Gift Guide For Mums

MG's birthday is coming up soon. And she won't be upset if I admit this but she is notoriously difficult to buy for. You go to suggest something and she turns it down, or, you try and hunt for clues as to what she might want, and she immediately thwarts your attempts. It can sometimes be a nightmare.

If, like me, you are always pulling your hair out trying to decide what to get your mum (or another female relative) for their birthday, I thought I'd put together a little collection of ideas that will hopefully give some inspiration and make the process a bit less tricky.

1. Afternoon Tea: I did actually buy this for my mum one year, and she really enjoyed it. She pootled on down to London to The Ritz and enjoyed a day out and a bit of afternoon tea and cake with one of her friends. Sometimes it's not about actually giving somebody a gift, it can be about giving them a memory that will stay with them. And particularly if your mum is the type that doesn't really spend time treating herself, a gift like this is perfect to give her a little bit of a pamper.

2. Ted Baker iPad Case: PG actually treated mum a bit earlier this year and bought her an iPad Mini, I think he was a bit tired if her wanting to steal his tablet all the time so bought her her own (I'm a bit jel!) So an iPad case is actually something that I wad really considering getting her for her birthday, and the Ted Baker ones are so cute that it was hard to resist. They are such a pretty accessory to carry your iPad round in, and the assortment of colours mean there'll be one to suit every mum's taste.

3. Lolita Wine Glass: I just think the glasses by Designs by Lolita are gorgeous. They've been a constant presence on any mental gift list (although I only own one myself...I need to look in to that.) They come in so many different designs, and the brand also does shooters, pilsner glasses and champagne flutes, so regardless of your mum's tipple of choice, there's bound to be a glass and style that suits her personality.

4. Make Up: MG's never been a big make up wearer, but with mine & Boyfriends nuptials peeking out from the future, I think it might be time to help mum invest in a beautiful high-end lipstick so that on the big day she feels like a D-iva! Every time I walk past the beauty counters in the department stores in town, I am dazzled by the pretty packaging and sumptuous shades of lipstick that I see. If your mum deserves a bit of a pamper, and she's not normally a make up wearer, a designer lipstick is a really lovely present for her to pull out on special occasions, and enhance her beauty.

5. Scarf: Scarves are brilliant. They come in so many different shapes, sizes and design that you can never have too many (in my opinion.) Even if your mum doesn't war that many scarves, they are a brilliant piece to add to her wardrobe. Not only  do they accessorise an outfit, but they can also be tied round the handle of her favourite handbag to add a bit more Ooomph. 

6. Sweaters: Now if ther's anything my mum loves, it's a sweater. And especially if that sweater has a cute picture, or some embellishments. In her job, she likes to be as comfortable as possible, whilst still looking smart and fun. There have been quite a few years where a cute sweater has featured as part of her birthday present, and if I'm ever out/online shopping and spot one, I just can't help but pick one up for her.

7. Theatre Trip: This is actually something that MG,PG, Boyfriend & I are doing already. For her birthday, MG really wanted to see Les Mis. I - of course - agreed immediately, hand flying in the air "pick me, pick me," but PG & Boyfriend weren't so keen. So, for her birthday outing, me and MG are going to see Les Mis, and PG & Boyfriend are going to see The Woman in Black. Then afterwards we are meeting up for tea. Just like the Afternoon Tea option, going on a trip, whether it's to the theatre, or the zoo, or for a picnic in the park, memories can be such strong gifts to give.

Any gift ideas for mums? Share them in the comments below.

Father's Day Gift Guide

If you live in the UK, Father's Day is only just around the corner (next weekend) and if you're still trying to think about what you can get your dad for his special day, or lacking in an inspiration, I have compiled a few gift ideas for you to think about. 

I've always been a strong believer that buying gifts should be a really personalised experience for the recipient. You may have to think for a while about what they will appreciate the most, but there will always be something - no matter how big or small a gift - that will fill them full of joy. 

Papa Ginger, for example, has always been an appreciator of a fine beer. He scoffs all the time (along with Boyfriend) at my beers of choice. Treating him to a pint glass like the one above, particularly one with a funny message, would be something I think he'd really enjoy. 

If you are feeling in more a creative mood, making or customising a gift always adds a really personalised and meaningful touch. It doesn't have to be anything huge. How about selecting a few of your favourite photos of you and your dad and displaying them in a frame? Or if you like to express your creative side, find your sketching pencils, paints or pastels and create your own masterpiece. One of my sketches is up on the wall in PG's study, and knowing it's up there and he enjoys it so much really fills me with a warm fuzzy feeling. 

Does your dad always start the day with his hot drink of choice? How about an upgrade on his tea/coffee-making device? It can be a bit more of a pricey gift, but if you know it is something he will appreciate and use daily, you will definitely get bank for your buck. Before you know it, he'll be a barista in training!

They may seem like very traditional gifts, but I quite like the nostalgic-feel of giving the gift of a tie or dressing gown. Maybe it's because I love to lounge around in mine so much, or maybe it's because deep inside I'm a little Ginger Granny who loves to be cosy all the time. Either way, if your dad's dressing gown looks as though it's seen better days, or he works in a job where he needs to war a tie, treating him to some new apparel could be the perfect gift. There are some really, really lovely colours, styles and designs out there to suit all price ranges. Finding a luxurious looking tie or dressing gown will help your dad feel very much like the dapper superhero. 

Papa Ginger doesn't drive, but if your dad does, how about an experience day driving a fast car? He will feel like James Bond/ an F1 star in the making. I know that if you're in the UK, Red Letter Days & Buyagift offer a range of experiences to choose from (I've used Buyagift in the past.) From Supercars, to tanks, to adventure days gal;ore. If your dad is a bit of a daredevil, an experience day will definitely get that adrenalin pumping. And if it's something you can do together, it'll be a marvellous way to create new memories! 

If you are a GoT addict, please raise your hand. Yep. Me too. And I am not ashamed. If your papa is a Game of Thrones devotee too, then why not treat him to a series boxset or two. That way he can re-live his favourite episodes....Especially in the long wait that there usually is between seasons. They do like to keep us wanting more, don't they?

Personalised gifts are one of my most favourite things to shop for. Something that is quite an ordinary gift can be instantly given a sentimental touch by adding a special message, quote or date. Two of my favourite ideas for dads (aside from the beer glass) are a good watch, or a keyring. A lovely-looking timepiece with a little message personal to you and your dad will always have special meaning, and the keyring option he will see every time he goes open the car or unlock the house. With so many different choices, and price ranges out there, you can really go to town creating a very special gift.

What are you getting your dad this year/? Any other cool ideas, share them in the comments below.

Beauty by Ginger: February Favourites

I am a self-confessed creature of habit. I have the same routine in the mornings, I always drive the same route into and back from town, and I always shop for products that I know....

Until recently.... 

I don't know what happened in the new year, but I had this moment of thinking "You know what...It's time to branch out..." And so, I did! 

These are some of the products I have LOVED using in February (and January too.) They are a firm part of my current beauty/pamper routine, and I wanted to share these finds with you, because, well, I think they are just bloomin' lovely! 

LUSH Ro's Argan Body Conditioner: I first came across this product in a gift I was given for my birthday, and it was love at first smell. This product is absolutely GORGEOUS! It is packed full of nourishing ingredients that make your skin feel soft and beautiful, and smells divine....I'm not good with describing scents, but this smells scrummy! Not overbearing in anyway, but subtle, and a bit sweet. The smell lingers on your skin for ages, and I always catch whiffs of it during the day. Sometimes I use it as a moisturiser as well as an in-shower/bath body conditioner...I am literally obsessed! 

Benefit They're Real mascara: If you want super long, super thick,. super sexy lashes, look no further! I cannot sing the praises of this mascara enough. When I was on holiday over Christmas, I saw this, but could NOT justify buying it when I already had a mascara on the go. But last month, I got a voucher, and KNEW I HAD to get my hands on it! And I'm sooooooo glad I did. My lashes look so good wearing this. It makes my eyes look bigger and pop out of my face! My night out make up is not complete without applying this...and there is no need for me to break out the false eyelashes, which is good, because I'm rubbish at applying them anyway! 

MAC Lipstick "Dubonnet": I used to stick to nude lipsticks all the time...drawn to them like a moth to a flame. I could never find that perfect red shade (being ginger, you have to be careful...Too bright = CLOWN!) When I was in London during December, I popped into Selfridges, and was colour matched to this shade, and now, it's a staple for a night out look. Wearing this colour makes me feel like a Vamp, and ramps up my confidence to 150%! 

Ted Baker Body Spray: This was a body spray I got as part of a set for my birthday. It has not left my handbag since!! It is the perfect size to carry around with you, and smells really fresh and fruity. When I've used it with the other products in the set (all with the same scent), I find myself constantly wanting to smell myself (I refrain from it though.) The scent stays with you all day, and it makes me think of Spring and Summer, and beautiful sunny days! 

Tesco Sugar & Spice Candle: Once upon a time, I was doing my food shopping in Tesco, and I thought it would be a good idea to look in the home section. There I found this gem! I had bought a candle from the range before ("Princess") and LOVED it. But this one, I LOVE even more. To me, it smells like gingerbread men and cinnamon. A bit of a Wintery scent, but when you like in England, and it's still freezing outside, it's nice to bring in a bit of warmth and cosiness to your home. And this definitely delivers. Having this burning in the background in the evening whilst you chill out on the sofa with the scent of cinnamon and spices floating into your nostrils is sheer perfection....Ahhhhh!!!

Armani Code: Spotto had this perfume when we went away last year, and I instantly fell in love and felt a pang of jealousy that it belonged to her and not me. When my Alien ran out, I was a free agent, and went on the prowl for this perfume. I found it on the ferry, we had a brief encounter, and it came home with me, promising to be mine until the bottle was empty....I can't even describe how this perfume smells. All I can say is that I love it, and to me, it smells like perfection. The staying power on my skin is great, and wearing it just makes me pretend that I am a mysterious Bond girl....which is a good thing by the way...not insanely weird!

St Ives Apricot Scrub: I have a confession to make. I am 26 years old and still get spots! Goshdarnit!!! I also have really sensitive skin, which never helps in my quest to find blemish busting skin solutions. I saw this scrub, and decided to just give it a go. It claims to be "Blemish Fighting", and to be honest, since using it, my skin seems to be getting a lot better! It doesn't dry me out, or react with my skin, and I use it 3 times a week at least. I really wish I had discovered this before. It seems to be a bit of a knight in shining armour at the moment. 

Share your February Favourites in the comments below. It's good to share...who knows, there may be a new product that you discover and want to give a go! 

Ginger x