Give the Gift that Keeps on Giving (Without Leaving the Comfort of your Home!)

It's December 18th so I'll concede that from this point in we can call Christmas gifts 'last minute'. If you, like me, have been stricken by the dreaded lurgy this year then what follows might just be the saviour you need. I've collated a few ideas for gifts that keep on giving, the gift of a subscription (with the added bonus that you neither need to get dressed, nor sharpen your elbows to get them). Shall we begin? 

1. 3fe Coffee Subscription 

Arguably the best coffee in Dublin, subscriptions to 3fe game changing java start as low as €9 per delivery, or €65 for 6 months HERE. 

Imagine going about your day safe in the knowledge that a loved one is less likely to commit GBH because she's had her fix. That's money well spent in my humble opinion. 

2. Blooming Lovely ~ Bouquet Box Subscription

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You might have seen this past fortnight that the very generous Gal, Amy, at Bouquet Box sent me a perfectly packaged box of flowers. It's for that reason that I can confirm, this is one of the most delightful gifts you could possibly gift. 

At €16 per bouquet HERE, you can choose to have hand cut, expertly sourced, INCREDIBLY scented flowers sent weekly, monthly or fortnightly. Truthfully, having seen just how well these bouquets are presented and having had the entire floor compliment their scent for over a week, Bouquet Box is a doozy of a self gift too. (I'm choosing fortnightly to line up with my Pay Day, natch). 

3. Magazine Subscription  

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Granted we're all fiends for the online world but, on occasion it's still rather lovely to put your feet up and not be distracted by digital notifications while you read. That's where a subscription to a mag of your pal's preference comes in. I can still remember having the Story Teller books and tapes delivered as a child, such joy. 

Stuck for ideas on which magazine they might like? Stellar is Irish and always a safe bet, chock full of deadly features, fashion and fun. You'll get a whole year AND a nifty beauty gift for just €23 HERE. 

Another all-star publication is my subscription of choice, Psychologies. I'm not exxagerating when I say this magazine has changed the way I think about a lot of issues, and certainly the way I feel about myself. It truly is the gift that keeps on giving. I use Parcel Motel to keep my costs to a minimum for delivery HERE but even so, it's worth every cent. 

4. Odeon Limitless Cinema Card

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At this stage of the game I'm guessing our grá for cinema is pretty clear. To be fair, that's almost a universal trait. Regardless of pyjama clad Netflix binges or virus clad illegal streaming people LOVE the big screen. 

An Unlimited Card from Odeon cinemas (or the closest picture house to your lucky recipient) will always be a very welcome gift. Prices start at €19.99pm and include discounted treats (such as popcorn at just €48 per kernel as opposed to €50)


5. The Gift of Giving ~ Charity Donations

iStock Source

There are few among us that don't feel the overwhelming grip of capitalism, especially at Christmas time. If your loved one is of the giving disposition then a charitable donation (or subscription) on their behalf will be brilliantly received and an endless source of warm and fuzzies for you too. 

The key is to choose a charity close to their heart. Were I to receive a gift so thoughtful I'd happily nominate one of my three go tos: 

• Childline very gratefully receive donations HERE (having volunteered with them for a year I still donate AND fundraise for them, that says a lot). 
• Give 8 Repeal 8 would be thrilled with a pledge of €8 per month HERE until the 8th is repealed. I don't know many young women that wouldn't be delighted to put their name to this hugely valuable cause. 
• Pieta House do both life saving and life changing work, of which over 85% is made up by charitable donations. Your help, in your loved ones name could literally save a life HERE. 

Tell me, anything here you think might fit the bill for that last minute gift? 

If you tell me you've finished your shopping since July though you will be blocked, just FYI xo

The Last Minute Mother's Day Gift Guide for Every Budget

Mother's Day may be fast approaching and pay day may be long gone but no matter your budget, I got you (and your mammy/baby momma/wife). The temptation to pop in an eye wateringly large bottle of gin was almost too much to resist but know this, when all else fails, gin works. Corrina has already shared the top 5 experiences for under €50 to share with do mháthair HERE so I'm rounding that off with some pretty products should you prefer. 

What to Buy Those That Already Have Everything!

I didn't go all out on the gift guides this year, figuring the blogosphere was saturated with the helpful feckers. Today, however, I thought I'd share one for those of you scrambling for the the last couple of gifts for those that seem to have everything. You know the ones (I'm one of those ones). So sit back, stop stressing and pick one of the top 15 to get you out of any gift shaped hole you've gotten yourself into. 

1. Sad Keanu Miniature: €43 Here
We all know a meme addict, we're on the internet for crying out loud. And any meme addict worth his/her salt knows of the woes of sad Keanu. What could be better for the person that has everything than a miniature melancholy Keanu. WHAT?!

2. Kate Spade 2015 Planner: €27 Brown Thomas
Much rejoicing happened this Winter as New York designer Kate Spade and all her kookiness finally got a concession in BTs. This polkadot planner is a sure fire winner. I don't think I know a pal that wouldn't love this wholeheartedly. 

3. This Works Perchance to Dream Set: €81 Here
Admittedly this set is the spendier side of the range but what better gift to give than sleep? I've extolled the virtues of this veritable chloroform in a bottle so many times and should you not be buying for a beloved, then you could easily buy the spray alone for €19. Trust meh, you'll be loved for this one. 

4. Irish Mammies Mug: €9.50 Here
Do I even need to introduce these Irish ledgebags? With seriously hilarious sayings that we recognise from our own Mammies themselves, these mugs would make a brilliant pressie for a brother, sister or pal abroad. Or ya'know LITERALLY ANYONE!. 

5. Real Leather Touch Screen Gloves: €22.85 Here
Winter winds and touch screens do not happy fingers make. That's why these 100% leather gloves are an ideal pressie for Christmas. Of course if you're on a tight budget there's a polyester pair in Penney's for €1.50 but who are you, Scrooge McDuck?!

6. Estée Lauder Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipstick Collection: €40 Here
These Color Envy lipsticks are unlike anything else on the market today. Soft, highly pigmented and luxurious on the lips they're worth every cent of their respective €29 price tag. This set of deluxe travel sizes for just €40 though? Hrrrnnnggg. (the more wiley and more popular amongst us might even buy these and split them up between four pals - not condoning, just saying)

7. Aer Lingus Travel Vouchers: Here
Got a pal with itchy feet? Or a loved one that hasn't been away in an age? This is such a handy gift to buy for absolutely anyone. Not only do you have the freedom (if you've the spends) to buy enough for a return flight but there's not many peeps that wouldn't love even €50 off an upcoming trip. Might even prompt an unplanned jaunt. You might even be invited. These vouchers sell themselves, seriously. 

8. Laura Mercier Mini Caviar Stick Eye Collection: €47 Here
I've been using and RAVING about these shadow sticks for the past week and not without great cause. In six flattering metallic shades, there's not a skin tone these wouldn't look fabulous on. If you truly want to give a little luxury for the holidays, look no further. 

9. L'Occitane Delicious Almond Collection: €59 Here
Whether buying for guys or girls, you legitimately cannot go wrong with the L'Occitane Almond collection. This multi- award winning range isn't raking in the accolades for nothing. Rich and sumptuous, the entire line is pure luxury and a steal at almost €30 off online now. 

10. Photobox Personalised Family Planner: €9.95 Here
A gorgeous idea from Irish company Photobox, you can upload photos to customise these family planners. Now 1/3 of the RRP adding separate pics to important dates will only cost you a couple of eurobux more. It's about as thoughtful as a gift can get. 

11. Google Chrome Cast: €39 Here
Not normally one for gadgets, there hasn't been a day in the past six months that we haven't put our Chrome Cast to good use. A USB receiver that plugs into the side of your TV and allows you to stream anything from any device? Genius. Even if I do have to put up with the lads rick rolling me from upstairs when I'm trying to enjoy my Youtube vids of an eve. Gits. 

12. Juice Cube Charger: €30 Here
Second only to sleep, the best (buyable) gift you can give to someone is an extra long charge for their phone imho. This dinky cube can charge a phone to 100% in record time and is small enough to fit in the tiniest of pockets so completely portable. Imagine not having to scan every room for sockets when out. IMAGINE. 

13. Charlotte Tilbury Fallen Angel: €59 Here
If you really want to wow a gal pal, sister, aunt, Mam OR yourself then look no further than the limited edition Charlotte Tilbury Fallen Angel palette. The four show stopping metallic shades can be amped up or pared back to suit every taste. I guarantee you offer up this gem on Christmas morning and you will be loved for a very long time. Loved. Long. Time. 

14. Crabtree & Evelyn Pomegranate Hand and Body: €22 Here
Not to sound too punny but this C&E Pomegranate hand cream is hands down my favourite scent of the year. Bright and floral, I find myself looking forward to the next time I can use it and proffering it to passers by my desk so that they might fall in love too. €22 is an amazing price for this entire gift and I'll be picking up a couple myself. LOVE. 

15. YSL La Laque: €25 Here
We all know I'm a little bit picky when it comes to polishes, I'm not often swayed to spend more than a tenner either, having been burned by 'prestige' brands before. YSL La Laque is different though, very different. From the weight of the bottle to the fanned brush to the stunning shade range and flawless application, I've yet to meet one of these bad boys that I didn't like. It's the little touch of luxe that I truly believe any lady would be thrilled to receive. 

Tell us, have we managed to stop you scratching your noggin? 

Is that a different post entirely? 

We'd love to know, what would you suggest for the lucky sod that has everything? 

Gift Guide for Teen Guys

They say speak from a place you know and when it comes to writing, there's little I know more about than Christmas buying for teenage hooligans. 

I've done the market research, which involved polling such as 'Here, would you like that?' over dinner and come up with 7 cracking gifts, guaranteed to please an unpleasable teen. OK, maybe not guaranteed but you won't be as much of an embarrassment for at least a day. Ready? 

1. Laundry Punch Bag: €25 Here

It'll hold their socks while they give it socks - there's not many lads that would balk at the idea of a punch bag in their room and it certainly beats a floordrobe. 

2. ASOS Black & Rose Gold Watch: €35.72 Here

This was actually on my youngest Gorgebag's list for Christmas, which I thought curious as not many teens wear watches anymore. Apparently rose gold is in for lads now though and this watch the perfect hint of the pink metal without going overboard. 

3. Gillette ProGlide Styler: €27.49 Here

Aaron has been using and loving this all year long. It's ideal for trimming beards, shaping goatees or even a straight up clean shave. All that and it means my Gillette Venus haven't been pilfered since. It's an investment really. 

4. Sennheiser In Ear Headphones: €49.99 Here 

I genuinely believe I've put the grandchildren of headphone makers though college with the sheer volume of pairs I've bought over the past ten years for the lads. It truly is a false economy buying cheap and buying often so top brands, like Sennheiser here, really are the only way to go for quality of sound and longevity of wear. 

5. Grey Leopard Print Trainers: €37 Here

Imma readily admit that I want these Nike Freerunesque trainers myself, really, truly WANT but they don't have them in my size. I was lamenting that fact to Adam when his eyes lit up and I realised the Bette Lynch gene is strong with this one. According to himself, these are the bomb diggity (though he asked me never to say bomb diggity in his company again).

6. iTunes Voucher: €50 Here

Of course the denomination of voucher will depend on just how helpful they've been through the year but when it comes to vouchers and iPhone lovers, you can't go wrong with iTunes. Used for music, games and god knows what else, I've never met a teen that wouldn't gladly relieve you of one o' these. 

7. Hollister Guys Beach Vest: €89 Here

For reasons still unbeknownst to anyone over the age of 19, Hollister is the epitome of cool when it comes to teen clothing. The Abercrombie & Fitch offshoot can be extortionately expensive but these fleece lined vests are the gift that keeps on giving. What's more, there's free delivery on online orders over €50 so you'll never have to don your mining helmet to darken their already darkened doors again. YUSS!

Tell us, have you a teen to buy for, anything we've missed out? 

Brace Yourselves - Father's Day is Coming. A Gift Guide for All Budgets.

Daddy's Day is almost upon us, next Sunday to be precise, how about a couple of notions as to what you can pick up for your Pops if you haven't already? I've chosen something from all price points so hopefully you'll find something to suit if you're still searching for Father's Day. 

1. LUKE, IS MISE D'ATHAIR Tee from Hairy Baby: €15 Here

From Small to XXL and available in 8 colours, there isn't an Irish Sci-Fi geek Daddio alive that wouldn't get a kick out of this Hairy Baby special. Entering every room and pointing at his own chest with a Peter Kay grin, why would you deny your father that pleasure, why? 

2. L'Occitane Mer & Mistral. Collection €77 here 

or Buy Seperately from €8

As L'Occitane scents go, the limited edition Mer & Mistral is a strapping one. Blended with pine, cypress and rosemary, I thought of my own dear Dad as soon as I sampled it. Masculine yet fresh with lemon and tangerine top notes, I wouldn't blame you should you hand this one over like Homer giving Marge a bowling ball , it's a unisex winner. 

3. Gentlemen's Tonic Mayfair Set- Horn. €189 Here

10% Off with Code LFNEW

How about adding a little old school dappery to your Dad's shaving routine. This Gentlemen's Tonic (from the eponymous Mayfair male grooming parlour and spa) shaving set is an everyday luxury for men to keep them spruced up in style. The soft badger hair brush applies shaving foam with ease and the Mach III gives a superior shave every time. This isn't one I'd be pilfering back but you can bet your bottom dollar your Dad will love using this every day. Daily brownie points over your siblings? YAY!

4. Wrestler Bottle Opener: €4.83 Here

One of the funniest bottle openers I've seen in quite a while, who among us doesn't want to open their beers Nacho Libre style? I had never really gotten the whole masked wrestler hysteria but I do have an elder brother that bought a Mexican wrestling mask on our trip to Amsterdam a couple of years back, dubbed himself El Mexicano and photobombed everyone we encountered in the city. I am now wise to the hilarity and can't stop laughing looking at this stupid thing. I guarantee you know a Daddio that'll feel the same. 

5. Molton Brown Limited Edition Caju & Lime: From €22 Here

Molton Brown is one of my own Dad's HG brands. Birthdays, Christmas and Father's Day, it's Molton Brown he asks for. Did you think I licked it from the ground? This limited edition Caju & Lime collection is MB's offering for the World Cup Brazilian hysteria but it's the first of them that I genuinely like. Caju fruit, spearmint and lime make this fresh and zesty scent one to try. If your Dad likes his fragrances lively then this is the one for him. (Again, pilfer at will once you've bought it, this stuff is gorgeous)

You can't forget a card for the man himself and one of my favourite Irish artists and all 'round hilarious people, Twisted Doodles has an entire selection here for €2.30 each. Truth be told if sheckles are tight, a thoughtful card and a cup of cha with you is all your Dad really needs. He'd like one of the awesome gifts above but I'm sure he'd appreciate a little company regardless. 

Happy Father's Day to the Padres that have done and are still doing a cracking job. 

We salute you. 

Mother's Day Gift Guides - Whatever Your Budget - Under €20 - Under €50 - Under €100

I know a lot of you clever peeps will be well set for Mothering Sunday this week, - for those of you that aren't yet? You know it's Mother's Day this week, right? Should you be in possession of a Mother (Mother in Law/God Mother/Awesome Aunt) you might want to read on. 

I've put together a couple of ideas, whatever your budget, to show your Mamito that you love her. Of course love doesn't cost a penny and she will, most probably tell you - 'Arragh, you shouldn't have!!' but she will be grateful and you will be the favourite child. True story. 

We've spoken about or reviewed pretty much every product here before, so if you're unsure about an ingredient or different stockist just leave me a comment and we'll sort you and your Momma out. Rest your reading eyes and feast 'em upon your best buys for every budget: 

What say we? 

Of course all your Momma really wants is to spend some time with you, even if that's just bending your ear on a 30 minute phonecall home or even better a lunch somewhere swish. 

These are preeeety nice sweeteners too though, right? 

Tell us, have you bought your Mother's Day Gift yet? 

Are you a Momma yourself and looking forward to the day? 

To the Comments!

L'Occitane NÉROLI & ORCHIDÉE Joins Collection de Grasse Fragrances Just in Time for Momma's Day!

My first foray into Collection de Grasse from L'Occitane came just before Christmas last year in the shape of FLEUR D'OR & ACACIA and CÈDRE & ORANGER in this post. Now to celebrate the first anniversary of the Collection and just in time for Mother's Day the brand have collaborated again with their own Perfumer, Karine Dubreuil (FROM Grasse in Provence no less!) are introducing a new addition NÉROLI & ORCHIDÉE. 

When we're talking about this specially blended scent, we're talking fruity and floral (as the name implies) with Mediterranean Neroli  & Madagascan white orchid absolute but there's a body to it brought by the orange blossom that lends depth to the fragrance and might take some by surprise. It did me. 

Not one normally for floral fragrances, I found myself opening Néroli & Orchidée again and again, intrigued by the sensuality of the fragrance and the way it developed on my skin, Estée's Sensuous is my signature scent so I'm more of a musky, husky (not in girth), nails down your back kinda girl when it comes to fragrance but this really surprised me... until I read the actual ingredients:  

• TOP NOTES - orange, mandarin, 
• HEART NOTES - neroli, peach & fig milk and 
• BASE NOTES - orchid, musk & iris

The entire collection is set to launch March 3rd in stores and online and will include the brand new intriguing product, L'Occitane Fragrance Beautifying Cream (€30.50), that I spoke about on Instagram yesterday . 

Prices start at just €8 for the soap and work their way up to €57 for the EDT (that candle for €28 is on my list). For sweet/floral lovers Néroli & Ochidée is a no brainer but I'm going to recommend you don't write this one off as a floral or a fruity number before you actually try it. It has so much more to offer the mavens of the muskier scents too. 
What do we think? Interest piqued? Momma's Day sorted? 

Valentines for Him ft L'Occitane, Molton Brown, Sennheiser, Odeon, Netflix, Body Shop, Blue Beards Revenge & IRFU

Hands up, Ladies, I know the majority of you, that celebrate the Hallmark Holiday, have sorted your Valentine's weeks ago. For those of you, however, much like me have nowt done and could do with some suggestions. (Of course Poppa's Day & Birthdays are always cropping up too). 

1. The Bluebeards Revenge Starter Kit - (€25.95 Here)

One of the Gorgebags' favourite manly brands, this starter kit is exactly the kind of grooming your man can cut his teeth on. A taster of most of what the brand has to offer and a beard rash free fizzog for you. Score. 

2. Sennheiser In-Ear Buds - (€42 Here) (OR in store in Arnott's Dublin)

There's not many men I know that don't always need earphones, my own Pops included. Sennheiser are one of the most sought after brands in the business and that's not for nowt. With powerful sound, deep base and noise isolation, the CX300 II are about as much bang for your buck as you can get. 

3. Netflix Subscription - (from €7.99 Here)

Look, I'm not saying 'Buy the man a bowling ball' but the fact that Season 2 of House of Cards launches on Netflix on February 14th is a very happy coninkadink, OK? 

4. Molton Brown Silverbirch EDT - (€49 Here)

Again, purely conincidental but Silverbirch just happens to be one of my favourite scents in the Molton Brown range. Rich and spicy with cedarwood, silverbirch & jasmine, you're going to want to get up close and personal just for a sniff. Win/Win. 

5. Odeon Vouchers - (€10 upward Here)

Ooh a night or two at the flicks, that'd be nice wouldn't it? AND, he's probably going to want to bring you along too. Yep, it's another bowling ball. DO IT. 

6. BodyShop Maca Root Skincare Trio - (€30 Here)

If you, like me have ever walked in on your SO liberally applying your Shiseido Ibuki Gentle Cleanser by the lashing load then you're gonna want to get that man some visage wash of his own. STAT. With Maca Root and Fairtrade Brazil Nut Oil, both lads loved these washes & creams. 

7. Ruggers FTW: Misc

This is more than a suggestion to yell COYBIG. A nice little gesture for the one you love could be to buy some ticéadaí to his favourite team/sport/ball throwing peeps and accompany him to a match. This is an especially nice gesture if you can't stand the shower but short shorts and tree trunk thighs? I'll say no more. 

8. L'Occitane Collection for Men - (€49 - SAVING €28.50 Here)

Here's a little known fact about the brand I've been bigging up lately - L'Occitane do some Kick Ass Men's collections! This bountiful set of 4 luxury products is blended with lavender, black pepper, nutmeg and smoked woods and smells like MAN. As with the Molton Brown justification, you get to mooooove closer and enjoy the process very much indeed. 


Again, as with the For Her post yesterday, I'll suggest that the simplest things can be the way to go this Friday. Allow him the remote for an hour or so (don't go too mad now), bring him his brekkie in the leaba or even just turn off your mobile for the evening to give your beloved some undivided attention (I get cold sweats just thinking about that one). 

Tell us - have you bought your gift yet, will you be buying one? You know I'm nosey - you also know he's not reading...

Valentines For Her - ft Hourglass, Lush, The BodyShop, L'Occitane, Estée Lauder, GlossyBox, Chanel & ALL the Irish Mags

I'm going to try very hard not to use the word 'Self Gift' in this post but if you happen to be single on VDay or PALentine's Day this year just know that you totally deserve these gifts of gorgeousness too and should most probably buy one or all for yourself. 

With that disclaimer out of the way, MEN OF IRELAND, listen up - if you have a girlfriend and/or SO and consider yourself a pretty cool dude then she probably has great taste. These last minute Valentine's gifts are sure to earn you some brownie points - you can thank me afterwards (I prefer PayPal). 

1. Hourglass Ambient Blush - £28 Here. 

The world and her Aunty want this blush, the world and her Aunty need this blush. You don't need to know why but you do need to know that, upon review, Mood Exposure is the way to go and Space NK is the way to get it. Dogs may cower at the sound she makes when she opens this. GO. 

2. Lush Love Box - €33.50 in Store (Review Here)

We know you think the shop smells weird, we care not for these schmetails. Go to Lush, buy this box. Over 1/2 of the contents are sexy time oriented with baths, massages and whatnot. They're NEVER a bad Valentine's thing. GO. 

3. Body Shop White Musk Smokey Rose Collex - (€32 Here)

Assuming you or your lovah aren't 16, she is going to have fond memories of White Musk from the Body Shop. This Smokey Rose edit is that only sexed up - a lot. A stunning combo and the entire range for just over €30?! GO. 

4. Irish Mags Subscription (from €30 for a YEAR here)(or directly from site)

Nothing says repeat pay off louder than a gift that keeps on giving. What magazine have you spied your loved one fawning over in the past? You know what would rock her cashmere socks? A year's supply of that very glossy right to her doorstep courtesy of you. Google the site of her mag of choice to get the best sub deal and possibly a cracking subscription gift too - remember to think Irish first (as pictured) and again, I take PayPal. GO. 

5. L'Occitane Sensual Red Cherries Gift Set - (€52 here)(€25.50 off!!)

Sensual. Red. Cherries. One. Third. Off. Entire. Set. Go. 

6. Estée Lauder - Polish (€17.30 Here)

Is your gal of choice a nail polish fiend? Well then you have great taste, my friend. The nicest thing you can do for a nail polish nut is pick her up a polish she would never dare splash out on herself. Take a quick squizz at what she usually likes and find a similar colour to completely and luxuriously blow her mindhole. GO. 

7. GlossyBox Subscription - (From £30 for 3 months Here)

Much akin to the mag subscription suggestion, a sub to have a box of surprise beauty delivered to your Chica's doras every month will equally float her boat and rocket you into her good books, repeatedly. A lovely idea for beauty lovers and surprise addicts alike, you really can't go wrong with a Glossybox sub. GO. 

8. Chanel Rouge Coco Shine - (€28 Here)

There's just something so luxurious about a brand like Chanel. Again, it's something your beloved might have trouble splashing out on herself but a little black box from the man she loves this Friday is guaranteed to raise a smile if it has Chanel emblazoned across it. The Rouge Coco Shines are the easiest colours not to get wrong and most flattering on most skin tones so pick a colour you'd like to kiss passionately from her lips and enjoy. GO. 


Of course all of these suggestions are for beauty loving babes and truthfully your lady would be very happy with a fresh cup of tay and perhaps a little brekkie in bed, at a stretch a tank of petrol so she doesn't have to worry about it for the week perhaps? - Hell she might settle for you whipping the hoover about the place. But should you be stuck and wanting to impress - I can't recommend this little lot enough. 

Have a lovely evening, whatever you get up to. 

(Ladies, I'll have 
a fellas post up later, yesh?)