Gift Guide : Treats for a New Mum

Having a new baby is exciting and exhausting with the gifts often being for the new bundle of joy.  This is a time when it's also important to spoil the new mummy, who will be feeling elated that baby is here safely and quite possibly overwhelmed and exhausted too.  Having had five babies I know how lovely a box of biscuits and a bouquet of flowers can be but today I have found some alternatives to spoil the new mummy.

Gifts to Pamper

{Bloom & Blossom}{Maid In Ireland}

{One Stop Pampershop}{Blended Therapies}

Beautiful Mummy Necklaces

{Posh Totty Design Boutique}{Poppy Sparkles}

{Poppy Sparkles}{Chambers & Beau}

Some yummy treats

{Mrs Campbells Cupcakes}{Chocolate Blush}

{Original Hatbox Cake Co.}{Biscuiteers}

Finally I love this idea from The Cake Nest, a special slice of cake delivered to the new mummy once a week or once a month.  For more details visit their website.

{Gift Guide} New Home

Nice To See You Doormat by Colloco Homeware and Gifts

After all the stress of moving house, what better way to relieve the tension with a gift to welcome your friend(s) into a new home? Even if it isn't for first time homeowners, a new home is a big deal. It's a new chapter and a whole new house to fill with memories and beautiful things to create a home. A gift to celebrate this new part of a person's journey will help kickstart the creation of a home filled with love and memories.

Aromatherapy Candle by ~ Aroma Candles Ceramic Nightlight Holder by Lauren Denney ~ Ceramic Tea Light Shell by Sinead O Moore Ceramics

Candles and lights are a lovely way to create a cosy atmosphere. And, I don't think you can ever have enough candles. In fact, I prefer to have lots, so I don't feel bad burning them as I know I have plenty! An oil burner with some well chosen essential oils is a great way to help make a home your own, filling it with pleasant aromas.

Outline Vase by Mocha ~ Meadow Doorstop by SnapDragon ~ Paisley Bowl by Tina Vlassopulos

Unless you know the colour scheme, it can be tricky making purchases for a new home, but there are a number of gifts that are bound to be well received and would work within numerous decor options.



Personalised Address Stamp by Billet Doux

Lastly, how about this nifty address stamp - updating stationery can take time, but this stamp is sure to help.

{Gift Guide} Wedding Presents



Love Seat by The Other Duckling ~ Wine Rack by LOOP ~ Chopping Boards by The Oak and Rope Company 

Although many couples opt for a gift list, if they haven't or you wish to gift something that is more unique, then

there are a host of lovely ideas from independant designer makers. Traditionally wedding gifts were to help furnish a newly married couple's home, but with co-habiting more common, many couples already have much that they need. However, it is probably fair to say that much of what they own will be essentials or 'starter' items - that is, the more luxury or quality items are yet to be added to their home, so it is still worth looking at beautiful items for the home, taking your cues from the style evident in their home already



Typographic Artwork by More Than Words



Personalised items that provide a keepsake of the the wedding day are always popular and are sure to be well received. It can be worth checking with a close family member if you are unsure of any details, such as preferred names or spellings before committing to commissioning a bespoke piece. Alternatively, a gift voucher to be redeemed against a personalised piece will enable the couple to have a part in the design process, which is often as much fun as receiving the final gift.



Hammock by Garden Boutique ~ Cushions by Homemade Gems ~ Shelf Blocks By Sparrow Primitive

After the heady romance of courtship and engagement and the big special day itself, the real work begins, keeping that fire, passion and love alive. Gifts that promote cuddling, snuggling and romance are sure to be appreciated and become treasured favourites. I love the hammock and the potential for romantic stargazing it offers.

{Gift Guide} Engagement

Today I would like to welcome Viv with the first of her weekly Gift Guide posts and today she has found some fabulous Engagement gifts.

Champange cooler - Whisk Hampers  Wedding planner book - Rose Bonbon

Mugs - The Contemporary Home  Wooden blocks - Sage Inspired ByLife

Personalised heart  - Sweet Dimple   Handmade Weddings book - Lapin & Me

Whilst Engagement gifts are not compulsory, indeed no gift is, it is a lovely opportunity to celebrate the happy couple's commitment and promise to wed. With weddings often taking upwards of a year or more to plan it may be a while before you bestow a wedding gift to your friends. One of my favourite Engagement gifts was a pair of champagne glasses - I can't help but feel a little decadent sipping some sparkling Rose from my 'posh' glasses. It can be tricky choosing an Engagement gift which doesn't preempt what you may give for a wedding. Gifts which aid in the planning of the wedding are likely to be well received, probably mostly by the bride (terribly stereotypical, but you know it's probably true).

Another idea is to give something that you can then build on for your wedding gift, a sort of 'taster' of what's to come. Perhaps a set of mugs, to be followed up with a coffee maker or other associated items.

And, when inspiration is lacking or you have a couple for whom it's difficult to buy for, a bottle of Champagne is a mighty fine way to celebrate - if you're lucky, they might even pop the cork whilst you're there and share. I did say might.

Mothers Day Cards

With only six days until we celebrate Mother's Day here in the UK there is still time to order a gorgeous card from a fantastic British designer.  Here are some ideas for you.

{Sophia Victoria Joy}{Rosie Robins}

{Storeyshop}{Molly Moo Designs}

{3 Blonde Bears} {Bombus}

{Mrs L Cards} {Paper Daisy Card Design}

{doodlelove} {Storeyshop}

{Quite Contrary} {Mooks Design}

And of course don't forget to look at our

 Mother's Day Gift Guide

Gift Guide - Furniture

Sometimes there are moments when beautiful pieces of furniture make fabulous gifts. I am a big fan of the current trend in upcycling old wooden furniture in all manners of ways, especially using pattern and print. 

Wallpaper is no longer just for walls!

from Bryonie Porter

And maps are no longer just for finding our way!

from Bombus

And fabric is no longer just for fashion!

from Viva Fabric

Mother's Day Gift Guide

Back in January I shared an idea with Viv from Poppy Sparkles and after many emails and a lot of thought we are thrilled to share with you today our Mother's Day Gift Guide.  We have handpicked all the items featured and we are sure you will agree it is a wonderful showcase of British designer makers.