Father’s Day Gift Guide in Association with M&S

 

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Sunday 21st June is Father’s Day, a little later than it has been in recent years, but don’t you dare forget that date or your life won’t be worth living. Cos if you do, who will help you when it comes to DIY, who’ll be there to answer questions like which is the earth wire ? Or dad any chance you could take junior for a couple of hours, don’t let it take you by surprise. Get him something that says thank you for being there for me, all year round. We assure you, he won’t be disappointed.

Pretty much every year we hit a brick wall racking our brains on how to find the perfect gift. If your dad is a step above the rest in the style stakes, then he may already be hoping for some of these gifts. Remember, even the most alpha of males need a little pampering occasionally. So that’s why ourselves at Clothes-Make-the-Man and M&S have as always worked super hard to find the perfect gift for all of those Dads out there so you don’t.

imageA twist on a classic and a particular fave of ours at Clothes-Make-the-Man. Eternity Night for Men by Calvin Klein originally launched in 1990, but this interpretation contains such interesting ingredients as Clay Sage, Corriander, Violet and Paprika.

 

imageWhat Dad could possible not want to wake up on Fathers Day, after a nice long sleep in, to this lil booty, no not that type of booty, tut. This selection of award winning taste of Britain beers in a wooden carry crate with a handy bottle opener attached all from M&S.

 

 

 

 

 

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With this Wallet Ninja, you can approach all those daily jobs without pulling your hair out. A handy little gadget that features numerous tools for various jobs. Features: 3 screwdrivers; 6 hex head nuts & bolts; bottle, can & letter opener; box cutter; ruler, phone stand & peeler – TSA approved for carry on during flights.

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A speaker that will also light up your room! A really clever, space saving device, the Olixar Lightbeats can be placed in your lamp, ceiling socket or any other light bulb socket and provide bright energy efficient light, whilst also playing your music wirelessly! Compatible with phones, tablets, laptops or any other Bluetooth enabled device, you can easily control your music within a 15m distance of the light bulb speaker!

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The instant recognisable Paul Smith multi stripes on the leather panel make this moulded black iPad Mini case a classic accessory.

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Who could could resist this ornate affordable luxury piece ? From Prince to Pauper who doesn’t loves a bit of the Nation’s favourite take away, no longer will you have to get you fingers dirty, and greasy with this great Chipfork by Farah.

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Go on spoil him ! Take a look at the new limited edition TAG Heuer Formula 1 Cristiano Ronaldo watch which will be available, exclusively for two weeks, at The Watch Gallery from the 1st July 2015. OK so he might have to wait a week or two, I don’t think he’ll mind.

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Not just for the builder, quantity surveyor or architect, the perfect set of cuff-links in rhodium by Nineteenthirty Menswear.

 

imageRemember Fathers Day is the one day of the year, when Dad can rest and have chill and what better way to look both relaxed and dapper as, well David Gandy himself, in this Cotton Lightweight Dogtooth Dressing Gown by David Gandy for Autograph at M&S.

 

 

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Always in the best possible taste, Simon Carter always produces spot on attire, that strikes just the right balance to suit his sense of humour and still having him look razor sharp.

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If your Dad is the sort of man after the latest gadget, then this a great example, the Fitbit Flex Activity Sleep Tracker Wireless Wristband, they maybe need to work on the name. Not only does it Track your day via your Steps, Distance, Calories burned, Distance, Active minutes. Then at night it tracks your Hours Slept, Times woken up, Sleep quality and has Silent vibrating alarm. Plus is water resistant.

 

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Show your dad just how much he means to you this father’s day with a limited edition Champion Dad Toblerone bar.

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The Brisbane Compact Portable Barbecue is the ideal solution for picnics, camping or for use in the garden. Designed to be used on the move, its sturdy steel construction is durable and reliable. Its easy to assemble and clean piece of equipment will leave dad beaming from ear to ear when he learns disposable barbecues are no more!!!

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Top gift ideas for the Lady in your life, you can’t afford to forgot – Mother’s Day Gift guide

Please, please, please don’t make the same mistake as I’ve done, for some reason, even though I’m bombarded with TV Ad’s, Billiboards and I internet campaigns. The fact that it’s Mother’s Day THIS COMING SUNDAY, seems to have eluded me, for some unknown reason, I think I just can’t believe we are already half way through March !!!!!

Thank Gawd for Mrs Mc, who came home over the weekend to a panicked yours truly, only to be reassured, “I’ve bought the card and the presents are ordered. Have you sorted out the gift guide for the blog?” 

So here we go guys, we never let you down, honest, this year’s undisputable best Mother’s Day gift guide known to man in 2015.

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For the new Mum, with great Product names like Grumpy Cow and Knackered Cow, if your partner is celebrating Mother’s Day for the first time or generally Cowshed products are a must. Plus if your feeling partic flash how about a little trip to one of their spas ?

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For the Country Mum, she doesn’t have to be Audrey Forbes-Hamilton to enjoy a bit of outdoors chic and it doesn’t get much better than this great Barbour X Liberty get up.

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For the Foodie Mum, the name of this website is the mantra for this year’s Gift Guide, Dontbuyherflowers.com offers loads of original and well thougt through presents. So if Mum is a bit of a Gastro delight in the kitchen, give her a night off with this brill hamper which includes COOK vouchers and if you don’t know what COOK is you need to check it out.

imageFor the Mum, who just loves presents, this is a great gift idea, Elizabeth Arden are offering a limited edition Preen tote bag with any two products purchased from their counters in department stores Nationwide.

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For the Travelling Mother, no I don’t mean in a Big Fat Gypsy Wedding kinda way. I mean the kinda girl that enjoys the cultural experience travel can offer. This LUXE Travel companion set, available from Net-A-Porter.com offers guides to some of the world’s best shopping destinations.

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For the traditional Mother, how’s about some of your finest bone China ? Ted Baker and Portmeirion have come together to produce the Rosie Lee collection. This puts the fine into dining and uses Ted’s signiture prints and is gilded in 22carat Gold.

imageFor the note making Mother, well if there isn’t something some Mum’s love doing, it’s leaving notes, lil scribbles like, “You’re dinner’s in the bin.” “You treat this place like a Hotel.” And my personal favourite, “Can you not use a telephone anymore?” Just so you know your Mammy still loves you, make sure she can leave you those keepsake notes with a nice Parker pen that shows off her handwriting skills to there best.

image For the Designer loving Momma, the Blossom Tote by Mulberry in Oak is finished in their signature Natural Leather, a beautifully soft and tactile leather that ages to become unique to its owner. A subtle embossed Mulberry tree is the only decoration this bag needs, well that and the smile on your mum’s face each and every time she uses it.

imageFor the Stylish Momma, the Breton stripe sweater is an enduring fashion classic, and is a fine example from Jaeger. This comfortable and chic piece is crafted from the purest cashmere to a fitted, crew neck shape.

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For the Momma who is far away, we can’t always get to be with our Mum’s on Mother’s Day but this individual and specially Personalised ‘Home is Where Mum is’ Map by Mapsinternational.co.uk is centred on your chosen postcode and is a brilliant way to create make a thoughtful, individual gift for your beloved mother this Mothers Day.

imageFor the Tea loving Mammy, who does love a good cuppa and no better tea maker then your Mum. GettingPersonal.co.uk give your gifts a much much more individuality and that you’ve thought about your gift. This bone china tea set cleverly combines a teapot, teacup and saucer into one convenient set, or Personalise her own biscuit tin providing everything she’ll need for a really good cuppa!

imageFor the Candle loving Mammy, you just can’t go wrong with this Betty Jackson Black Large purple agapanthus scented candle from Debenhams.

Make sure it isn’t a Valentine’s Day massacre – Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

Ahhhh everyone’s favourite Hallmark holiday is virtually upon us, the day we feel highly pressurised to perform great acts of romance. This year ensure you fall into the camp of having a present, card and something booked. Rather than the rushing around the local convenience store, having to settle for a bunch of Carnations, which have definitely seen better days and paying an astronomical amount for the pleasure as the proprietor can clearly see the desperation and fear in your eyes.

Take a look at some of these great gift ideas and as usual we give you some food for thought for gift idea for yourself, so get dropping those hints fellas.

imageTo celebrate Valentine’s Day this year, Ted Baker gives you a bit of what you fancy. Focusing on the chemistry side of love, find out which elements make you blush and which will make your Valentine fall for you.

Have a go on their Valentine’s Facebook app by inputting your name to reveal your chemical element along with fun facts about your personality and compatibility. The app runs right through until midnight on Valentine’s Day.

They are also giving you the chance to win a personalised purse or wallet! Simply share your romantic findings across social media and you will automatically be entered into the draw.

imageIf your after someone a little different but still highly romantic, then bear in mind the Love Log. The log can be burnt in a traditional fireplace or wood-burner, or outside on a camp fire. You and your loved one should first ensure they have a roaring fire going. Then recite love poetry to each other, either choosing your own or reading verses provided on the ceremonial scroll that comes with the log.

Once the log has been burning for seven minutes, the couple then decide which six questions, from the list on the scroll, they wish to know the answers to. As each question is asked, they take it in turns to toss one of the special pine cones into the fire. The colour of the flames, as well as their size and the way they flicker, reveals the answer to their question.

imageFor an ultimate romantic gesture whisk you beloved of to a romantic getaway. Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London takes Valentine’s Day to a new height with its Love Is In The Air package. This exclusive stay includes two nights in one of the hotel’s stunning rooms, overlooking London from floor to ceiling windows, featuring a special in-room St. Valentine’s Day four-course dinner with a bottle of Champagne, an indulgent in-room breakfast for two, and plenty of other personal touches to wow that special someone. Guests will leave the hotel after two days of Valentine’s bliss with a heart key ring from Smythson’s iconic Panama collection. A purveyor of British luxury leather goods since 1887, guests can visit one of the London boutiques to have their key ring personalised for a truly unique keepsake.

A chilled bottle of Deutz Rose NV Champagne is ready and waiting as guests enter their stylishly appointed room while they hear the gentle sounds of their favourite song as a couple. Monogrammed pillowcases further add a personalised touch and offer a lasting memory to take away. A romantic turndown service sets the mood for the evening, with a full English Breakfast in the soft comfort of Frette linens amongst the clouds the following morning. The large marble-clad bathrooms with heated floors offer a luxurious standalone bathtub filled with rose petals overlooking the city from floor-to-ceiling windows – the perfect place to sip Champagne as the sparkling London lights twinkle below.

imageFor the inner rebel but true romantic in you, what about, Mr and Mrs Personalised Pins in rose or yellow gold plate or silver, engraved with his or her name from True Rocks.

imageFor Valentine’s Day Swatch are being both Romantic and fun loving with A fuchsia pink heart-shaped lock signs, seals and delivers messages of time on the watch’s innocent white dial. Its key is always at hand, counting the passing of the minutes, chased by an impatient fuchsia second hand. Boldly printed lock-inspired patterns feature on both the front and back of the watch, echoed also on the three loops. Only on the inside do the padlocks contain secret confessions of love in pink lettering.swatch

imageWhat’s your story ? Nineteenthirty are offering a unique print that will be created to trim the shirt of your choice. Ideal for that romantic gift for such a special occasion. This is coupled with all the versatility of their bespoke service and is turned around from fit to delivery in 10 weeks.

imageThis Bella Freud Loving Candle will brighten up any home. Let the light fragrance of sandalwood dance through the air for a warm atmosphere and relaxed vibe: the perfect way to set the mood for Lurve after a long day.

imagePlanning a romantic dinner to show off your culinary skills, then this is the perfect accompaniment, with initial aromas of fresh red and black berry fruit with some cherry notes leading to dried fruit and biscuity notes. This bottle of bubbly by Veuve Clicquot is perfectly balanced and combines elegance and personality.

imageWe’ve all been out with Nightmares but hopefully this one has a sense of humour and ideally a fondness for designer handbag. If so this the perfect gift. Put a directional spin on it by toting Givenchy’s Large Rottweiler Pouch. Crafted in coated canvas, it features the iconic print to the front.

imageYour beloved one will be so impressed if this is delivered to her in work. Net-A-Porter.com have specially selected some of their favorite goodies to create a super stylish and chic gift for someone special. As well as luxurious beauty and bath products, this box includes a playful iPhone 5 case and stickers to personalize their accessories. It all comes impeccibly wrapped in their ever so sleek signature packaging.

imageThese indoor roses come in lovely rich velvety-reds, but unlike a bouquet these growing roses will continue to bloom for several weeks and can even be planted out in the garden later in the year.They are specially bred for Valentines Day and are looking lovely delivered with at least 12 buds and blooms that will slowly open

imageDavid Gandy might the dream companion to many for Valentine’s Day, however, that’s all it is, a dream. So go for the next best thing, Designed by the top British model and in collabortion with Marks & Spencer. Get your hand on his lounge and knitwear, this is a great example from the range a cashmere cardigan but be careful, as even though it might have been bought for you is so desired it might not be yours for too long.

imageAn all-Italian fragrance true to Acqua di Parma’s heritage, Rosa Nobile is born from the essence of the centifolia rose which is carefully grown and cultivated in a small rose garden in Piedmont, Italy. Each bud is hand-picked at dawn, when they are still fresh and dressed with the morning dew, during 40 days between May and June, making it perfect in every way as a Valentine’s Day gift.

imageIf your better half is a little lost for what to get you, start dropping hints, like NOW, if you’ve got a hobby that’s a good starting place for gift ideas. This is a great example from Cycling supermo brand Brooks, as part of Savile Row’s Hardy Amies carefully curated selection of goods. It offers solutions to any problem the ardent cyclist may encounter.

imageAnything for a quite life and that includes a good night’s sleep is many a poor man’s mantra and to assist in that check out this Silk Lavender enfused eye mask from Holisticsilk, the height of chic elegance andglamour. Plus lavender is proven to help with insomnia, jobs a good un.

imageLastly, one for us to finish things off, the Sanctuary4 available from the Brotique has been completely reengineered with a 4-amp charger to give you enough juice to quickly charge up to four devices at once. The angle-adjustable tablet stand was designed to work with all tablets, yet remain as minimal and discreet as possible to keep the design clean and simple. Hands up who wants one ?

Hampered Gifts – A round up of some of the Best Foodie Gifts by Amanda Lewis

Well here it is folks the last of our Christmas Gift Guides for 2014, hopefully so far we assisted you in taking some of the stress out of the holidays. But no matter how hard we try we ALWAYS find that somebody unexpected either gets us a present we didn’t see coming or a well intended guest calls in on us with an equally well intended and unexpected gift, making us panic like a four minute warning !!! Now, you know us far too well, would we leave you in the lurch for the Festive season without giving you some Ho, ho, ho inspiration when it come to some extra gift, just in case and if by the, very slim, of chance they go unwanted, well you can take advantage of them yourselves.

Food fits this category perfectly so here are some great ideas which, if you get your skates on can be with you before the big day.

imageA tasty gift or Christmas treat to yourself. Booja Booja’s award-winning hazelnut crunch truffles, a vintage cheddar truckle, cranberry chutney with port and olives for nibbling. Plus a half size bottle of prosecco to get the party started. Christmas chutney is handmade by our own team in the Riverford Farm Shop kitchen, where we also prepare the olives. The truffles come from Booja Booja, the cheddar truckle is made by Godminster and prosecco is from La Jara.

imageA mouthwatering Hamper, but would work well as a gift for a party, Marks & Spencer offer a Christmas Mulled Wine & Fruit Hamper – basically all you need to make a mighty fine warming hot punch to warm guests on a cold and frosty morning or evening.

imageIf a tipple is more your measure then this Christmas Hamper with 10 year old single malt whisky from the famous Laphroaig distillery in Islay may hit the spot. Best enjoyed on its own or with friends, although if in company perhaps you can persuade them to savour the sensational Christmas pudding, traditional boiled sweets and famous Scottish cakes and shortbread instead, from scottishfoodandhampers.co.uk

imageThe Grosvenor hamper is the perfect gift for a family, from the classic Harrods teddy bear, sweet treats such as cocoa dusted almonds, miniature christmas cakes and boozy preserves, puddings and coffee it will see the whole family through the festive season.

 

imageWho in their right mind couldn’t or wouldn’t resist this Chocolate Lovers Hamper from Waitrose. Fans of all things chocolate will love this gorgeous basket of indulgent chocolate based treats. From chocolate coated honeycomb and sumptuous real Belgian milk drinking chocolate, this is a truly indulgent gift to give, share – or keep! I hear you cry.

 

imageLast but by no means least, what would Christmas be without a tipple or two and boy is this the answer to your prayers. Every Fortnum and Mason’s wine hamper aims to offer an outstanding selection of very special wines, and this hamper is no exception. Chosen from a select group of winemakers, these dozen bottles run the gamut from a light and lively Prosecco, Zucchetto to Bardolino Chiaretto, Tantini to our fruity Minervois, L’Ostal Cazes.

Better then satsumas and walnuts – Great Stocking Fillers

In the McGrath household we have a great tradition of giving Christmas Stockings at the Yuletide, thanks to Mrs Mc, and this can be a great way to not only spoil someone special but a great way to buy lots of little thoughtful gifts for that hard to buy for person. Golden rule you need to remember is the gifts don’t have to cost a fortune, OK we’re not talking a ram raid on a pound shop but, put a bit of thought into it.

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Depending on how deep your pockets are, or maybe that should be stocking, WishWant have something to cater from every gift budget, no matter how hard they are to buy for. All you do is simply select 12 gifts, assemble them into a personalised gift-book and send to your recipient via post or e-mail! They can then select and redeem 1 item that they liked the most. They have teamed up with some of the UK’s best producers of foods, accessories, beauty, stationery, clothing and other cool things. Even more so, they have revolutionised the whole gifting experience! Check it out.

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A great way to add a little luxury to your stocking is by added a fragrance and in keeping with the spirit of all good things come in small packages, these miniature fragrances by Hugo Boss tick all the right boxes.

Screen Shot 2014-12-17 at 17.05.36Keeping that Christmas Spirit agoing with these Roger & Gallet Kaleidoscpic Crackers containing either Bois D’Orange Creme Sublime, Rose or Fleur D’Osmanthus Hand and Nail Cream. Surprise her with your sophisticated knowledge of beauty products.

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One of the best book published this year is Sali Hughes’s no nonsense persecutive of the beauty industry, no only has this book received universal golden reviews from the critics but is proving equally as popular with the readers. Like the gift idea prior, you won’t half impress your better half with this if its in her stocking and as always, please take the praise on the chin and no credit is necessary for Clothes-Make-the-Man

Screen Shot 2014-12-17 at 17.40.05You can’t go wrong with candles and these lil beauties from Orla Kiely are just the key, offering a selection of six different fragrances from Festive Fig to refreshing Basil and mint, virtually one for every day of the week, well nearly.

FullSizeRender-3We love quirky brands at Clothes-Make-the-Man.com and British Boxers definitely stuck in our minds a Great British brand with a wonderfully interesting story. With a recently launched e-commerce site this brand offers something great for guys and gals.

Screen Shot 2014-12-17 at 18.04.39Burberry have produced some amazing Yuletide stocking Fillers this Christmas like the above great key rings, right the way tthroughoutto soft toys and charms. Once again another way to add a little luxury to your stocking for the one you love.

Screen Shot 2014-12-17 at 18.10.31NotontheHighStreet.com are a brand that answers ever need you could possibly have  when it comes to selecting gifts are are slightly different and you know you’re not going to see very Tom, Dick or Harry with the very same gift. Whether is be personalised Love notes or even a personalised wellies peg, they’ve got it covered.