The Best of British Union Jack inspired products and gadgets.
I don't know if you've noticed, but 2012 is a huge year for Britain. We’ve got the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee to look forward to in June, followed by the London-hosted Olympic Games in July and August. Get out your bunting and get a pot of tea brewing because it’s a wonderful year to be British!
Here at asseenonthetv we’ve taken the liberty to sort the Cool Britannia from the Union Tat so grab a scone and a cuppa and feast your eyes on our selection of the best of Great British gadgets and products.
See the whole range of Union Jack products at John Lewis here
ROBERTS Union Jack Revival RD60 DAB Digital Radio
Available at: JohnLewis.com
A classic radio design gets a Union Jack twist but don’t let the retro look fool you, this piece of kit comes complete with modern DAB technology, backlighting and a 16 x 2 character LCD display, making it very user friendly. For those of you worried your music tastes may, ahem, offend those around you (all you close One Direction fans, I’m looking at you) there’s no need to fear, the radio comes with a headphone socket so your secret is safe. For now.
Sagemcom Sixty Digital Cordless Phone – Union Jack (Limited Edition)
Available at: IWantOneOfThose.com
Fresh from a place on Stuff’s 2011 Cool List, the Sagemcom Sixty Digity Cordless Phone has been given a new lease of life with a patriotic Union Jack design, just in time for a summer of British milestones. The Sagemcom Sixty features a built in phone book with space for 150 of your nearest and dearest, as well as a large LCD touch screen and a built-in answering machine. Automatic power management makes this device environmentally friendly, so it’s not just a pretty face.
Retro Union Jack Telephone
Available at: Red5.co.uk
Taking a more classic approach than the Sagemcom we have the Retro Union Jack Telephone, adorned with our beloved flag and with an iconic British phone design. There are no airs and graces here but a straight to the point, easy to use phone that is compatible with any home phone line. A redial feature and easy to use push buttons make the Retro Union Jack Telephone perfect for those of you who shy away from the technological advances of the Sagemcom but still want to fly the flag for your country.
Team GB Trunki
Available at: Trunki.com
It’s impossible to walk from an airport car park to the check in desk without catching sight of a Trunki and now they’ve released a Team GB edition, just in time for the Olympics. Keep your little ones entertained in the departure lounge with this British made suitcase, which comes complete with a Team GB sticker pack. The succinct design means your child won’t be separated from their Trunki while travelling, as they are the perfect dimensions to be used as hand luggage. Simply fill it with toys and books to make a boring flight more fun and you might even be lucky enough to catch some shut eye on the plane.
FULTON Union Jack Funbrella
Available at: Selfridges.com
This elegantly designed umbrella is sure to keep you dry, even when the heavens inevitably open after we’ve been promised a heat wave. After all, let’s not forget what country we’re in! The transparent dome design makes it easy to see where you’re going so there’s no danger of having a run in with a stray lamppost, although that would make a very British bit of slapstick, wouldn’t it? What’s more, the patented easy-glide closure system means you won’t struggle to open the Funbrella when the rain is pouring. We’ve all been there, it’s not fun.
Hunter Union Jack Wellington Boots
Available at: Amazon.co.uk
Embrace the puddles with Hunter's stylish Union Jack Wellington Boots, which are perfect for splashing through the lanes with your dog in tow. Or for those of you lucky enough to be heading off a festival this summer, these are an absolute must have. Who wants to dash to the Portaloos without adequate calf protection? Ah, the glorious British weather. We love to hate it but if it wasn’t sunny all the time what would we have to grumble about? Too much sun, I suppose. We’re never happy, are we?
Union Jack Space Hopper
Available at: JohnLewis.com
Unleash your inner child with the Union Jack Space Hopper, which gives the classic 70s toy a patriotic lick of paint. Complete with a free foot pump, the pack contains everything you need for a truly retro play time. Why not invest in a couple and arrange Space Hopper races at your Jubilee celebrations? Better still, wait until Nan’s had a couple of glasses of Pimms and watch her go.
Life Size Cut out Queen
Available at: Firebox.com
If your Jubilee decorations seem a little lacklustre then look no further because the Portable Queen Cut-out is exactly what you need to give your window display that little extra oomph. Simply prop her up in the window and watch your neighbours do a double take as they spot your royal visitor. Not only that, the Queen Cut-out is fully portable so pack her up, pop her under your arm and you’re all set. Why not surprise your friends by showing up at a beer garden with HRH? It’ll be worth a free drink, at least.
Union Jack Morphsuit
Available at: Firebox.com
For those of you who want to take your patriotism to a whole new level I’d like to introduce you to the Union Jack Morphsuit. If you can’t get enough of our glorious nation’s flag then this is the perfect solution: simply cover yourself in it from head to toe. Not only are they stunningly fashion forward, Morphsuit’s are actually rather practical, allowing you to see, breathe and drink through the thin layer of material that protects your dignity from the forces of nature.
Union Jack Illuminating Coffee Table
Available at: IWantOneOfThose.com
If you have a couple of grand to spare and a living room that’s lacking a focal point then feast your eyes on the Illuminating Coffee Table. Sure, it might be a little in your face but who doesn’t want a coffee table emblazoned with our fine flag? And, yes, maybe it is a little Austin Powers but, as the good man himself says, it’s groovy, baby. But the Union Jack Illuminating Coffee Table isn’t just a pretty face, oh no, the clever designers also fitted the table with a power socket in one of the legs so there’ll be no mad dash for the extension lead when your laptop runs out of juice.
The Union Jack Piggy Bag Beanbag
Available at: made.com
The Piggy Bag has been featured in a whole host of publications and its popularity is absolutely deserved. The beanbag moulds to your body shape for optimum comfort and the slick design means it won’t look out of place in your living room; the Piggy Bag is available in numerous colours for those of you who aren’t quite brave enough for the Union Jack version. Curl up with a good book, enjoy a beer and the big game, settle down in front of the TV – the possibilities are endless. Complete with a durable and hard wearing cover, you can also take your Piggy Bag outside to catch a few rays, if the sun does decide to grace us with its presence this summer. The cover is water resistant but not waterproof, so don’t leave your Piggy Bag outside in the rain.
Master Jack Armchair
Available at: made.com
With a stylish take on British themed furniture comes the Master Jack Armchair, featuring a more subtle Union Jack design than some of our other items on this list. Comprising a birch wood frame and a medium-firm cushioned seat, the Master Jack Armchair provides a perfect place to sit down and enjoy a steaming cup of tea after a long day at work. With a back support and leather armrests, the Master Jack Armchair is a truly luxury item and for those of you wanting to support some home grown talent, the chair was designed by Jenny Cooper, British born and bred.
Union Jack Tub Chair
Available at: tescodirect.com
Perfect for those more compact living rooms is the Union Jack Tub Chair, which will fit into that little gap you weren’t quite sure how to fill. Featuring a prominent Union Jack design and a foam filled seat you’ll be able to enjoy the festivities of the Olympics in comfort and style.
Outdoor Large Beanbag – Union Jack
Available at: tescodirect.com
No more balancing awkwardly on plastic garden chairs at the neighbour’s barbecue – the Outdoor Large Beanbag is here to save the day. Complete with flame retardant beads and a water resistant cover this beanbag is perfect for relaxing with a burger in the garden. And you don’t even need to worry about spilling a dash of Pimms because this one is wipe clean. Perfect.
FieldCandy Tent: Rule Britannia
Available at: Firebox.com
Those of you who nodded smugly when I mentioned summer festivals earlier on, we’ve got another must have for you: The Rule Britannia FieldCandy Tent. Featuring an all over Union Jack design you’ll always be able to find your way back to your pitch after one too many at the cider bus. A spacious two man design, the FieldCandy Tent comes with a lobby area for your muddy wellies, as well as a 100% breathable cotton flysheet, easy set-up poles and extra strong pegs, to ensure you won’t wake up one morning to find your tent floating away in a river of mud. Ignore me, I’m just jealous of all you festival goers.
See the whole range of Union Jack products at John Lewis here
– Carly Bennett