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Tom's Guide
22-06-2025
- Business
- Tom's Guide
I'm an avid gardener and these are the top 3 tools I use to keep my lawn in good shape
If I had to choose between a perfect lawn or perfect flowerbeds, I would always, 100%, opt for flowers over grass. However, I like the whole look to come together, which is why I still invest time in lawn care. Having an electric or gas lawnmower takes the hard work out of crafting an immaculate lawn, but I still rely on three other top tools to up my lawn's curb appeal. Here, I dive into the lawn care tools I use to keep my lawn shipshape. There's no mistaking that regularly mowing your lawn keeps it looking neat and tidy, but it requires a little more work to create an enviable, immaculate plot. I always rely on my garden edger to neaten the perimeter of my lawn after it's been mown. It creates a clean, manicured look and a distinct line between my flowerbeds and pathways. You could invest in lawn edging to create a physical barrier, such as EasyFlex No-Big Landscape Edging, which is $31 at Amazon, but I prefer to use a tool. You can choose between power edgers and manual tools. A power edger requires either gas or electricity to operate, and its rotating blades slice through the grass to form a neat edge. They are quicker to use than their manual counterparts and are more suitable for larger landscapes. Greenworks currently has a Brushless Edger on sale for $212 at Amazon, although for a budget-friendly option, you could try the Amazon Basics Double Edge Bladed Electric Corded Lawn Edger for $89 at Amazon. As I don't have an extensive lawn, my preference is for a manual lawn edger. I've been using Burgon & Ball's Half Moon Lawn Edger, which is £31 direct from Burgon & Ball in the U.K. However, for a U.S. equivalent, I'd recommend the AMES Saw-Tooth Border Edger, which is currently reduced by 24% to $30 at Amazon. This landscaping edger cuts trenches and creates, clean, finished lawn edges along driveways, lawns and sidewalks. The serrated steel blades easily cuts through grass and soil and has a footplate for control and consistency. Most of your lawn can be tackled by using a lawn mower, but there will be hard-to-reach places where you'll need to rely on another tool. Sheds, fences, flowerbeds, and children's play areas can all be sites where your mower won't reach, and although a lawn edger can tidy a border, it doesn't have the muster to trim long grass. Here's where a garden string trimmer comes in handy, although you might hear it being referred to as a weed whacker, which sounds far more fun. You can buy gas, or electric-powered versions, although if you have a large yard, I'd recommend using a gas-powered trimmer or a cordless electric trimmer so you don't have to juggle with a power cable. Rather than cutting with a sharp blade, trimmers operate using a nylon wire that rotates at such a speed the wire becomes stiff and can cut through grass and weeds. They are more expensive than lawn edgers, but they serve a different purpose. Greenworks has a 48V Cordless String Trimmer that's currently reduced by 26% to $169 at Amazon. However, Flymo recommends using a petrol-powered trimmer for dense grass, as the internal combustion engine can spin the wire much faster than other types of trimmers. But for smaller jobs, an electric or battery trimmer will be up to the task. This versatile tool easily converts from trimming to edging and includes a razor sharp blade for the smartest lawn borders on the street. It offers fast cutting up to 9000 RPM, with a 22 minute maximum run time, and weighs in at just over 5 pounds. And right now you can save $27. I don't mind a weed or two, and during No Mow May, I tend to let my lawn do its thing, but there's no denying that a weed-free lawn looks neater than one riddled with dandelions. There are not many gardeners who would admit to enjoying the chore of weeding. I compare it to dusting my house; it has to be done, I just wish someone else would do it! And I don't like the idea of using weed killers, so it's up to me. Getting down on your hands is fine, but boy, do I need a knee pad these days. I remove plenty of dandelions and other weeds, which have long tap roots, with Burgon & Ball's Dandelion Weeder, available for $18 at Amazon. However, Mike Prospero, my colleague and U.S. Editor-in-Chief, prefers using a long-handled tool. His knees and back are obviously in even worse shape than mine. He now uses Grampa's Weeder, which is $39 at Amazon. It may be twice the price of my preferred option, but it allows him to keep his dignity, as you don't need to bend, pull, or kneel to remove the pesky weeds. The four-claw design can get rid of weeds in soft soil. You simply drive the prongs down on either side of a dandelion, step on the lever with one foot, and push the pole down towards the ground. The result? The dandelion and root pop out. For drier soil, you could try Fiskars' 4-Claw Stand-up Weeder, which has sharper blades and is available for $48 at Amazon. This lightweight, long shaft handle weed puller has an easy-eject design. Four serrated, stainless steel claws firmly grab the weeds and roots for permanent removal. It also has a comfortable, wide foot platform, and sharp blades to penetrate tough soil.
Scottish Sun
30-05-2025
- Climate
- Scottish Sun
I'm a Gardening pro – do these 6 tasks this weekend to fill your outside space with colour plus the time to water plants
Scroll down to learn how to win a Copper & Green water feature, worth £250 CHOP CHOP I'm a Gardening pro – do these 6 tasks this weekend to fill your outside space with colour plus the time to water plants Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WITH June starting tomorrow, it brings the promise of better weather and the longest day – but it can also bring a feeling of mild panic to gardeners. Whether it is worry about having planted enough seeds or what do to with all the overgrown bits, we have got lots of June jobs to get you organised. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Tackle key gardening jobs now to keep your plants in bloom the entire summer Credit: Getty THE CHELSEA CHOP This cutback is usually done around late May or early June, the same time as the Chelsea Flower Show. It means cutting back your herbaceous perennials — flowers with non-woody stems that come back year after year — by a third. This encourages a second flush of blooms and extends the flowering season. Good plants to practice on include Asters, Echinacea, Phlox, Sedum, Rudbeckia and Helenium. SOW SEEDS As the soil has warmed up, sow your seeds straight into the ground instead of messing around with pots. Broccoli, carrots, swede, beetroot, runner and French beans and sweetcorn can all go in now. Courgette can still be grown in pots for a later harvest. You can also scatter Nigella seeds on the soil for lovely blue flowers later in the season, and plant marigold and nasturtium seeds. WEEDING June is the month in which weeds flourish. A Hori Hori tool, below, is fantastic for getting them out, especially those with long roots. Just spending five minutes getting your hands dirty will make it feel much less tiresome and out of control — and is also good for your mental health. WATERING We have finally had rain but after months of dryness your garden still needs a in the early morning or late evening and avoid sprinkling the water all over the leaves. Concentrate on watering around the roots. BEDDING Fill your gaps with summer bedding but try to protect it from slugs and snails. Lobelia brings a lovely blue while fuchsias and petunias are always good around this time too. LAWNCARE Because it has been dry and warm, you need to raise the cutting level to avoid scorching. If you haven't already, apply a spring/summer lawn feed to provide nutrients for healthy growth. Or you could consider using a weed and feed fertilizer to control weeds while feeding your lawn. Saving tip 5 £42 Niwaki Mainichi Secateurs Credit: Niwaki Mainichi 5 Burgon & Ball's Flora brite version for £18 from B&Q Credit: B&Q BE precise in your Chelsea chop with these £42 Niwaki Mainichi Secateurs, top, or cut the price with Burgon & Ball's Flora brite version, below, for £18 from B&Q. Alan is garden chief 5 Alan Titchmarsh is set to take over a prestigious role from Dame Mary Berry Credit: Getty DAME Mary Berry is stepping down as the president of the National Garden Scheme after ten years – handing the baton to Alan Titchmarsh. The NGS helps gives visitors unique access to more than 3,300 exceptional private gardens in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands. Alan said: 'There is nothing quite like the National Garden Scheme, either in the world of gardens and horticulture or beyond. 'Not only does it offer thoroughly affordable enjoyment and education – while championing the varied gardening skills of the British nation – it also raises and distributes quite extraordinary sums of money.' To find out what National Gardening Scheme gardens are open this month or inquire about opening up your own garden, see Win! WE'VE got a stunning Copper & Green water feature, worth £250, to giveaway. It is handcrafted in the UK using traditional, power-free techniques – and showcases Copper & Green's signature copper lily, cascading bowls and leaves. To enter, visit or write to Sun Copper & Green Competition, Sun PO Box 3190, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8GP. Include your name, age, email or phone. Open to UK residents aged 18+ only. Entries close 11.59pm, June 14, 2025. T&Cs apply. Kate is so rosy 5 A rose endorsed by Princess Kate will go on sale at B&Q later this year Credit: Splash News B&Q will be the main stockist of Catherine's Rose, bred by Harkness Roses and named after Her Royal Highness, The Princess of Wales. Launching in stores in late September, the rose seeks to raise awareness of the important role that spending time outdoors plays in bringing us joy. Funds from every sale of the rose will go to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. - JOIN Hever Castle & Garden's historic rose tours – taking place June 23 to July 6. See
The Irish Sun
30-05-2025
- Climate
- The Irish Sun
I'm a Gardening pro – do these 6 tasks this weekend to fill your outside space with colour plus the time to water plants
WITH June starting tomorrow, it brings the promise of better weather and the longest day – but it can also bring a feeling of mild panic to gardeners. Whether it is worry about having planted enough seeds or what do to with all the overgrown bits, we have got lots of June jobs to get you organised. 5 Tackle key gardening jobs now to keep your plants in bloom the entire summer Credit: Getty THE CHELSEA CHOP This cutback is usually done around late May or early June, the same time as the Chelsea Flower Show. It means cutting back your herbaceous perennials — flowers with non-woody stems that come back year after year — by a third. This encourages a second flush of blooms and extends the flowering season. Good plants to practice on include Asters, Echinacea, Phlox, Sedum, Rudbeckia and Helenium. SOW SEEDS As the soil has warmed up, sow your seeds straight into the ground instead of messing around with pots. Broccoli, carrots, swede, beetroot, runner and French beans and sweetcorn can all go in now. Courgette can still be grown in pots for a later harvest. You can also scatter Nigella seeds on the soil for lovely blue flowers later in the season, and plant marigold and nasturtium seeds. WEEDING June is the month in which weeds flourish. A Hori Hori tool, below, is fantastic for getting them out, especially those with long roots. Most read in Fabulous Just spending five minutes getting your hands dirty will make it feel much less tiresome and out of control — and is also good for your mental health . WATERING We have finally had rain but after months of dryness your garden still needs a in the early morning or late evening and avoid sprinkling the water all over the leaves. Concentrate on watering around the roots. BEDDING Fill your gaps with summer bedding but try to protect it from slugs and snails. Lobelia brings a lovely blue while fuchsias and petunias are always good around this time too. LAWNCARE Because it has been dry and warm, you need to raise the cutting level to avoid scorching. If you haven't already, apply a spring/summer lawn feed to provide nutrients for healthy growth. Or you could consider using a weed and feed fertilizer to control weeds while feeding your lawn. Saving tip 5 £42 Niwaki Mainichi Secateurs Credit: Niwaki Mainichi 5 Burgon & Ball's Flora brite version for £18 from B&Q Credit: B&Q BE precise in your Chelsea chop with these £42 Niwaki Mainichi Secateurs, top, or cut the price with Burgon & Ball's Flora brite version, below, for £18 from B&Q. Alan is garden chief 5 Alan Titchmarsh is set to take over a prestigious role from Dame Mary Berry Credit: Getty DAME Mary Berry is stepping down as the president of the National Garden Scheme after ten years – handing the baton to Alan Titchmarsh. The NGS helps gives visitors unique access to more than 3,300 exceptional private gardens in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands. Alan said: 'There is nothing quite like the National Garden Scheme, either in the world of gardens and horticulture or beyond. 'Not only does it offer thoroughly affordable enjoyment and education – while championing the varied gardening skills of the British nation – it also raises and distributes quite extraordinary sums of money.' To find out what National Gardening Scheme gardens are open this month or inquire about opening up your own garden, see Win! WE'VE got a stunning Copper & Green water feature, worth £250, to giveaway. It is handcrafted in the UK using traditional, power-free techniques – and showcases Copper & Green's signature copper lily, cascading bowls and leaves. To enter, visit Include your name, age, email or phone. Open to UK residents aged 18+ only. Entries close 11.59pm, June 14, 2025. T&Cs apply. Kate is so rosy 5 A rose endorsed by Princess Kate will go on sale at B&Q later this year Credit: Splash News B&Q will be the main stockist of Catherine's Rose, bred by Harkness Roses and named after Her Royal Highness, The Princess of Wales . Launching in stores in late September, the rose seeks to raise awareness of the important role that spending time outdoors plays in bringing us joy. Read more on the Irish Sun Funds from every sale of the rose will go to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity . - JOIN Hever Castle & Garden's historic rose tours – taking place June 23 to July 6. See Learn! Q) I'VE just planted some hollyhocks and they are now covered in rust. Should l dig them out? Daphne Sharp, via email A) Did you grow them from seed or buy them as is? Are they absolutely covered? If they are really struggling you might be better to dig them out. You could try taking off the affected leaves and getting rid of them – not in your compost. They do still flower even if they're heavily infected, so you could try hiding the bad parts by planting other plants in front of them. Good luck.
Tom's Guide
07-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Tom's Guide
I'm a mom who loves gardening — here are 3 gifts I'd like to receive on Mother's Day
Move over chocolates and flowers, it's time to buy your mom a Mother's Day gift she can enjoy year after year. And if her favorite place to be is out and about in the yard, I have 3 ideas to keep her smiling and remembering you whenever she's out there. With Mother's Day approaching on May 11th, you've still got time to buy a gift with meaning, avoiding the last-minute rush to pick up a nondescript bouquet. What's more, your mom will appreciate the thought you've put into choosing a present that reflects her outdoor pastime. Whether your mum is planting vegetable crops in May or colorful flowers for a summer garden, these gardening tool ideas will add some extra zing to her time spent outside. You may like Colorful Mother's Day gifts for every gardening mom (Image credit: Shutterstock) One gardening brand I love is Burgon & Ball. The brand has a great track record of taking a functional tool, adding a touch of traditional and style, and making it greater than the sum of its parts. There's nearly 200 years behind the company, and in my opinion that heritage results in products that are finely crafted and built to last. For this reason, I'd be happy for my boys to buy me one of Burgon & Ball's gardening tools for Mother's Day. But even if they don't get the hint, I'd certainly recommend them to anyone out there who wants to upgrade their garden tools. 1. Gardening gloves (Image credit: Burgon & Ball) You really shouldn't let your mom go out into the yard without a pair of gardening gloves, otherwise instead of a French manicure, she'll end up with a gardener's 'special' manicure — soil underneath her fingertips! Apart from keeping her nails intact, gardening gloves will protect her hands from scratches, pests and other nasties. I'll be putting Burgon & Ball's Flora & Fauna gardening gloves on my Mother's Day wishlist. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. With an attractive design including birds and flowers, these gloves also offer a cushioned palm for comfort and a secured wrist to keep debris squirreling its way inside. What's more, they are washable too! For $24 from Amazon, they make a perfect gift. 2. Pruning shears Owning one of the best pruning shears is an essential piece of equipment to have in your garden toolkit, and that's why it's one of the best gifts to give mom on Mother's Day. Burgon & Ball's British Bloom Pruner and Holster Set is just $34 at Amazon, and is endorsed by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). The bypass pruner has a carbon steel blade and sits within a floral-patterned holster. And, if you're feeling extravagant, it can be purchased alongside other items in the collection, including Burgon & Ball's Pruning Scissors, $25 at Amazon. 3. Gardening trowel (Image credit: Future / Camilla Sharman) I've owned a fair number of gardening trowels in my time, and a few have got lost in the bushes. But there's not much chance of that happening if you opt for a trowel with a bright color handle. I've recently been using Burgon & Ball's Transplanter, in red, although I'd describe it as a pretty coral color — and it's one of my favorite gardening tools. Not only does it allow me to see how far I'm digging so that I transplant seedlings or bulbs at the correct depth, as it contains embossed markings for up to 4 inches, I can spot it wherever I am in my yard. There's no chance that this tool will get lost under a bush anytime soon. I also use it for other garden jobs, such as removing small weeds or adding soil to containers and fertilizer around plants. Apart from the color, which is a winner for me, the handle is pleasant to hold and offers a comfortable ergonomic fit. I also like the Burgon & Ball that's embossed on the back of the trowel and on the handle. Unfortunately, it's only available in the U.K. in this colorway, direct from Burgon & Ball at £11.99, but you can pick up a similar trowel in the U.S. with a navy handle for $24 at Amazon, although it doesn't have the depth markings. More from Tom's Guide
The Guardian
17-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Guardian
Beat brain rot: clear your mind with 55 screen-free activities, from birdwatching to colouring books
I'm sure many of us are guilty of relying on our phones to decompress, even when taking some downtime. But if your social media feeds are anything like mine – an endless stream of fad workouts, meal plans and extravagant skincare routines – it's more likely to whip you into an anxious frenzy than leave you feeling calm and relaxed. Whether you have social media anxiety, insomnia or are just terrified by the idea of 'brain rot', you need a way to de-stress that doesn't involve a screen, especially when many of us stare at one all day for work or school. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. I'm sure we're all familiar with the concept of mindfulness and how the practice can help to reduce symptoms of anxiety and boost concentration. But you might not realise how easy it is to incorporate it into your everyday life – after all, at its core, mindfulness is just about keeping yourself in the present moment. So to help you do just that, I've compiled a list of screen-free activities to help you clear your mind, get outside (if the weather allows) and be more mindful, without meditating. It's hardly new information that immersing yourself in nature can positively affect your mental health. But exposure to the great outdoors isn't the only benefit of gardening – all that planting, pruning and weeding is also a great way to calm your mind and focus on the present. So, whether you have a back garden, allotment or a few plant pots to tend to, here are some tools to help you get stuck in. Three-month vegetable seed subscription £36 at Not on the High Street£36 at Virgin Experience Days Among the most therapeutic and satisfying parts of gardening is growing your own plants or crops. Start a vegetable patch with three deliveries of four seasonal vegetable seeds, from Swiss chard to chillies. Each pack comes with tailored growing instructions for each vegetable, making it a great option for beginners. Burgon & Ball bypass secateurs £23 at Farrar & Tanner If your garden is in need of a tidy-up, you'll no doubt need a trusty pair of secateurs. When Matt Collins, head gardener at London's Garden Museum, put the best pairs of secateurs to the test, this surprisingly affordable model from Burgon & Ball came out on top. Niwaki hori hori knife £39 at Burford Garden knives are among the most versatile tools in any gardener's arsenal, taking on weeding, planting and digging (to name a few of their uses). Experts swear by the Niwaki hori hori knife. For more gardening inspiration, check out our guide to getting your garden ready for summer Bulb planting augers From £5.59 at Crocus Level up your garden with these gamechanging augers that make it easier to plant bulbs. Velvet gladioli collection £34.50 for 90 corms at Sarah Raven If you want to plant some bulbs now, these gorgeous gladioli would make an excellent addition to any garden, and you can expect them to flower from July. Copper gardening tools From £49 at Burford For a satisfying gardening experience, you need the right tools. Gardening expert Alys Fowler says these copper gardening tools are 'a joy to handle, lightweight and comfortable, and the more you use it, the more the copper shines'. Large terrarium DIY kit £52.49 at Debenhams£69.99 at Argos If you're not lucky enough to have a garden, you can still reap the calming benefits of gardening with a terrarium. This DIY kit comes with the glass bowl terrarium as well as charcoal, gravel, sand and rocks to get you started. Then you can buy some terrarium plants of your choice to create a perfect miniature garden. For more expert recommendations, check out our guide to the best gardening tools The focus needed to complete jigsaw puzzles can stop your thoughts from wandering elsewhere and help you stay in the now. Find one that fits your interests, whether you're a Wes Anderson fan or an avid cook. Accidentally Wes Anderson 1,000-piece jigsaw £16.26 at AbeBooks£18.39 at WH Smith Piece together a gallery wall featuring framed pictures of locations that capture the aesthetic of film director Wes Anderson. Michael Storrings Cherry Blossoms 1,000-piece jigsaw £13.45 at Hive£14.99 at WH Smith A beautiful scene of cherry blossoms in a Washington DC park by award-winning illustrator Michael Storrings. Cooked 1,000-piece jigsaw £14.35 at Hive£18.99 at Amazon Complete this puzzle to reveal a collection of your favourite chefs' cookbooks designed by illustrator Harriet Thomas-Bush. The world of Jane Austen 1,000-piece jigsaw £16.99 at the Guardian Bookshop£16.99 at Waterstones Step into the world of Jane Austen and celebrate the 250th anniversary of her birth with this puzzle inspired by her life and works. If your children tend to be glued to a TV, phone or tablet, entice them away with a puzzle of their favourite characters. Jigsaws are thought to help children develop their hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills. Paddington 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle £7.50 at Argos Paddington gets around, whether that's having tea with the late queen or getting up to mischief in Peru. If your kids love the films, then perhaps a Paddington puzzle is just the thing to give them a screen break. Stitch 3D puzzle £9.99 at Argos£14.99 at Ravensburger If they're more of a Disney fan, they might enjoy this 3D Stitch puzzle, a really fun take on a traditional jigsaw. Bluey 4 in a box jigsaws £5.59 at John Lewis£5.59 at Amazon For younger ones, this set comes with four puzzles featuring scenes from the kids' cartoon Bluey. The jigsaws range from 12 to 24 pieces, so they can gradually build up their puzzle skills. Birdwatching and observing wildlife in general are other ways to relax and unwind in the great outdoors. Try reconnecting with nature by sitting in your garden or a park and watching any birds, insects or other animals that cross your path. RSPB Cabin nest box £25 at RSPB Entice more birds into your garden with this sweet bird house, perfect for species such as blue tits, house sparrows and nuthatches to set up camp. Hand-crafted in the UK using FSC-certified timber, the side panel of the house opens so you can carefully empty it at the end of nesting season and make room for the next occupant. Roosting pockets £15 for three at RSPB These handmade roosting pockets are made from natural materials and offer a safe shelter for small birds. They come with two different-sized holes that you can switch between depending on the size of bird you wish to attract. Our Garden Birds £14.99 at the Guardian Bookshop£9.99 at Amazon This beautifully illustrated book of British garden birds offers a whimsical tool for identifying all the species you spot. RSPB Birding Journal £15 at RSPB If you need somewhere to keep track of your observations, this birdwatchers' journal from the RSPB is the perfect place to keep notes. Plus, it's made of 100% recycled paper. Nikon Monarch M7 binoculars 8x30 £319 at John Lewis£319 at Jessops If birdwatching is an activity you'd like to do more of, then investing in a good pair of binoculars could really enhance your experience. When researching the best for beginners, this pair from Nikon cropped up again and again on birdwatching forums and blogs. It has 8x magnification and offers a wide field of view so you can track moving birds more easily. Celestron Nature DX 10x42 £159.99 at Argos£159 at London Camera Exchange If you're not ready for such a big investment just yet, this more affordable pair of binoculars is also highly recommended by birdwatchers. The design is waterproof and fog-proof, making it ideal for use even during April showers. Children's Nature Trail Journal £4.95 at Rex London£4.95 at Hive Get kids excited about nature with their own journal. This book is full of illustrations of animals, plants and insects that may be found along a British nature trail, with room to make notes of everything you spot. Colouring isn't just for kids: it's seen a real rise in popularity among adults in recent years, with many people claiming the pastime helps them to relieve stress and focus on the present moment. Manchester colouring book £14.99 at Etsy£14.99 at Colour Your Streets Colour Your Streets has a range of books filled with landmarks from cities, counties and areas around the UK and abroad. From Barcelona to York, dozens of places are covered, so there's sure to be a book for somewhere meaningful to you. Coco Wyo colouring book £7.42 at Amazon Coco Wyo's colouring books have become popular with adults thanks to their cute and comforting scenes. Immersing yourself in these books will no doubt soothe your inner child and leave you feeling cosy. Mindfulness colouring book for adults £6.43 at WH Smith£3.49 at Amazon If you're after something with a more mature feel, intricate patterns like those in this book take more focus and help you to stay in the moment. Let your kids colour outside the lines with colouring books, sticker mosaics and crystal art kits that nurture their creativity and keep them off their phones. Jumbo doodle chalk £6 at John Lewis For those fair-weather days, encourage them to take their creativity outside with jumbo chalks that are perfect for drawing on pavements. British Museum: Around the World colouring book £6.99 at Blackwells£6.43 at Amazon From an ancient Greek marketplace to a traditional dragon parade, scenes inspired by the British Museum's artefacts are the canvas in this book. Football Heroes colouring book £7.35 at WH Smith From Messi to Haaland, bring football heroes to life with this 80-page colouring book filled with legends of the game. Sloth crystal art kit £19.99 at Craft Buddy A modern take on paint-by-numbers, this canvas reveals an adorable image of a sloth once you place the coloured crystals on to their corresponding places. Animal kaleidoscope sticker mosaics £4 at Hobby Craft Use the different neon stickers to complete these kaleidoscopic wildlife mosaics. This set comes with 32 pages to keep your kids occupied. Sign up to The Filter Get the best shopping advice from the Filter team straight to your inbox. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. after newsletter promotion For a satisfying colouring experience, make sure you choose the right tools. Pencils are better for beginners thanks to their finer tips, which offer more control. They're also better for building colour and creating shading, which can allow you to be more creative with your colouring. Alternatively, felt tips are better for creating more vibrant pictures, and many come with dual tips, allowing you to cover large areas quickly and do finer details. 36 colouring pencils £9.99 at Ryman£10 at Argos 120-pencil set £19.19 at Amazon 48 colour alcohol-based pens £38.99 at Amazon 80 graphic dual-tip markers £12.85 at Art Discount Staying present is already a big part of yoga, but why not take your practice outside for that extra serotonin boost? Lululemon 5mm yoga mat £88 at Lululemon Whether you want to stretch it out on the beach, at the park or in a forest, a thicker yoga mat will keep you comfortable on uneven surfaces or help to flatten down thick grass. This mat from Lululemon is 5mm thick and made with FSC-certified rubber, so it can be easily wiped down after outdoor use. Nonslip jute travel mat £57.99 at Complete Unity Yoga£65.55 at Etsy If you want a more portable mat, this travel one can be rolled up or folded, so you can easily transport it wherever you want. It's made from jute fabric and sustainably harvested natural tree rubber. Journaling is great if you're hoping to practise gratitude as well as mindfulness. A journal with prompts is helpful for beginners who aren't sure where to start, but if you just want an outlet for your thoughts with no structure, then go for a blank notebook. Gratitude journal £26 at Papier Papier's gratitude journal contains daily prompts and activities to help you feel grateful even after a bad day. It also comes in various colours, so you can find one that suits you. The Calm Workbook £20 at the Guardian Bookshop£15 at Blackwells A workbook full of exercises and prompts to encourage self-compassion and help build a calming routine into your daily life. MindJournal £10.99 at the Guardian Bookshop Aimed at men, the MindJournal contains writing exercises to help you understand how to look after yourself and help build a healthier and happier life. Journaling isn't just an outlet for adults, it can also help children to better understand their feelings and improve their emotional regulation. Find a journal aimed at kids and encourage them to have a quiet moment to reflect on how they feel. HappySelf Junior journal £24.90 at HappySelf Journal Created for six- to 12-year-olds, this journal is intended to be used for a few minutes each day. It's designed to encourage gratitude and reflection on emotions. Big Life Journal for kids £24.90 at Big Life Journal The Big Life Journal aims to teach children how to believe in themselves, face challenges and grow from their mistakes through stories, illustrations and activities. Recommended for ages seven to 10. Lego has been around since the 1930s, and it's as popular as ever. Share it with the next generation and get a set you can build together (you might even enjoy it more than they do). With sets aimed at various age groups, it's the perfect activity to keep restless hands busy and help hone concentration skills. R2-D2 £66.99 at John Lewis£89.99 at Lego This 1,050-piece R2D2 is the perfect dose of nostalgia for grownups and a fun activity for kids aged 10+. Wild Animals: Panda Family £27.99 at John Lewis£34.99 at Lego From Lego's Wild Animal range, this adorable panda family comes in 626 pieces and is aimed at children 8+. Beekeepers' House and Flower Garden £89.99 at Lego£90 at Argos This super-cute beekeeper's house will keep them entertained even after it's built, doubling up as a doll's house. Aimed at kids 12 and older, this set comes in 1,161 pieces. From landmarks and buildings to animals and plants, there are seemingly endless Lego sets for adults. And just like jigsaws, the repetitive but mentally engaging activity can help to clear your mind. The Botanical Garden £289.99 at Lego Put together this 3,792-piece set to reveal a beautiful botanical garden with 35 different plant species. Tuxedo cat £89.99 at Lego£90 at Argos This furry friend comes in 1,710 pieces and can be built into different poses – puurfect for cat lovers. Wildflower bouquet £43.99 at John Lewis£54.99 at Lego For flowers that will last for ever, check out Lego's range of buildable bouquets and plants. Studies have shown that combining mindfulness and physical exercise can improve your mental health more than either practice alone. With this in mind, running is great for helping to clear your mind while also improving your cardiovascular health. Get outside for a run and try to focus on not letting your mind wander. Kiprun hydration running belt £14.99 at Decathlon This handy running belt is perfect for keeping your keys, phone and a small drink on you. For more, read our guide to the best gifts for runners New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v14 Shoes £160 at New BalanceFrom £152.20 at Amazon If you predominantly run on roads or pathways, try these trainers from New Balance. They were deemed the best trainers for road runs in our guide to the best running shoes. Asics Trabuco Max 4 £160 for women's at Asics£160 for men's at Asics If you're more likely to run on rough terrain or nature trails, the Asics Trabuco Max 4s come highly recommended for trail runs. Puzzle books are a great way to work out and distract your brain. Whether you want an achievable challenge or something that takes a bit more thought, there are plenty of options from sudoku to word searches. The Mindfulness Puzzle Book £9.99 at the Guardian Bookshop£9.19 at WH Smith Wind down your mind with this book of fun and achievable activities designed to relax you. Wordle Challenge Puzzle Book £7.99 at the Guardian Bookshop£7.99 at Waterstones Remember Wordle? If you've been hooked on this addictive word-guessing game, try the puzzle book version so you can play without adding to your screen time. Guardian sudoku and crossword books From £7.99 at the Guardian Bookshop For puzzle traditionalists, you can't beat a sudoku or crossword to train your brain. This Guardian collection of classic puzzles is a good place to start. If your kids could benefit from something more challenging than relaxing, then puzzle books are a good way to go. Get them flexing their mental muscles with fun but stimulating riddles, mazes and mysteries. I Spy Spooky Night picture riddle book £13.94 at Amazon Take a trip through a haunted house filled with spooky riddles. Each page contains a creepy scene in which rhyming riddles must be solved to locate objects. Fun for all ages thanks to the varying difficulties of each page. Planet Earth Mazes puzzle book £7.99 at Usborne Mazes that become increasingly harder, set in scenes around the world – from piles of recycling to the rainforest. This book is a brilliant way for kids to learn about the planet while honing their focus skills. Murdle Junior: Curious Crimes for Curious Minds £5.99 at Scholastic£7.49 at Waterstones Filled with code-breaking, map-reading and maze-solving puzzles, this junior edition of the popular Murdle books will keep them entertained while they practice their problem-solving skills.
