Fine Gift Ideas

Buying the perfect gift for a special occasion is a difficult choice; there are literally thousands of ideas to choose from.  If your budget is not limited and you really want to push the boat out to make a gift that will be talked about and remembered forever, you can’t fail to impress with a fantastic day trip aboard the famous Orient Express.  Having done two myself and contributed to a trip for my a family member’s landmark birthday treat, I can personally vouch for the quality of service, delicious food and wines, and overall sheer luxury of the day.  Perfect for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, special anniversary, retirement party, even a spectacular corporate event or special day trip out with a group of friends to mark a major occasion in your lives – the opportunities are endless!

The whole trip takes you back to a bygone era where fine service and quality of surroundings was second to none.  The day trips in Britain are conducted on two trains: The British Pullman is in use for the South of the country, and the Norther Belle in the North.  Either train is equipped to the highest standard, with the official description as follows:

The British Pullman

The British Pullman is glorious in every respect. Originally conceived as “Palaces on Wheels” by George Mortimer Pullman, each lavishly appointed carriage is an original 1920s and 30s masterpiece from the golden age of rail travel.

Lovingly restored with breathtaking attention to detail, each car is a symphony of intricate marquetry, inlaid mosaic floors, sparkling crystal and beautiful Art Deco design.

Relax within deeply upholstered armchairs and celebrate the sovereignty of Britain’s gloriously unique heritage. Sip champagne and embrace an element of the world’s most romantic and exclusive adventure.

The British Pullman can carry up to 226 passengers and the carriages seat between 20 and 26 passengers in each. On board passengers are seated in either ‘coupé’s’ (small compartments seating up to four people) or in the open car mostly at tables for two. There is a limited number of single tables and tables for three in the open car.

Northern Belle

Northern Belle embodies the distinctive opulence and craftsmanship associated with the classic ‘Belle’ trains of the 1930s. Expertly and exquisitely detailed, each carriage bears the name of a stately home and is furnished with specially commissioned designs, fabrics and beautiful marquetry.

Exquisitely laid tables with starched table cloths, along with uniquely branded silverware, emphasize the level of sumptuously; the artistic adornment and luxurious furnishings complete the elegant and comfortable carriages. Breathe deep, and embrace the intimate ‘country house’ atmosphere of each unique carriage.

Either train is running a variety of trips throughout the year from various destinations around the country – have a further look to see the best trip to suit your requirements – you won’t be disappointed!

 

If the man in your life is a footy fan, my guess would be that he would much prefer a new football strip or at least a shirt for Valentine’s Day rather than a cute or soppy gift.  Whichever team he supports; his local non-league team, a top-flight major club, or a national squad, you are bound to find the perfect gift at UKSoccershop.  Depending on how serious he is, you might like to surprise him with a retro shirt like this one from 1963 for Manchester United (Don’t worry if Man U doesn’t float his boat – there are plenty of other retro shirts to choose from).  Get it right, and he just may be so thrilled that he treats you to that romantic meal that you would like!

Sad I know, but watch the proud look on his face when he wears it to play 5-a-side with his mates.

Never mind ‘Shoot’ and ‘Match’, who can remember the very first football magazine, ‘Charles Buchan’s football monthly?’  Okay, go and ask your dad!  No doubt it will send him off down memory lane to tales of when men played ‘proper football’.  Of course you could test his knowledge and impress him with what you know too, for instance, who was Charles Buchan?  The answer being, Charlie Buchan was an England international before and after the First World War, and then became a journalist.  He was born in London in 1892, became captain of England, Sunderland and Arsenal, and he is Sunderland’s all time record league scorer, with 209 league goals to his credit.  Charles Buchan died in 1960 at the age of 68.

On his decision to start the monthly magazine, Charles Buchan wrote, “For many years, after the old Athletic News closed down, there was no paper or magazine devoted exclusively to the game. It was in a bid to fill this gap that in 1951 I started the Charles Buchan’s Football Monthly. It has caught on so well that it was obvious something of the kind was desperately needed. It is a new field for me and I am getting as much pleasure from it as I did from my playing days. One is never too old to learn”.

This fabulous 18 panel football is printed with images and archives from that very magazine, which was first published in September 1951.  The first words written were “Our object is to provide a publication that will be worthy of our National game and the grand sportsmen who play and watch it”.

This item is delivered in an illustrated gift box.

A matching flask and wallet are also available.

Got a footy fan in your house?  Then feast your eyes on what UK Soccer Shop has on offer.  From home kits for men and boys, away kits, to a massive range of national teams, European Leagues and other leagues, the choice is endless and you’re sure to find what you are looking for.

Ideal as Christmas gifts you can also request printing on the back of the shirts as well as sleeve badges.

Click through for more details and to see what else is on offer.

Take a look at the Arsenal merchandise for example, where in addition to the official football shirts, you can find shorts, socks, warm-up tops, polo shirts, training tops, tracksuits and even retro shirts from the early days – a true supporter’s feast.

Click here to buy the above shirt

Click here to view other Arsenal products

Click here to view merchandise from other teams and leagues

Laithwaites Wine Tasting Evening for Two. Enjoy a tasting of 25 wines at this walk-round wine tasting event. There is no formal tutored tasting, but these are invaluable opportunities to try new Laithwaites wines in a relaxed atmosphere. The selection of wines available to taste will range from everyday drinking to fine wines, and will come from all parts of the wine-producing world.

Events usually begin at around 6.30pm -7pm and last around two hours.

Click to Buy the Laithwaites Wine Tasting Evening for Two

Deluxe Afternoon Tea for Two. For centuries fashionable society enjoyed an afternoon tradition of scones, cakes, sandwiches and of course, tea. Today afternoon tea is something of an indulgence so if you have never been out for afternoon tea before – this is your chance! Your deluxe tea will include a selection of the best teatime treats at premium venues across the UK.

Location:
Rye, East Sussex; Andover, Hampshire; Olney, Buckinghamshire; Horley, Surrey; Moggerhanger, Bedfordshire (South East) Worcestershire (Midlands) St Peter’s Port, Guernsey (Channel Islands) Ambleside, Cumbria, Wirral (North) Glasgow, Perthshire(Scotland) Llandudno, Conwy (Wales).

Click to Buy Deluxe Afternoon Tea for Two