Festive Foodie Christmas Gift Guide 2020 #Review

Festive Foodie Christmas Gift Guide 2020 Review: November 2020 #Gifted

Christmas cosiness has arrived, as I have been sent these super samples to review, so sit back by the roaring log fire and be prepared to get merry while you browse these fabulous foodie gift ideas. 

Get the sticky tape and bows ready, as after seeing all these brilliant brands you will want to get everything all wrapped up for sure.

Sacla

Bring some of the Italian pizzazz into your home this Christmas, as the sensational Sacla brand have a range of gifts to suit everyone.

Including this delightful decorative Chess Design Extra Virgin Olive Oil 500ml by Lamante and a colourful Sacla Patterned Tea Towel.

This gorgeous Gold Unicorn Carousel Tin of Jellies 150g by Leone is a pretty perfect gift.  The Gluten Free Pasta Meal Selection Box provides everyone with a little bit of the Italian dolce vita lifestyle at home this Christmas season.

Real Food Hub

The Real Food Hub is a fabulously family run online market place offering you a range of fabulous foodie gifts from various retailers, so you are practically spoilt for choice. 

My Vegan Travels: Comfort Food inspired by Adventure Book by Jackie Kearney a 2011 MasterChef UK finalist is perfect for everyone not just the veggies.

The sensational Spice Kitchen 7 Loose Leaf Tea Gift Set, storage Tin Silk Sari Wrap and Tea Diffuser is a delightful gift for any tea lover. and perfect to keep warm during the winter months. 

Impressively the Real Food Hub also stock Hawkshead Relish, jams & chutneys so make sure you are fully stocked ready for the seasons celebrations.  

Prestige Hampers

No need to look any further for your hampers, as Prestige Hampers have a fabulous foodie range to suit all dietary needs such as Vegan and Gluten Free.

The Vegan Treats selection is a tasty trio of Joe&Stephs Salted Caramel Popcorn 32g perfect to hang on the tree, a bar of Dark Valley Chocolate 90g and Gourmet Gummies Keats Of London Festive Mix 150g.

This yummy Gluten Free Goodies hamper packed with treats such as  Elderflower Presse 25cl, Triple Choc Farmhouse Biscuits 150g, English Garden Breakfast Tea 20g, Tomato, Basil & Mozzarella Crisps 50g, Valley Confectionery Fudge 100g, Mrs Darlington Raspberry Jam 130g, Valley Chocolate Dark Chocolate & Raspberry Square 100g and Raspberry Creams 90g all presented in a lovely Kraft Hamper Tray is good enough for a place under anyone’s tree. 

Gluten & Wheat Free Treats can be had in ambundance as this Prestige hamper includes Claire’s Handmade Lakeland Farmhouse Chutney 120g, Guppy’s Chocolates Milk Chocolate Reindeer 100g, Joe & Seph’s Mince Pie Popcorn with Caramel, Brandy Infused Fruit & Almonds 32g, Lovemore Gluten Free Gingerbread Santas 195g, Lovemore Gluten Free Port & Brandy Cake
Miller’s Damsel Gluten Free Charcoal Crackers 110g, Mr Filbert’s Chilli & Lime Peanuts 40g, Yorkshire Crisps Tomato, Basil & Mozzerella Crisps 50g displayed in a lovely Grey Willow Tray.

Clearspring

The team over at Clearspring have the perfect ‘Santa sack’ of organic vegan goodies to gift to your besties. 

A family run business for over 25 years, they are all committed to giving you the best in Japanese specialities and organic foods. 

The Juco Eco friendly bag is a great way to gift, as this can be used over and over for many years to come.

However, why stop at just the bag, Clearspring have a range of yummy organic products for you to create your very own personalised foodie ‘santa Juco sack’.

Fill up your Juco with winter warmers such as organic Miso Soups, pasta sauces, grains and soya minces.  Perfect to get creative in the kitchen this Christmas. 

Chocolate & Love

Christmas and chocolate are the perfect paring. Chocolate & Love founders Birgitte Hovmand and Richard O’Connor, a couple of love birds have created  their premium organic Fairtrade chocolate bars so you can indulge this festive season.

Their lovely Large Chocolate Boxes, with pretty pomegranate designs and more, are a beautiful bespoke gift for anyone.

Gift all your chocolatey goodies in this environmentally friendly Rich Dark Chocolate Tote Design. 

You can also buy some super stocking fillers such as the Lovely libraries of chocolate, the Panama Gift Box with Toucan design, Napolitains tins filled with mini chocolates ideal to spread some cheer by popping them in Christmas cards and also as favours on the Christmas dinner table. 

Sous Chef

Sous Chef have a whole range of gorgeous goodies, that are quality and authentic, perfect for a family feast.

Think all things fabulously foodie and kitchen related including these Colour Pop Enamel Roasting and Serving Dishes in Cobalt Blue 26cm and 21cm which I am sure will make your Christmas table that little bit extra on the big day.

Black Truffle Crisps, Olives and Gluten Free Tortillas are perfect for a cosy winter night in while watching a Christmas movie.  

Have gluten free in your family why not enjoy some Rummo Gluten Free Pasta and make your kitchen nights in an Italian dream.  

Fairfield’s Farm

Fairfields Farms families have been farming in East Anglia for three generations on scenic and stunning farmland across the Colne Valley just north of Colchester in Essex.

Laura, Robert and their lovely family are absolute stars and work hard to bring you this fab crisps.  

Get your Christmas Crunch on with Fairifeld’s Farms sensational crisps, if you think that you have had ‘crisps’ before well forget it, because these are next level!

Offering a range of flavours such as Sweet Chilli, Cheese & Onion, Sea Salt & Aspall Cyder Vinegar, Lightly Sea Salted, Sea Salt & Black Pepper, Bacon & Tomato and Adnams Ghost Ship Citrus Pale Ale crisps are perfect to gift, add to homemade hampers, pop in the stocking or simply to fill the nibble bowls on those cold winter nights in. 

Pasta Evangelists

Pasta Evangelists a London based business headed up by co-founder Alessandro CEO and Chris head of Operations & finance with their team of lovely Pasta enthusiasts…so much so they even popped in some surprise chocolates which was much welcomed. 

The brand can be pasta proud, as they have three food heavy weight who are official Evangelists and also co-founders in their business including, he Times restaurant critic and columnist Giles Coren, founder of Leith’s School of Food & Wine and Great British Bake-off celeb Prue Leith and food critic & MasterChef judge William Sitwell.

Gift friends, family and loved ones a good hearty Italian bowl of yumminess with their Pasta Subscription service.  Alternatively send a Gift Card, so your lucky recipient can enjoy pasta and even redeem towards Italian extras such as the yummy Vegetarian Aperitivo Snack box.   

Now, I am sure that you will agree that all these fabulous foodie gorgeous gifts are the perfect way to make your family, friends and loved ones smile this festive season.

Thank you for reading and may I wish you A very Merry Christmas and a lovely New Year.  

Melanie xx

#StayAtHome

Christmas Gift Guide 2020 #Review

Christmas Gift Guide 2020 Review: November 2020 #Gifted

Yes, it is that time of year, the sleigh bells are ringing and you can almost hear Santas Ho, ho, ho, but don’t panic as he ‘s not fallen through the chimney just yet.!

Grab a mince pie, enjoy a glass of mulled wine or two, sit back and scroll your way through my Santa sack of super duper samples, that I have been sent to review, which will give you all some amazing Christmas gift ideas for all your fabulous family, friends and loved ones. 

Prezzybox

Make sure you deliver some moments of happiness to your family, friends & loved ones this festive season with Prezzybox.

There’s a whole array of exciting, entertaining and an eclectic mix of offerings so you will be spoilt for choice.

Why not send your man this Personalised Pale Ale set where you can personalise the pint glass with a name and includes some brilliant Brewdog Punk IPA cans.

Give the Prince fans what they want with this cool Purple Rain Prince Tea Towel made with 100% cotton, a must have gift for sure.  

Get your art on and get all creative with this gorgeous Glass Making Kit, a fab hobby and fun activity.  

Ellis Brigham 

There is nothing more exciting than a mountain adventure so give the gift of hiking this Christmas with the help of Ellis Brigham, an out of this world outdoor store with all you need to start some amazing adventures.

Ellis Brigham has both walk in stores and online shopping, so feel free to pop in store or alternatively shop online and have your hiking goodies delivered direct to your door.

Getting the right kit gives you the right start and the first thing to kit out is your feet.  Choose from a range of both Male and Female Walking shoes and boots such as the Mens Morrells and the Salomon Women’s Gortex.

Prepare for the cold snap, don’t get a cold head and make sure you have some warm head gear.  This North Face Peruvian Beanie is a great way to keep warm and look super cool in the process.

Pro Cook

Love to cook up a storm in the kitchen…me too, so why not gift some useful pots, pans and roasting trays this Christmas.

Pro Cook has been in the business for over twenty years and impressively is still owned and managed by one of the original founding family members offering you savings of up to 50% off other leading brands.

Bag a bargain with the 16cm Gourmet Steel Saucepan with lid, with silicone handles this is a good all rounder with a strain and pour design, so perfect for all that fun Christmas cooking

Get your fry on with the 20cm Pro Cook Gourmet Steel Frying Pan ideal for breakfast on Christmas morning.  

Make the Christmas day lunch one to remember with this Pro Cook non-stick roasting tin and in fact this can be reused for your super Sunday lunches throughout the year.

Wicked Uncle

Looking for fun, games and gifts to give well Wicked Uncle have you covered, as they have a wide range of toys, board games and so much more.  they are available to buy from in both the UK and the US too. 

This Children’s Mr Big Tops Retro Sweet Box is a lovely gift packed with lots of yummy sweet treats.  

The Sunken Treasure Exit Game is a great one to keep the kids entertained and they even get an Exit Game Certificate too!

A lovely forget-me-not silver necklace made with real flowers presented in a gift box is a beautiful way to say Merry Christmas.

Champagne & Gifts Company

Make your Christmas sparkle this 2020 with the Champagne & Gifts Company who offer beautiful bespoke personalised Champagne, hampers and gifts that are also perfect for corporate gifting too.

The company can tailor make to your requirements to personalise your bottles of fizz, so you can create memories with that personal touch.  They offer both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options so they have you covered.  

Created especially for my family these lovely lemonade bottles with red bows and straws have been personalised with ‘Christmas with the Williams’ just a beautiful way to mark a very special day.

The Very Berry Hamper presented in this wonderful wicker backet is packed out with pretty pink treats such as Belvoir Rhubarb and Strawberry Cordial, 500ml, a Bottle of Fentiman’s Traditional Rose Lemonade, 750ml Bottle Lindt Mini Pralines, 100g Box Lindt Strawberry Milk Chocolate, 100g Bar, Mrs Bridge’s Rhubarb and Custard Sweets, 155g Jar and a box of Pukka organic teas.

OXO UK

For over 30 years OXO UK founded by Sam Farber was born from the heart, as his wife Betsey had mild arthritis, so struggled to use an old-fashioned metal peeler. 

Sam found a better way by crating a better designed non-slip grip peeler and this is how OXO UK started.

Now they have an impressive and extensive product range all built with grip in mind, so these make the perfect gifts for people who may otherwise struggle to create their kitchen Christmas creations without these gadgets.

OXO UK products such as the Pizza Cutter, 11 inch Balloon Whisk, Salt and Pepper Grinder Set are the best kitchen must haves.

Also, the Nine-piece Nesting Bowls and Colanders Set are versatile and makes a big impact.

WALLY AND WHIZ

The wonderful WALLY AND WHIZ, started by Kristian Them Hansen, makes Christmas that little bit extra with their amazing wonderful wine gums for all, as they are vegan, free from artificial colours or flavours, and are lactose free, gluten free and free from gelatine.  

This cute Winter Edition Reindeer Gift Box filled with figs and lime combo is a sweet stocking filler and perfect to add to your Christmas dinner table.

Their Nordic Advent Calendars, that come in a range of colours such as dusty grey, are next level and fold out into a beautiful display with 24 draws all filled with delicious sweet treats perfect for the exciting Christmas countdown.  They even have Braille on them which I love so they really are for everyone. 

Their fabulous flavoured gums have been made with the Scandinavian culture in mind using fresh, clean and natural ingredients.  Combined with inspiration from all over the world you will enjoy so many flavour sensations.

Hoogly Tea

Keep warm this winter with Hoogly teas lovely range of cute Mini Handcrafted Hot Water Bottles.  Tina Gloggengieser, from Aarhus in Denmark, is the creator of the lovely Hoogly tea range.  Hoogly is the pronunciation of ‘hyggelig’.  ‘Hygge’ is all about the Danish way of life and having a feeling of well-being and warmth the whole year round. 

Now, you many have already heard about “Hygge” but what about “Lykke”.  Lykke pronounced Luu-kah is the noun for happiness.  The beautifully illustrated Little Book of Lykke, wrote by Meik Wiking CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen and author of the brilliant best seller The Little Book of Hygge, believes that the key principles to happiness can be sought all around the world. 

All their teas are ethically sourced, fair traded, made and packed in the UK using a range of luxury, healthy and natural ingredients.  There are a range of flavours such as Chill Out Mint, English Breakfast, Classic Green, Cosy Chamomile, Earl Grey and Christmas Cake all make for lovely seasonal gifts.

Stridies

Step into 2021 in style with Stridies Socks, as they have thought of everything to keep your toes out of the cold such as Seam3Toe, Comfort Arch, Pro Base and twiston technology.

Socks are allegedly the most requested item in homeless shelters, a basic need that no one should be without and Stridies donate one pair of socks, to the community, for every pair bought, so you can stride proudly knowing that you have supported a brand that makes a difference.

From cycling, running, hiking, pilates they have socks to suit all needs and lifestyles, so give a gift that will in turn help a homeless person this Christmas.

Mia Tui

Mia Tui is a vegan friendly bag business founded by businesswomen and busy mum, Charlotte in 2010, while living in Vietnam. 

The award-winning Mia Tui bags are still produced in Vietnam in her friend Van’s factory where teamwork is a core value and together, they aim to provide quality products at affordable process and deliver exceptional customer service. 

Their beautiful bags are perfect to gift and the shoulder bag Rebecca is an ideal bag for day into evening.  With star logo detail, part chain strap and internal pockets for your pens, mobile phone and keys you can’t go wrong.

Mia Tui even stock a whole range of accessories including this Drinks Bottle which keeps drinks 24 hours cool or 12 hours hot, so perfect for a hike out and about exploring the great outdoors.

Artisan Food Company

The Artisan Food Company offer a range of fabulous foodie gifts that are perfect for the 2020 Christmas seasons celebrations.

Give into temptation with their Lovely Luxury Hamper, filled with French fancy treats.  Ideal to gift or even a gift from you to you, as this is the perfect night in.

Run a bath and get ready to enjoy the hampers contents including a pretty Pink metal heart with 25 dark chocolates 70% 100g, Heart heater, Pink Bath Salts with Guérande salt, Pauline Macaroons Strawberry Pistachio Chocolate x3, Chocolate bar “La Gourmandise à la Française” 85g, Once upon a time organic raspberry spread 250g and Round candle all presented in a Rectangular wood tray nature with gorgeous gray mandala decor handles.

Star Name Registry

Gift the super star in your life a memory that will last for a lifetime…their very own star in the sky! 

The stunning Vivid set is their Extra Bright Star Gift Set and includes everything you need to give your lucky gift recipient the ultimate Name a Star Experience.

Packaged within a black presentation box, the set includes a confirmation letter, beautiful A4 Star Name Deed displayed in an A4 Wooden Certificate Frame and entry into the star registry.

Also, included is the Sky Star Atlas Maps, the Extra Bright Star explanation literature and also a very cool feature to locate your star via their New App.

Hopefully, my Gift Guide has given you plenty of inspiration for your 2020 Christmas gifting.   

Thank you for reading and I wish you a very Merry Christmas 😊

Melanie xx

#StayAtHome

Celebrate in Style with The Champagne and Gift Company #Review

Celebrate in Style with The Champagne and Gift Company Review: October 2020 #Gifted

Worried about finding the perfect gift for a special occasion? Not anymore, thanks to The Champagne & Gift Company’s new online service that offers a great selection of customised Champagne gifts for everyone and every occasion.  Bottles can be individually personalised to make an extra special gift that will be cherished for many years to come.

The Champagne & Gift Company aim to create the perfect Personalised Champagne themed gift, beautifully presented and wrapped. So whether it’s to say a special “Thank You” to clients or friends, or for a romantic occasion, anniversary or corporate event you can be sure that the delighted recipient will treasure your gift.

The Champagne & Gift Company also provides distinctive own label Champagne for companies and organisations and have created bottles for some of the world’s leading names.

Whether you are raising your company profile, launching a new product, hosting a corporate event or just thanking your clients,  Champagne branded with your organisation’s name and logo on the label is a most effective way to get your message across.

The company can tailor make to your requirements to personalise your bottles of fizz, so you can create memories with that personal touch.  They offer both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options so they have you covered.

Christmas Collection Gift Guide 2018 #Review

Christmas Collection Gift Guide 2018 – Review

Feeling Festive and Fabulous, Christmas is nearing and it’s time to avoid the Christmas queues and mayhem, and shop smart online.

Shark Duoclean Cordless Upright with Powered Lift Away #Review

Shark Duoclean Cordless Upright with Powered Lift Away Review: December 2018

“Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell Rock” Yes it’s that time of the year again, where we hang out our stockings, send out invites to family and friends and prepare to party into the festive season.

Open fire roaring, festive musical melody’s playing, but before all that the house needs to be a cosy and clean home, but as Santa’s elves are all busy, get a festive helping hand from Shark, with their super duper easy to use Duo clean Cordless Upright with Powered Lift Away.

Make a Splash this Festive Season with Simply Swim #Review

Make a splash this festive season with Simply Swim Review: November 2018

The fabulous festive season is approaching, yes, it’s nearly Christmassssss. So, it’s time to spread some Christmas cheer, and start thinking what gorgeous gifts Santa’s going to deliver for under my Christmas tree.

Make a Splash This Season, with Simply Swim, who stock a wide range of products brands, all just one easy click away.  Stocking at the ready, mince pies freshly baked for Santa, crunchy carrots for Rudolf and my Christmas Wish List in hand singing la, la,la…

***NOTE This brand has closed for business***Happy Valentine’s day with Nut Free Chocolate People #Review

Happy Valentine’s day with Nut Free Chocolate People

It is Fabulous February and love is in the air with the lovely nut free chocolate people and their marvellous mouth-watering delicious goodies.

 No nuts? Well, there is no need to miss out on chocolatey treats this Valentines day, if you have an allergy, as the Nut Free chocolate people brand are spreading the love with their nice nut free chocolate range**

Valentine’s Day Gift Guide 2018 by Forkward Thinking Foodinista #Review

Valentine’s Day Gift Guide 2018 by Forkward thinking Foodinista

Love is in the air this February, so spread the love this valentine’s day with some gorgeous gifts for the girl or guy in your life.

Moneykissed.com, Chocolate and Love, Find Me A Gift, Gingersnap, Carluccios and The Artisan Olive Oil Company are great brands to pick up your loved one a much-deserved gift of love.

Say it with flowers, what better way to show someone you love them than with a bouquet of flowers, but with a twist.  Roses are red, violets are blue sugar is sweet and so are you.  Make your sweet heart feel loved this Valentine’s Day with these sensational sweet chocolatey red roses from Carluccios.

Hoogly Tea and Lykke Happiness Book #Review

Hoogly Tea and Lykke Happiness Book Review: January 2018

Tina Gloggengieser, from Aarhus in Denmark, now living in Brighton, is a keen tea enthusiast and creator of the sensational Hoogly tea range.  Hoogly is the pronunciation of ‘hyggelig’.  ‘Hygge’ is all about the Danish way of life and having a feeling of well-being and warmth the whole year round.

Hodmedods Big Vegan Box Review Veganuary 2018 #Review

Hodmedods Big Vegan Box Review Veganuary 2018: January 2018

The award winning Hodmedods brand base in East Anglia, founded by Nick, Josiah and William in 2012, was due to partaking in the successful Great British Beans trial project.  For the purposes of the trial, a tonne of British-grown split fava beans was bought, home packed and distributed throughout the community with a postcard included for feedback.