The Ingenious Gifts & Gadgets Blog

Our Favourite Childhood Books for World Book Day

We're having a poll in the office on our favourite childhood book for World Book Day. What is your favourite?

It’s World Book Day on Thursday 7^th March and to celebrate it, we’re having a poll in the office on what our favourite childhood novel was. Perhaps you loved the classics, or maybe you were into your fantasy tales and adventures?
 
After scratching our heads and thinking back to our younger days, our favourites include:
 
Stig of the Dump – Clive King
The Secret Seven – Enid Blyton
The Famous Five – Enid Blyton
Mr Pink-Whistle - Enid Blyton
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl
We're going on a Bear Hunt – Michael Rosen
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe – C.S. Lewis
Charlotte’s Web – E.B. White
 
Enid Blyton seems to be a favourite author or ours in the office – but do you agree?
 
Let us know what your favourite Children’s book was that you grew up with by leaving a comment below. We always love hearing from you.
 
Don't forget to take a look at our whole range of Books which includes humourous books, computing books, home and garden books as well as many more.
 
Happy reading everyone!

Distinctive Short & Long Socks – School, Regimental, Colours & Club

Show off your Old School, Regiment, Colours & Club membership with these Short and Long Distinctive Socks.

Love your socks? Our Distinctive Socks are a fun and discreet way to show off your old school colours, regiment or club membership – and we have a great variety to choose from. Some are so popular, we even offer these in two lengths – short and long which all come in one size (6-12).

Armed Forces and Regiments Socks
Were you in a regiment or part of the Armed Forces? Our Distinctive Armed Forces and Regiments Socks include Royal Air Forces, Parachute Regiment, Royal Navy and much more.

Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders
Black Watch
Guards
Gurkha Brigade
Honourable Artillery Company
King’s Royal Hussars
Light Infantry
Parachute Regiment
Rifle Brigade
Queen’s Royal Hussars
Royal Air Force
Royal Army Medical Corps
Royal Artillery
Royal Engineers
Royal Green Jackets
Royal Corps of Signals
Royal Horse Artillery
Royal Logistic Corps
Royal Marines
Royal Navy
Royal Scots Dragoon Guards
Sandhurst post 1953
Special Forces Club

View Armed Forces and Regiments Long Socks >
View Armed Forces and Regiments Short Socks >


Schools/Colleges Socks
Did you attend school at Ampleforth, Eton, Charterhouse or Downside? Relive your school days with our Distinctive School Socks. There are 60 schools to choose from:
 
Abingdon
Ampleforth
Blundell’s
Bradfield
Bromsgrove
Bryanston
Canford
Charterhouse
Cheltenham
Christ’s Hospital
Clifton
Cranleigh
Downside
Dulwich
Eastbourne
The Edinburgh Academy
Epsom
Eton
Felsted
Fettes
Glenalmond
Gordonstoun
Haberdashers’ Aske
Haileybury
Harrow
King’s Canterbury
Lancing
The Leys School Cambridge
Loretto
Magdalene College Cambridge
Magdalen College Oxford
Malvern
Marlborough
Merchiston Castle
Millfield
Milton Abbey
Merchant Taylors’
Oakham
Oundle
Oxford & Cambridge
Pangbourne
Radley
Repton
Royal Agricultural College
Rossall School
Rugby
Sedbergh
Sherborne
Sherborne (City)
Shrewsbury
Stonyhurst
St Edward’s
St Paul’s
Strathallan
Stowe
Tonbridge
Uppingham
Wellington
Westminster
Winchester

View Schools/Colleges Long Socks >
View Schools/Colleges Short Socks >
 
 
Clubs Socks
Were you a member or still a member of a Club such as Eton Ramblers, Eton Vikings or even St Moritz Tobogganing Club? Stay true to your Club with our Distinctive Clubs Socks which include the following:
 
Eton Ramblers
Eton Vikings
Garrick Club
Hawks
Harlequins
Zingari
Royal Automobile Club
St Moritz Tobogganing Club

View Clubs Long Socks >
View Clubs Short Socks >


Colours
And for something different, we even offer ‘Colours’ too.

Snooker
Rowing Pink
Red & Yellow
Green
Yellow
Red
Croquet
Fuchsia
Port/Starboard (one of each)

View Colours Long Socks >
View Colours Short Socks >
 
 
Take a look at our whole collection of Long Distinctive Socks and Short Distinctive Socks where you can view the design of each.

Top 10 Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

Here are my top 10 Mother’s Day gifts for mums of all ages, for 10th March 2013.

Mother’s Day is just over 2 weeks away and we have hand-picked a fabulous collection of beautiful and unusual gifts to spoil your mum this Mothering Sunday on 10^th March.
 
Mother’s Day has come to be known as a day of celebrating and honouring mothers and motherhood, so why not show your mum just how much she means to you by choosing one of our gorgeous gifts for her.
 
From stylish jewellery to gorgeous ‘smellies’ and not forgetting our Personalised Gifts to add that unique touch, we have something to suit all mums.
 
If you are stuck for ideas, then I’ve compiled a list of my top 10 gift ideas for any mum…
 
Top 10 Mother’s Day Gifts
 
1. Personalised Calendars – Best Mum
2. Yummy Mummy Message Mug
3. Fairy Cake Bath Set
4. One in a Million Message Teaspoon
5. The Little Book of Earrings
6. Keep Calm and Carry On Biscuits
7. Boxed Personalised Champagne
8. Perfume Pendant
9. World’s Best Mum Notepad
10. Penhaligon’s Scent Library
 
Remember – there are over 100 more ideas in our Mother’s Day category so make sure you take a look and get your mum a really special treat.

Preview our new Spring Essentials Collection

Take a sneaky peek at our brand new Spring Essentials Collection - with over 75 new lines for the home, garden, DIY and travel.

Today I have glimpsed my first Daffodil buds popping up through the soil so I know Spring is definitely on its way – and so are our new Spring Essentials Catalogues which will be landing on doormats any day now.
 
We have added over 75 brand new practical and useful gadgets and accessories to our collection – from household problem solvers to health and lifestyle essentials.
 
Firstly, I think everyone who takes photos should have one of our Picture Keepers to back up all your photos. The Picture Keeper is the simplest back-up device capable of holding up to 8,000 photos. Take a look at our video to see it in action.  
 
And speaking about clever products, anyone who has a chimney should invest in a Chimney Pillow which will help reduce heat loss and save you money, especially during these cold winter months.
 
If you are a fan of Lid Sid that appeared in our catalogues late 2012 then say hello to Hotman™ Pot Holder who looks like, and is as much fun as, Lid Sid. Hotman™ will hold your hot pot whilst protecting work surfaces, being the perfect companion in your kitchen. 
 
Another of my favourites has to be the Hedgehog Dryer Balls (mainly because I absolutely love hedgehogs). This pack of 2 will soften your clothes and fabrics naturally in the tumble dryer.
 
Finally, if you love your music then listen to your iPod in style with these Tangle Proof Zip Earphones - 2013 Gift of the Year Winner for Fashion Jewellery and Acccessories. You will never have tangled earphones again with this clever zip up design that also allows you to unzip them fully to share your music with friends.
 
Don’t forget there are plenty more new gadgets and accessories to check out. Have a look at our full Essentials Spring Collection here.

Perfecting those Pancakes on Pancake Day

Here's my top 5 tips to make the perfect pancake this Pancake Day...

Pancake Day, or Shrove Tuesday falls on 12^th February this year, and is one of my favourite days of the year – mainly because it involves eating! Traditionally, Shrove Tuesday was the time of using up all your butter, eggs and sugar from the larder, to mark the start of Lent, but it seems like today it is all about making the best or eating the most pancakes (they are rather yummy)!
 
So why wait to make pancakes until then? You might as well get some practice in and show off your superior pancake making skills on the day and impress all your friends and family – there’s only one week to go!
 
Here are my top 5 tips to make the perfect pancake…

1. Make your batter and leave it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before cooking for best results
2. Use a non stick pan – this will help stop your pancake sticking at crucial moments, especially when you are ready to toss
3. Get the pan really hot before adding lard or butter
4. Don’t touch the pancake – leave it to cook before tossing or flipping to avoid breakage when your pancake is in mid air
5. If planning on tossing your pancake, make sure you toss confidently in one movement to avoid it landing on the floor!

You can add all sorts of toppings to your pancake, from lemon and sugar, to maple syrup, or even nutella for those chocoholics. Let us know your favourite pancake topping. Mine has got to be lemon, sugar and maple syrup – delicious!
 

Valentine's Day Gifts for Him and Her

Spoil your partner this Valentine’s Day with our wonderful collection of romantic and personalised gifts.

Valentine’s Day, on Thursday 14^th February is fast approaching and is the day where you can show your love and appreciation for your boyfriend, girlfriend, husband or wife – or even a potential valentine with a romantic gift.
 
With plenty of romantic, fun and personalised gifts to choose from, Presents for Men offers a whole collection of Valentine’s gifts to mark this special day.
 
If you’re looking to spoil your wife or girlfriend, nothing says ‘I love you’ more than a personalised gift. Our range of romantic personalised gifts include We First Met Here Jigsaws, as well as Personalised Cava and Silk Rose.
 
However, you could always give her the ultimate pampering day with the gift of relaxation with a fabulous selection of ‘smellies’ including our gorgeous Primrose Path Bubble Bath or our beautiful Handmade Fruit Soaps (Gift Box of 3).
 
Buying a gift for your husband or boyfriend can be difficult on all occasions, let alone on the most romantic day of the year. That’s why we’ve carefully selected a whole range of interesting and unusual Valentine’s Day gifts, including gadgets, books, socks or ties that will suit the man in your life and show him how much he means to you without being too soppy!
 
Some of my favourites include our Wobbly Whisky Tumblers or Watch Cufflinks which make brilliant gift ideas that he can use time and time again. You could also add a bottle of Personalised Malt Whisky or choose our Whisky Tasting Kit to complement the Wobbly Whisky Tumblers.
 
Don’t forget to look at our whole range of Valentine’s Day Gifts to ensure you find something that extra special.
 
Happy Valentine’s Day Shopping.
 

January Catalogue Code Prize Winner

Find out who our latest winner of out Catalogue Code Prize Draw is...

You’ve all been busy over the last 6 months submitting your catalogue codes with your online orders. The catalogue code prize draw was made on the 15^th January 2013 and we’re pleased to announce we have a winner. Congratulations to Miss Angela Cromack. I hope you enjoy choosing your £250 worth of products from our website.
 
Thank you to everyone who entered their catalogue code into the prize draw.

New Spring Travel Paraphernalia Collection Preview

Take a look at our brand new Spring Travel Paraphernalia Collection with over 50 new lines added.

Our brand new Spring Travel Paraphernalia Catalogues have landed and they are packed full of all sorts of ingenious travel gadgets, essential travel accessories and various types of clothing to suit holidays and short breaks abroad and in the UK. Plus we have added over 50 brand new lines to the collection so don’t forget to take a look at what’s new.
 
So whether you are escaping in search of some much needed sunshine, or off to the country we have lots of practical products to make life easier and more comfortable. 
 
Some of my favourite new lines include Tan Safe™ ideal for holidays at the beach. This clever container looks just like a normal bottle of suntan lotion, but it has a secret compartment where you can hide your cash, keys, credit cards and other valuables whilst by the beach or by the pool – ingenious! 
 
Secondly, if you suffer from circulation problems, including DVT the Airogym™ is a must for any long-haul flight, or even when sitting at your desk. You can exercise without leaving your seat and is designed to improve blood flow through the veins. 
 
If you like to keep yourself organised, especially through airports, then the Multi Pocket Organiser Jacket is a must. With 22 pockets you can keep everything from Netbooks to travel documents inside. Don’t offload – just unzip.
 
Finally, if you have no idea where to go on holiday this year and need some inspiration then Travel: Where to go When is the ultimate planner for your dream holiday. Highlighting the world’s most spectacular places and best times to visit them, why not explore the Great Barrier Reef or marvel at the Victoria Falls?
 
So come and check out what else is new in our new travel collection, and why not let us know what you think of the collection – we always love hearing from you.

Sensational January Sale Now On

Our biggest ever January Sale features up to 70% off hundreds of gifts, gadgets and accessories.

Our Sensational Sale has now started and you can save between 50 – 70% off hundreds of gifts, gadgets and accessories! It’s our biggest ever sale to date so make sure you don’t miss out on some terrific bargains – because when they’re gone – they’re gone!
 
 
We have something for everyone, to suit all budgets and tastes so why not get ahead and buy those birthday presents early and save money at the same time – or just treat yourself instead.
 
 
Check out our Sensational January Sale now.

It’s Christmas Party Time

It’s almost Party Season so get in the party mood with our Fancy Dress and Party Accessories.

It’s coming up to the end of the year, and that can only mean one thing (apart from opening presents and eating Christmas Dinner) – Party Time! I’m sure you’re all thinking of those work Christmas Parties and New Years’ Parties that are only just around the corner. However if you are struggling for costume or fancy dress ideas, take a look at my top 5 selection for guys and girls:
 

1. Passion Lip Tattoos – The perfect way to create sensational lips.
2. Coloured Contact Lenses - Change the colour of your eyes to match your outfit.
3. Mr Bean Mask - Turn up as Mr Bean, or any other comedian or celebrity with these brilliant masks.
4. Tuxedo Morphsuit - Why bother putting on a real tuxedo when you can wear this amazing all-over face and body Tuxedo!
5. Borat Mankini - Dare your friends to wear this at their party!