Gift Guide for Christmas, 2016!

BY JEMMA CLARKE

Scratching your head trying to decide what gifts to grab this Christmas? Let us help you through the silly season by showcasing the coolest presents for everyone:

For the Tech Heads:

A Virtual Realty Headset – There is a range of VR headsets available on the market as the technology increases and the games become more substantial and mind-blowing. One of the more expensive headsets, The Oculus Rift valued at $649, can be powered by your Xbox One and will also require a computer with Windows 10. It has 42 unique games and is surely a gift for someone who wants to see some captivating and breathtaking imagery. The mid-range headset, Samsung Gear VR valued at $169, is the first truly transportable VR headset that runs off your Samsung Galaxy S6, S6 Edge, S7 or S7 Edge. The specs may not be as good as the Oculus Rift but it certainly transports you to another world full of games and places unknown. On the lower end of the scale is the VR headset from Cotton On valued at $24.95 which lets you watch 3D movies, play 3D games and explore virtual worlds.

A Smart Watch – The latest smartwatches offer a way to keep you motivated especially when it comes to the Apple Watch Series 2 starting from $529 which you can grab from Harvey Norman. It allows you to stay connected and track activity while staying in style.  For more of a mid to low range watch go with the Unisurf U1 Smart Watch valued at $96 which allows for data transfer between devices, tracks sleep and activity while notifying you of your targets and progress.

For the Mums:

A Bambino Box – For those of you who have not heard of subscription boxes, Bambino Box is one specifically designed by mums for mums offering a unique box of goodies for you and your kiddies and it’s delivered straight to your door every month. Starting from $21.95 a month you can opt for 3 months at $65 to 12 months for $250. It gives you the opportunity to stay updated on the latest baby products.

A Crafty Workshop – There are a range of workshops led by Sydney artist Melissa Carey that will offer unique experiences and skills instead of a product this Christmas.  “[Mummies] get time out for themselves to be creative, learn new skills and make something handmade. Melissa offers candle making, lace dream catching or rope dying as well as a few more cool ones including personal workshops. Gift cards are available through her website.

For the Fitness Fiends:   

The Fitbit range – A popular choice this year among those who want to focus on exercise and personal development. Add and challenge friends, track sleep, heart rate and steps. Ranging from $76 to $346 they come in a range of colours and styles.

A Smoothie Maker – is a clever little present for those who are into protein shakes and delicious, nutritious, rejuvenating liquids. There are plenty to choose from but one that is particularly handy is the Oster My Blend Blender which uses a specially designed sports bottle to mix up the ingredients and take on the go. It comes in some great colours, has a 1 year warranty and is only $24.99.

For the Eco Friendly:

Lush Cosmetics – are all handmade cosmetics ranging from face masks, soaps and bath bombs to moisturisers, lip balms and perfumes. They fight to stop animal testing and inequality while protecting animal welfare and our environment. Check out any of their stores, including the newest Sydney store in the QVB, to pick up some great gift sets which start from just $14.95.

Ice-cream – Do you know someone who looovess ice-cream? Ben & Jerry’s are taking Australia by storm and they are a company that is tackling some big environmental and social issues such as climate change and marriage equality. Grab a gift card, top it up and let that ice-cream lover indulge with some of the most delicious flavours in the world.

For the Kids:

9D Action Cinema – Located in Harbourside Shopping Centre, Darling Harbour, this attraction will provide your children with an amazing entertainment experience that goes beyond 3D visuals. Buy them a ticket or 2 starting from $7 (for children under 5), $12 for students and $15 for adults and let them feel what they watch. The 9D experience will have them jump into a world where they can feel the weather and move in motion.

Harbourside Shopping Centre, Darling Harbour also has a range of fashion, beauty and food outlets that have plenty of gift and catering ideas for your Christmas. These include stores such as Tarocash, EB Games, Lovisa, Cotton On, Darling Nails, Ruby Shoes and The Fudge Shop.

For the Foodies:

Danks Street Produce Merchants – For those of you looking for the best quality ingredients for your holiday feast, head to Waterloo. The Quattroville family, inspired by the vibrant, versatile food markets of Europe have brought it to the Eastern and Inner West suburbs for you. “All stalls are run by artisanal traders who share a passion for their craft.”