Little Lockdown Lifts
Lockdown treats by British brand NEOM Organics (left to right) - Calming Hand Balm, Great Day Hand & Body Wash, Great Day Hand & Body Lotion, Clean & Happy Hand Sanitiser Spray
When each day can currently feel a little like groundhog, the little treats or ‘lockdown lifts’ make all the difference. A little gift or thoughtful card can really brighten a bitterly cold grey day.
I opened the door early and bleary-eyed a few weeks ago to be greeted with a delivery of the most incredible looking and tasting fresh doughnuts from Crosstown. A kind friend wanted to help us celebrate my youngest daughter’s birthday and organised this generous surprise.
In our house we have also been working our way through the various choices of letterbox brownies. When we settled on our favourites (Gower Cottage Brownies) we have passed on the love by sending them to others for Christmas, birthdays or just to cheer up those at home.
It feels like the strangest thing not to be able to just pop into a shop and buy a little treat right now. On the other hand, maybe a little more thought has gone into where I shop. Less of the mass market/superstores and a definite focus on smaller and often British brands.
So with birthdays coming up and Mother’s Day on the horizon, here are a few of my favourites which make great gifts for either yourself or someone else. 2020 and the start of 2021 has been tough; we all deserve a little treat!
The Completist - Stationery
From their Peckham studio, The Completist has your stationery needs covered from daily planners, to journals, gift wrap and bold, bright, colourful cards. As an obsessive list-maker (hello fellow Virgos) I wouldn’t be without my daily planner as I use it write down everything from school admin to medication reminders and food lists.
NEOM Organics - Wellbeing gifts
I distinctly remember unwrapping my first gift from NEOM 10 years ago. It was a perfect little set of bath oils, beautifully presented in a white gift box and it felt like such a wonderful treat. Since then NEOM has become a go-to brand for treats and gifts. The brand’s signature perfume with Grapefruit, Lemon & Rosemary is so fresh and instantly uplifting - I wear it everyday. There’s now the perfect handbag or pocket sized hand sanitiser spray and calming hand balm - much needed after washing my hands what feels 100+ times a day. A British brand with 100% natural fragrances, no harsh chemicals and no artificial colours. Available from NEOM.
Jellycat Amuseables - soft toys
Jellycat has been designing quirky soft toys in London since 1999. The humourous Amuseables range includes everything from a three scoop ice-cream, croissant, cup of coffee, watermelon and lots more. We treated our girls to a Jellycat each for Christmas and they quickly became their toys of choice at bedtime and to provide a bit of fun and comfort during these strange times.
Azuni - jewellery
Taking inspiration from his global travels, Ashley Marshall founded Azuni London in 1995. I bought my first pair of gold hoop Azuni earrings from Lark London, a gift shop close to my house. The earrings make lovely gifts and can jazz up any outfit. I now have three pairs. Available from Azuni London and Lark London.
Candy Kittens - sweet treats
Developed in London, these gelatine-free, vegan sweets are pretty moreish. As a Type 1 diabetic, I head to my pot of Candy Kittens when my blood sugar is low. For Valentine’s day my husband treated me to a personalised Candy Kittens pot (my ‘hypo’ pot - see above). They do also come in smaller bags, in a range of fun flavours and you can pop them in your basket in many supermarkets or online at Candy Kittens direct.
10 Christmas Gift ideas for pre-schoolers
With Christmas Day just weeks away and Black Friday on the horizon, I've started thinking about what to get our two (aged 3.5 and 22 months).
So I'm sharing my top 10 gifts for pre-schoolers from a mix of High Street and independent shops. Happy shopping!
