyfriend's parent's bought me this gorgeous handbag. This is perfect for college for carrying around heavy books. It's just such a decent bag for every occasion.

I received the bath and body products from Josh's nanny and grandad. I love Baylis and Harding products, although I do admit that I've never heard of Spa Sanctuary. I honestly can't wait to try out all of them.

I got a Rio nail art kit from Josh's auntie and uncle. They know that I do nails, so this is obviously why they got it for me. I can't wait to try this out on my nails before I go back to college! 

I got the necklace, hairgrip, slippers and Ted Baker perfume from my auntie and uncle. I have been in need of some new slippers and these are just so cosy and fluffy. I got the connected ring bracelet from my godmother. I don't usually wear jewellery like this, it's definitely different but so pretty.

I got the fluffy Santa socks from my mums old boss. She's so lovely bless her, she always gets me and my sister birthday and Christmas presents. The others I received from my two aunties. I already have these pyjamas from Boux Avenue which I got last year, the only difference is that these are a lot more pink compared to last years. And can you imagine my face when I opened the chocolate and jelly beans?

Another little present from my godmother. I don't wear underwear like this unless I'm on my period as I find it more comfy. I love the pix-elated look of the writing and hearts.

Some more chocolates and some more luxurious stuff from Josh's youngest sister (it's strawberry, I'll smell good!) I received money from my nanny, grandad and my auntie and uncle as that's what I preffered - just because I didn't know exactly what I wanted. A £30 tattoo voucher, a voucher for my local shopping mall and a football ticket for Norwich City on the 2nd of January.

This post isn't meant to come across as bragging, I am extremely happy with everything I got this Christmas. I have been spoilt and I am so grateful for everything!
Now, roll on the year of 2016!


What did you get for Christmas?