Category: Brand of the Week

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BRAND OF THE WEEK: The Bright Side

You know you’re onto some great products when you’re looking at a product range and find yourself laughing out loud. This was our reaction when we first saw The Bright Side range. The luggage strap, ‘Did Someone Say Upgrade’ was the deal-sealer for us introducing this brand to the Mr Gift product mix.

Quite possibly the funniest luggage strap around from The Bright Side’s genius designer, Rachel Bright
 
The Bright Side products are the creation of Rachel Bright; printmaker, illustrator and writer. Working as a designer and illustrator in the UK for the last 10 years, Rachel has an extensive creative background, having worked for companies such as Smythson of Bond St, Usborne Publishing, ThirtyThree and Richmond County Council. Rachel has also done commission illustration work for Bristol Design Guild and Charnwood. Two children’s books have also featured amongst Rachel’s latest projects. We love the humour and quirky style Rachel brings to The Bright Side range. 

 
 
 
 The Bright Side’s iconic ‘Man Tins’, from $19.95
The Bright Side specialises in unusual, yet useful products: from homewares such as Man Tins, coffee cups and the hilarious Emergency Man Fuel beer glass to the We’ve Got a Bleeder sticking plasters for little bumps and accidents and the Man Lists notebook – there’s something that every man would find useful (and a bit funny too!).
 
The perfect glass for your next ‘beer emergency’
 
 




This plaster (band-aid) kit will make you sore from laughing – a unique, useful and funny gift 

For a gift that will put a smile on your recipient’s face, you can’t go past The Bright Side. 

SPECIAL OFFER: Receive FREE DELIVERY on all Mr Gift orders placed before 5pm Thurs 31/1/2013. Simply enter Coupon Code 2013 when you checkout.
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BRAND OF THE WEEK: Moleskine

Moleskine products “represent, around the world, a symbol of contemporary nomadism”. Moleskine.

Great artists and thinkers such as Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Ernest Hemingway, and Bruce Chatwinwere the inspiration behind the classic black-covered Moleskine notebook. A small French bookbinder used to produce a simple rectangular black notebook with rounded corners, an internal expandable pocket and the signature elastic page-holder. For over a century, this artisan book maker supplied a number of stationery shops in Paris, where many of these artists shopped and purchased their notebooks. These notebooks became constant companions to this set of artistic avant-garde icons, capturing their innermost thoughts through notes, stories and sketches.
 

By the 1980s, these little black books had almost become obsolete, but their scarcity had been noticed. Bruce Chatwin shared the story of the little black notebook in his book, The Songlines. The shop where he usually purchased his notebooks from in Paris only had a few books left. After offering to purchase 100 notebooks (enough to last a lifetime) he soon learned that the bookbinder who made the books had died and the company had been sold by his heirs. It was Chatwin who named this notebook Moleskine after the French name, carnets moleskines which referred to the black oilcloth binding.

A decade later, in 1997, a small Milanese publisher revived this iconic notebook and named it Moleskine. The Moleskine brand has built a reputation on good, old fashioned quality and the range has been extended beyond the humble notebook to include diaries, planners, stationery, bags and other office accessories, as well as the popular Passion Journals.
 

Despite the dizzying pace our world moves at today and the constant evolution of technology, Moleskine has forged a firm place in the hearts of people who appreciate quality, and the simple pleasure found in the smell of paper.

BUY NOW and receive FREE DELIVERY on any Moleskine product purchased before 5pm Mon 10 December 2012. Simply enter coupon code MOLESKINE when you place your order.

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BRAND OF THE WEEK: MAN LAW

The MAN LAW mantras are as follows:

1. Grilling is ALWAYS the first choice of cooking!
2. Cutting meat to check for DONENESS is like sawing down a tree to find its age.
3. A garnish is a bad disguise for not buying enough food.
4. Two months’ salary is a small price to pay for fireworks.
5. Vegetarianism is to be encouraged, as it leaves more meat for us Normal people.
6. The barbeque chef shall be kept hydrated at all times.
7. The collapse of a lawn chair by someone sitting in it is only funny if it’s someone else.
8. A proper sear negates any harmful effect of a steak falling on the ground.
9. The cheaper the beer, the more loudly you should say how cold it is.
10. Flare-ups will be handled calmly and discreetly until such time as flames spread to a national park.
11. Due to the delicate balance and concentration required, the user of a hammock should not be disturbed under any circumstances.
12. The dinosaurs are gone, so it is no longer possible to buy a steak that is too big.

Aussies have an international reputation for being BBQ Kings, so it hurts to admit that this awesome BBQ brand was developed in the US. Truthfully though, it doesn’t matter if this brand was developed in Australia, the US, or on the moon for that matter. All that really counts is that these products rock. We’ve been looking for a killer BBQ brand since Mr Gift’s inception. We’ve had lots of requests for high-quality BBQ wares and now we’ve been able to deliver!

The MAN LAW range consists of exceptional BBQ tool sets in a traditional hardwood or contemporary metal finish, as well as cool gadgets such as the Digital BBQ tongs. We also love the meat thermometers – now there’s no excuse for an overcooked steak (unless nanna requests it), which will keep everyone happy, especially the BBQ Boss.
 
 

Why we love MAN LAW:
This brand does everything it says on the packet. The products are simple, non-fuss and smartly presented in packaging that echoes MAN LAW’s sense of humour. What you see is what you get, and best of all, these tools are built to last! High-quality BBQ tools are a backyard essential, as well as a great addition to your camping box. Nothing says ‘summer’ like a good old Aussie BBQ so make sure you’re the BBQ King this year and treat yourself or your bloke to some new gear from MAN LAW.

BUY NOW and receive FREE DELIVERY on any MAN LAW product purchased before 5pm Weds 28  November 2012. Simply enter coupon code MAN when you place your order.

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BRAND OF THE WEEK: Würkin Stiffs

It was a night out that inspired the conception of the first Würkin Stiffs Magnetic Collar Stay. An expensive new shirt with a runaway collar that refused to stay in place prompted Würkin founder Jonathan Boos to quickly create a make-shift collar stay. Jonathan’s first attempt was pretty crude, but it worked. Several hours (and drinks later), Jonathan’s collar still looked pristine (even if he looked a bit worse for wear!).
How the Würkin Stiffs Magnetic Collar Stays work


 
The next day, Jonathan reflected on his creation and realised he might be onto something that other men may also find useful. He consulted his twin brother, Joshua, who was a hairstylist and constantly battled with runaway collars when he was moving around all day. Joshua was impressed with Jonathan’s concept and assisted with more research until a revised prototype was created.

Würkin Stiffs Magnetic Collar Stays in 2.5″ length $44.95


 
In the early days, Jonathan’s wife Amie and 10 month-old son Aiden drove around, selling the range to specialty stores. Since Würkin’s inception in 2006, the product range has grown to include other high-quality men’s accessories such as cufflinks, wallets and passport holders.

Würkin Stiffs Multi-plaid Square Cufflinks $99.95


 
The Würkin Stiffs Magnetic Collar Stays still remain the ‘jewel’ in the Würkin crown and are available in various sizes, including the popular 2.5” length, as well as an Assorted Sizes pack to ensure all evil collars can be tamed. Clever design and quirky packaging further confirm why the range has such a strong following in the US, and now internationally.
Why we love Würkin Stiffs: The quality of all Würkin products is impeccable (an essential criterion to get the Mr Gift Quality Gifts for Men seal of approval). Quality, coupled with the timeless styling and design makes each piece versatile and suitable for men of all ages. No stylish man would be without a Würkin accessory (or two). If you’re looking for a gift with a unique point of difference for a discerning dude, look no further than the Würkin range – you’ll be impressed, but most importantly, so will he.


 Würkin Stiffs Passport Holder with RFID technology to protect your card information $99.95

BUY NOW and receive FREE DELIVERY on any Würkin purchased before 5pm Weds 21  November 2012. Simply enter coupon code WURKIN when you place your order.

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BRAND OF THE WEEK: E+M

The unusual name behind German pen brand, ‘e+m’ derives from two words: Ehmann + Mümmler. Ehmann founded e+m in 1899 (it was known as Turnery Ehmann back then) and Mümmler is the current CEO and owner of the e+m brand today.

e+m founder, Konrad Ehmann
 

 Prior to World War II, Ehmann’s company became the largest manufacturer of nib penholders in Germany. Sadly, production was abandoned during the war, with only a few models produced after the war ended. The war resulted in a movement towards technical wood turnings, which e+m continued to focus on and produce after the war.

World War II resulted in a change of direction for e+m and an increased focus on technical wood turning
 

A desire “to keep the old traditions of classical manufacturing alive and to transform them into the modern production process” motivated Wolfram Mümmler (fourth generation of the founding family) to restart production of these unique writing instruments in 1983. Wooden pens, mechanical pencils, clutch pencils and other office accessories were developed and are now the major product lines. Once again, e+m have firmly established their place as a leading manufacturer of quality writing instruments not just in Germany, but also internationally.

Keeping it in the family: e+m’s current CEO, Wolfram Mümmler is the fourth generation of the founding family and passionate about keeping old traditions alive.
 

Why we love e+m:
e+m’s high quality products are like an unforgettable dining experience from a five-star restaurant, where only the finest quality ingredients are used. As one customer recently pointed out to us, the thick wooden shaft of e+m writing instruments are beautifully balanced and ideal for people with arthritis or limited movement in their hands and fingers. e+m’s timeless design is unlike anything we’ve come across and we’re confident that e+m’s writing instruments are gifts that will be treasured for many years to come. It’s refreshing to see a return to simple, traditional writing implements in a world dominated by computers, tablets and mobile phones.

e+m’s beautiful range of high quality writing implements


BUY NOW and receive FREE DELIVERY on any e+m product purchased before 5pm Thurs 8 November 2012. Simply enter coupon code E+M when you place your order.

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Do you know a man who needs a wardrobe make-over?

It’s fair to say that most women enjoy shopping for clothes, shoes and accessories (some a little too much!). Women seem to have it made when it comes to reinvigorating their wardrobe and buying new clothes. They have the support of fellow female friends to debate whether or not they can pull of the neon trend, as well as a plethora of magazines dedicated to the latest fashion looks clamouring for their attention.

But what about men? Sure, there are some great men’s mags out there, but you’d sooner see your average bloke at the pub discussing which cleaning products he prefers before deliberating what he should wear to his next business function with his mates. So how do men with an untrained eye put together a wardrobe that works? Enter stylist and personal shopping expert, Sally Mackinnon, founder of Styled by Sally. Sally has over 5 years’ experience working as a full time personal stylist in Melbourne. 

Sally Mackinnon – style guru and founder of Styled by Sally

Mr Gift is proud to have partnered with Sally to offer a personal shopping and styling gift voucher for guys that need a wardrobe shake up. Whether you’re a guy about to embark on a new career and need to sharpen your look, or a dad whose wardrobe needs a bit of TLC, Sally can offer a wealth of advice on outfits to suit your body type, occupation and budget in a fun, non-intimidating environment. You can read more about Sally’s service and BUY GIFT VOUCHERS here.

We had a chat with Sally about what it takes to be a top stylist and learned how her personal shopping and styling service helps her clients, especially guys. Sally also shared some of her top style tips for men this season…

Mr Gift: How did you get in to styling and what qualities do you need to be a stylist?

Sally: After working in Education for 13 years I needed a career change. I decided to follow my passion for fashion and my innate knowledge of style and what suits the body. I took the plunge, registered my business name and embarked on an extensive advertising campaign directed at my target market. So for about 18 months I ‘moonlighted’ as a stylist before building the business to the point that I could resign from my day job…and the rest is history! There are a lot of really imperative qualities you need to be a good stylist, the most important being a good listener. If you don’t listen to your clients’ needs, then you’ll have a dissatisfied client. Also, well organized; most stylists work for themselves, so it’s up to you to do everything, from booking appointments, invoicing, chasing payments, returning emails and phone calls, social media (Twitter/Facebook) and of course preparing for (and following up) the day’s client. This is a very personal job, so you have to be very personable; every day you work with a new client with different needs. You won’t get anywhere as a Personal Stylist if you can’t relate to people on their level.

Mr Gift: When we think of styling we often think of women’s fashion. However, men can also get value from the assistance of a stylist. What benefits can men expect from your styling services?

Sally: Just like women, men too can find shopping stressful and the amount of choices confusing. Men can benefit from a personal stylist in exactly the same way women do. Men can learn what cuts and styles flatter their shape. Although the variety for men is less, men can still get it wrong. I can show a male client how to dress for his proportions so that the clothing he wears creates the right impression. I show men how to update their look and how to put outfits together for a variety of purposes from the corporate office to a first date.
Men are usually pretty matter of fact when it comes to style and shopping, and want decisions made quickly. So my male clients love the efficiency of the Personal Shopping service. In 2-3 hours they’re in and out with all purchases made and their wardrobe sorted until the next season.

Sally’s top tips: “Guys, don’t forget about your shoes!” and “Have some fun with colour” this season.

Mr Gift: What’s the key thing men should focus on when putting together an outfit for themselves?

Sally: Guys, don’t forget about your shoes! Shoes really do make or break an outfit. The most expensive suit can be ruined with the wrong shoes – an out-dated style, scuffed or dirty shoes, or just the wrong style for the outfit. Dress in clothing that flatters your frame. If you’re still wearing oversized shirts and baggy jeans, it’s time to update! Modern cuts of clothing flatter a man’s physique so much better than the shapeless, oversized styles of the 80s and 90s.

Mr Gift: What’s your top style tip for men this season?

Sally: Have some fun with colour. Try a coloured jean or chino instead of the usual blue denim this Spring/Summer. A coloured pant will still work with most men’s shirts, as a navy, light blue, red, grey, white or black shirt are most commonly found in their wardrobes. Avoid wearing coloured jeans with black shoes though; a brown or tan leather shoe is a better choice or otherwise a casual trainer for a relaxed look.

Mr Gift: What’s the best gift you have:
A) ever bought someone?

Sally: I bought my husband a vegetarian cooking course for Christmas.

B) ever received?

Sally: My engagement ring

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BRAND OF THE WEEK: KeepCup Reusable Coffee Cups

My first encounter with KeepCup was when a thoughtful workmate purchased one for me after raving about hers for weeks. I was sceptical at first – surely this was just another cup to wash up? But once I started using it I was hooked. The sealable lid is obviously a key advantage. I could walk to work with my morning coffee without worrying about any spillages, and being the world’s slowest coffee drinker, my coffee stayed hot for ages. I have had my trusty KeepCup for over a year now and faithfully use it every day. It still looks as great as the day I first received it, despite countless spins in the dishwasher and microwave. I also get a kick thinking about how many disposable coffee cups I have saved from landfill over the last year.

Did you know that most disposable coffee cups are actually not recyclable? The waterproof coating made from synthetic latex and wax or polyethylene found in many disposable cups limits the recycling process. Here are some other facts about disposable coffee cups that you might not know:

Annually, disposable coffee cups account for the following worldwide:
• 4.5 million tonnes of landfill
• 54 million felled trees
• 340 million gigajoules of energy (enough to power five million homes for a year)

With confronting facts like these, it’s hard to ignore the benefits of a reusable coffee cup like the KeepCup. KeepCups are designed with the environment, consumer and baristas in mind. The KeepCup is the first barista-standard reusable coffee cup and speciality coffee roasters, Campos Coffee say, “We strongly believe this is the Coffee Product of the Year. The first Barista Standard, Australian reusable cup for takeaways. Affordable and environmental – this year, we hope to sell 10,000 of these cups to cut down on an estimated 4.65 tonnes of landfill. We are receiving excellent feedback on all fronts.”

Here are the main reasons why you need a KeepCup:
1. They are non-toxic, manufactured from polypropylene #5 – the safest food grade plastic, which is BPA Free.
2. Say goodbye to leaking coffee cups – KeepCups have a sealable lid and plug for sipper hole
3. Lid on or off, the thoughtfully designed shape is a pleasure to drink from
4. They are lightweight and stackable
5. Easy care – they are dishwasher and microwave safe
6. Perfect for travelling – fits in car cup holders
7. Perfectly sized – designed to fit under the group heads of most espresso machines.

What is the KeepCup silicone band for?
Each KeepCup has a thermal silicone band with coffee preferences debossed on it. A permanent marker can be used to mark your coffee preference for your barista.

Tip: Use a gold or silver pen to mark darker coloured bands. 
Once you’ve tried a KeepCup you’ll never want to drink out of a disposable coffee cup again!

Take advantage of our introductory multi purchase offer: 2 KeepCups for $25 (or $14.95ea), in addition to our Brand of the Week Offer.

BUY NOW and receive FREE DELIVERY on any KeepCups purchased before
5pm Fri 1 June 2012. Simply enter code KEEPCUP when you place your order.

 

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BRAND OF THE WEEK: It’s About Time

A childhood fascination with watches has become a full-time career for jewellery designer Robin Frances. Fond childhood memories of her father bringing home interesting timepieces ignited Robin’s desire to collect watches. A curiosity about the mysterious interior of the inner mechanisms of her watches spurred Robin to remove the watch casings to investigate further. The collection of cogs, wheels and rubies dotted throughout the intricately crafted Swiss movements discovered within was like stumbling upon a Lost World. It was this discovery that motivated Robin to showcase the hidden inner beauty of her watches. 

The popularity of French cuffs inspired Robin to transform her timepieces into cufflinks, from which her brand, It’s About Time was born. The majority of watches used are vintage – from the 1920s to the 1960s.

The cufflinks are sold in pairs, so Robin has her work cut out for her trying to match the inner mechanisms of the vintage watches she sources. Sometimes pairs differ slightly (although it is often challenging to spot the difference two mechanisms). However, no two pairs are alike, which adds to the unique charm of these cufflinks, ensuring that they are really one-of-a-kind pieces.

Watchmaker inscriptions appear on most pieces and include renowned names such as: Benrus, Bulova, Gruen, Hamilton, Omega, Waltham and others.

Each set of cufflinks is impeccably presented in a lacquered wooden box and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity making them the ideal unique gift for someone that is difficult to buy for.

How are they made?
Each timepiece mechanism is set on a hinged sterling silver cufflink shank. 

Caring for your cufflinks:
To keep your cufflinks in tip-top condition, store them in their presentation box when they are not being worn to prevent dust from collecting in the fine mechanisms. Any dust that accumulates over time can be removed with a small, soft brush (such as a cosmetic brush or paint brush).

What other customers are saying:
“I love the Cufflinks and my Fiancé loved them as well. He has made several comments about cherishing them for a lifetime, as well as mentioning, it’s something he can pass down to the next generation, when that time comes.”

BUY NOW and receive FREE DELIVERY on any It’s About Time Cufflinks purchased before 5pm Fri 15 June 2012. Simply enter code TIME when you place your order.

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BRAND OF THE WEEK: Karlsson Clocks

Everyone should own a stunning timepiece and beautiful clocks make excellent gifts as they combine style with function – a great idea for someone that is hard to buy for. You can never really have too many clocks, especially since they can be used in every room of a house.

With brands like Karlsson, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to selecting a gorgeous clock. Karlsson is a Dutch brand that is renowned for “good quality, stunning graphics, aesthetic shapes and innovative design”. Karlsson’s design philosophy is brought to life by the confluence of the Karlsson design team with national and international designers.

Karlsson’s collection is updated twice a year and consists of three key collections: The “Timeless Collection”, the “Time of your Life Collection” and the “KarLSson Works Collection”. As the names suggests, the Timeless Collection consists of pieces that have a “timeless” quality to them. They are not influenced by trends and feature classic styles designed with longevity in mind. The “Time of your Life Collection” features contemporary pieces that are designed to make a statement in your home or office. Unique technical features and original design is the key focus of the “KarLSson Works Collection”.

We love the high-quality craftsmanship and effortless design of Karlsson’s products, which would be an appreciated gift and a treasured addition to any home.

BUY NOW and receive FREE DELIVERY on any Karlsson products purchased before
5pm Fri 8 June 2012. Simply enter code KARLSSON when you place your order.

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BRAND OF THE WEEK: BottleHood

I have always associated Corona with lazy summer holidays, or Sunday afternoons relaxing in the sun with great company. However, thanks to the guys at BottleHood, I now associate Corona and Corona bottles with something else – recycling – or more specifically, ‘repurposing’.

Based in San Diego, California, BottleHood are at the forefront of recycling glass from beer, wine, soda and liquor bottles and repurposing them into glasses, jewellery, light fixtures, vases and more. Glass is sourced from local homes, restaurants, bars, breweries and community events and cleverly reprocessed by a skilled team of artisans. In addition to Corona bottles, BottleHood also transforms other beer bottles, spirit bottles such as Grey Goose and Belvedere, and colourful wine bottles into an assortment of must-have glasses.
Considering that it takes more than 4000 years for glass to decompose in landfill, it’s a scary prospect that around 7 million tonnes of glass bottles are thrown away in the US alone every year. Even when glass is recycled, transport and energy costs are still incurred in getting bottles to a recycling facility and then remanufacturing them. Repurposing glass is a simpler process, requiring fewer resources than recycling. BottleHood also aims to source their bottles locally, cutting down on transportation costs.
Why we love BottleHood:

It’s rare to find a brand with such a cool story behind it. Since their inception in 2009, BottleHood has been on a mission to protect the environment by reducing the amount of glass that reaches landfill, whilst creating jobs and stimulating economy in the local community. It’s refreshing to find an exciting range of products that have purpose and have been created with passion. Mr Gift is proud to exclusively retail a selection of BottleHood’s glassware here in Australia. We have just received our latest delivery with some exciting new styles (including the iconic Corona glasses), so take advantage of our special offer this week:

BUY NOW and receive a FREE Joseph Joseph Quicksnap Ice Tray (worth $14.95) with any BottleHood products purchased before 5pm Fri 25 May 2012.