GoneDigging Blog

The Top Five Graduation Gifts

It was about 20 degrees in Nottingham that day. I was clad in the proverbial gown and square hat clutching that all-important piece of paper. I always remember my graduation day... my mum, dad and gran came along. There were billions of hats being flung in the air, lots of smiles, hugs, kisses and the excitement of what was to come. It was a massive moment in my life and one I’ll never forget. And here I am now, seven years later, writing my days away here at GoneDigging. Smiley face.

If there’s a special someone who’s graduating soon, whether the graduate’s your friend, son, daughter, granddaughter, grandson, niece or nephew, it’s time to pat ‘em on the back. They’re finished now. Congratulations! Treat that Mr or Mrs Clever Cloggs to a memorable graduation present. Personalise it. Make it come alive. Think and think hard. Does that sound a bit impossible? It really isn’t, guys.

GoneDigging's Top Five Father's Day Presents

Father’s Day 2012 rolls around on Sunday 17th June. Sure, you could opt for a necktie, a new briefcase, a book or some kind of power tool and Dad will probably smile and give you a hearty thank-you on Father's Day. Then the day will pretty much be like any other day. But a couple of weeks later, when you ask Dad what he got, he probably won’t even remember. The truth is, those old dependables for Father’s Day are just plain boring. Is that really the way you want to show Dad how much you care?

Don’t Know What to Get Dad for Father’s Day? Be Inspired by Our Three Short Vids...

He gives you the biggest hugs, the smartest advice, and the most generous pocket money. So this Father's Day, show your dad he’ll always be the NO. 1 guy in your life with a gift that’s as cool as he is!

Of course, you could get Dad the old dependables like socks and aftershave. But, let’s be honest, they’re a tad on the dull side, aren’t they? Here’s a thought. How about having a gift for Father’s Day specially created for your dear ‘ole dad, from the comfort of your sofa? That’s exactly what you can do. To help you out a bit, GoneDigging has put together a couple of 30-second vids that might inspire you. Here are our top three Father’s Day gifts in video form...

The Greatest Ever FA Cup Final Goals

With the Cup Final on Saturday, GoneDigging thought it’d be a bloody stonking idea to dig out ten of the greatest ever FA Cup Final goals. It’s by no means a comprehensive list, so please don’t take umbrage or write a snotty email deriding our selection. Instead, kick back and feast your eyes on these beauties. Enjoy!

Ricky Villa Vs Manchester City, 1981

It was 1981 and in a year when Ossie Ardiles famously sang, ‘for Tottingham’, it was left to his Argentinean compatriot to net two of Spurs’ goals in their 3-2 replay success over Manchester City. With the scores level at 2-2 and with just 14 minutes left on the clock, Villa proceeded to jink his way through the City defence before slotting home. Here’s a reminder…

Helpful, Handy and Handsome Housewarming Gifts for Their New Pad

Moving home’s stressful any way you look at it, isn’t it? According to research, it ranks as one of today’s top ten most stressful things. You wouldn’t think packing up boxes and lugging around sofas could be that stressful. Stressful? There should be a Government Health Warning on moving house. Even when I moved down the road, I’m convinced my blood pressure hit danger levels on a number of occasions.

We at GoneDigging Towers believe home is where the heart is. So for beautiful, personal housewarming gifts with plenty of heart and soul, what better place to look than right here?

Kindle Surprise

It’s now been nearly two months since I was presented with a Kindle reading device for my birthday. Previously, I hadn’t been sceptical as such, but I wasn’t convinced they offered enough to do away with an ‘old-fashioned’ paperback. I thought they were cool for sure, but the initial £89 outlay seemed steep.

I was wrong. They’re worth every penny.

First off, they look really smart. They’re no iPad, granted, but the simplicity of the design ties in perfectly with the pastime. There’s nothing particularly snazzy about a paperback, so why overcomplicate the Kindle’s design? It hasn’t been and it works.

A Story Based Around the Letters of Your Ickle One’s Name

GoneDigging has just launched a brand spanking new kiddie’s book that would be perfecto for little ones who want to learn how to spell their name. This isn’t just any old children’s book, mind you. Let us explain...

This fantabulous My Name Is... book creates a story from the letters of your child’s name. Yup, that’s right. So, whether your ickle one’s called Monica, Ben or Gertrude (we hope not!), the story’s based around the letters of their name, which ultimately makes spelling super fun for them.

As the story unfolds, your child will begin to recognise the 12 letters that appear in their name and also the ones which don’t. Not only will your child learn to spell and write their name, but they’ll also learn about the alphabet as well as a collection of new and exciting words.

St George's Day

George: the Man

So what does GoneDigging actually know about St George? We know chavs hang his flag out their bedroom window once every two years. And there’s that story in which he killed a dragon. But what else did he do? And who was he? Let’s take a little look-see…

Most of us are aware that he’s England’s patron saint, typically identified by English ideals of honour, bravery and gallantry. And yet actually, he wasn’t English at all. In fact, he was probably born in the third century to Christian parents in Cappadocia, in an area that’s now in Turkey. However, when his dad died, it’s thought his mum moved them back to her native Palestine. Thereafter, the story goes that George became a soldier in the Roman army – rising to the rank of Tribune.

GoneDigging's Fantabulous Father’s Day Presents – Our Top 10 Picks

Father’s Day falls on Sunday 17th June, so it’s a while away yet. But even so, it’s worth beating the present-buying rush and getting your gift for Dad early. Is your dad, or a dad you know, always there for you when – and when you don’t – need him? Then don’t plump for the same old, same old socks and ties. Surprise your unsung hero with some thoughtful bits n’ pieces... like a personal gift straight from the heart on Father’s Day. Tell Daddy dearest he’s the bee’s knees and set your sentiments in stone with personalised Fathers Day gifts. Us folks here at GoneDigging Towers have put together our top 10 faves...

The Grand National

On the 14th April, this year’s National will take place at its usual home at Aintree Racecourse. To mark the occasion, GoneDigging thought we’d take a look at all things Grand National...

The Grand National’s Early History

The Grand National was founded by William Lynn – a syndicate head and proprietor of the Waterloo Hotel. Using leased land in Aintree, he set out the course and built a grandstand before Lord Sefton laid the foundation stone in February, 1829.

Despite much historical debate since, it is thought the first race was run seven years later in 1836. Both this race and 1837’s were won by The Duke, while the 1838 win went to Sir William.