Come Back Soon!

Next weekend we are going to stay with some old friends who have just finished renovating their London flat. It's been quite an enterprise spreading out over some eighteen months and it is, by all accounts, absolutely beautiful. I want to find something for the hostess to say thank you that they can keep as a house-warming gift and it's a bit of a tricky one because someone who pays this much attention to her habitat isn't going to want just any old trinkets on display. It can't be too big or over-styled. It doesn't have to match but it mustn't stand out a mile either. When William Morris (respectful pause) said: "Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful", he might as well have had this lady in mind. So I've gone window shopping and found a few lovely ideas for gifts that I hope will ensure we will be invited back....well, that and my toddler not breaking anything! 

1. Multi-coloured Cupcakes Art Print by Showler & Showler from £12.99 (unframed)

OK! I know I said not too stand out but what stylish kitchen wouldn't benefit from this classic little splash of colour. It's quite small anyway at 18cm x 24cm (which is not even as big as an A4 sheet) but there are larger versions available and the prints are designed to fit standard frame sizes. Pop it in a clean white contemporary one and wait for the gasp.  

1. Tray of Asparagus Candles from GiftIdeas.co.uk £9.95

A few years ago, a good friend gave me a single, taller version of one of these for my birthday because we had spent some considerable time together working setting up a fruit and vegetable co-op and had legumes coming out of our pores as a result. I may light it one day but I prefer to keep it on the windowsill of my kitchen along with a bit of Sophie Conran and an enamel bucket with herbs in it. I've never seen the like of it until now. In my view, this tray of miniature versions is a domestic goddesses dream. Devine as a shelf display and so perfect for your summer evening table spread. Tealights. Schmeelights! 

3. Personalised Address Stamp by English Stamp at NotOnTheHighStreet.com £16.00

This is a bit of an old favourite of mine because it pretty much covers all bases for a house-warming gift. Elegant and personal, it can top hand-written notes, stamp labels and finish off envelopes and never once fail to impress.

4. Fireside Gift Box from RE £26.00

I'm not generally one for gift baskets...unless they look like this! A simply charming box of delights from Northumberland-based home and vintage emporium RE. Each box contains an extending toasting fork, long matches in a galvanised metal container and a bag of marshmallows for toasting. Original for those blessed with a good old-fashioned open fire, I think this would also make a thoughtful engagement or wedding pressie too. 

4. London Landmark Book End from Rockett St George £18.00

I recently bought one of these as a birthday gift for my "present desert" of a brother and he actually uses and rather likes it. Choose from several designs also including The Gherkin and The Trellick Tower in a number of different colours. They are un-fussy and look really cool. Be careful though! The cost is for a single bookend which, to be fair, was made perfectly clear in the blurb, but which I completely missed. Maybe I'll get him the pair for Christmas...eek out the value of my find before the whole frustrating process starts up again. 

5. Beach Stone Doorstop by Fields of Blue at Bouf £54.00

Yes. I know. It's a giant pebble with a ring in it but you've got to admit it's a bloody magnificent thing. There are a couple of other splendid looking ones such as a bowling ball and an oak block on the site but this one has sunday lunch at The Ship in Newton Ferrers written all over it taking me back to whole wealth of happy childhood memories. It would look amazing holding open any door and my guess is, it's probably quite good at its job.

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Babies Who Lunch & Birds Who Fly

I just bought one of these Totseats £24.00 for a friend who is expecting her baby early next month. It's the sort of invaluable thing whose use you can only really appreciate AFTER you've had a baby which is why it is such a vital gift. Available in a range of lively fabrics and fitting almost any chair, this portable pack away highchair just slots into your baby bag. Put down that layette set and cuddly toy! This is the sort of thing a new mum really needs. And I was particularly pleased that I got this little beauty for a complete bargain through a half price offer on family deal site LittleBird. I've only been a subscriber for a couple of months and I've already used them twice. This is twice more than I've used a similar (discretion, valour etc.) site in the past two years! (I mean - how many electrolysis sessions and eyelash extensions does a girl really need!) A lot of their deals are confined geographically to the London region but not all - such as subscriptions and shopping offers. Anyway, I'm a fan and heartily recommend checking them out. Bon appetit!

Special Event. Special Baby

In two weeks we're off to the smoke again for the Christening of my oldest friend's daughter; the gorgeous Georgina.  Little G (as she is affectionately known) is almost two years old and I now find myself charged with the task of finding an original and meaningful gift for this very special little girl on this most special of events. Practical is (almost) totally out of the window on this one but I must confess that 'keepsakes' in the traditional sense of the word does leave me a little cold. Somewhere in between is the answer. Here are my findings...

1. Hunter First Wellies in Yellow £25.00

I recently bought a pair of these for my own daughter (now 16 months). They appeal to me not just because they are insanely cool but also because they have a timelessness about them that means that at some stage in the future they will no doubt end up in some keepsake frame of her early clothing that I will feel obliged to create for her bedroom. 

2. Cooking Play Set by Weaving Hope Fair Trade Gifts £39.50

It's not just because she's a girl! The fun kids get out of mimicry would make this lovely set of toys appeal to any child and I particularly love the fact that you can spread it out on a table top for extra authenticity.

3. Extending Ivory Pearl Bracelet by Highland Angel £22.00

I can't tell you how much I love this company's stuff. It's just out of this this world and what I particularly love about this bracelet is that it is suitable for a little girl but can become a piece of jewellery for a young lady too. Timeless genius! 

4. Dorcas The Duck Wooden Chair from The Little Ark £79.00

There are a number of different styles of this chair from The Little Ark but I've have a real obsession for egg yolk yellow at the moment. It maybe a bit of rebellion against girly pink. Choose from labradors, chickens, elephants and rabbits in a rainbow of colours and the parents will thank you because it will look classic and chic in the nursery amongst the forest of plastic. 

5. Personalised Framed Papercut by Kayleigh's Papercuts at FromTheWilde.com £45.00  

Girls names are so pretty. What better way to celebrate a new life than something that simply records the important facts. Intricate and elegant. Say no more! 

What? No Gift List.

On Saturday I shall be attending the wedding of a couple who have opted not to have a giftlist. This is highly unusual. A card containing details of a couple's gift list is as common to the invitation envelope as an RSVP postcard nowadays. It's more practical than anything else. Not doing so means you run the risk of some duplication amongst your wedding presents (it's another fondu set darling!) or worse, receiving nothing at all ; ). I'm always slightly put off by couples who ask for money to put towards something like a house deposit or the honeymoon but I do think that emerging modern alternatives can be both innovative and meaningful such as asking people to donate to a charity the couple support or to give wine or champagne to build a stable of bottles with which to launch a hundred celebrations in the future. So what to give? Especially when the couple in question seemingly have 'everything'. I've been window shopping to find some present ideas that will help push your name right to the top of the thank you card list.

1. Bespoke Sienna Bowl from Jojo Glass Design £140.00

Stylish, elegant and timeless. A total no-brainer.

2. "Nice" Biscuit Cheese Platter by Square Pear Furniture at notonthehighstreet.com £34.95

Apart from anything else, the design of this is utterly edible and the humour clear but not tacky.

3. Plans Chest Metal Top Coffee Table from The Old Cinema £595.00

Check out this site for a wealth of original, vintage and upcycled pieces in many different styles.

4. A Gourmet Chocolate Company Pizza from £7.00

Food: the second thing every couple wants when they get back to the Honeymoon Suite ; ).

5. Citrus Orange Tree from Trees Direct £49.00

Orange blossom is associated with love and commitment so you score points for originality and depth of meaning. 

Hello Baby!

Congratulations to two sets of our good friends who welcomed new little people into the world this month - a boy AND a girl! Phew! It's been quite a while since I bought anything for a newborn. I never realised until I had my own baby quite how much stuff you don't realise you need and, more pertinently, how much stuff you don't realise you don't need. Baby towels are a good example? Pourquoi? It's a small towel. Most people have an airing cupboard full of them already. And frequently, they are too small. Cuddling her up in one of these was like trying to wrap a jelly with a postage stamp. After a couple of weeks I was reaching for a big fluffy bath sheet and I have done ever since. The most practical present for a new baby, in my view, is clothing...preferably clothing that is a size 6 to 12 months beyond the size that fits them at the time. But SIDN isn't about being practical. Not exclusively anyway. It's about thrilling, stunning, "I never knew I needed that"-style gifts that really have the wow factor. Here are some firm favourites that are guaranteed to delight.

1. Odd Socks £15.00 from Sprogbox

I was given these by my mum and they are just wonderful. As well as being the most delicious combination of vibrant sherbet colours, you don't need to worry about pairing them up. You just grab a couple and go. Gorgeous!

2. Cupcake Baby Leggings £10.00 from Blade & Rose at NotOnTheHighStreet.com

My sister-in-law found these (and the red and white strawberry pair) for my daughter this past Christmas and they are every bit as gorgeous and good quality as they look. They look great alone or under dresses. I love the fact that the more she needs changing the bigger the cupcake gets! 

3. Jellykitten Busy Bug Squeaker from Baby-e £5.99

A brilliant handbag toy. These colourful bugs are the approximate length of a mobile and a baby will be  transfixed by the squeaky noise before having a really good chew on the antenna. I was given the black and white one in the centre by a friend whose son is four months older than my daughter with instructions to keep it handy and she was absolutely right. A compact hit!. 

4. Baby Blooms Baby Clothes Bouquet from £26.50

Such a beautiful and inspired gift and a great opportunity to add some colour to the wardrobe of a new baby who was an 'it' until the birth announcement was sent out. I received a massive pink version of this bouquet (and I've sent a few too). Her first pinks! The thing is, at first glance, you really do believe that it's a big posh bunch of flowers but closer inspection reveals scratch mits, babygros, vests, hats and socks all rolled up ready to be discovered. I think it took about an hour to unwrap them all and I then re-arranged the remaining foliage into a small bundle that now sits on the windowsill of my daughter's bedroom. Expect a phone call! 

5. Silhouette Print Romper from Organics For Kids £18.20

There's nothing quite as luxurious as a really posh romper suit. New babies live in cheap, white babygros for the first few months of their lives so every now and then it's nice to show them off in something a bit fancy and achingly cute. I was given a version similar to this with pink butterflies on it by a family friend and she looked absolutely adorable in it. There's a range to choose from for both boys and girls in lovely, bold colours. They make wonderful, luxury gifts. 

6. Letter Curtain Tiebacks £31.50 by Jonny's Sister

I love these. So simple and pretty and a good way to personalise a room if you are unwilling (or aren't allowed) to defile the walls. Do note that the cost is per tieback not for a set of two so you have the freedom to have more than one initial if you want or even an "&". And for those who like to go waaaaay above and beyond, matching fabric is also available if you're feeling crafty and want to run up a cushion or bolster pillow to match. 

Showcase: Roost Living

I've found a lovely online boutique called Roost Living selling an absolutely mouth-watering range of beautiful gifts and homewares. It's been ages since I've done a showcase and it usually follows that I post one when I can't choose between my finds on a single website. Here are a few of my favourite things from their very stylish site:

1. Upcycled lightshade made from vintage wooden rulers - from £320.00

2. Wobbly Bowls from £12.00

3. "Jelly" Teatowel £6.00

4. Blackwork Cushion, Square £110.00

5. Set of Three Artichoke Handkerchiefs £15.00

6. Flight of Fancy Cakestand £90.00

7. Silverleaf Bowls from £15.00

Mum's The Word

Now here's a subject I'm something of an expert on. Mums. I have one. I am one. I know loads. And while, although like Valentine's Day, I think it is a celebration for everyday, this year the appointed date is 18th March not three weeks from now. A mother's day gift will naturally be personal to the sender but there are themes that can give us some ideas. Like saying Thank You, I love you and I appreciate everything that you do for me. In my case, I have such a lot to be grateful for and it truly will be the thought that counts because no gift of any value could possibly do it justice. With that in mind, here is some last-ish minute inspiration from some of my favourite shops to help keep your Mother's Day both original and meaningful this year. 

1. Mug cosy by Bridget Wilkinson from £12.00 

2. Personalised Cotton Beach Bag from 3 Blonde Bears £12.00

3. Turn a work of art into a work of art - Lucy Made This at NotOnTheHighStreet.com - from £65.00

4. Silver Star Pearl Earrings by Highland Angel £22.00

5. Original Watercolour Landscape Painting - Steep Approach (unframed) - by Paul Bailey £75.00

6. Handmade Liberty Print iPhone Case from Wood & Willow £16.25

7. Parisienne Sewing Box from The Dot Com Gift Shop £29.95

8. Large Decorative Ceramic Plate by Rob Ryan at The Gifted Penguin £19.99

Here Comes The Bride...Again!

Yet another member of my close family has announced their engagement about which I am of course completely thrilled. It's time to find another engagement present and I've been avoiding the shops a bit recently for various reasons so let's get stuck in...and I'm striving for originality as well as desirability here.

1. Handmade ceramic fridge magnets from Jo Heckett £22.00. 

2. Sterling Silver Mussel Eaters from Gorgeous Gifts  £26.99

3. Pink Tweed De Ruig Dutch Tea Cosy £57.00

4. Bronte Spot Throw Grey/Duck Egg 135 x 185cm £79.00

5. Sun Shelter from The Glam Camping Company £240.00

6. Distortion Candlesticks from Rume.co.uk £24.00ea

God Bless You Ma'am

With the anniversary today of Her Majesty's accession to the throne and a summer full of Diamond Jubilee celebrations planned, just for the fun of it, I'm digging up some royal loveliness. Not a "Keep Calm & Carry On" motto in sight. Here are some truly original patriotic present ideas fit for a Queen. God Bless You Ma'am!

1. Karen Hilton Designs Set of 3 Cushions £94.04

2. Queen Bee Pendant With Crown by Emillina Ballerina £9.73

3. Handprinted Commemorative Cushion by HELKATDESIGN £41.00

4. Empire Ribbons (Set of 6) 150cm of each from The DotComGiftShop.com £3.95

5. Corgi Brooch by Finest Imaginary £15.00

6. Chess Piece King & Queen Salt & Pepper Grinders from Sage Inspired by Life £38.00 

7. Drama Queen Shopper from Alphabet Bags £12.00