Christmas Gifts for Dad 2014.

Personally, the most difficult person I buy for at Christmas is none other than my no.1 man – my Dad!

Dad truly has everything and I really mean that. He is almost 70 yrs and acts like he is still in his 40′s. Although he continues to work, he takes time out frequently to take mum on weekends away and he also enjoys the odd ‘shooting’ trip to Scotland. Dad’s gift is usually a meal voucher but over the years this has become predictable and therefore somewhat boring!

I risk sounding uninspiring and traditional recommending gift sets but this year there are some super gift sets for men and no Old Spice in sight!!

One of my favorite and definitely top of the list has to be the Baldwins Men’s Range Gift Box.

Anyone who follows this blog will know I absolutely love natural products and those with a low carbon footprint. Earth looks after us by providing a fruits, vegetables, water, not to mention stunning natural scenery and beautiful landscapes so we must not take this for granted and recognize our impact is not always positive on this great planet.

Baldwins have been supplying natural products from 1844. The products are not tested on animals, are ethically made and the company has certification from the soil association. This is no easy task as this way of producing and selling is not the cheapest way – yet it is by far the most eco friendly. The packaging used is also made from recycled materials and Baldwins try and re-use the packing they have from stock deliveries. I am ultimately impressed with Baldwins and this means I will continue to check out their blog and keep up to date with their products – you see, it pays to run a company like this as customers prefer eco friendly!

The Baldwins Men’s Range Gift Box arrived and I was so impressed with the presentation. I couldn’t wait to open the box. The box itself can be recycled as its cardboard but there is no way this is going into my blue bin! It is so attractive it will take pride of place on my dressing table. I untied the Baldwins ribbon and loved what I found inside – I really fell for the smell as well – wow, if using these products means my hubby will smell like this there is no way I will wait till 25th December to present him with it!

The box contents:

‘Our Men’s Range Gift Box contains a collection of Green Tea and Frankincense dedicated products whose combination of essential oils with frankincense and green tea (which are known for their anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties) can help to improve the appearance and condition of your skin.

• Natural Cotton Flannel

• Green Tea & Frankincense Refreshing Facial Wash – combining the revitalising effects of cucumber with cool aloe vera and toning extracts of seaweed, helps to remove everyday grime and pollutants.

• Green Tea & Frankincense Exfoliating Facial Scrub – a deep, toning facial scrub whose use of finely milled bamboo particles with moisturising candellia wax beads and birch bark extract helps you to achieve smooth, polished skin.

• Green Tea & Frankincense Smoothing Shaving Oil- we have blended the nutritious, lubricating and non greasy oils of argan, shea and marula for a non-irritating and smooth skin-conditioning shave.

• Green Tea & Frankincense Hydrating Skin Lotion – Chickweed and Jojoba oils are blended with Ginseng (rich in ginsenoside) to improve skin tone and offer you a healthy complexion.’ (Baldwins)

I have tried the products and love them, especially the facial scrub.

This was perfect for my skin. The particles were not too ‘harsh’ so as to leave my skin red but just perfect to actually feel like I had used a ‘scrub’. I must have tried millions of facial scrubs and had yet to find the ‘right’ constancy. Some have ‘micro-particles’ and this feels just like a facial wash – so why do they call it a ‘scrub’? The Baldwins Green Tea & Frankincense Exfoliating Facial Scrub will leave your skin smooth, clean and fabulously fresh feeling – I am so pleased with this product I may slip it from the box and onto my dressing table – hubby will never miss it if he doesn’t know it was there!

The other goodies were just as highly rated.

I couldn’t resist trying the ‘Green Tea & Frankincense Smoothing Shaving Oil’ on my legs – something I do not usually do. Its ‘hello winter goodbye razors’ for me – why shave legs which are hidden away under tights and boots? – I go right back to the stone age and by spring it takes about 6 attempts to achieve that smooth look to compliment by summer dresses!  Ladies and gentleman, whether you are shaving your legs, face, armpits or elsewhere trust me, your skin will not be traumatised – it will feel soft, smooth and left smelling delicious!

Dad’s, boyfriends and brothers will be delighted with this gift box for Christmas. It has been well and truly tested and I rate it 11 out of 10! Have a look online. The website is very well laid out with interesting information about the company, the environment and a delightful blog to follow. With several gift sets to choose from and many other natural products available I am sure Baldwins will be a firm favorite.

 Baldwins Men’s Range Gift Box RRP £33.99

www.baldwins.co.uk/baldwins-mens-range-gift-box

For a selection of gift sets available for dad’s this Christmas have a look at Boots online or pop into the store. I have sifted through the gifts on offer and have rested with none other than Ted Baker.

Ted Baker gift sets speak for themselves, they are very well presented with ultra modern packaging. I love the set that includes a wash bag – now this is something my dad would make use of. The toiletries vary depending on the gift set you select but they all smell of ‘gorgeous man’. Prices are very reasonable and the products definitely look a great deal more than they cost – which is a bonus.

Ted Baker Ted’s Tool Kit washbag  RRP £15

For further information visit www.boots.com

Photobox.

Photographs, if the house was on fire my photos would be one of the first things I would grab on the way out the door – after the kids of course!

Photos are precious, a unique moment frozen in time to savour and remember forever. I have some fab photos of the kids and love admitting most of my framed photos are very unconventional and none were ‘staged’. I like to capture the kids in action and having fun, not posing on the sofa with their fake smiled painted on.

This is one of my favourites:

Such a spontaneous photo, capturing my daughter preparing herself to take a blow!!

My dad loves photos and we have a few oldies dotted around the house which I just adore.

For Christmas 2014 why not give your dad or mum a gift of a special memory captured on camera, or even a few ‘funny’ or sentimental photos on a canvas or in a photo book?

I have a few collage canvas prints and these are a fantastic way of displaying photos from a special event or holiday. I choose Photobox online to order from over and over again and they have never disappointed.

If you have more then a few photos to develop photobooks are excellent and not much more expensive than having the individual photos developed.

I have a wonderful photobook  I made with the photos from our last holiday which the kids love to look at again and again.

Photobox is one of the best websites I have came across. The choices and discounts are easily displayed and laying out and selecting your photos couldn’t be easier. Online ‘live’ chat is available and I have used this twice. I love this as its almost ‘instant’ help – the most I have had to wait on a reply is 3 minutes!

I will finish with my favourite and most precious photo – taken by my brother-in-law when my sisters and I were at a family birthday party. This wasn’t planned, someone said the word photo and that was that!

This is the best photo on my wall and one which I will treasure forever. I have had this printed on canvas as a gift to mum and dad this Christmas and I know they will both be delighted.

For further information visit www.photobox.co.uk

Braun CoolTec and WaterFlex electric shavers.

The reputation of Braun electric shavers is excellent, with men claiming these are  the best shavers available on the market. My hubby was the guinea pig, as I volunteered him to try out the 2 latest models from Braun. He is quite critical so I couldn’t wait to hear what his conclusions were.

Hubby always wet shaved, well, in the 15 years I have known him. He says he used to own an electric razor many years ago, but found the wet shave gave a better cut with less irritation.

He was honestly impressed, so well done Braun, he is a tough cookie to please (typical man)! He particularly liked that these shavers could be used in the shower and this saved him time in the mornings. To clean, he rinsed them under the tap and they were ready to shave again.

With regards to skin comfort and irritation, he experienced none. The shavers were comfortable, gave an excellent close shave and left no skin irritation.

Now, which one is best? Hubby couldn’t pick out a better shaver. They were both different and both excellent. I will explain the main differences as I know it is confusing when presented with 2 items which ultimately do the same job but are differently priced.

The Braun CoolTec

‘The Braun °CoolTec is the world’s first and only electric shaver engineered with pioneering Active Cooling Technology to combine a great shaving performance with a special cooling treatment especially suitable for men with sensitive skin. The new °CoolTec White edition visually reinforces the cooling performance of this device – Braun’s only shaver that cools and calms skin to minimize shaving irritation at the push of a button’ (Braun)

This would indicate that if your man has sensitive skin of any form he would be better off with this razor. My hubby would have sensitive skin and neither of the shavers lead to irritation although with any degree of sensitivity I suppose this would be the one I would recommend.

I have to mention that the CoolTec was £229.99 and is now £114.99 in Boots – a really amazing offer coming up to Christmas.

Braun WaterFlex.

‘Waterproof to 5m, the Braun WaterFlex is specifically designed to inspire men to unlock a whole new world of shaving, and to feel the unbeatably smooth skin feeling of a shave with water, foam or gel. Specially designed for use with water, foam or gel, WaterFlex transforms electric shaving into gliding, leaving men’s skin feeling perfectly refreshed’ (Braun)

My husband did mention how he loved the swivel head on this shaver – the shaving head swivels 33 degrees so giving a smooth shave on all contours. Between this and the 3 cutting elements you are guaranteed a close shave with 100% hair removal.

The WaterFlex would therefore be recommended as the perfect shaver for those who like the feeling of a wet shave with water and there are no underlying skin problems. The price was £159.99 and is now down to £79.99 also at Boots. Thats a difference of £35 between the shavers which is not that much. I would go for the CoolTec! Similar technology with that little bit extra ensuring comfort.

If you select Braun this Christmas you can be guaranteed quality, endurance and the latest leading technology in its field. For further information visit www.braun.com

Products can be bought from Boots.

MICRO Pedi Man Gift Set.

Another gift set worth a mention is the MICRO Pedi Man. This set was £49.99 and is reduced to £29.99 from the 15th of October – so snap it up if this is something you are interested in.

This set contains all your man needs to look after his feet and its presented nicely in a gift box. The contents are shown above so you can see there is quite a lot in the set.

My husband has this set from last Christmas and he has found it great. I must admit I have used it myself as well! Its perfect for buffing those heels into shape for the flip-flop season. The roller buffs away hard dry skin super fast and leaves feet soft and smooth.

Also included are 2 replacement rollers, nail clippers and a pouch to keep the gift set in. An excellent value set, especially if you purchase it for £29.99.

Available to purchase from www.micropedi.co.uk

Scholl Compact Manicure Set.

We have taken care of feet, now on to the hands!  The new Compact Manicure Set from Scholl is quite the gift! Presented nicely in a handy travel case, this little set may be small and compact but it will definitely impress.

Scholl launched this in September this year, just in time to solve your ‘male related’ shopping dilemmas. The attachments are plentiful so this set will suit a wide range of nail types from the thinnest to thick and it can be used on the feet as well as the hands. The course shaping disc is perfect for toenails which are stronger and thicker than fingernails. I also found this got the job done super fast – I had to stay bent over for only a few minutes, great for people with backache like me!

With regards to results, I can vouch for that. 5 different speeds allow you to set one which is comfortable yet still effective. Shaping and buffing is easy and very fast so in no time at all you can have rather glam salon ‘perfect nails’. This could be one of these ‘men gifts’ you swipe for yourself in the new year!

A huge bonus is that this set is travel friendly. Charging allows for up to 90 minutes of use and it can also be charged worldwide if necessary.  Compact enough to take up minimal room in your luggage this set would make a great gift for those who like to look polished on the go with minimal fuss.

Available from selected retailers and online  RRP £34.90

iFit 3-in-1 Active Band.

Oh my goodness – this is amazing! At last, the ultimate weight loss product. I was so impressed with the iFit tracker. This clever little band actually totts up your calorie intake, compares these figures with your daily activities and tells you if you are losing weight.

In my opinion, this is the ultimate weight loss tool as the motivation is clearly displayed and I can easily spot when I should put down the crisps!

The iFit tracker works day and night always displaying accurate information and you can have an individual workout prescribed as well simply by downloading the iFit app available on android and apple. My own personal workout can only be described as ‘kind’ but I like that I was able to set my own goals therefore I am not disappointed if/when I fail. I also was impressed with the battery life – up to 7 days!!

As for my diet, there is no motivator greater than knowing you have taken on board enough calories to remain fit and healthy yet still loose weight.

‘the iFit Active 3-in-1 Fitness band enables users have the ability to wirelessly sync indoor workoutsfrom iFit enabled home and club fitness equipment. This way, fitness enthusiasts can match the enjoyment of exercising outdoors and enhance the experience of an indoor workout with the latest exciting technology’ (iFit)

The iFit is waterproof and can be worn as  a band and even clipped onto your clothing.

If you are shopping for either men or women this Christmas and this is something you think they would appreciate visit www.nordictrack.co.uk/ifit for further information. RRP £99

RAF Leather iPad Case.

This is another item that is a ‘must’ for men this Christmas. The RAF leather iPad case is a stunning case and perfectly suited to this years gift guide for dads.

Made from Hunter leather and with WW2 images on the inside, this is a piece of history itself. The smell of real leather is hard to beat and this case smells and exudes quality from the first glance.

I love the RAF logo wings on the front. Aside from looks, this is one mighty case with many protective factors for your iPad to keep it safe and secure while on the go.

Suitable for generations 2, 3, 4 and 5. This looks every penny the £50 it is priced at – one of the most impressive gifts I have added to the guide.

For further information visit www.rafmuseumshop.com

Voombox Travel and Outdoor Speakers from Divoom.

These are really great and although in the Gift Guide for dads, they would also be fab for anyone who loves music on the go.

There are some qualities I look for in a speaker. It must be portable and wireless and obviously it has to have Bluetooth! The Voombox travel (RRP £49.99) and outdoor speakers (RRP £99) from Divoom have all these qualities and more.

My hubby works outside and as a family we spend a lot of time out and about as well. I have the Voombox travel speaker. This little speaker is sturdy – it has lasted the trial of my family for the last month and thats no easy feat. The sound quality is fab – even over the squeals of children! The water resistant properties come in handy when it is accidentally left outside clipped to some randon piece of gardening equipment!

The built in microphone lets you take calls without having to run inside and wash your hands first, it can simply be used with minimal fuss.

We have this speaker outside all the time and it has never let us down. Aside from the quality, it also looks really trendy. I would recommend this as a Christmas gift to anyone and I can guarantee they will not be disappointed.

There are several colours available to suit all tastes and styles.

For further information visit www.boots.com

GAME GOLF.

For the dad’s who enjoy a round of golf I have the ultimate recommendation – GAME GOLF !

What man (or woman) wouldn’t want this for Christmas when it has been spotted on none other than the no.1 man Barack Obama !

‘The world’s most powerful man was spotted using the GAME GOLF tracking device at Farm Neck Golf Club, on the island of Martha’s Vineyard, just off Cape Cod. The PGA and R&A approved device was spotted on President Obama, who has been using the GAME GOLF tracking device to analyse and improve his game, and lower his reported 17 handicap.’ (Game Golf)

This handy little device is like your best friend – better than your best friend in fact. You just carry on as usual with your game and GAME GOLF will monitor your performance and report back as to how/if your game can be improved. Track your round, your trends and your statistics and share this with your friends – or even share on facebook or twitter if you prefer!

‘Used by professionals Lee Westwood, Graeme McDowell and Jim Furyk, GAME GOLF’s Digital Tracking System brings golf into the 21^st century and helps golfers to reach their full potential.’ (GAME GOLF)

Despite the cutting edge technology GAME GOLF retails at only £159.95.

Available from Mailordergolf.com and Golfonline.co.uk

For more information please visit  GAMEGOLF.com, follow  on Twitter@GAMEGOLF or like on Facebook Facebook.com/GAMEGOLF”

Dunlop NZ9 Putter.

If GAME Golf is a little out of your budget why not treat your man to a new golf club. Dunlop have a fab online store for all your golfing needs. In particular I want to mention the Dunlop NZ9 Putter which I have recently had the opportunity of having a swing with!

Impressed? I certainly was, with every aspect of this putter.

I am not going to lie and make out I am a golfing pro. I enjoy nothing more than playing a round with my friends but I am in no way an expert. However, I believe with the right equipment I do play better and I find this putter to be comfortable to use and accurate – even in my hands!

The handle is super easy to grip thanks to GEKO-TAC which reduces slipping. The stainless steel head is finished in matt black to reduce glare from the sun and this looks rather well – a clever touch from Dunlop.

This handy putter retails at £54.99 and is now reduced to £29.99 – just in time for December’s shopping frenzy.

For further information visit www.storedunlopsport.com

Piper Home Security System.

If toiletries really do not appeal to you and you are ‘stuck’ on what to buy for the man in your life I have something very useful and, I think, won’t be replicated by another family member.

Piper provides you with the ultimate in home security. New on the market, Piper takes alarms and home monitoring to another level by keeping you informed of potential threats to your home  and sending this information to your mobile phone.

‘The new and award-winning all-in-one home security, monitoring and automation device enables you to stay connected to your home when you’re away. Whether on holiday or at work, Piper sends you an alert when something out of the ordinary happens and a 105 decibel siren will sound if an intrusion is detected’ (Piper)

I know my husband would be delighted with a Piper this Christmas. The device works with numerous smartphones or tablets and is rather straightforward to set up and begin using. While testing this device I must admit we have had a lot of fun as well. The children were keen to participate and had ‘role play break ins’ with their antics recorded and watched on their tablets. Aside from the fun factor, this function would be very reassuring if you were away and wanted the piece of mind knowing exactly what was going on at home.

An added bonus, and very useful as well, is the capability to switch on your lights. I work shifts and in the winter I am usually coming home in the dark. This function will come welcomed as I can programme the Piper to turn the lights on as I arrive to the door – brilliant!

I found the Piper simple to use with minimal setting up required and I would recommend it to Every household.  Despite the advanced technology and multiple functions the Piper is available for £119. Available to order from the link below.

Have a look at the video on site, I really enjoyed it and its a great way of understanding just how useful Piper can be.

 http://getpiper.com/.

SUGRU – I have saved the best till last!!

Wow, this has to be the invention of the century? I love Sugru and it is now present in some shape or form in every room in my house. I am recommending this as a brilliant gift for dads this Christmas although it would make a great gift for absolutely anyone.

‘Sugru is the world’s first mouldable glue that turns into rubber.

Sugru can literally be used in every room in the house and on almost everything. I have added a door stop to my new bathroom as my hubby didn’t want to drill the new tiles – and I didn’t really want him to drill them either with his track record for DIY!

Worried the kids may smash your precious iPad, iPhone or camera? Why not add Sugru to the edges and ‘ta da’ – you have immediate protection.

For Christmas 2014 Sugru have some festive new colours which I really love. 2 new tins are available for a limited time only one being a very useful silver grey which is perfect for DIY on various gadgets as the colour will match perfectly.

The other tin has a brilliant selection of colours – awesome orange, silver grey, woody brown, mossy green and panther pink. These will inspire creativity as soon as you open the box.

Despite the multiple functions, the Sugru festive tins are very reasonably priced at £9.99.

For further information or to buy Sugru visit www.sugru.com

Hardwall Takker.

In keeping with DIY Christmas gift suggestions I am proposing the Hardwall Takker. I am not sure this would solely be a great gift for dads as I would love one myself!

Completely affordable, this nifty little tool will make DIY a doddle even for the most clumsy of dads.

No longer will hanging a picture be a chore – I know my hubby can put this job off for months and there is nothing as frustrating as having a new picture or photo of the kids sitting on the floor waiting to be hung!