Mother’s Day is fast approaching, and with this is the usual gift-buying panic. No matter how much we want to spoil and pamper our mums, it’s often hard to think of the right gift to make them smile.

It is that time of year again when one of the most popular events in the British sporting calendar takes to the water. The 155th Boat Race takes place on Sunday 29th March 2009.

Christmas can be a truly magical time of year, a time for families to get together, a time for good food, and a time for getting some amazing Christmas gifts. It doesn't seem to matter how old we get, getting presents now is just as much fun as when we were young, though the Christmas gifts themselves of course may have changed quite a bit.

In these days of mass-produced merchandise, it can be really hard to find a really personal gift for your loved ones. Even if you’re trying hard to be original, you can guarantee someone, somewhere has the same gift.

It’s time to forget about the shopping, the cooking, paying the gas bill and doing the laundry, and focus on what’s really important in life – spending time with the people who are most important to you.

The figure of 'the boss' has often taken a pummeling in history. Everyone remembers David Brent and his frequent hapless attempts at cool bonhomie. The infamous Ebenezer Scrooge set the iconic role of the boss at Christmas in Dickens' A Christmas Carol, as he grumbled and grumped his way through Christmas before seeing the error of his ways.

While some societies have momentous coming of age ceremonies (boys in Papua New Guinea wear a conical hat draped in leaves which reach to below the waist), we in Britain stick to the tried and tested routine of opening 18th birthday gifts in the morning, then spending the day in the pub getting merry.

Wedding anniversaries are a time for family and friends to send goodwill and congratulations to couples who have just added another year to their wedded bliss bow. All the usual anniversary gifts make an appearance; special anniversary Roses, champagne and photo frames.

Engraved gifts are the most personal and special gift that you can buy. The craft of engraving has been around for centuries and there are a whole host of methods, tools, and technologies available. Engraving in this era is affordable, and of an exceptional quality. The results can be breathtaking.

It is really that time of year again?! Summer's passed (yes, sorry guys - that was it), the kids are packed off to school again... and suddenly the festive season is on the horizon!