Category: Top Gift Tips and Ideas

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Marvelous Mother’s Day Gifts

Marvelous Mother's Day gifts
Gifts to say ‘thanks Mum’…

I recently learnt how to braid my daughter’s hair. My technique is still very much a ‘work in progress’ thanks the the fine, unruly mop she inherited from me, but the whole experience took me back to my childhood when my own mum was learning to braid my hair. I recall wiggling and whining as she implored me to sit still while she practised tirelessly. She mastered this challenging task with perfection, and I now have a new appreciation for the time she invested. It’s these little ‘investments’ our parents make that are often overlooked until we get older and become parents too. This Mother’s Day, spare a thought for the little things (in addition to the big things) that our mothers do.  

Whilst we specialise in quality gifts for men, we try to source special gifts that are versatile enough to suit men and women. So here are ten of our favourite Mother’s Day gifts for 2016 below…

We’re also offering a $10 DISCOUNT on all orders from now until midnight, Wednesday 20/4/16.  
Use Discount Code MUM in the Discount Code field when you place your order. 

This offer can’t be used in conjunction with other offers, or redeemed for cash. But please feel free to share with family and friends:)
Sow n Sow Seeds
1. Sow n Sow Seeds $9.95 each or 2 for $15
Choose from a variety of traditional favourites and Australia Natives, such as: Trio or Herbs, Forget-me-not, Enchanted Garden, Kangaroo Paw, Wattle, Wisteria, Billy Buttons, and Everlasting Daisy. 
Go-comb hair comb
2. Go Comb $14.95
As the name suggests, this comb is small-but-mighty and an essential for every purse or wallet. 
Kobo Seeds Candles
3. Kobo Seeds Candle $44.95
Available in delicious aromas including: Catalan Calendula, Siam Poppy, Sommerset Thyme and Wild Tomato. No relaxing bath would be complete without one of these! 
Burgon and Ball Gardening Gloves
4. Burgon and Ball Gardening Gloves $41.95
The high-quality, comfortable fabric of these gloves will protect delicate hands from spiky plants and other elements in the garden…and they look pretty too!
Suck UK Bottle Light
5. Suck UK Bottle Light $21.95 each or 2 for $40
Now you can turn those empty wine bottles (with interesting labels) into beautiful lights for your table or outdoor entertaining area with these safe and handy USB rechargeable lights. 
Vintage Record Coasters
6. Vintage Record Coasters $29.95
Lovingly made from the labels of original 33lps, these coasters are a unique accessory for the home, with no two sets alike. 
Keep Calm Band Aid Kit
7. Keep Calm Band Aid Kit $11.95 each or 2 for $20
If there was ever a time to “keep calm” it’s when you need a Band Aid. This handy set of plasters are perfect for the kitchen or office draw, or even your handbag. The bright colours are also a great distraction for bumps and scrapes. 
Precision 8-in-1 Screwdriver
8. Precision 8-in-1 Screwdriver $9.95 each or 2 for $16
Every women needs one of these in their handbag. If not in their handbag, then in their desk or kitchen draw. They are only the size of a pen, but have eight different sized heads to cover a variety of jobs.
Karlsson Wall Clock
9. Karlsson Wall Clock $74.95
A stylish clock is an essential for every home, and this Karlsson Floating Stripes clock certainly ticks the ‘timeless style’ box. 
Call Key Key Ring
10. Call Key Key Ring with LED Torch $14.95 each or 2 for $25
No one likes looking for lost keys, especially when they’re already running late! The solution? Simply attach the Call Key Key Ring to your keys. The next time you need to find them just whistle or shout and the built-in sensor will activate a high-pitched beeping noise and flash the LED torch. Such an amazingly useful, thoughtful gift will ensure that Mum loves you the most!
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Handmade gift of the week: DIY nuts and bolts chess set

Now this handmade ‘nuts-and-bolts’ chess set would be a unique gift for a chess and DIY fan…

Image from www.macgyverisms.wonderhowto.com

Why we love it:
  • This is a really creative, effective use of nuts and bolts 
  • The pieces are durable and long-lasting. 
  • This is a ‘real man’s’ gift that would look great in a Man Cave. 
  • This will have you looking at the bits and bobs in your hardware store in a whole new light! 

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Handmade gift of the week: DIY Cork Dartboard

This stunning dart board serves two practical purposes: it’s a great way of protecting your walls from stray darts, and a wonderful use of corks from wine bottles…



Why we love it:

  • This piece is simply beautiful. The cork has a lovely natural, warming effect. 
  • Providing you have the right frame and mount it properly, this would be pretty easy to make. 
  • No Man Cave would be complete without one of these!
  • This would make a great gift for a man’s special birthday – 18th, 21st, 30th, 40th, 50th or 60th+
  • This makes a great conversation piece and darts is a fun, social game for men to play on a Boy’s Night In. 
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Handmade gift of the week: Jack Daniel’s soap dispenser

Every home NEEDS one of these soap dispensers – imagine the character that a gorgeous bottle like this would add to your bathroom…


Image from www.curlybirds.typepad.com

Why we love it:

  • The black and white label of this Jack Daniel’s bottle looks timeless and stylish, especially set against a white vanity. You could, however, use any other bottle to suit your bathroom decor. For example, a blue Bombay Sapphire bottle would look great in a blue bathroom, or a green Martini bottle would also make a great statement. 
  • Keep a look out for interesting pumps on soap dispensers in discount or secondhand stores. Metal pumps offer a premium look. 
  • Soap dispensers don’t just belong in the bathroom – this dispenser would also look great at the kitchen or laundry sink, or you could even fill with shampoo, conditioner and body wash for your shower. 


Check out our other handmade gifts here…

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Handmade gift of the week: Wine bottle and glass holder

If you’ve ever tried to juggle several wine glasses and a bottle of wine at the same time, then you’ll appreciate this handmade gift. This is an essential gift for entertaining at home and outside – simply grab the neck of the bottle and off you go… 


Why we love it:

  • If you’re just getting into woodwork and have a few of the basic tools, this this a great project to try. A simple stain looks great to finish this piece, but you could play around with different paint colours, patterns or even use stencils to decorate your holder – your imagination is the limit!
  • You could personalise this with a message or monogram for the recipient. 
  • This would make a fabulous wedding, engagement or housewarming gift. Add some nice glasses and a bottle of wine to complete the gift! 

Check out our other handmade gifts here…

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Handmade card of the week: Birthday present card

We love simple handmade cards – I would challenge anyone to make a version of this beautiful card. 

Image from www.jaymamalme.blogspot.com.au

Why we love it:
  • This is a super simple card that anyone (even kids) could make thanks to the easy shapes. 
  • This is a great way of using up left over wrapping paper and ribbon. 
  • This card would suit anyone – man or woman – of any age, depending on the colours and patterns you choose. 
  • You could hand-write or print the ‘Happy Birthday’ text, depending on the look you wanted to go for. 

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Gift wrapping idea of the week: DIY Fruit

Fruit isn’t just for eating…it’s also for wrapping presents!


Why we love it:
  • Fruit is bright and colourful – how could anyone not love a gift wrapped in these vibrant colours?
  • Using boxes as the base for this type of wrapping is a great idea, especially when you need to glue on seeds, etc. 
  • Kids (of all ages) will love this type of wrapping – it appeals to their imaginations 
  • The bright primary colours are suitable for a boy or girl recipient. 

Check out our other gift wrapping ideas here…

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Handmade gift of the week: DIY Charging Station

Most houses have at least one device (mobile phone, tablet, etc.) that needs to be charged on a regular basis. But what happens if you have multiple family members all vying for the same power point? This is a great idea that keeps all of your devices safe whilst they’re charging…



Why we love it:

  • Desk organisers are pretty easy to come by these days, with most discount department stores offering pretty comprehensive and stylish stationery ranges. This is a great way of re-purposing a gorgeous wooden desk organiser. 
  • We particularly love the white-washed wood finish of this desk organiser. 
  • This project very cleverly converts a standard power point into a USB power point, but you don’t need to go to this extent – simply creating a dedicated charging box with cords that remain with the box is a big step in the right direction to get more organised at home. 
  • All your devices will remain charged and ready to go when you leave the house since they have a dedicated spot when you’re at home. You’ll also know where they are – instead of having to hunt around the house for your phone before you go out. 
  • You devices will be protected – no more stepping on a device charging on the floor. 
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Gift wrapping idea of the week: Kraft paper with yarn ball

Grab a ball of yarn, some kraft paper and a marker and have some fun with this idea…


Why we love it:
  • Lots of people would have yarn/string, plain paper and a marker lying around at home, so no fancy materials required. 
  • You’re only limited by your imagination, but if you’re stuck for ideas then this is a cool one. 
  • The red twine looks great against the natural coloured kraft paper. Pick a bold colour that contrasts with your paper if you want you twine design to stand out.