Tag Archives: gift

Thorntons Christmas Hero

Posted on by Abi

The good folks at Thorntons recently asked me if I’d like to play Secret Santa and gift a worthy recipient a yummy box of Thornton’s Chocolates. There was no hesitation, no moment of doubt in my mind, my Thorntons Christmas Hero had to be my Dad!IMG_5026

My Dad is a one of a kind chap. As a child he was there to clean my grazes or hold my hair back when I had the flu. He indulged my active imagination, having no qualms about running around Sherwood Forest pretending to be Robin Hood as I gleefully squealed and laughed. He was the perfect Dad in every way.

Fast forward twenty or so years and despite being retired, occasionally suffering from bad health or tiredness he’s now turned into the perfect Grandpa and Dad!IMG_5039

When I suffered ill health post the birth of my twins he took me to the Dr and held my hand as I struggled to string a sentence together thanks to extreme sleep deprivation.

When I was hospitalised with a chest infection on Christmas Eve, once again he stayed with me holding my hair as the medication did disastrous things to my stomach.

Before I learnt to drive it was a struggle to get anywhere, two babies in car seats took up the entire back row of his car. My Dad still drove me around whenever I needed him too, at family gatherings he would even make two trips to bring my husband as well!IMG_5055

As he reached retirement far from taking life easier he now takes all three of my children to dancing classes, birthday parties or to see their friends whenever I need help.

Knowing that you have such a rock of support which is only a phone call away is the most precious gift in the world and I can never truly show my Dad just how very grateful I am.

IMG_0043I hope this wonderful Family Night In bundle from Thorntons will go a little way to showing him just how much we all love and appreciate him!

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Gift Guide for the man in your life

Posted on by Abi

I think men are harder to buy presents for than women or children, partly because so many ‘manly’ gifts (tools, socks, aftershave etc) are boring and uninspired. As a general rule I want my recipient to know that I’ve considered their tastes and hobbies whenever I give a gift. With that in mind I’ve created this short gift guide full of ideas for that chap you know but can’t think what to gift.

timberland-earthkeeper-chukka-bootFor the outdoors man

For the man who likes to spend time outdoors roaming the countryside or tinkering with the car I don’t think you can go wrong with a really great pair of boots. I think this is the kind of gift which is often appreciated more during use, especially if you can find a stylish yet comfortable pair. I found these Timberland boots online at Cockney Rebel Fashions, they even have a few reduced pairs at the moment.

562978For the Gardener

Tools which lighten the load and make gardening more pleasurable can really be appreciated. I particularly love this Golden Gark Multi Purpose Lightweight Garden Rake from QVC. The ability to lift and scoop makes chores like mowing and leaf raking significantly easier.

51msJxwJjlL._SY450_For the creative man

Give your chap a brand new hobby! I really like this jar and bottle cutter from Supermarket USA on Amazon, it could be used to turn bottles into vases or drinking glasses.

p6351_column_grid_12For the smartphone fan

Smartphones are great until you get a call on a cold day and have to pull your gloves off to get the screen to respond. With these Mujjo Touchscreen Gloves from Firebox your guy can keep his hands toasty warm

p5611_column_grid_12You could even go a step further and nab these whimsical Bluetooth gloves also from Firebox, although the question of whether you might look slightly mad talking to your fingers still remains.

 

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Mattel Hot Wheels Apptivity Review

Posted on by Abi

Apptivity is a brand new idea from Mattel that allows kids to play with their favourite toys on the iPad.

When I was asked if I would like to review the Hot Wheels version of  Apptivity I jumped at the chance. My boys love both playing on the iPad and with Hot Wheels so this seemed like a great idea.

The idea is simple, first purchase a compatible Apptivity toy (in our case a small blue car) then download the free app. When the car is placed onto the iPad screen it interacts with the app using patented conductive technology. Simply put, you swivel the car on the screen to drive along the track.

I was rather apprehensive about allowing a toy to be placed onto the iPad screen, I was concerned about scratches. So far though I’m happy to report that none have appeared, although I did keep an eye that the boys didn’t press too hard.

The actual app looks very impressive, it’s graphics and content are excellent for a free game. However I suspect this was also it’s initial downfall, on an original iPad it crashes on a regular basis before you can actual do an awful lot. The iPad 2 seems capable of handling the game, but this isn’t made entirely obvious on the toy or app.

I also fear that my boys were a little too young for the game, even with my game savvy brother sitting with us we all got a little confused as to what we were actually supposed to be doing. It would have been much more fun if they had simplified the games to just basic races as far as we were concerned.

This all sounds rather negative and I must admit that I wasn’t overly impressed with the game. However my sons would tell a vastly different story. Despite some crashes, confusion and general head tapping they absolutely adore this game and ask to play with it often. They are much more forgiving of the little niggles which would stop me from playing. They don’t care because at the end of the day they get to play with a car on the iPad with cool music and great visual effects, it’s a boys dream.

As a parent you may find yourself slightly disappointed for the points I mentioned, but Mattel know their market and the child you buy it for is quite likely to be thrilled. I obviously can’t comment on the other incarnations of Apptivity.

Details

The range brings to life some of the UK’s hottest toy brands including Hot Wheels, Batman and WWE as well as extending the play value of top-selling apps such as Angry Birds, Cut The Rope and Fruit Ninja. And it’s great for all the family – there’s even an Apptivity toy for toddlers.

Single Apptivity packs start at RRP £11.99. There are also larger starter packs priced at RRP £24.99, which come with exclusive figures, amplifiers and accessories.

For more information, please go to: http://www.mattelapptivity.com

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