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There is always the usual socks and aftershave to fall back on but it leaves a lingering feeling that there may have been a more original gift idea out there that he could appreciate. We are hoping that this list of 5 great mens gift ideas can inspire you to find a gift with a little more originality and yet still within an accessible budget.

Our first suggestion is for nut lovers. This stylish yet practical nutcracker is so ornamental it can be left on display all year round and not just at Christmas. It has a great screw down mechanism which is easy to use and a handy shell catcher so that nut shells are kept neatly in the dish. With this solid cast iron nutcracker he can crack away to his hearts content as it will crack the smallest hazelnut and the largest walnut and any type of nut he loves, except you of course!! ( We're not saying you're nuts or anything) And he certainly won't if this arrives in his gift selection.

Our second gift choice is for the man who takes his grooming seriously and yet doesn't want to give up his facial hair. This cast pewter moustache and beard comb is the take anywhere comb that is discreet enough to be popped into a top pocket and manly enough to use on a regular basis. We just love the moustache decoration and the chin sized body of the comb, it's got to be the next tool in his toolbox or certainly his travel bag.

For the man who likes a beer or two these cast wall mounted bottle openers need to be in every room. They are perfect for use both indoors and out, placed near to fridges, doorways, on tables, dressers or even chairs they can mean the difference between running around looking for a bottle opener and always knowing where to open your beer. The perfect party must have too, guests will appreciate the fact that they can crack a beer as often as they want to without rummaging around your kitchen. so how many do you need to keep him happy?

Does your man love to be outdoors? Gardening, walking or generally getting his boots muddy and then walking through the house while he finds somewhere to sit and take his boots off. Well this cast iron Beetle Boot Pull could solve all of your problems and his. It is decorative and looks great outside your front door and is perfect for removing those muddy wellingtons or shoes before you step foot in the house. It is simple to use and effective, with no bending down at all. Boot jacks like this could be the gift to save his back and yours.

Our final and 5th choice for an original Christmas gift is for the man who just likes to kick back and is a little on the lazy side at times. These great humorous tin signs allow you to express yourself without causing too much offence (we hope). Let him become a member of the Lazy Other Half Club which allows him to only be lazy on days which don't end with a Y. We're sure he'll appreciate putting his feet up this Christmas at least.

So the weekend is almost here and what have you got planned?

If you are looking for a little weekend inspiration then there are so many great ideas about how you can spend your precious time but when it comes to getting your home and garden into shape then take a look at some of our interior suggestions to kick start your plans.

 If you need to keep your space clean and tidy then start with adding some of these fabulous cast iron brackets which can hold the heaviest of shelves. They come in so many different sizes and colour choices that you will be spoilt for choice. We're sure you will want some in almost every room in the house. 

Once you have all of your random items neatly placed on your new shelves it will be time to think about adding some hat and coat hooks to your walls or inside cupboards so that those summer hats have a place to hang and if you reside in the UK then you're sure to need a raincoat near to the door too.

You can always give your drawers a face lift with any of these delightful drawer pulls and cabinet knobs or if you fancy getting into refurbishing that old piece of furniture you have always wanted to give a new lease of life to then they will be sure to add a great finishing touch to your project.

If refurbishing furniture is not your thing then you could always spend your weekend cooking up a delight in the kitchen, these cast iron cooking pans can be used both indoors or out doors on a camp fire and both on the hob or inside the oven to finish the dish. 

After all of that hard work you are sure to want to just chill in the garden with a drink or two. Having a cast iron bottle opener on hand will make enjoying yourself so much easier and the beer bottle carrier means you can take your beer with you even if you decide to just retreat to the beach, Whatever you decide the do, have a great weekend.

OK so the summer may have become another washout despite the weather predictions of an extended heatwave but we're sure you will find at least some opportunities for a get together with friends and family. 

Maybe time to watch the Euros, have an outdoor barbecue, summer picnic or outing to the beach.

Whatever you are doing this summer we have some cool ways to store and carry your drinks for your summer celebrations.

Our No 1 choice for carrying beer or soft drinks too of course is the Rustic 10 Bottle Carrier. It is perfect for those outdoor get together's, trips to the beach or even to the poolside where your drink will be waiting without having to make trips back to the house or car. It comes with a handy cast iron bottle opener on the side when needed. 

If you are planning on staying nearer to home and maybe even moving your barbecue indoors because the weather has turned wetter than expected, then the Rustic Wooden Wine Rack is sure to impress your guests. Holding either 5 bottles or 10 bottles depending on the size you have, it makes a great wall display of your wine supply while keeping it off the floor. 

This cool wall mounted beer bottle opener and cap catcher  not only looks great but is one of the best bar accessories to have near to your eating area so that guests can easily open their beer and the cap is caught in the holder without littering your home or garden.

When it comes to those spur of the moment occasions when you need to open that bottle of beer while out and about, then the perfect accessory is one of the cast hand held bottle openers which can be put onto your key ring so they are close at hand or even onto a clip and attached to jeans or bags. 

Finally our fifth choice in summer essential bar accessories is the stag ice bucket, for days when you want to celebrate in style and keep the champagne on ice. The selection of designs in the cast pewter range is stunning and perfect for summer gift giving and parties. Our particular favourite is the  Stag Ice Bucket but there are so many great accessories were sure you'll be spoilt for choice. There is a great selection of cast pewter bar ware to complement the ice bucket and a range of Stag designs to put together for your table too.

Whatever the weather we're sure you'll want to capture those special summer moments and make the most of those outdoor days.