This very serious looking cat in the santa outfit would like to point out that you should NEVER buy someone anything alive for Christmas. He is just an illustration.
Ho ho ho!
‘Tis the season to be jolly…. And stress about what to buy your mum, partner and your partner’s sister’s dog.
Because she calls her dog her ‘baby’ and you’re buying stuff for all your partner’s human nieces and nephews so……
Right then! Today we’re bringing you the Mamamia DIY Christmas Gift Guide. It’s a tradition that’s not as old as Santa, but just as important in the Mamamia community and for weeks now we’ve been listening to your calls for ‘HEEEELLLLLPPPP!’
So this is how it works. If you have someone in your life you need to buy a gift for – say, a 5-year-old niece – and you have no idea what 5-year-old girls are into, just leave a comment saying who you have to buy for – with any details about budget etc. Then those who DO have a clue about your gift dilemma can leave their suggestions on what to buy.
It’s not limited to family members. You can ask for suggestions for your friends, colleagues or even your kid’s gay pre-school teacher.
Here’s some examples from the Mamamia Team:
Lucy wants something for her boyfriend. It’s been six months. He likes cars.
Nat‘s in a Kris Kringle and needs to buy something for her boyfriend’s brother’s 23-yr-old girlfriend (who she’s never met).
And Mia needs something for her son. He’s 15. And she’s wondering if she can safely assume he knows Santa doesn’t exist and she might be off the hook? Is there a cut-off age for kids getting Xmas gifts?
Can you help?
We’re hoping you can – because otherwise Mia will be forced to buy her son a sparkly necklace from Mamamia Shopping.
And speaking of Mamamia Shopping (did someone say shameless plug? YES! WE DID!) here are some extra ideas that we are particularly fond of – all CO-INCIDENTALLY available from RIGHT HERE….and did we mention free shipping before xmas if you order this week? That:
MOR Sealed With A Kiss Bauble $12.95
Comments
307 Comments so far
Hi everyone! Im spending Christmas in Bangladesh this year and will be away from my partner
The post system is unreliable so i can’t send him anything i buy here so I’m giving him a plane ticket to Bangladesh but he’s not coming until march so I’d also like to give him something to open on Christmas day and make him think of me until we can see each other. I’ll spend up to $200 on the right gift. Any ideas? Thanks for the help!
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So I need present ideas for my daughter’s teacher who is retiring at the end of the term after 30 years teaching!
Also I’m on the look out for a great diary/family planner for my sister, who is a very busy mum who has her own business. So basically needs to incorporate everything!! Can anyone recommend one?
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Try KikkiK?
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To go with the previous commenter… a “gift for good” is always a good option, and the best thing is that you’ll always get the size right, so no worrying about returns!
Good Return is an Aussie charity which offers gift certificates which are redeemed to provide a micro-loan to a family (usually the mother) living in poverty. With the loan, they’re able to expand a business, grow their income, and finally afford basic necessities – three square meals, medicine, home repairs, education for children. It’s a really unique gift, and not just a gift certificate to show you bought something on someone’s behalf (like a goat). Your loved one logs on and chooses the family that THEY want to help.
Gift certificates start at $25 and you can buy them instantly online. Find out more at http://www.goodreturn.org!
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Every year my MIL would buy my husband and I crap presents. Then one year I saw an ad for The Fred Hollows Foundation and decided that rather then get dust collectors I wanted the money to make a difference. I am blown away by the concept that $25 restores someone’s sight!
Just a suggestion for the “hard to buy for” lot!
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Mia, maybe get your son a nice watch? Or a big fancy Nerf gun? Although, I’m pretty sure my mum’s asked my brother what he wants for Christmas every year since he’s been about 12, else he just ends up with something he doesn’t want, then we just try and find one or two little things (books, clothes as he never buys himself any) to surprise him with.
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Office kris kringle ideas required for a foul-mouthed, bourbon skulling, 45 your old female with no brain/mouth filter, no hobbies, no children, no sense of hygiene and no appreciation for baked goods.
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Yikes… A bottle of bourbon I guess?
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Please help! Im usually okay at gift idea’s, but this one has me stumped.
My KK this year (new workplace) is a 40 something male. Is a lawyer, father and has a tattoo. That is literally all I know about him.
He doesn’t seem the ‘Dad type’ and appear much younger, but at the same time pretty down the line. Our limit is $20.
I would love your help, thanks in advance:)
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I’d get him $20 worth of casino chips lol
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Hi, not sure where I saw it but I’m sure there was something yesterday in a mamamia article about helping a child overseas with their schooling for a year? Like an idea for a Xmas gift. Any info would be great. Just can’t find where I saw it!!! Thanks
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I don’t know who was in the article but there is a great organization Cambodian Children’s fund who do the same thing
http://www.cambodianchildrensfund.org/gifts-that-matter.html
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Thanks so much, I will check it out
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Oxfam. I just bought off there as well : )
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Thanks very much! I’ll have a look
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First my suggestions for Nat: Not sure what your budget is, but how about a OPI mini nail polish set in neon or another colour(bouth one in Myer yesterday for our neighbours daughters for about $20). Or there are the hand care products from Crabtree&Evelyn like hand cream, cuticle cream or exfoliant, really good products and you can buy just one of them or more according to your budget.
I need advice for our friends’ son who is 8. I don’t really know what he is into and our budget is somewhere around between $30-$50.
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Remote control helicopters are always good fun. My nephews have fun with theirs. Otherwise there is always books, board games, lego.
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Mum got a remote control helicopter for my Dad, my boyfriend and my sister’s boyfriend one year. Needless to say they were a huge hit and there was comptitions and arerial combat happening about 10 minutes after they were unwrapped. So not just a present for the young ones!
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Love the nail polish idea! For the 8 year old you can’t go past LEGO
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I would go Lego/Meccano or anything from National Geographic that he can do during the school holidays.
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Thanks for all your suggestions ‘sarzieb’, ‘vivacious’, ‘Mrs M’ and ‘Anonymous’. I think I might go with the board game. Lego is one of my faves too.
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Hi,
I’m looking for ideas for a present for my boyfriends parents(completely stuck). We’ve been dating for 2 years and I’m traveling overseas with the family this holidays.
They cook a lot but seem to have most stuff.
Any ideas would be appreciated!
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We were overseas with my partner’s parents earlier this year and have offered to make them a photo book from their photos of the trip. They haven’t given them to us yet so it is an IOU present, maybe you could offer to do that with the pictures from your overseas trip?
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I was completely stumped for my boyfriends parents too, so I’m making them a hamper of homemade foods – so at least it will hopefully get points on the thoughtful front! So far I’ve made cranberry jam, dukkah, preserved lemons, marinated olives and a mini christmas pudding, and closer to Christmas I’m going to add some shortbread, roasted nuts, marinated fetta and maybe a few other bits and pieces.
I’m putting it all in a Christmassy basket and covering the lids of the jars with festive material so hopefully it will all look nice!
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Well, about to browse through looking for inspiration for lady gifts, but thought I’d share a couple of sites that I use to buy gifts for blokes.
Guys are hard to buy pressies for, particularly as they get older and can buy whatever they want. Also, what they want tend to be large ticket items.
My answer to this conundrum – get them something frivolous and funny. These two sites have frivolous and funny down and are good for boys to (not too serious) men:
http://www.thisiswhyimbroke.com/
http://www.thinkgeek.com/
Can anyone help me with a good site to get pressies for grown up women?
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Just went onto thisiswhyimbroke.com and it is AMAZING! Thanks so much for the link.
I personally love hardtofind.com.au, everything on the site is beautiful and I often buy gifts from there for my girlfriends
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Have you checked out http://www.hardtofind.com.au? Beautiful things, huge price range & a lot of smaller items have free shipping
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Thanks, guys, hardtofind looks good, I’ll have a browse.
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Hoping to get some books for my 9 year old nephew, but no idea what authors/series are targeted for that age. He loves reading before bed, and I would say he’s probably advanced for his age in his reading ability, but I don’t want to buy him books that are too advanced for his maturity, if that makes sense. Any suggestions?
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The “How to Train Your Dragon” Series. by Cressida Cowell
My little bookworm read through the 9 books three times, and is anxiously awaiting reading the recently released 10th.
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My nephew loved the ‘Diary of a Wimpy kid’ series. Quite cartooned based, but got him keen into reading again.
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lemony snickets- awesome!
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The Cherub book series – if he’s into spy/thriller books. I personally love it (I’m 20), but it’s for kids. The books mature as the characters in them do. There are also the Young Bond books.
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Harry Potter series, or is that for younger ones? Just bought a couple for my 7 years old nephew.
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Andy Griifiths is always a winner for that age with such titles as ‘the day my bum went psycho’.
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Bonsai Tree Gardens in Adelaide (Yatala Vale) do the most affordable and amazing range of bonsai. Huge range of accessories and pots as well.
Wheel & Barow always do a great range of homewares, love their picnic basket range.
If someone you know loves Whiskey, you can buy a gift pack from the Australian Whiskey Society. Comes in a beautiful box, 4 large bottles of exclusive whiskey from around the world, tasting notes/ diary and yearly membership. They have tasting nights in different states every few months and you have access to their whiskey society venues around the world with your membership. The whiskey is truly amazing, I used to hate it but am now a convert. My husband absolutely loved this gift. Happy Shopping!
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I shouldn’t have to ask but… 21 year old boyfriend, into his car, LOVES playand watching baseball, wrestling, plays soccer…. Mature for his age but still into younger guy stuff, it is a tricky age!!!
Is also very particular and picky so I find it hard to spend my money on him wisely!!!
any ideas would be great
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My husband is mad for Soccer so i got him a team jersey? Either A-league of EPL. He wears it to Soccer training as well as when he’s watching them on tv and loves it.. That might help?
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I bought mine a Nixon watch. They’re around $200+ but they’re really nice
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Mamamia team
Lucy: topgear magazine subscription
Nat: Kikki k diary and accessories
Mia: Don’t pike on the Santa thing till ur little ones are older, he will tell u himself if he’s over it. Jb hi fi voucher or a camera
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For the socially conscious, or for those hard to buy for (they have everything or you don’t know them well), then consider donating to a charity or ‘buying’ something that gets donated to a family/community in need. Oxfam does Oxfam Unwrapped, which I have both given and received before.
http://www.charitygifts.com.au has some other ideas. And there are presents for all budgets too!
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Ooh I love all these ideas!
I need help with what to get my sister-in-law and her hubby. We are doing a “couples present” rather than one each and the budget is $50. They are in early 30′s with a 1 year old. I was kinda thinking something for outdoor entertaining (but I don’t know what), or something house-ish? Any ideas much appreciated!!
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Hmmm. A plant might be good, something easy to look after. Otherwise they might be able to use serving platters/bowls/servers?
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a Hammock!
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It’s $58 but there’s a Cool Bar from Big W that’s perfect for outdoor entertaining and could be a great gift. I realise it’s a bit over budget but thought I’d share anyway.
http://catalogues.bigw.com.au/offer/iceboxes-coolers/cool-bar/4sumfpw0r.html?source=catalogue
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My husband & I have a 10 month old. People have asked us what we’d like & we suggested a dinner voucher for a restaurant in our area for a “date night”. If you’re feeling extra generous, throw in some free babysitting!
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This is great!
I need to get a KK gift $20 for my partner’s brother.
He’s blokey, 30, getting married in April, loves footy and boats and drinking and works really hard doing physical things. He’s always helping people with fixit jobs in his limited spare time and is step-dad to two young kids.
I’d like to get something other than booze or chocolates.
I know he’s nervous about being the centre of attention at his wedding so maybe something to do with that?
Any ideas appreciated!
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Living social has vouchers for these at the moment, get in quick for delivery by xmas:
http://www.customnrl.com.au/prolist.asp?tags=TIG
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A book on how to make a successful wedding speech??
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I’m stuck for almost everyone but mainly my best friend who doesn’t have any hobbies or really like anything- she’s eighteen years old and even harder to buy for than my Dad!
Also does anyone have any ideas for not too expensive gifts for acquaintance type friends? My works mates are 32, 24 and 20 and am not sure what to get any of them..
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Try nice sets of beauty prodz from myer or somewhere, or you could go to kikki k and get some pretty stationery. Another option is to visit hardtofind.com.au, they always have nice stuff for all budgets. Hope that helps you
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help me help me!
I have a father who has requested no clothing, watches no tv, doesnt read, has no hobbies but golf and recently decked himself out with new golfing equipment. How is a present for a person of this criteria even possible?
And yep, i’ve already exhausted everything bbq related.
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How about a watch, wallet, sunglasses, or a new fragrance if he wears one. There is always alcohol, my dad isn’t a big drinker but loves getting it as a gift. You can get some nice mixed beer packs, some are from different countries.
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I know you said your father doesn’t read, but he would most likely read a golf magazine by the sounds of it. Get him a subscription.
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Not sure where you live but Red Balloon does great experience vouchers, your dad can book in at a time that suits. Here’s a link to a golfing one in Melbourne (I think they’re all around Australia too)
http://www.redballoon.com.au/outdoor-activities/golf-lessons-rounds/golf-lesson-with-a-pga-pro
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My father has everything, needs nothing and if he wants something he buys it.
When he played golf I bough him a portable golf ball cleaner and a golf ball monogrammer. Both were great gifts.
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great post idea!
i need something for my staff – the company gives them gift cards and a cash bonus, but i just wanted to get them something small also, preferably inexpensive. i would prefer to get them all the same gift – and i have a 59 year old male, a 35 year old male, 2 late 30s ladies and a teenage guy. if anyone has any ideas outside of the ‘coffee cup filled with chocs’ that would be appreciated!
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Could you bake something? Everyone loves food! Shortbread, rum balls or white Christmas in cellophane or white Chinese containers and some nice ribbon? Otherwise you could take them for drinks with the first round on you?
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I remember my boss once gave us all an Oxfam Unwrapped gift. I think my present was a hen to a family
Although it wasn’t me donating the money, I felt pretty good about it because it was kind of done in my name. Something different!
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Movie tickets? Or instant scratchies? That said no one is every disappointed with chocolate.
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I tell you one thing that I don’t want for Christmas…..another bloody miniature photo of the niece and nephews !
A bag of Smith’s Crisps would be preferable and it costs about the same as the photo ! Even less if the photo comes without a frame…and it usually does !
Oh….I’m going to get so drunk !
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(Working on the assumption that one good plug deserves another….)
Mia, if your elder son still likes cooking, perhaps you would like to give him this Recipe Organiser Box for Christmas?
http://www.phoenix-trading.com.au/web/jacietaylor/area/shop-online/category/organiser-boxes/product/OB2/recipe-box/
You could also get matching recipe cards and write on them for him some of his favourite recipes that you have cooked, or ones that have been passed down through your (or your husband’s) family.
It’s suitable for males or females, all ages, and is the sort of useful gift that isn’t more clutter as it helps sort out the kind of things you have to keep…..also it means he will think of you whenever he uses it
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When I was thirteen and loved cooking my mum got me a recipe box, from DJ’s or somewhere. I loved it and still have and use it much later on. This is a lovely present idea, but only if he still likes to cook
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You’re right, it’s definitely better received by someone who actually likes to cook, or who likes to be organised (Lana – double whammy?). It’s also good for a “leaving home” present – write your family recipes down in that, as your mum did for you.
I think it’s extra nice when you’re reading a recipe written in someone else’s handwriting – really makes you think of them whenever you cook it.
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some great ideas for kids especially if your looking for something a bit different to the standard plastic garbage around. The kids treehouse is so beautiful gift for a young boy but is expensive
he Djeco kits – great gifts for 5- 10 year old kids who like crafty type things
http://www.dragonflytoys.com.au
I have bought heaps of stuff from here this year
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I should add, we run LOADS of workshops, especially in Melbourne on skills such as Make your own natural skincare, jam making, pickling, making edible gifts. We’re always happy to offer a workshop voucher or even run a workshop in someone’s home for something a bit different. Email me for details cate@greenrenters.org
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I’m from the not for profit Green Renters. We have a small online shop where we sell upcycled gifts which are sourced in Melbourne using recycled materials, you can see them at http://greenrenters.org/store?tid=830
All sales fund us to run free workshops in rural and isolated areas.
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I’m stuck for ideas for my 10yo girl.
Nothing electronic, no books or music, these are taken care of.
Or stationery.
Something about $100 ish?
If you like handmade gifts, these ladies make wonderful quality products for women/girls:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/DustyJo
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ShadeOfABonsai
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Oragami? Nice (expensive) beads to make jewelry? A basic cross stitch set? A window ledge gArden? A kitten?
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I remember getting a really nice “grown up” type watch when I was about that age. I loved it, made me feel all adult – in the way only a kid can feel grown up. I also got a very pretty ring at about that age that I still have even though it is now too small for me. I plan on giving it to a future daughter.
I love the cross stitch idea though, I was mad about cross stich at about age 12.
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I couldn’t believe it when my friend told me how kris kringle/secret santa works at her office.
Everyone has to buy a $10 present for their KK FOR 6 DAYS. One present for each day! On day 7 they have to give a $40 present!!!!!
$100 for a random colleague?! Ridic!
Happy shopping everyone!
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That’s totes ridic!
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Everyone should check out http://www.hammamas.com.au for great presents for anyone. Especially those people you dont know very well.
I have four myself and wish I had more!!
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If buying a present for an adult is a little tricky, I always choose alcohol for them! Most people love getting a bottle of wine, champagne or spirits. Even if you don’t know their particular taste in wine, it’s hard to go TOOO wrong. Plus, if they don’t like it for some reason, it’s always easy and popular to take along to a party or other gathering, or even to regift. Plus it’s easy to buy within almost any budget. I had to buy a $15 present for an unnamed recipient in my office Kris Kringle, so I bought a bottle of Margaret River sav blanc. That’s a present I’d be happy to receive,,,
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Lol, that would be my worst nightmare!!
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I would happily receive that cookiebanana, Evans and Tate is my old faithful
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It seems my post got lost…
I need gift ideas for my bestie. I know it should be easy but we’ve been buying gifts for so many years that its hard to be creative each time. And its her birthday right after xmas so I need double ideas.
She’s not a girly girl and doesnt really wear makeup, although she likes big statement necklaces. She cooks but isnt enamoured by it. She doesnt play any sport although she’s trying to get fitter lately. she’s very career focused and very organised.
Also, she’s on a more limited budget that me – so I try not to spend too much/make it obvious when I have spent more because I dont want her to feel bad. So say $50 limit.
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What about a nice leather diary/organiser or a pen engraved? If she loves organising and making lists this might suit her: )
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I just bought my bestie a really cute pair of pjs from Peter Alexander’s. otherwise, what about a memory books from Kiki k, a really nice diary for the next year or some new workout clothes. Hope that helps, good luck xxx
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you could get her an engraved swarovsky pen
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My sister in law makes some brilliant personalised hand-stamped jewellery http://www.lovelypair.com.au
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Help!!!
I need a present for work Kris Kringle:
$15 – $20, has to be “Blue” and “Circle”, to suit both male and female
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With a small budget, ebay is your friend. Or etsy.
Funky blue coasters? I really dont know, The unisex element makes this really hard!
A wine bottle holder?
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Dark Lindor balls. They are the ones in the blue wrapper, you can get a whole box of them and they suit men and women. Yum!
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Really like vivacious’s idea yum! Other than that maybe blue ray DVDs, a mirror, medi ball, tea cup, platter, giant freckles or a painting? Tricky!
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Really like vivacious’s idea yum! Other than that maybe blue ray DVDs, a mirror, medi ball, tea cup, platter, giant freckles or a painting? Tricky!
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i would head straight to dusk and get a candle, they are good quality and relatively inexpensive.
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Thanks all, some great ideas there, especially Vivacious’s.
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My sister – is 20 and a girly girl, lives in a sharehouse in Melb, loves fashion & makeup…I was thinking of a voucher to get her nails done ?? I can only afford something $25-50 (Not a lot I know!) Could anyone rec a great nail place or beautician in Melb?
Mum- 53 years old..would probably like a gift rather than an ‘experience’. She likes gardening (but we’re renting) and home-y things.
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Whats your budget for your mum?
You can get super cute gardening sets -a trowel and rake in a girly print. they’re good for balcony gardening.Or gardening gloves. Try http://www.bristolandbrooks.com.au/ The gloves are only $30.
Plenty of other homey things on that website too.
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Get her Amazing Face by Zoe Foster- amazing gift!
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I got it for her birthday!! haha
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Might be running out of time but each year I do a planter pot for my Mum with parsley, basil and dill – all herbs that she uses heaps over Christmas. She loves it and now each October will give me back the pot all cleaned out and ready to be potted up again.
Maybe instead of a voucher get your sister a couple of OPI nail polishes? That way she gets to keep them all year. My sister got me the mini range last year and I think of her everytime I use them.
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Get her a clay face mask, just a tube and a silky dressing gown. Dressing gowns and skincare work well for my sister.
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In case it inspires anyone, here’s a list of gifts I’ve bought recently:
For men: xbox games, hugo boss cufflinks, a turkish coffee ‘ibrik’ and gourmet coffee, a digital radio with funky rewind and record options, tshirt with slogans from their favourite shows, Molton Brown shower products (the black pepper smells amazing), restaurant voucher, a foam roller for stretch after running, a vintage looking drinks tub (bbq galore, excellent for parties), a mens clothing valet stand (ebay)…
For women: Jamie Oliver’s 15min meals and a selection of food goodies, random necklace and earrings from Kmart (so cheap!), a 32 piece makeup brush set and some paintpot eyeshadows from mac, a birght blue crystal nail file and burts bees cuticle cream, Vue champagne saucers, manicure gift vouchers and OPI nailpolishes, Kitchenaid mixer, Lorna Jane gym tops, a kindle and kindle case, an iphone case with a slot for credit cards etc, the new revlon lip balm stains…
When I can remember more, I’ll add to the list. Hope this inspires somebody!
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Also for men, a good quality suit bag for travelling. Not one of the really bulky ones but better quality than the thin ones that come free with a suit.
And for a more general dont-know-what-to-get gift – I find a cute little bonsai seems to go down a treat!
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Great list! Definitely have to back you up on the revlon lip balm stains (crayon looking ones!) just brought myself two and I love them!!
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Good list. Can I be added to your list? A kitchen aid mixer is a damn good present.
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I got it for my mother, who claimed she wanted it and one year later its still in its box, unopened! I’m tempted to break in a steal it back!!
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What about Anne of Green Gables? I just ordered the set for my neice.
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I need some ideas for a person who should be esy to buy for – my bestie.
Its her birthday 3 days after christmas so I need double the number of ideas.
Over the (many) years I’ve given her jewellery, bags, beauty stuff, gift voucher for a manicure etc – so I am looking for things that are a little unique.
She’s not a girly girl and doesnt wear much make up although will do her nails. She likes bright colours, especially blue. She doesnt exercise much but is trying to do more to lose weight. She likes to read. She likes to cook.
Help please!
So far I’ve gotten her an amazon voucher (so she can buy books for her kindle) and some misc items for xmas but I am stumped for other ideas.
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This is too late for this year but perhaps you can bare it in mind for next year.
My daughter got a fancy diary for her best friends last birthday. She slipped random photos taken of the two of them together that had been taken over the years and wrote “remember whens”…on the back of the photos, she put in photos of her friend that were taken by her over the years and wrote little memories of the occasions. She wrote random quotes through the journal and general feel good type stuff. Around Easter time she hand wrote the recipe for the Easter biscuits that her friend liked so much and ditto for the rum balls at Christmas. She did assorted things on pages i.e. (one example) on one page she drew a little shooting star and underneath it she wrote “make a wish”, she put in a dried lavender sprig and wrote “when you’re feeling down breathe deeply”. She wrote things on pages about her friend’s good qualities and why she loves her so much. She handmade those fancy book marks that you make for book corners.
Her friend loved the book and said that she would cherish it forever.
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I did something similar for a couple who are both very good friends of mine, it was a good-bye present, so I did a photo album with more or less the story of our friendship. It had 2 photos slots per page, so I put photos in some of the slots from various events/special moments we’ve had, and others I filled with bits of coloured paper with a sort of poem-story on it that continued throughout the whole book, going from the first day we met until their going away party. I also used to bake for them a lot, so I put some of their favourite recipes on coloured paper in some slots too. I think it would be an awesome Christmas present though, it’s an awesome opportunity to show how you really feel about your friend and to bring back some amazing memories when you’re going through old photos to put in!
Also, I don’t really think it’s too late to do this year, I did the whole thing in pretty much one night, plus I’d gone through the day before and found all the photos I needed to print.
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My best friend got really into cooking last year so I put together a whole heap of cooking stuff. I bought a mixing bowl and filled it with stuff like spatulas, wooden spoons, apron, recipe book then I put some chocolate bars (she loves chocolate and wrapped it all in cellophane. Her favourite colour is green so I got all the stuff in green, even the spatulas those silcone ones. It would be easy to find in blue though.
Another idea that i’ve done this year for another friend is an inspiration jar. You can buy them ready made but I wanted to personalise mine. She LOVES books too so I went and found a lot of quotes from different books, movies, music and just general inspirational quotes. Her favourite colour is purple so I printed them on different shades of thin cardboard, rolled them up, tied them with twine and put them in a glass jar!
Hope that helped : )
p.s If you liked the idea of the jar i’d be happy to tell you the sites that have them online
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I’d love the links for those inspiration jars. Sounds sweet
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The Michelle Bridges workout gear at Big W has beautiful shades of blue – they’re decent sizes and are good quality. You could get her a set of that stuff for $50.
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I so need help this year! I am organising small gifts from Santa on behalf of my Grandmother… Budget is $10pp and I don’t know these kids at all:
4.5yo boy
11yo girl
15yo boy
Thank you for any suggestions!
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I’ve bought my kids (3 and 6) bath crayons (for drawing on themselves and the bath) and tubs of slime and this gooey stuff that bounces when rolled into a ball for under $10. They had lots of fun with them but they are a bit messy so depends whether the parents are ok with their kids getting messy. For the older kids I really don’t know.
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The 4.5 yr old- Anything Transformers, Cars, Toy Story, Fireman Sam, Spiderman etc is a hit: ) (Can you tell I have one?). I would also look at DVD’s or totem tennis.
11 yr old – Something from Smiggle for school next year? Something shiny from Diva? A little roll on perfume or pack of Lipsmackers in the little Christmas gift pack?
15 yr old- ITunes voucher, music DVD, CD, Surfbrand wallet ( I have bought my son one for $10).
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For the littly, bubbles are always a hit. For the older girl, smiggle. For the olcer boy… Lollies?
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4.5yo boy – A little bubble blowing set – I got one last year from my grandfather and I was 18… you can tell he had no idea. Otherwise, if he’s into cars (because what boy at that age isn’t?) you could get him a cheap car mat that has roads and houses and carparks drawn onto it. I had one when I was little and to this day I wish I still did! You can get the cheap plastic versions for $10, the carpet ones are usually more expensive.
11yo girl – Maybe a pretty diary? I loved that stuff when I was that age, the ones that have a little lock and key are the best! Or maybe some face glitter or bath bombs or some cheap scented bubble bath? They were the best gifts when I was 11.
15yo boy – Maybe a $10 iTunes giftcard?
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4.5yo boy – $10 slip-n-slide from Big W, perfect for summer.
11yo girl – nail polish, cute stationary.
15yo boy – $10 iTunes voucher.
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http://hardtofind.com.au/
Love it.
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their cotton turkish beach towels are fabulous- summery, colourful and so much smaller than a beach towel for those who love trips to the beach/pool
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Mamamia team idea:
Lucy: Car cleaning kit, mats, usual crap
.. Or a photo of you in a frame he can hang from the rear vision mirror! 
Nat: iTunes gift voucer
Mia: iTunes gift voucher!
(Assuming he has an ipod/ipad) If not and he’s into games, maybe a voucher or a promise to purchase on Steam (online gaming portal – most popular for best games digitally downloaded. I don’t know one 15 year old boy who doesn’t like Steam).
Or then maybe a skateboard, something sporty, surfboard…….
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Lol!
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I can’t emphasise enough how much I love this post. A couple of years ago I was stuck on what to get my husband & someone suggested a dremel, let me just say he reminds me all the time what an awesome present it was.
Thankyou to the reader that suggested it (you never know you might even see this) & thanks mamamia for this fantastic stress-reducing post!
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I need a present idea for my 21 year old brother. Ridiculously intelligent, in an annoying smug sorta way! Very into history, reads all books about ancient Romans and knights and stuff. Was thinking I could get something for him and his girlfriend to do together, but this is mainly because I can’t think of anything for him! Also likes music, drinking, poker etc etc etc all your usual 21 year old guy stuff!
HELP!
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I’m with you.
Your brother sounds like my boyfriend.
Help us!
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some ideas for Shaye:
http://shop.abc.net.au/products/decisive-battles-of-the-3dvd
http://www.popcultcha.com.au/roman-vexiiarius-figure-p-4058.html
http://www.popdeluxe.net/whisky-whiskey-stones-teroforma.html
http://www.popcultcha.com.au/doctor-rory-roman-auton-cardboard-standee-p-9891.html
http://www.popcultcha.com.au/think-geek-symbol-cube-tray-p-10320.html
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Alcohol, something he would not buy himself, like a bottle of scotch and a geeky t-shirt something big bang theory, doctor who, ect.
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haha i feel like i buy him alcohol every at every gift giving opportunity so its definitely going to be my fall back! I’m not sure i explained properly, he is more into reading factual books about those times.. not so much into the ‘geeky’ type things like figurines and doctor who. quite well-dressed (earns good money for his age) and wants for nothing.. UGH!
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Give him a one year subscription to Warcraft lol (he sounds like the kind of guy who would play it ;P )
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What TV shows is he into? If he’s really into something, you could get him a boxset. Or a boxset of DVD’s on the ancient Romans, lol. Otherwise maybe get him a really geeky game or a book?
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A board game – no seriously, there is a whole world of amazing games for adults, and I’m not talking about “adult games”.
Go into a proper game shop and ask the guys there. My partner is a gamer and prior to meeting him I thought board games peaked at Monopoly, how wrong was I. Games I love playing are:
Settlers of Catan – awesome game – available everywhere, cult following, I would totally recommend this one
San Juan – very strategic, widely available.
Seven Wonders – a bit like San Juan, very strategic, usually available.
Glory to Rome – good for a history buff but hard to find, and you want the black box edition becuase the first edition was awful. Milsons in Melbourne recently had it in stock
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A board game – no seriously, there is a whole world of amazing games for adults, and I’m not talking about “adult games”.
Go into a proper game shop and ask the guys there. My partner is a gamer and prior to meeting him I thought board games peaked at Monopoly, how wrong was I. Games I love playing are:
Settlers of Catan – awesome game – available everywhere, cult following, I would totally recommend this one
San Juan – very strategic, widely available.
Seven Wonders – a bit like San Juan, very strategic, usually available.
Glory to Rome – good for a history buff but hard to find, and you want the black box edition becuase the first edition was awful. Milsons in Melbourne recently had it in stock
And I saw someone below suggesting the Guiness Book of Records for a kid – from experience adult boys like them too!
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Thanks so much everyone!
Oceans your right, he does play Warcraft (at leats he did when we were teenagers so I assume he still does!).. Will suss out whether he is subscribed or not.
Vivacious.. Time for me to get googling! They sound great.
The other idea I had this morning as I drove past a Rare and Old Bookshop.. was to maybe get him an old, rare book from back in those times. I gave the shop a call and they have one that was written by/with Julius Caesar about his wars at the time, as in his commentary on the wars and what not. If anyone knows whether a book like this would be worth the massive price tag (Iclearly know nothing about the subject, but it definitely sounds like something my brother would be VERY interested in) I would love some opinions?! Outside the square I know..!
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A nice poker set if he doesn’t already have one.
I agree with others that there’s lots of good ‘nerdy’ adult board games that are highly strategic that I know a lot of my similar-aged friend play, I think my cousins got my then 18-year-old brother one called Carcassonne one year that he really liked.
The best Christmas present I have ever got was when I was about 19, and a board game called Articulate, my siblings, cousins, aunt, uncle and parents (aged then from 17-69) spent all Christmas Day and Boxing Day playing it, the only thing is you need at least 4 people to play, more is better, so since then I only ever seem to play it at Christmas/Easter when we have lots of people over.
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So I’m a big believer in hand baked goods, or hand made ones! What you can do is buy a huge Tupperware/ whatever container that has a rack in the middle. Then fill it with yummy things like fudge, biscotti, truffles etc. Bonus points for including the recipe, and freezing instructions/ containers for the portion conscious, and try taste.com.au for recipe ideas!
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Great idea!
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Lucy- My hubby is into cars too & loves his remote control car- it’s a proper high tech one, not a cheapo from Target. Hours of fun!
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For anyone who is in the same boat as me – has a Mum who is asking what to get you for Christmas … I just spent a few hours on Asos and sent her links of everything that I would have bought, if I could afford it at this time of year! So she can pick and choose what to get me and by the time Christmas comes around, I’ll have almost forgotten/will be like getting an Asos delivery!!
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I’ve done the same on shopbop – I created a wishlist and then let people pick from the list. That way I got something I liked but there was also an element of surprise because I didnt know which item they had picked!
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Everyone in our family has to write a list – in theory. My partner and my Dad are still hopeless and we only have one for my brother-in-law because my sister practically tortures it out of him. Lists are the best.
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Lists are great if the person asking for the list actually pays any attention to it!
Year in, year out my SIL asks for a detailed list of what my children would like. I put things on it that I know they really want and then dont buy it for them, because, I assume, that she will buy it for them.
SHE NEVER DOES! Why does she waste her time and my time when she has her own idea anyway???
I, of course, always follow her list suggestion for her children. So come Christmas Day, she has very happy children, I have children putting on their polite faces pretending they like the useless stuff that Aunty has bought them.
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My sister has got me something not on my list this year but she has awesome taste so that is ok, but I know what you mean. I did end up with a strange garden ornament for no particular reason from someone last year.
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The ABC shop usually has great stuff for a variety of ages. I just discovered there’s a Horrible Histories Box set of series 1-4, and if you’re a fan like me, series 4 is out on it’s own as well.
Great purchase for tweens/teens. I don’t think I know any kids who don’t like Horrible Histories!
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My 18 year old daughter still gets Santa presents, plus one from me as well. I think I do it more for me than her, because I don’t want to imagine a time when the tree doesn’t have a stack of gifts under it on Christmas morning. And, I still wait for her to go to bed before I put them out! That’s getting harder and harder though – I suspect I might have to set my alarm at 3am to get up and do it this year!
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Ok I need 2 book ideas (these kids get a LOT of ‘stuff’ so I prefer to give books)
One for an 11yo girl who is a really advanced reader
The other for an 8yo boy
Any ideas from the parents/teachers out there? Ta
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Hi Anonymous,
I’m a parent and an English teacher…so here are a few suggestions of mine.
There are a few great novel sets for younger readers. So for your son, there are the Zac Power series. Or any of the novels by Roald Dahl are always good options. Harry Potter would go down well too, I’m sure.
Another idea would be a non-fiction book if there are any topics your son is in to. I remember getting a Guinness Book of Records for Christmas one year which I loved. A book about the universe? So many options!
For your daughter, maybe a classic like the Wizard of Oz or The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. I loved The Railway Children when I was younger. Black Beauty, Roald Dahl’s ‘Boy’.
Anything by John Marsden…the Ellie Chronicles, or the Tomorrow Series is BRILLIANT.
Hope that helps.
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I’m not sure which books but have a look at bookdepositery.com
They have lots of books and free shipping
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For the 11yo advanced reader, try the Philip Pullman “Dark Materials” series, the John Marsden “Tomorrow, When the War Began” series
As for the 8yo, how about going to a swapmeet or garage sale and getting a whole stack of vintage “Goosebumps” books, or something similar? You could put them in a basket and make a bit of a theme…
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Hi Anon, If 11yo liked or has read The Hunger Games, then try the “Divergent” series by Veronica Roth (2nd book “Insurgent” also available). For 8yo – maybe a book about something he’s into? My son (7 and half) loves dinosaurs and bugs. Also loves the “Ripley’s Believe It or Not” annuals. Activity books (puzzles, word search, etc), adventure stories (esp. if read by someone else), Roald Dahl, Dr Suess….LOVE getting books as presents!
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8 year old boy: Avoid the SUPER obvious ones, he’s no doubt ready Diary of a Wimpy Kid (which is HILARIOUS), etc – try Chris Colfer’s new Land of Stories which is loads of fun, anything by John Marsden
11 year old girl: There’s a spy girl series called the Gallegher Girls which is quite popular.
If neither of these fit the bill, go to a smaller book retailer – they tend to listen to their customers a little more and always have something interesting for younger readers.
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I’m not sure how advanced your 11 year old girl is but here are a few suggestions- Sisterhood of Travelling Pants, Harry Potter, Series of Unfortunate Events, Any of the Meg Cabot books eg. The princess diaries, Inkheart, The Theif Lord. For the 8 year old boy the Selby books, Captain Underpants, Deltora Quest and Famous Five. Hope that helps!
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for the eight year old boy – I highly recommend Andy Griffiths “Schooling Around” series – there is 4 or 5 books in the series.
My son loved them. Otherwise, I second the vote for Diary of the Wimpy kids series – my son read them over and over.
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For the 11 year old Kate Hunter’s Mosquito Advertising books – I think there are three in the series?
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For the 11yr old advanced reader here are a few series suggestions…
Modern Australian -Mosquito advertising
Mystery – Nancy drew/ trixie beldon
Fantasy – rangers apprentice
Action – Cherub series or Anthony Horowitz Stormbreaker.
Sorry, I cant help much for little boys – only ones that came to mind were Andy Griffith “just disgusting/kidding/gross” series.
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For 11 yr old girl I’d go the gorgeous new Australian classics released by penguin icluding picnic at hanging rock and seven little Austalians .http://www.littlebookroom.com.au/blogs/the-little-bookroom-1/6952050-choosing-books-for-gifts-classics-for-9-to-12-year-olds
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The Takeshita Demons series by Cristy Burne are good for 8 year old boys or girls and a little bit different, so less likely the child will already have them. She’s an Aussie author.
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My 7 year old boy loves reading the Zac Power books and they come in different levels too.
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Thank you everyone! Ill look up those suggestions x
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Girl: tamora pierce (fantasy), anne of green gables/little women, robin klein (eg came back to show you i could fly, people might hear you).
Boy: paul jennings or the diary of a wimpy kid series.
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Another vote for 7 Little Australians, I think I was that age when I first read it and loved it, plus I think it’s more likely to be a book that she hasn’t already read/doesn’t already have, and she can re-read it and keep it forever, 10 years later I still love re-reading it, even if it does make me cry!
Also, I can remember mum reading us the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe books when we were kids and we liked them, although I seem to remember there were quite a few in the series and we got sick of them in the end, but the first couple were good.
For the boy, maybe a non-fiction book on Dinosaurs? Most young boys seem to like dinosaurs, and there’s lots of kids-aimed books about them, full of pictures and random facts.
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Hi
Im an 11 year old girl and I love Cornelia Funke books. Also try getting her Gone by Michael Grant
Hope this helps:)
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My 7 year old son. He used to be so easy to buy for – anything with ben 10 on it would have worked.
He doesnt really watch tv, so doesnt have a fave show. Not into video games. Not into sports. He loves art, but has every art product known to man. He’d be happy if I bought him something pink and sparkly, but the problem there is going too feminine. He loves to read, but already has a million books and has all the series he loves. Stuck.
Also, we get the kids one ‘big’ present each year – last year it was a trampoline they all have to share (obviously) – this year we got out little girl a trike, our middle son a pair of skates, and we are stuck what to get the 7 year old (he has a scooter, a bike, a cd player, doesnt like skateboards and we don’t want to get him and his brother the same present as they’re less than a year apart and get sick of everyone treating them like twins).
Go!
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I saw a cool go-cart looking thing in the toys r us catelogue yesterday. Could be something different? Also lots of the art stores have DIY packs (e.g. printing a t-shirt, decorating an umbrella etc etc).
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What about an activity present instead? Day out at a museum/movies/fun park/science exhibit? Or enrol him in an art class for little ones?
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Blow up Pool?
Or my friends son loves his sports net (the kind you can kick/throw a ball into)
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What about Creator lego sets – where he can build 3 models from one set of lego. I used to buy them for my son as the same age and he loved them.
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MP3 player. iPod or equivalent with a little docking station speaker thing
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What about a camera?
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His Nanny bought him one of those last year, which is great for him but not so great for my christmas list haha
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If he likes pink and sparkly but you don’t want him being teased for anything feminine I recommend the Lush soap shop. My son (8) likes all things sparkly so sometimes I buy him some of their soaps and shower gels. I know it sounds like a strange present for a little boy but he loves them. You can get sparkly ones and metallic ones and ones with different scents. Not as a main present but as a stocking filler so he gets his sparkly fix?
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Thats a fantastic idea! I would never have thought of that. Thanks
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http://www.dragonflytoys.com.au/shop/imagine/wooden-treehouse-products/Wooden-Treehouse/
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hi, not sure where my post went either but
for kids in that 7 – 10 years age group try http://www.dragonflytoys.com.au
they have some great gifts for kids into craft and art in the djeco packs and the treehouse is just beautiful although expensive
i found heaps of things for nieces and nephews on here this year
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What about a model building kit? You know one of those really detailed ones to build a sailing ship or a WW2 plane? I know quite a few guys who loved those as tweens / teens.
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Our son was just given an Ezi-Roller for his birthday. It sits low to the ground, bit like a Green Machine, but you don’t pedal, rather push …. Hmmm it’s hard to explain! Here’s the link
http://ezyroller.com.au/
He loves it and it gets a lot of attention! Suitable for 5-14 year olds
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Not sure about a big present, but for smaller ones, maybe some puzzles (not jigsaw puzzles, I mean like rope/metal whatever puzzles that you’ve got to untangle/rearrange), I think places like Socrates and Australian Geographic have some, also various science-y kits from Australian Geographic, quite often they’re ‘make your own…’ (hovercraft, slime etc), which might appeal as he’s obviously quite creative. Also, my brother’s favourite present as a kid was a water rocket, I recently bought one from the CSIRO online shop, it was great for keeping him and his friends entertained at birthday parties too!
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Get him a couple of really big canvases and something new and fun like spray paint or an air brush, or a pottery wheel (I actually saw some for $30 at a mall stall the other day.)
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How about a remote control plane – some of them you can even put together/decorate yourself (may require adult help).
I was thinking about the ‘pink and sparkly’ its not a gift idea per se, but perhaps you could find something in that weird paint that changes colours at different angles – if you could find the pink/orange/yellow kind of combination it would still be pink and sparkly, but also not quite so obviously ‘girly’
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Can I jump in here pre-emptively and be That Person who suggests charity gifts – for the right person of course. Not everyone appreciates them, but if you pick the right person, they are truly fabulous gifts. Places I’ve used in the past:
Donate to somewhere on someone’s behalf. You could try Starlight, Make A Wish or Red Cross. http://www.starlight.org.au/Pages/default.aspx http://www.makeawish.org.au/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=1623 http://www.redcross.org.au/
Buy a tangible gift from somewhere like Oxfam or World Vision which will benefit you, the recipient and the maker: http://www.oxfamshop.org.au http://www.worldvision.com.au/Home.aspx
Buy a chicken, some stationery, or a birthing kit from somewhere like TEAR or Oxfam. Last year I bought midwife training in Africa for my dear student midwife friend. She loved it. http://www.usefulgifts.org/
My new favourite is Kiva, which I first heard about on Mamamia. You choose someone to lend to and magically, they get the loan to improve their life AND you eventually get the money back! I absolutely love the concept. Lots of relatives this year are getting Kiva cards, where I fund the loan and they get to choose the recipient and receive the repayments so they can lend again. Awesome. http://www.kiva.org/
There are many more but these are my favourites. Happy shopping!
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Catherine Hamlin from the Fistula Hospital in Ethiopia has some great gifts on her site, including beautiful scarves for only $20, her books, coffee and other things. You can also buy gifts for the patients.
I agree to buy from charities if you can and also buy local. Go to your local markets and buy from people who have made their things whether it be food or gifts.
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You could also buy an everyday hero gift card and then THEY choose the charity to donate to. http://www.everydayhero.com.au
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Yeah, I think charity gifts are ok IF the person asks for them. I have found in the past the person who gives them to everyone is only too happy to receive extravagent gifts from others but doesnt like reciprocating. I would never just buy them for everyone. Some people only receive a gift at Christmas and really look forward to opening something on Christmas Day. Sometimes I dont get anything, except my gift from my parents, because I’m busy shopping for everyone else. My kids makes stuff which is lovely and my husband and I dont exchange gifts as its an expensive time of year. So that one present I get from my parents is something I really look forward to. If they gave me a charity gift I would be disappointed. There’s nothing wrong with receiving a nice present.
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Mia- can you just ask your son? Im 23 and still get pressies from Santa lol. My mum has been somewhat harassing me the last few days to tell her what I want for Christmas so she can get all her shopping done before she goes away (she comes back on xmas eve lol)
Jam and Nat- how about Real Techniques makeup brushes? They’re supposed to be amazing (designed by Pixiewoo) and Priceline carries a couple of different travel sets at around $45?
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hey guys- I made another post about a minute or two before this one asking for gift ideas for my dad.. i’m guess because I made two in a row that one was rejected as spam? just wondering if you could post it because I do really need help haha thanks!
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