(Gifted) I was thrilled to be invited to a Moonpig Virtual Party last week. In preparation I had lots of lovely deliveries. I had attractive flowers, a balloon, a cute Cath Kidston giftset and a cocktail making kit. On top of those fabulous things I had Moonpig credit to spend and a voucher to get myself a takeout! Yes, Moonpig sure know how to do events in style!

I have ordered from Moonpig in the past, but had not realized just how much more they offered now. The Moonpig gift range is so extensive, you can add all kinds of indulgent treats to spoil your recipient and the app makes it a complete breeze ordering birthday cards. It seems much quicker and easier than ever before, literally I ordered them in just a few clicks.

Previously I don’t think I had been utilising everything Moonpig had to offer. But I won’t make that mistake again! I want to update my reminders list, then I will never forget or be late for an occasion again! Prepare to see a new organised me emerge!

Birthday Cards

The Zoom meeting kicked off with an introduction into their app from Jaspar at Moonpig. I was a little envious that iOS users get a fair few more features then Android users like myself. However, it’s great that they are looking at adding some of these to the Android app in the upcoming months.

I was a big fan of the handwriting feature, it makes the card even more personal and unique. It looked simple enough to add your own handwriting or doodles and upload to the app.

Future developments include making reminders more meaningful. There will be suggestions of cards you can buy based on your previous purchases. I think that is a great way to speed up the ordering process. I will look forward to trying that out when it becomes available.

Heartfelt Messages

One of my favourite things was being able to get inspiration when it came to the card message! I really struggle with that. Usually I head to Google and try and search up card messages so it’s so much easier having it all in one place on the Moonpig app. You can tweak it too if its not quite what you want.

At the back of the card you can see the designer name. You can then search for that designer next time you want to buy a card. It’s a convenient way to find more cards you will probably like. Alternatively, you can see what’s new, these cards are very topical so make interesting choices especially if you want something very current and on trend!

iOS users can also benefit from the augmented reality feature and see how big a card will actually be in their own home. It’s a clever way to visualize the size. The giant card is enormous, so a good choice for milestone birthday celebrations.

I didn’t order a card at the event as I was too busy being amazed over the functionality of the iOS app! But a few days later I ordered some birthday cards for my mum (you can check out the Moonpig birthday cards here). They arrived the very next day! I was bowled over with the speed of my delivery! I thought I had left it too late to arrive in time for my mum’s birthday. But Moonpig came to my rescue, so I can hang on to my title of favourite child (just don’t tell my brother!).

My dad was quite nervous to go a shop to get my mum a card. He is in his mid-seventies and had been shielding. Moonpig is an excellent option if like my dad you are trying to avoid the crowds on the high street for health reasons.

Moonpig Flowers

I was very impressed with the gorgeous Luxury Summer Garden bouquet (£75) I was sent to practice flower arranging. It might sound a lot to spend on flowers but there was enough to generously fill two vases. Moonpig Birthday Flower collection had plenty to offer whatever your budget, so if your not in a position to drop £75 on flowers don’t panic. They start from £20.

Over a couple of days, my flowers really started to bloom as all the buds opened up. The bouquet arrived in perfect condition because of the care Moonpig take to tightly wrap their flowers. This means they are well protected on their travels. The stems sit in a pad soaked with water and plant food, so they are well catered for on their journey.

I was very enthusiastic to hear they now do Pollen Free Lilies!  As someone who suffers from hay fever, I really like this exciting development. It’s ideal for anyone suffering with allergies or don’t like the mess of pollen shedding.

Receiving a bouquet can make a huge difference to your day as it plays a positive influence on someone’s mood. I thought the rainbow flowers are especially cheerful. If you are worried about someone’s emotional health, a bouquet is a great pick me up! You really don’t need to wait for an occasion to send flowers.

Flower Care

When my flowers were delivered, I just placed them straight in the vases as they were. They looked beautiful just like that! They do arrive hand arranged by a skilled Moonpig florist. So, it doesn’t matter if you have no experience in flower arranging you really cannot go wrong with Moonpig. The Luxury Summer Garden bouquet included such pretty flowers but a few Gloriosa made it look even more exclusive!

Roxanne from Moonpig mentioned how you keep the bouquet looking impressive. For example, it’s important to remove flowers as they wilt. Then make sure you change the water after three days, your flowers will appreciate clean water to drink. I am not great at flower aftercare usually, so these were useful tips to take onboard. The flowers are guaranteed for five days, but the Luxury Summer Garden bouquet still looks good on day eight.

As for doing your own flower arranging it helps to arrange the flowers into matching piles. Then add them into the vase criss-crossing the stems. Some flowers naturally need more support so its an idea to place them in the middle as you build your arrangement.

I am glad I have experienced flower arranging however I love that Moonpig take the stress out of it if you don’t feel confident arranging them yourself.

Cocktail Making

I felt quite fancy owning all the cocktail making kit! Especially now I know my Muddler from my Mexican Elbow now!

I think I started to really relax when we got to the cocktail making. James from Mix & Twist made me realize as long as you get the components right your cocktail will taste incredible! You want to balance the flavour of the sweet and sour, not overpour the alcohol and keep your drink well-iced! Then don’t forget presentation, as we also taste with our eyes not just our mouth! A slice of lemon or lime and a sprig of mint leaf attached to your glass works wonders!

I felt so emboldened by my newfound cocktail making capability that I have since made cocktails for my mum and a friend. I will need to stock up on more vodka from Moonpig very soon. If you want to give them a try the ingredients are below.

Summer Garden – 45ml Vodka, 25ml lime, 25ml sugar syrup, mint leaves, cucumber, 25ml elderflower soda

Strawberry Fizz – 45ml Vodka, 25ml lemon, 25ml sugar syrup, soda, strawberries, lemon

Passionfruit Martini – 45ml Vodka, 20ml lemon, 25ml passionfruit syrup, 60ml pineapple juice

Moonpig Gifts

I really loved the Letterbox Rose Gold Happy Birthday balloon (£12) we were sent. It was perfect for my mum’s birthday. It made a fantastic centerpiece for her celebration. My mum liked the fact she had a special balloon just for her. It was nice to make a fuss of my mum. I am pleased to report the balloon still looks great especially considering its only filled with air!

Discount Code

Download the Moonpig app (through that link) and you use the code APP30ORDER to give you 30% off a card and a gift when buying together. The promotion ends on 26th August.

I have a feeling our occasions will be even more special from now on. Thank you Moonpig.