Category Archives: Christmas

Frost Recommends Buyagift.com for Christmas

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buyagift.com , christmas gift ideas, christmas gift lists,

Frost are a huge fan of Buyagift.com. We think that nothing really beats a good experience. We highly recommend the Tasting Menu and Bubbles at Michelin Starred Restaurants but they have an amazing selection of other gifts.

Buyagift.com is the UK’s leading provider of gift experiences and activity days, and with thousands of gifts to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect gift. Their gifts are nationwide so no matter where you live, and what you like, there will be a gift for your loved ones and you.

Here are some of our picks:

F4 Single Seater Driving Experience at Brands Hatch – Exclusive to Buyagift, £229

Live life in the fast lane with this adrenaline fuelled F4 driving experience, exclusive to Buyagift. Your session starts with a sensational 15 minute circuit in the powerful BMW M4, before you get behind the wheel of a state of the art F4 single seater for an exhilarating drive around the popular Brands Hatch racetrack. This incredible speed machine, still used in of cial British Racing Drivers’ Club races today, features a full race sequential gearbox and has a thrilling top speed of 165mph. To round off this heart racing experience, jump back into the BMW M4 for a high speed passenger ride. Designed by the car building legend Ralph Firman and with a top speed of 165mph, this F4 racer is sure to get your blood pumping.

Tasty Treats – Smartbox by Buyagift, £59.99

Food-lovers need to look no further as we’ve handpicked a ne selection of over 500 exquisite experiences to choose from, ranging from dining out to wine tasting and brewery tours. Whether you want to indulge in gourmet cuisine cooked to perfection by expert chefs or you are looking to enjoy a selection of delightfully decadent cakes, you’ll nd yourself savouring every mouthful as you sit back and relax at a choice of venues across the UK. At point of purchase you will have the option to select either a gift box or an e-voucher.

 

Hotel Chocolat’s Bean To Bar Chocolate Making Experience for Two, £130

This is the chocolate experience you’ve ‘bean’ waiting for! Discover the fascinating process of making chocolate straight from the bean, using Hotel Chocolat’s freshly roasted cocoa beans grown on their own Saint Lucia estate. The company’s rustic underground Cocoa Vault will play host to this unique masterclass in which an expert chocolatier will demonstrate the art of tempering, as you sip a glass of prosecco.

Then it’s your turn to get your hands dirty and make your own chocolate creation. Alongside your mouth-watering masterpiece, you’ll take home a tasty goody bag of luxury chocolates.

 

The View from The Shard with 3 Course Michelin Dining and Bubbles for Two – Was £161.90, Now £111

Only recently built and already an integral part of London’s iconic skyline, The Shard points up to the clouds, reaching an incredible 308m and rendering it Western Europe’s tallest building. Day or night, London’s most famous landmarks are breathtaking, and you won’t want to forget your camera! Although the view might tempt you to stay, you’ll want to come down sooner or later, because a fabulous meal awaits you in Latium.

Three delicious courses each will be accompanied by a chilled glass of chilled bubbles at this Michelin recommended restaurant located in the heart of the city.

 

Thames Lunch Cruise for Two, £70

 

Feast your eyes on some of London’s most iconic landmarks at a leisurely pace, whilst enjoying a delicious three-course meal. Setting off from Embankment Pier, your mini voyage down the River Thames will pass The Globe, the Houses of Parliament, The Gherkin and The Shard, to name but a few. You will board the boat where a friendly waiter will show you to your table to enjoy your meal. There will be time once you have nished dining to take a stroll up on the top deck, perhaps with a glass of wine to round off your cruise in style.

 

And if you’re really not sure what to get, Buyagift.com have the perfect solution with the new Smartboxes, containing hundreds of different types of experiences and locations to choose from in one box…

Gifts are refundable for 60 days and you can also exchange them for free. Which we thought was great.

 

Buyagift.com

 

Personalised Haynes Explains Manuals – fun gifts for Christmas from Oh My Gift

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Are your parts wearing out? Do you need an MOT? These fun guides recreate the appearance and technical style of Haynes vehicle maintenance books but with the vehicle being the human body in various stages of life.

Haynes iconic car maintenance guides have been modified to cover the challenges of being a pensioner, teenager, baby or married couple. How many times have we heard that babies etc don’t come with an instruction manual – well now they do. Follow at your peril. Every manual based on a strip down and rebuild – so now you know.

The Pensioner

Are you parts wearing out? Do you need some advice on rust prevention?  I particularly liked the Advantages of being a pensioner section. The Good News: You can live without sex. The Bad News: You can’t live without glasses. There is so much more to keep you reading and much to laugh at.

The Teenager

Not sure whether this is funnier for the teenager or for those who own one – probably both – but full of wise advice on what to say and what not to say to a teenager. Here’s how to understand and handle your teenager until the magic age of twenty and still be laughing at the end of it.

The Baby

For new parents or the perfect present for a baby shower to enlighten prospective owners of the latest model.

Subjects covered include Production and Delivery and Identifying Leaks. Surely something to calm the nerves when it’s most needed. Laughter can get you through most things – even sleepless nights.

The Married Couple

A great gift for weddings and anniversaries taking a wry look at maintaining your relationship and getting the best from your ‘vehicle’.

All written with tongue firmly in cheek these manuals are a humorous and quirky gift and certainly made me giggle in recognition.

They can be personalised with the name of your choice which appears on the cover and the top of each page. You can also include a personal dedication on the inside front page.

It’s a fun gift for Christmas but also for other milestone occasions.

Oh My Gift have a fabulous range of personalised products that are suitable for all the family and all occasions. Put your order in soon to beat the Christmas stampede.

www.ohmygift.co.uk

 

Games for Christmas from Gibsons – a family-owned British Company

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Snakes & Ladders and Ludo

Looking for some stocking fillers that the whole family can share? Look no further than Gibsons Games, a family owned company that produces high-quality puzzles and board games. There’s nothing quite like clearing the Christmas table and settling down for some quieter pursuits and Gibsons have plenty on offer.

Gibsons have been making puzzles and games for almost 100 years and the company is still owned by the Gibson family.

A particular favourite here at Frost was good, old Snakes and Ladders – perfect for little ones and still good fun for older family members. It’s always lovely to have a game that all generations can enjoy and this fits the bill perfectly. The board is illustrated with woodland companions, plump bees, and cheerful toadstools and in place of ladders the counters climb up trees and wiggle down the worms.

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Our young testers really loved the fox, frog, rabbit and owl on the ludo board. The wooden counters were easy for little fingers to hold and move.

The double-sided board is made from high-quality cardboard with wooden counters and dice – and the all important instructions in case you’ve forgotten how to play. It’s nice to have well-loved game updated and presented in sturdy packaging that will last. One to treasure.

Gibson Games’ Snakes & Ladders and Ludo was the winner of the Right Start Best Toy Awards 2016 and has been awarded a Silver Practical Preschool 2016 Award.

2-4 players
Aged 5+

RRP £12

Vintage Kellog’s Puzzle

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The Gibsons puzzle range has grown to over 250 titles, running from 2 to 2000 pieces, with over 50 new jigsaw puzzle images added every year.

One of the new designs  is this Vintage Kellogg’s jigsaw puzzle.

When complete the 250 pieces re-create a nostalgic image of an inviting bowl of  corn flakes

The high-quality  jigsaw puzzle is  made from 100% recycled durable puzzle board and the bowl-shaped puzzle measures 49x34cm when complete.

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The puzzle is presented in a beautifully illustrated, sturdy tin, which is perfect for keeping knick knacks in once you have finished the puzzle. Or you could always keep your cornflakes in it. Tin measures 20x14x6cm

RRP £9.99

Pass the Pud

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Great entertainment for the whole family, Pass the Pud is a team game for four or more players and everyone’s nerves will be tested to the limits as they answer questions in a race against time to beat the burp. There’s nothing like time pressure to set everyone giggling and when the pudding burps it becomes almost impossible to keep a clear head to answer the questions. This is our kind of pudding – and not a calorie in sight.

Players take it in turns to draw a card from four categories. They must come up with an answer before quickly passing the pud on to the next player who must also come up with a suitable answer – and so it goes on until the dreaded ‘burp!’

The player who is holding the Pud when it burps is the loser and the rival team receives a sixpence. Once all of the cards have been used, the team with the most sixpences are the winners.

Requires 2 x AAA batteries.

4+ players.
Age 8+

RRP £17.99

All products tested were well made with clear instructions and ease of use.

There are many more games and puzzles available at www.gibsongames.co.uk

 

 

Christmas Gift List For Your Brother

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kingston8gbKingston Technology 8GB Micro SD

Because you can never have enough storage.

Kingston 8GB Micro SD is available here.

starwarspen

Cross Star Wars Pen

A great lifetime gift. We love this Star Wars click pen.

Cross Star Wars Click Pen is available here.

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Framed by Ronnie O’Sullivan 

A great debut crime novel from the sporting genius.

Framed is available here. 

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Mio MiVue 618 Dash Cam

Has extreme HD recording, GPS tracking, wide angle viewing and safety camera warning. A great present that will keep your loved one safe.

Mio MiVue 618 Car Dash Cam is available here.

 

The Luxury Christmas Gift List: The Best Gifts For The One You Love

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Jo Malone London Pomegranate Noir Home Candle

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This candle smelt so amazing the moment I opened the envelope it made me happy. Jo Malone is huge among celebrities, and this is one of those times when you really should believe the hype. Gorgeous. 200g £42.00

The Ultimate Christmas Cracker

The Jo Malone magnificent Christmas Cracker is back.
A statement of generosity and wit created in the Harlequin gold, cream and black
and tied with grosgrain.
Impactful and arresting, open it to discover an array of carefully curated Jo Malone London treats.
An extraordinary centre piece. A beautiful under-the-tree present. A lavish gift from Jo Malone London, the experts in gift-giving.
Exclusive to Selfridges.com and Brown Thomas
Available nationwide from December 2016
Ultimate Christmas Cracker
Cologne or Cologne Intense 100ml of your choice
Home Candle 200g of your choice
Body Crème or Cologne Intense Body Crème 175ml of your choice Body & Hand Wash 250ml of your choice
RRP £206-£245 / €261-€314
For stockist information, please visit jomalone.co.uk

Follow on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram @JoMaloneLondon #TheatreOfChristmas

 

Champagne Taittinger 

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Champagne Taittinger 

Taittinger Brut Prestige Rosé NV

RRP: £48.25

Stockists: Asda.com, Waitress com, Wine Rack, Majestic, JohnLewis.com, The Soho Wine Company, Amps Fine Wines, Vino Wines, The Oxford Wine Company, Jeroboams, Lea & Sanderman, Fortnum&Mason.com, www.champagnedirect.co.uk

45% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, 25% Pinot Meunier

A vibrant rosé with a vivid aroma of red summer fruit, enticing wild strawberry and raspberry dominate the stylish and elegant palate.

I love rosé champagne and this is one of the best. Just divine. 

Taittinger Prélude Grands Crus NV

RRP: £50.30

Stockists: Majestic, Harrods.com, JohnLewis.com, The Soho Wine Company, Hedonism, Hailsham Cellars, Amps Fine Wines, www.champagnedirect.co.uk

50% Chardonnay, 50% Pinot Noir

Grand Cru Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes from great vineyards with 4 years ageing in Taittinger’s cellars make this great Champagne rich, round and elegant.

This champagne is my favourite champagne. I love it beyond words. I want to become rich so I can drink it every single day. Buy this for your loved ones, but, mostly, for yourself. 

 

Maui Jim Koki Beach Sunglasses
mauijim

Maui Jim’s are one of the best sunglasses on the market. These Koki Beach glasses are pure glamour. £175

 

Maimie Silk Trousers

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Maimie Silk Trousers are the most luxurious trousers you can buy. Beloved of celebrities, they feel just as good as they look. The ultimate Christmas present for a loved one. From £240.

 

Godiva Advent Calendar

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The Godiva Advent Calendar: £23

These were devoured sharpish at Frost HQ. Luxurious, delicious chocolate that comes in a gorgeous advent calendar.

Bring a little magic into every day of December with the delectable taste of premium Belgian chocolate.

The Calendar is adorned with scenes from the timeless Christmas Classic ‘The Nutcracker’ and filled with a selection of Godiva masterpieces and this year’s seasonal collection.

From all Godiva stores and at www.godivachocolates.co.uk

The Perfume Studio – Review by Talia Lee-Skudder

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If you’re looking for a unique and fun Christmas gift idea then the Perfume Studio masterclass should be at the top of your list.

The Perfume Studio invites you to spend a day learning about the art of perfumery and creating your own unique and bespoke scent. I attended their masterclass in Manchester last Saturday, and was enrolled on the Platinum Experience which meant I got to walk away with a 20ml bottle filled with my own signature scent.

 

Guests were welcomed with a glass of fizz, or orange juice for those who weren’t quite ready to start drinking at 11 am on a Saturday morning. Once everyone had settled at their tables, the perfume stylist, Freda Rogers, gave an insight into the world of perfumery. Freda provided a brief overview of the business that has been running for more than ten years, and that has brought with it the opportunity for many to blend their own fragrances and learn about the art of perfumery.

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After a brief introduction in which we were told we would be following in the footsteps of countless celebrities who have gone through a similar experience in the creation of their own fragrances, we started the process of choosing our own scents. Individual scent cards were handed out whilst Freda described the key notes in each sample. She informed us that fragrances consist of top note scents, middle notes and base notes and the importance of each category.

Starting with the base note, this range of blends ensure the longevity of your scent and it is these notes that last on your clothes. The blends include musk, woody and balsamic to name a few. We were then introduced to samples of the middle note which set the tone of the whole fragrance and include a number of floral based scents. Finally, we sampled the top scent. This is the blend that makes your perfume instantly recognisable; although it does not have the same longevity of the base note it is this blend that is most memorable.

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We each collected our favourite blends and decided what worked well together. It is important to remember however, that creating a fragrance is subjective – so resist the urge to be tempted by what others around you like and dislike. After much deliberation, I finally decided on what blend of scents I wanted and my bespoke fragrance included woody, musk, neroli, gentle floral and fruity. The perfume stylists create your fragrance while you wait or have your afternoon tea. The 20ml bottle of your perfume comes in a cream box emblazoned with the Perfume Studio logo, a lovely keepsake from a brilliant experience.

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You can attend the Perfume Studio masterclasses nationwide as well as at the flagship events held in London and Manchester. These are group experiences. However, private consultations and events are also offered. You can find more details at The Perfume Studio

The Perfume Studio masterclass is the ideal Christmas gift. It’s a great experience for you and a friend or even to do on your own. Not only is it fun and a fab insight into the world of perfumery, but you also get to create your own bespoke perfume blend. A definite must for your Christmas lists.

www.theperfumestudio.com

Stocking Filler Ideas For Christmas

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Let’s be honest, Christmas is just not the same without a stocking. Here are our picks.

purerosehipoil

Pure Reship Oil from Nelsons

Pure Rosehip Oil is a must have. Made from 100% pure Rosehip Oil, cold pressed to create the highest grade product, the richness of the Rosehip makes it wonderful for dry skin. Rosehip Oil was also reportedly favoured by Kate Middleton during her second pregnancy making her look radiant throughout, so it’s the perfect stocking filler for those who love to take care of their skin.   

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You can even keep a cool head over the busy festive period with Rescue Plus Lozenge. Whether you’redoing final checks on the turkey or flitting between family members, ensuring their Christmas spirit is still going strong, Rescue PlusLozenge has a soothing orange and elderflower liquid centre and contains pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) which helps support normal mental performance.

 

Christmas can be a hectic time, so help friends and family take a moment to unwind and enjoy the festivities, by putting Rescue Plus Spearmint Chewing Gum in their stockings. With the act of chewing suggested to help calm and relax the mind, RESCUE Spearmint Chewing Gum, with its liquid flower essences centre, is both a handbag and desk essential.

nelsonscalendula

The winter months can often be harsh on hands and skin, so treat your friends and family to Nelsons Calendula Cream in their stockings this Christmas. Containing natural extract of calendula and known for its skin conditioning properties, it will leave their hands and skin in tip top condition, ensuring they look and feel their best throughout the festive period.

RESCUE, Nelsons arnicare and Nelsons Calendula are all available from Sainsbury’s, independent pharmacies and health food stores, grocery stores nationwide and online at www.amazon.co.uk.

We are fans of all. 

lordandberrylipstick

Lord & Berry Crayon Lipstick

Lord & Berry 20100 Lipstick Crayon’s are streamlined lipstick pencils, the perfect size to fit in your travel makeup bag. They’re small in size but pack a punch with colour. Perfect stocking gifts.

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by Sainsbury’s Small Hot Water Bottle with Socks

We really loves these. So comfy and fluffy. from sainsburys.co.uk

retrosweetshop sweetshopcollectionsainsburys

By Sainsbury’s sweet shop
Great retro sweets in great jars and a caddy. A good gift from sainsburys.co.uk

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by Sainsbury’s Copper Coated Measuring Cups

Take the guess work out of cooking with these beautiful, yet functional measuring cups. From sainsburys.co.uk

pawpaw

Paw Paw Papaya

A great moisturising balm from Australia. Enriched with Bio Active Manuka Honey 20+, this is a topical balm that soothes, relieves and moisturises dry, sensitive skin. Great for chapped lips. It has no parabens and no sulphates. It can even be used on children and those with eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis.

jojoba-rosehopoil100nartual

Jojoba 100% Natural Jojoba + Rosehip Oil

Wonderful stuff that makes a difference to skin. 100% natural. Great for dry skin, strechmarks, scars and hair. Can be used on all skin types.

moustachewax

PMB Moustache Wax

One for the well groomed men. Pall Mall Barbers Sandalwood & Clove Moustache Wax

A must-have product for men with facial hair, the moustache wax is designed with only the finest ingredients in mind. Naturally found in essential oils, our firm hold wax helps keep your moustache fixed in place all day long, as well as helping to moisturise and neaten the facial hair. Developed with their classic signature London barber fragrance of sandalwood and clove, skin is left with a subtle scent lasting all day long.  Available from Pall Mall Barbers stores and http://www.pallmallbarbers.co.uk

 

No Stocking would be complete without some sweet stuff. We recommend…

mrstanleyssaltedalmondbrittle

Mr Stanley’s Salted Almond Brittle

A bit different and very yummy.

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Mr Stanley’s White Chocolate Matches With Popping Candy

Unique and delicious. The popping candy is very subtle.

saltwatertrufflefudge

Mr Stanley’s Salted Chocolate Truffle Fudge

These were wolfed down quickly at Frost HQ. The best fudge we have ever tasted.

mrstanleysgreatgummygingerbreadmen

Mr Stanley’s Gummy Gingerbread Men

Original and they taste great.

All from mrstanleys.co.uk

 

fichialrum

Carluccio’s Fichi Al Rhum

Chocolate coated fig, rum and walnut bar. Wonderfully boozy. Perfect for Christmas. A winner.

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Swizzles Drumsticks

A classic.

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Swizzles Drumstick Squashies

Another classic but with a (relatively) new twist. We LOVE these.

 

The Best Books For Children This Christmas

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the-taleofsquirrelnutkinby-beatrixpotterspecial-edition thetaleoftomkittenspecialdeditionby-beatrixpotterBeatrix Potter Fashion Designer Collection

Five of Beatrix Potter’s best-loved tales with new covers, notes and endpapers from influential fashion designers including Henry Holland, Preen and Orla Kiely. The perfect stocking-filler.

The Tales of: Squirrel Nutkin, Peter Rabbit, Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle, Tom Kitten and Jemima Puddle-Duck
£6.99 each

We particularly loved The Tale of Tom Kitten, designed by The Rodnik Band and The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin, designed by Preen. Gorgeous covers and classic stories. 

The Tale Of Squirrel Nutkin and the other Beatrix Potter Designer Editions are available here.)

#beatrix150

myencyclopediaofveryimportantthings

My Encyclopaedia of Very Important Things. For little learners who want to know everything. 

A really wonderful book that entertains and educates in equal measure. Perfect for inquisitive children, it has great photography and illustrations. It also supports the KS1 National Curriculum. Divided into six sections: my planet, places, animals, people, me and other very important things. A great book.

My Encyclopedia of Very Important Things is available here.

legostarwarsbuildyourownadventure

Lego Star Wars Build Your Own Adventure 

A real treat for the over-8s. Lego Star Wars Build Your Own Adventure includes a rebel pilot mini figure and exclusive Y-wing Star Fighter. It also has tips and ideas on how to build other LEGO Star Wars models. It has over 50 building ideas. Will make your child’s eyes light up on Christmas day.

LEGO Star Wars Build Your Own Adventure is available here.

howtobeacat

How to be a Cat by Lisa Swerling & Ralph Lazar

Children can be a lot like cats. They love milk, always sit in boxes and love playing with string. This a fun and happy book. Great illustrations and observations. From the super successful husband and wife team Lisa Swerling & Ralph Lazar.

How to be a Cat: The Definitive Guide is available here.