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

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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

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...