We arrived bright and early this morning at Pure PR's offices just behind Oxford Street and happily tucked in to the Christmas-themed merrymoo frozen yogurt from yoomoo. We didn't feel too guilty because it is fat-free after all...well, except for the chocolate stars and hidden chocolate coin!
We headed straight for Mavalak's All That Glitters nail polish in rich festive colours, including red and silver. The duo packs are good value at £7.95, with a block colour polish and a glitter one if you want to add extra sparkle.
After a quick spritz of Hollywood bombshell Kim Kardashian's new Gold perfume - a heady scent of patchouli, sandalwood and amber, so definitely a night-time fragrance - we spotted the Malin + Goetz Mojito candle, £36, which smelt lush and ticked two of our boxes (candles AND cocktails!).
Smellies are a fail-safe present for most mums (including your own) and there were some lovely products on show, including DoveSpa's Make Me Feel Recharged hand and body lotions, from £9, (just what you'll need after cooking Christmas dinner for the troops) and Maison Boo's special Christmas set featuring stretchmark cream and nipple cream - but in colourful packaging that you won't want to hide away. The organic mother and baby brand is relatively new - it was launched by three dads who just happened to be chemists, after their little ones had eczema - and is one to keep an eye out for.
Another new brand to hit our shores just in time for the festive party season is Super by Dr Nicholas Perricone. The good doctor has achieved cult status in the US for his expensive anti-wrinkle creams, but this cheaper brand - based on superfoods like acai and coconut water - will be stocked in Boots. The Super Skin Nutrition Kit, £45, will no doubt come in handy as a post-party pick-me-up.
For ethically-minded mums, Planet Organic has a cute range of stocking fillers, including a handcrafted, fairtrade elephant puzzle with chocolate buttons, while grown-ups can indulge their sweet tooth with Booja Booja truffles, £24.99.
Dads didn't get much of a look-in, but we were impressed by the framed prints from Art.co.uk. Choose the print you want (there are thousands online), pick a border and frame and they'll deliver it for a very reasonable price. We're talking from just £4.99 but you can get a good sized print for around £100.
