Gift guide for men

As promised, my latest handmade gift guide is for the men in your life. I find the men on my list so tricky to buy for. My husband doesn't like "stuff" and I think (but might be wrong), that it's a fairly typical male trait.

Sterling silver cufflinks - Becky Pearce Designs

I spent years when we moved in together persuading R that cushions are essentials for a comfy sofa and not just unnecessary soft things that clutter up the living room. Seriously.

So, with that kind of tricky male psyche in mind, I enlisted some help from the wonderful Folksy sellers, and came up with this list of goodies that would go down pretty well with all of the men-folk of my family.

All are practical as well as beautifully made and designed. With the exception of the lab print, which can't really be called practical, but IS Man's Best Friend? And it's gorgeous.








1 - Recycled football journal 2 -  Ipad sleeve 3 - Charcoal scarf
4 - Specs case 5 - Leather sketchbook 6 - Chocolate lab print
Of course, some gorgeous silver never goes amiss either. The silver bark cufflinks at the top of the page are always a big hit. Practical, subtle and gorgeous. 

Silver ring - Becky Pearce Designs

This chunky sterling silver ring is also a bit hit. Understated but meaningful. I've had people stamp a special date on the inside. This ring can be personalised with letters or numbers.

Gift guide - Teens and tweens

Gifts for teenagers

Tweens and teens are so tricky to buy for at Christmas. They're often too old for toys, and everyone else will be stuck for inspiration too, so will get vouchers - so what else is there?

In my mission to spread the word about handmade goodness here's some of my top handmade picks that would make perfect gifts for teenagers (and tweens) this Christmas.  

1 - Upcycled postage stamp notebook2 -  Girls chalkboard3 - Smiley emoticon cushion
4 - Fairytale Zines5 - iphone cover6 - Football girl box
Of course, I've got some rather lovely pieces of jewellery that would be perfect for teenagers too. Often schools allow girls to wear earrings as long as they're discreet and small. These fine silver stars are a great option. 

Fine silver stars

 My birthstone rings range are also a lovely option. Choose their birthstone for a gift with extra meaning, or their favourite colour. My soon to be 10 year old has requested one for her birthday in a couple of weeks.

Turquoise birthstone ring

These delicate vintage glass necklaces are something a little bit special, and something no-one else will have. The monochrome colouring is a teen favourite.

Vintage glass pendant

I'd love to know what you think of these; and if you have any other great ideas to share please put them in a comment below. 

Gift Guide - Fab Friends

Perfect gifts for your favourite people. Those who you see once in a blue moon, but with whom you still click like you last saw each other yesterday. Or, those who you see or speak to everyday without fail. Either way, these are the people who you know will be there for you!

So, how to thank them...? Here's a few ideas.

A simple gemstone pendant...perfect for everyday wear.

These leaf pendants can be made with many different stones - birthstones are a favourite, and thoughtful gift.

These silver pearls are an ideal gift - they will go with everything!

And so do these bangles - in Russian wedding ring style. A real classic.

Here's to fab friends!

Gift Guide - Teens

The perfect gifts for those hard to buy for nieces, daughters, god-daughters...all sorted. I promise you, they do not need any One Direction make up!

My top 5 are...

The number one favourite - teeny tiny hearts. These are handcrafted out of fine silver, with a sterling earwire. Textured to bounce the light, and a perfect 5mm size. Just beautiful everyday wear.

These vintage glass cabochons are set in silver, with sterling silver earwires. I also have these in green and blue. Pretty, but not too pretty! These are a dainty 10 x 8mm.

Number three on the hotlist - these copper stars have a sterling silver earwire so no nasty irritation for those with delicate ears. These are nice and dainty too - just 5mm. Textured to let the light bounce.

Every girl should have some pearls. This pendant holds a creamy pearl with a facetted moss aquamarine, wrapped in sterling silver and with a sterling silver snake chain.

And last but not least...

This edgy little pendant with a tourmalinated quartz - little black shards floating in a facetted quartz stone. Really unusual, delicate and beautiful.