If you are looking for a gift for that someone special and you are after a good idea then have a look at my list for generic Christmas gifts for this 2009.  Keep checking in as there are more Christmas ideas coming daily.

Just a thought, Christmas is about the thinking, the buying and the presenting of a gift for those special people in your life.  I always believe that the amount of thought you put into what you buy is the most important part, it tells the gift receiver you understand them and really know who they are. 

Happy Shopping everyone and hey no pressure.

 

The Great New Zealand Songbook

This is a great gift for anyone interested, even just mildly in music and also a good gift to send overseas as well.

You can buy the CD on it’s own or you can go to the www.   and but it.   It come as a package deal with 100 page Hardcover Journal with photos and lyrics, an original Dick Frizzell piece of artwork and the 2 CDs of last century and this century’s great music.

The best part is if you are after and overseas gift they will ship it for you and have the costs listed on the website.

Available:  www.greatnewzealandsongbook.co.nz            Price:$99.00

 

Jaime les Macarons

We’ve waited all year to use the ‘it’s Christmas I can eat whatever I like’ excuse and I have found the perfect decadent treat to do just that with.  Imagine having a box of Macarons in your choice of flavours delivered right to your door, or better still you can have them delivered to anyone else’s door as well.

They come boxed and have a range of colours and flavours to choose from with flavours like Vanilla, Pistachio, Raspberry and Rose just to name a few.  They are hand made and then filled with a chocolate ganache or a smooth buttercream, look amazing boxed up as a gift and can be delivered, yummy. 

 

Available:  wwwjaimelesmacarons.co.nz     

Price: $2.50 per Macaron   box has 12 Macarons

North Island courier   $8.50        1-2 boxes

                                                         South Island courier  $ 5.50       1-2 boxes

 

Peter Bush Photography Book                 A Life in Focus

It’s always such a privilege to be able to see inside the life of great New Zealanders who have contributed so much back for all of us to enjoy and Peter Bush is one of those individuals who has done just that.  He is a true living legend in Photojournalism and has now put his collection together in a book for all of us to enjoy.

His biography of his life spanning 50 years is remarkable, as he says ‘have camera will travel’.

This a fantastic gift for those really hard to buy people in your life and can be found in all the leading bookstores in New Zealand. 

 

Available: all leading bookstores                Price:$34.99

 

The Big Game Company

These guys make it back on to the list this year as you can find allsorts of new and fun games for the family.  The building tower block looks good and my favourite pick would have to be the giant chess sets.

I have bought off them last year and it arrived neatly packed within a couple of days.

Prices vary depending on what you buy but this is what they call big fun and I’m sure there’s something here for everyone.

Available:   www.thebiggamecompany.co.nz          Price:$222.00  (12 inch chess set)

 

Check in tomorrow as the Children’s Xmas list will be there and more other great ideas I find on my travels.

Here is the second instalment of my 2009 Christmas List. This list focuses of presents for men.

TopGear Great Adventures Collection

It seams that TopGear is everywhere this Christmas, every bookshop I go into is bursting with DVDs and Books from the hugely popular TV show. The live show is also back in New Zealand in February 2010. Any of the DVDs and books are sure to bring a smile to the face of most men but the ultimate TopGear gift would have to be the The Great Adventures Collection - Limited Edition (4 Disc Helmet) DVD set.

Price: around $120

Available: everywhere but try www.mightyape.co.nz

BBQ Branding Iron

For the man who loves his BBQ and likes to have all the latest accessories this could be a winner. You insert the letters to make what ever message you want, heat it up and hey presto, branded steaks! How cool is that?

Price: $34.95

Available: www.iwantthat.co.nz

Whites Aviation Classic New Zealand Aerial Photography

At last, a coffee table book you can buy for a man that you actually won’t mind having on the coffee table. This magnificent book contains a selection of more than 200 images of New Zealand from the air. Taken from the White’s Aviation collection at the Alexander Turnbull Library, these images of towns, cities, landforms and events were taken from the 1930s to the 1970s, and show a landscape still familiar in some cases and changed beyond recognition in others.

Price: RRP $60

Sport Kite

Kites can be a lot of fun and lets face it, there is no shortage of wind to fly them in. Most people have only ever had a cheap toy kite to fly. Why not take the next step and get a good quality sport kite for not a whole lot more. The Quick Step has a span of 1.3 metres and can fly in winds from 6 to 38 kph.

Price: from $50      Available: www.kites.co.nz

Home Electronic Safe

A safe is not something you think of to buy for yourself which is why they make great gifts. Just make sure you can hand deliver it as they are just a bit to heavy to post.

Price: $69.20 from Bunnings

Battery Jump Pack

Not something you use everyday but when you do need one, boy are they useful. Great for starting the car, the boat or even the ride on lawn mower. It also has a cigarette lighter socket so you can power your tyre pump or other 12volt devices.

Available from Repco or Supercheap Auto

More FM Winery Tour

Event tickets can be a great gift idea for the really hard to buy for. The year’s MORE FM Winery Tour sees it visit 16 venues for 18 shows in February and March 2010, adding shows in Whangarei, Palmerston North and Taupo regions for its fourth season.

Price: from $70    Available:  www.ticketdirect.co.nz

Xmas is coming, the countdown is on and it’s only days to go.  I know it’s hard to believe isn’t it, so it’s time to stock up the fridge, order the ham, dust off the Chrissy Tree and start taking your Berroca’s because the silly season is upon us.

But if you’re suddenly feeling stressed about time running out to buy those really cool gifts for the special people in your life, then I’m about to make your life a whole lot easier.  It’s my annual Xmas List with lots of great ideas for everyone for Christmas, websites to visit and lots of helpful tips to get through to Christmas day.

So keep checking in as this is the first of many daily posts in the lead up to Christmas.

WOMEN

Blunt Umbrellas

I love the idea of one of these Umbrellas, just with the mere possibility of being able to hide under it in our Wellington wind and rain, but not get wet is enough for me.

A great practical gift for someone who has everything, they won’t have one of these as they are new to the market.

Price:$98.00                    www.bluntumbrellas.com

Perfume Gift Sets

In my travels over the last few weeks I have managed to find a couple of great bargains for myself which is always very tempting.  One of my great finds was a favourite perfume of mine called Michael Kors and Kirks, this year, have it in a gift set.

It is at the moment cheaper to buy the gift set which gives you a 50ml Eau De Parfum Spray and a 150ml body lotion as well for $148.00.  Now the normal price for the 50 ml Eau De Parfum on it’s own is $165, so now is a great time to put perfume on your wish list as there are some great gift sets around.

The Kindle

This is another one of those gifts for the person who has everything, and it will be a really big hit this Christmas.  Amazon’s Kindle is the new way to read everything form Newspapers, Blogs, Books and much more.  It comes in two sizes, is lightweight can hold over 1,500 books and you can download your next favourite read in only 60 seconds.  A great way to take all your summer reading on holiday.  Have a look on Amazon for more info.

Price:    $259.00       www.amazon.com

Mecca Gift Sets

As always every year Mecca bring out great gift sets for Christmas, you can’t go wrong with one of these and the team there are really helpful.

There are sets from Stilla, a new Eyelash Extender which looks very exciting, Tinted Sunblock and moisturisers, Self Tanners … the list is endless.  Remember they scout the world for the hottest and most innovative products,  I would be happy to get anything from here.

India Hicks Island Living

I stumbled across this great range at Crabtree and Evelyn called India Hicks.   Crabtree and Evelyn are always a good place to go when you are looking for stocking fillers and this new range they have in is fabulous and a really good deal.  The perfume is a light Summer fragrance, the set I bought has a 30ml fragrance, a body cream and a body polish.  It’s a lovely gift set and is a really great price.

Price:$

Boh Runga Jewellery

What’s not to love about Boh Runga’s Jewellery and you can’t go wrong with any of her designs as a Christmas gift.  There is a range of styles to choose from and you can also have either gold or silver plated.  I love her new range called Birdland and the best part is that they come beautifully packaged, which takes all the hard work out of it for you.  There is a list of stockists on the website or you can order direct from the website.

Price:range from $129.00 upwards         Available:      www.nzmintjewelry.com

my goodness

There’s always the gift baskets for everyone at Christmas and this site has some of the best I’ve seen, they really are quite amazing and when you are looking for a more generic gift you can’t go wrong with one of these.

The worlds your oyster with price and they will deliver anywhere in New Zealand, winners of Business Excellence award, you can’t go wrong with one of these.  The best part is if you’re running out of time for those overseas gifts, they will deliver there as well and you can always pick a Kiwi theme.

Available: at     www.goodness.co.nz

Dolphin MP3 player

Now this cool and you will be the envy of the gift givers around the room if you can find a grateful recipient for this one and, yes, it has made it back onto the list as it was on there last year.  But I do say if you didn’t buy it last year then maybe it will make onto your list this year, as I really do think they are worthy of a second look.  They are extremely practical and will most definitely raise you up on the ‘I’m very cool ‘ level at the pool.

Check out some of their other products on this site as they are different and worth having a look at.

Available:    www.montgomeryroad.com

Flip Mino

Ok, so if anyone’s listening I really love these and want one myself.    How cute is this and who wouldn’t want one.  They can record up to 60 minutes of high quality video, it’s light weight, sleek, smaller enough to pop into your pocket and perfect to sit in the handbag to record all those important moments.

You can also buy a tripod if you are looking to train for a job as a Cameraman for TV3.

www.dse.co.nz

Available: Dick Smith                                  Price:$prices range from $279.00 upwards

Echo Bot

Oh this is fun and everyone should have one.  They are called Echo Bots and are a boggle eyed alien with a message, what message?  The one you record and stick on it, designed to be triggered by a motion sensor they can serenade, insult or just scare the intruder.

Great gift for anyone with a good sense of humour, or even the kids would love this.

Available: www.iwantthat.co.nz                   Price:$39.95

If you don’t see anything here that tickles your fancy, don’t worry, I’ll keep adding things with more posts as I do my Christmas shopping. I’ve already got some great ideas for men and for kids so stay tuned.

This is a fantastic opportunity to get some of your Christmas presents now and better still at a discount.

Remember: ONE DAY ONLY  Thursday 19th November

  Last night I was lucky enough to be asked out to dinner with a fabulous group of women who meet once a month for a catch up.  So not only was the company lovely but so was the venue.  I think I have found my new favourite restaurant in Wellington.

We went to a restaurant called Vista on Oriental Parade, which was another bonus because I was late and needed to park quickly and I did.  Oriental Parade is a fantastic venue if you want to go out for a quick dinner and don’t want the hassle of having to find a park.

But all that aside, you could now tell me I have to park at the airport and walk, and I still would after the dinner I had last night - it would be worth it.  I may then get a taxi from the airport because I’m not big on walking miles as I like to get a park out front, but you know what I mean, this restaurant is that good.

The service is fantastic with a great selection of wines, and then there’s the food.  I had Kingfish as a main, which was pan-fried with greens and a pesto sauce on top, followed by a selection of desserts.

I couldn’t choose which dessert was the nicest as they were all amazing and I am definitely going back to try the Asian Wok Stir-fry, how exciting.

So if you are stuck for somewhere to go for dinner, do try Vista as I will certainly be going back and back and back.  See you there.

Vista

106 Oriental Parade, Wellington   Ph: 04 385 7724

  I have discovered these really fantastic new range of funky and fun make-up and multi-use bags.  My make-up bag has finally given itself up and can no longer be zipped up and down.  As you can imagine this causes me no end of issues when I am trying to find my Lippy at short notice and it’s now rolling around somewhere in the bottom of my handbag.

I mean really this is a crisis, people have been known to disappear into my handbag, only to re-appear weeks later looking messy and very annoyed, so what chance does my poor Lipstick have when there’s no bag for it to belong to.

So imagine my delight when I stumbled across these cute bags at Kirks, which are a perfect replacement for my old one.  Designed by Julie Donaldson these bags are sure to be a big hit as gifts and would make a great Christmas present as well.

They come in three different sizes and have beautifully embroidered text on the front, with a cute polka dot lining inside.  The best part about them, other than the range, is the price.  They are unbelievably reasonable and come in a variety of colours.

Large: Gorgeous             $18.99  Colours are:Noir, Blanc and Rose

Medium: Perfect              $14.99  Colours are Noir and Goldie

Small:    Dainty               $12.99  Colours are Noir, Blanc and Ruby

They can also be found in Life Pharmacies and other Department stores.

  

Stink, Stink, Stink.  I know it’s not the best way to start an article but to be fair Christmas always brings out the kid in me and I really don’t know any other way to put it, but I am really disappointed with the Kirks Christmas store this year.  Seriously it’s the biggest bore I have ever seen and now I need to re-think my whole Christmas decoration strategy for this year. 

You see ever year since the girls were little we have gone to the Kirkcaldies Christmas Shop to buy our decorations for the tree and I have always bought an heirloom piece, you know the ones you have for forever and bring out year after year.  Well that’s all well and good but this year there is nothing in there that I would buy.

Apart from the fact that the place looks like its nearing the end of Christmas not the start, there still isn’t anything that stands out as a ‘must have’ for this year.  Even the girls both commented that there wasn’t as much ‘cool’ stuff as last year.

Christmas as you know is my favourite time of the year and there really are certain things that I look forward to and this was one of them.  I mean, don’t get me wrong, they have stock if you are into building villages with the little character houses that light up then you’re in luck, but at $364 dollars a pop it’s not what I call “good bang for your buck”.

There are some lovely decorations this year but they just seem to be lacking the ‘wow’ pieces that they have had every other year.  What a shame, it looks like I will have to shop around, so I will keep you posted on how I get on.

It’s still always lovely to take the kids to see and don’t forget Santa is there in December, but just don’t go with high expectations.

Keep a look out also for my Christmas List due any day and it will be under it’s own section to make it easy to find.  Happy Christmas shopping everyone.

Location: Harbour City Centre Mezzanine Floor, Lambton Quay, Wellington.

  We had the party at the weekend, the one with 20 eleven year olds making a pizza as a competition and what comes with eleven year old parties?  Yes, you guessed it, balloons.  Loads and loads of balloons and no we can’t doing anything normal in our house so out comes the compressor to blow the balloons up.  Smart aren’t we, not so smart though when we picked it back up off the floor and realised we had managed to put black grease marks over my carpet.  Stink.

So my very clever Mother suggested I try Cavalier Bremworth Carpet Stain Remover, so I picked some up today at the supermarket and to be fair I wasn’t overly confident as the marks were quite bad.

But I have good news, it worked and worked really well.  The stains are completely gone and what’s even better it was a walk in the park.  Follow the instructions which is spray it on, wait till it dries white and vacuum off, it’s as easy as that.

Pick up a can when you are next at the supermarket as it’s really handy to have, you never know when you are going to need it.  To be fair I haven’t tried it on red wine stains and aren’t keen to test it either for the sake of research but should I get a stain by accident then I’ll keep you posted.  There is also a wet stain remover but I haven’t tried that one, if it’s as good as the Dry Stain Remover then that will be worth having on hand in case of emergencies as well.

It’s a four out of five for me as I haven’t done the red wine stain test.

Available:All supermarkets                         Price:$8.28