The perfect wedding gifts and lots more....

After a glorious April that was filled with all manner of celebrations – Easter, my birthday, and not forgetting the Royal Wedding, we move into May. I just want to take a moment to say how utterly stunning the wedding of William and Kate was, and what better way to get us thinking about all of those wedding gifts that will need to be bought over the coming months.

One of my fail-safe wedding gifts to friends has to be the Noble Macmillan Wedding Guest book – it means the couple can take away special memories and messages from friends and keep them forever. Wedding gifts are also a great opportunity to buy friends a real statement piece, such as the William Yeoward Crystal Caviar Server – which is always guaranteed to attract attention.

When I’m not buying wedding gifts I’ll be travelling quite a lot this month, in some cases for work, in others for pleasure. For my working trips I’ll be investing in the Cashmere Travel Bag from the Monogrammed Linen Shop. With a silk lined eye mask, socks and a throw this set is just what I’ll need on those long flights…

When the long flights are done and it’s time to relax I’ll be visiting Cannes during the festival, so I’ll be taking my Ileana Makri Pink Gold Diamond Earrings to give my evening outfits a real touch of sparkle, which essential for the glamorous parties I’ll be going to. For those not making it to Cannes, we have a brand new Gift-Library.com set of Hampers for your perusal – in particular take a look at the Champagne Picnic Gift Set, which is ideal for throwing a party of your own.

The set includes a bottle of Krug 1996, three champagne flutes from renowned interior designer Nina Campbell, a silver plated water jug with matching salad servers from Becara and an adorable marble heart chopping board from Daylesford Organic - this hamper is total luxury.

I highly recommend taking a look through what other hampers we have on offer, as they really do solve a whole host of gift-buying dilemmas – from the Little Girl’s Tea Party to our Luxury Men’s Gift set, we have something for everyone.

Here’s to a busy few weeks!

Caroline x

Easter is fast approaching

Hello Ladies,

Easter is nearly upon us, and I don’t know about you, but I personally love this time of year - not just because of all of the bank holidays we have in store, but it’s also a great opportunity to get together with friends and loved ones and – even better – it’s a great excuse to eat chocolate. So, thanks to a certain Mr. E Bunny I’ll be making sure there’s a Candy House Giant Jar of Speckled Eggs in the house for all of my guests to dip into during the holiday.

The kids love Easter Time, and I think Treasure Hunts are a great way to make it even more special for them. Kit them out in Hunter’s brightly coloured wellies for little feet and send them out into the garden for an adventure; they can even have a go at throwing their own little springtime tea party with Herend’s Children’s Animal Dining Sets.

For tea parties on a much grander scale, it’s also just a matter of weeks until the most anticipated wedding of the year is set to take place, and if you haven’t already caught it, be prepared to be taken down with full force by a pretty serious dose of Wedding Fever. England hasn’t been making the cucumber sandwiches and rolling out the bunting with such enthusiasm since the last Royal Wedding over 25 years ago, (not that I can quite remember that far back…) so it’s high time that we got together to celebrate this right Royal occasion.

If you’re planning on throwing a garden party you’ll simply love Kings Fine Food Hamper for all of those indulgent treats that make for a delicious feast, especially scrummy is Mrs Huddleston’s rich fruit chutney – great with a strong cheese. If the weather is looking good and you’re tempted to brave a Barbeque, the Present Time Electric Fork Thermometer is a cooking essential for all budding chefs, while for all style-conscious cooks the ‘I Rule’ Apron is not only fabulous but also fitting for the occasion. With all the excitement, don’t forget to capture some special moments with Polaroid’s Instant Digital Camera – the movie mode and timer make it perfect for a party – so kick back, relax, have fun, and smile – it’s Easter!

Have a lovely Easter!

Caroline x

Are you stuck for Mothers Day?

With Mother’s Day quickly approaching it’s time to start thinking about just what to get all the mothers in your life. Of course homemade presents from the kids are beloved by any mother. But for anyone above the age of 10, it’s a bit hard to pull of the charming arts and crafts present. Instead, consider these options to make it a Mother’s Day to remember.

Mothers to Be

It’s still a little while until these ladies will celebrate their first official Mother’s Day, but their anticipation is surely mounting. As she celebrates this Mother’s Day feed her excitement with the Year in the Life photography package from Coral Garlick. The package includes a series of portraits documenting your baby’s first year; as a newborn, six months old and first birthday.

New Mothers

After the middle-of-the-night feedings and being pulled in all directions, new mothers need a break! Boo Boo’s Congratulations Mummy Kit Gift Goodies is perfect for new mothers everywhere. Let her take some alone time and use the Splendidly Soothing Bath Soak to relax her weary muscles. No relaxation day is complete without the perfect spa robe. Try the Spa Bathrobe from the Monogrammed Linen Shop; you can even personalize it with her initials.

Grandmothers

One of the best memories from Grandma’s house as a little girl was trying on all her jewellery. Relive the memories of childhood and give the grandmother in your life this Celestina Loren White Shell Jewellery Box. She’ll love classically beautiful etched white shell design!

All Mothers

Taboo it may be, but all mother’s love breakfast in bed. Eggs, toast, and a cup of tea without even getting out from under the warm covers, who wouldn’t love that? Try this Nina Campbell Tea for One Set and you are sure to give Mum a great start on the day. Best thing yet, this set is dishwasher safe, which means even if Mum ends up being the one to clean up the breakfast dishes, she won’t have to work too hard.

Are you stuck for gifts for the traveller?

Holiday, sabbatical, gap year; whatever you call it when people head off into the unknown for an equally unknown amount of time with ridiculously happy grins and an enviable sense of freedom.

These chosen ones are off to shake free the constraining chains of daily life and to ‘find themselves’…on a sandy beach with a martini in hand of course! So what on earth can you get to wish them bon voyage that they aren’t going to find a suspiciously good copy of at a surprisingly good market.

Travelling is all about living for the moment, attempting to keep up standards whilst constantly on the go and then recording those memories to recount/bore others with as soon as you land!

The joie de vivre

There are nothing duller then endless facebook photos, travellers can capture ‘that’ moment with a polaroid camera perfectly and with their signature nostalgic style of bright colours, slight blurriness and hazy quality these snaps will be the ones they keep, frame and smile over. Part of living for the moment also involves surviving the adventure that later becomes the story so I always think a much appreciated gift is a good quality travel first aid kit, they will be thanking you for it later!

Jet set style

If your travelling friend is the type to pack their straighteners, even on a deserted island without a power supply then you know she has standards which cannot slip. Help her achieve her best with chic dark shades which are a fashion staple. Another handy less pricey gift, which will be no less appreciated, is a useful laundry bag for knickers, she will be grateful for her unmentionables remaining invincible!

Memories like the corners of my mind

And for when the weary traveller returns surprise them with a beautiful frame, photo album or pamper them with the comforts of home and let them indulge in a long hot soak in the tub with some sweet smelling bath-time goodies.

House Warming Gifts

Ah housewarming gifts… that fatal trap where you attempt to buy a present that reflects how well you know the proud house owners artistic inclinations, interior taste and whether they are pro fine bone china or all for the hearty porcelain mug. Buying a housewarming gift can become an emotional minefield with it all spiralling out of control and your disbelieving recipient blurting out “But you know anything art-deco influenced brings me out in a sweat!”

However this melodramatic scene can be swiftly sidestepped by simply doing the unthinkable and on the quiet just pigeon holing your friends… all in the name of gift buying of course! First ask yourself- why have they bought this new place? How do they see their home; as a refuge from the outside world and a sanctuary of calm or perhaps as a place to display their collected art pieces.

Have a go at my tried and tested method and take a peek below at a few of my ‘one size fits all’ categories.

The bachelor or bachelorette

Most likely to appreciate something indulgent and even extravagant, bring fun and unusual champagne glasses to their housewarming party such as Nina Campbell’s Jewel Champagne flutes. The glasses come in three irresistible colours and will make a statement piece in the storage cupboard.

The new nesting couple

The nesting couple are two lovebirds who are gathering fun, quirky and unique items that says ‘this is us’. However it is a path of compromise and one of them will be bemused by the amount of gadgets being unpacked while the other is confused about the purpose of a candle. It is the job of your gift to build bridges and to complement their new combined taste, a high quality water jug which is both simplistic and timeless in its design will be well received by both parties

The expanding family

They have additional members, a house full of stuff and very different wants and needs. Sometimes after the stress of moving house a little family time is needed and a family photography package is the ideal gift to create a memorable occasion.

For the couple who has it all

Two contented beans that have it all, this type is tricky! However sometimes it is the small gifts which make the most impact, such as a beautiful cookbook packed with delicious recipes to get them creating culinary delights together in their new kitchen and hopefully you’ll get a dinner invite too!

Valentines gift ideas

The day of romance has descended upon us and we are gearing up to a weekend celebrating that famous four letter word.

What always interests me about Valentine’s Day is how people interpret it differently; some keep it cosy with two, others like to make the day a fun family affair (even including the pets!) whereas several celebrate in style with friends.

Traditionally Valentine’s Day is all about the colour pink, hearts and the baby in a nappy that masquerades as Cupid! Today these sickly sweet clichés don’t always reflect your true sentiment and so read on for my top tips to help keep your recipient in mind and too ensure your gift receives a smile and not a grimace!

1. For those of you who are keeping this Valentine’s Day strictly all about the romance, whether it’s igniting, enduring or rekindling love, a well-chosen gift will encourage your desired response. For the lady in your life luxury items to make her feel precious are always appreciated, from a Karl Lagerfeld designed Swarovski jewel encrusted snake bangle to a silk teddy, all available on next day delivery from Gift-Library! If you are shopping for him, plump for indulgent treats he is sure to enjoy such as an opulent leather wash bag, Daines & Hathaway do a high quality kit bag which he can pack himself when you do the romantic whisking away!

2. If all the family are being included in this celebration of love then keep it fun, entertaining and enjoyable with games, sweet treats and novelty gifts. Something all the family can get involved in is a spot of home baking, even if their only input is squeezing on the icing or licking the bowl! Add that sense of an event with heart decorated baking accessories; the Nina Campbell kitchen set keeps it sweet with pretty heart patterned oven gloves, an apron and a tea towel. If your family party has some young members then join them in by picking a personalised gift as a memento for later years. My 1^st Years specialise in customised products for little ones and has an adorable range of baby safe teddy bears with personalised jumpers.

3. Get your priorities in place and treat your most loyal friends with a little something to let them know how much they mean to you. A weekend adventure always renews and strengthens the best of friendships and what better way to do this then by whipping your nearest and dearest off for a cooking trip. A cooking party in the Cotswolds will see your friends staying in luxury cottages and taking part in tailor made courses on a stunning country estate. Make the day all about eating, drinking and being merry!

I am now on twitter personally and am totally addicted! Follow my every move at http://twitter.com/C_Stanbury and I’ll have plenty more Valentine’s Day tips too come!

Hello ladies,

Well, the 1st of December has finally arrived, and with it the cold and everything officially Christmas! We’ve finally hit event season - there are dinner and drinks parties galore, Secret Santa abounds, and it’s traditional to arrive bearing gifts. It’s also an important time of year for thanking those important to you, or your boss. Saying thank you is a vital way to maintain and strengthen those personal and business relationships, and, in my opinion, is an act that needs encouraging! Here are my tips on how best to be thoughtful, gracious and make an impression with your gifting this Christmas:

1. For office parties and Secret Santa, a little imagination can go a long way. Budgets are restricted of course, but this encourages inventiveness. If you know your recipient, you’re in luck, but, as so often happens, you might not. Avoid the clichéd stereotypes – not all ladies love hearts and glitter, and not all men love gadgets. Go instead for a sweet treat like a nostalgic bag of retro pick n’ mix candy, or something with a Christmas feel, like a tub of Candy House’s Rosey Apple Boiled Sweets. Even those without much of a sweet tooth are more likely to indulge at this time of year, and best of all, it’s a gift that can be shared with friends in the office or family at home. Alternatively, engage their brain – a Sudoku book or 3D puzzle game makes a cheeky challenge to their problem-solving prowess!

2. Now for the ‘thank you’s, whether they be thank you for having me, thank you for your help, thank you for the opportunity, or just thank you for being there. They might not make the most original gifts, but candles and flowers, if well sourced, really do work. Think beautifully presented and made to last, and you’re sure to brighten someone’s day. There are some gorgeous arrangements of roses, lilies, and even fruit out there – many also including candles and wine so you can give a little hamper of gifts in one go. If you’re after something a little more out of the ordinary, beautiful stationery and desk accessories are a fabulous option. Among my favourites are Sloane Stationery’s sleek and distinguished notebooks and ICE London’s super cool USB man. Lastly, if your boss needs to thank someone in a big way, don’t forget that at Gift-Libray.com we can create a hamper of choice - just give us a call, let us know your theme, and we’ll take care of the rest. Even better, if you’re stuck for ideas, our savvy personal shoppers are always on hand with free tips and advice. Exquisitely presented, imaginative and bespoke, these really do make the ultimate thank you.

According to all reports, we’ve just had one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year, and there is yet more mayhem forecast.... But remember, with Gift-Library.com you can rise above the crowds and keep your gifting solutions stylishly simple!