Yep - I know how it is, you thought you had forever to do your shopping on line because no one has the patience to brave the shopping centres in the weeks before Christmas, and then BAM! You realise that you only have a less than 2 weeks to go and delivery can't be guaranteed.
Don't stress Emma The Superhero of Shopping is here to help. My gift guide will have your Christmas shopping done in a flash. So here goes- My tips to a stress free shopping guide.
You MUST MUST MUST be organised. This is not the time to wonder around aimlessly because that will just annoy both your self and everyone around you. The time for browsing is gone. Over. That ship has well and truly sailed.
So even though you may have missed the deadline for online shopping, you have not missed the boat for online browsing. The internet is your best friend when it comes to getting ideas. Sites like Hard to Find can give you some awesome ideas. I have included a few links for you to click on to research.
Know your clientele. You have to know who you are shopping for and what they like and what they don't. No one wants crap for Christmas.
I hate getting crap for Christmas
Vouchers. I love a good voucher and I think they are a great option especially if you have no idea what to get someone. All you need to know is what shops they shop at. Some ideas are Smiggle, kikki k, Witchery, Country Road, Sportsgirl, Sports Stores, Mecca Cosmetica,Priceline and of course Myer Group, and David Jones. I don't like vouchers from places like beauticians because you have to use them by a certain time and mine always expire, or I lose them.
Kids also like vouchers because they like to wonder around the shops (after Christmas) and pick their own stuff.
Stationary is awesome so you can't go past Smiggle (for kids and teens) and Kikki K (for grown ups) for that man in your life who doesn't love Office Works? Stationary means you always start the year at least pretending you are organised.
Cosmetics and stuff- this is a great idea as long as you know what your giftee likes(or you know something is truly amazing and they life will be incomplete until they have it). Most make up counters have awesome gift packs or you can make them up yourself with some stuff they use. Nail polish and gloss are great and there is also classics that suit everyone (MAC Spice liner, Mac Lipglasses, Stila Kitten Eyeshadow, Nars Orgasm Blusher, Clinique Black Honey range).Mecca Cosmetica is a good place for different brands. Nars and Stila are my all time faces. Mecca Some ideas for colours would be brights like shades of Berry, Orange and Nudes and of course you can't go past Christmas Red.
Clinique Black Honey.
Aww cute- if you need to spend more maybe add a base coat or a speedy dry top coat.
This might sound a little bit dumb, but I also think giving someone hair care products is a good idea as well. For the frizz ball in your life some Moroccan Oil, or Frizz ease is a good choice.
Perfume- we have disused that in an earlier post but it is not the time to buy someone something that you don't know what they like. Buy their fav.
Clothes. mmm this is a tricky one. Personally if I was thinking clothes I would go for a voucher, but if you really want to buy clothes ( and you know the sizes because the only thing worse than the shops before Christmas is the returns counter) there are some tips. Tend to stick with tops that are not very structured because they can fit most people. I would avoid bottoms because that is just way too hard. And we have had the does size matter chat already. A maxi dress or a floaty dress could pass. Just remember unless you are sure- steer away from tight. The only shoes I would buy is either Havianas ( because you can never have too many of those ) and Running Shoes as long as you know the size and styles they wear.
Yes Jessica Simpson is a billionaire because her fashion empire. Honestly.
Pyjamas are also a cutie idea, because they tend to be looser. You can't go past Peter Alexander and Sussan always stocks a good range of Jimmy Jams. Peter Alexander also caters to everyone so you can have one big pyjama party.
Underwear can be tricky because it is either personal or insulting. ( You got me a 14? Do you think I am fat?- no one wants that conversation on Christmas morning) If you want some special nick nicks head to the domestic airport and go to Victoria's Secret- no I don't know why their only stores are at the airport either.
Exercise wear and leisure suits (thats cool speak for a tracky) can work, because there is lycra involved. Rebel, Lorna Jane and Jim Kidd are a good place to shop. Don't forget Bonds either. Very Comfy Trackies and tees. I tend to go a size up in the bottoms though.
Peter Alexander jimmy's probably wouldn't be appreciated by this family.
Cosmetic Jewellery is a fun choice. I like Louisa and Diva for good statement pieces. Sportsgirl and Sussan also have some fun things and If you are not sure what to get- ask lots of questions like" What are you going to wear on Christmas day- or New Years. Louisa colour block their stuff, so it makes it easy to find a piece.
Books and Music- Who doesn't love an awesome book. I love cookbooks myself (the new Matt Preston cookbook is top of my list) but I also think if you know you giftee well you should know what there interests are and find an awesome coffee table book or special interest book. Some also really cool ideas are "old school" books like the Hunger Games trilogy or who wouldn't want to go back and read their fav Enid Blyton or Roald Dahl?
For an idea on classics go to Pintrest and search " Books you must read" and you will get a kazillion suggestions.
Music is trickier, because it is personal. iTunes vouchers always work for me. And my kids, and mu nieces and nephews.
Alcohol is always a winner. Maybe a great bottle of their fav drop, with some glasses or a drink shaker or a cocktail book?
Ummmmmmm.No.
Homewares can be summed up in one word. Ikea.
Don't forget to grab a few bags of meatballs while you are there. Pop a bag of meatballs in a pan, add a jar of Paul Newmans pasta sauce, cook some penne pasta. When the pasta is cooked throw in the meatballs and sauce, pop it in a baking dish, pour over a cheesy white sauce, bung it in the oven and BAM- you have the ultimate pasta bake, which I was told was a hangover hit at Leavers.
For the man in your life I have one word. Bunnings. I once heard a story that Brothel's busiest day was Saturday afternoons because men told their wives they were heading off the Bunnings when really they were popping off to the Brothel. They would then come home with a bag of goodies from Bunnings that they bought earlier on in the week. Lets just hope they are smart enough to take the receipt out.
Man Heaven and as a bonus you can have a sausage sizzle on the way out.
Now of course there is always the i presents. iPhone, iPad, iMac, itv,iPod. i think you get the picture ( see what i did there). Santa is also bringing a poloroid camera to our house this year, which will be a bit of fun, even if it is only because I will get to sing Hey Ya all day ( shake it like a polaroid picture) and you know I will. It never gets tired.
Finally- Chocolates and lets be honest, any kind will do except for Ferrero Rocher. They may be the top selling chocolate in Australia, but the are horrible. I like Favourites and Terry's chocolate Orange. Or Roses.
Happy Shopping and remember anyone who says " It's the thought that counts is lying."
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