University Gifts

At this time of year, lots of young people are leaving home for the first time to go off to college or university, and parents are wondering what to give them.

Traditionally, a guardian angel (toy, model or picture) would be given to watch over the person leaving. A thoughtful and touching gift.

To a new student, there are several things that may be appreciated. Food parcels are always a guaranteed winner, and often the basics are much appreciated - tea, coffee, sugar, pasta, tinned stuff. Beware of sending too much fresh stuff, or they'll end up living in a compost heap!

One of the best things I was given when I left home was a book called 'How to Boil an Egg', which did exactly that and which I found invaluable. Assuming no prior knowledge at all, it contains a superb collection of recipes for 1 which are easily scaled for more people. We even still use some of them - the book's severely faded and dog-eared, stained with goodness knows what, and the pages are all just about falling out, but it still takes pride of place amongst our cookbooks. I doubt you'll find a better value cookbook for a student!

If they're going to un-equipped accommodation (or even if they're not), a couple of good quality pans and kitchen utensils are a good idea, too.

Mugs are a good one - if you can come up with a mug that obviously belongs to the person, it won't get used by mistake by everyone else in the flat / digs / whatever-they're-called-these-days. You might get some ideas here: personalised mugs.

Well, I seem to have focused on food, but I suppose getting the fundamentals right is the first priority - the person leaving will sort the rest out for themselves! Perhaps I'll have a look at some 'thinking of you' type gifts soon.

The White Company

Is your world black or white?

Chrissie Rucker has perfected the art of wafting fragrantly and doing business at the same time. The founder of The White Company has arranged to meet me at her store just off Sloane Square, but won't let me interview her until I've felt a few duvet covers.

"Now try that one," she instructs, directing me towards a sheet that looks exactly like the last one and pinching it between finger and thumb.

"This is what we're all about. You don't get this quality on the high street."

It's the first time she's been in the Chelsea store since its refurbishment and she has eyes for everything, from the unfinished shelf tops ("not good enough") to the lack of stock on the shelves.

She's much happier in the Little White Company over the road, where the children's clothes and accessories are in perfect order.

The shop teems with £100-cashmere cot blankets and linen bags with fairies on them, and Rucker is practically cooing with satisfaction over a selection of gingham pyjamas.

Like The White Company itself, the children's store is full of people who want Rucker's life. Her company has done for towels and sheets what Nigella Lawson did for baking tins, and suddenly it's fashionable to give linen spray (in a White Company box, of course) as a gift to your hostess.

The high priestess of the linen closet, who is now 36 and looks younger, is dressed to match her stores in white, wide-legged trousers, a beige top and a pashmina, and is evangelical about the whole lifestyle. Everything is either "lovely" or "flying out of the store", and many things are both.

"The great thing about it is it is really easy to do," she enthuses, pointing to a page in her catalogue featuring a selection of bright white sheets festooned with beautiful cashmere blankets and satin cushions.

She insists that, although her company is founded on the premise that the best things in life are white ("even now, between 55pc and 70pc of what we sell is white") her home is not a temple to stark minimalism.

"I've got four children [Tom, the oldest, is 9, and the baby, Bea, is one]. I want my house to look gorgeous, but everything has to go into the machine. I've got three black dogs as well."

"People are always surprised by my home, because they think it is going to be white from top to bottom. It isn't. I want to live in a place where people feel they can put their feet up on the sofa. But having everything white isn't that difficult. Everyone always says how do you keep it all clean, but it is just like washing a blue shirt, it goes in the machine.

"For me, there is nothing better in the world than wrapping yourself in a white fluffy towel after your bath or wrapping yourself in white linen when you go to bed. Somehow if the linen is blue it just isn't the same."

It is this love of white that prompted Rucker to found the business when she was only 22.

"My husband, who was then my boyfriend, and his sister were talking about housey things, and about how we loved white towels and bedlinen, but that it was actually quite hard to find really nice white bedlinen.

We decided wouldn't it be nice if there was a company which sold just white things."

At the time, she was a journalist with Harpers & Queen, having worked her way up from a receptionist at Conde Nast.

"I wasn't a very good journalist," she says carefully, opening her blue eyes wide. "I was very enthusiastic about making coffee and things, but I wasn't really very good at the actual writing.

"I'd always wanted to do something myself, but I'd never found anything I believed in before, but I just kept mulling it over. It was a bit mad really, I had no formal business training, but I started writing to hundreds of linen suppliers and met some of them. By Christmas I had 75pc of my first suppliers together and I resigned from my job. I started the company in March."

She financed the business with £20,000 gained from selling shares that had been left by her grandmother and some money borrowed from her aunt.

"I spent it all on stock, and on shooting the brochure," she recalls. "There was nothing left over for advertising. I just wrote to everyone I knew."

The White Company concept was picked up in the Financial Times and the rest, she says, is history.

"I was very, very lucky. I'd never written a business plan in my life. I was so naive, but I approached it with the attitude that I would give it a year and if it didn't work I would go back and get another job.

"Even when I was a journalist I had always had jobs in the pub and things to make ends meet, so I had always managed to get by.

"I was so enthusiastic and passionate that I never stopped and thought 'what am I doing?' My father thought I was absolutely bonkers but in the end my family were incredibly supportive."

The White Company was started in the attic bedroom of the home owned by Rucker's husband Nick. He owns his own mail order business - Charles Tyrwhitt shirts - and she says she would "never have been brave enough" to do it without him. "Nick's a great husband. Yes, he does the gin and tonic, but he also does business advice."

From a business which was "just a girl going to the post office with a couple of parcels every day," The White Company now has a turnover of £50m a year and hopes to increase it to £100m within the next three years. As well as the mail order and internet business there are 11 White Company stores in the UK, one in Dubai and she is hoping to do business in the US soon.

Rucker, who owns 99pc of the business (her husband owns the other 1pc), says she has no intention of floating or selling it. "It's grown very much with me personally, the products were things I was looking for," she says. "So no, no plans at the moment".

"I don't really see myself as a businesswoman," she continues, despite having reached the finals of the Veuve Cliquot Business-woman of the Year.

"I'm a creative type, I just know to surround myself with the best people. I'm really quite chaotic when it comes to my office - but I'm not like that at home."

We're back to domestic bliss again. Rucker explains how she keeps all the children's shoes in one place - "that way you never lose them" - "loves ironing" and believes everyone could have a laundry room. Even in London? "Even if you only have a cupboard with a washing machine in you can keep it nice," she says firmly.

She has tea with the children every day when she's at home in Shropshire and only works in London two days a week. "When I have my wobbles about being a working mum, I turn to my friend whose mum worked when she was a kid and she always says 'I'm proud of my mum'.

I hope my kids feel like that one day."

Before I leave the ordered world of The White Company, Rucker hands me a bag of goodies including a scented candle and some coveted linen spray.

Her enthusiasm for all things domestic is beginning to rub off on me and that evening I clean the house, change the beds and - of course - spray the linen.

But when my husband comes home he complains that the sheets "smell a bit girly". Which just goes to show, Rucker's world is wonderful, but we can't all live in a White Company wonderland.

The White Company

Good Gift Guide Recommedation : 4/5

A purse is a girls best friend

Do you love bags?

At first thought, a purse doesn't seem like anything more than an accessory. But the wrong style, size or shape can really make or break your look. Trying on a purse is just as important as trying on clothes. Eyes tend to be drawn to bags at first glance, so you'll want to accentuate the positive. Before you run to the website for this season's hot bag, read this guide to finding the right bag for you.

If you're long and lean

Tall and thin girls can get away with just about everything when it comes to purses. Oversize bags will look great, shoulder bags will look great and so will a clutch. If you're a long and lean gal, you really want to watch the size of the bag you're choosing. Remember to avoid anything too small, as it will just make you look bigger. Think about proportions when you're choosing a bag - something mid size or larger will be best, unless you're choosing a shoulder bag, in which case make sure it fits snugly under your arm. It will draw attention to your face. It will also give the illusion of curves, because it breaks up the top half of your body.

If you're petite

Petite gals need to watch the size of a bag more than anyone. Let's go back to the main rule when choosing a bag: proportion, proportion, proportion. Smaller bags will work best. Keep bags small and snug close to the body, and make sure you don't choose anything that's too large, or you'll look lost next to it.

If you're bottom heavy

A shoulder bag will work best, because you'll want to draw attention to your face and upper body. A bag that fits snugly under the arm or a hobo bag that hangs slightly but stays above the hips will be most flattering.

If you're top heavy

If you've got slim hips and legs, but have a tummy; try a messenger bag, or a handbag. Shoulder bags will draw attention to your tummy and chest, but if you've got great legs, you'll want the attention drawn there. If you're set on a bag that sits on your shoulder, make sure you get something that has got a long strap, and is slightly large in size.

If you're curvy all over

If you've got that coveted hourglass figure, you're best bet will be a shoulder bag. Something that hits right about the waist will be most flattering. You're going to want to accentuate that gorgeous figure, but luckily, you've got a body that will be flattered by just about every style of bag. Just remember to avoid any bag that's too small, or too large in size.

If you're a plus size

The main trick with being a plus size is to stay away from bags that are really small. They will make you look bigger than you are. Shoulder bags can look awkward if they're too small, so try and go for styles that are wider in width, like a hobo bag.

General Rules

Watching size is the most important thing with purses. The length of a purse's straps can really be a factor, especially if you're short. Make sure you try on a bag before you buy, and if you're buying a bag for a special occasion, to go with a special outfit, try and wear the outfit, or bring it with you when you're purse shopping. This way, you're sure to get the right fit. If you're buying a purse that you want to be able to wear with anything, keep in mind that while it may look great with your tee now, it may be too small when paired with a jacket. Thinking ahead will help you pick out the right bag for you.

Ebags has a great selection of bags for all sizes so simply click the link below and shop to your hearts content.

Ebags

Good Gift Guide Recommedation : 4/5

The Right Ingredients for Your Meal

Do you love fabulous food but aren't a gourmet chef?

Love fabulous food? You can get cooking with the ultimate fun and foolproof way to create restaurant food at home! Your menu package & wine will be delivered direct to your kitchen in a substantial insulated box, and will contain ALL the ingredients you need in exactly the right amounts in order to cook and create your very own three course meal, as well as a set of combined simple easy to follow instructions. All the ingredients are fresh, locally sourced where possible and of the highest quality, so that the meal you prepare will be of restaurant quality. So how does it work? Next time you are planning to buy a gift, impress a date, dinner party, informal supper or a celebration lunch, forget the queues at the supermarket buy from Right Ingredients. You will find a selection of mouth watering three-course set menus to choose from, as well as mix and match options and wine and non-alcoholic beverages.

Great Food and Drink

They do all the shopping for you, so they have spent time sourcing local, national and international ingredients of the highest quality. There are some stories behind some of their ingredients and wacky suppliers (that I still don't know how they stumbled across). They are finding new homegrown food & drink suppliers all the time and look forward to meeting more. Their wines are specially selected for their food and to tempt even the finest connoisseurs taste buds.

Fresh Ideas

As you enjoy browsing through their mouth watering menus you will notice over time the menus keep changing, you will experience new styles from Caribbean, to Thai and cook meals in different way, you will try new wines and probably find new taste buds you didn't know you had. Their ideas come from everywhere and they want you to be part of these ideas, so if you have new ideas on any aspect then feel free to share it with them. It is this bringing together of ideas that will always makes them different and ensure when you visit the site there will always be something new.

Friendly No-Nonsense Approach

They try not to over complicate anything! Yes they have some challenging dishes but nothing that anyone can't have a go at, remember this is all meant to be fun. Their step-by-step guides are not complicated and they try to keep everything easy to understand and follow. They can't guarantee your meals will look exactly the same as the picture, only that you have everything you need to succeed, if the system was foolproof it wouldn't be fun and you wouldn't get the satisfaction of knowing you did it.

Value for Money

I want to ensure you get value for money. People now and in the future will always offer you food and drink that is cheaper, with claims it is of the same quality, but take it from me it isn't! You will always be assured that they offer you the best price they can without compromising on our values. All in all a great offer. To find out more visit the website below.

Right Ingredients

Good Gift Guide Recommedation : 4/5

Chocolate Heaven

You know that every girl loves chocolate, right?

Chocolate is the forbidden fruit for us girls, something to be treasured and enjoyed. The Chocolate Trading Company provides a veritable Disneyland of chocolate goodness with lots of choccie themed gifts that will have your girl ooh-ing and aa-ing all night.

Let's face it, chocolate must be one of the most comforting foods around. The Chocolate Trading Company has a fine selection of luxury chocolates for those of you who just can't get enough of the taste, texture and all round sensuous experience that is real chocolate in its most decadent form.

Packaged beautifully and with the personalised gift cards they are sure to go down a treat with your loved ones. A huge selection including different brands is on offer so there is something for everyone. Products also include diabetic chocolate and wheat/gluten-free chocolate and other specialty forms of chocolate. Personalised gift cards require a extra. Large discount orders are also available.

Thoughtfully laid out with easy search features by category, theme, cost and brand. This UK-based shop also takes orders by phone, post or fax. Ordering and payment are simple and secure. Worldwide shipping is also available.

For more information visit the Chocolate Trading Company website below (beware: pictures of chocolate - don't visit if on a diet!)

Chocolate Trading Company

Good Gift Guide Recommedation : 5/5

Movie Meals for You

How would you like a themed meal delivered for your night in?

Movie Hampers is a unique gift idea which marries the latest DVD’s (or any DVD you like if it is available and carries a valid BBFC certificate) with fine food and drink. They try and base the food and drink around the theme of the film, so if you like Oscar winning movies, you will probably appreciate the food and drink to suit such an occasion. Fine champagne, exquisite hand made chocolates, superb oils and dips, together with luxurious black biscuits. Their hampers are meant to be special, so their products only come from the very best suppliers and are rarely found in high street shops. Movie hampers are designed to suit almost any occasion so it doesn't matter if it’s a birthday, a wedding, an anniversary, a retirement or just an excuse to say "I love You", a Movie Hamper is guaranteed to make someone special feel like a star.

The Hamper Box

The Moviehamper box is another thing that makes us unique. Unlike most traditional hampers which arrive in an admittedly useful and sometimes impressive wicker basket, their hampers reflect the movie theme and come in a sleek, rigid black box designed to look like a clapperboard.

Opening the Moviehamper is part of the fun as the box divides into distinct sections, each one delivering a new and unexpected gift.

All in all this is a fab idea, especially if cooking isn't your forte. It makes your movie nights extra special and is great fun too. For more information visit the Movie Hampers site below:

Movie Hampers

Good Gift Guide Recommedation : 5/5

Party with the stars

How would you like your picture taken with the celebrity of your choice?

A friend told me about this service over the weekend and I just had to check it out to see if it was for real. You basically go to this website and you can get your picture implanted into famous photos featuring the star of your choice. They have over 700 images, all with copyright and reproduction rights - allowing them to merge your face so neatly in to the original picture that no one would every know you weren't there. Just imagine that look on your father's face on Fathers Day when he see himself in the England 1966 world cup team photograph next to his heroes. This is just one example of a gift money shouldn't be able to buy.

Manchester United fans can get their face with their heroes

They have teamed up with the club to provide the only official Manchester United "photo with the stars" gifts. Now you can be pictured next to Wayne Rooney or Roy Keane - a perfect and unique present for anyone who supports Manchester United.

And it's not just for the boys

We have some of the greatest male icons of the 20th century. Put your mother in the picture with Tom Jones or Hugh Grant. We have hundreds of male (and female) icons; all you have to do is choose which one you want to star with.

How does it work?

• Find the picture of the celebrity you want to be pictured with.


• Choose a frame and mount for your picture.


• Upload your digital photo or send them a print.


• Their artists then merge your head into the picture. So you become one of the stars and can prove it by hanging the picture on your wall!


• If you are buying a Famous Friends picture as a gift then you would simply use your friend's or family member's image instead of your own

They then produce a high-quality print, which they will frame with double mounts and pack in a purpose-built presentation box and deliver by courier within 10 days. Delivery is free to all UK customers.

What does it cost?

Prices start from £10.95 up to £65.00. For more information simply visit the website below:

Famous Friends

Good Gift Guide Recommendation : 5/5

Charity Giving with World Vision

Are you stuck for unique gift ideas?

It's always a struggle to think of unique presents for friends and family members. World Vision can help with the age-old question of what to buy the man / woman who has everything. The answer is a gift for someone who has nothing.

Who are World Vision?

The Alternative Gift Catalogue is part of World Vision's carefully planned initiatives to help some of the world's poorest communities make their way out of poverty. This is because most of the gifts arrive in the context of our long-term development programmes. Here, community leaders and local committees helped by our dedicated national staff-identify their needs and priorities, including the gifts featured in this catalogue. Which means the gifts you buy are really needed- and will be treasured when they arrive.

It is this kind of smart thinking that has made World Vision, which is a Christian charity, one of the world's leading relief, development and justice agencies. We are also one of the largest- presently helping more than 100 million people in nearly 100 countries in their struggle against poverty, hunger and injustice, irrespective of their religious beliefs.

World Vision receives the financial support of the UK Government, the European Union, charitable trusts corporate supporters - in addition to almost 90,000 people who sponsor children in poor communities overseas.

World Vision is a member of several major agency groups including the Disasters and Emergency Committee (DEC), British Overseas NGO's for Development (BOND) and the Consortium for Street Children (CSC).

World Vision is a OneWorld partner. OneWorld is an international partnership of agencies working for sustainable development.

What sort of gifts can I buy?

The gifts available at World Vision come in categories depending upon how much you want to spend. Have a look at some ideas in the categories below:

£5-20

- Mosquito Net
- Warm blanket
- Library books
- Fruit tree
- A goat
- 100 vitamin A tablets

£21-100

- A toilet
- Carpentry kits
- Sewing machines
- A flock of sheep
- Water action fund

£100+

- Business loan for women
- A wheelchair
- Mobile pharmacy
- First Aid training
- Water resevoir
- Computers for a school
- Solar panel for a health clinic

And many more great gift ideas. Simply visit World Vision website and browse the great gifts you can give.

Good Gift Guide Recommendation : 5/5

Turn your man into a dapper Dan

Would your man like a premium Saville Row suit?

The Savile Row Company was founded in 1938 by the late Mr. Doltis. Based in the heart of London they initially manufactured and provided quality clothes to well known, high street stores; it wasn't until later that they concentrated their efforts and attention on selling direct to the public.

In 1946, only a year after the War ended, they restarted their trading activities and rapidly became one of the leading employers in the fashion industry throughout the 1950’s and 1960’s. It was during this period of expansion that The Savile Row Company branched out and began to manufacture men's clothes in Northern Ireland. Following a similar growth pattern, they very quickly established ourselves as a principal supplier in the men's wear market producing garments for multiple stores and leading independent retailers with their unique brand.

At the height of their manufacturing success, they produced clothing for some of the most well known men's wear retailers not only supplying large chain stores throughout the country but also those individual firms established and operating solely on Savile Row.

What makes a Saville Row suit so special?

Perhaps our modern western emphasis on the individual has distorted our idea of the crafts. People want a direct contact with the maker, want something that hasn't got the impersonal perfection of the manufactured. Often what we call character or spirit in an object, especially a functional one, are basically mistakes. I've recently had a Saville Row suit made for a friend, and what sets it apart are the things you might call mistakes. It is softer round the edges.

The suits available from Saville Row are perfect for new jobs, interviews, special occasions or simply wearing casually. Made from Italian 100% wool super 100's fine yarn these suits really are of exceptional quality.

For more information and to browse their catalouge online simply visit the website below:

Saville Row

Good Gift Guide Recommedation : 5/5

It's Rugby Time Again

Have you been bitten by the rugby bug?

The Rugby Union season is just starting again and its set to be a cracking year. Now is the time to take advantage of this rugby ferver by buying your loved one some authentic rugby gear.

Are rugby clothes really fashionable?

Rugby clothing has come along way since the days when replica jerseys were the staple diet of the average rugby fan. There is now a wide range of rugby clothing available, from sweaters to underwear. At the forefront of rugby fashion are Cotton Traders.

Who are Cotton Traders?

Cotton Traders was founded in 1987 by former England rugby captains Fran Cotton and Steve Smith. They began working from a single small room next to Altrincham Railway Station, supplying quality rugby shirts via mail order using adverts in the Sunday papers. Using the same standards and commitment they had applied to their playing careers, they soon grew the business to £2million turnover in just two years.

Today, 16 years on, the business has grown to a massive £50million a year, with over 500 employees across the UK and many more employed worldwide by its suppliers. Cotton Traders Mail Order business, now has over 800,000 customers on its database, and produces 27 different editions of the catalogue each year, resulting in the dispatch of over 50,000 parcels a month.

The range too has expanded somewhat from those original rugby shirts. It now covers quality leisurewear and casual clothes for both men and women, plus footwear, household textiles, accessories and more - all created to the same high quality and unbeatable value as those first few rugby shirts.

Are the products any good?

The Cotton Traders products are of a very good standard. The prices are very good as well and there are some real bargains to be found. Somewhat suprisingly the womens range is also very good and is much the same as the mens, with an emphasis on casual but with smarter clothes and coats also available. The Cotton Traders site also includes a small range of dresses and skirts and again prices are superb.

The company are still very active in the rugby world, providing a range of 'tough as the game' rugby Teamwear, and as official suppliers to the Leicester, Gloucester, Sale Sharks and Barbarians rugby teams, among others.

All in all Cotton Traders provide some great value fashion at a time when rugby is the coolest thing on the planet.

Good Gift Guide Recommendation : 4/5

Stylish Italian Fashion

Who are Artigiano?

Established in 1995, Artigiano has fast become the UK's leading Italian fashion brand, available through Mail Order and Online.

Artigiano are passionate about fashion – especially the sophisticated, understated version the Italians do so well. They work closely with several key fashion houses in Italy to offer customers stylish clothes of the highest quality, inspired by the season’s most important looks and scaled to British proportions to give the perfect fit.

Available in sizes 8-20 or sizes 16-30 through their Spirito di Artigiano range, Artigiano collections celebrate femininity and individuality with impeccable tailoring and beautiful Italian stitching and detail. The collections are divided into four sections.

• Collezione - The irresistible core collection of Artigiano


• Cashmere - The luxurious feel of pure cashmere


• Essentials - The must-haves for your wardrobe this season


• Weekend - A more casual look for weekend living

The Artigiano factory is based just down the road from me on the Isle of Wight and they were kind enough to let me have a look around. The attention to detail and care given to each garment is superb and the end results are testimony to this effort.

If you're looking for some really great clothes for the girl in your life then Artigiano are the place for you. The quality is superb, the prices reasonable and the sizes to fit all women. You can use the links above to check out their four unique collections or visit their homepage below.

Artigiano

Good Gift Guide Recommendation : 5/5

The cuddliest bears in all of England

How would you like a Harrods Teddy Bear?

In 1849, Charles Henry Harrod took over a small food shop in Knightsbridge. He named the store Harrods and along with his sons, made the store a success. In 1985, Mohamed Al Fayed, purchased Harrods and still owns it today.

The two main additions that Mohamed Al Fayed made were, the Egyptian Halls and the Central Egyptian Escalator which was completed in 1997. When you visit, be sure to use this escalator to check out out all of the Egyptian items. There are statues, paintings, pillars, and a lot of hieroglyphics. Don't forget to look up and see the amazing ceiling!

Another addition from Mohamed Al Fayed is the memorial for his son Dodi and Princess Diana. It is located on the lower floor and consist of their pictures interlaced in a huge heart, a wine glass from the table of their last dinner and the engagement ring he was to offer her later that night. When we were there this last time, there were three young adults standing there crying and taking pictures of each other in front of the monument. It appears to mean different things to different people. It is the ONLY place that taking photos is allowed.

Finding Harrods

Harrods is located on Brompton Road in the Knightsbridge area of London. The easiest way to get there is to take the tube. Use the Piccadilly Line and get off at the Knightsbridge station. The store is right THERE when you come out of the station.

As you approach Harrods, you are greeted by a doorman who holds open the door, gives you directions and reminds you that must remove your backpack and carry it while in the store. Apparently, my children are not the only ones that knock things over with their backpacks!

The Teddy Bears

Harrods have a wide range of teddy bears available, including the ubiquitous Beefeater Bears and the Harrods Christmas Bear. The prices are reasonable and the quality is befitting a brand as prestigious as Harrods so you can get a loved one a really great bear to match their personality.

To find out more information simply visit the Harrods Website below:

Harrods

Good Gift Guide Recommendation: 4/5

Driving Days

Is your friend or loved one a petrol head?

If they are then a driving days gift will be just up their street. The Formula One season is nearly over with Alonso taking the title from Schumacher. What better time to suprise your loved one with a driving days gift that will let them recreate the antics of Alonso and co.

Types of driving days gift available

There are literally dozens of types of driving days gifts available, from driving an F1 car to driving a tank! Whatever your loved one is into there will be a driving day for them. Some of the more popular driving days gifts are highlighted below:

Driving Days Gift: Racing Cars

The racing cars driving days gift experience lets your loved one take the seat of one of several single seat racing cars, right the way up to F1! Only speed freaks need apply for the racing car experience.

Driving Days Gifts: Big Vehicles

The Big Vehicles driving days gift lets your loved one take the wheel of seriously big machines, from tanks to monstor cars! If you catch them watching Junk Yard Challenge then this driving days gift may well be for them.

Driving Days Gifts: Rally Cars

The chance to race through the countryside is the pull of a rally cars driving days gift. Follow in the tyre tracks of Colin McRae as your loved one zooms through the countryside.

Driving Days Gifts: Super Cars

One of the most popular types of driving days gift is the super car experience. If your loved one looks longingly at Ferrari's and Porsches (the way he used to look at you ;-) then the super car experience will be for them. They get to drive the car of their dreams in this once in a lifetime experience.

There are lots of other types of driving days gifts available, on both four and two wheels, so you're sure to find something to suit your car obsessed loved one.

How much does a driving days gift cost?

The prices of a driving days gift range according to the package you choose. The F1 driving experience tops the bill at over £1,000. A general guide for the other packages lies between £100-200 so the cost is not prohibitive for a great gift for your loved one. To find out more information simply visit the website below:

Driving Days

Good Gift Guide Recommendation: 4/5

Take to the water

Would you like a life on the ocean waves?

Last month saw the yachting fraternity descend on Cowes for the annual yachting extraveganza known as Cowes Week. A record number of entries meant that 1,036 boats experienced some world-class racing during the Week and enjoyed an exciting and varied social scene off the water in Cowes.

Having that many boats (and hunky sailors - ahem) on your doorstep certainly gets you in the mood for a bit of sailing and so it's appropriate that this gift does just that.

This adventure aboard the Jeanneau 36.2 Sun Odyssey will surely be an experience you won't forget. You will have plenty of opportunities to be at the helm as well as handling the sails with fellow crew members. Your day will also include light refreshments.

On arrival you will receive an initial safety briefing and boat familiarisation. This is a large boat and as such, you will share this experience with up to seven other people and a skipper.

You will have to be quick however as the experience is only available from April to October (for obvious weather reasons) so if you want to make a splash you better book quickly. You can book a half day or full day and can go solo or with a partner. For each of these choices simply click the relevant link below:

Half Day Solo

Full Day Solo

Half Day for Two

Full Day for Two

Good Gift Guide Recommendation : 4/5

Join the Circus

Have you ever dreamed of joining the circus?

I went to the circus a few weeks ago and sat agog as the performers were jumping and flipping around the big top displaying incredible acrobatic skills. So you can imagine my joy when a friend told me about this circus skills day they'd been on.

She'd spent three hours at a top circus school (yeah - they do exist apparently) in London where you can choose to learn either circus skills (including flying the trapeze, juggling and acrobatics) or cowboy skills (knife-throwing, whip-cracking and lassooing). Under the watchful eye of your instructor, you will be taken step by step through your new skills in a supportive and carefully controlled environment.

All you need to do is turn up wearing suitable clothing (red nose is optional). If you want you can invite friends or family along to view you twirling gracefully through the air.

I think this is a great idea for anyone that loves gymnastics or performing and at a price of just £55 + VAT is great value. For more information visit the website below.

Good Gift Guide Recommendation : 4/5

Circus Experience

Holiday in Barcelona

Barcelona - The Catalan Paradise

Barcelona was recently voted best city in the world by viewers of BBC's Holiday 10 Best program and its little wonder why.

Barcelona is to do with style and attitude. It's about getting the right balance between in your face entertainment and finding a space to call your own.

Barcelona is a charming, cosmopolitan port on the shores of the Mediterranean sea. This prosperous and bilingual (Spanish and Catalan) metropolis measures up to a city such as Madrid: its museums, theaters, art galleries and nightlife area of an impressive high standard. Besides that, this art and design centre has a lot of interesting sights to offer to its visitors. The best place to watch people go by, to stroll or simply relax, is 'Las Ramblas', a pedestrian street with dozens of outdoor cafes. Here, you’ll find flower-stands, book kiosks and small market stalls where they sell birds and small animals. You’ll also find an endlessly fascinating flowing receptacle of pageant-jugglers, singers, dancers, puppeteers, sidewalk artists, living statues and assorted oddballs on parade. Nearby is 'Plaça Real', with plenty of bars and restaurants, and 'Palau Guell', built by the Catalan architectural genius Antoni Gaudí in his undulating art-nouveau style.

After having seen these sights, stroll the narrow winding streets of the 'Barri Gotic', the medieval Gothic quarter full of interesting tapas bars and cafes. Check out Picasso’s old hangout, 'Els Quatre Gats', which has been renovated without losing its bohemian charm. Or head for the old Barceloneta section on the waterfront. This working-class area, which was always slightly rundown and scruffy-looking, is now packed with paella restaurants. The new beach area, which runs from Barceloneta to the Olympic village, is much cleaner than the old beach area. Although some people believe that it has been cleaned up considerably, it might be a wise idea to stay out of the water. Fortunately, the beach itself is already a feast for the eyes (and ears), with its huge and roaring waves.

Catalans are known for their independent spirit and their sense of humour —Salvador Dali was a Catalan and his bizarre sense of humour is just one example of the region’s endearing weirdness. Spring is the best time to visit Barcelona, you can expect a temperature of round and about 20 degrees. During summer, it can get very hot (about 35 degrees) and crowded (because of the cultural events). Barcelona will be as expensive as you want it to be. Attention: Barcelona is pretty rich and so prices are much higher than somewhere else in Spain. Still, restaurants are relatively cheap and for a hotel, three meals and a night out, count on some 145 Euro for two persons.

Shopping in Barcelona

When you want to go shopping in Barcelona you have to bear in mind that most shops are not open during lunchtime/siesta. In general, they're opened during weekdays from 9-1.30 and from 5-8. On Sundays, most shops don't open their doors in the afternoon. There are various shopping areas in Barcelona. The most elegant shopping places can be traced at the Passeig de Gracia, the Rambla de Catalunya, Avingunda Diagonal and at the Eixample. For small boutiques and souvenirs, try Carrer Tuset.



If you're looking for some real Spanish-style shops, don't forget to explore the area between the Ramblas and Via Laietana, especially around Carrer de Ferran. Looking for some real big Barcelona style shopping malls? Then you're at the right place at the harbour, where you can find the shopping centre Maremagnum. They sell everything that is new, modern and fashionable. A must-see is also the megastore of El Corte Ingles that has one establishment at Plaça de Catalunya and another one at Diagonal.

If you are more interested in markets, you shouldn't miss out on the Boqueria at the Ramblas which starts early in the morning. A very popular place for youngsters and yups is Boulevard Rosa. It has, besides many cafes and bars, over 100 stores that contribute to the lively character of the boulevard and make it into a popular place to visit. For those who have a rather chic taste, Sogo has an impressive number of design fashion (Dior, Sonia Rykiel, Prada etc). The last main shopping area in Barcelona is the Barri Gothic for trendy streetwear, secondhand clothes, interesting junk and antiques.

Sights in Barcelona

Where to start in Barcelona? What most people do is starting at the Rambles, the lovely promenade that runs from the port to Plaça de Catalunya. If you head for the port, you can stroll down de Paseo de Colon boulevard, visit the beach, the harbour and the aquarium and climb de San Sebastia tower to have some good views off the city. This tower in the area that is better known as Barceloneta (little Barcelona) is also the place where the cablecar for Montjuic leaves.

The hill Montjuic has a nice park, an impressive fortress and some good museums, such as the Miro museum which has, besides a good collection of Miro paintings, also a fairly extensive modern art collection. The Spanish village, which remained fairly intact, is also located in this area.

Plaza de Catalunya is the heart of the modern centre of Barcelona. This is also the area where there is a high concentration of houses designed by Gaudí. Pick up one of the walking tour guides and follow the traces of this remarkable architect all throughout town. Of course, the tour of Barcelona isn’t finished without a visit to the unfinished Sagrad Familia, the Parc Guell and the Gaudí Museum.

The old city centre, better known as the Gothic Quarter, offers a good view of medieval times and all sorts of architectural styles that left their mark on this part of the city afterwards. The Santa Maria del Mar Cathedral and its plaza are only a few of the interesting places in this area of Barcelona. There are several palaces, either still in use by the government (or foundations) or left on their own to be explored by visitors. The Picasso museum is located in one of these palaces and this is only one of the many interesting museums that Barcelona has to offer. This is the perfect area to get lost and explore the winding streets, the little shops and the tapas bars.

Click here to book a holiday to Barcelona.

Good Gift Guide Recommendation: 4/5

Own a share in a race horse

Have you ever dreamed of owning your own race horse?

If you are a horse racing fanatic who loves the horse racing environment then I suspect you have always dreamed of owning your very own thoroughbread race horse. Few experiences compare with winning races at the highest levels. Just ask anyone who owns a Thoroughbred.

Thoroughbred racing ignites the imagination of horse lovers everywhere. It is the owners of these tremendous athletes who live the hopes and dreams that the Thoroughbred embodies. Ownership, whether in the form of a promising young race horse or a mare and her newborn foal, confers these unique opportunities and privileges.

Until now though owning a thoroughbread race horse has been the preserve of the rich and famous. Friends of the Turf has changed all that and now allows YOU to own your very own race horse.

Own your own horse with Friends of the Turf

If you have ever dreamed of owning a racehorse, but didn't have the money, the time or the expertise to live the dream then Friends of the Turf is just what you've been waiting for.

Through the power of the Internet the "sport of kings" has entered a new era where you can experience the excitement of owning, training and hopefully watching your very own virtual horse race to victory.

By becoming a member of Friends of the Turf, you now have an interest in a whole string of horses which are currently in training. You are also part of the horse breeding and animal welfare programs which Friends of the Turf participate in. Friends of The Turf are 100% committed to the ethical treatment of horses and go out of their way to ensure that all the trainers and jockeys used have an excellent record for care of horses in their charge.

Membership benefits include: Certificate of Membership valid for 1 year, Monthly Newsletter (e-mail), Stable Visits, Discounts worth over £2000 in savings on racecourse admissions, Club Days at Courses, Horse Naming Competitions and a Daily Information Line.

How much does owning a horse cost?

For your share in the Friends of the Turf stable it will cost you just £59.99 plus VAT.

So if you love horses and the thrill of horse racing then Friends of the Turf could be the ideal gift. To find out more information simply click the link below.

Good Gift Guide Recommendation : 4/5

Friends of the Turf Horse racing

Does your wardrobe need a makeover?

How would you like a personal styling and shopping consultation this winter?

Do you have a wardrobe full of clothes and still can't find anything to wear? Then a personal styling and shopping consultation gift is ideal to make you look and feel absolutely fabulous. Hayley Bennett is a qualified Image Consultant, affiliated to the UK Federation of Image Consultants, truly passionate about clothes, new style trends and shopping with personal clients in London. She will take you on a two hour trip around the shops to make your wardrobe the envy of all.

Do you find shopping a struggle?

Do you have problems finding the appropriate clothes for work, social occasions, nights out in town, or other important events? Do you believe shopping for clothes is not only expensive but a boring task? Would you like someone who has your best interests at heart to accompany you during a shopping trip?

What can she do for you?

•Show you how to get the best value for money so that your clothes co-ordinate with the rest of your wardrobe and suit your lifestyle.

•The shopping trip will provide you with practical, constructive advice, which will turn your shopping into successful events.

•The end result will be a small focused, wardrobe of fabulous clothes & colour that will suit both your lifestyle and your budget.

•Accentuate your assets, disguise your weaknesses, take the stress and time wasting out of shopping. Never make an expensive mistake again.

How can I book a shopping consultation?

Booking is a doddle. Simply follow the link below and you'll be taken to the information page where you can book a time and date to suit you. A fab gift for the woman in your life.

Good Gift Guide Recommendation: 4/5

Personal styling and shopping consultation

Fancy a makeover this winter?

How would you like a team of professionals to make you look like a million dollars?

If you, or a loved one, is suffering from the winter blues then the professional makeover gift is ideal to make you look and feel absolutely fabulous.

Does winter make you feel blue?

When winter rolls around it is very common to feel down. When the season changes do you:

• Have less energy than usual?


• Feel less productive or creative?


• Need more sleep?


• Feel down or depressed?


• Have less control over your appetite?

If you answered yes to any of the above, you may be one of the millions of people who suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Whenever I've been suffering from any of these syptoms a trip to the salon to spruce myself up works wonders.

Ok, sounds great, what does the professional makeover give me?

This is the exciting bit. You get a trip to a top West End studio where you get a full makeover and a photoshoot with a top London photographer. If that won't make you feel like a movie star then nothing will! To give you a quick summary of things you'll receive I've compiled a list for you below:

• Bucks fizz & refreshments


• Mini-facial


• Mini-manicure


• Moisturising hand massage


• Professional makeover by a top London make-up artist


• Dry Hairstyling


• High fashion photoshoot


• Private viewing session


• One 5x7 print of your choice.

Sounds great, how much does it cost?

If you thought that was good then you'll be amazed at the price. When I go to get my hair done it generally costs around £65. Now for just £10 more you're going to be getting your hair done and all of these other amazing things! Now I don't know about you but that sounds like a bargain. I think I might even treat myself to this one, one minute.

Fabbo, ordering was a synch and I now have a grand day out in the West End to doll myself up (I think I deserve it don't you?).

If you fancy finding out more information or booking one for yourself just click the link below.

Good Gift Guide Recommendation: 6/5

Professional makeover

Have a pop experience

Have you ever dreamed of being a pop star for the day?

If you, or a loved one, has ever dreamed of being a pop star for a day then the pop experience gift is ideal.

Whether your into Atomic Kitten or Pavarotti the pop star experience will have something for you. You will get to experience something that is normally reserved for the stars you listen to in your cd player.

So forget singing in the shower and try a day in a professional recording studio with your very own cd produced to provide a memorable memento of your day.

What happens at the pop star experience?

The pop star experience puts you in the hands of music industry experts. You get invaluable hints and tips on how to get the best sound out of your voice. And you'll come away from this unforgettable day with your very own album of songs, recorded directly to cd! The pop star experience is just like Fame Academy but without the horrible judges!

What do I do on the day?

Your Pop Star Experience lasts for one and a half hours at the high-tech Stateside Studios in Buckinghamshire. It'll give you a real insight into the pop music industry, including many aspects of singing you may never have thought about before.

You'll be taught about pop music from the pop music industry perspective, and they'll stress what the pop music industry expects from a studio session. You'll learn about interpretation, phrasing, tone and vocal training, and can choose any songs from the catalogue to record.

But the real objective of the session is to get your best possible performance onto CD. You'll keep it forever, so it has to be special...
Age, standard and style are unimportant - they'll adjust their teaching methods to suit you, so whether you're planning a career in the industry, or want to record a song for your mum's birthday, they'll help you make the most of it.

They'll take you through, step by step, starting with a general discussion about your aims and ambitions, a warm-up, a rehearsal and finally, the recording! You'll have the benefit of their professional recording studio to create the right techniques to make sure this is the performance you've always dreamed about.

But it's not all hard work - you'll be part of the production team, and the whole session is fantastic fun, carried out with humour, enthusiasm and energy. It's something you'll remember forever.

How much does the pop music experience cost?

The pop experience costs approximately £119. Whilst not cheap the pop music experience is a once in a lifetime opportunity and would make a truely special gift for the budding pop idol.

Good Gift Guide Recommendation : 4/5

Meet the Meerkats

What is a Meerkat?

The meerkat (from Dutch monkey, from Afrikaans lake cat), or suricate, is a small mammal averaging about 2 lb (1 kg) in weight and about 20 in (500 mm) in length. A member of the mongoose family, it inhabits all parts of the Kalahari Desert in southern Africa.

Meerkats have strong, curved front claws for digging and a sharply-pointed snout. They are brown with short, parallel stripes across their backs. They are known for standing upright to keep watch, search for prey or warm their stomachs. Meerkats have been known to engage in strange social activities, including what appear to be wrestling matches and foot races. More than one field researcher has reported witnessing meerkats in some sort of singing ceremony they compared to yodeling.

Would you like to feed a Meerkat?

Now you can courtesy of the wonderful Meerkats gift. Meeting the Meerkats gives you the opportunity to get close to these fascinating animals and be treated like a human climbing frame!

You enter their enclosure with the keeper at feeding time and assist in feeding them, they are extremely friendly and very curious!

How much does it cost to meet the meerkats?

The Meerkats gift costs just £90. You must be at least 10 years of age to take part in this experience. Please note there is only 1 participant allowed per session. This experience lasts for aproximately 30 minutes.

On purchasing this experience you will be sent an attractive ‘open dated’ gift voucher pack. There are no extra charges for VAT or postage. Accident and Cancellation Insurance is also included.

You can also bring family and friends along to watch as spectators are very welcome to come along for the day to visit the Wildlife Park. They will not be allowed behind the scenes but will be able to watch and take pictures of the participant. Spectators will be charged the usual admission fee.

This gift is ideal if your loved one is a nature lover. To find out more and buy this gift simply click the link below.

Good Gift Guide Recommendation : 5/5

Meerkats gift

Spoil your favourite woman with a flotation experience

What is a flotation experience?

The flotation experience is a sensual health and beauty experience that will help your favourite women to destress from the pressures of life. The flotation experience is probably the closest you can get to an experience of total weightlessness and the deepest rest you can ever have.

Floating Experience: Description

Lying quietly in the dark with soothing music you'll be suspended in a warm solution of Epsom salt. This solution is so dense that you float effortlessly. All your stress and tension will slowly ebb away. Other benefits linked to this experience include the easing of aches and pains, improved circulation and energy levels and improved skin conditions.

The flotation experience is scientifically proven

Researchers have found that floating in Epsom Salt helps with stress and weight management, eliminates fatigue and jetlag, alleviates muscle tension, swellings and inflammations, etc so buying your favourite woman a flotation experience gift will put you firmly in her good books!

How much does it cost and what do you get for your money?

The flotation experience lasts for approximately 1 hour and can be used at a number of locations around the UK, including London, Surrey, Yorkshire, Oxford and Glasgow. The flotation experience costs just £49 including VAT so is within the budgets of all.

Good Gift Guide Recommendation: 4/5

Name a Star

If you think someone is a star, why not name a star after them?

To continue the space theme of this week is todays gift idea: the chance to name a star! The gift of naming a star after someone is perfect for all gift occasions. A star named after someone would make a perfect birthday gift, whilst nothing could be more romantic than gazing up at the stars and pointing out to your loved one the star that you named after them!

What the name a star gift pack includes

As part of your friend or loved ones name a star gift pack they will get a framed personalised certificate giving their star database reference number. The name a star gift pack also includes an educational astronomy starter kit, with a sky chart and star plotter to help you find the area of your own star.
Your special gift star name will be recorded within the suppliers' database directory and allocated with a star number from the Hubble space telescope star catalogue. Please note that this is a fun, inspirational gift and scientific institutions will continue to refer to stars by their catalogue number or coordinates only.
Pack includes:

• A4 framed personalised certificate


• Star chart folder (includes specific information on your star)


• A Sky view plan sphere (to help see your star)


• Star charts and data pack


• Night sky music CD

Star Facts

• Stars twinkle because the light we see coming from the stars travels through the atmosphere around the earth and there is turbulence in the Earth's atmosphere.


• If the sun were the size of the dot over a letter "i", the nearest star would be a dot 10 miles away.

How much does the name a star gift pack cost?

The opportunity to name a star after your friend or loved one can be purchased for under £50. Considering the super extras that also come in the name a star gift pack this makes great value. If you're still unsure whether this is the right gift try and imagine the look on their face when you point out their very own star, perhaps over a candle lit meal. If that picture is a good one then the name a star gift pack is a great choice for you and your loved one.

Good Gift Guide Recommendation: 5/5