Press & Blog — Asta Barrington trays

Whether it's our dad, grandad, brother or husband, many of us have that man in our life that we simply can't shop for. Maybe he's really fussy? Has expensive taste? Or simply already has everything?

Whatever it might be, we're sure there will be something you can get him. Read on for some ideas big and small, and one of them might just spark that light bulb moment you're waiting for.

1. A Chilly's bottle

Chilly's bottles are a great gift for pretty much anyone and everyone, of all ages. Simple and stylish in design, they can look effortlessly cool whilst also being practical and useful. Or if they've already got a bottle, why not add to their collection and treat them to a thermal coffee cup which are just as nice?

2. An Asta Barrington tray

If the man in your life is someone who likes to host, why don't you give them a tray to serve the beers on? Or a tray that features their favourite tipple of choice.

3. A bottle opener

These Austin Sloan bottle openers are a must-have for man caves. It simply wouldn't be complete without one, don't you think?

4. Socks

Getting men socks for Christmas seems to have become somewhat of a tradition over the years, so carry it on in style with a pair of Powder socks for men. They come in some fabulously bright and busy designs and even have their own free gift bag to save you the hassle of wrapping it up.

5. An Emma Bridgewater mug

If in doubt, go for a mug. In our opinion, you can never have too many (mainly because there's too many nice mugs that come into the shop all the time). If the man in your life is someone who enjoys a cuppa, then a mug such as the Emma Bridgwater Shoreline Scattered Boats mug might be a lovely one if they also like the sea or sailing.

6. Bookaroo stationery

If he has an office job or is a student that's always in need of pens and rulers, then pretty much anything from Bookaroo by If is a great stocking filler gift. The notebook tidies are ideal for preventing them losing pens, or the notebooks are simple yet sleek in design for notes and planning.

7. A Hinza Bag

The idea of getting the man in your life a bag might seem an odd one to some at first, but a Hinza bag really is one everyone. They're incredibly practical for doing the weekly food shop or for carrying books in and come in a wide range of colours to suit everyone.

8. A String Tin

The Emma Bridgewater string tins are a great little present for anyone who loves gardening. The potting shed design mimics a man cave theme and is simply rather sweet. There's also a tin to match to keep bits in such as screws or gardening gloves.

9. An English Soap Company Soap

For a bit more luxury in the shower, why not treat them to an English Soap Company soap? With scents such as Bergamot & Ginger, or Sandalwood & Pink Pepper, we're sure the man in your life will be smelling divine in no time.

10. East of India trinkets

East of India always know how to say it best in their trinkets and treats. If you want to show your partner how much you love them, or remind your dad of how great he is, one of these are a great way to show that.

In recent times the rainbow, which is often seen as a symbol of hope, has become ever more popular after many of us started putting them up in our windows. From now on, we won't just associate it with hope, but with the pandemic, and the hard work that the NHS did through it all.

So perhaps you too, are a fellow rainbow lover who now attaches even more meaning to it. Or maybe you know an NHS hero who's birthday is coming up, or you're just getting your Christmas shopping done early. Whatever it might be, these goodies are all bursting with colour and would all make wonderful gifts, or just a gorgeous little treat for yourself.

First of all, the newest colourful products that have brightened up our store have got to be the beautiful Bombay Duck cushions and doormat. We adore the pompom detailing and vivid colours of these goodies, and think that they would make for brilliant house warming presents.

The other newest goodies are actually Christmas decorations. The glass bauble flew out in super speed last year, so we were sure to get them in again this year along with some of these other lovely rainbow decorations.

Our card selection is always looking colourful, there's no doubt about that. But these are a few of our favourites for various different occasions. A vibrant card through in the post box is one of the easiest ways to brighten up someone's day.

[cards pic]

Finally, two of our favourite displays in the shop are the Chilly's bottles and Hinza bags, because each one is always filled with the colours of the rainbow looking bright and beautiful. The best bit is when we get a fresh delivery of them and can stack it all up so it's bursting with colours. The Asta Barrington trays are another good example of this, their trays are a great way to freshen up the home.

Friends. What would we do without them, hey? Though they may not always be physically there, they are always there. And though we may not have been able to see them as much as we’d like over the past year or so, it’s made us appreciate them more than ever.

This Friday, 30th July was national friendship day, but we think they should be celebrated and cherished every day. So we’ve put together some wonderful little goodies perfect for reminding your loved ones how much you care. If you feel like doing that, then read on for some inspiration.

Finally, if you’re not too fussed about gifts but just want to send them something to show some love, why not just pop a card in the post. We’ve got funny ones or sweet ones but each says that you care in its own little way. Our personal current fave is the Emma bridgewater ‘soul sisters’ card.

Whether it'll be a gift, card or just a text or phone call, let your nearest and dearest know how much you love them this World Friendship Day. Of course we should do it all the time anyway, but if this is a good excuse then we say take it.

If there's one thing this pandemic has done, it's that it's made us far more aware of our surroundings. Whether it's sparked a new found love for the beauty of where we live, or provoked a realisation that perhaps it's time for somewhere new, it's probably impacted us all in some way. And with that, it would seem that many of us are making moves to new homes and new areas perhaps more than ever.

Sound familiar to you? Well, if you know someone who has just moved house or is just about to, here is the blog post you might need to give some inspiration on what gift to get them. Throw in a card and you're good to go.

Trays

It can sometimes be difficult to know what homeware to get someone if perhaps they have a specific style or already have plenty of mugs, plates and dishes etc. But often a good tray can go overlooked and there are some really gorgeous ones available. Take the Asta Barrington ones for example, which are bright and beautiful and you can even choose one with their favourite drink or phrase on if you like. Or there's the Emma Bridgewater trays for those who love the classic country look, these are practical gifts too as they're a good size and sturdy.

Tins

Sticking to alternative homeware, tins are another brilliant option. Not only are they really useful (you can never have enough tins, right?), but again, there are also some really lovely designs out there - the Emma Bridgewater ones being an obvious choice. You can fill them with goodies to add to the gift too, for example getting some luxury crackers and popping them in a cracker tin, or filling a biscuit barrel with their favourites.

Candles

A common gift choice for a new home, but for a good reason. A good quality, delightful smelling candle can be a real treat as a gift. You could opt for the Country Candles New Home candle to mark the occasion, or instead go for their favourite scent, or a reed diffuser from St Eval that they can easily spruce up an empty shelf with.

Austin Sloan Signs

For those whose homes follow a more rustic theme and who like a bit of humour, an Austin Sloan sign will always go down well. They can be hung in any part of the house or garden, and are a great way to bring some extra personality to the place.

East of India

It wouldn't be a special occasion without some sentiment from East of India. If it's just a small token you want to give, or a little extra piece to add to the main present, a trinket might be perfect.

Gift Vouchers

If you're still feeling like they already have everything they need, or you're not sure on their style yet, sometimes a gift voucher is the best you can give. That way they can save it for when they might need it, or choose something they've had their eye on for a while.

Cards

And finally, you can't forget a card! The Emma Bridgewater one is one of our all time best-selling cards, so naturally had to get a mention, and it really is lovely. But there are other options too and all are gorgeous. Now your gift is complete!

Recently at Daisy Park we've been getting in touch with our wild side..

We adore all things bold and beautiful and some of these goodies are exactly that. From daring designs by Soruka, to vibrant colours by Powder and gloriously busy patterns on the Emma Shipley tray for Jamida, we just can't get enough.

If you know Powder you'll know that these kinds of designs are just classic from them. Their goodies burst with colour and boast fabulous patterns to suit anyone who likes to make a bit of a statement. These leopard print bits are perfect for this and certainly help you to walk on the wild side.

And the same goes for Soruka, who use recycled materials to create their zero-waste, upcycled gems of joy. These always make for fantastic gifts for the outgoing, bold person in your life. And their excellent quality means that you can keep one of their bags forever.

Emma Shipley trays also encompass all things wild and wonderful in their bustling, vibrant patterns. Featuring tropical birds, jungle plants and vivid colours, they'd look superb storing your latest gin collection and would spruce up a cocktail night if you served the goods on one of these beauties.

All of these products are bursting with bold, daring beauty and we just love it. If you or anyone you know is into this fabulous style then why not give them (or yourself) a lovely little treat to spread some lockdown love? Or with Mother's day just around the corner, there's still a few days left to grab something special for yours. Don't forget we can even gift wrap items for you too!