Lovely Things

Father's Day gifts for Garden Dad

Father's Day is just around the corner, this year falling on Sunday 17th June. Last year we featured Father's Day gifts for BBQ Dad, and this year I'm going with gifts for those dads who like to get out there into nature, get their hands dirty, chop stuff down, pull stuff up...yes I'm talking about Garden Dad...

Five wedding gifts for £30 and under

Ah yes, the wedding season is upon us. While many brides and grooms opt for a wedding registry or gift list, some rather you give them a gift chosen by you. It can be really tricky finding something appropriate, without breaking the bank, so here's a quick look at five great glassware and tableware gifts for £30 and under.

Penguin print from Box Art

Everyone seems to be going a bit penguin crazy since the hype about Happy Feet got started. If you'd like a slightly more elegant take on the trend have a look at this lovely 'Wallpaper Penguins' duotone print from Box Art (sixth down the page). The print is canvas-mounted and is sealed with a protective varnish that is actually wipe-clean - perfect if you have little ones wanting to relive the movie through art. Available in three sizes sarting at 6 x 6 inches for £15, up to double that for £35 from Velvet Boutique.

Airline lounge cocktail sign

Fancy a retro cocktail hour? I think there's something very civilised, if a little Bondian, about getting dolled up for a fancy drink before dinner. To help you get into the spirit (see what I did there?), hang this cute pink metal airline lounge sign (Rex £3.95), and pretend you're about to embark on a glamorous trip filled with exotic intrigue.

Oriental Storage Cannister from Accessorize

I've been on the hunt for a pretty asian-inspired ceramic cannister for the bathroom ever since my poor mother picked up the lovely crackle-glazed one I had, not realising the lid just sits loosely on the top, and smashed the lid to smithereens (she was mortified). This one might just do the trick, with handpainted birds and floral details. It's 10 cms tall and £15 from Accessorize.

Retro Pin-up Alarm Clock

Wake up with a bombshell every day with this retro-style pin-up alarm clock. Available in blue as shown, it's 11 x 15 cms and currently on sale for just £4.95. Get it while it's hot! (Okay, okay stop groaning).

Last-Minute Gifts: Hot Water Bottles

For the chronically disorganised among us, the fact that today is the last day for shipping from many online stores ushers in a strong sense of panic. One of the things I love about buying from ebay is that often you're buying from an individual - an individual who understands your need to have something posted out quickly using next-day postage. There are some very cute hot water bottle covers around at the moment, and it's a lovely gift for someone who really feels the cold in the winter months. Details via the link...

Retro Toaster - I Love Toast

When I first saw this fabulously retro toaster, all I noticed was the great colours and styling. It wasn't until I had a proper look at all the details that I realised it also toasts 'I love you' on all your slices. Very kitsch! While I'm not too sure how I feel about sentimental breakfast foods, I do love the toaster itself. It would go very nicely with your vintage style colander and 50s-inspired appliances. It's available in turquoise as shown and is £20.

Related: Fabulous chairs by Aiveen Daly | Pink kitchen appliances | Ceramic hanging tealight holder

Roco Verre Leather Coasters

These substantial leather coasters from Roco Verre come in four colours: tan, chocolate brown, cherry red and black, so you can complement your decor or tableware. I really like the simple plain silver-coloured band and quality leather in a chunky but elegant design. They have a non-slip rubber base and they're ordered singly, so you can mix and match rather than having to go for a matched-colour set. They're £4.50 each from Contemporary Heaven.

Gift Guide: £10 and under

Still Christmas shopping and need a few ideas for inexpensive gifts? Here's our gift guide to presents £10 and under...

Who can resist snuggling up with a hot water bottle on a chilly night? Especially when your bottle has its own woolly jumper! This rainbow-coloured, roll-neck hot water bottle cover comes with a standard size 750ml hot water bottle inside and costs just £9.