Gadget Inspector | Gadgets and Gizmos, Gifts and Novelties

Dec 201516

Christmas Cooking: A Recipe for All

Joel Dear info

After yesterday's rather sombre post, we thought we would give you two things to cheer you all up in today's blog: food, and novelty aprons! We'll be sharing a few fun, festive recipes for you to try over the holiday season, based on the 'chef' stereotype you fit best!

Cookie Monster: The Dessert Expert

If your cookies, crumbles and creme brulee all put Mary Berry to shame, then why not try making your own festive dessert this Christmas?

Why not try this Peppermint Bark Cheesecake from Cooking Classy, or these delicious Rolo Christmas Cookies from Living Locurto:

The Impatient Cook

If you're looking for something quick and easy to whip up in the kitchen, then why not try out these simple 3 Ingredient Candy Cane Lollipops from BBC Good Food, or these Pan Roasted Brussel Sprouts With Bacon if you're after something savoury.

Kitchen Hero

If you're a bit of a wiz in the kitchen, you'll want to try something extra special this Christmas to wow your dinner guests. Why not try out this incredible Roast Duck recipe from Jamie Oliver, or this incredible Chocolate Cake With Homemade Marshmallows for dessert!

(Buy Apron here)

Foodie Frankenstein

If you like to try something a little different in the kitchen, then what better time of year is there than Christmas to test out some new and interesting recipes?

If you're looking for some interesting combinations to have a crack at, then take a look at this Brussels Sprouts, Chilli and Thyme Jam, or these Pork and Cranberry Sausage Rolls, both from bakingmad.com.

Danger - Man Cooking (Apron and Hat Set)

(Buy Apron here)

Boozy Baker

For a flashy fish dish with an added kick, have a go at this Beetroot and Vodka-Cured Salmon from Woman and Home. If delicious bakes are more your speed, take a look at this fantastic Hazelnut Liquor pastry dish from Half Baked Harvest.

(Buy Apron here)

Dec 201515

Emotional Christmas Movie Moments

Laura Roberts info

Christmas is a time for love, happiness and smiles all round, but sadly, the same can't be said for Christmas films . In fact, Christmas movies can be pretty darn depressing at times, as illustrated by some of the examples below.

I should warn you that there will be spoilers below, so if you're planning on watching some of these and haven't already, it's probably a good idea not to read the descriptions....

The Snowman - Snowman melts:

This film broke our hearts as children, and it still does to this day. It sets about fulfilling a childhood dream, then goes and completely destroys it! A boy is led by his snowman companion, flies to the North Pole with him to meet Father Christmas, only to discover that he's a melted puddle by the next day! Traumatic to say the least...

A Christmas Carol (2009) - Christmas Past:

Don't let the combination of animation and Jim Carey fool you, this version of Dickens' classic is pretty dark and depressing at times, particularly during the 'Christmas past' section. Not only do we see Scrooge as a sad and lonely little boy at boarding school, we then have to watch as he endures the death of his sister, and loses the woman he loves due to his developing fixation with wealth.

A Muppet Christmas Carol - Tiny Tim prophecy:

Although this version is far more light-hearted than the 2009 adaptation, it still has a few moments that leave us feeling rather emotional. Once such moment comes later in the film, as the silent and creepy Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come reveals that adorable Tiny Tim will not be alive next Christmas.

Jack Frost - Jack is put to rest:

Okay, so a few people may have commented that the snowman looks a little creepy, but there's still no denying that this is a heart-warming family film. At the very end of the movie, Jack has to part ways with his son Charlie, this time, getting a chance to say the goodbye he never got the first time round. This makes for a sad and bitter-sweet ending to a story of second chances, giving us all the feels, all at once.

Love Actually - Too many moments to count:

Love Actually has to be the best, British Christmas film, with a stellar cast and a host of both hilarious and sad moments. From Colin Firth's sad goodbye to his Portuguese housekeeper, to Andrew Lincoln's confession of love to Keira Knightly (his best friend's wife) on her doorstep, this film is filled with emotional moments to get those tears flowing. The award for saddest moment of all goes to Emma Thompson, however, for that emotional realization scene when she discovers her husband has bought a necklace for another woman. We can't even listen to that Joni Mitchell song without sobbing.

Edward Scissorhands- Hold me

Although this film is pretty melancholy throughout, the part that hits us right where it hurts is when Kim lovingly asks Edward to hold her, to which the replies 'I can't'. Burdened by difference and doomed to a life without normality, Edward is forced to endure a reclusive existence once more, free from the judgement of humanity.

For more Christmas Posts, follow us on Twitter. We promise they're a lot more cheerful that this one!

Dec 201514

Deal of the week: Maze Cube - Large

andrew gadget inspector news, gifts & gadgets

Do you love a challenge? Do you enjoy a good puzzle to get your brain working? If so, this Maze Cube - Large is perfect for you!

This 3D Tetris-like puzzle has 19000 possible solutions, so it should keep you busy up until Christmas next year! It consists of 13 different pieces in red, blue and yellow, which make a thousand different configurations. When put together correctly, you can make a perfect cube.

Gadget Inspector | Gadgets and Gizmos, Gifts and Novelties

Dec 201509

Our Favourite Christmas Tunes

Joel Dear info

There's nothing like hearing your favourite Christmas songs to get you in in the festive spirit, so we thought we would put a little list together, sharing what we think are some of the best Christmas songs in existance!

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

We haven't put an artist name to this song, because as you will discover if you do a little work on Google, it's been covered by almost everyone! From Bing Crosby, to The Beach Boys, to Michael Buble, this really is one of the most well-known songs in the Christmas canon. Plus, it's got Santa in the tile, so what more could you really want from a festive number?

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year - Andy Williams

There's no way to describe this song, other than pure Christmas joy! For those who just can't wait for Christmas, this is the perfect tune to express your excitement (it's probably more than a little irritating for all the scrooges out there too)!

Merry Christmas Everybody - Slade

'IT'S CHRIIIIIIISTMAAAAAAAAAAS!' Need I say more?

The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) - Nat King Cole

It's one of the more laid-back choices on our list, but this song couldn't be more festive! If this number doesn't make you want to stay indoors and snuggle up in front of a fire with a mince pie or glass of mulled wine, then I don't know what will.

Do They Know it's Christmas? - Band Aid (1984)

Although this list is all about fun, laughter and warmth for the most part, it's important to remember that not everyone is lucky enough to enjoy a carefree Christmas. This song reminds us every year that its original message is still important, while also being a great Christmas sing-a-long tune!

White Christmas - Bing Crosby

Again, this song is one of the more subdued melodies on our list, but the is no denying it's influence on the entire holiday season. It's sentimental, heart-warming, and apparently brought tears to the eyes of many WW2 soldiers, who were spending Christmas overseas when it was first released.

All I Want For Christmas is You - Mariah Carey

This song was a well established hit for years, but it seemed to gain even more popularity after the release of Christmas classic 'Love Actually', back in 2003. Don't lie, we all know that it's your favourite scene!

Little Drummer Boy/ Peace on Earth - Bing and Bowie

This rock star/crooner combination left most people puzzled when it was first announced, but it really has stood the test of time to earn its place amongst Christmas classics! Try singing the harmonies with an older relative after dinner this year..

Last Christmas - Wham

This melancholy Christmas tune is as song which proves that the 1980's produced some of the best Christmas music! All you need is this with a slab of Stilton, and you're set for your yearly dose of Christmas cheese!

Wonderful Christmas Time - Paul McCartney

This has to be the best Christmas song ever, no debate. Okay, we know that everyone has their favourites, but this one should be pretty close to the top of everyone's list. Not only does it have some of the most jolly lyrics of any Christmas song in existence, it's also written and performed by a freakin' Beatle!

Dec 201508

Deal of the week: The Bomb: Shot Glasses

andrew gadget inspector news, gifts & gadgets

Jägerbombs, Boilermakers, Skittle Bombs, everyone hates to love them, but we just can't stay away from them when we go out to party! These bomber drinks work by dropping a shot of hard liquor into a glass partially filled with beer, but you can use other beverages if you want to. The goal is to drink your drink as quickly as possible, but we have to admit that we're not always that sharp..

These The Bomb: Shot Glasses give you an awesome way to chug your bombs! Complete with a smaller shot glass moulded into the cup, it allows you to separate both beverages easily without the need for extra shot glasses. Once you've poured in all of your drinks, it's time to chug and drink,drink,drink!

You'll be happy to know that these awesome little cups are our Deal of the week, and are now only £4.50! What a bargain! If you're looking for that perfect bomber cup to spice up your next party, look no further than our The Bomb: Shot Glasses!

Click here to check out our other party accessories.

Dec 201507

Games for Grown-ups

Laura Roberts gifts & gadgets

Childhood Christmases usually meant hours of playing board games with your family, whether that meant setting up the ones you'd just received that year, or getting out some old classics to relive the post-lunch slump.

At Gadget Inspector, we have loads of great game sets that would make awesome gifts for your friends and family this Christmas, putting a new spin on the group game sessions you knew so well growing up.

Mini Football Table Shots Game

This 'penalty shoot out' style shot game is ideal for whipping out at parties and Christmas get-togethers with old school friends, allowing you to relive the embarrassing days of your childhood while getting suitably hammered. If you're as rubbish at table football now as you were in your youth club days, you may want to swallow your pride and quit while your ahead..

Tipsy Tower Drinking Game

We're sure there can't be many people who have failed to encounter the traditional version of this nervy, tower trashing game at some point in their lives. The principal for this one remains the same, but now the looser will have to risk becoming more and more tipsy as they cause the tower to topple! Naturally, the game becomes more and more difficult each time a player is unsuccessful......

Bush Tucker Trial Challenge

If you've ever fancied becoming king or queen of the jungle, then this game could be the one for you, although it won't be easy to win! Complete with a selection of foods ranging from fairly pleasant to utterly disgusting, this set will provide you with the closest thing to competing on 'I'm a Celebrity', from the comfort of your own home!

Party Pong

This classic American drinking game is great for getting all your friends involved in a night of boozy hilarity, and is sure to keep everyone entertained for the duration of your pre-drink session. Putting a unique spin on the original game, this kit contains 'Party Forfeit' cards to make sure everyone joins in with then fun, regardless of weather or not they're the one taking aim!

BeanBoozled Spinner Game

Although this is probably the most 'child-friendly' game on our list, we think you'd be pretty harsh to inflict some of the nastiness contained in here on your younger family members.The game is pretty easy to understand, you just spin to see which colour bean you'll be consuming. Of course, letting you choose from the good and bad flavours would be far too easy, which is why each colour has a set of two flavours in the same hue. It could be peach, it could be vomit; you'll just have to wait and find out...

Be sure to check back for more gift guides and Christmas posts soon, but in the meantime, pop over to our Twitter page for more Gadget Inspector news.

Dec 201504

5 Scary Christmas Monsters

Joel Dear gadget inspector news

With Krampus being released in UK cinemas today, we thought it would be a great time to take a look at other creepy Christmas Monsters from folklore, that are used to scare kids into being nice. Quite honestly some of them have got us scared!