Christmas

Christmas Special - For Pets

Here at The Amazing Blog we all are big pet lovers. Our lives would be half empty if we didn’t have our little furry friends with us. Dogs, cats, rabbits; they’re all part of the family and naturally, when December comes, we put all the effort we can into finding them the best present ever. With our suggestions, your best friend will be totally spoiled this year.

I think we can all agree that Christmas is a snuggly time of year, but why should that just apply to us humans? Help your pooch to get cosy with a new blanket from The Stylish Dog Company.

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They have a huge selection and we’ve never seen anything more stylish and comfy for our pets. Their collection of Fur Dog Blankets are available in a range of colours, from the lightest cream to a darker chocolate, offering an option to match your decor. Whether you own the smallest Chihuahua in the world or a mastiff, The Stylish Dog Company created 4 sizes of blankets to suit every dog. We didn’t mention cats but we are 100% sure they’ll love it too. All the blankets are available here for £49.

If accessorising is more your thing, this year you can do something special for your dog and for hundreds of other puppies by customising a unique identification tag from Hashtagdogtag. They support Pup Aid, which helps to fight against puppy farming.

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With an impressive array of tag styles to choose from, including various shapes, hashtags, materials like  brass, aluminium or copper and sizes from small to large, you're sure to find something to suit your pup. Find out how to create a bespoke treat for your pet here, from £14.50.

We all know that dogs aren't just for Christmas, and Ruby and Duke offer the perfect year round present for your canine pal in their monthly boxes. After all, why should we be the only ones to enjoy the fun of subscription boxes?

On Ruby and Duke's website you can activate the best plan for you. If you’re not sure, start with a 1 month subscription and once you realise your dog loves it, you can go for a 3 month subscription or even 1 year (that's next Christmas sorted too!). Every box is packed to offer the right amount of fun, with products always safe and created for your dog welfare. Usually a box includes 4-6 food items and toys approved by professional…dogs. The price is very affordable, from £20 for a month, £18.50 per month for 3 months and £17 for the whole year. Sign up and order your box of canine goodies here.

This year, it seems as though we're going to have more of a 'Wet Christmas' than a 'White Christmas', and Long Paws offers the perfect gift for those fussy pets who would rather not get their fur wet - MacPaws. Special raincoats that can be easily folded and kept in a small bag, they're practical and look super cute too.

Pack it up before a long walk, just in case, and once dirty, just pop it in the washing machine. Available in 6 sizes, their colours are so pretty, we’d love to have some human sizes as well! Keep your dog warm and dry, and pick up your own MacPaws here for £7.99.

It's all weel and good buying your dog lots of material treats, but understanding their needs is also crucial to having a happy pooch. Thankfully, Tony Cruse, dog lover and dog trainer, wrote a little manual to help us out. With ‘101 Doggy Dilemmas’ he teaches how easily we can misunderstand our dog’s signals. 

From the reason they destroy the garden, to why they like to chase the postman, this book is a valuable support not only if you’ve just decided to get a puppy, but also to improve the behaviour of a long time family dog. It is available in kindle edition and paperback for £2.99 or £7.99 here.

With these sweet gift ideas, Christmas is sure to be a wonderful time for all of the family, even our lovely canine companions.

Christmas Special - For Him

We don’t know why but all the amazing girls at The Amazing Blog find it tough picking the perfect gift for a man. We might have found the way that can save you from buying your boyfriend just a pair of socks this Christmas due to last minute struggles.

Let’s start from the inner artist that every man masks in his core. If in the past months he’s been bagging you to visit Dismaland, Banksy’s theme park, or his main talent is drawing on walls, L&S Prints Banksy cushions will keep his creativity alive and satisfied.

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Signature pictures and Banksy’s quotes replicated on a black, white and red base collection. Young choice on a not too serious sofa, these cushions are the extra touch of folly a stylish house always needs. The fabric is so indulgent and soft it can easily be considered as the best company for sweet dreams. they’re all completely machine washable, the colour won’t fade and will stay bright and vibrant as the day you bought it. Available in two sizes here for £10.99 and £12.99.

From Ross&Ross Food arrives something that – we still cannot believe it – has never seen before: The Homemade Curing Kit. Imagine having for breakfast free range eggs and bacon? Not so difficult, is it; but what if we say that for your bacon you can go better than your local grocery shop?

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Finally awakening the farmer in you, curing and producing your own personal bacon becomes possible with this kit. Everything you need is inside, included gloves, a little hook and mixes for smoked, sweet and original flavour. The instructions are pretty clear but some extra help can be found on their YouTube video. The entire kit is available here for only £20, just improve it with your favourite piece of pork!

Question. What’s men best ally and personal pride? Not his car as many could think but his beard. For Christmas you can show him how much you care about it with Annabel James  Shaving Gift Set.


It contains all the essentials for an impeccable shave. After using the pre-shave treatment, one of the famous Edwin Jagger brushes, made with natural badger hair, not too rigid and soft enough to caress his skin, will evenly spread the shaving cream. Indispensable to avoid redness and dry skin, the aftershave lotion also included. All the products are in a practical sample size and wrapped up with an elegant Edwin Jagger ribbon. Let him feel like the groomed king of the manor every day, this fantastic set is available at £18.50 here.

We all love a man that takes care of himself, however, when they take longer than you to perfect their hair, it becomes a bit of an issue. Which is why Jamie Stevens has created the MR collection designed to combat hair loss, grooming for men couldn’t be easier.

We tried the Thicker, Fuller, Stronger collection and within days, the girls were envy of the men in the office’s new hair locks. The MR Collection features three categories, Thicken, Style and Disguise and can be bought here individually from £10- £18.

We have the right gift if your Mr. Right thinks that a perfect Christmas night means sitting around the fireplace and the taste of great whisky in his hand

Formahouse  selected from SPARQ Home the newest and most unusual whisky rocks; the collections we love the most are the Holiday Set and the Man’s set, of course, keeping your whisky cold enough, for the perfect drink.

They are all made by recycled soapstone and will keep your drink nice and cold without water. They can also be used with hot drinks as they’re microwave-proof. The Holiday Set (snowflake, Christmas tree and ginger-man) is available here  for only £15; same price for the Man’s set available here.​ 

Christmas Decoration Special

It’s that time of the year again and The Amazing Blog is thrilled to be surrounded by festive wreaths and decorations galore! Whether you still need to buy the last of your presents or just need a bit more inspiration to win the annual “best Christmas home”, this is the post for you.

We don’t know if you live in a compact flat or a huge mansion, all we know is that there is always space for that extra little decoration. And what screams Christmas more than little sprigs of holly adorning your front door? We’re talking about Anjo Home Wreaths and our favourite of the collection is Light up White Christmas.

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A stunning and classic wreath to hang on the doorstep, it gives a warm and welcoming arrival for all of your guests. You can buy it here for £34.99.

 

We have fallen in love with Melody Maison Christmas Decorations and as soon as we saw Glitter Pine Cone Christmas Heart Wreath we just knew we had to share it. It's perfect to hang up in your living room to give your home a Christmas cosy touch.

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Made with real pine cones sprinkled with a touch of glitter and snow, we feel this is a must have to complete your festive pad. Grab yourself a jolly bargain here for only £9.99.

For some family fun, The Christmas Rag Wreath Kit is perfect to get everyone involved in the decorations. Christmas is all about spending time with your loved ones and Clare Love has created a variety of decorations kits to do just that.

 

Simple and easy to make, all you have to do is knot the pre-cut fabric strips onto the willow wreath to create a gorgeous embellishment to hang on your door ready for Santa Claus to arrive. We adore the traditional colours. Join in with the festivities here for only £17.50.

 

Now we know that Christmas is not all about the presents, but we just can’t help but get excited when we get to open them! Scentered has come up with the great idea of bauble packaging for Christmas, a perfect way to hide your Scentered gift you got for your loved one.

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The beautiful packaging comes in all different colours so you can decorate your tree colour coordinating whilst hiding little treats inside. That way no one will be able to find them – The perfect hiding spot! Grab your hidden treat here for £14.50.

 

If you are patriotic at heart, these are the perfect decorations to be hanging on your Christmas tree. A reminder of all the British icons, Rigby and Mac have made these unique decors, to give you the perfect British traditional Christmas.

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Made of blown glass, these fragile decorations are beautifully detailed replicas of the red post box and Big Ben.  Also available are the red London bus and iconic telephone box. Purchase these beautiful decorations here ranging from £3.95-£4.95.

For something a little more traditional to hang on your Christmas tree, Black By Design has introduced a new set of Christmas Baubles to give your tree some extra personality.

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The decorations all comprise of Nativity Christmas characters such as Jesus, Mary, Donkey and The Three Wise Men, these will definitely get you and your family in the Christmas spirit. Made of blown glass and hand painted with great detail, why wouldn’t you want these for your home? Get the collection here for £120 or individually for £14.50.

If you want to stray away from tradition this year, why not grab yourself a colourful tree from Acorn & Will. Available in a number of lurid colours, these innovative firs are made from recycled tinsel! Mix and match the colours, or get a few of the same to go with your colour scheme – either way, we think these are a fantastic addition for a more modern Christmas.

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The trees come in three different sizes, so they’re perfect as a centerpiece, or sat on the mantelpiece. Add some bright festive cheer to your house, and pick up one of these tinsel treats here. Prices vary from £4.95 to £6.95.

It’s not Christmas without a Snow Globe to shake around. At Lime Lace, we have found the perfect cosy globe to give the final touch to your home.

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The Eskimo Snow Globe features two little girls all wrapped up, shielding from the freezing snow that glistens around them, creating a nostalgic feel to your home. To add this little décor to your winter wonderland, purchase here for £11.95.

 

As much as we love receiving Christmas cards from friends and family it can be hard finding them a home. This is where Red Lily has come up with the perfect idea. The Reindeer Card Holder will help you organise all your cards whilst having them on show for everyone to see.

 

Easy to mount on the wall, this metal Reindeer comes accompanied with twelve pegs to hang your cards. In the dark and cold evenings, light it up for the ultimate Merry Christmas. Get yours here for £33.85 or without the fairy lights for £24.90. 

These decorations will be sure to give you that festive feeling in your own home. 

Christmas Special - Hampers

It is the season for giving, so here at the Amazing Blog we have compiled our favourite Christmas hampers. These indulgent and useful festive hampers will wow your friends and family, and even make the perfect treat for yourself.

 

Stuck for a thoughtful Christmas gift? Look no further. Family and friends will be unable to resist the Festive Warmer Hamper from Spicers, a willow basket full to the brim with enticing sweet and savoury snacks. This perfect mix and match will come in handy right before and after you Xmas dinner. With the whole family reunited, watching festive movies, dreaming about Santa, kids will be happy to share mince pies, small bites of fudge, smoked almonds and toffee popcorn while the adults can enjoy a nice glass of merlot.

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If you think you can handle all these special treats what you need to do is click here and this basket full of goodness will be yours for £42.30.

We don’t know why but the first thing that comes in mind when someone talks about Christmas is chocolate and wine. Let us prove it different with The Regency Hamper Real Ale. For sure not a common one and definitely for grown up only. A fine selection of ale and bitter accompanied by smoked beef, game terrine, cheese, oatcakes and sweets.

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What makes this gift set not ordinary is that you’ll have the option to customise and personalise the ribbon with a dedicated message. Buy it online to get a 10% discount; this tasty fest is available here at £73.55

Need a boost of energy after too many nights out and dinners not so light? If your body is asking for some post Xmas detox treatments, spoil yourself and friends with a healthy hamper from Twinings.


The Twinings Taste Experience includes all the natural herbs and ingredients to purify your body after festivities gluts. It contains so many varieties of tea, we’re sure it’ll be a gift that will accompany you until New Year’s Eve. From the more traditional breakfast, earl grey and Darjeeling tea, without forgetting that is still holiday time; indeed in the basket Twinings incorporated selection of sweet options like chocolate, caramelised apple and Moroccan mint flavoured tea.
Do not suffer from Christmas pudding nostalgia and click right here to get your tea box for £80, plus a tea filter, a cup  with wooden rest and a tea tidy.

If you’re looking for something a little less decadent, but equally delicious, then the Milly Green Embossed Christmas Tin of Biscuits is the perfect way to say Merry Christmas. The sweet tin is adorned with all sorts of cute British illustrations, and would make a great keepsake box when the holiday season is over. The biscuits inside probably won’t last past Christmas Day, so once they’ve all been scoffed, you can pop all your special Christmas trinkets inside.

The moreish Double Chocolate Chip and delectable Stem Ginger and Lemon Biscuits are so delicious, we can’t think of a better gift to show you care. This would be ideal as an office gift, or one to pop in the stocking. Grab a tin of these delectable Christmas cookies here for £11.99.

We think having one of these hampers will transform you Xmas 2015 in a unique experience; having the 4 of theme will just make it the best of your life!

English Wine Tasting Tours

Here at The Amazing Blog, we love a nice glass of wine at the end of the week, but as the Christmas season is upon us, we felt it was appropriate to kick it up a notch in the tipple department. English Wine Tasting Tours makes the perfect gift for a loved one who appreciates a good grape. And with next year’s tours starting in May, it’s sure to give them something to look forward to when those post-Christmas blues inevitably set in.

We all have someone near and dear who probably considers themselves a bit of a wine connoisseur, so why not treat them to a tour next year, where they can opt for a jaunt in either the Kent or Sussex countryside. They’ll be able to taste some delicious, authentic English wines and ciders whilst eating gastronomic treats, away from the city smog and traffic, on a unique and authentic day out that I’m sure they’ll wish to repeat every single year.

 

Leaving from London Bridge, the Kent tasting tour has two main stops: the Hush Heath Estate, producer of the Balfour Brut Rose’ and the Chapel Down Winery, which specialises in sparkling wines and Curious beers & cider, much appreciated by the likes of Gordon Ramsey and Jamie Oliver. With 18 different wine and cider samples to sip on, and a pitstop at the Goudhurst Inn for a tasty lunch and a selection of English cheeses, they’ll feel spoilt rotten.  Of course, no two grapes are the same, so they may prefer to taste what Sussex has to offer. The Sussex tour journeys to the Bolney Estate vineyard, famous for it’s environmentally friendly ethos, where not only great grapes are welcome but even butterflies, rabbits and dragonflies. Not too far from Bolney, they will get to know the Bluebell Vineyard and its love for traditional English sparkling wines as well as tasting delicious hand harvested grapes, nurtured with as little herbicide as possible. The day finishes in a nice gastro pub for a hearty meal that perfectly pairs with a newfound favourite wine. As an added perk, English Wine Tasting Tours offer a 10% discount to customers, so they can grab a bottle of the best wine England has to offer for a little less.

 

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Give the gift of wine this Christmas, with Sussex and Kent tours costing £89 each, from here. Or take the stress out of guessing and grab a gift voucher, here, and your loved one can pick the perfect date for them.  And if you can’t wait until May, check out these videos from the tour to tide you over in the meantime!