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Easter TV – The Return of Doctor Who

Return of Doctor Who
March 26, 2013 By In Easter, Entertainment, Gifts

The line-up of Easter TV looks like being one of the best yet with The Voice returning to our screens, a brand new Jonathan Creek adventure and the return of the much anticipated Doctor Who.

2013 is a big year for Doctor Who.  Not only does it see the return of the series for the remainder of its seventh run (since it’s revamp or 33rd overall) but this year also marks the 50th anniversary of the programme that began way back in 1963.  Much is planned for the 50th celebration including a 3D special, a show at London’s Excel exhibition centre and a one off TV Drama recounting the events of the show’s genesis.

This latest run of stories begins on Saturday 30th March and sees the new Doctor’s companion Clara (as played by Jenna-Louise Coleman) make her official introduction; although in a twist she has already been seen in 2 previous episodes? Elsewhere Matt Smith continues his reign as the 11th incarnation of the Time Lord, and classic monsters like the Cybermen and Ice Warriors are waiting in the wings to take their bow over the next few weeks.  But first, there is something strange going on with the Wi-Fi…

With it being the 50th anniversary, Doctor Who merchandise has gone into hyperdrive, with everything from stamps, kitchenware, clothing and much more besides.  Here is a selection of some of the best, focusing on 3 of the core elements of the hugely successful programme.

The Tardis

An ever present staple of the show since its very first episode, the Doctor’s amazing craft is permanently stuck in the form a 20th century police box due to a broken chameleon circuit.

Key Fact: Tardis stands for ‘time and relative dimension in space’.

Boxed Bi-Folding Wallet 50th Tardis – £10.99 from Forbidden Planet | Doctor Who 3D Tardis Teapot – £22.99 from BBC Shop | Doctor Who Tardis Dressing Gown – £42.99 from Menkind | Framed – Doctor Who Tardis sign – Photographic Print – 40cm x 30cm – £24.99 from Amazon.co.uk

The Daleks

The Daleks have been a constant menace of the Doctor since the early 1960s, and remain a potent symbol of retro-chic science fiction. The exterminating pepperpots are always hell bent on conquering the universe.

Key Fact: Dalek is actually an anagram of Kaled; the race they originally were before mutation.

Doctor Who Home: Teapot Dalek Orange – £42 from BBC Shop | Men’s Dr Who Critical Dalek T-Shirt – £13.99 from Play.com | Doctor Who 2011 Talking Plush – Blue Dalek – £15.99 from Forbidden Planet | Doctor Who – Daleks Pewter Belt Buckle – £24.99 from Forbidden Planet

The Doctor

The Doctor is a Time Lord from the planet Gallifrey, and has existed in 11 incarnations via the Time Lord gift of regeneration. Mysteriously his real name is not known, or why he fled his home world in a stolen Tardis?

Key Fact: Although an exact age isn’t known, in earth years the Doctor is thought to be over 1000 years old.

Doctor Who: Official BBC Fourth Doctor Scarf – £49.99 from BBC Shop | Doctor Who – 3D Figural Mug – 2nd Doctor – £8.99 from Forbidden Planet | Lego Doctor Who Hoody – £19.99 from Amazon.co.uk | Doctor Who – Masterpiece Collection Maxi Bust 10th Doctor – £49.99 from Forbidden Planet

The official Doctor Who store at BBC Shop has a huge choice of merchandise including some exclusive lines. Get Free Delivery on all orders with the discount code website MyVoucherCodes

Main Image courtesy of www.independent.co.uk

Top Ten Bad Mothers Day Gifts

Unhappy Mother
March 7, 2013 By In Gifts, Humour, Lifestyle, Mother's Day

Sunday the 10th of March is a momentous occasion in your mum’s calendar – Mother’s Day! And that means a big chance for you to say ‘thank you mum!’ And by that we mean, alongside extra love and attention, lavishing her with great gifts, flowers and choccys. And don’t forget Grandma – it’s her day too!

As Mother’s Day draws close, if you’re still in a pickle as to what to give your lovely mum, don’t panic! We’ve got it sorted – check out our Top 5 Affordable Mother’s Day Gifts. But be warned, your cool Mother’s Day gift idea may not be such a good idea – fail to heed these warnings about bad Mother’s Day gift ideas and she may go ‘renegade’ to get you back – like some of these bad TV and film mothers. Here’s not what to get mum for Mother’s Day…

Roses…

Bad Mothers Day GiftsRoses are a definite no no! Roses, especially red roses,  have become synonymous with Valentines Day and romance. And Mother’s day is definitely about thanking your mum, not romancing her. That would just be plain weird. Stick to a bunch of  bright, non-sexual spring flowers.

Image courtesy www.oknation.net

Kitchen Implements…

Woman with Rolling Pin

Don’t give your mum or gran a shellsuit for Mother’s Day; evidence suggests she’ll come at you with kitchen implements. Nor should you buy her a rolling pin, she might shock you by donning a particulary  lurid  shellsuit to beat you with said item.

Image courtesy of whinechick.wordpress.com

Badly Thought Out Novely Socks…

 

Bad Socks

There are two mistakes here 1) you bought your mum socks for Mother’s Day…Boring! And hardly befits a ‘thank you’ present. And 2) take the image as an example,  what you thought was either a witty comment on your mum’s ‘no messing about’ parenting style, for example,  might be taken in the wrong way, and as such,  might earn you a  well deserved clip around the ear.

Image courtesy of www.geekalerts.com

Innapropriate Reading Material

Innapropriate Reading Material for Mothers Day

If you are planning on giving your mum a literary gift this Mother’s Day, make sure you read the blurb.

Image courtesy of www.huffingtonpost.co.uk

A Grandchild…

A Grandchild

Your mum may be overjoyed by the news she’s soon to be a grandmother. Or not – better not risk it! Similarlary, giving your mother a bit of ‘bonding time with the kids’ is not a mother’s day present – it’s babysitting!

Image courtesy of www.icarriedawatermelon.co.uk

Practical Jokes…

Whoopee Cushion

Don’t get your mum a practical joke for Mother’s Day, even if you think she’ll find it funny. Save it for another day. Stick one of these under her seat on Mother’s Day and your mum is going to be one angry lady.

Image courtesy of redmancb.com

Underwear…

Bras for Mothers Day

It’s just wrong on so many levels. Don’t get mum any form of undewear for Mother’s Day. Or ever, for that matter!

Regifted Presents…

mothers day regiftingDon’t even think about it for Mother’s Day. Especially if the gift orginated from your mum in the first place. That would be the equivilent of saying, ‘thanks mum. But I don’t care enought to buy you  a great, well thought out present.’ And, ‘I hate the gifts you give me so much you can have them back’.

Image courtesy of www.shefinds.com

Deodorant…

Bad Mothers Day Gift - deodorant

Fragrance good. Deodorant bad – you’re just telling your mum she stinks. And that won’t make her feel loved or happy at all.

Image courtesy of www.harmondiscount.com

Onsises…

Onesies

How wrong would it be if you saw your mum lounging around in leaopard print onesie. Comfortable though they may be, onsies are just plain weird!

Image courtesy of onesiewomens.blogspot.com

That’s all folks, make sure you get your mum something special this Mother’s Day. Check out the MyVoucherCodes Mother’s Day Category for top discounts. Don’t do what I did one year – I’ve included my gift error in this post – can you tell which one it is?

The Best Mother’s Day Outings

mother's day feature
March 2, 2013 By In Gifts, Lifestyle, Mother's Day

It might sound like a massive cliché, but it’s highly likely that the greatest gift you could give your mum this Mother’s Day would be some time spent in your company. Sure, flowers are a classic, chocolates are a treat – but do either of them have your scintillating conversation or supreme collection of cheesy jokes?

Although gifts of a more tangible kind are a great way of showing your appreciation, hours spent together are what mums really value, and besides, with some great gift experiences and theatre deals around at the moment, you can even be a bit cheeky and choose something you’ll both enjoy! Everybody wins!

If you’re hoping to spoil your loved one this mothering Sunday, try creating a day to remember with one of the following…

A Day at the Theatre

If your mum is partial to a bit of song, she’ll undoubtedly appreciate the West End experience. From long running classics like The Lion King to newly created shows like Viva Forever, there’s bound to be a show that you’ll both enjoy. (Don’t try and pretend you don’t want to spice up your life.) With lastminute.com offering up to £35 off top price tickets for shows like We Will Rock You, you’ll be able to bag a brilliant view without the sky high price tag.

Afternoon Tea for Two

If a proper meal out is a little above your price range, a great alternative could be a gift package for afternoon tea! With everyone gaga for baking at the moment, this is undoubtedly going to appeal to all kinds of mums. Charming and quintessentially British, it’s an old-school tradition that’s truly have a modern moment. With Red Letter Days offering an exclusive 20% off everything, there’ll be no need to feel guilty about spending money. Sadly, we can’t offer any help regarding the amount of bake well tarts you might eat. Oh Mary Berry and your snazzy bomber jacket, how we salute you.

A Pampering Experience

On the other hand, if your mum could do with a bit more TLC than a pot of tea and a pound of sugar, how about spoiling her with a pampering gift package?  Whether it’s with an Indian head massage, a mani-pedi or a full on spa day – anything which allows her to zone out and relax is guaranteed to go down well. With deals from Virgin Experience Days starting at just £20, there’s a variety of tension-busting experiences for you to choose from.

A Cultural Outing

If your mum’s more of a culture vulture, a day somewhere historical might be more her thing. Although a trip to the seaside or a day at a museum would be perfectly acceptable, this is a day geared around making her feel special after all, so do something a little out of the ordinary! How about a trip to Hampton Court or even a trip to the top of the Shard?  On the other hand, if you’re a family of posers, you could even organise a special photo shoot. With Virgin Experiences offering up to 30% off a load of Mother’s Day gift experiences – now’s the time to take advantage of a bargain.

For even more Mother’s Day gifts, check out the range of offers on MyVoucherCodes.

Get Baking with Up to 50% Off Selected Bakeware at Amazon

cakes
February 12, 2013 By In Food, Gadgets, Gifts, Lifestyle

The renaissance in baking continues apace, and everyone seems to have caught the bug.  When it comes to making cakes, and other sugary treats there are no restrictions on creativity!

The Great British Bake Off has become a surprise TV phenomenon, sparking a huge surge in popularity in the art of baking.  The show has managed to highlight the skill involved in making sweet and savoury delights, and made celebrities of the show’s hosts, cookery writer Mary Berry and professional baker Paul Hollywood.  Making cakes and other scrumptious treats is no longer the preserve of housewives and grandma; far from it, baking is cool.

And chief among baking has to be everybody’s favourite; cake making.  Why not give it a go yourself, and remember to put your own twist on your delectable creation.

Get the kids involved

With half term just around the corner, cake making could be the ideal solution to the eternal problem of keeping the kids occupied.  Kids love creating things, and they will love eating the end product when it is finished just as much.

Cake Cases – £10 from ASDA | Cake Pops Hardback Book – £12.79 from The Book People | Bake and Decorate Cupcake Set – £13.10 from Amazon.co.uk | Childs Bakeware Set – £13 from Early Learning Centre

Romantic baking

The old saying goes that the ways to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and there is a lot of truth to be found in the sentiment.  And guys just consider how much the lady in your life would appreciate your efforts in the kitchen.

Red 5″ Silicone Heart Romantic Cake Bakeware – £5.99 from Amazon.co.uk | 12 Mini Heart Silicone Cases – £5 from Marks and Spencer | Love Cookie Biscuit Cutter Set – £10.99 from Amazon.co.uk | Nordic Ware Rose Bundt Pan – £37 from John Lewis

The art of decoration

If you are looking to impress, it’s not just about the taste of the cake; presentation matters.  Creative freedom is yours, but sometimes that may not necessarily be a good thing.  If you need a little help with the finishing touches, there is plenty to be had.

Plunger Cutters Sugarcraft Cake Decorating 44 Piece Set – £12.99 from Amazon.co.uk | Tala 1950′s Icing Syringe Set – £28 from John Lewis | Union Jack Party Cupcake Decorating Set (48-piece set) – £2.99 from Woolworths.co.uk | Deep Purple Edible Rice Paper Butterfly Cup Cake Decoration x12 – £1.50 from Amazon.co.uk

Home baking need not cost the earth, in fact the sums compare quite favourably with shop bought items. Get baking yourself and make the most of Up to 50% Off Selected Bakeware at Amazon.co.uk

Main image courtesy of http://favim.com

Freshen up Your Home with a Canvas Print – Plus 15% Off Everything at Art.co.uk

canvas main
February 5, 2013 By In Gifts, Homeware, Lifestyle

It may not be time for spring cleaning just yet, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t brighten up that dull space with a canvas print.  A simple solution for any budget!

With very little hassle, canvas prints are an easy way to transform any interior,  Easy to hang, less expensive than a full decorating job and available from a whole host of merchants.  Plus you can pretty much get a print for any taste or room preference; meaning that your personality will shine through, as it always should.  Although that obsession with Smurfs might be the exception to the rule!

Have you got a wall that is crying out for some inspiration?

Debenhams

Plum Roses row printed canvas wall art – £34.99 | Printed canvas Buddhist dragon wall art – £10 | Printed canvas Grammatic go up in smoke wall art – £12.50 | Printed canvas Brixham Harbour wall art – £49.99

Smarten up that wall with up to 60% Off Selected Canvas Wall Art at Debenhams

Next

Boathouse Abstract Canvas – £45 | Desert Sunrise Abstract – £35 | Ballerina Canvas – £30 | Cow Canvas – £35

Art.co.uk

Marvel comics retro: Captain America comic panel – £44.99 | Queen of Hearts – £56.99 | Duxedo – £44.99

Freshen up any area with a Canvas print, and enjoy 15% Off Everything at Art.co.uk with MyVoucherCodes, valid until 28th February

Main image – Race day at the beach, courtesy of www.art.co.uk

 

Valentine’s Day Chocolate Gifts – Exclusive Voucher Codes

valentines-hearts-7
February 1, 2013 By In Gifts, Lifestyle

Pretty soon, to paraphrase popular song, Cupid will draw back his bow and let the love flow – Valentine’s Day is but 2 short weeks away! And for the majority of you Voucher Vultures, payday has once again graced Christmas crippled bank accounts; meaning now is the best time to get your darling those all important Valentine’s Day gifts. You’d better get your socks on though, for extra savings we have tons of Valentine’s Day voucher codes with huge discounts ending soon.

If you’re thinking this is a story aimed at men looking for choccy gifts for women, think again! Men love chocolate too and, a recent study has proven, a daily bar may reduce the risk of stroke in men – It’s like one of the 5 a day. (Disclaimer: It really isn’t).

If you know your Valentine has a sweet tooth, look no further than our pick of top Valentines chocolate gifts…

Luxury Chocolate Gifts for Less…

Wow your Valentine with a touch of luxury. First up is a bumper pack of Thorntons chocolate treats – there’s just so much chocolate it’s sure to be a winner. Next, is more Thorntons but packaged in a heart-shaped romantic box – another winner, methinks! And finally, the winning combination for winning heart – choccies and champers!

Valentines Day Chocolate Gifts

Thorntons I Love Chocolate Hamper –  Half Price at  £15 from Tesco | Lovely Heart Collection - £15 from Thorntons. Check out the discount voucher on the Thorntons store page | The Pink Collection – £25 from Hotel Chocolat – check out our exclusive Hotel Chocolat discount Voucher.

Say (it with) Cheese…

Maybe your Valentine prefers savoury things. No worries, we’ve that base covered too. Pong cheese have a great selection of cheeses including heart shaped varieties, such as The Heart Shaped Box, below £26.95 . And, for a love-tastic 10% discount voucher, check out the Pong Cheese store page.

 

Valentines Day Cheese

And Now For Something a Bit Different…

If you really want to impress your valentine, we’ve found exactly what you need..Why give a boring plain old box of chocolate when you could give them a chocolate pizza? Perhaps your valentine has a sweeter tooth. In which case you could give them a retro sweets hamper or jar – which can be personalised, making for an extra special treat. Or… if your partner is that way inclined, you could watch their reaction as they unwrap what appears to be a human skull. It’s not real, it’s made of chocolate you’ll beg as they look at you with growing unease.

Unusual Valentines ConfectionaryRomantic 10″ Chocolate Pizza – £17.99 from Firebox | Massive Personalised Valentine’s Sweet Jar - £24.99 from Lovehearts – check out our  Lovehearts discount vouchers. |Chocolate Skulls– £349.99 from Firebox.

Hopefully our pick of Valentine’s Day Chocolate gifts has tickled your fancy, or rather, will tickle the fancy of your beloved.  At MyVoucherCodes we hope you are lucky in love and have a very Happy Valentines Day!

Main Image courtesy of Chocablog

 

Valentine’s Day Shortcuts at Tesco Direct

Tesco Direct Valentines Day Gifts
January 28, 2013 By In Entertainment, Gifts, Saving Money

Despite striking fear into the hearts of loved-up couples and sour singletons across the country, Valentine’s Day is most definitely here to stay. In fact, according to a recent survey carried out by MyVoucherCodes, almost half of us plan to splash the cash on a loved one this year – and the cost of all this love-addled lunacy, you ask? A whopping 668 million quid. Ouch.

To put that number into perspective, that’s enough money to pay for the Olympic opening ceremony 27 times, or – if we’re lucky – purchase a small island where we can bury any DVD featuring the ramblings of Hugh Grant and Sandra Bullock. Much better.

Of course, while it’s customary for new couples to wrap enough pressies to cause a worldwide glitter shortage, you needn’t spend a fortune this Valentine’s Day. In fact, when it comes to finding the perfect Valentine’s gift, Tesco Direct has everything you could possibly ask for.

Strapped for time and cash, but still want to impress that special someone? Check out these fantastic Valentine’s Day shortcuts!

Cinema fully booked? Stock up on romantic movies!

Cinemas are notoriously busy on Valentine’s Day, so why not order a movie instead? It sure beats the sticky floors, overpriced popcorn and incessant bag-rustling of your local multiplex – and you get to keep the movie forever. Boasting romantic DVDs from £3, Tesco Direct has you sorted.

Concert sold out? Buy her a romantic album!

If you’re a clueless bloke, you’d be forgiven for thinking a “Bublé” is some kind of exotic, underwater crustacean. But you’d be dead wrong. The jazz-man known as Michael Bublé is, in fact, the world’s foremost weakener-of-the-knees among womenfolk, and you’d be smart to apply him liberally to your partner’s ears this Valentine’s Day. Set the right mood with these romantic CDs from £3 at Tesco Direct.

Meals, Chocolate and Wine Gifts

Restaurants are fully-booked months in advance of Valentine’s Day, so why not cook a delicious meal for your loved one instead? If all goes to plan, it has the potential to be even more romantic than a meal out – and you don’t have to pretend you like lobster or know how to use fancy cutlery either.

Tesco not only has a great number of recipes for you to try, but also features a variety of wine and chocolate gifts to satisfy the sweet tooth inside all of us. What’s more, Tesco Direct is also offering £5 off when you spend £25 on entertainment for a limited time – perfect for last minute Valentine’s Day gifts.

Looking for even more Valentine’s Day offers and discounts? Be sure to check out myvouchercodes.co.uk.

 

Love Don’t Cost a Thing: The Best Valentine’s Day Bargains

Valentine's Day Roses
January 26, 2013 By In Entertainment, Gifts, Lifestyle

You might very well be madly, hopelessly in love – but does the arrival of Valentine’s Day still seem to bring out the cynic in you?

Never mind singletons, the loudest critics of this annual ‘holiday’ are often those that struggle with the pressure of spending money. After all, with every shop you go into reminding you of all the gifts your loved one is bound to be expecting… it can work out to be a pretty expensive day.

Of course, we’re certainly not in the business of being bitter – and we’d happily encourage declarations of love on any given day of the year – but if the thought of splashing out on Michelin-star meals, clothes, holidays or jewellery spells bad news for you (and your bank balance), how are you meant to express your love without spending over the odds?

Luckily, we’ve decided to help take some of the stress out of Valentine’s Day, so you can forget those money worries and simply get wrapped up in the romance of it all.

Here’s just a few of the best 2 for 1 deals, February 14th offers and couple-related gift ideas…

Eating Out


If you’d like to wine and dine your partner, check out top eateries: Carluccios and La Tasca. Depending on whether you’re in the mood for Italian or Spanish, they are both offering 2 for 1 deals on main meals or tapas to share this February.

Experience Days


For a bit of bonding time, Red Letter Days are currently offering a selection of discounts on pamper and relaxation days for two. Or check out the INeedPampering.com Valentine’s Day special – with 10% off everything plus a free couple’s photo shoot.

Flowers


You could always say it with flowers; Debenhams are offering 10% off Valentine’s Day bouquets. Or, try Bunches, who have a great deal including free delivery and a box of chocolates with every order.

Regardless of how you plan on spending the most romantic day of the year, try not to blow the budget – by being a little smart with your money, you could have enough to treat each other all year round.

For more low cost restaurant deals and romantic gift ideas, check out the offers on My Voucher Codes.

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Men

supercar
January 22, 2013 By In Gadgets, Gifts, Lifestyle, Other

Men can be notoriously difficult to buy for, and finding that perfect gift for Valentine’s Day can be a real headache. If you are struggling to think of something special for the notable man in your life, here are a few ideas that might help you out.

February 14th sees the return of the annual ‘love-in’ that is Valentine’s Day; a day that couples will look forward to and dread in equal measure. Sure the first few are easy, think flowers, chocolate and smoochy teddy bears. But for established couples it isn’t so easy, and for that special guy doubly so.

What on earth do you buy men on Valentine’s Day? Guys are just not as sentimental as women, and many wouldn’t choose to mark the day if given a choice. But that would be a real shame, especially when there is so much doom and gloom about. A bit of romance can go a long way! So look beyond socks and cufflinks, so that blokes everywhere don’t get left disappointed on Valentine’s Day.

Here are a few blokey gift ideas to help you out.

Tabasco Chocolate Tin

Ok so chocolate is hardly original, but there is no getting away from the fact that it is a well-known aphrodisiac. But it needn’t be boring; the chocolate in this tin has been made with heat-seekers in mind, with a few drops of tasty Tabasco sauce dripped tantalisingly into the mixture. Spice up your love life for only £4.95 at Prezzybox.

Hand Weights

Using hand weights can increase flexibility, build muscle mass, and help lose weight. So as a subtle way of suggesting your guy needs to tone up a little, these weights that range from £3 through to £13 could be a perfect solution. Far less bulky than regular weights, which makes them usable for you too (obviously when he isn’t looking). Available from John Lewis.

Driving Experience

If you want to push the boat out a little further, why not consider an experience that will live long in the memory. From rugged 4x4s and Hummers to sleek supercars, there is nothing quite like taking out your stresses on the track. And for added romance, share the experience and make a bet on who will perform best. (The punishment will be up to you to decide!) From Under £20 at Virgin Experience Days.

Designer Underwear

Whilst socks may definitely not be on the romantic list, the same cannot be said for underwear in general. After all, what is good for him in the pants department is also good for you! So a gift of some designer boxers would be a win win solution. For a huge selection be sure to check out Figleaves.

Scanner for ipad

The DOCS2GO Scanner for iPad is a sleek, portable scanner for documents, photos and more. And whilst on the more expensive side at £149.99, just imagine all the favours he will owe you in return. Plus think of the fun you can have creating saucy valentines memories (although be sure not to leave them lying about) Order today from Firebox.

Remote Control Cushion

If your fella is a bit of a couch potato (pretty much all of us) then what could make a better gift than a novelty Remote Control Cushion. Losing the remote will never be a problem again, as it will be behind you. The cushion uses LED infra-red technology, and is universally compatible with TVs. Throwing a cushion at a loved one takes on a whole new dimension. Yours for £19.99 at Menkind.

Ladies Football Kit

Whilst it may strictly be a gift for you, it will certainly be a gift for him as you dress up in his beloved team colours. It may be a cliché, but it still remains a potent one for footle obsessed guys up and down the country. Who knows, it might even be enough to distract him on a Saturday afternoon! Find a large choice of ladies football kits at Kitbag.

Visit MyVoucherCodes for all your Valentine’s gift ideas and discounts

Main image courtesy of http://ilovencl.co.uk

Naughty or nice: Alternative Christmas Movies

Alternative Christmas Movies
December 24, 2012 By In Christmas, Entertainment, Gifts

Despite the sad demise of the original title character, a sequel to the 1982 classic animation The Snowman is set to grace our TV screens this Christmas. Thanks to those sentimental souls at Channel Four, a brand new hero has been created in the form of a Snowdog – a canine companion guaranteed to melt yet another generation’s hearts.

Although everyone undoubtedly loves a Christmas film, sometimes the TV schedules can be so stuffed full of festive-related offerings that it’s difficult to imagine life will continue past Boxing Day. With the release of the Snowman and the Snowdog, the trend for the ‘traditional’ movie looks set to continue.

Here at What’s Hot, this got us thinking… How about introducing a little variety into the mix? We’d like to rediscover some unsung Christmas movies; the type that struggle against the stereotype a little – or even those you might not realise are part of the genre.

So if you’re hankering after a little viewing variation this year, here’s a pick of five alternative movies to go in search of.

(Just for a little breather of course; perhaps a nice bit of respite in between Love Actually and Elf).

Batman Returns


You might not necessarily associate Batman Returns with Christmas, but that’s probably just a testament to a movie which transcends the season it’s set in. With the snow covered backdrop of Gotham City and smart, occasionally cynical references to the commercial side of Christmas: Tim Burton’s Batman is one of those movies that can be enjoyed at any time of year, but would be perfect right about now. It’s also available for a bargain price; you can find it on Amazon for under £6.

Bad Santa


Don’t let the red suit fool you, there’s nothing nice or jolly about Billy Bob Thornton in Bad Santa. A Christmas movie which is definitely unsuitable for kids; this comedy offering from the Coen Brothers tells that age old tale of a pair of drunken, swearing, thieving conmen, spreading carnage instead of goodwill. If you like outrageous comedy, you’ll undoubtedly appreciate this bad boy.

The Nightmare Before Christmas


Tim Burton’s creations are never going to be bright and breezy, but upon the release of this 1993 animation, Disney warned viewers that it might be a little too ‘scary’ for little ones. Granted, with its eccentric characters and Santa-stealing storyline, it’s no Polar Express – but with its brilliant imagination and offbeat humour: it’s certainly a breath of fresh air. Play are currently selling it for the downright reasonable sum of £3.89.

Die Hard


Whilst you’re reclining in your armchair this Christmas Eve, beer/mince pie in hand, just spare a thought for John McClane. Never mind getting into the Christmas spirit, this fella’s a little too busy running around Los Angeles in a vest, hunting down terrorists. Cementing itself as many a manly favourite and action classic – it also deserves recognition within the alternative festive genre. Get it to rent or buy from iTunes and marvel at Bruce Willis in his heyday.

It’s a Wonderful Life


An ironic choice perhaps, as It’s a Wonderful Life is one of those movies that – despite being entirely associated with Christmas – actually goes against the values most often found in the genre. Instead of buying into the shiny ‘American dream’, it’s not afraid to explore themes of depression and a questioning of faith. (Although it of course turns out happily ever after in the end). If shown on telly this year, it’s one that’s definitely worth setting the Sky+ for, or alternatively, adding to your collection. Get it for just a tenner at Tesco!

Whether you’re a fan of the alternative or the traditional, discover more bargain movies at My Voucher Codes.