Entertainment and Style Gossip

March 8, 2010

Best gift ideas for Mother’s Day

Filed under: Gifts — Tags: , , , — admin @ 7:42 pm

There are plenty of reminders around already, but in case it has still managed to escape your notice, then we should really remind you that Mother’s Day falls on Sunday 14 March this year.
It can often be hard to think of a present for Mum – for a start, she’ll usually insist she’s already got everything she needs. Plus, however do you outdo the present you got for her last year!? You know, the one that took you absolutely ages to find? That’s where thinking outside the box comes into play. Here are some cute ideas for gifts that will make Mum’s day:
- Perfume: Yes, perfume can sometimes be a clichéd gift to give on Mother’s Day. Especially when scent is such a personal thing. So why not give Mum a voucher or take her to a special parfumerie to create her own bespoke fragrance? It will be unique to her, she’ll be able to get exactly what she likes and she will always think of you when she wears it. Perfect!
- Jewellery: Again, jewellery is a personal thing and takes on an especially personal significance when the gift giver is offspring. You’ll want to make sure Mum is touched by the thought you’ve put into selecting her piece of jewellery so do make sure you actually put in the thought! Firstly, think of the jewellery your Mum already wears. Does she always wear rings but never earrings? Does she only ever wear a watch? Think carefully about what kind of jewellery you select, as if she never wears necklaces, then she is unlikely to wear one you give her. (That’s not always true, however.) To put a special touch on it, why not give her a piece of jewellery that has her birth stone in it or get a message engraved? That will show you have gone the extra mile to find something she will really like.
- Nostalgic gifts: There is nothing quite like a retro or nostalgic gift to bring back all those good memories and blasts from the past. You might happen to chance upon a gift at some point that you know would have your Mum reminiscing, but if you’re going to hunt one out, then start by thinking of something she might have told you she cherished as a child. Did she love to play around in her mother’s jewellery box when she was younger? Then maybe find one that fits the same description. Where did she go on her honeymoon? You could get a framed print of a scenic view from that destination.
- Humorous gifts: Mum actually does have everything she could ever need. So why not get her something that will make her laugh instead? Humorous gifts are different to gag gifts – make sure you know the difference! (Although, if your Mum would enjoy a gag gift then that’s a different story…) Try to think of what Mum would find funny – even better if it will remind her of a personal joke she shared with you. Obviously, if this gift can double as something that she will find actually useful (a printed oven mitt for instance!) then you’ll be in her good books for sure.

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March 1, 2010

Popular Art Deco clocks

Filed under: Gifts — Tags: , — admin @ 5:15 pm

The “brave new world” of the Art Deco period combined functionality with simplicity, and beauty with elegance. For this reason, retro gifts evoking the Art Deco look of the 1920s and 1930s are eternally popular. Retro clocks, especially, make excellent nostalgic gifts for all age groups. Instantly evocative, but never kitsch, they fit into any interior décor scheme, be it traditional or modern.

Art Deco had a number of influences – a major one being the discovery of King Tutankhamen’s tomb, in 1922. Egyptian design was a direct influence on the towering pyramid spires of the Empire State Building and the Chrysler building – which in turn influenced interior decor. “Skyscraper” clocks, which took elements of modernist architecture and recreated them in semi-precious materials such as jade, marble and onyx, are just as popular today.
Jazz age retro gifts are characterised by their recreation of materials like Bakelite and chrome – both considered daring and new in the 1930s. Art Deco Bakelite wall and mantle clocks were found everywhere, from public railway stations to film stars’ homes. They varied from simple, round wall clocks to elaborate “Lady” mantle clocks, which combined geometric designs with beautiful and elaborate statuettes in bronze, spelter and pewter.
Statue clocks are especially evocative of the Art Deco period, and make beautiful and unusual retro gifts. The art inspiration came from many sources, including classic Egyptian art and Greek mythology. Although the majority were female, classic male figures like Hercules were also depicted. Modern influences included Hollywood, Olympic gymnasts and jazz music. Statue clocks are among the most evocative and collectible of all nostalgic gifts.

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February 3, 2010

Why do we love retro so much?

Filed under: Gifts — Tags: , , — admin @ 11:55 am

Things were always better in the old days. That’s the sentiment that most of us believe, and usually find ourselves telling younger people at some point in our lives, no matter how much we tried to convince ourselves when were younger that we wouldn’t.

Music was better, TV was better; films were better and generally everything was better when we were younger. Of course, that’s not something that is exclusive to people living in this day and age. People have always harked back to seemingly better times, even in ancient Roman literature, references can be found to people yearning for the ‘good old days’.

It’s not the old days that were better, it’s that we were younger and things from those times remind us of how we were. This is why retro gifts are such a great idea. When you give a retro gift to someone, such as an old game that they would have played with when they were a child, or an old fashioned item that they would have had in their home, you’re giving the gift of memories. Nostalgic gifts such as these remind people of simpler times, happy times, and times when they were young and care free and had a lot to look forward to.

We love retro gifts because they remind us of our youth. They remind us of how we used to be and of friends and family members who may no longer be around. Nostalgic gifts offer so much more than just the gifts themselves; they trigger the emotion of nostalgia.

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Retro fashion for 2010

Filed under: Fashion trends — Tags: , , , — admin @ 11:54 am

We all love a little retro fashion from time to time, and when it comes to nostalgic gifts from days gone by, what could be better than items of clothing, or clothing accessories from a more extravagant and stylish time?

For example, even in nightwear, yesteryear’s fashion was more tasteful and luxurious than it is today. For women, there are dressing gowns from the Victorian era, with their elaborate flowing trains and their lines, or perhaps an even more elaborate Art Nouveau satin kimono. Retro gifts such as these make you realise just how luxurious fashion used to be, as opposed to the styles we see today.

The same can be applied to men’s nightwear, as stylish nightshirts that flow down to the knees can be bought as nostalgic gifts. They can be purchased in tartan or stripes, depending on the inclination of your man.

One of the most extravagant fashion styles of the 20th century was inspired by Art Deco, and as such there are many Art Deco items available that make excellent retro gifts. For example, what woman’s handbag collection would be complete without a 1920’s inspired Art Deco handbag? The twenties decade was known for its style, and 80 years on the fashion is still just as stylish today.

One of the fashion accessories of days gone by that we rarely see today is the handkerchief. Handkerchiefs make excellent retro gifts, and they can be bought to match any outfit – perfect for when a gentlemen needs to offer a lady a clean handkerchief.

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January 4, 2010

Top Christmas Toys of the 70s

Filed under: Gifts — Tags: , — admin @ 6:00 pm

The 70s may be known as the decade that taste forgot, but when it comes to toys and nostalgic gifts, it’s a decade that you can never forget. Some of the toys from the 1970s were so groundbreaking that they are still sold today, either as retro gifts or on general sale in toyshops for today’s children to enjoy.

One of the most successful toys of all time, and one of many nostalgic gifts from the 1970s, is the Slinky. The Slinky was actually invented in the 1940s, but it topped Christmas lists throughout the 60s and 70s as well. The Slinky was basically a giant swirl of metal that would open and close as it descended stairs on its own, creating its own motion.

One toy that summed up the 70s perfectly was the Evel Knievel stunt motorcycle. Evel Knievel was a famous stuntman in the 70s, and every child marvelled at his daredevil antics as he jumped his motorcycle over cars and busses. The Evel Knievel toy featured a white clad doll of Evel Knievel, together with his motorbike and a red launch pad with which to fire him onto his next stunt.

This toy made a comeback some years ago as one of many retro gifts, and is great fun for staging your own stunts in your back garden or office.

Towards the end of the 1970s the most popular toys at Christmas were the original Star Wars figures. Star Wars became the first film to successfully merchandise toys aimed at children, how things have changed now.

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Unusual and unique retro gifts

Filed under: Gifts — Tags: , — admin @ 5:24 pm

With every Christmas or birthday comes the usual hunt to find presents that show thought, care and a little bit of personality have gone into the present selection process. This hunt usually results in the purchase of socks and pants, together with the notion that it’s “the thought that counts”.

Presents don’t have to follow this same pattern though. You can be creative with your presents, even when buying gifts for people as old as thirty or forty, or possibly even older. In fact, it’s easier to find presents for older people because of the potential for nostalgic gifts from their past.

Here are a few ideas for some retro gifts that will show you really have ‘tried’ this time:

Everyone loves a Slinky
The Slinky was first produced in the 1940s, and has sold steadily ever since. It’s classic design and everyone knows how to use one, you just need stairs. Slinkys make excellent retro gifts and can even be used in the office as executive toys.

Mousetrap!
Children think they invented games, but they don’t realise that games like Mousetrap, Cluedo, Monopoly and The Game of Life were all created decades ago. Giving nostalgic gifts such as these as presents will show some serious thought.

Dolls Houses
What to buy for the special woman in your life, whether she’s your wife, mother or grandmother; a dolls house no less. Every little girl played with a dolls house, and if she didn’t, she’ll probably want to now that she’s grown up. Dolls houses are highly collectable and great nostalgic gifts for women of all ages.

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December 8, 2009

Saturday Night Fever!

Filed under: Gifts — Tags: , , , , — admin @ 12:30 pm

Girl power! That’s one topic that was hot in the 1970’s and politics…and because of this, women were entitled to a lot more rights then they had been previously, which of course is great! And naturally, no one can forget that this was the era of disco and ‘Saturday night Fever’! You can pick up a lot of great gift ideas…either for someone who’s into their retro, or maybe for the parents, to remind them of their childhood and the ‘good times’ their always going on about!

One of the coolest and still most challenging toys from the time has got to be the Rubik’s Cube! I still can’t manage to work that thing out but I so badly want to! Maybe a good idea as an xmas pressy for someone who likes a challenge?

Ahh…some of the music that came out in the 70’s was just classic! YMCA…need i say more?! However, this was also the decade of some amazing artists like Blondie, Led Zeppelin and Elton John who we still rock out to today. Pretty much any compilation from the 1970’s will include these and a whole bunch more.

Fashion in the 70’s was all about the disco look! Anything (or better yet, everything) neon was totally acceptable. Girlies…time to dig out your hot pants! Hot pants were essential clubbing wear for all young girls back then…but I’m not sure how many of us are brave enough to work the look nowadays? Hmm! Platforms were another ‘must have’ of the time…for both men and women! The motto here was, the higher the better! Comfort and height all in one…What more could you want from shoes? I think its time to bring the platforms back again, don’t you?!

For loads more retro gifts from this era check out www.pasttimes.com

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Groooovy gifts!

Filed under: Gifts — Tags: , , , , , , , — admin @ 11:53 am


I don’t know about you but the first thing that pops into my head when anyone says 1960’s is flower power, baby! This was the era when it was all about peace & love. Everything just exuded ‘groovyness’ right from the fashion to cars and music.

Kids in the 60’s also had it pretty good…this was when all time favourite boy toy, Hotwheels was created. With their funky tracks which allow cars to perform jumps and loops, this is bound to be a successful present! Another favourite both now, and back in the 1960’s has got to be Lego. The sky really is the limit when it comes to Lego and what you can create with it. Both of these continue to be great toys with a huge variety to pick from that kids are bound to adore, no matter what age!

Music in the 60’s was so versatile; there really was something for everyone! One of the big changes from the 50’s to the 60’s was that a lot more female artists were involved in the music industry like Cher, and Petula Clark who went onto become super famous. Of course, one of the greatest discoveries of the time was the Beatles, who continue attract thousands of listeners throughout the world with their catchy tracks. And naturally, who could forget the Woodstock festival which promoted 3 days of ‘peace and music’ and created an enormous buzz!

The 60’s was a great time to be around in terms of fashion, there was so much going on. Mini skirts were first made popular in this period, and have gone on to become a staple item in many of our wardrobes! The hippie look was hot at the time so flowers pretty much anywhere were a good thing…psychedelic baby! Funny how we’ve started wearing flowers in our hair again nowadays! Obviously it goes without saying that all outfits had to be accessorised with at least one ‘Peace’ symbol…groovy baby!

As you can see…the 60’s were just awesome pretty much in every way, so there are loads of gift ideas you can nab from there, and I guarantee you they will still be cool now! If you need some help for trippy gifts, and loads more retro gifts from this era at www.pasttimes.com

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Bringin’ Rock n Roll back!

Filed under: Gifts — Tags: , , , , , — admin @ 11:05 am

As you probably know, its all about being ‘old school’ these days. I mean, think about it…so many of the things we do and wear now have come from back around the 1950’s…here’s an example of just a few funky items that have survived decades and decades…so if you haven’t got one yet or are struggling for Christmas presents for anyone, get on it! Here are a couple of ideas to get you going.
The 50’s were all about the glitz and glamour of the likes of Marilyn Monroe and the groovy Elvis. Whilst the teens were busy idolizing the rock n rollers, the younger generation were entertaining themselves with some of the coolest toys around…get involved with these retro toys now!

Who doesn’t love a Frisbee? Hands down the best outdoor toy, and so practical too! Order yours this Christmas and get practising so you can show off by the time bbq season comes around.The 50’s was the decade of the original Barbie doll. The Barbie has got to have been at the top of every girls Christmas wish list at some point! With so many choices, theres a Barbie out there for everyone! Play-doh is awesome! All kids adore it and its the perfect tool to get kids creative juices flowing and see what crazy things they come up with. There are so many different play-doh products to pick from so get stuck in. And don’t forget, its non toxic :)

The 1950’s was a huge decade for music, and primarily, the time that brought us rock n’ roll, however, it wasn’t only about the rock n’ roll. Other inspirational musicians include Nat King Cole, Chuck Berry, and tons more! Don’t sound familiar? Hmm…Maybe time to invest in a ‘greatest hits of the 1950’s’ album because you’re missing out! To find out if this is really your kinda thing, listen to this;

Fashion in the 50’s oozed glamour and sophistication and A-list celebrities are bringing that look right back. It’s gone from celebrities to high street and the look is easily accessible now. It was all about being elegant and that didn’t just apply to us ladies, but also to men. So, men, you better start sprucing up!

Lets not forget, 1950’s was also when mass production of computers came along, so if your not into any of the above, you’ve got to rate the 50’s for this! For loads more retro gifts from this era at www.pasttimes.com

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