Monday 24 November 2014

A Christmas Gift Guide for the Whole Family

So, you want to know what to buy the whole family for Christmas, each and every one of them, and you haven't the first clue. So here I am to help you out. My pleasure. A Family Christmas Gift Guide that leaves nobody out (except pets - I haven't the first clue about them) :-)

I'll give you one tip before I begin. Keep it personal. Personal wins the prize for best gift every day of the week and twice on Sundays.

For the coffee lover in your life (after all the day begins with coffee doesn't it?)


A Nespresso machine - there are lots to choose from and you can even get a bundle (a Nespresso machine and a separate Aeroccino milk frother that will see you get 75 pounds worth of free coffee from the coffee club). I got to take/taste Nespresso and their coffee through its paces at a brilliant #CoffeeWithCurrys event. What really got me was this "only 1-2% of the world's coffee production meets the high standards of quality set by Nespresso" - THIS explained why my Plantar Fasciitis did not go crazy, despite spending the whole day with them drinking coffee. The acidity is obviously at a completely different level to the crap I drink at home LOL!

A Costa Coffee Christmas Cup so that they can drink from it from Christmas Day until they go back to work, and keep it as a keepsake for next year. Ceramic editions of Costa's four character mugs will be available in Primo size for customers to purchase for the first time ever. They're already instore now priced at £7.95 each.

For the discerning true ultimate coffee lover (connoisseur) you may want to get them something dead cool. Something unusual. So I have researched and found the ultimate coffee lover gift guide for you.

Coffee Gets Personal

As bloggers we get sent all sorts. Some things make an impression, some don't! Some things are reviewed and put to one side. Others are treasured, as it was with this mug, which I drink from daily. Totally takes me back to my Yoga Festival days - loving the nostalgia! Get a personalised mug of YOUR very own or GIFT one over at: Jonny's Sister. Very cool website!

I'll show you mine if you show me yours:

For the jewellery lover in your life

This authentic Sibyl Silver Brooch is beautiful and I also have one to giveaway below. Moonstones were a favourite stone with Arts and Crafts designers such as Sibyl Dunlop (1889-1968), this elegant silver design reflects her work. Made exclusively for "Museum Selection" who currently have it on offer £24.99 was £49.99. Silver with moonstone and synthetic opals, 1 1/4 inch wide. They actually have a fabulous selection of vintage brooches and rings.


For Daddy

Daddy has had quite a few treats from Aaron and I lately, and I'd say some of them would make a fab Christmas gift. Firstly, a personalised photo calendar that includes his favourite pics of him and the kid(s). Our Daddy loved the photobox one that we made for him! When we made it I blogged about it here: Daddy's Birthday Present Calendar. PHOTO Calendars (or indeed Photo Books) like that make a perfect gift for any member of the family to be honest. I know I made a photobook for my Mum once, with pictures of her and Aaron. It's coffee table size and she adores it! 

For The Gamer in Your Life

Did you know that the latest Sims game is out? See this giveaway: you can win The Sims 4 on my blog. The Sims 4 is the newest edition to the life simulation series allowing gamers to create their own character, then train them, introduce them to new friends, managing their world top to bottom. Swimming Pools, Star Wars outfits and Ghosts have all been added to the game making it the best edition yet

For The Football STRIKER 

Puma EvoPower 1 Boots - 140 pounds. They come in a firm ground and a soft ground version. Engineered by PUMA to mimic your barefoot kicking motion, the truly ground-breaking evoPower 1 football boots allow your foot to flex freely when striking the ball, liberating your natural shooting power and thereby increasing your striking goal accuracy! 

Does that same football enthusiast need a ball? 


The Sondico Aerolite FIFA Approved Football provides OPTIMUM performance on the pitch thanks to a hand stitched 18 panel construction complete with Sondico branding and graphics for an eye-catching design.

For the Royal Follower or Someone a Little Regal ;-) 

Everyone knows someone who loves the Royals right? Well I discovered a retailer: Highgrove - that stocks beautiful products. Overseas deliveries can take 14 days so you'd have to order now if you are one of my international readers *waves hello there*.

For The Book Lover Be They Young or Old

Any age of book lover will adore this book: The Book of Everyone. You can mock up a book online right now, and even scroll through each and every page and you'll know whether you love it or not. If, like me, you want one, then you only need to decide on an option, out of these flexible choices:
Even if you don't buy one, you've got to go see how very cool and retro the books are. I'm well impressed with the whole concept and can't wait to get my mitts on one. A lovely coffee table book.
Each book is filled with amazing personalised facts, wonderful statistics and all told through a nostalgic glance back to the world the person was born into. You can personalise further with your own touches such as photos and comments.
FREE SHIPPING TO MAINLAND UKThe Book of Everyone has a collaboration with Age UK, so that with every book we buy it goes towards the “gifting” of a book for an elderly person who may not receive a gift. - because after all amazing people deserve an amazing gift. 

Speaking of Books, get yourself to Waterstones

I recently did a shop there for #CollectiveBias and absolutely adore the 5 bits that I bought for advent. Stick Man is always a good idea for Christmas and we've just recently begun huge fans of it, Aaron and I. From my recent visit to Waterstones this is my books haul below. I haven't included the Phonics pack that I got, as Aaron wasn't quite as enamoured with that as I expected. You can read my post here: Waterstones for Children's Christmas Books.

For the Little Builder

We reviewed 4 sets of Mega Bloks this year, and they really are superb. This is the Pony Palace, which can really come alive if you use your imagination ;-)

The The Child Who Loves Everything on Wheels

I recently did a post for what to buy a boy just like my Aaron. It's all things wheels. But what I forgot to mention in there was the ultimate Christmas gift: a bike!!! Aaron got a balance bike when he was 3 years old. Was on it every day for 10 months and then this year, a month before he turned four, got his first proper pedal bike, not a stabilizer in sight! He went out with Daddy one dusky evening, and came back riding within 45 minutes, so it is true what they say, that riding a balance bike teaches you how to ride. He was a whizz straight away, and then moved on to BMX tracks like a real cool dude! Giving a child a bike is like giving them the great outdoors! My favourite memories as a child were when cycling!

For That Family Member who Loves Golf, Boat Trips, Cycling, Mountain Biking and Scotland Washed Down with a Shot of Whisky


Get them a getaway package to Kinloch Lodge Hotel and Restaurant. 
Charming and cosy Kinloch Lodge is a hotel and restaurant like no other.  Kinloch is a truly unique place in a magical setting, nestled at the foot of Kinloch Hill on the tranquil shoreline of the sea-loch Na Dal in Sleat on the wildly romantic Isle of Skye.  Recognised internationally, Kinloch was cited as one of the world's top 25 small hotels in Conde Naste Traveller Magazine.
Wilderness adventure - for those that want to work up an appetite this package includes a full day with wilderness guide Skye Ghillie, a Visit Scotland ambassador. Can include fishing, forgaing and tracking otters, eagles and red deer. From £278pp** for two nights including five course dinner, breakfast and one day wilderness adventureTo get your tailor-made gift voucher contact

Kinloch Lodge on 01471 833333 www.kinloch-lodge.co.uk 


For the DIY Lover Be They Light Work or Heavy Duties


39% of those who undertake DIY label themselves as ‘Light DIYers’, opting for smaller projects such as painting or putting up shelves whilst 6% are ‘Serious DIYers’ attempting more complicated tasks that include installing kitchens or laying a patio. One in 10 class themselves as ‘Moderate DIYers’ who accomplish projects such as tiling and laying flooring as well as easier tasks.
Natalie Vescia, Marketing Manager, Wickes Gift Card, explains: “A Wickes' Gift Card is the perfect seasonal gift for all types of DIY enthusiasts from parents looking for an opportunity to transform an unloved room in the family home to avid DIYers looking to update their toolbox with quality branded power tools and accessories.”
Giving a Wickes' gift card for Christmas is a perfect excuse for home improvement fans to start planning their 2015 projects and select exactly what they need for their DIY activity, whether inside or outside the home.
For the survey, Wickes interviewed nearly 2,000 consumers (1,993) as part of a nationally representative consumer omnibus conducted by ICM Research, 7-10 March 2014.

For the Philanthropist in Your Family

Not everyone wants a gift under the tree that they can unwrap. In fact some people hate the consumer driven side of Christmas, and the only reason they are participating in the festivities is because they love that Christmas brings family together, and it can be a time of GIVING. This may just be the perfect gift for "them". Head over to Send a Cow. Gifts include Send a Chicken, Send a Little Donkey, Send a Tap, and even a Send a Semen Straw, which gives African families the chance to reproduce newborn cows.

Christmas Doesn't Have to Break the Piggy Bank

All of these Squeeky Clean products by Creightons are available from Poundland! Yes that means they are a pound each :-) would you believe?!?! Indeed, they look like something else I am a huge fan of. There might be a beauty conscious teen who'd be THRILLED to have these wrapped under the tree or perhaps someone you've bought a main gift for, but want to give them some pampering stocking fillers too. I've always been a huge fan of Poundland.

For the Pregnant Family Member with the Expectant Glow

"The Cussons Mum & Me Bump Gift bag contains four products from the Bump range to nurture and nourish you through the ups and downs of every day, whilst helping to keep you feeling and looking great. A great gift for a friend – an even better gift for yourself". Includes Smooth & Glow Pregnancy Shampoo, Soothe and Nourish Body Lotion, Relax and Unwind Bath Soak Relax and Unwind Sleep Mist.

For the Car Lover

Especially for a car lover whose ride is pimped to the fullest, has its own  name and of course is the pride and joy of its owner. Turtle Wax Black Box Detailing Kit £24.99. With black vehicles becoming one of the most popular paint choices, the Turtle Wax Black Box Detailing Kit is the ideal kit to help prevent the build-up surface defect This kit has 3 products (Black Pre-wax cleaner, Black Carnauba Blend Wax and Black Spray Detailer ) specifically designed to maintain a newer black finish.

Teddies just Pile Up Don't They? How About An Educational One?

My Pals, the perfect gift if looking for an interactive friend to help introduce children to words, counting and feelings through 14 activities. My Pal Scout and Violet have super-soft fur and 5 touch points that respond when pressed. My Pals can be personalised to learn your child’s name and favourite things, now via smart phones, so they are ready to play straight from the box! Scout and Violet come with 5 songs or a choice of 30+. Two modes of play; play with Scout and Violet in daytime mode or night-time mode for soothing lullabies. 

For the Concert Lover who Loves Scrapbooking

If you’ve been to a special event or concert with the person you’d like to buy a gift for (or just know where they keep their store of old event tickets) you can get an event ticket turned into a hand-made coaster for them – so they can use it every day and remember the great event.

TicketCoaster is a British company that takes your used event tickets (from concerts, sports, theatre etc) and turns them into a unique souvenir,  by turning them into a quality coaster. Sandwiched between layers of cork-backed board and clear, heat resistant laminate, the ticket is preserved and protected for you to use every day and show off to friends and relatives.

For the Discerning Drinker who Thinks They've Tried it All


Maybe you want to get a little tipple for someone who's tried it all. You want to give them a new experience. This is Spain's number 1 selling liquor! It's just been launched in the UK. A great drink as you can make festive Cocktails with it or turn your favourite hot drink into a Spanish Coffee. Licor 43 is a premium Spanish liqueur with hints of caramel and vanilla. Fab for Christmas parties and easy to recreate cocktails at home. Their website is really worth a visit! Licor 43 is available in selected Asda stores nationwide and from www.drinksupermarket.com with a RRP of £17.50 - £17.99. Good news! I have one to giveaway below (it will come with recipe suggestions for how to spice up your cocktails and make Spanish Coffee), and I have finally uploaded the giveaway on Rafflecopter. Enjoy comping! :-)

That Family Member who Eats Ice Cream all Year Round!

The Shake 'n' Make at only 15 pounds is an amazing gift idea and it is not the only cool (forgive the pun) product that they sell either. Take a look at this amazing catalogue which is just bursting with products that are quirky gift ideas for someone who wants something FUNKY and design led: Just Mustard Catalogue

The product allows you to make delicious homemade ice cream in 3 min only, and no power is required. You can also make healthy sorbets and frozen yogurts. Don't take my word for it, watch the video (yes I know it contains salt but you can use GOOD rock or sea salt and boost your iodine levels):


It's a Cracker for Made in Chelsea Candy Fans

For that TV watching person who loves candy, why not buy them a Cracker. Gourmet confectionery founded by the charming Jamie Laing of Made in Chelsea fame. This Christmas, Candy Kittens have “the sweetest gift on the market” with their super seasonal Candy Kittens Christmas Cracker (£12) filled with sweets (with quintessentially British and rather grown-up flavours: ‘Apple and Elderflower, ‘Peaches and Cream’, ‘Sour Watermelon’ and ‘Eton Mess’) and a keychain, pencil, lanyard, sticker and wristband. 
This has to be the ultimate stocking filler...

Since launching two and a half years ago Candy Kittens have gained immense popularity as they have become the number one selling confectionery in Selfridges, enjoyed shelf space in Topshop and have recently expanded to national Waitrose stores where Jamie Laing rocked up in his vintage ice cream van to celebrate.


For the Family Member Who'd Lose Their Head if It Wasn't Screwed On ;-)


Meet Chipolo!

Given that people spend on average 10 minutes every day looking for lost items (153 days in a lifetime…) this product is a must have, particularly for busy parents during the hectic festive season! You can even of course tag your child’s clothes or bag whilst they are playing in the park and keep on eye on how far away they are from you.

*Search by sound using the App *Size of a 10p piece *5mm thick *12 months battery life *Comes in nine different colours *perfect for accesorising, *200 ft / 60 m range, *Notification when object leaves and comes back into range, *also shake Chipolo to find your phone. Price £19. Personally I love their video:

For the Family Newborn - don't get cold feet

Remember the company that brought you sock ons! That amazing product that kept baby's socks on, when they are desperate to pull them straight off. They were a life saver for Aaron and I, we had them in navy. Well they have now brought you Ballet Mocc Ons. There's a whole RANGE of Mocc Ons, take a look! I'll be adding a pair on giveaway to this post!


Baby's First Christmas? Buy them Christmas Dinner and Help Kids Company at the same time

Providing the perfect meal for little ones from 7 months+, ‘jingle belly’ is literally a Christmas dinner in a pouch, with all the Christmas trimmings, including turkey, carrots, parsnips, red cabbage, potatoes, onions, green beans, cranberries – even sprouts! The perfect way to make sure the growing tummies of weaning little ones don’t miss out on a scrummy Christmas dinner with the rest of their family. See all the details below, and how buying one will help Kids Company. I saw Camila Batmanghelidjh speak at MumsNet BlogFest and love what her charity does.

So there will be SEVERAL great giveaways added to this post in the next 24 hours. Watch this space. Forgive me while I go and rest somewhere as this post has taken quite some time to put together. Ho ho ho!


For the Girl on the Town Who's Always Caught Short without her Overnight Bits


I have ANOTHER competition, now, as of 7th December to add, and it is the amazing Emergency Overnight Bag. I have been sent a children's one to review:

And I have the women's one to giveaway. It's not an overnight "bag" as such that you win (as it is simply drawstring) but rather its ESSENTIAL contents:
The Ladies Emergency Overnight Bag is perfect for when you’re travelling light without sacrificing on any of the essentials! Whether it’s a weekend away, going to a festival or to keep at your boyfriend’s house, you’re sure to have all you need for every eventuality. 
The bag includes travel sizes of:

  • Oral B Toothbrush & Toothpaste
  • Pure 3 in 1 Make up wipes
  • Aussie Miracle Moist Shampoo & Conditioner
  • Palmolive Milk & Honey Shower Gel
  • Hairbrush with Mirror
  • Tampax Regular and Always Normal sanitary products
  • Sure Clear Aqua Deodorant
  • Nurofen
  • Durex Condoms
And:
  • Tights
  • Hair band
  • Roll up Shoes

For The Beauty Obsessed

Do you have someone you need to buy a gift for who is ALWAYS at the salon, or having something preened, cut, or coloured? Well a FabYouLess card may be just the ticket for them, and you can win one below:

Right, over to the comps. Enter to #Win:


Enter the comp to Win: The Sims 4 here

a Rafflecopter giveaway



a Rafflecopter giveaway



a Rafflecopter giveaway



Next one:

a Rafflecopter giveaway


a Rafflecopter giveaway


This competition has been shared on The Prize Finder . com
Win competitions at ThePrizeFinder.com - See more at: http://www.theprizefinder.com/content/bottle-licor-43-and-silver-brooch-and-pair-mocc-ons#sthash.RWM5LeJI.dpuf

Also shared on Super Lucky Di
SuperLucky Blog Giveaway Linky

81 comments:

  1. Excellent thanks for your hard work lovely lots to think about there! Keen on my pals and a balance bike actually!x

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    1. Our Balance Bike was the Chicco Red Bullet. We bought it from Kiddicare and I literally can't recommend it enough.
      Thanks for reading and commenting.
      xxx

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  2. OMG what an awesome post - some great ideas there, thank you. I particularly like that philanthropist suggestion - even for my kids! Great work Liska :)) xxx

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    1. Thanks so much. I won't say how many hours it took but so very glad you like it x

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  3. Goodness! So complete! Hats off. I love the Coffee cups. Cheap and festive and I have a Costa cafe few meters away from my house! Love reading this! Thanks.

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    1. Totally agree, I really really want one. Lucky you having a Costa so near by.
      Thanks so much for your very kind words. It took about 15 hours to put together xx

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  4. Brillo gift guide, thanks :) The Book of Everyone looks like a great gift! I would definitely keep the liqueur, that would go down a treat on Boxing Day! The brooch I would gift to my lovely wife :) Thanks.

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  5. PS love the ice cream maker from Just Mustard. Booze and ice cream, perfect xmas combo! :)

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  6. For the Bottle of Licor 43 Liqueur comp it would give it away as im 35 weeks pregnant but i know my stepdad would enjoy it. @vic0314

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  7. For the Sibyl Silver Brooch i would keep it for myself as a nice Christmas present

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  8. I'd keep the Licor 43 for myself! @SamWill92163677

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  9. @ccake207 For the Licor 43 I would give it as a gift as I am not a big drinker

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  10. I would give the Silver Brooch to my mum @ccake207

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  11. I would give the licor 43 to my dad and the brooh to my mum thank you!

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  12. I would give the drink as a present, thanks for the chance x

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  13. Sorry my twitter name is @DoreenJMccarthy

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  14. I would give the licour to my mum as I don't drink much and I am entering so I can give it to her. :) x

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  15. I would drink it ;-)

    AShleigh (my twitter id is @ashlallan)

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  16. I would give my mum the brooch!

    AShleigh @ashlallan

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  17. I'd gift it to my dad
    @nickieohara

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  18. I'd gift the brooch to my daughter

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  19. I'd gift it to my son - @mandydoherty65

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  20. I'd gift the brooch to my daughter

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  21. My partner would like the Bottle of Licor 43 Liqueur :-)
    @kimneville2

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  22. I would give the Silver Brooch to my mum
    @kimneville2

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  23. the liquor I'd keep for me and hubby to drink x
    @Parsnip_Pete

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  24. I'd drink the liquor and give the brooch to my mum x
    @PlastigFfantast

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  25. Licor 43 Liqueur - I'd definitely drink it!

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  26. Bottle of Licor 43 Liqueur - I would keep it @boo1003

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  27. The Bottle of Licor 43 I would give to my father in law and the brooch I would give to my mother in law as they do so much for me and my hubby and would make a lovely gift to show them we appriciate them so much. @naomi101079

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  28. I would give the brooch to my mum as she would love it.

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  29. id gift, and give my nana the brooch she loves that sorta thing =)
    @leighmareab

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  30. @susanro02490334
    I would give the brooch to my daughter as opel is her birthstone

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  31. I would have to partake in the liquor myself, I might share :) @Alica73

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  32. I would give the brooch to my Grandmother @Alica73

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  33. Some great ideas up there!

    I would give the brooch to my mum, it's the sort of thing she would love @lynn_heath

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  34. The liquor would be shared amongst the family over new year!!!!!

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  35. I would give the liquor as a present to my family, and maybe have a glass myself!

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  36. I would give the brooch away to my Mum as a chirstmas present, as she deserves such a lovely gift x

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  37. I would give the liquor to my dad. I am @KiranParry1 on twitter

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  38. @DaisyMaeBee I would give it to the Hubby as a Christmas present so tha I could have some too heehee sneaky!! (Hannah Bee)

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  39. In reference to the Brooch, I'd give it to my Mum as these are her kinds of pretty pastel colours

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  40. @supermommy1983 would give it to my other half I think x

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  41. i would probably give the brooch to my mum xxgingerpumpkin

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  42. I would give the Broach to my mum and drink the licor 43 (:

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  43. I would give the brooch to my wife!

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  44. I would drink the licor 43 @DeborahBurland

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  45. The brooch would be a keeper for me

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  46. Oh gosh I'd drink it... i know I'm a bad person :)
    @KerryLurve

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  47. I'd give the brooch to my mum it's got her favorite gems in it

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  48. i love licor so i would drink it but i would share it with my bff

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  49. forgot my twitter handle is @leebing76

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  50. For the Bottle of Licor 43 Liqueur comp i would drink it but i would be nice and share with family @irenegilmour sorry cant follow anyone else on twitter till i get more people following me :(

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  51. I'd keep the drink and gift the brooch :) (@charlie_emma_)

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  52. I would gift the licor to my friend and the brooch to my Mum @gameoflou

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  53. I would keep the licor, give the moccs on to mum and the brooch to mother in law

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  54. i would share the bottle of Licor 43 with my fiance for a festive christmas eve tipple or two ;) xx

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    1. twitter handle is @JoanneHiggins79 sorry i forgot lol xx

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  55. tomato_vine would keep the liquer for the family to share on christmas day

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  56. tomato_vine

    My sisters birthday is in October, so opal is her birth stone .. I have to give it to her, dont I.

    If the stone had been a sapphire, I could have kept it for myself, without questions.

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  57. I would definately drink the licor 43 but I would share :)

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  58. I would gift the Sibyl Silver Brooch to my mum. It is her brithday new years eve

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  59. Bottle of Licor 43 Liqueur I would give as a present.

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  60. Sibyl Silver Brooch I would give to my wife.

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  61. I would keep the Licor for drinks over Christmas

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  62. I would give the broach to my sister. She would absolutely love it!

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  63. I would keep the Licor for Christmas @kirstywoods32

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  64. I would keep the broach, love it @kirstywoods32

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  65. i would share with my family @mark82turner

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  66. i would give the brooch to my wife @mark82turner

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  67. I would give the brooch to my lovely mum @rahrah21

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  68. I would most certainly keep the licor. x

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