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If you’re expecting a bundle of joy, you may be concerned about the safety of your home. During the first few months of your baby’s life, it will be easy to keep them safe and secure; however, as they become more mobile and begin to explore their surroundings, vigilance is key. Homes are full of potential dangers for your little one, but fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to ensure their safety.

Baby Gates

Create barriers between safe areas for your baby and areas that may contain hazards with baby gates. These temporary fixtures are easy to install and prevent your little one from entering a space that may cause them harm, for example, the top of a staircase or the entrance to the kitchen. 

Locks

Babies are naturally curious and tend to explore objects by putting things in their mouths. Locking away potentially harmful substances such as medicine and household cleaning products is vital. Many household substances are fatal when ingested, so store them in locked cupboards or safely out of reach for your peace of mind. 

Sharp Edges

When your baby begins to take their first steps, they’ll be considerably unsteady on their feet. While their muscles develop and they establish coordination, they’re likely to bump into all manner of household objects. Locate any hard or sharp edges that may be of head height to your little one, and cushion them to avoid potential injuries. Foam corner protectors can be purchased online or from many baby outlets. 

Heavy Objects

Large, heavy pieces of furniture should be secured to the wall to prevent toppling. Your baby may attempt to climb household units such as bookcases which may not only topple but feature heavy objects that could fall off, resulting in injury.

Safe Cribs

A safe crib ensures a peaceful night’s sleep. Check your baby’s crib is of the correct height, secure and undamaged. For your baby’s first year, avoid putting them to bed with plush toys, blankets and pillows. For children younger than 24 months, crib bumpers are no longer deemed safe as they pose multiple risks. 

Loose Cords

Any loose cords and wires around the home should be kept secure and out of reach – this includes window blinds, electrical cables and drawstrings on clothing items. If your current window blinds feature cords, it may be worth replacing them with a safer, cordless variety altogether.

Play Areas

Try as you might; it’s near impossible to run a household whilst keeping a close eye on your baby 24/7. As much as you safeguard your home, it is essential for your little one to have safe areas to explore and play in that are devoid of hazards. Playpens, baby bouncers and swings will keep them safe and entertained while you catch up on household chores or work. 

Alarms

Various safety alarms are required in every home to establish the safety of all inhabitants. Fire alarms, carbon monoxide alarms and security alarms should all be checked on a regular basis to check they are working. A fully functional alarm may one day save your life. 

Tablecloths

While a table draped with a fine tablecloth and laid out to perfection may look attractive, it may be risky. Young children have a tendency to grab and pull hanging objects, and this could result in heavy tableware and cutlery tumbling toward them. 

Radiators

Extremely hot radiators pose a severe risk of burning. Your baby’s skin is delicate and sensitive, and while a radiator may not seem all that hot to the touch, for your baby, it could cause damage. Make sure all radiators and water pipes are covered. 

Windows

As stated previously, babies and toddlers love to climb – an unattended toddler, and an open window could result in disaster. Childproof window locks, screens and blinds are available to purchase and will allow fresh air to continue circulating through your home while your baby plays and explores safely.

Small Parts

Babies and toddlers are notorious for putting small objects in their mouths. Consider the toys you provide for them and avoid having objects such as marbles and coins within reach. Batteries within toys and other household items should be fully secured with screws – if ingested, batteries can be fatal within hours. 

Resources:

• Urban Kanga – Peatix
• Baby Bedding – Paragraph
• High Chairs – Diary.by

When you’re travelling any long distance, whether it’s to the airport to go on holiday or to a staycation in the UK, there are several checks you should do on your car. These will ensure that your vehicle is ready for the journey and avoid any potential issues you could face during your journey. Ideally, you should do these checks a few days before travelling, so you have time to resolve any bigger issues. In addition, when you’re travelling to the airport, your car could be sitting for two weeks or more whilst you’re on holiday; we have some additional things you can do to prevent any issues when you return to your car after your vacation.

Windscreen

Take a good look at your windscreen for any chips or cracks. When driving on a motorway, a chip or crack can easily turn into a full windscreen replacement if a stone hits your windscreen. Many chips or minor cracks can be filled in with a special resin that stops the issue from getting worse. Some insurance companies cover windscreen repairs for free; others only require a minimal payment.

Wiper blades and washer fluid

You can’t predict the weather in the UK when you’re driving to the airport or home from the airport. You may experience sudden downpours of rain that can impact your visibility. Having a good pair of windscreen wiper blades is essential; otherwise, you might struggle to drive safely in the rain. Also, check your washer fluid; if your car is sitting for a week or more, it will develop a layer of dust that you will need to clean off when you come back from your holidays. If you don’t have any washer fluid, you will struggle to clean your windscreen, making it difficult to drive home safely.

Lights

You should also check your car lights before you head out on your journey to the airport. Ask a passenger to help you check your back and front lights are all working properly. Bulbs are cheap and quick to replace and could prevent you from being stopped by a police officer. Lights are also essential in the dark, especially if you’re travelling back late at night after a long flight. You need to ensure you have everything working on your car so you’re as safe as possible. 

Car battery

One common problem people worry about when leaving their car for long periods of time is the battery. This can be concerning if you’re using a car park at Stansted airport or any other airport. You can get your battery professionally checked, or to save money; you can look for things like bulges or cracks in the battery casing and white or rust-coloured deposits on the connectors. If you see any of these things, you may need to get the battery checked before you go on holiday. You can also carry jump leads and a spare battery just in case in your car if you’re particularly concerned about the battery draining when you’re away on holiday. Only do this if you’re confident in changing the battery yourself and it’s safely contained. If you’re unsure, avoid keeping spare batteries in your vehicle as it could be a hazard.

Tyres

Make sure you check your tyre pressure before you leave for the airport. Your tyres may go down whilst you’re away on holiday, so having them inflated before you leave the vehicle is recommended. Many motorists also carry a tyre pump with them; when they return to their vehicle after an extended holiday, they can test the pressure again and pump up the tyres if necessary.

Breakdown cover

Breakdown cover can be very useful if you do have an issue at the airport that prevents your car from driving away. All motorists should invest in breakdown cover; it’s not too expensive and is worth the money if you have an issue. Make sure your breakdown cover is in date, and keep the number handy on your phone if you need to call them when you get back to your vehicle. Fingers crossed, if you follow these tips, you shouldn’t need to use your breakdown assistance.

Resources:

• Car Park Stansted Airport – CoffeeCup
• Car Parking Stansted Airport – Diary.by
• Cheap Stansted Airport Parking – Neocities
• Stansted Airport Car Park – Telescope
• Long Stay Car Park Stansted Airport – Dorik

When it comes to motorcycle protection, there is a vast array of options and information available. In order to fully understand and make what may initially seem to be the most straightforward decisions, it can be very confusing. Take, for example, motorcycle shoes; there are thousands of different types of shoes on the market, each providing a slightly different advantage over the next. The shoes you choose to buy should be based on what is best for your situation. In this article, we look at the different types of motorcycle shoes on the market and what each one offers. 

Long motorcycle boots

For the most protection, long motorcycle boots are the best choice. They extend past your ankle and up to your shins, where the stiff material protects you from impact. These boots are designed for the job; they are often waterproof to protect you from the rain and have added protection inside the boot to protect your toes and ankle. If your bike falls on your foot, these are the best boots to protect your bones from damage. Long motorcycle boots can be expensive compared to shorter motorcycle shoes. They are also much stiffer and can be more uncomfortable and hot to wear. Getting long motorcycle boots on and off is also a challenging task compared to short motorcycle shoes. Overall long motorcycle boots provide much more protection for your feet, shins and ankles, but this protection comes at a price. 

Casual riding shoes

Motorcycle riding shoes are not the same as regular trainers or high top shoes. They provide additional protection above and beyond a standard trainer, making them more suitable for motorcycle riders. However, they look much more like casual shoes than long motorcycle boots. You can also get more variety in the styles, shapes, colors, and materials of motorcycle riding shoes. If you want to opt for a motorcycle’s shoes with the most protection, you should look for a protected heel, reinforced toe box, protection of the ankle bone and reinforced soles. 

These elements can help protect your feet from road impact and road abrasion. The best summer motorcycle shoes will include all of these protective elements in a single pair of shoes without getting too hot, while winter shoes will be more insulated. Some riders prefer motorcycle shoes as they offer a balance between providing protection and comfort for the rider. 

Normal boots or trainers

Some riders opt to wear standard boots or trainers when riding their bike over short distances or around town. Although this is the most convenient option, it is not recommended. Regular shoes or trainers do not provide your feet and ankles with the support and protection to stop severe injury in an accident. Laces are also a common danger; laces can become caught or wrapped around areas on the bike, resulting in the rider falling off or the bike falling onto the rider. Lace accidents are more common than you might think, so specialist motorcycle boots and shoes do not have exposed laces or anything that can become caught on the bike. 

Your feet and ankles can be damaged even when you wear the most advanced motorcycle boots with complete protection. When it comes to accidents, there is never any guarantee that a specific part of your body, such as your feet or ankles, won’t be damaged. However, the more protection you have on your feet, the less severe the injury. You must also decide if safety is more important than convenience; shorter motorcycle shoes provide some protection but not as much as long boots. However, they are far more convenient, easier to walk in, and much easier to take on and off when you are out and about. For beginner motorbike riders, full protection is recommended; there is a much higher risk of losing your balance or the bike falling on the rider. Beginner bikers may also put their feet down at the wrong moment causing abrasion to the bottom of their shoes. A correctly fitting long motorcycle boot will protect the rider in all of these situations; more advanced riders may opt for comfort over protection once they have the experience and skills to control and handle their bike without any issues fully.

Resources:

Best Motorcycle Pants – Telescope

Mountain Bike Protective Gear – Tech.blog

Why Do You Need Gloves for Mountain Biking – Bloggi

Best Mountain Bike Gloves to Keep You Safe – Wikiful

Nestled in the lush greenery and winding country roads of central-east France is the region of Burgundy. Rich in history and culture, this peaceful region is a principal wine-making area and home to some of France’s most prestigious vineyards and wineries. Famous – not only for Dijon mustard – but for The Route des Grands Crus (The Wine Route). For quaffers of fine French wine, Burgundy can be explored via its five major sub-regions. 

Côte de Nuits

Named after the quaint central town of Nuits-St-Georges, the Côte de Nuits is located in the Northern section of the Côte d’Or, north of Beaune and south of Dijon. Renowned for the Pinot Noir grape and boasting 24 Grand Cru vineyards, this region specialises primarily in red wine, with the occasional white and rosé. 

The largest wine-producing village in the Côte d’Or is Gevrey-Chambertin, where some excellent, robust, full-bodied Pinot Noir varieties can be found. Highly potent and deep in colour, Gevrey-Chambertin wines evoke notes of dark cherry, raspberry and blackcurrant with bouquets of underbrush and liquorice. Once you have steeped yourself in this velvety luxury, it is easy to see why red wines from this subregion are often considered elite. 

Côte de Beaune

The southernmost district of the Côte d’Or’s limestone escarpment is known as the Côte de Beaune – featuring open and rolling southeast-facing hills and valleys, making for excellent growing conditions. The ancient walled city of Beaune is often considered the epicentre of French wine tourism (known as œnotourisme). It is famed for its production of some of the world’s most outstanding Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines.

The Grand Cru appellation of Corton-Charlemagne is located on the Côte de Nuits/Côte de Beaune border and is an exclusive home to the Chardonnay grape. Wines produced from this variety are pale in colour with a subtle green hue that shifts towards gold and amber with age. Consumers can expect exuberant citrus notes, rounded with a delicate buttery richness and a faintly salty finish. 

Côte Chalonnaise

Directly south of the Côte de Beaune, is the historic region of Côte Chalonnaise, which comprises five key communes. Although less eminent as a principal wine-growing region, this rural expanse intertwines village vineyards with woodland groves, meadows and farmland – truly the epitome of rustic, pastoral France. Not to be overshadowed by the northern wine-making powerhouses of Burgundy, this subregion has a plethora of hidden gems. 

Devoted entirely to the Aligoté grape, the Appellation of Bouzeron produces a unique variety of white wine known for its fresh, floral notes with hints of honey and vanilla. The only still white made from 100% Aligoté, this vivacious wine is perfect to be enjoyed on a summer evening alongside seafood or a velvety risotto to compliment its lemony freshness.

Chablis

The northernmost region of Burgundy, situated 107km north of Dijon, is the region of Chablis. Known as ‘semi-continental’, the variation of temperature throughout the year means consistently growing high-quality grapes is tricky business. The expertly developed Chardonnay grapes of Chablis are grown in Jurassic-era limestone soil on south-facing slopes, making for an incredibly sought-after wine, enjoyed worldwide. 

The Petit Chablis vineyards lie on both sides of the Serein valley. Wines from this appellation are generally lighter and fresher due to variations in soil quality and light exposure. While its elegance, depth and complexity distinguish Chablis, Petit Chablis takes on a more tart, citrus character. 

Mâconnais

The most southerly Burgundy region is the Mâconnais district, which takes its name from the picturesque town of Mâcon, overlooking the banks of the Saone River. This dynamic area is not only famed for its rich and ripe white wines but also its cheese, often made from goat’s milk. Budget-friendly Chardonnay-based wines are a staple of this subregion, as well as delectable reds and rosés, made predominantly with Pinot Noir and Gamay grapes. 

The most reputable appellation in this subregion is Pouilly-Fuissé, which produces a distinguishable, opulent, full-bodied Chardonnay wine. With ripe and refreshing notes of peach and pineapple, this aromatic wine is a balance of crisp acidity and creamy smoothness. A subtle smoky aftertaste is reminiscent of the wine’s oak barrel ageing. 

Resources:

• Riesling – Telegraph
• Chardonnay – Tech.blog
• Sauvignon Blanc – Diary.by
• Malbec – Talium
• Champagne – Wikiful
• Red Wine – GoDaddy

There are many reasons why home gardening has become a big deal in recent years. Firstly, the global pandemic gave people more free time than ever before which encouraged many people to try something new. There has also been a trend towards using fresh, organic produce rather than conventional crops and this is another reason why people have decided to try their hand at growing fruits, vegetables and other crop plants. 

Another reason is that some crops can be quite profitable and therefore people are turning to their cultivation as a way of boosting their income in challenging times. Whatever your reasons for wanting to start a garden, there are some things you should know before you start. 

There is a steep learning curve

Some would-be gardeners might think it’s a simple case of throwing down some seeds, adding some water and reaping the rewards a short time later, but there is so much more to gardening than this. If you believe it will be a simple and straightforward process then you will want to think again! Many things can go wrong, and if you are completely new to cultivating plants or have only had experience with houseplants before, you will need to be prepared to do a decent amount of learning before you are likely to see many successes.

There are many different ways to be a gardener

Gardening is not a one size fits all kind of thing and there are many, many different types of gardening you could look into. For example, traditional crop production involves improving soil by adding organic matter, sowing your seeds according to a seasonal pattern, and applying water, fertiliser and pesticides at crucial moments in the plants’ development. 

Permaculture takes a radically different approach because it is all about creating an outdoor space that needs minimal intervention, and where all the plants involved are native species that produce a semi-wild garden. You can think of permaculture as creating a food forest, and as such it is a delicate balance to get things right initially before the plants mature and can start to take care of themselves. 

Gardening is not just for people with lots of outdoor space either. If you don’t have a garden or a balcony for some pots, you can have a go at hydroponics. All you need is a tub large enough for the plants’ roots, some clay pebbles to support the roots, something to support the stems of growing plants, a grow light, an aeration pump, and an appropriately sized area inside your home. 

You might be surprised by the types of plants that can be grown using hydroponics, though some are better suited to the method than others. Vegetables and flowering plants that are water intensive tend to do very well in hydroponic grow systems because they have ready access to all the water they need. As long as you keep the tank properly aerated, topped up with water, and your nutrient levels are correct, it is hard to go wrong with hydroponics. 

High yields are hard to achieve

You may have daydreams about supporting your entire family with freshly grown vegetables from your patch or hydroponics system, but it actually takes a lot of large, mature plants to produce a worthwhile crop that lasts for more than a few meals. Studies have shown that you would need 4000 square feet of space to sustain a single person for a year on a vegetarian diet – that’s a lot of land to cultivate and weed, and not many of us are lucky to have access to this kind of space.

Growing your own food can be expensive

Unless you are lucky enough to have access to high quality arable land, the chances are that you will need to invest a significant amount of money into improving your soil. This is expensive but it’s also time consuming and can be physically challenging. The initial costs for equipment, compost and seeds and young plants is also not inconsiderable. Even if you are going the hydroponics route there will be an initial cost with some ongoing maintenance costs needed. Buying second hand and sharing equipment with neighbours can be a big help. 

Resources:

Hydroponics Fan Controller – Are.na

Grow Room Fan Speed Controller – Paragraph

Aeroponics – Diary.by

Hydroponics Propagator – Talium

Hydroponics Watering Systems – Telescope

When selecting a gift for a friend or loved one, durability is an important factor. We would all prefer to give something that will be loved and cherished for many years. A memorable gift speaks volumes, so give that special person something they deserve that will stand the test of time. If you need some inspiration, here are ten suggestions.

1. Cast Iron Cookware

When seasoned and cared for properly, a cast casserole dish or skillet will last for generations. Made from one single forged piece of iron, these heavy-duty, versatile pans are designed to last. A treasured stovetop staple for centuries, it is easy to see why these pieces of kitchenware make fantastic gifts.

2. Countertop Mixer

A top-quality countertop mixer is an investment that can last decades. If your loved one is a keen baker, these pieces of equipment will save them hours of heavy-duty mixing and kneading as the robust mixing mechanism does all the hard work for them. You might even get some baked treats as a thank-you! 

3. Kitchen Knives

One last one for the ambitious chefs. A top-tier carbon steel kitchen knife is a necessity for anybody with a passion for food and cooking. As long as these blades are cared for, kept clean of rust, regularly sharpened and never put in the dishwasher, they will last a lifetime. 

4. Classic Literature

The reading of classic literature has been linked to several benefits – improved vocabulary, attention span and emotional intelligence, being just a few. Since its release in 1813, an estimated 20 million copies of the timeless classic Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen have been sold worldwide. Consider buying your loved one a set of leatherbound classic novels, which will look stunning perched on their bookshelf. 

5. Jewellery

It may be cliché, but there is a reason jewellery makes for such a treasured gift. It is likely a timeless piece of quality jewellery will not only be treasured for life but passed down as an heirloom. Opting for something custom-made adds an extra element of uniqueness to this already thoughtful and memorable gift option.

6. Photo Album

In this age of technology and digital archiving, printed photographs are becoming less popular.; however, flicking through a physical photo album can be an incredibly heart-warming, nostalgic experience that can be enjoyed as a family activity. Curate a scrapbook with photos of special memories. You could even include hand-written notes, ticket stubs, dried flowers and drawings, so get creative!

7. Clothing

When it comes to gifts with durability, clothing can be a tricky one. If you bestow upon your loved one a garment that will last, opt for sustainable fabrics that will hold up in the long run. For example, cashmere upholds a reputation for being one of the most durable fabrics you can buy. A pure cashmere scarf doesn’t bring forth the dilemma of incorrect sizing and, when treated with due care and respect, will be a long-lasting statement accessory. 

8. Leather Bag

On the subject of durable accessories, if scarves aren’t suited to your giftee, then perhaps they’d prefer a genuine leather bag. Made to suit every style and occasion, a high-quality leather bag is both practical and stylish. Some manufacturers offer the option for their products to be embossed with initials for an added personal touch.

9. A Tree

If your loved one spends a good deal of time in their garden, a young tree purchased from your local garden centre, will give them something to nurture as they watch it grow and bloom. If their garden is modest, consider a medium-sized variety such as acer, bay, hawthorn or magnolia. A fruit tree (perhaps apple or fig) is the gift that keeps on giving as it bears fruit yearly. 

10. Experience Day

What gift could possibly be more everlasting than that of a wonderful memory? Book a wine tasting session, spa day, cooking workshop or even skydiving trip; perhaps even a short break, somewhere away from the daily grind. Memories are precious so give your loved one the gift of quality time spent with their favourite people, doing something they’ll never forget.

Resources:

• Cashmere Hoodie – Mozello
• Cashmere Cardigan Sale – Wikiful
• Cashmere Travel Wrap – Peatix
• Pure Cashmere Poncho – Talium

Suppose you’re a seasoned gamer or have an avid gamer in your household. In that case, you probably already have a fantastic personalised setup, complete with multiple monitors, LED lights and a top-of-the-range headset. 

However, there are still ways of improving your gaming setup with hacks and products so you can create a comfortable, zen environment worthy of an expert gamer. From innovative products to game-changing hacks, here are ten suggestions. 

Wireless Charging Headset Dock

A great way to avoid desk clutter – a wireless charger for your headset cuts out the dreaded “wire spaghetti” and enables you to put it somewhere safe when not in use. Some models feature multiple USB ports for your other gadgets so that you can charge your various other pieces of equipment at the same time.

Cable Organisers

Many gadgets and accessories amount to a setup teeming with wires. Aside from the use of wireless technology, you can keep unruly cables in check with cable organisers. Cable organisers come in various designs, helping you get your chords under control or even hide them completely. 

Noise-Cancelling Mic Adapter

There’s nothing more distracting than being in the midst of an online multiplayer and hearing the sound of the rustling of snacks or a very vocal pet coming from your teammate’s mic. Noise cancelling adapters improve headset communication by using AI to filter out any background noise, negating the need for additional software or setup. 

Control Deck

Control decks are small, fully programmable operating systems that allow you to control games and apps and monitor your system. Particularly if you are a streamer, these pieces of hardware enable you to make commands, change cameras or fiddle with settings without having to leave your game. 

Keyboard Cleaning

Dirt, food crumbs, grease and pet hair, are nemeses of the keyboard. Dirt particles are likely to build up over time, making your keyboard difficult to use, leading to damage. Prevent this from happening with specifically designed brushes, air dusters or even slime-like cleaning putty that removes dirt by picking up dust and grime on its tacky surface. It is also wise to maintain keyboard hygiene by regularly wiping your keyboard down with disinfectant wipes or cotton buds and a gentle cleanser. 

Air Purifier

Air purifiers are designed to remove impurities from the air such as dust, pollen, pet dander, mould and other allergens. Sanitised air alleviates the symptoms of allergies, lessening the risk of respiratory complications. Not only this, but they are beneficial to the health of your technology – air purifiers significantly reduce the amount of dust and debris that enter your PC via the intake fans.

Screen Wipes

If you’ve invested in one of the best gaming monitors you can find, you’ll want to keep it in mint condition for an optimised gaming experience. Regularly remove any dust from the screen with a dry microfiber cloth. Any smudges or fingerprints can be dealt with by using pre-moistened cleansing wipes – ensure the product you use contains a gentle solution suitable for monitors with a low isopropyl alcohol percentage (70% or lower) to reduce the risk of damage. 

Memory Foam Ergonomic Cushion

There are several ways of making your gaming chair more comfortable. Extra lumbar support improves posture and can prevent back pain. Memory foam is high energy absorbent, and soft, providing optimal pressure relief. Adding a memory foam cushion to your gaming chair offers a high degree of comfort, enabling you to sit and enjoy gaming for much longer.

Decor

Aesthetically pleasing surroundings can make a huge difference when immersing yourself in your passion. A fun way to enhance your gaming setup is by decorating the environment to reflect your personality and gaming style. Consider the lighting and furniture – are you relaxed and comfortable? You may want to decorate your setup with your favourite character figurines or retro consoles and accessories. 

Mini Fridge

Introducing a mini fridge into your setup allows you to keep yourself hydrated and focused without interrupting your gaming flow. When concentrating for long periods of time, it’s easy to ignore those feelings of thirst and hunger, so keep your favourite drinks and snacks to hand with this handy little appliance that slots stealthily into the tightest of places.

Resources:

• PC Graphics Card – Peatix
• Gaming PC Bundle With Monitor – Paragraph
• Computer Parts – Diary.by
• Gaming Keyboard – Talium

There are some great uses for personalised boxes, to commemorate a special occasion or date, to advertise your brand to a broader audience and to label the contents of the items inside, are just a few. Let’s look at some uses and occasions where personalised boxes work really well. 

Wedding favours

Weddings are special occasions; families, friends and loved ones come together to share the couple’s special day. Wedding favours can come in many forms. Many couples choose to give their guests wedding favours to thank them for coming to the wedding and sharing the experience. Many couples choose to give a few different items that are special to the couple. This could be their favourite drink or a type of sweet or treat related to the couple. A lovely way to package these gifts is for the couple to buy personalised wedding favour boxes that include the name of the couple and the date they got married. This is a lovely keepsake and a reminder of the special day that everyone shared together. Guests can take home the personalised wedding boxes and use them in their homes. 

Memory boxes

Parents often like to keep items from when their children are growing up. This could be their first dummy, a lock of hair, early birthday cards and clothing items. Once the children get older, they can show them the memories collected over the years. Parents can also look back fondly on the years when their children were small. A personalised memory box is a good place for parents to keep all of their memories together. Memory boxes are often given as a gift when a child is first born; they include the baby’s name and date of birth. Memory boxes are a great way to keep a selection of memories, and the limited space prevents parents from keeping too many items that might take up a lot of space. 

Product packaging

Companies may choose to put their products in personalised boxes; these boxes can include the logo and brand name of the company. They may also include messaging that helps get across the company’s values. Personalised boxes can be very beneficial to businesses; they provide an additional way to advertise to the customer and others around them. Brand recognition is important in business; the more your brand is recognised, the more consumers trust your products. This is the case even if a consumer has never purchased anything from your business. By simply adding your logo to the outside of your packaging, you can increase brand recognition between your target market and others that come into contact with your packaging. It is also important for the consumer experience, especially for luxury items; consumers judge their whole experience from start to finish, including the box’s opening and the journey of buying a product online. If a consumer has a good experience from start to finish, they’re more likely to provide a positive review for your company and repeat purchases. 

Gifts

The gifting market is huge; people are always looking for easy ways to buy gifts online that are ready to be given to the recipient. A personalised box can increase the value of a gift, enabling the person who buys the product to alter the gift to make it more tailored and unique to the person they’re giving it to and the occasion they’re celebrating. Boxes don’t necessarily have to be personalised with a person’s name or message. Making a gift box look attractive eliminates the need for wrapping paper and makes it stand out against other items that are packaged in plain kraft boxes. You could have several designs that are suitable for different occasions, a Christmas-themed gift box and a generic boy or girl gift box.

If you’re a business looking for a way to add value to your products, you could try offering personalised boxes or simply adding your brand to the outside of your packaging to increase brand awareness. Many people are willing to pay a premium for personalised boxes; they can be used for many different purposes to add value and improve the experience of those using and receiving them. It may surprise you how much of a difference it can make in your brand recognition if you choose to add your logo to the outside of your packaging. 

Resources:

• Gift Boxes – Tech.blog
• Delivery Boxes – W3Schools
• Cardboard Gift Boxes – Mozello
• Posting Boxes – Peatix
• Personalised Gift Boxes – Xiaomi

If you’re looking to buy an electric car, you want to get as much information as possible before handing over your money or agreeing to the monthly payments. One common question many people have about electric cars is how long do they take to charge? The answer to this question varies depending on the type of electric car you have and the type of charger you’re using. The range starts at around 30 minutes but can last up to 24 hours, depending on the car and charger. Many people tend to charge their vehicle in a similar way they would charge their mobile phone. They are plugging it in and leaving it on charge overnight and, if needed, topping it up with smaller charges during the daytime.

What is the fastest way to charge?

An ultra-rapid charging point is currently the quickest way to charge an electric car. Ultra-rapid chargers use much more power than the typical car charger. In fact, they have an output of up to 350kWh. These chargers are usually found in motorway service stations, and their numbers are increasing as the demand for electric vehicles continues to rise. Using an ultra-rapid charger, you can expect to charge your vehicle up to 80% in around 20 minutes. The time to charge an electric car is getting shorter as technology advances. The ultra-rapid chargers can only be used by newer electric vehicles; as the technology evolves, quicker charging will become a part of all electric cars. This type of quick charging is the most convenient for motorists on the move; you can therefore expect to pay a premium to use an ultra-rapid electric car charger. 

How long does home charging take? 

If you’re planning to predominantly charge your car at home using a home charging point, you will want to understand how long it takes to charge your vehicle at home. Each vehicle will differ slightly depending on the size of the battery and the output of your home charger. If you’re browsing used electric cars in the UK, check the battery size on the vehicle specification. If you choose to have a wall box installed, it will speed up the rate at which you can charge your electric car from home. A wall box is installed on the outside of your house, and it is dedicated to charging your electric vehicles. Most electric car owners choose to have a wall box installed to minimise at-home charging times. It can also prevent issues with wires and offers a more convenient solution for home charging. A wall box charger has an output of 3kW – 7kW; the higher the output, the faster your car will charge. If you’re installing a home charger, you should opt for a 7kW charger; this will easily fully charge most cars overnight. The other option is to use a standard charger you can plug into your socket at home; this draws a maximum of around 2.3kW of power and can take over 24 hours to charge some car batteries. The best option if you have the money available is to install a 7kW charging point on the outside of your home. Some governments provide grants to help with the cost of installing home charging points. Check your eligibility before paying for the installation cost yourself. 

Suppose you’re planning to charge your car at home using a standard plug or a dedicated charging point. If this is the case, we recommend switching your electricity tariff. A tariff that provides a cheaper price at night will help you save money on your electricity bill and further reduce your overall fuel costs. Using a home charging system with a nighttime tariff is the cheapest and most efficient way to charge any electric vehicle. 

You can save a significant amount of money if you can get access to charge your vehicle for free during working hours. If you have access to free charging through your work premises, make sure you purchase an electric car compatible with your work charging point. Some supermarkets also provide free slow charging for customers whilst they shop; always check your local stores for compatibility before buying an electric vehicle.