Throughout the year we all come across different products etc that we think “Oooh that would make a good Xmas present for X…” but don’t get it because of timing, it being too early etc and then we forget. I have started a little notebook so I can note down the online store or “real” shop I spot an item in and today I’m going to share some of these Xmas gift recommendations with you!
Some of these products I have “found” after being asked to review them, and if that is the case, I have marked this, otherwise they are just things I’ve bought for me and the family and love!
BE AWARE: Xmas is fast approaching, so don’t delay getting your orders in if anything takes your fancy, and keep an eye on Christmas cut-off dates!!
In no particular order…….
BooBoo & Squirt
I have had several items from this site, from school and gym bags to kids bakery items. I stumbled across the site on Twitter and am very glad I did! This is my first port of call for fab and different children’s items (nothing worse than turning up at a party where three of us have bought the same gift from Tesco or Argos!!). I have to give special mention to this seller for absolutely fabulous customer service. I had a major panic just before Kieran start Reception in September when I realised his packup bag wouldn’t fit in his school bag, and couldn’t find anything locally! Seeing my cry for help on Iwitter I had a bag in the post, Special Delivery and with me in good time. The owner even measured up her daughter’s packup bag (as we’d bought similar) to check against the Toy Story schoolbag I’d chosen to make sure it would fit. Great service, especially as I had never dealt with the company before! Highly recommended!Visit BooBoo&Squirt!
Munchie & Millie
This site had a major revamp this autumn after branching out in home parties and extending their range from gorgeous bath goodies to fantastic home & gift items. I was a m&m fan long before the changeover and am still a keen supporter! My sinful pleasure from here are the bath melts – I really can’t get enough of them, and they are beautifully scented but without that heavy, sicky perfumed smell some bath bombs/melts have. I often indulge in a boxful and these are just for me, my indulgence, though I have and will continue to give these and other items in the bath range as gifts as they are just lovely!From the home range I purchased recently this Flower Magazine Rack . The photo actually doesn’t do this product justice, and it is in daily use by my front door for post, incoming and outgoing, school letters etc. A fab gift and if the quality is indicative of other items from the home range, then you will be able to grab some fab Xmas gifts here!
Sock Monkeys!
Amy Russell is well known as the face behind the Leeds company ItsYourChoc – personalised wrapped chocolates for all occasions. Earlier this year, as a bit of a hobby more than anything she started making Sock Monkeys and this has taken off so well it is a business now in it’s own right! I bought Kieran a purple sock monkey recently and he is thrilled with it, well made, reasonably priced, and quickly dispatched, you couldn’t ask for better service. Amy now has a whole family of monkeys to choose from in as many colours / patterns as you can imagine and these are great and different gifts for kids.See Sock and Choc on Facebook for more info!
Ceramic Notepad *previously reviewed*
I was sent this item to review a while ago and it has been in constant use since then. This is a perfect alternatie gift for stationary lovers or for anyone that is awkward to buy for (we all know someone who is don’t we!), or just for something different. Very sturdy it is a substantial gift without a substantial price tag! Visit WriteAtHome to view this and the many other stationery and gift items they have in stock!
Precious Parcels
I haven’t previously reviewed Precious Parcels on C&C but in the interest of being honest, the owner, brains and talent behind the business, Natalie, is a very good friend of mine. That said I am recommending the products today, not Natalie so no favouritism here, just a recommendation for cracking personalised items!All of PP’s item’s are made by hand and personalised according to customer specifications, and of a very high quality! I have several around the house and have my beady eyes on a couple of others. From clocks, to wall/door plaques, Xmas decorations, wall letters and much more, there really is something for everyone here!
Visit Precious Parcels but remember that the cut-off date for guaranteed Christmas delivery is 5pm on the 10th December due to all items being hand-made.
Barefoot Books from Sarah Eastes – *previously reviewed*I received Portside Pirates which I have reviewed HERE and which Kieran loved! I have also had several other titles from Sarah over the years and have found them all to be of the highest quality and her customer service second to none. Nothing is too much trouble and with a background in teaching, she is always happy to give title recommendations based on age and Kieran’s reading ability. These books aren’t widely available from other retailers, so don’t hesitate to get in touch and get ordering to receive before Xmas. *Please check with Sarah re last order dates.
Orchard Toys *previously reviewed*
I have reviewed two different items for Orchard Toys, Old Macdonald Lotto and Creepy Castle Jigsaw (75pieces) Creepy Castle Jigsaw (75pc) – Both of these I would highly recommend and before/aside from reviewing I have bought many of this range for Kieran myself and also as gifts for other children. There really is something for everyone and all games and jigsaws are packed with learning opportunities as well as huge amounts of fun!These are just a few products and websites that I could recommend but you really would be here all day trawling through as there are so many fantastic traders out there! A quick plea though, if you have gifts left to buy this year, do take a minute to check out the independent traders rather than sticking to the big names- supporting small business is so important and for me a joy as it has opened up my eyes to a wealth of new and exciting products, and people!
**I am not being paid, bribed or otherwise encouraged to recommend these products/businesses… however, I will do anything for Toblerone so get in touch if you want to lead me astray!!
