How to Buy Future-proof Christmas Presents

Christmas presents can be stressful business anyway but in these times of fast fashions, fads and technology it can be even trickier to pick a present that will last longer in your loved one’s affections past New Year’s Day. Whether you are buying for a young gamer, conscientious student or mad music fan, here are some tips on what to buy this Christmas and ensure they are still enjoying their gift this time next year.

TVs

Television technology moves very quickly these days. It doesn’t seem long since we were all watching massive backed screens which took a forklift truck to install in our living rooms. Now, we are all reaping the benefits of sleek thin designs with quality picture and sound quality. Electronic suppliers such as www.electricshop.com stock mainly LED screens these days but there are more advanced models such as SMART TVs which link directly to the internet, 4K screen technology for superb quality pictures and curved screens which are set to be the neatest thing in 2015.

Console Games

Console gaming can be an expensive hobby and it is difficult to keep track of the latest games and when they will be updated. This Christmas there are two titles which will be flying off the shelves in places like Game. Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare is the latest in this highly popular series of game and comes out in early November. Assassins Creed Unity is another high profile pre-Christmas release which will make most gamers’ festive period and hopefully give them hours of enjoyment until at least summertime.

Laptops

When thinking of purchasing future-proof laptops the best thing you can factor in is virus protection. Websites such as PCAdvisor are great for offering advice on the best antivirus software. It is also important to consider the laptop brands with the best reputations. If you can afford one, a Macbook is probably the safest option but if you are not a fan of Apple products or don’t fancy the hefty price tag, models such as the Sony Vaio AW, Panasonic Toughbook 74 make great purchases. Both offer quality screens as well as decent processors and RAM.

Fashion

For fashion advice it is best to bow to the established authorities. For 2014/15 Autumn-Winter Vogue recommend items such as polo necks, capes and other wraps like ponchos and cocooning coats.

Music

For the young pop fan in your life it is no longer good enough just to get that Christmas X Factor single. Releases from artists such as Calvin Harris, Ne-Yo and of course One Direction should be top of your pop picker’s list. If you are looking for something a bit edgier, albums from TV on the Radio, Eminem and The Voyeurs will provide a little more street cred.

A Golden Oldie

I took my mum out for a meal last night and managed to take a couple of pictures of my outfit.

The AX Paris floral dress from +Simply Be , which I have previously featured on the blog here is a real favourite of mine as it is the first dress that I choose when I finally decided to move my wardrobe away from black and into what is now a staple in my wardrobe, beautiful patterned dresses. 

I am wearing in here with my new +Clarks ankle boots and a black cardigan from WearAll.

Safety Tips for the Elderly This Winter

Winter time can be especially cold if you are in your advancing years. A combination of dark nights, icy conditions, and hefty heating bills can make it a stressful time of year for pensioners. It is particularly troublesome for those who live on their own. So if you are worried about the next few months or have a relative who you are concerned about here are a few tips to help the elderly keep safe this winter.

Get Care

Services such as Extra Care At Home provide a helping hand in various aspects of a person’s home life from help getting up in a morning to and housework to providing companionship which can be very important during the isolating winter. Such organisations provide all the benefits of a retirement care home without the person having to uproot from their home.

Outdoor Physical Activity

It is important not to exert oneself as the cold weather will already put extra strain on the heart as it works overtime to keep your body warm. Do not attempt to shovel snow or carry heavy shopping, instead get a younger family member or carer to run such outdoor errands.

Prevent Falls

Wear boots with non-slip soles and keep paths and steps carefully cleared of snow or ice to avoid falls in the cold weather. Put a rubber tip on any cane or walking stick needed to walk to prevent it from slipping.

Wrap Up

Frostbite is a very real risk during extremely cold weather so it is important to cover up as much of your body as possible as areas such as your nose, cheeks, ears are most at risk as are fingers and toes. Frostbite is especially common amongst people with poor circulation and heart disease.

Keep Warm Indoors

Cold homes can lead to serious effects on a person’s health. Flu, depression, heart attacks, strokes, and pneumonia can call be caused by chilly houses. Measures such as electric blankets, eating well, wearing warm indoor clothes can all help your body keep in check when temperatures plummet.

Get a Flu Jab

It is recommended that all over-65s get a seasonal flu jab as the illness can escalate into pneumonia.

Stop Smoking

This is good advice for any time of the year but it is especially pertinent for winter. A smoke-free life will allow you to breathe easier and return your immune system to its best.      

Keep Social

To prevent the winter blues, keep in regular touch with friends and loved ones via telephone. If you feel like widening your circle of friends there are great services such as Age UK’s BefriendingService which assign older people with a befriender who provides friendly conversation on a regular basis.