Beast & Beauty Xmas Gift Guide…Part One: For the Girls!

Time for the craziness to begin! From tonight’s late night shopping the madness of ridiculous shopping hours shall begin. Get ready to battle for parking, take up arms for trolleys and grapple for the gift wrapping booth. All in the name of Christmas, whilst being ordered to get into the spirit by random spruikers, Santa, his elves and overplayed carols in every store!

That is exactly why I avoid Christmas shopping in December. I like to look out for perfect presents during the year and store them in the top of my wardrobe ready for the tree in December. Alas, I digress…If like me there are still a few people you need to buy for allow me to make a few suggestions.

Legendary Ladies: Mum and Mother In-Law

These women spend far too much of their time supporting, guiding and nurturing everyone else. In fact I am pretty sure that wherever you are spending your Christmas this year these ladies will be spending quite a bit of the day making sure things run smoothly in the kitchen. Therefore, when it comes to gifts you really want to spoil them and make them feel special. No appliances, No boring cardigans, No handkerchiefs.

Why not make them feel truly fabulous with a massage voucher or hair salon voucher? But do your research, choose a place they are already familiar with, not just somewhere random. Other ideas for Mum are gifts she would never buy herself such as jewellery or perfume, but how about thinking outside the box. Why not some lovely gourmet tea for you to brew up over long chats you can order great stuff from T2 or Teadrop. Or a gorgeous embroidered bath robe with a lovely candle from Glasshouse or Dusk and some bath goodies from The Body Shop or Lush? Or a new Oroton handbag filled with a gorgeous wallet, compact mirror and makeup bag with a few goodies.

Blushing Beauties: Girlfriend or Sister

Sisters can fit into the same category here but for girlfriends this can tricky as it often depends on how long the lady has been in your life. Big isn’t always better and often it’s better to receive something you know the other person has thought about.

If your girl is a fitness fanatic how about a new gym bag from Lorna Jane, yoga mat or leather Everlast boxing gloves? If you really want to wow her include a new ipod preloaded with some awesome fast paced workout tracks.

If she is bookish and super organised you really cant go past a diary or organiser from Notemaker, some funky stationary from Typo  and a few books you know she has been dying to read. Or you could up the ante by adding a Kindle to the mix.

For the beauty junkie…This really should be easy, but it is possibly one of the hardest depending on her personal tastes. Do some research, then fill a basket from Adore with a range of must have beauty items. I’m talking Urban Decay’s Naked 2 Palette, YSL Lipsticks, Benefit’s They’re Real Mascara, M.A.C. Eye Shadow Pigments and Lipsticks and anything else you think she might love. Do your research and look at the colours she already wears for inspiration. Throw in a bottle of her favourite scent and she will be squealing with glee. Or…go all out and get her a new limited edition Scarlett GHD or Parlux Dryer.

Teenage Sister/Cousin

Teenagers can be fickle and fussy, especially teenage girls. However, there are still a few staple things that are a winner with most teen girls. Justin Bieber and any other music of the moment. If you are sure you know who they love think CD’s, Posters and Merchandise. If you are not sure, go with an iTunes voucher. Girls also spend a lot of time in their bedroom, predominantly on the phone or listening to music, so make it a nice place to be with a nice candle and maybe a new phone case or some fun headphones. If you know what books or movies she likes buy one of those or maybe a subscription to Dolly or Girlfriend. If you really want to spoil her, pick up an mp3 player or prepaid mobile phone.

Wise Ones: Grandma

Grandmas are such special people in the family, though sometimes as everyone gets older and someone else takes over in the kitchen they may feel a little less important. Why not make them feel needed and valued with a recipe journal they can pass on their famous recipes in and you can both enjoy? Other ideas for Nan can be a beautiful album or scrapbook filled with treasured family photos or if Nanna likes to read how about some crossword and Sudoku books and a subscription to the Australian Women’s Weekly or Better Homes and Gardens, that way each month she receives a new issue in the mail she will feel valued. Another great idea is to buy some tickets to the Ballet or theater, take your grandma out for the day and spend some quality time together, you will both feel better for it.

Dainty Princesses: Little Sisters or Nieces

Little people love toys, but toys can be a little boring. Why not get them a personalized backpack and lunchbox for the new school year? Or perhaps you could get them a copy of your favourite classic book (like Little Women) with an inscription inside? Finally, just like grandmas, sometimes your presence is present enough…Why not but them tickets to go ice-skating to to the zoo. It’s definitely a gift you will both remember for a long time.

Tags: Christmas