I love Christmas! For many people though, Christmas is synonymous with stress, worry about finances, and a lack of hours in the day. It's also a time of year that many small businesses rely on to get them through the quieter months. Over here in New Zealand, we've been confronted with a weather pattern that has left much of our country flooded, battered by gale-force winds, and cut off due to road closures from slips and fallen trees (and this is our summer!). For some of the tourist operators and retailers in these regions there are no customers, while others in the cities are inundated, and working long, hard hours as are nurses, firefighters (especially in Australia), police, volunteers at charity organisations, flight attendants, the list goes on.........
Having written the above, I now feel guilty that I love Christmas! The reason I love it, though, is because it's a time of year where we have a good excuse to be kind to strangers, and smile more. I love that we get to share delicious food, wine, and humour with our friends and family, even if we can't do it on Christmas Day. And who doesn't love giving and receiving gifts? Oftentimes the hardest part is finding that perfect piece that's original and doesn't break the bank, and for those who can't make it to the stores what can you order online that will still be thoughtful, personal and joyful?
Here are my top 5 picks:
5 The Rose Gold Drop Bottle - At about $85 (depending on the exchange rate), this lovely bottle isn't the cheapest, but given it's reusable it's the perfect gift for ensuring you stay hydrated throughout the day, and has a centre that you can load with fruit to get added vitamins! It's so pretty, saves the environment, keeps your skin fresh and is just plain gorgeous! Here's the link: https://www.dropbottle.com/products/rose-gold-drop-bottle
4 Voluspa candles - I read recently that candles are on the "worst gifts" list, but for me they're a winner. Who doesn't love a beautifully scented candle? Voluspa range from just $39.90NZD and can be posted easily for those who don't live nearby. I always get mine from Halo & Hazard here in Christchurch, but you can also find them online at many outlets. Here's the link to Halo & Hazard: https://www.mode.co.nz/homewares/candles/voluspa-yuzu-rose-2-wick-candle.html
3 Bird In A Cage jewellery - Bird in A Cage is a charitable company that donates 100% of it's profits to raise awareness around the massive issue of human trafficking. There are currently 40 million women and children enslaved in either sex or labour trafficking! The stunning "Escape" sterling silver bangle with bronze bird represents the escape stage of human trafficking. It’s handcuff-like closure opens and the hinged bird can flip from inside the cage to outside. With a retail price of only $109 NZ this is the perfect gift, and you can also get matching earrings so it's a gift that you can build on! Here's the link: https://www.birdinacage.org/shop/escape-bangle-sterling-silver-and-bronze
2 Slip For Beauty Sleep silk pillowcase - so what is it? Well, this wee beauty is an anti-aging, anti-sleep crease, anti-bed head pillowcase. I don't know about you, but when I wake up in the morning my hair often looks like Bert from the Muppets (Bert & Erni) so I could do with all the help I can get! There's a great range of colours to choose from, and it retails for $140-$175NZ (depending on exchange rates) and the size of the slip you choose. Here's the link: https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/slip-for-beauty-sleep-slipsilk-pure-silk-pillowcase
1 Effortlessly Chic - Your Essential Style Guide. Who wouldn't love a great book on style this Christmas?! This book is geared for women over 40 but is relevant for any age and stage. Through industry experience, personal stories, empowering revelations, deep and meaningful truths, and plenty of laughs, Tracy proves that what we choose to wear and how we choose to show up in the world, is so much more meaningful than ‘just clothes’! This is the perfect gift for anyone who has lost their style mojo, has had a change in lifestyle or just wants to rediscover their inner goddess! At only $8.99US what are you waiting for? Here's the link: https://www.amazon.com/Effortlessly-Chic-Essential-Style-Guide-ebook/dp/B082KN2H7H/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=effortlessly+chic&qid=1576084108&sr=8-1
What gift ideas do you have? Please drop a comment below to share your thoughts this Christmas! Stay safe out there, drive carefully, and be kind these holidays xx
Excellent read, I just passed this on to a colleague who was doing some research about it. He has already bought me lunch because I found a smile on him so let me rephrase that. formal wear for women