Archive for January, 2014

Valentine’s Day shopping trend- Blast from Past Year

January 15th, 2014

Valentine’s Day is one of the most widely celebrated festivals around the world and is considered to affect the economy in big way due to a higher spending trend by the consumers for this specific event. Every year various studies and researches are conducted by firms to analyze the spending trend among consumers related to Valentine’s Day which indicates that billions of dollars are spent each year in different parts of the world related to this day. So here we also found some interesting facts related to Valentine’s Day and thought to share with you regarding the spending trend.

  • According to an article in Telegraph, in 2013, Brits alone were predicted to spend nearly 978m pounds on their counterparts and prospective partners and the overall spending by couples was expected to rise by 10% from the previous year.

  • The study conducted by Research Company OnePoll one behalf of Travelodge also indicated that men spending would be more than women. The average spending by a man is £39.57 on a Valentine’s Day gift whereas a woman would spend £22.64.
  • Last Year the most popular gifts bought by both men and women were as follows:
Gifts bought by Men Gifts Bought by Women
Chocolates Chocolates
Flowers Flowers
Perfumes Dinner
Champaign Aftershave
Dinner Clothing
Jewelry Game
A UK City Break Cake
A spa day A Spa
Lingerie A Cuddly Toy

  • Another study by Rakutan’s Play.com suggested that a Brit spends an average of £119 on Valentine’s Day which is the global average.

  • Germany spends the least with £59 per person while 31% of Germans revealed that they actually didn’t remember the event at all.

However on the other hand the retailers are telling a totally different story. An article in Huffington Post reveals that retailers claim to see a decline in the spending against the previous year of 2012. This is quite shocking and an opposing news since the rise in online shopping for Valentine’s Day gifts among young couples and other prospective buyers is quite obvious. An online retailer at Prezzybox also confirmed that though the trend is rising but still the spending is not up to the mark from previous year.

Well these few trends of shopping on Valentine’s Day are expected to continue their flow this year as well. There might be a few ups and downs in the figures involved but overall the facts will remain constant that Valentine’s Day would bring remarkable revenue to retailers this year as well.

DIY vs. Personalised gifts

January 13th, 2014

Those individuals, who would like to get gifts that are some more special than slippers, a chocolate box or anything else that they might consider being an average gift, one need to put something creative enough into it. Two major ways of performing it are by purchasing a personalised gift having engravings or using custom messages, or by creating own gift right from scratch or to upgrade it by providing the known people with the ultimate home-made gift.  Since it is not actually an easy decision to make, it rather depends on what person’s individual skills are and the amount of time he has. It is necessary to know the cons and pros of both DIY and personalised gifts so that the right selection can be made.

On personalised gifts

 

In regards to personalised gifts, there is a genuine lack of responsibility, especially to the ones that are made by the person. Personalised gifts that are available on the leading online sites do have a unique and an assured quality, which tends to come with the brand reputation. The only responsibility that the individual has is to select what to be written on these gifts. But, picking the appropriate phrase can prove to be a tough task than anything else.

Plenty of personalised gifts comprise of metal items such as watches, jewellery boxes, trinkets, etc., things that would be difficult for the individual to make for himself, unless he is a skilled jeweller or blacksmith. No issue would be there if the individual just purchases one. But, the individual would be restricted with the items that are sold by the shop or the online store. Although most sites do sell a variety of objects, they simply might not match the individual’s creativity. In case, the individual feels that he can manage to personalise the gifts, there is nothing better than that. Most personalised gifts are inexpensive. But, they are not as affordable and cheap as the ones that are homemade. If the individuals concerns are mainly monetary, then, it would be better to select DIY. The best part is such personalised gifts can be selected without much hassle and gift delivery in UK can be done, on the specified date, to make the occasion special.

DIY gifts

There are ample of items that can be created by the individual, especially for the person, whom he wishes to give the gift. DIY gifts are unlimited in nature, and whatever, the individual wishes to can be gifted. It can range anything right from homemade candles to custom made table mats that are created from turtle shells or something that is quite unique in nature.

However, the fact is that to create DIY gifts, the individual does have to spend a good amount of time. This is one major reason for the gift to be appreciated by the receiver and for the beautiful gift that he has presented. But, in order to make the gift special, the individual should try to do something unique so that receiver appreciates for a long time.

Gifts exclusively for cheese lovers

January 10th, 2014

With New Year celebrations still going on, it is very important for people to exchange gifts with each other. One special treat that is sure to win every heart is cheese. There are plenty of cuisines that can be created with Cheese, and is sure to enhance the taste. People with plans to impress their friends, relatives, colleagues and neighbours can look for tips on the net that would help them to prepare delicious treats by using cheese and making this occasion all the more special and yummy.

Exotic gifts for cheese lovers

 

In case, the individual has a long list of people, who might be expecting some unique gift, this New Year, there are various options available that are sure to impress them. However, it is very important for the individual to first understand what the family and friends’ interest would be if a specific gift is to be selected for them. It should match their preference and taste. Only then would the gift be appreciated and enjoyed completely. As a matter of fact, identifying a love for a specific product by a person and meeting it is the right way to guarantee that it would be really a great gift that is appreciated and reciprocated. If the individual does not have much idea on cheese preparation, he/she can always refer to the net to take some guidance to prepare some wonderful cheese recipes. Alternatively, they can also book cheese hampers in UK from the reputed online stores, and have them sent on the specific day directly to their near and dear ones that is sure to be cherished for a long time.

Gift ideas exclusive for cheese lovers

  • A Cheese knife:One can gift a cheese knife that is easily available online or in any leading store. They can suit any budget and indeed the right choice for the real cheese addicts. In case, the individual assumes that others might purchase the recipient luxury cheese or other cheese related edibles, then, this knife could be the perfect option for the occasion. Another way to dedicate the gift to the receiver is by having the knife engraved with personalized message that can be a true special memento.

 

  • Larger goodies:Undoubtedly, cheese is a wonderful treat that gives plenty of wonderful tastes. It is the perfect gift for all cheese lovers, and there are plenty of products available in the market to be selected, which are sure to make the cheese board something special. A great place to begin are the beautiful handmade chutneys since they can help in elevating the normal snack into something of a luxurious treat that is deserving at New Year. High quality crackers and oatcakes including several tasty pates are sure to complete the gift selection.

 

  • Cheese making kit: In case, the recipient is interested in understanding the preparation of cheese, then, a better gift to be made is the ‘DIY cheese kit’. This is one wonderful present that not only the individual, but also the entire family can enjoy preparing delicious cheese.

 

Gift hampers: Best way to honour your father

January 3rd, 2014

Real heroes in your life

Even though you watch hundreds of films in your life, it is hard to find a real hero like your father when you take a look back at your life. Mother is the symbol of love and father is the symbol of every other factor including love in your life. Hence, you will not miss out even a single chance that you get to reward the so special hero in your life. There are several days that we celebrate every year, and one of the most respected celebration days, without a doubt, we can say that it is Father’s Day!

Wait for the great day of honour

Wait for the great day of honour with uncontrolled spirit and enthusiasm. The whole world gets ready to celebrate the day. We all know that gifts are the centrepiece of every celebration we celebrate. Hence, let us not forget the importance of online gift stores in making the celebration a grant event. The stores treat Father’s Day with excellent and exclusive collection of gifts to select from for your super hero. Make the day to honour your father something special in your life with a superb gift.

Taste of your father

Father’ Day is all about celebrating fatherhood by honouring fathers. It shows the strong influence of fathers in the growth of children, and in society. It is certainly a good idea to know about the taste of your father, and to select a matching gift. This is how you can create surprise on the special day. Never forget to gift your grandpas and godfathers also on the special day. With the gifts that really love, you can get the most valued asset in your life; that is their heartfelt blessings!!

Limitless gift options

With vast and versatile ranges of gift hampers for men, it is not at all a difficult task to shop the gift that can impress your father. You can select from candies, chocolates, flowers, sweet hampers, jewels, frames and more. You can select a gift that you feel best suit the taste of your father. Reputed online stores take severe efforts to design gift hampers exclusively for father’s day with eye catching beauty. Shopping is so easy and can get your gift hampers at your door steps. You can schedule your delivery time. Hence, place the order for your gift and schedule your delivery. Let the gift come straight to your father’s hand on the special day to double the joy and surprise.

Make use of gift card

Make use of personalized gift card with some nice wordings in it. Never seal your feelings. Open your heart and express your feelings through the words. Your message card can take your feelings, love and respect for father along with the gift. Now you can ease your burden in selecting the gift for father’s day with reputed online gift stores.

SOME OUT OF THE BOX IDEAS FOR BIRTHDAY GIFTS

January 2nd, 2014

It is the birthday of someone special. You may be tired of the usual routine gifts and want to do something unusual this year. The best way is to use some alternative or out of the box ideas to fill the birthday of the loved one with love and cheer.

Here are some unusual ideas for birthday gifts:

 

•           Something made by your hand: Knitted shawls, handmade quilts, baked cookies all made by your own hands will be prized as unusual gifts.

•            A chronicle of family history: Collect photos and information about your family and make it into a book.

•              Family recipe book: Collect memorable and favourite family recipes into a book.

•               Lessons: Gift sports or music lessons instead of gadgets for children.

•               Gift spare time: Offer to baby sit, cook a meal or clean up premises as a gift of valuable time.

•            Donate to a charity: In the name of the birthday boy or girl, make a donation to a charity which is working for a cause close to his/her heart like World Wildlife Fund or Heifer International.

•            Gift fair trade items: Most products in the market are produced by exploiting the cheap labor in countries like China and India. So make it a point to gift fair trade items which protect the rights of labor like tea, coffee or chocolate.

•              Give away your own favourite thing:  Gift away a special object you own but which you think will be appreciated by the birthday boy or girl.

•               Adventure gifts: Gift adventurous experiences like hot air balloon rides, NASCAR car racing experience, riding a fighter jet etc. For one less adventurous, gift comforting experiences like luxury massages, manicure/ pedicure or   cooking classes.

•                  Personalized photo watches: You can gift a watch that has been personalized with a photo and a special message.

 

•             Photo art: Convert a favourite photo into a piece of art, a service provided by some online sites. A digital photo can be converted into a work of art either as a charcoal sketch or an oil painting.

•             Blanket with photo collage: Convert a blanket into a giant wall hanging by imprinting a photo collage of your favourite photos on it. Choose from several numbers of photos to complete the look you want.

•             Plant a tree: To plant a tree in someone’s name is a great way to wish her or him a happy birthday. In this way, you kill two birds with one stone- help in cleaning the environment and make the recipient happy. You can also help improve someone’s life if you contribute to planting a tree through a non-profit organization.

•             Personalized wine: Choose from white or red or other types and personalize the wine bottle with your special message. You can also print you own wine label by uploading your own photo.

•             Gift the name of a star: A very unusual gift is to register with the International Star Registry and get a certificate indicating the star named for you in the name of the birthday girl or boy.

•             Personalized candy and chocolate: Get chocolates imprinted with one-line messages or candies like M&M imprinted with the name of the recipient. Pack them into birthday gift hampers.

These are a few unusual ideas to celebrate the birthday of a loved one.