[gloggit]

Wow your spouse: 1st year wedding anniversary gifts

Tis the season for weddings, which means it is also the season for wedding anniversaries. As my Facebook feed fills with friends marking theirs, one has asked me for some help for her 2nd wedding anniversary, which is traditionally marked with a cotton based gift (paper in the US).  I can't start with second wedding anniversary gift ideas and skip the first so here we go... 

Did you know wedding anniversaries have themes??

Yes, it's great. It helps the gift hunt by narrowing things down but also giving your search a focus.

First year's theme is PAPER and the flower is CARNATION*. 

Just a little history first..the marking of wedding anniversaries with gifts dates back to Roman times when a husband would crown his wife with a silver wreath at their 25th wedding anniversary and gold if they made it to their 50th (fair enough when you appreciate life expectancy at the times was around 40.. I'd want some gold). 

Since then commercialism has had its hand in developing named gifts for more anniversaries. But the symbolism behind each theme has meaning....and also it's a bit of fun. We all need more excuses to celebrate don't we?

The symbolism of paper is the 'clean sheet' you have as you start out your married life. A new beginning. Paper is also fragile, which suggests your marriage will grow stronger in each passing year. That's the theory...

*buying actual carnations for your wife (on an anniversary or any other occasion) is a dumpable offence.

Click on image for suggested retailers.

From left to right...

Gentleman or Ladies Writing Set by Chase & Wonder, £28

Personalised line drawing of your wedding photo by Sophie Morgan, price on application

Map of the World by James Wyld, 1861, £30

The Day We Caught The Train screen print on used train tickets by One Another, £25

Pepe Heykoop paper vase, £15.50

Purple Glass Jellyfish Paperweight by WESLEY-BARRELL, £50

Carnation iphone case from the Mess Project on Etsy, £10.50

Priti NYC Pink Jewel Carnation Nail Polish, £12.50

Ted Baker Brogue A5 Notebook, £13

Need some further help? Get in touch. Also, join my mailing list for a monthly dose of gift inspiration - it means you'll never be short of a gift idea again.

[gloggit]

Wow your spouse: 1st year wedding anniversary gifts

Tis the season for weddings, which means it is also the season for wedding anniversaries. As my Facebook feed fills with friends marking theirs, one has asked me for some help for her 2nd wedding anniversary, which is traditionally marked with a cotton based gift (paper in the US).  I can't start with second wedding anniversary gift ideas and skip the first so here we go... 

Did you know wedding anniversaries have themes??

Yes, it's great. It helps the gift hunt by narrowing things down but also giving your search a focus.

First year's theme is PAPER and the flower is CARNATION. 

Just a little history first..the marking of wedding anniversaries with gifts dates back to Roman times when a husband would crown his wife with a silver wreath at their 25th wedding anniversary and gold if they made it to their 50th (fair enough when you appreciate life expectancy at the times was around 40.. I'd want some gold). 

Since then commercialism has had its hand in developing named gifts for more anniversaries. But the symbolism behind each theme has meaning....and also it's a bit of fun. We all need more excuses to celebrate don't we?

The symbolism of paper is the 'clean sheet' you have as you start out your married life. A new beginning. Paper is also fragile, which suggests your marriage will grow stronger in each passing year. That's the theory...

Click on image for suggested retailers.

From left to right...

Gentleman or Ladies Writing Set by Chase & Wonder, £28

Personalised line drawing of your wedding photo by Sophie Morgan, price on application

Map of the World by James Wyld, 1861, £30

The Day We Caught The Train screen print on used train tickets by One Another, £25

Pepe Heykoop paper vase, £15.50

Purple Glass Jellyfish Paperweight by WESLEY-BARRELL, £50

Carnation iphone case from the Mess Project on Etsy, £10.50

Priti NYC Pink Jewel Carnation Nail Polish, £12.50

Ted Baker Brogue A5 Notebook, £13

Need some further help? Get in touch. Also, join my mailing list for a monthly dose of gift inspiration - it means you'll never be short of a gift idea again.

[gloggit]

Wow your spouse: 1st year wedding anniversary gifts

Tis the season for weddings, which means it is also the season for wedding anniversaries. As my Facebook feed fills with friends marking theirs, one has asked me for some help for her 2nd wedding anniversary, which is traditionally marked with a cotton based gift (paper in the US).  I can't start with second wedding anniversary gift ideas and skip the first so here we go... 

Did you know wedding anniversaries have themes??

Yes, it's great. It helps the gift hunt by narrowing things down but also giving your search a focus.

First year's theme is PAPER and the flower is CARNATION. 

Just a little history first..the marking of wedding anniversaries with gifts dates back to Roman times when a husband would crown his wife with a silver wreath at their 25th wedding anniversary and gold if they made it to their 50th (fair enough when you appreciate life expectancy at the times was around 40). 

Since then commercialism has had its hand in developing named gifts for more anniversaries. But the symbolism behind each theme has meaning....and also it's a bit of fun. We all need more excuses to celebrate don't we?

The symbolism of paper is the 'clean sheet' you have as you start out your married life. A new beginning. Paper is also fragile, which suggests your marriage will grow stronger in each passing year. That's the theory...

Click on image for suggested retailers.

From left to right...

Gentleman or Ladies Writing Set by Chase & Wonder, £28

Personalised line drawing of your wedding photo by Sophie Morgan, price on application

Map of the World by James Wyld, 1861, £30

The Day We Caught The Train screen print on used train tickets by One Another, £25

Pepe Heykoop paper vase, £15.50

Purple Glass Jellyfish Paperweight by WESLEY-BARRELL, £50

Carnation iphone case from the Mess Project on Etsy, £10.50

Priti NYC Pink Jewel Carnation Nail Polish, £12.50

Ted Baker Brogue A5 Notebook, £13

Need some further help? Get in touch. Also, join my mailing list for a monthly dose of gift inspiration - it means you'll never be short of a gift idea again.

[gloggit]

Wow your spouse: 1st year wedding anniversary gifts

Tis the season for weddings, which means it is also the season for wedding anniversaries. As my Facebook feed fills with friends marking theirs, one has asked me for some help for her 2nd wedding anniversary, which is traditionally marked with a cotton based gift (paper in the US).  I can't start with second wedding anniversary gift ideas and skip the first so here we go... 

Did you know wedding anniversaries have themes??

Yes, it's great. It helps the gift hunt by narrowing things down but also giving your search a focus.

First year's theme is PAPER and the flower is CARNATION. 

Just a little history first..the marking of wedding anniversaries with gifts dates back to Roman times when a husband would crown his wife with a silver wreath at their 25th wedding anniversary and gold if they made it to their 50th (fair enough when you appreciate life expectancy at the times was around 40). 

Since then commercialism has had its hand in developing named gifts for more anniversaries. But the symbolism behind each theme has meaning....and also its a bit of fun. We all need more excuses to celebrate don't we?

The symbolism of paper is the 'clean sheet' you have as you start out your married life. A new beginning. Paper is also fragile, which suggests your marriage will grow stronger in each passing year. The official flower of the first year of marriage is carnation.

Click on image for suggested retailers.

From left to right...

Gentleman or Ladies Writing Set by Chase & Wonder, £28

Personalised line drawing of your wedding photo by Sophie Morgan, price on application

Map of the World by James Wyld, 1861, £30

The Day We Caught The Train screen print on used train tickets by One Another, £25

Pepe Heykoop paper vase, £15.50

Purple Glass Jellyfish Paperweight by WESLEY-BARRELL, £50

Carnation iphone case from the Mess Project on Etsy, £10.50

Priti NYC Pink Jewel Carnation Nail Polish, £12.50

Ted Baker Brogue A5 Notebook, £13

Need some further help? Get in touch. Also, join my mailing list for a monthly dose of gift inspiration - it means you'll never be short of a gift idea again.

[gloggit]

Essential gifts for wine lovers

In our house, we are all about wine with fuss. It's part of the fun, the sniffing, the swilling, the gargling... but there is also a lot of unnecessary gadgetry and paraphernalia out there too. So I asked my dad, who has been nurturing his love and knowledge of wine for a number of decades now (I won't specify how many but we're counting decades so you get the point) as to what every wine lover would appreciate to enhance the drinking experience. Here are his suggestions, hope they help you out for some gift ideas.

Click on the pics to find suggested retailers or just google to compare prices.

Double action Waiter's Friend corkscrew  - there is none better than the handy little blighter you see in the hands of all wine waiters around the world.

Decanter or carafe - a proper, decent decanter to aerate wine. Some wine benefits from being released form its bottle prior to drinking (tend to be red wines and young wines). We got a carafe for our wedding and use it all the time - especially because you have to drink the whole bottle then.

Gift membership of Wine Society - in terms of value and quality, there really is no better wine merchant in the UK. It's member owned and you buy a share when you join. It means all profits are put back into the business, which benefits members because you get top quality wine from around the world at the best price. At least that's what I tell myself when my credit card bill arrives.

Hugh Johnson Pocket Wine Book - the UK's number bestseller. A comprehensive wine guide...that fits in your pocket. Amazing. It's on its 37th edition, so must be doing something right.

The World Atlas of Wine - another classic that is a must- have for anyone interested in wine (it can be downloaded from iTunes also)

Vacu Vin Wine Saver - not on my dad's list (because he tends to drink rather than save his wine but although he has just told me he has half a bottle of burgundy on vacuvin currently). But this is my essential. It allows you to save and enjoy a bottle over a few nights by taking out the air and preserving the wine.

Terracotta wine cooler - there are so many gadgets for keeping your wine cool but the old terracota pot which has been working for generations is effective and it looks so much nicer than a plastic sleeve don't you think?

    Finally, if you're pretty sure your wine-loving friend has all of this covered then buy them some magic balls (£5.99) to clean their decanter. It'll get a laugh and be useful for cleaning that carafe they use all the time...

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Sweet toothed friend?

Cookie mix in a jar. Amazing. Found in Amsterdam on the hunt for UK retailer. Perfect gift for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Courtesy of Nicolas Vahe. 

[gloggit]

Scrabbling about...for a gift idea?

Well you can stop. I've found some cracking gifts for anyone who loves Scrabble. Apps like Words With Friends have either reignited people's love of the game or introduced it to a whole new audience.

I've stumbled across a collection of homeware and accessories by Wild & Wolf. I can attest to the quality (secret santa at work brought me the mug). They're lovely and a real find. Buy online or search for stockists (John Lewis is one)

[gloggit]

Wheels in motion: gifts for cycling (part 2)

This is a bit more of a cycling fashion special. Ideas brought to me by other biking buddy Andrew. He has introduced me to Rapha: "Everyone loves Rapha, super nice stuff and super cool," says Andy.

T-shirts start at £15 (Va Va Froome also comes in a child size for £10). Riding socks made from merino wool, designed to 'wick' away sweat (Rapha's words not mine) £15. Pro-Team Mitts designed in collaboration with pros £50.

The range is not quite as exciting for women, but the quality and design is impressive.

Hey and who knew Paul Smith was such a cycling nut? Not me. He's designed some stuff too.

This jersey was a collaboration between Paul Smith and Italy's 'Le Tour', the Gira d'Italia - it is a reworking of the coveted Maglia Rosa, the Red Jersey of the points classification. So coveted, it's sold out but these very cool tote bags (available in red and blue) can be bought through the Paul Smith shop at a cost of £35.

[gloggit]

Mum to be...pregnancy buttons

My best friend is expecting a baby in December and I spotted these on a recent trip to Spain. They are made by Donkey Products and such a cute idea. 

They do many a lovely gift for kids actually, and when I looked through their stuff I spotted this car spoon that said best friend had bought for my son. Total coincidence, it was from the same company. Or perhaps not. She is indeed my sister from another mother...

[gloggit]

Wheels in motion: gifts for cyclists (part 1)

This weekend the 101st Tour de France will make its Grand Depart from my home county of Yorkshire in the UK. Not content with just that, I've also organised Le Tour to come through my current home town of Walthamstow, London as the riders travel from Cambridge to the capital. Not bad for someone who would prefer ANY mode of transport other than the bike around London.

So I have recruited my friend Jez to advise on my gift guide for cyclists. Here's what he would put on any cyclist about town's gift list.

"A Must Have if you like exploring, getting lost and keeping an eye on stuff like mileage, speed and calories!" says Jez. "Download Strava and Google maps and you have a cheap alternative to a Garmin! I'd be lost without it, literally." Under £30.

Jez says: "I bought this for my daily 18 mile commute as it's perfect for all weather conditions and you don't need to mess about with those annoying rain covers. It's completely water-proof, really hi-viz and relatively light for it's capacity. Priceless, especially in winter." Approx £80.

"These are great gifts," says Jez. "They cater for all abilities, are a great way to meet like minded people and really help you have a goal to aim for." Approx £30.

"This DHB Waterproof Jacket is perfect for all weather. Waterproof and warm for winter, whilst also well equipped with zips to be well ventilated in warmer weather. Pockets on the back are perfect for carrying valuables and any bike essentials" says Jez.

"A great way to learn the basics and feel confident about maintaining your bike yourself," says Jez. "A really good introductory course and only £15."

Jez is founder of Name Creative a print and digital design agency for the entertainment industry.

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Six is the magic number

Six was the magic number for my first gift brief for gloggit. What to buy a 6 year old? Here's what I came up with...

A Flik Flack watch for them to learn to tell the time on their own.

A classic. And let's face it, for our kids probably the only way they'll be able to own property. Approx £15.

It's actually just had an update, thanks to Monster University....

This was the winner! Approx £20. 

As it so happened, I discovered after suggesting these gift ideas that the 6 year old was one of a set of twins. Bonus! They will always have someone to play with. Now all they need to do is decide/argue as to who will be banker.

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T-shirts that fuse fashion & rock

Bands have been using t-shirts for self promotion ever since evolution of screen printing. To celebrate Glastonbury weekend, I'd like to share with you Angela Frederico's range of t-shirts and accessories that acknowledge the love affair between fashion and rock.

These t-shirts will make a great gift for the discerning music and fashion lover. This weekend though, there is only one t-shirt to be seen in...

Handprinted unisex organic cotton t-shirt are made to order can take up to 1-2 weeks.

Prices start from £40 from angelafrederico.com 

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Tea for 2

If a good wedding gift needs to be timeless but also something special that the couple would not necessarily buy themselves, these china mugs fit the bill perfectly.

Made to celebrate Royal Albert's centenary, each mug depicts a popular design from every decade. 

They cost around £20 each and available through Selfridges and other online retailers. 

I love them because tea always tastes better in china and they are a great size - mugs rather than cups.

If you're worried about them being a bit girly...my fella drinks out of them very happily and he's very much a dude.

[gloggit]

Tea for 2

If a good wedding gift needs to be timeless but also something special that the couple would not necessarily buy themselves, these china mugs fit the bill perfectly.

Made to celebrate Royal Albert's centenary, each mug depicts a popular design from every decade. 

They cost around £20 each and available through Selfridges and other online retailers. 

I love them because tea always tastes better in china and they are a great size - mugs rather than cups.

If you're worried about them being a bit girly...my fella drinks out of them very happily and he's very much a dude.

[gloggit]

Loom bands...the craze for kids

Loom bands are everywhere and have become the must have things for kids. Here's my first loom band, made for me by 9 year old Mason.

Rainbow Loom is the official Loom toy, created by Cheong Choon Ng, a Malaysian immigrant of Chinese descent who conceived the idea of a toy loom for rubber-band crafting while watching his young daughters make rubber-band jewelry.

The Loom toy is a plastic pegboard that has push pin-type pegs over which small, colored rubber bands are looped and pulled by means of a plastic crochet hook. The resulting looped knots, known as Brunnian links, can be assembled on the loom into bracelets and other shapes.

It is quite the craze. If you're searching for a gift for a 'tween' (pre-teenager) this could well be it.

Official kits start from £14.99 but much cheaper versions are also easily available. 

[gloggit]

10 top gift ideas for your old man on Father's Day.

So, I'm working on the basis that, with less than a week to go, now is the time you start thinking, 'what should I get my old man?'.

So here we go, 10 ideas that might nail it or inspire you.

1. For the thinking dad... the book Capital in the 21st Century by Thomas Piketty. Described as "the most important economics book of the year — and maybe of the decade" by Nobel prize-winning economist Paul Krugman. Ryan Cooper in The Week said it is a "brilliant, surprisingly readable work". Approx £20. If you want to avoid Amazon, I recommend Wordery as an online independent book retailer.

2. For the green-fingered dad... What You Sow has it covered. I especially love the Gardeners Mug and Bungee Bird Feeder. Order before Thursday to ensure delivery in time. 

3. For the film buff dad... How about some of the new releases? Ron Howard’s Rush, set in Formula One’s 1970s heyday; Martin Scorsese & Leonardo di Caprio reunited for Wolf of Wall Street, Coen brothers' Inside Llewyn Davis or Lone Survivor, based on The New York Times bestselling true story of four Navy SEALs and their mission to take on an al-Qaeda operative.

4. For the foodie dad... Peppermongers - a small, independent Pepper specialists that delivers the best quality Peppercorns from around the world. With names like Tellicherry Black Pepper and Sichuan Flower Pepper, the variety may make you look twice at the ordinary black peppercorn. I sampled some beef crusted with Indonesian Long Pepper last night, it was stunning. Nurture the pepper connoisseur. Prices from £3.95.

5. For the dapper dad... what could be more finer for a well-groomed papa then a barber’s wet shave? While pampering is often reserved for the fairer sex, let’s admit the hairier sex would enjoy it.  While you can find a local barber, Ruffians has shops in London and Edinburgh.

6. For the sweet-smelling dad...while many men are not short of choice when it comes to scent, Neal’s Yard Cologne is really grown-up. ‘Uplifting, restorative and zesty’, a timeless classic for the real debonair dad. £20.50

7. For the prepared dad... My dad always had a hanky in his pocket and it was called upon for comfort on many occasions, a runny nose, a face polish and, of course, blotting tears. The ones from Hornback & Peel are gorgeous and celebrate ‘the quirkiness of British humour and design’. Who says comfort can’t be stylish? £18.50.

8. For the dad that wants to channel Redford... what about a Panama hat for summer? The traditional Panama hat which has taken its name from the Panama canal, are made in Ecuador. Their flexibility and the fact that you can fold or roll them for traveling, makes them unique. How about this genuine Panama hat from Tumi? Approx £35.

9. For the sporty dad... how about the Blender Bottle? It makes smoothies instantly. Peanut butter, banana, kiwi, yogurt, oats, SHAKE, SHAKE. Instant breakfast smoothie on the way to the gym. Available to buy in Boots or Amazon in UK. Approx £10

10. For the host dad....this stunning crab porcelain roasting dish from Liberty is suitably masculine with character. £39.95.

11. Emergency gift... voucher. iTunes, Amazon, Cineworld would top my dad's list.

[gloggit]

Dapper Dad

So, my old man’s a bit of a dapper dad and inspired at least two of the items in this Father’s Day dad’s glog. In particular: handkerchiefs. My dad always had a hanky in his pocket and it was called upon for comfort on many occasions, a runny nose, a face polish and, of course, blotting tears. These from Hornback & Peel are gorgeous and celebrate ‘the quirkiness of British humour and design’. Who says comfort can’t be stylish?

While many men are not short of choice when it comes to cologne, Neal’s Yard Cologne is really grown-up. ‘Uplifting, restorative and zesty’, a timeless classic for the real debonair dad.

Finally, what could be more finer for a well-groomed papa then a classic barber’s wet shave? While pampering is often reserved for the fairer sex, let’s admit the hairier sex would enjoy it.  While you can find a local barber, Ruffians with shops in Edinburgh and London is the first ever barber shop to even be nominated for a British Hairdressing Business Awards or Creative Head awards – and it won. 

"You don't have to deserve your mother's love. You have to deserve your father's. He's more particular. "  -- Robert Frost