For many people hip flasks are one of the more popular luxury corporate gifts, and certainly they’re a welcome change from watches, gift vouchers or clocks. Professional leather products today are manufactured from soft, high quality leather that’s not split, but sourced from lambs and goats, giving them a beautiful soft, supple and smooth feel that makes them every bit as inviting to touch and hold as to look at and admire.

Hip flasks may be a display item, but they’re also very handy when out and about on a hunt or a walk. Whether you enjoy a strong coffee, liquor or a little of Scotland’s finest oak matured water, hip flasks are available in a wide range of styles, sizes and appearances.

From 4oz hip flasks to 6oz and even 8oz hip flasks, the choice is often available to have a decanter, cup, or glass incorporated into the design, making them perfect for sharing. Of course, luxury leather goods are not the preserve of men, with hip flasks continuing to prove very popular with ladies too, and today there are several beautiful designs available, giving ladies the chance to warm their cockles on a cold winter’s hunt.

If you’re looking for luxury corporate gifts then you may be considering traditional items such as portfolios, desk blotters and travel bags, but hip flasks could prove to be a much appreciated alternative, and certainly one likely to receive good use.

But don’t assume that all hip flasks advertised as being ideal luxury leather goods are the same. Hip flasks made from soft, supple leather, especially kid, goat or sheep leather is likely to provide years of use without cracking or wearing, as well as being warm to the touch – useful on a typical British day. With soft, warm leather wrapped lovingly around a decanter of your favourite invigorating tipple, you’ll be ready for anything this green and pleasant land can throw at you!

Leather jackets make great presents, especially if you choose good quality leather. It’s perfectly possible to find cheap leather jackets of course, and if you’ve been thinking about buying someone a leather jacket or coat then you may just decide to go for one of the discount leather jackets you can find at almost any time of the year at those clothing stores you find on the high street.

Except that do you really think that giving someone you love a bit of a cow’s backside for Christmas really says the right thing? "Hello friend, merry rump!" Because in truth that’s what a lot of these cheap leather jackets are made of.

And you can tell, because wearing leather jackets made from cow’s rear ends is a little like wearing a suit of armour. They’re about as flexible as wearing a drainpipe on each arm, and with very little benefit in terms of keeping you warm. The good quality leather jackets aren’t made from cows, they’re made from the leather which comes from sheep, goats and even lambs.

This sort of leather is incredibly soft, and very flexible. It’s the sort of leather used to line the seats in luxury limousines, and as soon as you look at leather jackets made from this sort of leather, often called nappa leather or nubuck leather, you can tell it’s quality. It’s soft to the touch, hangs beautifully, is warm and comfortable to wear, and doesn’t restrict your movement so that you look like the Tin Man from the Wizard of Oz every time you try to walk in it.

There’s no doubt that this type of leather jacket makes a much better gift (for someone else, or even for yourself!) but of course normally the price is a little more than you might want to pay.

Which brings me back to Christmas. Because right now is a great time to grab yourself a real bargain. The reason is that as we are rapidly approaching September (shock horror!) the shops and retailers are getting ready to bring in their autumn range. But before they do this they first need to shift their existing stock, which is why there are so many products on clearance rails at the moment.

Picking up discount leather jackets right now means that you could be getting high quality nappa leather jackets or coats at around half the price they are normally. If you’re looking at getting one for Christmas then now is the perfect time to do just that, because in only a few weeks you’ll find the clearance stock gone, and the autumn range will be at full price. The only way then of saving money is to pay full price for something of much less quality. Merry Christmas, or Merry Rump? Now is the time to make your mind up.

The passion of football fans extends beyond just watching the game, its the passion and emotions that are experienced during a game, the chanting, songs, banner and flag waving and the feeling that as a supporter you have motivated the team, intimidated the opposition and even influenced the referee. Research has shown that fans truly believe they must attend the game to help the team to win, not just to observe the event, thus making them feel they are their teams 12^th man and an essential part of the club they support. Two thirds of fans have actually admitted to crying during a game.

For any supporter, football gifts make the prefect present for any occasion as the club they support is so close to their heart, and with so many football gifts available you will be spoilt for choice, no longer is it just the traditional hat, scarf and pin badge the order of the day, the gift range for most clubs now extends to computer products, car accessories, confectionary, home ware, golf products, baby accessories (yes that includes anything from feeding bottles, soothers and even baby clothing), inflatable’s, jewellery and team branded pet accessories.

Traditionally the most popular team products are Liverpool gifts and Manchester United souvenirs but with the enormous popularity of the premier league, these products are now available for most of the top flight teams, with each club now producing their own amazing range of merchandise and gifts .

Leather coats

You don’t need to spend a mint on a decent leather jacket – many quality stores often have sales, and not always on last season’s stock. Clearance lines may be the end of the run; stock that is still current but not being made again. An inexpensive coat could be yours, if you simply bide your time and are prepared to shop around. If you take the time to try on a few, you’ll find one to suit your unique shape and size.

The next thing to consider is whether you want a short, medium or full length jacket. All can be worn with practically any outfit, but all give quite different looks. For example, a long leather coat teamed with a short skirt and low cut blouse might not be appropriate for the theatre. However a short, classic, tailored jacket would look great with a straight skirt and dress blouse (or trousers and shirt) for a dinner date. A jacket that covers the bottom is better suited to cooler weather, while a short cropped jacket is ideal for summer evenings.

If budget is a constraint, you might need to think about whether or not you want something timeless or current. A classic leather jacket won’t date, and can be paired with many items in your wardrobe – and will last you many years. A fashionable, up-to-the-minute jacket will possibly date quickly, and perhaps necessitate a new jacket next season. They might be more pricey, too, although expensive doesn’t always mean trend-setting!

The kind of leather will also dictate the look, to a large extent. Soft, luxurious nappa will be more suited to a classic style jacket while a thicker, coarser leather might be more in keeping with a biker jacket or similar.

There are a multitude of places, even online, where you can source a decent leather jacket. Bearing in mind your requirements and budget, you’re sure to find one to suit you, as long as you are prepared to shop around and try some one – after all, that’s half the fun!

Luckily, you can get around this, should it ever happen to you. If you’re shopping for leather jackets online, and find that what you want is no longer available, you can email us, and hand over your vital measurements. We’ll not only check that there’s really, truly no more in stock, we’ll check what we do have to make sure there’s nothing else that will suit your measurements.

The measurements needed have to be exact – no fudging to hide that Christmas pudding you’re carrying. Remember to measure wearing what you’ll normally wear under the leather jacket – a t-shirt or jumper etc. The chest should be measured around the widest part, as too, the waist. Throwing in your shoe size will give an indication of how tall you are, and your frame. However, telling us how tall you are will help, too! Let us know your build (don’t be shy) – are you large, small, thin? What size do you normally take? And lastly, tell us how you want the jacket to fit: fitted is 1" larger than your chest, semi-fitted is 2", comfort is 3 and loose is 4. Oh, don’t forget the actual jacket you saw – the name of the style, the colour and the kind of leather you’d like it in.

By sending in these details we can see if there’s something that you might like, if we don’t have the actual jacket in stock. Bear in mind, however, that with sale stock it’s generally what we have at the time. Usually, there’s no more and so once that particular style, colour or whatever is sold out, that’s it. Having said all that, clearance and sale items are a great way of picking up cheap leather jackets that will boost your wardrobe with a piece that can be worn anywhere, with anything, and by anyone. Whether timeless and classic or modern and hip, a decent leather coat is something that everybody should own.

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Some great bargain buys can be picked up in clearance sales. Cheap leather jackets are now being sported by the younger generation due to their versatility and low cost. They can be worn with anything, and their affordability makes them attractive to the younger crowd. They can be seen to and from work (and even some schools), in town with pals or out with families.

Leather blazers, on the other hand, scream expensive – but need not be. A well-cut leather coat can look like it cost a packet but actually cost very little; it all depends on where you source it. Of course, having one tailor-made might run up the price, but it’ll fit you like a glove and no doubt look like it cost far more than it actually did. And if you don’t put on too much weight as you get older, a leather jacket made to your measurements can be worn well into your twilight years!

Leather biker jackets are huge at the moment, especially with the current tattoo trend. It seems everyone these days is sporting ink somewhere on their bodies, and what better way to compliment the look than with chunky, belted, zippered, low-slung leather coats. Designed to be functional and practical, a biker jacket will ensure your back doesn’t get too cold while you’re motoring down the highway with your gal (or guy) riding shotgun. And slung over the bike when you pull up, you can still maintain the look as you show off your tatts.

Classic ladies’ leather jackets are indeed timeless. Whether made-to-measure or off-the-shelf, a women’s leather jacket can be teamed with jeans, a skirt, or trousers. In an emergency it can be worn over a formal outfit and not look too out of place. It is equally at home on a picnic or out at dinner.

Even the not-so-humble red leather jackets are still being seen (how can you miss them!). Can be worn to revive an old outfit or set alight a new one, a red coat can make you stand out in the crowd – it’s just up to you how much and how good you’ll look while doing it!

Ethical thinking now radiates through every aspect of business practice from alternative energy sources to sustainable manufacturing materials to reducing pollution. Even corporate ethical gifts are replacing the usual offerings to incentivise or congratulate the workforce for a job well done.

The ethical business

With the general population organising their lives in a more ethical way and seeking eco-friendly alternatives in their lifestyles, so businesses are researching and initiating new environmentally ideas to help keep them ahead of the competition. From huge corporations to small start-ups, using green practices throughout day-to-day operations can provide huge gains.

The idea of a company towing the environmental line was once met with derision among the business community, but those who took the initiative earliest are now watching as the sceptics play catch up. The change in attitude among consumers and business alike has increased the interest in all things green.

While many corporations have a vast challenge ahead of them to convince the public that they are putting the environment first, there are definite changes being made. Office buildings are being constructed to maximise energy efficiency and occupying such a premises not only offers a better public image but also the potential for long-term savings. Even companies that are seen as traditionally eco-unfriendly are now committed to better environmental practices. What these businesses are seeing by going ‘green’ is better public relations and significant ways to improve their bottom line.

Most environmental initiatives stem from demand by clients and consumers. The pressure is on businesses to meet this demand because if given the choice between one product being environmentally friendly and the other not, the majority of consumers are choosing the greener option.

We’ve come a long way in the past twenty years – in the past consumers would struggle to name any green brands but now they have become the starting point when deciding on lifestyle choices. It is imperative for survival and growth that a business increases consumer and employee reaction by instigating wide-spread environmentally friendly practices.

Ethical gifts for the workforce

Anyone who has worked within a team of people will at some point have contributed to, or been a recipient of, a gift. A birthday, departing colleague, promotion or just a hearty well done are all reasons to show someone at work that you appreciate them.

For businesses to make a real effort in going ‘green’, a great show of intent is for everyone involved to buy gifts that are ethically sound. Whatever the reason, buying an ethical gift for employees or an ethical gift for the boss is a great way to increase awareness within your company about the importance of green issues as well as giving a present that has lasting impact on the recipient.

How to be an ethical pet owner

As a pet owner you naturally want to keep your cat or dog in the best of health. Just as humans benefit from natural materials and ingredients, so do animals. When buying pet supplies, products and gifts, consider what they’re made from, how they’ve been manufactured and the impact that has on the planet. You’ll be doing your pet and the environment a big favour.

Consider these factors to determine whether your pet products are ‘green’:

What materials have been used?

The manufacturing process for any product takes a toll on the environment but that can be minimised by selecting goods produced using sustainable materials. Natural materials do not deplete the planet’s resources so rapidly and a good example of this is cat litter. You can buy litter made from corn, pine, cedar and wheat. These materials can be easily composted which means less waste going to landfill or incinerators.

Also consider buying organic dog collars and leashes made from natural materials. Hemp is an ideal material because it’s hard-wearing but soft so it doesn’t rub the skin. And for dogs with sensitive skin, hemp is great because it’s hypoallergenic.

Hemp Dog Collar Small – Lime	Hemp Dog Lead Small – Lime

Buy pet toys that are safe

Cats and dogs love to play with toys but they can quickly destroy them with their over-exuberance. Many toys have chemical residues within the material which is bad for the environment and bad for your pet. Buy toys that are made using natural materials – they are biodegradable but also should your pet bite a piece off and swallow it, it won’t do them any harm.

These dog and cat chew toys are perfect. Made from Loofah, a fast-growing renewable resource similar to pumpkin and cucumber, the toys are great for chewing and will also help to keep you pet’s teeth clean. Dogs and cats love the smell and texture too.

Loofah Cat Toy Set	Loofah Bone Dog Toy – Large

Buy natural pet food and treats

As humans we’re becoming more aware of what we’re putting into our bodies and so we avoid foods grown with pesticides or manufactured using artificial colours, flavour enhancers and preservatives. You should do the same for your pets by buying natural and organic pet food that is produced using free-range meat and poultry and includes whole grains and wheat. Also, with natural pet food, meat by-products such as fats are removed.

When it comes to pampering your pet, give them organic treats which have a good source of vitamins to keep their bones and coat healthy.

Sun-Dried Tomato, Spinach & Herb Mini Dog Treats	‘From the Ocean’ Mini Cat Treats

These products and more are easily available over the internet from online ethical websites such as www.greentulip.co.uk. Do something good for yourself, your pet and the environment by going green with your pet products.

If you’re looking for the perfect present for the man in your life, there are websites where you can buy ethical gifts that are affordable and the money you pay will go towards helping communities around the world.

Why buy fair trade and ethical Christmas presents

Goods that are marked ‘fair trade’ are produced by people and communities who are paid a higher price than if they were selling to existing markets. The extra money is usually invested in social projects to improve housing, education and health or to just improve wages.

Ethical goods are those which are produced in conditions that are safe and legal for the workers. Although things are improving, even today workers in poorer countries are exposed to unsafe working conditions with many children forced to work when they are under the legal age.

Another reason to buy ethical Christmas presents is the benefit to the environment. Ethical gifts are made using materials that are natural and sustainable. Going ‘green’ with your gifts this year can help put a stop to harmful manufacturing practices which are destroying the planet and endangering thousands of species.

Ethical gift ideas for men

There are some great ethical Christmas gifts for husbands and boyfriends such as beer glasses made from empty beer bottles. This is the ultimate in glass recycling as the ‘Grolsch’ or ‘Sol’ bottle is simply flipped upside down to create a chunky glass for your beer.

Grolsh Glasses – Pair	Sol Glasses – Pair

Children looking for an ethical Christmas gift for dad might like to put their pocket money toward a scented candle especially created for men. They come with ‘operating instructions’ in case dad isn’t sure how to work a candle and spicy fragrances to give a splash of motor oil or added danger to the room.

Mans Candle – With A Splash Of Motor Oil	Mans Candle – For Added Danger

Have you drawn a male colleague in your ‘Secret Santa’ at work and stuck for an idea of what to buy? How about a natural cure for their hangover after the Christmas night out. These Ginseng hangover drops will give them a boost in the office the next day.

Hangover Drops

An alternative Christmas gift

There are countless mass-market gifts you can give a man but why not make this year the time when you give an alternative gift – one that channels money to projects and people who need the help while also helping the planet by not using up vital resources and materials.

This Christmas, you can help lift people out of poverty, protect their human rights and help save the environment from further destruction. What better gift can you give than that?