TUNING YOUR GUITAR HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER WITH THE ROADIE 3; A NIFTY DEVICE DESIGNED TO HELP YOU TUNE YOUR INSTRUMENT QUICKLY AND EFFORTLESSLY FOR AN ALWAYS PERFECT SOUND. HOWEVER, WITH A BUILT-IN VIBRATING METRONOME TOO, THE ROADIE 3 IS SET TO BE THE PERFECT COMPANION FOR ANY STRING MUSICIAN.
On first impression, the Roadie 3 is a small device that is rather unassuming when first opened due to its compact and minimalist design. However, its small and simple exterior is home to a top-notch string instrument tuner which has over 150 inbuilt tuning settings to choose from. The pre-set tuning options cover almost everything you could desire, but should you want a more specific tuning, the Roadie 3 lets you completely customize your tuning to suit your preferred sound or set-up. I loved that you could even customize the reference pitch, so you could more easily tune even with a capo on. These options mean that the Roadie 3 is perfect for a whole range of string instruments with geared pegs, spanning from a variety of guitars to ukuleles, banjo, and even mandolins – to name only a few! This all-around tuning tool is perfect for any string musician to ensure they always have the best sound for each performance or recording.
One of the other main perks of the Roadie 3 is that it also includes an inbuilt vibrating metronome and a powerful string winder. The string winder utilises a 110 RPM motor and ensures you can restring and then tune any of your string instruments even on the go. However, it is the vibrating metronome that adds a special touch
to the Roadie 3 for me. The metronome sits on the table or in your pocket and will provide a metronome vibration completely customisable to what you’re playing. The metronome is entirely controlled through the Roadie 3, where you can enable or disable a beep or vibration to help you keep time – super ideal for both experienced and new players to help keep time through long pieces of music. As somewhat of a novice player, I was so pleased to see it had a metronome built in, as I often find I speed up what I’m playing without noticing, so having the reliable vibration to help me take my time and keep the perfect rhythm was ideal – the perfect 2-in-1 tuner and metronome if you ask me!
As mentioned, you can make the most of the Roadie 3 using the Roadie Tuner App, however, the device has a useful full-colour high-resolution screen so you can clearly see what you’re doing and make selections quickly without even needing to open the app. This is great for using on the go so you can quickly tune and get playing without added steps and hassle. Plus, the screen is front-facing so super easy to use for even easier tuning.
Overall, the Roadie 3 is a compact, ergonomic and nifty device that makes tuning, string winding and keeping rhythm so much easier. If a loved one plays a lot of string instruments, then this would make the perfect gift so they can tune on the go so much easier. Plus, thanks to its small and compact size they can keep it in their guitar or ukulele case knowing they always have the perfect tuning, string winding and metronome device for every music session
PROS:
- Front-facing RGB LED screen for easy use
- Easy tuning with pre-set and customisable tuning settings
- Vibrating metronome for perfect timekeeping whilst playing
- Has 150 built-in alternative tunings and you can even cerate and add your own custom tunings
CONS:
- Cannot be used on Bass Guitars – for this, you’d need the Roadie Bass for more specified tuning
STOCKING FILLERS AND SECRET SANTA GIFTS ARE AN ESSENTIAL PART OF THE HOLIDAY PERIOD, BUT FINDING GIFTS THAT AREN’T JUST A GIMMICK AND WILL ACTUALLY BE USED CAN BE A REAL STRUGGLE. SO WHEN I HEARD OF THE GROW IT RANGE, I WAS EXCITED BECAUSE, FOR AN AFFORDABLE PRICE, YOU CAN GIFT A RANGE OF PLANTGROWING KITS PERFECT FOR THE GREEN-FINGERED GARDENER FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER IN YOUR LIFE.
We got to test out the Carnivorous Plants kit which comes with everything you would need to grow a Venus Flytrap and a Pitcher Plant. Included in the box are 5 coconut husk starters, 5 compost discs, 2 plant seed packets, wooden plant markers, and a growing guide to get you started.
The instructions for the Grow It kit are pretty easy to follow and guide you through the sowing of the seeds and then transplanting the seedlings to larger pots. The included pots and compost discs make the perfect environment for the seeds to grow as you just need to add water to the discs to have perfect compost ready to help the seeds thrive. The kit does suggest you keep them in a warm and humid environment so a warm shelf or even in the bathroom would be ideal.
Whilst my plants are not in their final form yet, I was very impressed with just how easy the whole process was, even as someone who is pretty useless in gardening at the best of
PROS:
times. The method is pretty foolproof, however, as with most seeds there is no guarantee that they will grow, so this is one aspect of the set that could be a little disappointing if the seeds don’t take in the first place. However, the set does include everything to make them work as much as possible, so this hopefully won’t be too much of an issue. This makes the set pretty great for beginners into the plant-keeping and gardening world, however, I’d still think this is the perfect gift even for seasoned gardeners.
Ultimately, the Grow It ranges make the perfect Secret Santa or stocking stuffer present that provides a gift that hopefully will last a long time and provides the gift receiver with a little satisfaction in having grown the plant themselves. I’ll be buying one of the Grow It range for my Secret Santa gift this year, as it is an affordable yet fun gift that is perfect for the festive season.
- Affordable price point ideal for Secret Santas or as a stocking stuffer gift
- All parts of the growing kit are biodegradable and natural
- Includes everything you need to help the seeds thrive in the first few weeks
CONS:
- As with any seed, there is no guarantee that they will definitely take in the soil
- The instruction booklet doesn’t include too much information on how to care for the plants once they have fully grown – so this is something that you might need to research for yourself to keep your plant thriving in the best environment
THE GALAXY 100 MECHANICAL KEYBOARD BRINGS TOGETHER ALL THE THINGS I LOVE ABOUT EPOMAKER’S KEYBOARDS – IT LOOKS GREAT, SOUNDS GREAT, AND IS SUPER CUSTOMISABLE TO YOUR TYPING OR GAMING NEEDS. AS A BIG FAN OF EPOMAKER KEYBOARDS, I WAS THRILLED TO TEST OUT THE GALAXY 100 KEYBOARD AND SEE IF IT STANDS UP TO THE COMPANY’S STELLAR REPUTATION AS A GREAT KEYBOARD PRODUCER
My first impression of the Galaxy 100 Keyboard is that it is heavy – very heavy! The package arrived and you can immediately feel the weight of the aluminium gasket which adds a premium and super sturdy finish to your office set-up. The keyboard we tested came in the black colourway, with pink symbols and letters on the keys. I liked the overall look of the keyboard, which is a full length and looked smart on my desk. However, once plugged in the keyboard comes to life, and each key has south-facing RGB lighting so the keys glow as you type for a great all-around aesthetic typing experience –even in bright settings.
One of my favourite aspects of the keyboard as someone who spends most of their life typing is the sound of the keys. The Galaxy 100 has been designed with sound-dampening materials which deliver a nice but muted click with each key. This made typing for work super satisfying and even made gaming fun as each key has a soft but satisfying click and feel.
All EPOMAKER keyboards are designed to be customised to each user’s preference, and the Galaxy 100 is no different. All of the keys are either 3 or 5-pin hot-swappable so you can make each one even more custom to your typing preferences. This flexibility extends into the connection of the keyboard to your computer, as it has tri-
mode connectivity so can connect with the included wire, USB receiver, or even via Bluetooth. This flexibility means that connecting is much simpler, and you don’t need excess wires covering your desk to use the keyboard. For the wireless modes, the keyboard thankfully has an 8000mAh battery to keep the keyboard powered and glowing for a long time between uses.
Overall, the EPOMAKER Galaxy 100 Mechanical Keyboard provides a premium quality finish that is sturdy and pairs it with the flexibility and customizability that we’ve come to love about EPOMAKER keyboards. If you are looking for the ideal gift for a PC gamer this year, or want to enhance your own office set-up, the Galaxy 100 keyboard is a great choice.
PROS:
- Heavyweight gasket that is sturdy and feels premium
- Tri-mode connectivity
- Bright RGB lighting for a great look in both bright and low lighting
CONS:
- The keys make a satisfying click that is more muted than other keyboards I’ve tried but not completely silent so not ideal for using in quiet settings
$99.00
EPOMAKER HE75 MAG HALL EFFECT KEYBOARD
https://epomaker.com/products/epomaker-he75-
mag?_pos=1&_psq=he75&_ss=e&_v=1.0
HAVING TESTED OUT QUITE A FEW EPOMAKER KEYBOARDS IN MY TIME, I HAVE TO ADMIT THE HE75 MAG HALL EFFECT KEYBOARD MIGHT BE ONE OF MY FAVOURITES. FROM THE LOVELY GRADIENT PURPLE KEYS TO THE QUICK TYPING KEYS, IT DOES EVERYTHING I NEED FOR BOTH WORK AND GAMING.
The HE75 Mag Hall Effect Keyboard comes with a dark purple/black gasket with an aluminium plate, with the keys in a gradient purple colour starting from a dark purple/black at the top of the keyboard and ending with a light purple-pink colour for the bottom keys. It might be my favourite keyboard from EPOMAKER aesthetically, as it looks super nice sitting on my desk- and even matches my purple mouse pad!
However, it is the functionality of the keyboard that takes the very pretty aesthetics to a whole new level. A key aspect of this functionality is in the key design which has ultra-fast Hall Effect switches which means you need much less contact with each key compared to a traditional keyboard to still press each one. This makes typing super fast on the keyboard, as you barely have to touch each key before you can move on to the next letter or symbol you need. As someone who types all the time this is the dream - I’ve been forced to use a clunky keyboard before and I find they really slow down my productivity whilst I’m waiting for my keystrokes to register. However, with fast typing built into the design of the HE75 Mag keyboard, it’s automatically a big win for me!
For added flexibility and ease of use the keyboard even comes with a customisable rotary knob that you can program to your needs, or even change for 2 customisable keys. This customizability would be great for a gamer or coder to have a preset function already on the keyboard. Plus, with a 400mAh battery inside, you can be sure that it’s
not going to run out mid-typing or gaming sessions. However, should it ever get low on charge, it benefits from EPOMAKER’s typical tri-mode connectivity so can just be plugged into your PC for continued use even whilst charging.
Overall, if you’re looking for an aesthetically pleasing keyboard that is super functional, more compact than a traditional keyboard to save on space (is 75% form factor with 81 keys) and will make typing so much easier with responsive keys, then the EPOMAKER HE75 Mag Hall Effect Keyboard is a no-brainer. If I didn’t already have the keyboard this would definitely have been something on my Christmas list as you are getting all the perks of an EPOMAKER keyboard, for a great price and in a beautiful package.
PROS:
- Super aesthetical exterior with gradient purple buttons
- Hall effect switches for a super-fast and responsive typing experience
- Programmable rotary knob or custom keys for added customizability
CONS:
- More compact than a traditional keyboard which can take a little getting used to as the keys are closer together
£19.95
https://uk.ugreen.com/products/ugreen-nexode-
UGREEN NEXODE 4-PORT GAN FAST CHARGER GADGETS
100w-usb-c-gan-charger-4-ports-wall-charger
WITH THE FESTIVE SEASON JUST AROUND THE CORNER, YOU CAN’T GO WRONG WITH GETTING YOUR LOVED ONES A FAST CHARGER TO MAKE CHARGING ON THE GO SO MUCH EASIER. THE NEXODE 4-PORT GAN FAST CHARGER HAS BEEN SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED TO SUPPORT CHARGING ACROSS THE APPLE MACBOOK FAMILY, AS WELL AS ANY DEVICES THAT SUPPORT A USB-C AND USB-A CONNECTION.
The Nexode 4-Pot Fast Charger is remarkably small for the charging power punch that it provides to your devices. The charger features 4 ports, 3 USB-C and 1 USB-A port, so you can plug in just about any of your devices from your phone to your laptop, or even headphones to one of the various ports. With a 100W output capacity, the charger has been designed to make charging much faster than a typical charger. It boasts to charge your MacBook to 55% in just 30 minutes – perfect for that quick charge whilst on the go. This has been made possible thanks to its Advanced Gan II Fast Tech which has a 95% conversion rate and so delivers higher energy efficiency for an always fast charge. With 4 ports available you can charge 4 devices at the same time, and the Nexode 4-port Fast Charge will auto-detect and adjust the output to deliver the optimal charge for your connected device. This means that you never have to worry about overpowering and in turn overheating your device. This has been made extra reliable with the Nexode 4-Port Fast Chargers Thermal Guard™ technology which ensures a much safer charging experience that avoids overheating and damages your device or the charger in the process. However, with 4 devices connected, the charging speed is reduced from having a single device plugged in, but this is to be expected when you are splitting the power output of the charger.
PROS:
- Fast charging speed for quick charging on the go
A fast charger makes a great present or stocking stuffer for the festive season. This is especially great for over the holidays when you’re visiting your family and need to quickly charge your phone or laptop between the festivities.
Be sure to check out UGREEN’s Black Friday sale featuring the Nexode 4-Port Fast Charger and many more devices – get those Christmas presents now with an extra pocket-friendly price tag!
- Compact design ideal for throwing in your bag and using on the go
- 4 charging ports for charging multiple devices at once
CONS:
- When all 4 devices are connected the charging speed does take a little longer – but this is to be expected when splitting the 100w power output
£179.99 (UGREEN’s Black Friday sale at £125.99 https://www.amazon.co.uk/UGREEN-35527-Power- Bank/dp/B0D4F34SB4
UGREEN NEXODE
2000MAH 145W FAST CHARGING POWER BANK
THERE’S NOTHING WORSE THAN BEING OUT AND ABOUT AND REALISING YOUR PHONE IS ABOUT TO RUN OUT OF CHARGE. THIS IS ESPECIALLY ANNOYING WHEN YOU NEED YOUR PHONE FOR DIRECTIONS, TO CALL A TAX, OR TO EVEN PAY FOR THINGS USING YOUR DIGITAL WALLET. THEREFORE, I PERSONALLY DON’T LEAVE THE HOUSE WITHOUT A POWER BANK, AND THEY HAVE BECOME A VITAL PART OF MY PACKING LIST WHEN PLANNING A TRIP AWAY. THEREFORE, WHEN I SAW THE UGREEN NEXODE 2000MAH 145W FAST CHARGING POWER BANK I WAS EXCITED, AS IT BOASTS TO CHARGE YOUR PHONE UP COMPLETELY UP TO 4 TIMES – PERFECT FOR BOTH A LONG WEEKEND AWAY AND DAILY DEVICE CHARGING
One of the first things that catches your attention with the Nexode Power Bank is the TFT smart screen. This usefully provides a real-time display of the battery life left in the charging unit, as well as the current output across the unit’s various ports. Across the Nexode Power Bank, there are 2 USB-C ports, one on the front and another on the back, as well as a USB-A port on the front. When devices are plugged in, the unit delivers the perfect level of charge needed for your device supplying a combined total 145w output across all the ports. However, each port has a maximum limit of 100w, which is enough to support reliable fast charging for many devices.
However, one of the main draws of the Nexode Power Bank is that the top actually flips up and provides an additional wireless charging point. This allows Qicompatible devices to connect to the top plate on the Nexode Power Bank through a magnetic connection, such as MagSafe, to provide wireless charging too. One of the big perks of this is that the unit then also doubles as a charger and phone stand too. I found this was super useful for using on my bedside cabinet whilst I was away on a trip for reliable overnight charging - but this would also be ideal for desks as a great charging station and phone stand all in one!
Ultimately, the UGREEN
Nexode 2000mAh 145W Fast Charging Power Bank is a great present idea for your loved one who loves to travel or is always on the go. With the Nexode Power Bank you know they’ll always have a reliable power bank with them, that also doubles as a wireless charger to power their devices no matter where they venture. I will say it is more of an investment for a power bank, but this is because of its larger 2000mAh battery size which ensures that from a single charge, you have a large power bank ready to charge your devices, earbuds, or even smartwatch multiple times before it needs to be recharged itself. Therefore, as a more personalised luxury present for someone who is always on the go and in need of a hefty portable charger then the Nexode 2000mAh 145W Fast Charging Power Bank is a great choice.
PROS:
- Large battery for long life and quick inflation speeds
- Varying nozzle sizes to suit all inflatables
- Compact and lightweight design for easy portability
CONS:
- Using the unit as both an air pump and a light will decrease the battery quicker – and may need to be recharged more frequently for continuous use
THE BEST KIND OF STOCKING STUFFER IS ONE THAT MAKES YOUR LIFE EASIER AND WITH UGREEN’S 2-IN-1 MAGNETIC WIRELESS CHARGER, YOU GET EXACTLY THAT! UGREEN’S CHARGER DELIVERS EVERYTHING YOU LOVE ABOUT WIRELESS CHARGING, NOW IN A FOLDABLE, COMPACT AND STRONG MAGNETIC STAND DESIGN. .
The stand comes folded down as a sleek flat unit in all grey with a black circular magnetic connection pad. The entire unit feels sturdy, with a soft silicone surface that is designed to protect your phone from any scratches during wireless charging. The charger supports wireless charging making it compatible with many iPhone models through the magnetic MagSafe connection, and all Qienabled devices. However, it also supports charging your watch or earbuds wirelessly utilising the back charging panel. Across the charger, it delivers 20 watts of power, which is split into 15w on the front panel for charging your phone, and 5w on the back panel for charging your earbuds when both panels are used simultaneously.
One of my favourite aspects of the 2-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charger is that it also doubles as a phone stand. The entire unit can be folded up to a 70° angle, perfect for connecting your phone using your MagSafe magnetic connection to the stand in either portrait or landscape. This means you can connect your device and use the 2-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charger as a phone stand too, so you can watch videos or answer calls completely hands-free. I loved having this on my desk as I could charge my phone, whilst also using it to quickly answer calls or watch videos. Plus, the sturdy foldable design means you can fold it to whichever angle best suits you, including completely flat.
The entire unit is great for throwing in your bag and taking with you on the go for a reliable wireless charging station no matter where you are. The box includes the wireless charging unit and the USB-C charging cable; however, it does not include a wall plug so you may need to purchase this separately or use one you already own. The 2-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charger also has been designed with overheating, foreign objects, and short circuit protection so you can be sure the unit and your phone are protected throughout each charging session.
If you are on the hunt for a great stocking filler for the person who seemingly has everything, then the UGREEN Qi2 15W 2-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charger is a great choice. It delivers great fast charging in a compact and portable unit.
Be sure to check out UGREEN’s Black Friday sale featuring the 2-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charger and many more devices – get those Christmas presents now with an extra pocket-friendly price tag!
PROS:
- Sturdy figurine makes a great addition to your desk
- Reliably holds most gaming controllers or phone devices
- Weighty base for good stability
CONS:
- The stand is designed from the new Netflix live-action version, so may not be ideal for fans of the original anime version
GADGETS OCOOPA RECHARGEABLE HAND WARMERS
£39.99
https://www.ocoopa.com/products/
ocoopa-ut2s?variant=39875423338629
I LOVE THE COLDER MONTHS WITH LEAVES FALLING AND THE POSSIBILITY OF SNOW, HOWEVER, ONE THING I HATE ABOUT THIS TIME OF YEAR IS ALWAYS HAVING SUCH COLD HANDS! THERE IS NOTHING WORSE THAN GOING FOR A JOG OR WALKING THE DOG AND NOT BEING ABLE TO FEEL YOUR FINGERS. OFTEN, I’VE OPTED FOR THOSE HAND WARMERS THAT YOU SNAP TO PRODUCE HEAT IN YOUR POCKET BUT THESE RARELY LAST LONG AND OFTEN DON’T DEFROST MY HANDS ADEQUATELY BEFORE THEY STOP WORKING. THEREFORE, WHEN I FIRST HEARD OF RECHARGEABLE HAND WARMERS I WAS INTRIGUED – HOW COULD SOMETHING THAT LOOKS LIKE A PORTABLE CHARGER HELP ME TO KEEP MY HANDS WARM?
The Ocoopa Rechargeable Hand Warmers come as two separate pieces which felt cold to the touch when first opening thanks to their sleek aluminium exterior. Each hand warmer has a small button on the flat side, which once pressed turns on the hand warmers. After turning them on, I was shocked that in just a few seconds they were already heating up in my hands. The warmers can be connected via the strong magnetic connection between them to make one complete heating block or can be used individually to warm your hands in your pockets or to share
a hand warmer with a friend. I was immediately impressed with how warm they were getting and realised that you can press the button again to adjust between 4 different heat settings. These range from 100-135°F and were perfect for warming up my cold hands on the way to work.
The hand warmers’ techy exterior makes them a sleek addition to your everyday life to warm your hands. However, they also actually double as two mini 5000mAh portable chargers. This means not only can you heat your hands well, but should it not be that cold, or you need to quickly charge your phone, you can pop open the silicone port cover and plug in your device via the USB or USB-C ports. This innovative design makes the device multi-purpose and a perfect addition to your bag all year round.
I think these would be perfect for kids on their way to school in the morning as I remember just how cold those winter months were standing at a bus stop before school, or for someone who is always outside working or walking. The hand warmers can easily be charged, thrown in a bag and pulled out when your hands get cold. Then, should you need to charge your phone, you have two mini portable chargers with you at all times – perfect for you and a friend!
I was super impressed with the Ocoopa Rechargeable Hand Warmers, each one heated up fast, delivered good warmth whilst my hands were in my pockets, and even helped to save me when my phone was dying on a few occasions. These would make the brilliant stocking stuffer this Christmas!
PROS:
- Sleek stylish unit that is easy to throw in your bag for hand warming and device charging needs
- Quick heating in only a few seconds – and quick cool down too
- Good portable charging function
CONS:
- The shape of the hand warmers is great for being compact, but I’d like it if they were a little wider to deliver heat across a wide area of your hand
PROTECTING YOUR IPAD IS SUPER IMPORTANT, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT’S IN THE HANDS OF YOUR KIDS WHO MAY BE A LITTLE CLUMSY SOMETIMES. THE DUXLING CASE BY STM GOODS HAS BEEN DESIGNED WITH KIDS IN MIND, TO PROVIDE NEXT-LEVEL PROTECTION FOR YOUR IPAD, WHILST REMAINING USER-FRIENDLY AND FUNCTIONAL FOR YOUNGER KIDS TO USE.
We got to test out the purple version of the Duxling Case which came in a lovely rich purple colour which looked great against the iPad. However, the case also comes in black, green and blue so your kids can choose their preferred colourway to match their personality!
The case is made from sturdy EVA foam which securely grips your iPad and is robust enough to handle impacts without harming the iPad inside. This means that should it be dropped; it will protect the iPad and absorb most of the impact to avoid a dreaded smashed screen. However, to help avoid drops in the first place, the case actually has handles on either side which means it can be securely held when being used or carried. These handles also double as a stand, so the case can be stood up at a variety of angles great for anything from watching videos to video calling family.
It’s clear that the Duxling Case has been designed with kids in mind, and from the handles to the impact-absorbent materials used, STM Good ensures that the case will withstand the test of time and protect your iPad from any clumsy accidents. If you have a child who loves to use your iPad or are thinking of getting them their own one for Christmas, the STM Goods Duxling iPad case is a perfect addition to help keep it safe and protected for as long as possible!
PROS:
- Variety of bright colourways available
- Robust material idea for absorbing impacts
- Innovative handle/stand design for easy carrying and standing
CONS:
- It’s on the pricier side for an iPad case – but worth it if you’re worried about an iPad getting dropped!
NEVER KNOW WHAT TO GET THE TECH-SAVVY BUDDING CONTENT CREATOR IN YOUR LIFE FOR CHRISTMAS? JOBY HAS YOU COVERED, WITH THEIR GRIPTIGHT PRO 3 GORILLAPOD TRIPOD, PERFECT FOR ATTACHING YOUR PHONE TO MAKE VLOGGING A BREEZE NO MATTER THE LOCATION.
The tripod kit comes with JOBY’s famed GripTight Pro 3 Mount, which securely holds your phone in either landscape or portrait mode perfect for capturing both long and short-form content. To mount utilises a pinch lock clamp system which means you just have to press it in around your phone, and it’s secure and ready to go. I liked how stable it felt, as it meant I didn’t have to worry about my phone moving or falling while trying to capture a shot. This was massively aided by the built-in ball head which allows you to rotate your phone 360° with 8 secure positions to get the best shot possible. The mount also has two cold shoes on the clamp which allow you to attach a light, or microphone should you want to take image quality to that next level or ensure the sound quality is top-notch.
This mount is then paired with the GorillaPod 1K stand, which has three sturdy tripod legs which can be held, wrapped around something for stability, or stood like a more traditional tripod. The legs are built with glass-filled nylon, and high-grade ABS plastic which provides the necessary durability for recording
place without damage to the legs in the process.
Ultimately, the GripTight Pro 3 GorillaPod is the best choice for both budding and experienced content creators who desire to film content quickly and easily. The tripod provides all you could need for setting up shots whether at home or out and about. The durability and stability of each component are exactly what we’ve come to expect from JOBY and would make the perfect gift for any content creator in your life this festive season.
a range of filming locations
- Easy to use pinch lock clamp design for secure phone holding
- Ball-head for shot stability and perfect angle every time
CONS:
- Designed to hold a phone with a clamp so not suitable for standard cameras
ACEBEAM TAC
2AA EDC TACTICAL FLASHLIGHT
£29.99
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DCMHQBKQ
AS THE NIGHTS HAVE GROWN DARKER, I’M OFTEN VENTURING OUT TO WALK MY DOG IN THE DARKNESS AND SO I’VE BEEN TURNING TO A FLASHLIGHT FOR ADDED SAFETY AND TO SEE WHERE I’M GOING IN UNLIT AREAS OF MY TOWN. HOWEVER, WITH CONSTANTLY HAVING TO REPLACE THE BATTERIES AND THE LIGHT RANGE NOT BEING GREAT, I’VE BEEN ON THE HUNT FOR A NEW FLASHLIGHT THAT DELIVERS A GREAT LEVEL OF LIGHT AND DOESN’T NEED ITS BATTERIES REPLACED ALL THE TIME, BUT ALSO ISN’T SUPER HEAVY TO CARRY. THEREFORE, I WAS SUPER EXCITED WHEN THE ACEBEAM TAC 2AA EDC TACTICAL FLASHLIGHT LANDED ON MY DESK, DESIGNED TO DO ALL OF THE ABOVE AND MORE!
The flashlight we tested out was super sleek with a slim-line all-blue exterior. It feels super sturdy and boasts to be IP68 dust and waterproof-resistant, with the exterior specially designed to survive impacts of up to 1.5 metres. The side of the flashlight has a single button to turn on the torch, which even has a helpful indicator light to show the torch’s battery level – so no more going out and the flashlight dying halfway! Using the side button you can flick through the various settings of the flashlight and adjust the brightness level to your needs or even access a strobe setting. However, one of the things I especially liked about the flashlight design is that the base on the torch also has a large on/off button, so you don’t have to struggle with the smaller settings button whilst you’re out and about. This makes it much less fiddly for use on the go – especially if you’re wearing thick gloves on a wintery evening walk!
I was thoroughly impressed with just how powerful the flashlight was, on the highest setting it was remarkably bright and lit up my path super well. Across the high, medium and low settings, it was still super powerful and would be ideal for a whole range of situations from walking your dog in the dark,
to camping, or even for emergencies or home security purposes. With a range of light settings, it makes an ideal flashlight that’s ready for any situation. One way that the flashlight remains ready for any situation or adventure is thanks to its rechargeable battery. Inside the flashlight, there is a rechargeable battery that can be recharged to save on constantly buying more batteries. The torch comes with a USB-C charging cable so you can charge the battery more easily, however, this is a little short. On a single charge, the battery is meant to have a 7-day runtime on the moonlight setting, but after using it for a few weeks for dog walking I’ve only had to charge a few times. However, should you forget and need to use the flashlight in a pinch and it is out of charge, you can actually replace the rechargeable battery with 2 AA batteries, so you’ll never be caught out without a torch – even in a power cut! I love the versatility that this gives the torch, and it really shows ACEBEAM’s attention to detail in the entire design of the flashlight.
A flashlight may not seem like the first idea you’d have for gifting this Christmas, but for the Dad who never wants anything, or the dog walker who is sick of using their phone torch to see where they’re going, the ACEBEAM TAC 2AA EDC Tactical Flashlight is a great choice. It’s sleek, easy to carry (thanks to the additional 2-way side clip), and will ensure that walks, working on a car, for home security, or even for dealing with emergencies such as power cuts, your loved one will never be left in the dark again. Plus, it’s at such an affordable price point for the powerful light it provides!
PROS:
- Great design that is sturdy and makes it easy to use even on the go
- Rechargeable battery that is more environmentally conscious (but also compatible with AA batteries if required)
- Multiple brightness settings for a range of activities and uses
CONS:
- The charging cable included for the rechargeable battery is quite short which makes recharging a little inconvenientintensity needs
Check out the ACEBEAM TAC 2AA EDC Tactical Flashlight on either the ACEBEAM website or on Amazon now.
THE MYSTERY AGENCY: THE MAN FROM SECTOR SIX
https://themysteryagency.com/
product/the-man-from-sector-six/
WITH MULTIPLE ESCAPE-ROOM STYLE PUZZLE GAMES ALREADY UNDER THE MYSTERY AGENCY NAME, AWARD-WINNING WRITER AND STAR OF THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG, HENRY LEWIS, RETURNS WITH THE NEWEST INSTALMENT OF THE MIND-BENDING THE MYSTERY AGENCY SERIES. IN THIS EDITION, THE MAN FROM SECTOR SIX SEES YOU TAKE ON THE ROLE OF LEAD INVESTIGATOR SET ON UNCOVERING THE IDENTITY OF AN UNKNOWN INTRUDER LURKING AROUND A TOP-SECRET RESEARCH LAB. ARMED WITH ONLY A LOCKED DOCUMENT CASE, IT IS YOUR JOB TO FIGURE OUT THEIR IDENTITY AND WHAT MYSTERIOUS MONUMENTAL CRISIS SURROUNDS THE RESEARCH LAB FACILITY.
If you’ve ever played an escape room-style board game, then you’ll be very familiar with the kind of cryptic and outside-of-thebox thinking required to make your way through the documents and objects to uncover the truth of the game’s premise. The Mystery Agency: The Man from Sector Six is no different and requires this top level of clue deciphering to filter through documents and objects to reveal the warning left by a recently disappeared secret agent.
I took the game for a test run with some friends who have played a few different escape-room style board games and everyone was super impressed. One of the main things that stood out about The Man From Sector Six was the quality of all of the materials. In the box, you get documents, objects, a padlock and even a golden cypher dial that are all essential to figuring out what has happened. For each one, the group were scouring for clues and even stumbled across a few hidden websites that added an extra fun layer to the game. Without revealing too much of the mystery or any of the vital clues, we were incredibly impressed with just how immersive the game was from the start. Each clue and object had been so well thought out and really added to the overall story.
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I will say we did get a little stuck a few times, as it always takes us a little while to get into the mechanics of the game and start thinking in the slightly out-of-the-box way that games like this require. We were glad to see that we could get some hints online to help get us to the next bit of information where it all suddenly made more sense. However, I don’t think you need to have played an escape-room-style game before to get on with The Man From Sector Six. Whilst experience with the kind of thinking needed is helpful, part of the fun is working with your friends and family to play detective and uncover clues for yourself – and it’s super satisfying when your hunch works out to be true! Plus, the immersive storytelling lends itself well to being fun and exciting throughout whether it is your first venture into the escape-room board game world or your fiftieth!
For me, a board game makes the perfect present as it brings people together and allows you to do an activity that is a little bit different. Personally, escape-room or puzzle-solving games are the best for this, as it lets everyone have a go at solving riddles that often require multiple different ways of thinking. I found having multiple different people playing is ideal as one person may look at a clue from an entirely new perspective that the rest of the group hadn’t even thought of. Therefore, I think any of The Mystery Agency games would make an excellent Christmas present, but especially the new Man From Sector Six, as it’s a great immersive story, and every single component feels so well thought out.
PROS:
- So many different components that all have been super carefully put together for the story
- Immersive plot and introduction to get you into the game
- Satisfying clue resolves and clue deciphering
- Hints available online
CONS:
- The game requires internet usage to unlock and crack codes, so can’t be played without being connected
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LONDON: A PUZZLE FOR CURIOUS WANDERERS (1000 PIECE PUZZLE)
https://geni.us/LondonPuzzle
GET TO KNOW LONDON A LITTLE BETTER WITH A 1000-PIECE PUZZLE THAT CELEBRATES ALL THAT THE CAPITAL HAS TO OFFER, ACCOMPANIED BY 20 WEIRD AND WONDERFULLY SHAPED PIECES OUTLINING A FUN FACT OR A LITTLE HISTORY LESSON ABOUT A CERTAIN PART OF LONDON. ACROSS THE PUZZLE, THE SPECIALLY SHAPED ITEMS ADD A NEW FUN TWIST TO THE TRADITIONAL PUZZLING FORMAT AND REQUIRE EVEN MORE PUZZLING TECHNIQUES TO ACCURATELY PLACE EACH ONE WITHIN THE MORE TRADITIONAL PUZZLE PIECES.
As a self-acclaimed jigsaw expert, I was super excited to give London: A Puzzle for Curious Wanderers a go. All the pieces come in a paper bag alongside the puzzle map, which has the 20 specialised puzzle pieces removed. However, on the overleaf, each specialised puzzle piece is included, along with information and history about each item. This includes information about nose sculptures that appeared on buildings overnight in 1997 along with a matching nose sculpture puzzle piece, or about the creation of the red telephone box, along with a puzzle piece representing its iconic red exterior. With each fact and jigsaw piece, players can get to know a little bit of fun knowledge about London whilst also trying to find where it fits amongst the more standard-sized and shaped jigsaw pieces.
The fun facts and history lessons with each of the 20 specialised pieces are taken from Jack Chesher’s London: A Guide for Curious Wanderers. Therefore, with each jigsaw not only are you getting a fun activity to do with the family, but you are getting a fun lesson about the history of London in the process.
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Plus, what is better than gifting a jigsaw that you can do with the whole family at Christmas?
You really can’t go wrong with a jigsaw as a present as they provide hours of entertainment and, with London: A Puzzle for Curious Wanderers, you can learn some fun facts about the capital city too! I’d highly recommend this puzzle, as each piece feels well made, and provides a nice spin on the traditional size and shape of each piece, for a more fun experience putting the whole thing together.
PROS:
- 1000-piece puzzle which takes a few hours to complete for a long activity away from screens
- Includes 20 irregular pieces which are accompanied by fun facts about London
- Each piece is well cut and fits together well for easy assembly
WITH SO MANY GIFTS ON THE MARKET, KNOWING WHICH TO PICK FOR YOUR KIDS CAN BE A REAL STRUGGLE – ESPECIALLY AS YOU TRY TO BALANCE GIFTS THAT ARE FUN, WHILST ALSO HAVING AN EDUCATIONAL ELEMENT. THIS IS WHERE THE THAMES & KOSMOS CATAPULT ENGINEERING KIT COMES IN, WHICH PROVIDES EVERYTHING YOUR KIDS NEED TO MAKE A VARIETY OF CATAPULTS AT HOME SO THEY CAN LAUNCH FOAM BALLS AND SOFT ARROWS ACROSS THE ROOM, ALL WHILST LEARNING ABOUT PHYSICS IN THE PROCESS!
The Catapult Engineering 6-in-1 Maker Kit provides everything needed to make a catapult, reverse-draw crossbow, onager, crossbow, trebuchet and ballista launchers. In the set, there are 88 pieces which, using the 32-page step-by-step instruction booklet, you can construct each of the launchers. Each launcher was fairly simple to put together, with only a few bits that were a little fiddly.
Once constructed the catapults felt really sturdy and were fun to use. The set includes 2 soft darts and a foam ball which can be
CatapultEngineering_boxfront.jpg flung from your construction across the room. I loved that the box even included a cut-out page to make your own building blocks. The building blocks once cut out, can be folded into small cubes and then stacked to create your own castle that you can then fire your objects at. The cutting out can be a little fiddly and may need parental supervision for younger kids, but once built they made a great addition to the set.
One of the key benefits of the set is that with the construction, and then firing of the ball and arrows, kids can learn about physics including subjects like trajectory, force, and energy in a subtle yet fun way. This means parents can feel comfortable giving this as a fun gift this Christmas, knowing there’s an educational STEM focus behind it. Plus, it helps their imaginations grow as they can then utilise the aspects of the kit to make their own launchers.
If you’re on the hunt for a great Christmas gift that brings science-based experiments together with all the fun of making catapults then the Catapult Engineering 6-in-1 Makers kit is an easy and affordable choice.
PROS:
- Step-by-step guide for easy assemble
- Sturdy pieces that make durable launchers and catapults
- 6 different catapult options available
CONS:
- The set does contain multiple small pieces which could easily be lost
- Does require some additional tools like scissors, a study dish or a measuring tape
AS A BIG FAN OF TRUE CRIME, I WAS SUPER EXCITED TO GET TO TRY OUT VENDETTA, PART OF THE MASTERS OF CRIME SERIES. THE VENDETTA STORY BEGINS WITH YOU AS A PLAYER BEING SUMMONED TO THE HOUSE OF THE GODFATHER, WHERE HE TELLS YOU THAT HE FEARS THERE IS A TRAITOR AMONGST THE RANKS OF THE FAMILY. YOU ARE THEN SET ON THE MISSION TO UNCOVER THE ROGUE MAFIA MEMBER BY WORKING YOUR WAY THROUGH THE PLENTIFUL MATERIALS IN THE VENDETTA BOX. .
One of the best things about Vendetta is the immersive experience you get from the game, as you read through all the documents which slowly help to form the story before you. As you work through it, every decision you make affects how the story develops, and this makes it even more fun.
I loved that beyond the materials in the box, Vendetta also has online maps, voice messages and websites that you need to use to help navigate your way through the story and uncover the traitor. This adds a further immersive element as you really feel a part of the Vendetta world. I loved getting to tackle this with some true crimeloving friends as we sleuthed our way through the game to uncover the traitor for ourselves.
Whilst I won’t ruin the story path we took and who our traitor was, I will say the whole thing was super fun. It did take us a good few hours to carefully sift through all of the materials available to discover the culprit. If you’re used to escape room or true crime mystery games, then Vendetta will be a fun challenge and will test your puzzling capabilities. However, even if you’re new to this type
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of game you can access helpful hints and prompts online if you do get a little stuck. If you want an immersive murder mystery game that will have you putting on your detective hat the Masters of Crime series games are a great choice. Each will have you carefully working your way through all the materials to reveal your own storyline to find the traitor of your story. This would make a great present for the true crime fan in your life and provide a great evening of puzzling fun to any group of people this festive season.
PROS:
- The story is driven by your decisions so playing is a little different for each group
- Lot of materials, online websites, maps and voice messages to listen to for an immersive experience
- Complex puzzle but hints and help can be found online
CONSS:
- Some aspects of the puzzle are one use, so may need a little adjustment for repeat plays with other groups
DESIGNED FOR THOSE WITH A SLIGHTLY AWFUL SENSE OF HUMOUR, JOKING HAZARD ASKS YOU TO CREATE FUNNY COMIC STRIPS WHERE THE BEST ONE WINS THE ROUND. THE GAME HAS A SIMILAR VIBE TO CARDS AGAINST HUMANITY, BUT INSTEAD OF JUST PHRASES, JOKING HAZARD USES CARTOONS TO MAKE A QUICK, WITTY, AND OFTEN A LITTLE CRUEL COMIC STRIP!
The game is super simple to play and garners plenty of laughs throughout. To get started, you need at least 3 players, and each is given 7 cards. A card is then flipped from the remaining deck as a starter card, and a judge is chosen. If the initial card flipped over has a black border, the judge adds one of their cards to make the first two panels of a comic strip. The remaining players then pick a card from their hands that will complete the 3-panel comic strip and hopefully make the judge laugh the most. The judge then flips over the finishing cards for the comic strip from each player and picks their favourite one. If the initial card flipped has a red border, you are playing a bonus round where each of the players instead places 2 cards, where the final red card is now the final card in the comic strip. In this round, the judge chooses the best overall comic strip. In either of the rounds, the best card or cards are returned to the winning player after the judge’s decision, to keep track of their points – each kept card is another point. The goal is to get the most points which can be after a set number of rounds, or for whoever reaches a set target of points first.
I loved the silly and often wild depictions on each card, which made every comic strip super funny. It was often actually quite hard to pick my favourites when I was the judge, as each one was so ridiculous. I loved how simple each card’s design was, and in many ways, the simple comic design made each one just that little bit funnier.
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There’s nothing better than a funny card game to play with friends at Christmas, and Joking Hazard is no exception. It’s a game for adults with some cruel and often rude humour involved, so it may not be ideal for the entire family. However, for an evening game to play with the adults, it’s a great choice and will be coming with me to every party over the festive season. For further information visit explosm.net
PROS:
- Easy to set up game
- Can be played with small and large groups
- Ideal for parties during the festive season
CONS:
- Not suitable for all the family
https://tinyurl.com/4t33a9n5
BRING YOUR CREATIVITY TO LIFE WITH MYFIRST 3DPEN ARTIST WHICH ALLOWS YOU TO TURN YOUR DRAWING INTO PHYSICAL OBJECTS. THE PEN WORKS BY USING PLA FILAMENTS THAT HARDEN AND TURN A SIMPLE LINE DRAWING INTO A 3D OBJECT THAT YOU CAN TAKE RIGHT OFF THE PAGE.
For many kids the desire to turn their creations into reallife objects is something from a fantastical story, however with myFirst’s 3D pen, you can create physical sculptures, creations and even personalised gifts using just a pen. Now, this is not any ordinary pen – no, the 3D pen uses eco-friendly PLA filaments which when dispensed from the pen harden in the shape and form you have drawn. This makes them great for creating multilayer 3D designs. I was excited to test out the pen, as I’ve seen them online a lot and always wondered just how they work.
Inside the box, there is the pen in a nice blue colourway, a USB charging cable, 3 user-friendly stencils and 6 PLA filaments to use. You simply have to load the filaments into the charged pen, and you’re ready to get going. This can be a little fiddly, so I’d definitely recommend giving a little parental supervision to get kids started. The filaments harden and so by layering the PLA on top of each other, it creates pretty sturdy but still flexible items. On just my first use I was able to make a 3D letter keyring to add to my keys which looks great and didn’t take too much time at all. My only concern about the kit is that once the filaments have been
used up, it does require the purchasing of more to continue to use the pen, and so this is going to add an ongoing fee to the set as a whole.
I know I would have loved this as a kid to let my imagination run wild and create a bunch of items, objects and patterns that I could keep as physical objects. Therefore, this would make a great gift this Christmas to help bring your kid’s creativity to life!
PROS:
- Easy to use pen for easy designing
- Allows kids to make physical keepsake objects or gifts
- Encourages STEM development to work out how to make tall structures
CONS:
- Only comes with 6 filaments which will eventually run out and need replacing
- Some of the set up can be a little fiddly and require some parental supervision
TOYS & GAMES
HOW AM I WEIRD
£20.99
https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Am-Weird-
Wonderful-Hilarious/dp/B08KT8SLCJ?th=1
HOW AM I WEIRD IS A FUN CARD GAME THAT ALLOWS YOU TO EXPLORE YOUR WEIRDNESS, AS, IN THE GAME, GIVING THE MOST WEIRD AND WONDERFUL ANSWER IS THE WHOLE POINT!
I was super excited to try out How Am I Weird after seeing it win the best party game at the UK Games Expo 2023. I brought together a group of delightfully weird friends, and we gave it a go. The game is fairly simple; the game is split into 3 card types which are life cards, comeback cards and weirdo cards. To play each player is given 8 comeback cards which have a range of weird (as the name of the game suggests) reactions, which will be played when a life card is played each round.
The life cards outline a situation for that round, which requires each player to choose a comeback card in reaction to this. However, should you not like the comebacks in your hand, or you can think of a weirder and often funnier response, each player is given a weirdo card which they can play and then provide their own comeback. The winner of each round is decided the ‘Big Chief Weirdo’ of that round based on which comeback answer they like the most. The winner takes the life card, and the next one is flipped to enter into the next round. The goal is to win as many life cards as possible and determine yourself as the chief weirdo of the group.
The game is super easy to play and even has a more compact version of 300 cards that is perfect for taking with you on the go this summer. We all loved playing this game and witnessing all the weird comebacks that people came up with. We especially loved that you could completely cater the time length to how long you have, as the number of rounds you play is completely determined by how many life cards you choose to play – this can be anywhere between 10 or all 100 in the set. However, playing all 100 at once may take some of the fun of the randomness in future plays when all the players have seen every card already. But I don’t think this is too much of a problem when the comeback cards are so random, and the weirdo cards present a whole host of funny and organic comebacks for each game.
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If you’re on the hunt for a new game that is quick and easy to play but will have your entire group of friends laughing at the weirdness of people’s responses, then this is a perfect choice. The standard (500 cards) and square editions (300 cards) mean you can pick the best one for you determined by whether you’re bringing it out for a game night with friends or throwing it in your bag to play on the go. Ultimately, How Am I Weird is a fun game that everyone will love.
PROS:
- Square and standard editions to choose from - Super easy to play and doesn’t take long to set up - Weirdo cards mean lots of weird and wonderful comments will be made which will have everyone laughing
CANAL TOYS PHOTO CREATOR INSTANT CAMERA
https://tinyurl.com/3ehvs6hm
THE CANAL TOYS PHOTO CREATOR INSTANT CAMERA IS THE PERFECT COMPANION FOR KIDS TO CAPTURE THE WORLD IN THEIR OWN FUN AND UNIQUE WAY. WITH 20 FUN FILTERS AND EFFECTS, KIDS CAN PRINT OVER 250 PHOTOS INSTANTLY TO ENJOY AND PERSONALISE WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY.
Each kit comes with an instant camera, a 4GB Micro-SD card, 4 rolls of printing paper, 4 marker pens, a wrist strap, a USB charger, a sticker sheet and the user manual. The camera is designed so that kids can record and capture the world around them, from selfies with friends to snapshots of family holidays and days out. With each shot, kids can print and then fully customise with the included markers and stickers to make each memory even more personalised.
Each picture printed by the camera is in black and white as it does not use ink. This means that you don’t need to place ink cartridges to continue to use the camera, however, it does mean that the stickers and coloured markers are great for adding a little bright colourful fun to each memory. The set includes 4 rolls, which is roughly enough to print 250 pictures - a perfect amount for creative minds.
However, one of the main perks of the camera is that it comes with a 4GB SD card so all the pictures and videos taken can be stored on the camera, and then can be transferred to your PC to keep them for longer. This allows kids to capture the world around them, print out those that they like the most, and save the rest, as well as videos, to look back on later. The kit even comes with a cable which allows you to both charge and transfer the media to your desktop for even greater ease of use! The overall kit is the perfect gift for kids who are starting to show a keen interest in taking photos and recording the world from their own perspective. With all the things they need to colour, personalise and create their own perfect shots – the Canal Toys Photo Creator Instant Camera makes a great gift for the young budding photographer in your life!
PROS:
- Ergonomic design that is comfortable to hold and compact to take with you on the go
- Innovative ‘breathing’ design that expands and contracts to help regulate breaths with the rhythm
- Rechargeable 2-hour battery life for around 6 breathing sessions on a single charge
CONS:
- Does take some practice to stay in the moment and focus on each breath when first using the Moonbird, but this is the same with many meditation or breathing regulation tools
SKULLCANDY BRING US THEIR NEW DIME 3 EARBUDS WHICH ARE BEST DESCRIBED AS SMALL BUT MIGHTY! BOASTING ALL-DAY BATTERY, ALL-DAY COMFORT AND MIND-BLOWING SOUND, THE DIME 3 TRUE WIRELESS EARBUDS ARE EXACTLY WHY WE LOVE SKULLCANDY PRODUCTS SO MUCH. PLUS, THERE’S NOT BETTER GIFT THAN A GREAT SET OF EARBUDS FOR CHRISTMAS!
Upon opening the earbuds I was shocked with just how compact the case was, but it was a little different from other earbuds cases I’ve seen before. The case closes around the earbuds to keep them secure, but you can still see the earbuds when they’re in the case – and even if they are not! The earbud case has a bright orange lanyard which allows you to clip the earbuds’ case onto your bag or keys to make sure they go wherever you go. This makes a great addition, as so often I’m left searching through my bag for my little earbuds case, but this lanyard allows you to always know where they are.
Inside the black case are the little earbuds, however, do not be mistaken by their size. The Dime 3 Earbuds really pack a punch with a great noise-isolating fit, 2 clear voice smart mics and 3 preset EQ settings so you can tailor your audio to your content. The sound quality was great for me, and whilst it may not be as advanced as some super expensive earbud brands, you can’t deny that for the average headphone user the earbuds are a great choice for sound.
They’re packed full of the Skullcandy audio we love and for such an affordable price – you can’t go wrong!
A personal favourite part of Skullcandy’s earbud design is the StayAware Mode which allows you to hear the world around you whilst still enjoying your music or podcasts. Personally, I commute and then walk part of my journey to work, so being able to pop these earbuds in and walk around still hearing for traffic and people is great for peace of mind. Furthermore, I used these earbuds for a good week, taking calls and listening to music while I worked and was thoroughly impressed. The battery life is great with 8 hours of charge in the earbuds and a further 12 in the case, so you know you’ll never be caught without earbuds during the day. I even called my friend while walking home one day and she was impressed by how clear my voice sounded whilst passing traffic. The clear voice for calls is all thanks to the Dime 3’s AI technology which makes sure your voice comes through crystal clear whilst drowning out background noise. Yet another nifty little feature of these buds. So would I recommend them? Yes, absolutely! For the price, the Skullcandy Dime 3 True Wireless Earbuds are next level. Throughout their design, every detail has been taken into consideration; from making sure they’re easy to find (also have Tile Finding Tech to ‘call’ earbuds that you have misplaced), to the sound quality or stay-aware features - the Dime 3 are an easy choice. If you are looking to buy affordable earbuds that rival some of the more expensive brands, then look no further. The Skullcandy Dime 3 True Wireless Earbuds would make a great gift for the music lover in your life this Christmas!
PROS:
- Lanyard to ensure they are always with you and don’t get lost
- Unique case design to see earbuds
- Top quality audio for such an affordable price
CONS:
- The included charging cable is very small which makes charging a little inconvenient
CLEAR AUDIO IS A VITAL PART OF CONTENT CREATION SO THAT YOUR AUDIENCE KNOWS WHAT YOU’RE SAYING AND GETS A MORE ENJOYABLE VIEWING EXPERIENCE. FOR THIS REASON, MANY CHOOSE TO ATTACH LARGE MICROPHONES TO THEIR CAMERAS, OR IN MORE RECENT YEARS, HAVE BEGUN INVESTING IN SMALLER CLIP-ON MICROPHONES THAT LET THEM GET TOP-QUALITY AUDIO IN A HANDS-FREE WAY. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT JOBY NOTICED, AND SO DEVELOPED THEIR WAVO AIR MICROPHONES WHICH ALLOW YOU TO RECORD TOP-QUALITY AUDIO COMPLETELY HANDS-FREE. .
The JOBY Wavo Air provides a modular audio set-up where you attach the receiver to your phone or camera and then connect it to audio transmitters which you either hold or can wear. The transmitters have a magnetic backing so can be attached to you using the included magic magnetic lanyard, which can be worn under or over your clothes. The transmitters then just snap to the lanyard, and you can operate completely hands-free. This hands-free design means you are no longer tethered to your camera and can instead let your creativity flow knowing the microphones are picking up your audio without holding it. I personally liked that I could set up the camera and then move around whilst talking instead of being forced to sit in the same position to ensure the microphone picked up the audio and delivered great sound quality.
JOBY are passionate about developing content creation tools to make the whole experience just that little bit easier, so the entire modular system just needs to be connected and you’re ready to go. The super simple setup made recording on the go so much easier, as there was no hassle with wires or syncing. Plus, to ensure that the sound quality remains high, the Wavo Air comes with 2 lavalier microphones that can be plugged directly into the transmitters for even clearer directional audio. However, the transmitters themselves are equipped with a top-quality microphone, but a fluffy windjammer can be added to the transmitters to prevent wind from affecting the sound quality whilst on the go too.
I was super impressed with the sound quality; each microphone enhanced the audio and made it much easier to film whilst moving around without any of the dreaded rustling that I’ve experienced with worn microphones before. The sound was perfect for shooting
PROS:
- Magnetic connection for easy hands-free use
content, and I think would be ideal for when filming content with another person as the two mics ensure both voices are clearly heard without both having to lean over a single fixed microphone. If you film content on the go a lot or prefer the freedom of a hands-free microphone experience then the JOBY Wavo AIR is a great choice. I’d definitely recommend this to content creators, or even for use for seamless interviews at conferences – in all these settings the sound quality and ease of use makes them an asset to any content creators kit.
- Great sound quality for small microphones
- Loved the addition of the lavalier and windjammers to enhance sound quality further depending on the environment
CONS
- Only 2 transmitter microphones in the set so may need to purchase more if used for larger conference or interview group settings
£159.00
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Turtle-Beach-Stealth-
TURTLE BEACH STEALTH 600 GEN 2 WIRELESS HEADPHONES
Wireless-Headset/dp/B09SHY48Z7?th=1
TURTLE BEACH MAKES HEADPHONES THAT ENSURE COMFORTABILITY, A GREAT SOUND QUALITY, AND ARE MADE TO LAST. FOR THIS REASON, I’VE BEEN A BIG FAN OF TURTLE BEACH’S PRODUCTS FOR A LONG TIME, AND SO I WAS SUPER EXCITED TO GET TO TEST OUT THEIR STEALTH 600 GEN 2 HEADPHONES.
Straight out of the box, I was impressed with the overall aesthetics of the headphones which are in a sleek and minimalist green and black colourway. The majority of the headphones are in a nice black casing, with just a thin green line around the ear cushions, and a green Turtle Beach logo on each ear cup. The headband feels sturdy but can be adjusted to your head size and the ear cushions are lovely and soft on the sides of my head and ears.
I was impressed particularly with the fit of the headphones as I wear glasses, and so often wearing headphones can be a little uncomfortable as they press my glasses frame into the sides of my head. However, this model is specifically designed to be glasses-friendly and so has a little extra room for your glasses which was a big win for me. Plus, the soft ear cups are made of a mesh material, which is my preference compared to leathereffect ear cushions. I found non-mesh material often rips and wears away easier when pressed against glasses for long periods of time, so often it gets destroyed quickly when they’re sat on my glasses every day. Therefore, I was glad to see they were made with mesh ear cushions for a breathable yet comfortable fit -perfect for daily gaming sessions.
In terms of sound, the Steal 600 Gen 2 delivers a great allaround gaming experience where you can hear even the quietest
of sounds during stealthy gaming missions, as well as clear voices during game calls. The sound is supported by the built-in microphone that sits snugly to the side of the ear cup. I liked that when I wasn’t on a call, I could easily flip it up to keep it out of the way, and then when I wanted to jump on a call to game with some friends, I just slid it down – no plugging an additional microphone in!
If you love to game or have a loved one who is always screaming at their screen mid-game, then getting them a top-quality pair of gaming headphones is an easy present idea. Any gamer would be thrilled to get the Stealth 600 Gen 2 Wireless Headphones this Christmas, which makes gaming, calls and connection to our console super easy for an all-around great gaming experience.
The Stealth 600 Gen 2 Headphones are designed for Xbox One and Xbox X series, however, they are also compatible with Windows 10.
PROS:
- Sleek and minimalist with an attractive green and black colourway
- Soft and breathable ear cushions for comfortable wear even with glasses on
- Great sound quality – ideal for even the quietest of game noises
HOUSEHOLD TOWER AIRWAVE PRO 2-IN-1 AIR FRYER AND MICROWAVE
AIR FRYERS HAVE BEEN THE LEADING INNOVATION OF THE KITCHEN IN THE LAST FEW YEARS, WITH MANY PEOPLE ENJOYING THE CRISPY DELIGHTS THEY PRODUCE USING SIGNIFICANTLY LESS OIL THAN A TRADITIONAL FRYER. THIS INNOVATION HAS LED TO COUNTERTOPS COVERED IN YET ANOTHER KITCHEN APPLIANCE TO MAKE COOKING JUST THAT LITTLE BIT EASIER. BUT, IF YOU’RE ANYTHING LIKE ME, YOU HAVE LIMITED COUNTER SPACE AND SO HAVING MULTIPLE APPLIANCES THERE’S LITTLE SPACE LEFT TO PREPARE THE FOOD! THIS IS SOMETHING TOWER NOTICED IN ITS MISSION TO MAKE VERSATILE HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES, AND SO THEY HAVE DEVELOPED THE AIRWAVE PRO 2-IN1 AIR FRYER AND MICROWAVE. THE UNIT COMBINES THE BEST OF AIR FRYERS, WITH THE CONVENIENCE AND SPEED OF A MICROWAVE FOR QUICK, CRISPY, AND TASTY FOOD EVERY TIME.
I was super thrilled to get to test out the Tower AirWave Pro 2-in-1 Air Fryer and Microwave, as I love everything about an air fryer, but now with a microwave function all in the same unit it makes a great addition to any kitchen. The unit is pretty heavy, but this is due to its larger size perfect for making large meals and feeding the whole family. Its extra-large 26L capacity means you can fit an entire dinner plate in comfortably, or multiple air fryer basket trays to make enough food to feed quite a few people. Whilst the unit is larger than a typical single-draw air fryer, it is the same size as a typical microwave and so is designed so that you can have both of these functions in a single space-saving unit. This for me is one of the main perks of AirWave
Pro 2-in-1 Air Fryer Microwave, as you can replace two often bulky units with a new seamless combined unit ready for all your air frying and microwaving needs.
The entire unit is sleek in an allblack shiny design with a silver handle, and white lettering indicating the various functions and heating methods of the front. Alongside these touch buttons, is a control knob to adjust the AirWave Pro to your desired cooking settings, temperature and time. I love the variety of settings available at just a touch of a button, with the microwave side of the unit offering a versatile range of pre-sets, and 10 adjustable power levels to heat and defrost your food to your preferences. Then, using the air-fryer settings you have access to 10 pre-set options for a range of things like chips, and nuggets. These
provide you with a recommended time and heat setting, so you don’t have to worry about working out the conversation from a traditional oven to an air fryer setting.
So how does each setting hold up against their single-unit counterparts? The air fryer utilises Tower’s innovative Vortx technology which rapidly circulates air around your food to provide an even yet crisp cook. This works 30% faster than a traditional oven and delivers the always tasty and crisp finish I’ve come to love about a stand-alone air fryer. My only comment would be that, unlike a draw design air fryer where you can easily share the draws to move your foot around, the basket trays need to be removed to give your foot a little shake. This is a little more fiddly and puts your fingers closer to the hot
trays and sides of the air fryer. For the microwave settings, it works just as you’d expect with any traditional microwave. However, Tower have included Magnawave technology, which helps to concentrate the waves for a more even heat distribution. I found this ideal for reheating meals, as I wasn’t left with colder spots as I sometimes find with my current older microwave of a different make. Overall, I was impressed with both settings and found they were very comparable in operation to the single-unit versions I already had of each. Plus, one of the main perks of the unit is that it saves energy compared to using a traditional oven, so combining these two already energy-saving units into one combined unit is a brilliant idea by Tower. Plus by saving energy, you are in turn saving money – something you are also getting by purchasing a single unit instead of two separate ones for your microwaving and air-frying needs! So do I think it is worth it? Yes, if you are on the hunt for a new air fryer and microwave then why not buy a single unit, save space and experience the joys of crisp, energysaving saving and tasty meals all from one appliance? If you already own one of both of these devices, I’m not sure you’d need the purchase, especially if you’re a fan of the draw design of many smaller air fryers, as it would only take up more space. However, if you’re looking to downsize and replace an old microwave and want to try an air fryer too, this makes the perfect option to get both of these great systems in
PROS:
- Innovative combined microwaving and air frying in one space-saving unit
one! If you have a loved one who just moved out and are kitting out their house or apartment this makes a great choice – especially if they are limited on counter space. However, even as a treat this Christmas for yourself, the Tower AirWave Pro 2-in-1 Air Fryer and Microwave is a great choice to condense down your kitchen appliances without compromising on the functionality of either.
- Multiple pre-set options for all cooking needs
- Easy-to-use touch control panel
CONS:
- If you prefer a basket design for an air fryer to move your food about to prevent sticking, then this may not be the choice for you as the tray has to be removed for food adjusting rather than just shaking using the handle
ESPRESSO MACHINE
£49.00
https://www.wacaco.com/products/minipresso-gr2
AS THE AUTUMN MONTHS HAVE ALREADY MADE THEIR DRAMATIC RETURN HERE IN THE UK, EARLY MORNINGS ARE JUST A LITTLE BIT HARDER NOW, BEING BOTH COLDER AND DARKER. FOR ME, THERE’S ONLY ONE WAY TO COMBAT THIS AND GET MYSELF READY FOR THE DAY, AND THAT’S WITH A DELICIOUS MORNING COFFEE. THEREFORE, WHEN WE GOT THE CHANCE TO TEST OUT THE MINIPRESSO GR2 FROM WACACO I WAS SUPER EXCITED, HAVING ALREADY LOVED MANY OF THEIR OTHER ESPRESSO MACHINE UNITS BEFORE..
The Minipresso GR2 delivers many of the excellent features I’ve come to expect from WACACO, including a delicious rich espresso, but now in a super compact unit. The Minipresso GR2 is now smaller and lighter than many of its counterparts on the market and has been designed with sustainability and an even greater user experience in mind.
To use the Minipresso GR2 you just take out the brush, scoop and drip tray accessories which can compactly be stored in the water tank and unclip the bottom coffee cup. Once you’ve done this you unscrew the outlet, add in your coffee, tamp and screw it back into the unit. Then, you just add boiling water, replace the lid, and are ready to begin using the front piston to push the water through the coffee and deliver a rich espresso topped with a delicious thick crema layer. What I love about this unit is that you can actually adjust the coffee basket capacity, from 8 grams to 12. This allows you a little more customization of how strong you like your espresso, so every single one is
perfected to your taste. With the development of the Minipresso GR2, WACACO has put sustainability at the forefront of its design by using fewer materials in the more compact unit and integrating more biobased materials such as wheat-based polymers. Plus, the unit is completely electricity and batteryfree, relying only on hand-pumping to produce the espresso. Therefore, this produces no excess waste when batteries run down or need electricity generation to make it work, and so does not contribute towards excessive environmental waste. The design is a big win for both the environment and the customer because it means that the Minipresso GR2 can be taken with you wherever you go without worrying about access to a power source to still get those precious first few sips of coffee every morning.
If you are on the hunt for an espresso machine that is portable, easy to use, and even designed with sustainability in mind, the WACACO Minipresso GR2 is an excellent choice. Plus, as we lead up to the festive season, this would make an excellent gift for any loved one who is a coffee fanatic as it delivers excellent espresso every time - and now in a more sustainable and affordable unit perfect for every coffee lover!
PROS:
- Compact, lightweight and sustainably designed unit
- Adjustable coffee basket size for customisable coffee strength
- Easy to use and does not require a power source to work – can be used anywhere!
- Affordable price point
CONS:
- Only designed for up to 60ml espresso with each use so if you are in need of a larger coffee immediately in the morning, this may not be your preference –But WACACO have a whole range of units on their site, so you’re sure to find a unit that meets your coffee needs!
£494.99
https://www.juicyretreats.com/jr-ultra-
HOUSEHOLD
JR ULTRA 8000 S4 SLOW JUICER
8000-s4-self-feeding-slow-juicer
HAVING FRESH JUICES IN THE MORNING IS ALWAYS A GREAT WAY TO START THE DAY, BUT MY CURRENT JUICER CONSTANTLY GETS CLOGGED, LEAVES BEHIND A STICKY MESS AND ISN’T SUPER EASY TO CLEAN. FOR THIS REASON, I OFTEN OPT FOR BOTTLED JUICES FROM THE SUPERMARKET THAT ARE MORE COSTLY AND TASTE NOWHERE NEAR AS FRESH. THEREFORE, WHEN I SAW WE HAD THE CHANCE TO TEST OUT THE ULTRA 8000 S4 SLOW JUICER, I WAS THRILLED TO SEE IF IT COULD FIX MY PREVIOUS ISSUES WITH JUICERS AND SAVE ME MONEY FROM PURCHASING PRE-PACKED JUICES EVERY DAY.
The box includes the main juicing unit, a 3-in-1 strainer, 1 pusher, two jugs (one for the juice and another for the pulp), a cleaning brush, and a useful recipe card. The unit is quite compact and looks sleek on my work surface. I was impressed with just how simple it was to assemble the parts ready for juicing as you just have to connect the main three components, place the jugs in front of the pulp and juice ports, and you’re ready to go.
The S4 Slow Juicer has a 1.8-litre juicing bowl with a 1355mm chute, which allows you to fit in plenty of fruits and vegetables, plus any kind of additional milk and juice to make your perfect juice. I personally love making a green juice in the morning for a healthy kickstart to the day, and the machine provided ample space for this. The bowl can easily fit a whole apple, a big handful of spinach, some celery, half a cucumber and even a little bit of ginger for a nice hot kick. I personally always like chopping my fruits and vegetables before I juice them, but the JR Ultra 8000 S4 Slow Juicer bowl is large enough that you can pack it all inside with only a rough chop and it will effectively juice it all with ease. It achieves this with its high-torque 300watt motor that processes your juice quickly and effectively – all whilst being remarkably quiet!
One of the main perks of the JR Ultra 8000 S4 Slow Juicer is its 3-in-1 strainer design. The strainer sits within the bowl of the juicer and filters your juice through a three-layer filtration
system. It is designed to effectively stain pretty much whatever you throw at it to produce smooth and tasty juices without any clogs. Whilst no juicer can produce a drink that is 100% bit free, the smooth juice produced by the juicer is definitely one of the best I’ve tried. Plus every juice tastes great thanks to the juicer’s ultra-low 37 RPM rotating speed which is designed to preserve the nutrients and taste of your juice, so you know that each one is packed full of vitamin-rich goodness – which for me is the main reason for drinking a green juice in the first place!
In terms of functionality, the washing process is just as easy as using the machine for juicing. You just turn the top of the juicer off, which allows you to leave the electrical base behind before heading to the sink for added safety. Each part then comes apart super easily, allowing you to give a good wash by hand to all of the components in a matter of minutes. A key part of the ease of cleaning comes from the strainer being attached to the juicing bowl because you only have 1 piece to wash, rather than multiple more fiddly parts.
Ultimately, if you’re a big fan of fresh juices the JR Ultra 8000 S4 Juicer is a great choice for you. Whilst I appreciate it does come with a more expensive price tag, it is clear each part has been made with longevity, superior functionality and great aesthetics in mind. Each feature has been designed to make the juicing and cleaning process a breeze so you never have to start your day with a sticky mess and can enjoy a super tasty juice instead!
PROS:
- Super easy to assemble and clean
- 3-in-1 filter for great-tasting smooth juices
- Great Safety features – the juicer will not work with the lid open, and the entire bowl can be removed from the base when cleaning
CONS:
- Like most juicers there are always some bits left behind in the juice – but compared to lower prices juicers this is very minimal
- High price point for a juicer –but the materials used, money saved from buying juices, and long warranty that comes with the juicer make it a little more affordable if used quite often
MICROPLANE BLACK SHEEP TRUFFLE TOOL 2-IN-1 SLICER AND GRATER
NOTHING SAYS YOU’RE A BUDDING CHEF MORE THAN ADDING A LITTLE GARNISH OF PARMESAN, TRUFFLE OR EVEN NUTMEG OVER A DISH. I FOR ONE LOVE, ADDING A LITTLE BIT OF PARMESAN TO ANY PASTA DISH FOR THAT DELICIOUS CHEESY YET SALTY KICK, HOWEVER EVEN FOR DESSERTS A LOVELY SHAVING OR CHOCOLATE OR NUTMEG COMPLETES ANY DECADENT SWEET TREAT.
To achieve such a fine grate, I love Microplane products. Microplane are the leading and original manufacturer of photoetching technology in graters, which delivers an ultra-sharp cutting edge across its products. Therefore, when we got the chance to test out the new Black Sheep Truffle Tool 2-in-1 Slicer and Grater I was thrilled, as it aims to make grating and slicing a breeze to finish every dish with a little chef-like flare!
The Truffle Tool is sleek in an all-black stylish design. The bottom of the tool has a non-slip base to help ensure that the Truffle Tool does not move when you’re using it, and this is accompanied by the sturdy handle, so you always have complete control over the tool. To slice you can adjust the thickness with the small dial on one side which adjusts the blade to your desired thickness. This is perfect for shaving dainty slithers of truffle for a dish, or even for delightfully thin vegetable slices like radishes or mushrooms. The slicing feature is perfect for a wide range of dishes, and with the Black Sheep Truffle Tool, this is now even easier than using a knife. Then, for grating, you utilise the opposite side of the tool designed with Microplane’s innovative photo-etched teeth. This is
perfect for adding a bit of nutmeg over a drink or dessert, as well as for things like chocolate, ginger, or even parmesan. The grating area is smaller and designed for the final touch for dishes thanks to its super-fine grate.
One of my favourite aspects of the Truffle Tool is that thanks to its super sharp blades it doesn’t get blocked with food, and instead delivers perfect results every time. These perfect results mean that the tool is super easy to clean and with a quick handwash the Truffle Tool can be left to drip dry. By making the slicing easier, the blades do not need extensive scrubbing to clean them and so each one remains perfectly sharp for continuous use.
My only concern with the Truffle Tool is that, like most tools of this kind, you can run the risk of cutting your finger if you’re not super careful. Whilst the blades are perfectly sharp to avoid snagging when grating or slicing, I would recommend being super careful to not catch yourself! However, for any budding chef this won’t be a surprise, and as long as you’re careful the slicing and grating results are well worth the risk. Plus for added safety, the tool comes with a silicone cover to keep the blades safe and away from being accidentally touched when not in use.
The Black Sheep Truffle Tool would make the perfect gift for a budding cooking enthusiast. The entire tool looks sleek and can be proudly displayed using the handle ready for adding those final touches to a dish. If you are looking for a great gift to get someone who loves cooking as we approach the festive season, the Microplane Black Sheep Truffle Tool is the perfect choice.
PROS:
- Sturdy, non-slip and secure tool for added safety when slicing or grating
- Adjustable slicing width for all your slicing needs
- Super sharp grating surface for ultra-fine grate
CONS:
- Like with most slicing or grating tools, there is always a risk of cutting yourself so added safety when using and storing the tool is recommended
IN MY OPINION, THE BEST WAY TO START THE DAY IS WITH A GOOD CUP OF COFFEE – ESPECIALLY AS THE MORNINGS GET DARKER AND COLDER OVER WINTER. I’VE TESTED OUT MANY COFFEE MACHINES, GRINDERS AND ACCESSORIES OVER THE YEARS, AND SO WAS SUPER EXCITED TO PUT THE NICHE ZERO COFFEE GRINDER TO THE TEST. NICHE COFFEE WAS FOUNDED IN 2014, ON A MISSION TO BRING FRESHLY GROUND COFFEE TO THE EVERYDAY USER WITH HOME APPLIANCES THAT HELP YOU GET THE PERFECT CUP OF COFFEE EVERY TIME. THE COMPANY NOTICED THAT MOST COFFEE GRINDERS WERE FOR COMMERCIAL USE, AND SO DEVELOPED A RANGE OF COFFEE GRINDERS THAT DEALT WITH MANY OF THE PROBLEMS SUCH AS NOISE AND COFFEE RETENTION FOR A BETTER AT-HOME COFFEE GROUNDING EXPERIENCE.
When first opening the Niche Coffee Grinder you can’t help but notice how premium it feels. Each component looks sleek, with a monochrome exterior accented by some nice wooden touches. If I had seen the appliance in a friend’s kitchen, I’m not sure I’d have immediately thought that it was a coffee grinder as its exterior is nothing like the grinders I’ve seen before. However, the lightweight, yet sturdy feeling grinder sits compactly on a side or coffee bar ready to serve all your grinding needs.
To use the grinder, you just pop open the lid, adjust the grinding setting to your preferred needs, pour in your premeasured coffee beans, and then close the lid and you’re ready to grind. One of the big perks of the coffee grinder is that you can completely adjust the grinder to suit a variety of coffee types. This can range from coarse to fine, and include espresso and even filter drip coffee. I personally prefer filter coffee, so I just moved the grinder to within the filter coffee range and gave it a go. Once the lid is closed, you just flick the on switch and the coffee is ground within seconds.
One thing I will note is that the grinder doesn’t hold a super large amount of coffee, and instead is more of a single-shot design. This means that for filter coffee, especially when making
enough for a few people in the office, I did have to do a few batches. This isn’t a bad thing as it ensures you are always using freshly ground coffee but might be something to note if you drink large amounts at once. Plus, this is part of the non-commercial aspect of the Niche ranges, as you are forced to ground fresh every time for an always great taste. Plus, you can’t get anything better than the smell of freshly ground beans!
In terms of components, the Niche Zero is built with a 63mm conical burr which is designed to deliver a top-quality grind every time. This is what helps the Niche Zero achieve its ‘zero retention’ design. Part of Niche Zero’s purpose is to stop coffee from being wasted by being retained in your grinder, so it uses a conical burr and straight-through design. This leaves zero retention behind, and ensures you get out everything you put into the coffee grinder.
So would I recommend the Niche Zero Coffee Grinder? If you’re a big fan of ground coffee and take your daily coffee ritual seriously then yes, absolutely! Whilst, it is pricey, the coffee grinder looks great on your kitchen side, makes grinding your coffee a breeze and means there’s basically zero waste. However, if you are making larger amounts of coffee, or aren’t super fussy about how you like your coffee to be ground it may be a little too pricey to be worth it. Due to the high price point, this would be ideal as a gift for a loved one who may not want to splurge on it for themselves and so it would make a lovely and thoughtful gift.
PROS:
- Zero retention design so you lose very little coffee with each grinding session
- Compact, sleek and stylish design making a great addition to any kitchen side or coffee bar
- Fully adjustable grinding setting to pick your perfect grind size
CONS:
- Luxury price point which may not be affordable for the average coffee drinker
MELITTA BARISTA SE® COFFEE MACHINE
£659.99
available via Harts of Stur at the special price of £450 (https://www.hartsofstur.com/)
I LOVE A FANCY COFFEE FROM THE COFFEE SHOP ON THE WAY TO WORK, BUT I’VE NEVER BEEN ABLE TO REPRODUCE THEM AT HOME – I DON’T KNOW IF IT’S SOMETHING ABOUT THE MAKING PROCESS, THE BEAN GRINDING OR THAT PERFECT BLEND OF COFFEE AND MILK, BUT I CAN’T SEEM TO PERFECT IT MYSELF. THEREFORE, WHEN I WAS GIVEN THE CHANCE TO TEST OUT THE MELITTA BARISTA SE BEAN-TOCUP COFFEE MACHINE I WAS SUPER EXCITED. IT BOASTS TO DELIVER A WHOLE RANGE OF BARISTA QUALITY COFFEE SPECIALITIES, ALL IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME.
Now, the Barista SE is not a small unit, and it does take up a large part of the kitchen counter, but this is because it is a coffee grinder and dual drink maker all in one. To achieve all 18 of its popular pre-set coffee specialities, the machine boasts a water, coffee and milk compartment so this makes sense for its size. I will say I was a little intimidated by the machine when I first opened it as it looked like something from a coffee shop with so many choices and options to choose from. However, after a little playing around and cleaning, I was ready to fill up each of the tanks to make my chosen drinks.
The only way to start any barista quality drink is with freshly ground coffee, and this is the first step in the machine’s process. You pour coffee beans into the grinding compartment, and you can go about making your breakfast without the dreaded loud crunching and whirring of the coffee grinder. This is because the Barista SE Coffee Machine features a Quiet Mark certification meaning that the grinder is designed to be super quiet for easy use no matter the time of day – great for getting the coffee
started in the morning whilst your family is sleeping!
Once the coffee is done it is delivered into one of the two bean chambers and is ready to use for a whole variety of coffee drinks. In fact, the machine has 2 coffee bean chambers so you can even choose between two different coffee bean types depending on your preference. This complete customizability of your coffee is what makes the Barista SE special, as it is like having your own barista in your home. The pre-set specialities include
everything from an espresso to a nice latte or even some more fancy coffees.
You can also select 14 additional coffee variations such as flat white, ristretto and americano via the menu.
I tend to stick to my usual coffee choices out of habit, so many of these coffees were new to me. One of the great perks of this machine is that it allows you to experiment with all those coffee options you might have been hesitant to try before. With each drink, you can adjust
the strength, grind size, temperature, and number of coffees.
For those who prefer not to enjoy their coffee solo, the Barista SE features two cup slots, allowing you to prepare drinks for yourself and a loved one simultaneously. This dual use has a further adjustable head so you can ensure your cup will fit under it, and then you can choose a coffee to suit each of your tastes. I loved that you can even save 4 personalised profile coffees for you and your family to make it even easier to make your favourite drink every day.
The entire unit is controlled and supported by the front display which makes it super easy and intuitive to make your favourite coffees. The display is also vital for the cleaning of the unit, as it provides step-by-step instructions to clean each component.
Cleaning is a big part of any kitchen appliance, especially a coffee machine where milk is involved. I love that the Barista SE can be taken apart for a thorough cleaning. Furthermore, between each use you can blast hot water and steam through parts to help reduce any residue buildup. This is something I’ve always liked about Melitta products – no matter how complex and great each machine is, they always ensure that they’re easy to clean so you are never faced with a massive cleaning job, just to enjoy ‘at home’ barista quality coffees from the comfort of your own home.
The Barista SE would make a great gift for any coffee lover (or family).
PROS:
- 4 customisable profiles to make your favourite drinks even easier
- Can make a whole range of barista quality drinks perfectly blending the water, coffee and milk needs
- Easy cleaning design for ease of use
CONS:
- High price point for a coffee machine
- Large size which may not be suitable for small kitchens with limited counter space
HOUSEHOLD
YETI FLASK AND FUNNEL
https://uk.yeti.com/products/yeti- flask-navy WITH CHRISTMAS PARTIES, WORK DOS, AND MANY FAMILY GATHERINGS OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS – HAVING A FLASK STASHED IN YOUR POCKET CAN SAVE YOU A LOT OF MONEY AND MAKE SOCIAL OCCASIONS A LITTLE BIT MORE FUN. HOWEVER, FOR MANY OF US, A HIP FLASK IS ALSO A GREAT ADDITION FOR FESTIVALS OR CAMPING ADVENTURES TO HAVE A SMALL TIPPLE WITH FRIENDS, WITHOUT HAVING TO CARRY A WHOLE BOTTLE WITH YOU. I’VE BEEN ON THE HUNT FOR A LEAKPROOF AND STURDY FLASK RECENTLY, SO WHEN I GOT TO TEST OUT YETI’S FLASK AND FUNNEL SET, I WAS THRILLED.
The flask I tested out came in a sleek navy exterior, with a stainless-steel top and cap. The unit is made from kitchen-grade stainless steel making it puncture and rust-resistant – ideal for even the most rugged of camping or festival adventures. The exterior casing then uses DuraCoat colours which ensure there is no peeling or cracking. These materials mean that the flask always looks great and will last well.
One of the big requirements of any flask is a good funnel, and with the YETI Flask, you also get a sturdy and easy clean funnel. This sits perfectly in the flask’s spout and ensures you never spill a drop whilst decanting your chosen beverage into it. Along with the funnel, the entire flask is actually dishwasher safe too, so it can be thrown into a dishwasher on the top rack between uses. This makes cleaning extra easy – however, I prefer to handwash my flask and use a straw cleaner it ensure the spout is extra clean.
Overall, having a flask is always a great idea and even better with the YETI’s 7-ounce size. Whether for a sneaky drink during social gatherings or for taking on camping or festival trips, you can’t go wrong with the YETI Flask and Funnel.
PROS:
Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning
Durable stainless steal and DuraColour design for a longlasting sleek look
7-ounce size great for keeping in a pocket or your bag
CONS:
Is a high price point for a flash and funnel – more of a luxury gifting price
I’VE ALWAYS GOT AN UMBRELLA IN MY BAG NO MATTER WHERE I GO BECAUSE THE WEATHER HERE IN THE UK IS BEST KNOWN FOR ITS COMPLETE UNPREDICTABILITY. HOWEVER, OVER THE YEARS I’VE HAD PLENTY OF UMBRELLAS BREAK WITH A SLIGHT BREEZE AND EVEN SOMETIMES FAIL TO KEEP ME DRY! THEREFORE, I’VE BEEN ON THE HUNT FOR A COMPACT, LIGHTWEIGHT YET EFFECTIVE UMBRELLA THAT I CAN KEEP IN MY BAG AND ONE THAT (MOST IMPORTANTLY) WON’T BREAK WITH A SLIGHT BIT OF BREEZE! THIS IS WHERE THE WEATHERMAN TRAVEL UMBRELLA COMES IN THAT BOASTS TO GO ALL OF THIS, WHILST STILL MEASURING UNDER 12 INCHES LONG!
The Weatherman Travel Umbrella is the perfect size for keeping in your car or bag ready to keep you protected should a rain shower occur. I was super impressed with the size, and once unravelled you just press the opening button and the umbrella pops into place. I liked that there was no struggle with the typical metal clips which I always seem to catch my finger on, and instead, I could unfold, pop open with the button and I was ready to go.
One of the main things I was looking for with a new umbrella is one that could withstand wind gusts without turning inside out. The Weatherman Travel Umbrella has been designed with a reinforced aluminium frame which stands up well against the wind. In fact, the umbrella has been tested by Weatherman and can withstand winds of up to 45mph - great compared to most who fail at a slight breeze!
The umbrella canopy is made from Weatherman’s signature water-repellent fabric which keeps you dry throughout using it, and once you’re done all the rain rolls off easily. The umbrella actually
features an auto-close design and quick folding system, designed to make it easy to take down and quickly throw in your bag without any hassle.
Overall, I was super impressed with the umbrella and will definitely be keeping it in my bag for the foreseeable future. It’s lightweight, compact, and makes putting up/taking it down a breeze. If you are on the hunt for a new umbrella, it might be worth the slight splurge for an umbrella that you know won’t give up on you at the worst possible time!
PROS:
- Compact and lightweight for easy carrying everyday
- Quick opening and closing function for greater functionality
WITH THE WEATHER IN THE UK AS UNPREDICTABLE AS EVER, I’M RARELY WITHOUT AN UMBRELLA IN MY BAG. HOWEVER, HAVING HAD A RANGE OF UMBRELLAS AT A RANGE OF PRICE POINTS, THEY NEVER SEEM TO STAND UP AGAINST A BIT OF WIND. AFTER JUST A FEW MOMENTS, IT’S INSIDE OUT, AND I’M GETTING DRENCHED! THEREFORE, IT SEEMS TIME THAT I TEST OUT AN UMBRELLA FROM WEATHERMAN, WHICH HAS A LIFETIME WARRANTY AND IS DESIGNED TO WITHSTAND EVEN THE MOST TREACHEROUS OF CONDITIONS.
The Weatherman Collapsible umbrella is designed to be sturdy, provide next-level protection from the elements, and still be compact enough to fit in your bag while you’re on the go. It achieves this thanks to its fibreglass-reinforced design, which stops it from inverting and breaking even in windy conditions. The canopy is also designed to be windproof and is built with water-repellent fabric to keep you dry no matter what.
One of the main things I’ve always hated about umbrellas is the opening function, as many have those small metal latches that are super easy to catch your finger in. This is something Weatherman has taken into consideration with their design, and so have included an auto-open function that quickly puts the umbrella up without much hassle. Plus, when the rain finally clears, the umbrella has a manual close quick-folding system that gets rid of excess water on the umbrella so you don’t put a
PROS:
soaking wet umbrella in your bag. This also helps to protect the structure of the umbrella so it is likely to last much longer than a traditional umbrella.
For many of us having a reliable umbrella isn’t something we think about until we are stuck in a downpour and our clothes are soaked. Therefore, give the gift of no more wet clothes, running mascara, and messed up hairstyles with an umbrella made to last the unpredictable weather of the UK!
- Fibreglass reinforced designed for added stability and durability
- Windproof and water-repellent for effective storm protection
- Compact size to still fit in your bag
CONS:
- It’s a rather high price tag for an umbrella – whilst this makes sense with the ridged design, it is quite pricey for an umbrella
BLACKVUE DR770X BOX-3CH DMS PRO DASH CAMERA (64GB)
A DASH CAMERA HAS BECOME AN ESSENTIAL ADDITION TO ANY CAR TO PROVIDE AN EXTRA LAYER OF PROTECTION WHILST YOU’RE ON THE ROAD. I PERSONALLY ALWAYS HAVE A DASH CAMERA RECORDING WHEN I’M DRIVING JUST IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT, SO I HAVE MY OWN PERSONAL WITNESS TO ANY EVENTS THAT MAY OCCUR. THEREFORE, I WAS SUPER EXCITED TO SEE THE BLACKVUE DR770X BOX-3CH DMS PRO DASH CAMERA AVAILABLE TO REVIEW, AS IT NOT ONLY PROVIDES YOU WITH A RECORD OF WHAT OCCURS ON THE ROAD, BUT IT DOES SO USING A TRIPLE CAMERA PROTECTION DESIGN AND AN AI-POWERED DRIVER MONITORING SYSTEM (DMS) FOR AN ALL-ROUND SAFER DRIVING EXPERIENCE.
The BlackVue DR770X Box-3CH DMS Pro system has a front camera, rear camera and driver monitoring system (DMS) which are all designed to provide a reliable view of the events occurring around your car, as well as your safety whilst driving. The front camera has a 2.1MP Song STARVIS™ CMOS Sensor, which records in full HD at 60 frames per second (fps). It provides a 131° view of the road to seamlessly capture everything in front of you. In addition to the front camera, the DR770X Box-3CH DMS Pro also comes with a standard rear camera which utilises the same sensor system, and records in full HD and at a 30-fps resolution. Each one provides a great overall view surrounding your vehicle and ensures that should an incident occur you have footage of the event.
One of my favourite aspects of the DR770X Box-3CH DMS Pro is the Driver Monitoring System which ensures safety within the vehicle at all times. The DMS provides a 109° view of the car’s cabin and utilises an AI system to watch you drive and send in-cabin alerts, event recording and push notifications should it detect drowsiness, distractions or no seatbelts being worn. I like
that the camera will announce to the car a reminder to take a break or to avoid distractions whilst driving. The interior camera will also send alerts if there is no driver detected, and the car is in motion. The DMS provides an allaround added layer of safety, which is designed to keep you focused and accountable whilst driving – especially great for long drives to visit family this festive season.
One of the main perks of the DR770X Box-3CH DMS Pro is the main box unit which controls, connects and stores all the footage recorded from the cameras across the car. The box is designed to be stored in your glove box, for added protection and away from the heat of the sun, unlike traditional dash cameras which have a microSD card in the camera itself. By moving it to the glove box, it aims to extend the lifespan
of the memory card and help to avoid its theft should the car be broken into. In addition to its protection features, the box design utilises Cloud technology and built-in Wi-Fi to connect to your phone. This makes connecting the dash cameras super easy and allows you to easily access your files using the BlackVue Cloud. To make the pairing even more seamless, the DR770X Box-3CH DMS Pro also comes with a wireless button which confirms and connects your phone to the system. This button is useful for triggering the recording system manually to events if necessary.
The DR770X Box-3CH DMS Pro is also designed to protect your car even whilst you’re away from it with the Parking Mode. In this setting, the dash camera needs to be hardwired into your car and once the ignition is turned off it will enter a mode that will detect motion and impact whilst the car is parked. Using the app, you can adjust the camera to only pick up alerts in a specified region of its view, so you don’t get notifications all night from a neighbour’s tree or a cat walking in the distance. This adds that extra layer of protection
to your car 24/7 so that should your car be hit or broken into the dash cam should alert you to events, record them and store them safely on the box unit. Then, when you get in the car the next day the dash camera notifies you if any recordings were taken overnight for you to immediately review.
PROS:
- Innovative dash camera with added DMS safety measures to help keep drivers accountable
- Wide view of the road both in front and behind your car
- Comes with a MicroSD card for secure footage storage
Overall, the DR770X Box-3CH DMS Pro is an innovative and safetyfocused dash camera which aims to provide a reliable witness to events and keep you accountable whilst driving. The camera comes with a MicroSD card to store your files on, and with the app, you can seamlessly view, save and organise your recordings should you need them at any time. If you or a loved one drives a lot whether personally or for work, a dash camera is an excellent gift to help give them that extra little peace of mind that they have a camera recording the road on long drives.
- Innovative glove box design to keep the dash camera minimalist and the box unit hidden from view
CONS:
- High price point for a dash camera – but safety features and modular design make it different to others on the market to justify higher price point
£399.98 https://tinyurl.com/4vfcehpu
ROAD ANGEL HALO PLAY 4K DASH CAMERA
I’M A BIG FAN OF HAVING A DASH CAMERA IN MY CAR, AS I LIKE HAVING THE PEACE OF MIND THAT I HAVE MY OWN RECORD OF EVENTS SHOULD AN ACCIDENT OCCUR. HOWEVER, NO MATTER THE PRICE RANGE, MANY DASH CAMERAS STRUGGLE ON BUMPY ROADS AND IN LOW LIGHTING CAN’T SEEM TO CAPTURE A SUPER CLEAR IMAGE ALL THE TIME. THIS MAKES ME WORRY THAT SHOULD AN ACCIDENT OCCUR IN THESE INSTANCES, MY CAMERA MAY NOT BE AS HELPFUL AS I’D LIKE. SO WHEN I SAW THE ROAD ANGEL HAVE A RANGE OF 4K DASH CAMERAS THAT ARE DESIGNED WITH THESE INSTANCES I KNEW I HAD TO TRY ONE TO SEE HOW IT COMPARED IN TERMS OF IMAGE QUALITY AND FUNCTIONALITY.
The Halo Play 4K Dash Camera provides a 4K Ultra HD front camera, accompanied by a 1080p full HD camera at the rear. The front provides a 1400 view of the road in front of you and boasts to be so high quality that it can capture 70% of what the human eye can see for next-level recording quality. After reviewing the footage from a few drives, I have to admit the image quality is super good and does make it feel like you literally have a pair of eyes recording the road in great detail for you.
One of the things that stood out was the Auto Image Stabilization which helps to prevent shaky footage even on the bumpiest of roads. My typical drive includes one particularly bumpy road, and even watching back the footage from this it was quite smooth. Whilst I’m not sure any dash camera can prevent all shaking; the stability settings of the Halo Play were definitely helping to produce a clearer shot.
Aside from its performance whilst driving, the Halo Play Dash Camera also features a parking mode. To use the parking
mode, you do need to hardwire the dash camera into your car so it turns on and off with your ignition which does require a hardwiring kit that is not included. However, once installed the dash camera will watch over the car even whilst it is parked. The parking mode offers a time-lapse recording once movement is noticed outside or inside the car, the camera will also power up and record events. All recordings are stored on a microSD card in the camera, and link up with your phone via the Halo Playback App so you can watch any events back and easily share them should something have occurred.
Overall, I was super impressed by Road Angels’ Halo Play 4K Dash Camera; it is sleek, provides great image quality, can be easily accessed via the app and even protects your car whilst its parked. If you’re on the hunt for a new dash camera the Road Angel Halo Play is a great choice that will deliver crystal clear image quality no matter the road conditions or time of day.
Available now from Road Angel and Halfords!
PROS:
- Parking and G sensory mode to protect the car whilst you’re away from it
- 4K ultra HD camera for crystal clear recordings at the front of the car
- Stabilisation and night mode settings to adjust to every environment for an always clear picture
CONS:
- Does not come with a microSD card and it is recommended to be used with a Road Angel SD card – so this is an additional purchase
£279.99
https://tinyurl.com/mt4tycee
ROAD ANGEL HALO ULTIMA 4K DASH CAMERA
WITH THE EVENINGS GETTING DARKER OVER THE WINTER MONTHS IT’S ESSENTIAL TO HAVE A DASH CAMERA IN YOUR WAY. HOWEVER, WITH THE LIGHTING ALREADY NATURALLY REDUCED, I WAS ON THE HUNT FOR A DASH CAMERA WHICH PROVIDES TOP-QUALITY RECORDING EVEN IN LOW LIGHTING. THIS IS WHERE THE ROAD ANGEL HALO ULTIMA 4K DASH CAMERA COMES IN WHICH NOT ONLY RECORDS THE ROAD DURING THE DAY, BUT ALSO IS FITTED WITH A NIGHT VISION MODE TO MAKE RECORDING THE ROAD AT NIGHT EVEN MORE RELIABLE.
The Halo Ultima is designed to deliver top-quality image recording using its 4K camera and 1080p full HD rear camera. Across these two cameras, the Halo Ultima provides a great overview of the entire car and ensures that any events happening around it are recorded should they be needed later. However, the night vision mode was what really stood out for me. In low lighting, the dash camera automatically adapts to the exposure level outside of the car ensuring that it always captures a clear image. This is super useful as with more of us driving in the dark over the winter months, having that extra layer of protection recording the road clearly gives an added touch of safety. The entire Halo range offers a parking mode which ensures that should any motion be detected by your dash camera whilst you are parked it will start recording. This is great for catching accidental collisions overnight to ensure you get all the details needed for finding the culprit or filing a claim. I personally have to park my car down the street from my apartment, and so knowing that I have that extra layer of protection when I can’t see my car was great for peace of mind.
The Halo Ultima provides two top-quality cameras at a more affordable price point than others in the range, making it an easy decision for gifting this festive season. I’d highly recommend gifting a dash camera this Christmas as you can never be too careful on the road. I now I’ll definitely be checking out Road Angels whole range of dash cameras when looking at gifting one this Christmas. Available now from Road Angel and Costco!
PROS:
- Great image quality for reliable recording of events
- Stabilisation and night mode settings for added image quality no matter the environment
- Quick release mounting to easily detach without removing the whole unit
CONS:
- Road Angel recommends using one of their SD cards for the best footage storage, however, the camera does not come with one – I’d love to see one added in the future!
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