Gift Guide For Cat Lovers

 

Hey guys!

 

 

If you're a regular reader of my blog or follow me on Twitter, you'll be aware of how much I love cats. I've always had at least one cat at home, and I currently have two Burmans. Their names are Tabitha and Tallulah. If you have a friend or relative who owns a cat, it might be worth getting them something cat-themed for Christmas. There are so many products out there! I've made a list of my personal favourites below:

 

 

1. Black Cat Oil Burner - £15 (plus shipping)

 

 

 

 

This oil burner would make such a great gift for someone with a cat! It is so cute and will make your home more cosy! Zenibas Attic also sells other oil burners, such a white cat one. Unfortunately, the oil burners take about a month to be made so you won't get them in time for Christmas, but you can always buy one early for next year or give one as a birthday present instead!

 

 

2. Crazy Cat Lady Post-it Notes - £6.10

 

Sorry for the terrible quality!

 

Post-it notes are a fun stocking filler for anyone who always needs to jot down ideas. I love the little cat on the corner on this one from Zazzle.

 

 

3. Cat Watch - £18

  

 

 

How cute is this watch?! I'm sure a teenager would love it! I like the fact that there isn't just one colour, so you have a variety of designs to choose from. The watches are also water resistant (so handy!) and come with a lovely 'Hello Beautiful' card.

 

 

4. Cat Art Print - £4.50 (plus shipping)

  

 

 

Oh, I can definitely relate to this pint! I'm sure I'll have 50+ cats roaming the house when I'm 70! (Sorry future husband!).

 

 

5. Karl Lagerfield Choupette Beanie - £31

 

 

 

 

This beanie is so adorable and looks super cosy too! I'd love to get my paws on it! (see what I did there?! :P)

 

 

6. My Purrfect Gift Box - Subscriptions start at £15.95 per month

  

Source: All Subscription Boxes

 

A subscription to My Purrfect Gift Box is the great gift for treating a cat lover and their feline friend. It is packed to the brim with unique products, including jewellery, purses, stationery and treats for your cat. You can get a Limited Edition Holiday Box or choose the products that will be in the box. Check out Claire's review of My Purrfect Gift Box over at PinkChickClaire.

 

 

 

Hope you've enjoyed this post and have found some gifts to get a cat lover! Apologies if you're not keen on cats!

 

 

Hasta luego!

 

 

Serena

 

 

(Top image: Gr8)

 

Gift Ideas For Students

Hey guys!

 

 

Believe it or not, students are actually really easy to buy presents for. Anything that will help them save money is always a good shout, whether that's clothing-wise, stationery-wise, or around the house. Even food is a great gift to give students - I've included a few ideas in this post.

 

 

1. Stationery

 

While most students prefer to type up all their notes on a laptop or computer, there are still some who like to use pen and paper. I personally was one of the few students on my course who wrote everything down in a notepad. Buying some stickers or gel pens can be great for jazzing up notes from lectures and seminars.

 

 

2. Hip flask

 

A hip flask is one of the best ways to save money on a night out, and I'm sure any student would appreciate getting one for Christmas. I like this one from eBay since it's pretty and so cheap - but hurry as there are only a few left!

 

 

3. Cards Against Humanity

 

It's almost inevitable that you will play Cards Against Humanity at some point during your time at university. It's a hilarious game, especially after a few drinks!

 

 

4. FitBit

 

Gym memberships can be so expensive - it's no surprise that many students complain about being unfit. Having a FitBit will encourage the student in your life to walk or run more - and these two forms of exercise are so much cheaper than signing up to a gym, plus they require you to go outside and get some fresh air, which is rare when you're studying 24/7!

 

 

5. Blender

 

A blender is great for ensuring you eat plenty of fruit and veg, especially if you live in self-catered accommodation. You can whiz up some soup in just a few minutes and save the rest for another day.

 

 

6. Food subscription boxes

 

Subscription boxes such as Graze and Degustabox are perfect for students. You'll resist the temptation to buy chocolate, sweets and crisps from the vending machines. Typical snacks in a Graze box include dried fruit, nuts and flapjacks, while Degustabox contains a whole range of snacks and drinks, for example popcorn, cereal and crackers.

 

 

7. Netflix Subscription

 

What student doesn't love to spend their Sundays binging on Netflix?! If you're the parent of a student, it might be a good idea to get a subscription to Netflix so that you can share it with them and they can save around £90 per year.

 

 

8. Hot water bottle

 

 It's essential to have a hot water bottle as a student, especially since uni accommodation is notoriously cold (yes, even on campus). I just love this one from John Lewis - it is so adorable and Christmassy!

 

 

 

Hope this post has given you some ideas of what to get a student for Christmas! Don't forget that make up, jewellery, technology, vouchers (especially for a clothes shop or supermarket), concert tickets and actual cash work well too!

 

 

Hasta luego!

 

 

Serena

Gift Ideas For Bloggers

Hey guys!

With Christmas only a few weeks away, I'm sure you're getting ready to buy Christmas presents for your friends and family. I'm starting a series of gift guides to help you, and the first one is 'Gift Ideas For Bloggers'. While bloggers love expensive presents like new gadgets and holidays, we also like little things, like stationery, books and anything that will help us stay organised. We're pretty easy to buy for. However, if you're feeling a bit stuck, this guide should come in handy. Most of the gifts I've included are under £20, but there are some that are more expensive.


1. Desk calendar - £18




Kikki-K



Us bloggers like to be organised, and what's better than a desk calendar? This calendar is ideal for splitting up time between blogging, socialising and relaxing, and a job if you have one. It comes with lots of quotes to keep you inspired.

2. The Little Book of Hygge - £9.99



Oliver Bonas

If you're a blogger, I'm sure you would've heard of the word 'hygge'. It's been mentioned so much recently, especially after Meik Wiking released The Little Book of Hygge earlier this year. In his book, Wiking tells readers how to live like the Danes, who are often viewed as the happiest people in the world. The book is filled with illustrations and photographs, and tells you how to take pleasure in the little things in life, for example hot drinks, candles, cooking and holidays.

3. #Girlboss - £7.49

WHSmith

I haven't yet read #Girlboss but I've heard that it's an inspirational read and it focuses on the director of the company Nasty Gal. It's the perfect book for any blogger who is feeling unmotivated.

4. Phone Case - £15

Etsy

This phone case is ideal for fashion bloggers.


5. Olympus Pen - £678

Jessops

I don't actually own an Olympus pen, since I'm happy with the camera I already have, but I know that the Olympus pen is on a lot of bloggers' Christmas lists this year. It's quite pricey, but definitely worth it for the high-quality pictures it produces. Oh, and it also has built-in WiFi. What more could a blogger want?!

6. Portable Charger - £11.99 (on sale, RRP £20



Amazon

A portable charger is essential for any blogger who is always on the go and has lots of events to attend and places to visit. Unfortunately, batteries don't last a long time, and many coffee shops and event areas do not have sockets, so it's handy to keep a portable charger on you just in case. I definitely need a portable charger in my life - my iPhone battery runs out so quickly.  As a blogger and freelance journalist there's bound to be something I need to photograph when I'm out and about, and if my phone and camera run out of battery I'm pretty much screwed. I did get a portable charger for Christmas a couple of years ago but unfortunately it's not compatible with my phone.

7. Cactus Plants - £21 for 10

Etsy

It is no secret that us bloggers love cactus. It looks great in blog pics and it also livens up our bedrooms and offices. Why not get a selection of cactus plants for the blogger in your life this Christmas? If you need any more inspo for cactus-themed pressies, check out this post by the Urban Jungle Bloggers.

8. Marble background - £5.14

Amazon

A marble background is a must-have for flatlays! Pretty much all blog photos have marble in the background! For more presents with a marble theme, check out my marble wishlist.


So those are some of the best gifts you could get a blogger for Christmas! Gift cards and stationery are also good options - I love the notebooks from Ohh Deer, Paperchase and Papier.



What gifts would you recommend for bloggers? Are any of the gifts I've included on your Christmas list?


Hasta luego!


Serena

Christmas Blogger Gift Swap

Hey guys!

 

 

So I know it's a bit early to be thinking about Christmas (I mean, it's not even Halloween yet!), but after the lovely Viola at A Piece of Viola announced that she was going to do another Christmas Blogger Gift Swap, I knew I had to get involved!

Viola created the Christmas Blogger Gift Swap in order to increase interaction between bloggers around this time of year. You are randomly paired up with another blogger and then have to exchange gifts. You both agree on a budget so that it won't break the bank! It sounds like such a fun idea and I'm so glad I heard about it!

 

 

So how do you get involved?

 

Getting involved in the Christmas Blogger Gift Swap is simple. Although you do have to be based in the UK, there is no limit to how big or small your blog is. Firstly, fill in the Google form. Then, once Viola has confirmed that you can participate, write a post about the swap. Just make sure you complete the form by 1st November! Oh, and spread the word by using the hashtag #apovgiftswap!

 

 

If you want to find out more, feel free to email Viola at apieceofviola@gmail.com and follow her at @violahelen_ on Twitter.

 

 

Have you ever participated in something like this before? Let me know in the comments!

 

 

Hasta luego!

 

 

Serena