Quote Posters
Top tips for quote posters
1) Use multiple fonts - each line of mine is a different font.2) Highlight the key words in the text by making them bigger, bolder and in different colours.
3) Include a simple picture to do with the main topic without a background so it blends into the background colour.
4) Don't use a long quote, paraphrase if you have to!
5) Point out to them that they said it by putting their name and the year at the bottom of the page (I've cut my friend's name off this for privacy, but it is there in the original).
If you don't like this style, you can parody other styles of poster such as the 'Keep Calm' ones or turn a funny picture of your friend into the style of a meme. The possibilities are endless. For instance my friend has had a thing about badgers wearing party hats for years, so this year I printed out a poster of a badger that I'd added a party hat to and captioned it!
Food Hampers
Heres the recipes I will be using if you are interested:
Dark Cherry and Hazelnut Biscotti
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| (Use proper butter, not marg! They took forever to dry out, but were the biggest success of the operation. Defo making them again at some point :) ) |
Tuiles
Pistachio and Cranberry mini Meringues
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| Any plain meringue recipe with chopped pistachios and dried cranberries added to the mixture (only one of the types in each meringue, not mixed together) They didn't provide much flavour, so unless you are sprinkling them on top for decoration, there isn't much point adding them to be honest. Ah well, you live ad you learn :) |
Books
Books are great for the book lovers in your life. Whether its a book you love and want to introduce them too, or a book based on things they love that you think they'll love, you can be rest assured that if they love reading they will use this at some point - just make sure they haven't read it already...
I bought A History of the World in 100 Objects by Neil MacGregor for my Dad. This was originally a radio series he listened too, so fingers crossed he'll enjoy the book just as much 😊
My personal book recommendations are the Grisha Trilogy by Leigh Dubargo and (the similar) Black Magician Trilogy by Trudi Canavan.
Bath Bombs
They've been around for years, yet never fail to please and impress. This Lush bubble bar (superior to the bath bomb if you ask me, cause bubbles!) in Sunnyside, looks luxurious (just watch the video on their website) and I mean, who doesn't want to bathe in gold?! Costing just £4.95, they're a steal (+ they're vegan and Lush don't test on animals 😊). If you don't want to buy these but want to buy nice bubble baths etc, you can normally buy gift sets (like these cute crackers) and (if you're really on a budget) split them up between multiple friends :) I also happen to know that the body shop are doing little £5 gift boxes, which are super cute :)
Makeup
For all the beauty lovers in your life, you can't go wrong with cosmetics 😊. This lipstick has been a staple on my face for the past week since I bought it last Wednesday hehe. It's by Maybelline and is their ColorSensational matte lipstick in 975 Divine Wine, costing just £6.99. Yes, it's not the best lipstick formulation wise, but if you want to introduce your friend to a gorgeous deep red lipstick, fabulous for the Christmas season, then you can't go wrong with this (unless, of course, you can find a lipstick that's a similar colour with a better formula - please let me know if you do!). If you want to buy lipsticks for multiple friends and are on a tight budget, MUA's liquid lacquers are only £3! (I would say buy the gift set, but 5 for £15 means you aren't saving money by buying this way, only wasting more packaging...). Other cute makeup gift sets include Makeup Revolution Handbag Hacks (currently reduced to £3 from £6 - BARGAIN!!) and the tower of glitter nail polishes from Debenhams (£8 for 4 = £2 each!) If you have a little more to spend, this set from Benefit is £19.50, with each item costing just under £5 if split between 4 friends :)
Perfume
Perfume is a little harder to get right, as it is so individual. Mini perfume sets, like this one from New Look (£12.99), means the recipient will hopefully like at least one of them. These are also, once again, great stocking fillers to split up and give out individually to people- especially if you're strapped for cash!
Jewellery
On the slightly higher end of the budget (for the one I bought anyways) jewellery is always a good option if you're struggling to buy for someone (provided they wear it). I find basic staple pieces are a safer option as they are easier to style and go with more. Then again, buy what ever you know the recipient would love - if they like more bold pieces then get them that instead :)
The photographed item is by Pilgrim (bought for £25 from Debenhams- I went halves with another friend).
Cheaper alternatives include:
Chocolate
When in doubt, the way to their heart is through their stomach. Quirky chocolates, such as this Playstation controller are super fun, and these tiny crackers by Hotel Chocolat (which I was a happy recipient of this year) make for great add on gifts or stocking fillers
Phone Cases
Most people have phones these days, so why not update their case? You can make a slip case in 2 hours (such as the one I made today which you can see above and cost me around £12 for materials. But to save even more money, you could make one out of clothes you no longer wear) and I will be putting up a tutorial ASAP 😊
Other styles include ones for Sherlock fans (that I want hehe) and this confetti one.
Gift vouchers
Any reccommendations of your own? Add them in the comments below!
Merry Christmas :)
June xx
