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Christmas Gifts for Older People

Twelve Great Christmas Gift Ideas for Older People (That Aren’t Socks)

It won’t have escaped your notice that Christmas will soon be here. 

It’s well known that older friends and relatives can be the hardest to choose gifts for. But don’t despair – as an older person myself (I’m 68) , I’m here with some ideas to make gift-buying for this age group a bit easier for you!

None of the suggestions below will break the bank. For the electronic ones, though, you might just want to check first how they might be received. Some older people are wary of trying new things, but I believe most will enjoy and get a lot of benefit from all these products. So a little bit of gentle encouragement if they express doubts might be in order!

Let’s start with a couple of the more techy ones then…

1.Kindle e-reader

As an older person myself I love my Kindle. 

Of course, people of all ages use these devices, but for older people they have two particular advantages. One is you can adjust the brightness, font size, and so on. For those (like me) whose eyesight isn’t what it once was, the benefits of this can’t be overstated.

The other attraction is that on a Kindle you can literally carry hundreds of books around with you. If – like many of us older folk – your shelves are already groaning from the weight of books on them, a Kindle can provide a great alternative option.

Various models of Kindle are available from Amazon at prices from around £105.

2. Echo Smart Speaker

In my view an Amazon Echo smart speaker with Alexa would make a great gift for any older person, even if they aren’t tech-savvy (though these devices do of course need wifi to work). 

Once the speaker has been set up – which you can help with if required – they can control it using just their voice. As you may know, you can ask it to play your favourite music, set alarms and reminders, ask questions, and much more besides.

For an older person living alone especially, having an Echo can provide companionship as well as reassurance in the event of an emergency (you can ask Alexa to call any of your contacts for you, though currently you can’t get it to phone 999). And an Echo smart speaker is a present that will go on giving through Christmas and well beyond. 

Again, various models are available from Amazon, including my personal favourite, the Echo Show. This has a display screen, so you can do video calls on it if you like. Prices range from £45 upwards, with generous discounts frequently on offer.

3. Afternoon Tea Voucher

Dare I say it, this might be especially popular among female friends and relatives, but plenty of men will enjoy it too. Or you could buy this as a joint gift, of course. 

Vouchers are available to suit all budgets, starting from around £30 to £160 at the time of writing for a champagne afternoon tea at Fortnum and Mason. Visit the Virgin Experience Days website for a wide range of options.

4. Hot Air Balloon Ride 

This is another very popular gift among older people. It’s an opportunity to enjoy an exhilarating flight in a hot air balloon with stunning views of the UK landscape. 

Vouchers are available from Virgin Balloon Flights for prices between £169 and £209 for a one-hour flight, including a celebratory glass of Prosecco afterwards. Flights take place in the UK between March and October.

5. Christmas Hamper

Who doesn’t enjoy a hamper of festive food and drink at Christmas? And that applies especially to older people on a limited income, who may relish the opportunity to enjoy some little luxuries that would normally be beyond their budget, particularly in the current cost-of-living crisis.

You could put together a basket filled with quality chocolates, nuts, gourmet snacks, cakes, biscuits, and a bottle of fine wine or champagne. Alternatively you can buy a ready-made hamper from suppliers such as Prestige Hampers or Marks and Spencer. Prices range from £25 upwards (including delivery).

6. Magazine or Newspaper Subscription

Choose a magazine or newspaper subscription that aligns with their interests, e.g. gardening, travel, cooking, or current events. Another good option might be Radio Times, as many older people consume a lot of TV and radio. 

This is another present that keeps on giving throughout the year. Just remember to purchase a gift subscription rather than a standard one, or your subscription will automatically renew.

7. Artisan Chocolates

You can’t go too far wrong with chocolates. But except perhaps for your least favoured relatives, a tin of Quality Street isn’t going to cut it. 

So why not push the boat out and buy them some luxury, hand-made, artisan chocolates? There are various local shops specialising in this, and as ever Amazon sell a good range. Here are some I bought my sister as a thank-you for putting me up for a few days recently. She tells me she and her husband enjoyed all the different flavours and quickly polished them off!

Artisan chocolates
Click here to visit the Amazon sales page.

Prices for boxes of artisan chocolates range from £15 upwards. They are guaranteed to bring a bit of good cheer to anyone’s Christmas celebrations!

8. Digital Photo Frame

Load a digital photo frame with a collection of your friend or relative’s favourite pictures. This way, they can enjoy a rotating display of memories without the need for multiple printed photos. And compared with the latter option, it’s a great space-saver as well!

Most frames come with a remote control; they may also have extra features such as a built-in clock/calendar. Prices range from £30 upwards. You can view a selection on this Amazon web page.

9. Cosy Blanket or Throw

A soft and luxurious blanket or throw (such as the one pictured below from Amazon) is perfect for staying warm during the winter months. And of course it can help save on energy bills as well.

Fleece throw

Click here to visit the Amazon sales page.

Prices range from £15 upwards (more for those with built-in electric heating). Look for one in their favorite colour or with a pattern that matches their decor.

10. Ergonomic Gardening Tools Set

For those with green fingers, consider a set of ergonomic gardening tools (like this one perhaps). These tools are designed to reduce the strain on joints and muscles, making gardening more comfortable and enjoyable. Prices range from about £15 upwards.

11. Subscription to a Streaming Service

Give the gift of entertainment with a subscription to a streaming service like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video. This will provide a wide range of films and TV shows for your friend or relative to enjoy at their leisure. This is another gift whose benefits will extend well beyond Christmas itself. 

12. Comfortable Slippers

I’ll close with an ‘old-school’ gift, but nonetheless one that will be very much appreciated by many older people. 

Opt for a pair of high-quality, comfortable slippers. Look for features such as memory-foam insoles and non-slip soles to ensure your friend or relative stays cosy and safe around the house. 

You can expect to pay from £20 upwards for a decent pair of slippers. They are available from many high street stores including Marks and Spencer or – inevitably – from Amazon (see example below).

slippers.

Click here to visit the Amazon sales page.

A personal recommendation is to avoid getting slippers with low (or no) backs, as these are easy for an older person to slip out of. Traditional high-backed slippers, such as the ones pictured above, are safer and better.

So there you have it. Twelve great gifts for older people – one for each day of Christmas – and not a sock among them! 

Remember to take into account personal preferences and interests when choosing a gift, to make it truly special.

If you have any comments or questions about this article, as ever, please do post them below.

Note: This article is adapted from one originally written for my good friends at Mouthy Money.

Disclosure: This article includes affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission for introducing you. This will not affect the price you pay or the product you receive.

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Simba Orbit Weighted Blanket Review

My Review of the Simba Orbit™ Weighted Blanket

I was recently offered the chance to review the Simba Orbit™ weighted blanket (see cover photo). This is a premium weighted blanket from the well-known Simba Sleep brand.

Weighted blankets are a growing trend right now. They purport to help reduce anxiety, promote relaxation and improve sleep. Naturally I was pleased to have the opportunity to test this out for myself.

The Simba Orbit™ blanket is available in various sizes and weights. I received the 15 lb (6.8 kg) single bed version. For reasons to be discussed, in my view this would also be perfectly suitable if (like me) you normally sleep on your own in a double bed.

Even though I got the lightest version, I was still quite surprised how heavy it was. It comes with a machine-washable cotton cover and I got a decent workout just putting the blanket in! The cover and the blanket itself are a rather nondescript brown. It might be nice to have a choice of colours to suit your decor. That’s only a minor criticism, though.

The blanket is filled with tiny weighted-glass nano-beads. These are stitched evenly into small pockets (see picture below) to prevent clumping. I can confirm that they don’t appear to move around in the night, neither do you hear any noise from them. As they say on the Simba sales page, ‘Together they form a soothing layer that rests gently over your body, giving you a feeling of light, comforting pressure.’ The blanket and cover are also designed for maximum breathability, so the blanket feels warm in winter but cool in summer.

Simba weighted blanket layers

The theory behind the Simba Orbit™ weighted blanket (and weighted blankets generally) is Deep Pressure Therapy (DPT). This is an actual, scientific thing, with academic studies to back it up.

DPT is a calming process activated through a physical stimulus – like a hug, or the application of some sort of gentle pressure across the body.  Some studies have suggested that this pressure works by helping your nervous system switch off its ‘fight or flight’ system (sympathetic) and move to its ‘rest and digest’ system (parasympathetic).

Simba say the Orbit™ weighted blanket is designed to replicate that feeling of soothing pressure. They suggest thinking of it as your ‘off switch’ – a switch that helps regulate your heartbeat, relax your muscles and set your mind at rest.

My own experience confirms this. Admittedly it took a night or two to get used to, but I did then notice I was sleeping longer and deeper and feeling more refreshed when I woke up. One thing that impressed me was how the blanket stays in place and doesn’t move around or slip off the bed once it’s in position. That is why I think the single version is also suitable for people who sleep alone in a double bed. Personally I found it worked best (and felt most comfortable) if I positioned it over the lower half of my body rather than up to my neck/chest. Your experience might be different, of course.

Clearly, weighted blankets won’t be right for everyone. In particular, as SImba themselves say, they aren’t suitable for children, the elderly or anyone suffering from breathing difficulties or circulatory issues (including diabetes). In cases of pregnancy and kidney issues, you are recommended to consult your doctor before use.

If you’re stressed and anxious and finding it hard to unwind, however, then based on my experience this weighted blanket is well worth a try. You can order direct from the SImba Orbit™ weighted blanket web page while stocks last. You can get free next day delivery if you order before 2 pm on the UK mainland, with interest-free finance options also available.

As always, if you have any comments or questions about this post, please do leave them below.

Disclosure: As stated above, I received a free Simba Orbit™ weighted blanket in exchange for reviewing it here. This has not influenced my review in any way.

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Amazon Prime Big Deals Day

Amazon Prime Big Deals Day is Almost Here!

In case you’ve not heard, Amazon Prime Big Deals Day is almost with us. It extends over two days, Tuesday 8th and Wednesday 9th October 2024.

This is a special event for Amazon Prime members only. Amazon say they will be offering members their lowest prices of the year on selected products from leading brands including Philips,  Logitech, Oral-B, Braun, Tefal, Ghd, Swarovski, Bosch, Shark, and so on.

Some of the best deals will be reserved for Amazon’s own products, such as their Kindle e-book readersAmazon Echo smart speakers and Ring video doorbells and security cameras. Discounts of up to 60% will be on offer for these products. If you’re thinking of buying any of them, Amazon Prime Big Deals Day is definitely the day – or two days – to do it.

  • There are also some great ‘early deals’ available now. For example, at the time of writing you can buy an Amazon eero mesh Wi-Fi Router 5 system (2 pack), offering up to 280 square metres coverage, for just £54.99. That’s a 57% discount on the normal £129.99 asking price (offer closes 10th October).

I have been a member of Amazon Prime for almost ten years now. As a regular Amazon shopper, I find it well worth while for the free one-day delivery on millions of items alone. But as a Prime member you get access to a host of other benefits and services as well, including Amazon Prime Music and Amazon Prime Video.

If you’re thinking of joining Amazon Prime, therefore, I highly recommend doing it in the next few days, so you can benefit from the Prime Big Deals Day offers. Personally I think it’s worth it for the free delivery alone, let alone everything else that’s on offer. But if you wish, you can get a 30-day free trial now, take advantage of the Prime Big Deals Day offers, and then cancel without owing any money. It’s your choice!

  • You can also see all the latest Prime Big Deals Day offers by clicking here.

As always, if you have any comments or questions about Amazon Prime or Prime Big Deals Day, please do post them below.

Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission for introducing you. This will not affect the price you pay or the products or services you receive.

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Back to School Giveaway 2024

UK Bloggers’ Back to School Giveaway 2024

Yes, it’ s time for another exciting giveaway here on Pounds and Sense. This one has a ‘back to school’ theme. In most parts of the UK, of course, this occurs in early September. Scottish schools generally return a bit earlier, around mid-August.

Again I have clubbed together with some of my fellow UK bloggers to provide a plethora of great prizes. And the best news is, it’s entirely free to enter. The giveaway is open now and will close on September 1st 2024.

The prizes have been hand-picked for children and young people returning to school this autumn, so they should be ideal for your children or grandchildren. But if you want to keep any for yourself, we promise we won’t tell!

This event has (again) been organized by Rowena Becker, who blogs at My Balancing Act. No small amount of effort has been involved in arranging and co-ordinating it, so many thanks again to Rowena for her hard work and dedication.

Without further ado, then, I’ll hand you over to Rowena to introduce the giveaway…

Back to School Giveaway

Get ready for an exciting opportunity as some of the top UK bloggers unite to bring you a fantastic back-to-school giveaway! We’ve teamed up to offer one lucky winner a fabulous collection of school essentials that will make heading back to the classroom a breeze.

From stylish lunch bags and durable water bottles, to school shoes and jackets, this giveaway promises to equip you with some great goodies to kick off the school year in style. Join us in this collaborative celebration and enter for your chance to win these amazing prizes. Let’s make this school year the best one yet!

In order to be able to bring you this incredible giveaway, some of the UK’s top bloggers got together. A massive thank you to all involved! The bloggers taking part are:

My Balancing Act | The Mum Diaries | Boxnip | Welsh Mum | Wotawoman DiaryCatch Up With Claire | Synderella SlimsPounds and Sense | Jenny in Neverland | Life with Jupiter & Dann | Be Your Own Example | Diary of the Evans-Crittens | Have A Merry Little Christmas | Crafted With Perfection | Thrifty Husband | Norfolk’s Best | Joanna VictoriaCrazy Little Thing Called Love | Birds and Lilies | My Life Your Way | We Made This Vegan | Things To Make And Do | Cosy Cottage Chronicles | Sunshine and Selfies | Single Dad’s Guide To Life | Two Plus Dogs | Hannah and the Twiglets | Cats Kids and Chaos | Anything and Everything Else | The Money Making Mum | The Property Investor Blog

The Prizes

Start-Rite school shoes

Start-Rite school shoes

 

Start-Rite Shoes is giving one lucky winner the chance to win a pair of school shoes for their child.

The foundation of any school uniform is a quality fitted pair of shoes, but there is nothing uniform about a Start-Rite school shoe! With 12 new styles added to their school shoe collection this season, Start-Rite is more prepared than ever to protect your children’s feet. No one size fits all, as every pair of feet has individual requirements to ensure healthy physical development.

Whether you’re looking to support wide or narrow feet, a high instep, or shoes that double for a special occasion, Start-Rite has a style to suit every child.  

EcoSplash Fleece Lined Jacket Navy from Muddy Puddles

EcoSplash jacket

Gear up for the ultimate back-to-school season with Muddy Puddles’ in our back-to-school giveaway! Included in the prize bundle is a top-tier kids waterproof jacket that ensures your young adventurers are ready for any weather.

This navy raincoat features an impressive waterproof rating of 10,000mm to keep your child dry during heavy downpours, perfect for rainy days. Crafted from durable, breathable fabric made from recycled plastic bottles, it’s both eco-friendly and long-lasting. The soft fleece lining provides extra warmth, while the jacket’s design makes it easy to layer across various seasons. Fully taped seams offer robust protection against the elements, and reflective details enhance visibility in low-light conditions for added safety. Plus, it’s machine washable at 30 degrees for easy care.

Muddy Puddles has your kids covered for back to school with their back to school jackets, waterproofs, and more—ensuring every rainy walk to school, puddle-jumping session, and chilly playground adventure is tackled in style and comfort!

Smash lunch bag and water bottle set

Lunchbag

Gear up for the school year with an essential lunch bag and water bottle set! The Smash Lunch Bag is your kids perfect lunchtime companion, designed with full insulation and an antibacterial lining to ensure their meals are as fresh as possible. Made from premium neoprene, this lunch bag is not only fully washable but also brings a splash of personality and fun to every meal.

Stay hydrated in style with the Smash Twin Wall Soda Bottle. Made from durable stainless steel, this sustainable bottle features a sleek design and a removable cap, making it an ideal everyday accessory. It’s BPA-free, food-safe, non-toxic, and offers a smart, twin-walled construction.

Create-a-Space™ Storage Centre from Learning Resources

Create-a-Space

Introducing a stylish addition to any back-to-school setup: the Create-a-Space™ Storage Centre from Learning Resources, which is part of our exclusive giveaway prize bundle! Perfectly blending modern design with practicality, this white 10-piece set will seamlessly fit into any décor theme, whether at home or in the classroom.

The carousel-style design features 8 removable containers, providing the perfect solution for organising essentials like glue sticks, crayons, pens and more. Keep your workstation clutter-free and enjoy a space that is as functional as it is chic with this versatile storage centre.

LittleLife Flip-Top Water Bottle!

Water bottle

Family active outdoors brand, LittleLife, is giving one person their choice of a flip-top water bottle, perfect for the school day.

Made from impact-resistant Tritan copolyester, a watertight lid and holding 550ml, these bottles are durable and fit fuss-free into your child’s school rucksack or backpack. LittleLife’s water bottles also come with a chew-resistant straw to avoid lingering tastes and odours due to being BPA-free.

Brainstorm Toys Children’s 14cm Desktop World Globe

Globe

Discover new horizons with the Brainstorm Toys Children’s 14cm Desktop World Globe, a shining star in our back-to-school giveaway prize bundle! This compact yet high-quality globe is a treasure trove of knowledge, showcasing detailed political boundaries, natural wonders like lakes, rivers, and deserts, as well as capitals and major cities.

Perfect for curious minds, this globe is ideal for home or school, making it a must-have for any aspiring explorer. The sturdy base ensures stability, while its easy rotation allows young adventurers to seamlessly explore different areas of the world. Enhance your child’s learning experience and ignite curiosity with this engaging educational tool.

Little Brian Scribble Paint Sticks

Paint sticks

Unleash your creativity with Scribble Paint Sticks by Little Brian, a standout addition to our giveaway prize bundle! These innovative paint sticks are perfect for adding intricate details and patterns to your artwork, thanks to their finer tip. Featuring 12 vibrant classic colours, they bring your child’s artistic visions to life with ease. Enjoy a mess-free painting experience where paint twists up and down just like a glue stick and dries in under 60 seconds. Whether you’re working on paper, card, wood, or glass, these versatile paint sticks make it simple to explore your creativity without the clean-up hassle.

How to Enter

You can enter this Back to School Giveaway by completing as many Rafflecopter widget entry options below as you like. All entries will be collated, and one winner will be randomly chosen via Rafflecopter. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Terms and Conditions

  • The giveaway will run from 4 pm 23rd August 2024 to 8 pm 1st September 2024.
  • The winner will be notified by email from rowena@mybalancingact.co.uk
  • The winner will have 7 days to respond, after which time we reserve the right to select an alternative winner.
  • This prize draw is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, BlogLovin or Pinterest or any other social media platform.
  • Prizes open to over 18s only. Age verification may be required to receive some prizes.
  • Some or all of the prizes may take a few weeks to arrive.
  • If any prizes are out of stock then we will do our best to find a suitable replacement but cannot guarantee it.
  • Anyone who unfollows before the giveaway ends or doesn’t complete the required entry action will be disqualified.
  • The prize is non-transferable, non-refundable and cannot be exchanged for monetary value.
  • We may be using a parcel service or Royal Mail for some of the prizes and their standard compensation will apply in the event of loss or damage.
  • Some items may be sent directly by the supplier and we do not have responsibility if these go missing and we cannot replace such items.
  • In the unlikely event that one of the companies withdraws a prize, we cannot offer an alternative.
  • The winner’s name will be stated on some or all of our bloggers’ websites and announced on Twitter/X and other social media channels. It will also be displayed on the Rafflecopter entry form. By entering this prize draw, you give your permission for this.
  • Please note the winner may have the same name as you so if you see your name displayed, be aware that you are not the winner unless you have been notified by us.
  • There may be some delays in receiving prizes.

Good luck, and I hope a Pounds and Sense reader wins this fabulous prize bundle!

Note: This post (and others on Pounds and Sense) includes affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase or perform some other specified action, I may receive a commission for introducing you. This will have no effect on the product or service you receive or the price you pay for it, but it does help me pay my bills. Thank you!

Back to School giveaway banner

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UK Bloggers Fathers Day Giveaway 2024

UK Bloggers Father’s Day Giveaway 2024

Summer is here (just about!) so it’s time for another exciting giveaway on Pounds and Sense. This one is themed around Father’s Day, which this year is on Sunday June 16th.

I have clubbed together with some of my fellow UK bloggers to provide a bunch of great prizes guaranteed to put a grin on any dad’s face. And the best news is, it’s entirely free to enter! The giveaway is open now and will close at 11.45 am on Sunday June 16th.

This event has (again) been organized by Rowena Becker, who blogs at My Balancing Act. No small amount of effort has been involved in arranging and co-ordinating it, so many thanks again to Rowena for her hard work and dedication.

Without further ado, then, I’ll hand you over to Rowena to introduce the giveaway…

The Giveaway

This Father’s Day, prepare to delight the special man in your life with an extraordinary giveaway brought to you by a collaboration of top UK bloggers. We’ve joined forces to curate a bundle of prizes that promises not only to impress but also to provide moments of joy. This giveaway is your chance to give your dad something truly special this Father’s Day.

Just head to the bottom of this post for details on how to enter and join us in celebrating the incredible men in our lives with a gift that stands out from the rest. Don’t miss this opportunity to make Father’s Day unforgettable this year!

Meet the Bloggers

In order to be able to bring you this incredible giveaway, some of the UK’s top bloggers got together. A massive thank you to our bloggers! The bloggers taking part are:

My Balancing Act | Jenny in Neverland | Diary of the Evans-Crittens | Catch Up With Claire | Synderella Slims | Wotawoman Diary | Cosy Cottage Chronicles | Becca Blogs It Out | Wallet-Wise Wanderlust | Homegrown Happiness Hub | Finding Peace and QuietWe Made This Life | My Life Your Way | We Made This Vegan | Life with Jupiter & Dann | Birds and Lilies | Notes from a kitchen | Sand and Sunshine | The Geordie Grandma | Crazy Little Thing Called LoveEverything Enchanting | Afshanesque | Pounds and Sense | Hannah and the Twiglets | Two Plus Dogs | A Suffolk Mum | Sustainable Business | My Tunbridge Wells | EdinburgersCats Kids Chaos | Crunchy Family | Happy Family HubAnything and Everything Else | Cyprus Property Blog | The Money Making Mum | The Property Investor Blog

The Prizes

Opinel Barbecue Set

Opinel BBQ set

Celebrate Father’s Day in style with the Opinel Barbecue Set! This timeless set is the perfect companion for socialising and dining with friends, offering a blend of practicality and elegance. Crafted in France using eco-friendly local materials, the set includes three essential utensils:

  1. N°12B Folding Knife: Featuring a 16cm stainless steel blade and a durable beechwood handle sourced from French forests, this knife is equipped with a safety collar for secure locking in open and closed positions. Complete with a built-in bottle opener, this versatile tool is a must-have for any outdoor gathering.
  2. Spatula+: Crafted from stonewashed finish stainless steel, this spatula attaches to the N°12B knife handle and secures in place with the safety collar. With a generous 8.5cm x 20cm surface area, it simplifies food handling with its narrow angle and beveled edges for precise scraping and separating.
  3. XL Tongs: Measuring 40cm in length, these stonewashed stainless steel tongs ensure easy and safe food handling. Their asymmetrical heads offer versatility, allowing you to grip both large and small items effortlessly, while the grid-lifting slot enhances convenience during grilling sessions.

Don’t miss this chance to win this exceptional Opinel Barbecue Set for the dad in your life!

Team GB: Jokesaws Medals in the Making 1000 piece Jigsaw

Jigsaw

Prepare for excitement with “Medals in the Making” – a vibrant 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle, included in our Father’s Day Giveaway prize bundle. Join Team GB in a whirlwind of Olympic events featuring skateboarders, swimmers, cyclists, and sprinters. This officially licensed puzzle is part of Gibson Puzzle’s humorous Jokesaws range, promising entertainment and laughter as you piece together this energetic scene painted by Phil Dobson. Get your dad ready for a fun challenge filled with hidden gems and jokes! The perfect gift this Father’s day!

African Shea Black Soap 120g from Aviela

Hero soap

Introducing the luxurious African Shea Black Soap 120g as a delightful addition to our Father’s Day prize bundle, making it a perfect gift choice. Handcrafted with care, this gentle cleansing soap bar is enriched with pure Shea Butter, Cocoa Pod Ash, and nourishing natural oils like Coconut and Neem. Its moisturizing formula, rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins, effectively cleanses while soothing the skin, offering a pampering experience for dads.

African Orange Hand and Body Wash from Evolve Organic Beauty

Hand and body wash

Presenting the indulgent AFRICAN ORANGE AROMATIC HAND & BODY WASH (250ml) as a luxurious addition to our Father’s Day prize bundle, offering a perfect gift choice. Formulated with natural Coconut and Sugar Extracts, this aromatic wash gently cleanses and hydrates while preserving the skin’s pH balance. Enriched with Organic Aloe Vera, it nourishes and soothes, leaving a delightful scent of blood orange, vanilla, black pepper, and cedarwood. Treat dad to this organic hand wash for a pampering and comforting experience.

Kanoodle® Ultimate Champion from Learning Resources

Kanoodle

Our lucky winner will get to experience the thrill of the #KanoodleChallenge as it’s part of our Father’s Day prize bundle, offering a chance to become the Kanoodle Ultimate Champion! With 500 diverse 2D and 3D puzzle challenges, this game will delight dads seeking a stimulating mental workout. Perfect for gifting, it combines fun, logic, and portability in one exciting package.

How to Enter

You can enter the Giveaway by completing as many Rafflecopter widget entry options below as you like. All entries will be collected, and one winner will be randomly chosen via Rafflecopter. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Rafflecopter giveaway

Terms and Conditions of the Giveaway

  • UK entries only
  • The giveaway will run from 3 pm 8th June 2024 to 11.45 am 16th June 2024.
  • The winners will be notified by email from rowena@mybalancingact.co.uk
  • The winner will have 7 days to respond after which time we reserve the right to select an alternative winner.
  • This prize draw is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, BlogLovin or Pinterest or any other social media platform.
  • Prize open to over 18s only. Age verification may be required to receive some prizes.
  • Some or all of the prizes may take a few weeks to arrive.
  • If any prizes are out of stock then we will do our best to find a suitable replacement but cannot guarantee it.
  • Anyone who unfollows before the giveaway ends or doesn’t complete the required entry action will be disqualified.
  • The prize is non-transferable, non-refundable and cannot be exchanged for monetary value.
  • We may be using a parcel service or Royal Mail for some of the prizes and their standard compensation will apply in the event of loss or damage.
  • Some items may be sent directly by the supplier and we do not have responsibility if these go missing and we cannot replace these.
  • In the unlikely event, one of the companies withdraws a prize, we cannot offer an alternative.
  • The winner’s name will be stated on some or all of our bloggers’ websites and announced on Twitter and other social media channels. It will also be displayed on the Rafflecopter entry form. By entering this prize draw, you give your permission for this.
  • Please note the winner may have the same name as you so if you see your name displayed, be aware that you are not the winner unless you have been notified by us.
    There may be some delays in receiving prizes.

Good luck, and I hope a Pounds and Sense reader wins this fabulous prize bundle!




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7 Top Tips for Money Saving Websites

Guest Post: 7 Top Money-Saving Websites for Freebies

Today I have another guest post for you on the subject of saving money and getting freebies 🙂

My friends at Hot Free Stuff have put together this list of seven top money-saving websites where you can get freebies, discount codes, downloadable coupons, and more.  Check them out, and don’t forget to sign up for free emails from Hot Free Stuff to get all the latest free offers daily!


 

Are you a stressed-out mum (or dad) trying to make the family budget work?

It takes juggling to make the household budget balance without the need for taking a calculator on every shopping trip. That is because just a click of your mouse or a swipe of your tablet can reel in huge savings on credit card bills, home goods, fashion, electricity, and fun-filled family activities!

We have done the work of trawling the Internet to find you seven of the best money-saving websites around. We’ll help you get freebies, codes, downloadable coupons and more, so that you can do more with your budget every week. Here is our point-and-click guide to savings…

HotFreeStuff.co.uk
This site gets you access to lots of free samples you can really use, from lotions to perfumes. Save money using this site on lots of household goods and get a chance to try new products for free as soon as they are available.

Gumtree
At this so-called ‘classified community’ you can snap up lots of great deals on pets to property. There are many listings for rentals and jobs throughout the UK and Ireland. You will enjoy the deals, but you can also get free items via the freebies section. Just scroll beyond the ads and sponsor links to find many free listings for household items and furniture. At the time of writing there were listings on the London site for free sofas and mattresses, a working Hotpoint fridge-freezer, and free haircuts. Just a word of caution – we suggest for any classified site that you take someone along with you to collect any items, and be careful about giving away too much personal info when responding to ads.

HotUKDeals
This site has been around for well over a decade and is the most reputable place for people to share information on the freebies and discounts they have picked up on their website travels. It is free to register and features include ‘Top 10 Hottest Offers’, requests for offers, and fun, free competitions to enter.

My Voucher Codes
Get over 2000 discount codes at Britain’s biggest voucher website. Tabs include top listings as well as categories, together with the ability to print out vouchers.

Groupon
Never underestimate the power of Groupon! Many times it can seem like a venue for free or cut-price beauty treatments. There are, however, great deals on family attractions, meals and holiday getaways as well.

Moneysaving Expert (MSE)
This massive site set up by financial journalist Martin Lewis has saved the UK millions. It is clearly written, easy to understand, and has lots of information on getting deals on everything from home and car insurance to broadband and mortgages.

Travel Supermarket
This is the best site to find travel deals and compare flights and hotel offers in one easy-to-navigate resource.


 

Many thanks to Hot Free Stuff for sharing their advice and information. If you have any comments or questions – or other tips and resources for saving money – please do share them below as usual.

Hot Free Stuff

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Guest Post: Six Tips for Getting Free Stuff Without Dealing With Scams

Guest Post: Six Tips for Getting Free Stuff Without Dealing With Scams

Today I have a guest post for you on a subject I’m sure will resonate with many Pounds and Sense readers.

We all love a freebie, but how do you ensure that by providing your details you aren’t opening the floodgates to a torrent of spam? Read and follow the tips below from my friends at All Free Stuff. And don’t forget to sign up for their free email newsletter to get details of all the latest free offers daily!


 

It’s completely possible for you to get free stuff. There are plenty of opportunities out there.

That said, for every legitimately free thing you can get, there are two complete scams set up to get your personal information at the cost of a few free samples. If you want to get free stuff without dealing with scams, try the following steps.

1. Set up a ‘spam catcher’ e-mail. This e-mail account is one you have no plans on using for normal correspondence, but rather the address you give out for giveaways and promotions. You can also use it when you register with a company that wants your e-mail address in exchange for free gifts. If you give the company your primary e-mail address, you’ll be swamped with a mass of promotional e-mails. It won’t take long for you to abandon your e-mail account in despair if this starts to happen.

2. Avoid giving personal information. You should never give out more than your name, e-mail address, physical address, and birthday. And you should be careful about giving away all of those, as well. If you can, try using a fake name or a PO Box. The more personal information you give out, the easier it will be for other companies to get that information. In addition, some websites ask for your credit card number ‘just to ensure you’re a real person’. Once they have your credit card information, you can’t make them forget it.

3. Be realistic about what you expect. If the deal seems too good to be true, it almost certainly is. It’s certainly possible the giveaway is legitimate, and if that’s the case then they should have company contact information readily available. You should also check the internet to see if you can find information. If the offer is that great, then plenty of people will be talking about it. Of course, if it’s a scam you’re liable to find discussion about that, too.

4. Visit only legitimate websites for samples. Manufacturers’ sites are generally trustworthy, whereas some retail-specific sites are not.

5. Write to the manufacturers of products you enjoy using. Companies are always happy to give a few freebies to customers willing to go out of their way to make their voice heard. It builds goodwill and often garners more customers. And all for the cost of a few free samples.

6. Learn to use coupons properly. It can take a huge amount of patience to learn to coupon well. That said, good couponing can save you so much you may even get free groceries. Couponing is a fairly big deal, so you can find plenty of websites that can help you learn. There are also many grocery stores or manufacturer sites that will keep you informed of what great deals and amazing coupons are available.

These are some of the best ways to get free stuff without dealing with scams. Do you have any other tips yourself? Please do leave them below!

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Over 60s Discounts Review

Over 60s Discounts – New Website Helping Older People Save Money

A quickie today spotlighting a site that I know will be of interest to many readers of this blog. Coincidentally, it’s run by a near-neighbour of mine in south Staffordshire.

As the name suggests, Over 60s Discounts lists discounts, deals, vouchers and concessions for people in the UK aged 60 and over. Many of these are exclusive to Over 60s Discounts.

Over 60s Discounts operates on a membership basis, but the good news is that it is free to join. Once you are registered, you will be able to browse the latest discount offers on the website and also have them sent to you by email. If you see an offer you like, all you have to do is click ‘Get Code’. You will then be provided with a voucher code to use at checkout on the brand’s website. Printable vouchers and e-vouchers, which you can use in-store, are also provided.

There are some great deals on offer, as you can see from the sample selection below.

Top Offers on Over 60s Discounts

If you’re 60 or over, I highly recommend checking out Over 60s Discounts. It’s a new website and obviously still evolving, but already it offers an impressive range of deals, discounts and concessions. If you’re looking to make your money go a little further in the current cost-of-living crisis, it will definitely help you achieve this.

As always, if you have any comments or questions about this post, please do post them below.

 

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JamDoughnut review

Save Money on Your Shopping with JamDoughnut!

Today I’m reviewing an app called JamDoughnut which can help you save money on your shopping. 

What is JamDoughnut?

JamDoughnut is an instant cashback app that allows users to earn cashback when they spend money with over 150 leading supermarkets, restaurants and shops (see sample screenshot below).

JamDoughnut sample offers

Rather than cashback on specific purchases (as with sites like Quidco), you get cashback of up to 20% when you purchase gift cards from retailers on the app. These gift cards can then be used just like money, both online and in-store (in most cases). 

How Does It Work?

The first step is to download the JamDoughnut app to your mobile phone from Google Play for Android or the Apple iStore. Open the app and follow the instructions to create an account (don’t forget to enter my referral code GBGN to get a 200 points [£2] bonus – see below). This should only take a couple of minutes.

Then check the list of retailers on the app and find one you shop with regularly. Most of the big supermarkets (with the exception of Waitrose) are included, for example. 

You can even get cashback on Amazon gift cards, though admittedly only at a rate of 1% at the time of writing.

Once you have found a suitable retailer, buy a gift card for that retailer using the app. This is straightforward and you can get cards of up to £100 in value. 

Once your gift card purchase has gone through, cashback will be credited to your account in the form of points (100 points = £1). In my experience this normally happens instantly. Once you have earned 1000 points, representing £10 cashback, you can withdraw the money to your bank account. 

Note that there is a standard 30p transaction fee when making a withdrawal via bank transfer, and more than that if you use Apple Pay or Google Pay (so I don’t recommend doing that). So it may be best to let cashback build up a bit before withdrawing, to reduce the impact of the transaction fee. Alternatively you can withdraw in the form of a gift voucher (e.g. an Amazon voucher). In that case no charges are payable and you also get bonus points added to your account 🙂

In most cases, as mentioned, you can use gift cards either online or in-store. In the latter case, you can show/scan the code on your mobile phone at the checkout, or you can take a printed version with you and use that. 

You can use gift cards for full or part payment. If you don’t use the whole amount on the gift card in one go, you can use what remains towards another purchase at a later date.

Other Benefits

Another attraction of JamDoughnut is that you can use the app in addition to your existing cards and loyalty programme points, allowing you to earn and/or save even more.

In addition, JamDoughnut offers a range of other benefits. These include a daily £100 (10 x £10) giveaway, free competitions, ‘Jammy Deals’, double discounts, and more. These are all listed on the ‘Daily Doughnut’ page of the app (see below).

JamDoughnut extras

Finally, if you’re so inclined, you can invite friends and relatives to join JamDoughnut using the ‘refer-a-friend’ scheme. If someone signs up using your referral code (see below), not only will they get an extra 200 points (worth £2) when they buy their first gift card, you will receive a bonus as well when they cash out for the first time (400 points, equivalent to £4).

Special Bonus Offer

Speaking of which, if you download the JamDoughnut app via this blog post and enter my referral code GBGN when requested, then (as mentioned above) you will get an extra 200 points (£2) when you use the app to buy a gift card for the first time – bringing.you that much closer to receiving your first £10+ cashback payment!

Closing Thoughts

In summary, I think JamDoughnut is a great little app and I have been pleased to add it to my armoury of money-saving tools and resources. 

I do most of my grocery shopping at my local Morrisons, which is currently offering 4% cashback on JD gift card purchases – so in effect I am getting a 4% discount on all my shopping there. 

And I am still getting all the benefits of my Morrisons Card too, including special discounts and regular £5 vouchers. In these challenging times, this really does help my money go a little bit further 🙂

As always, if you have any comments or questions about this JamDoughnut review, please do leave them below.

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Time to Use or Exchange Your Old Non-Barcoded Postage Stamps!

Time to Use or Exchange Your Old Non-Barcoded Postage Stamps!

A quickie today to remind you that you have just 10 days left to use or exchange any remaining non-barcoded stamps you may have. The stamps concerned are the plain ones with the late Queen’s head on (all stamps with the new King’s head are barcoded).

Christmas stamps and other ‘special’ stamps with pictures on will continue to be valid for the foreseeable future, but it would still be a good idea to use them up now (or give them to a collector in the family!).

If you can’t use the stamps before the end of July, you can exchange them free of charge using Royal Mail’s Swap Out scheme. You will need to complete a Stamp Swap Out form for stamps worth up to £200, or a Bulk Stamp Swap Out form for stamps worth more than £200. Forms are available from post offices, though note that you cannot exchange the stamps themselves there.

An image from the Royal Mail website showing which stamps can and can’t be swapped is shown below.

Swap Out stamps

The deadline for using plain non-barcoded stamps is 31 July 2023. If you use them after that date, the recipient will have to pay a fee (to be announced) on delivery. That’s assuming they are delivered at all, of course.

As well as post offices, you can print Swap Out forms from the Royal Mail website, or phone their customer services on 03457 740740 to request one. There is currently no deadline for the Swap Out scheme and it will continue after 31 July 2023, though again it may be best to do this sooner rather than later.

For more information on the Swap Out scheme – and barcoded stamps more generally – see Royal Mail’s Barcoded Stamps info page.

As always, if you have any comments or queries about this post (no pun intended!), please do leave them below.

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