The holiday season is almost upon us.

And whether you celebrate Christmas or not, you probably give presents.

Do you know anybody travelling over this holiday season? Maybe get them a couple of audiobooks to help let the travel time pass quickly.

What will you be buying for Christmas this year?

Will it be cheap because of the “global meltdown”?

Will it be expensive because you’re just so rich?

Hopefully no family members are reading this (you know how it is with family, they never visit your website unless you ask them ), but here’s what my wife and I bought for our family:

• Concert tickets to see “The Killers“. Yes, it’s already passed, but it was given as a Christmas present.
• Audiobooks from Audible.com – As you might know by know, one of my BEST subscriptions.
• Tickets to see Dr. Demartini. Not for everyone, but some people really like it
• Perfume – try out a new one. If you’re not buying your own, you might get a little riskier than you would if you were buying it for yourself

Ideas for Gifts

Whatever you’re giving this year, please take a look at some of the other “gift” pages on this site for inspiration:

- Christmas Gift Ideas – This is the main one where other visitors have given their own ideas (just like you’re about to )

- Romantic Anniversary Gift – Nobody says this HAS to be an anniversary present only

- Audi Advanced Driving Course – OK, NOT exactly a cheap idea, but a great one none-the-less.

- Gift Ideas for Mothers Day – Maybe you’ll find a little inspiration here

- Gift Ideas for Fathers Day – And even MORE inspiration

Share your Own!

I really hope you can share your own ideas. It just makes life easier for everyone.

Especially for people who are not so creative. There are some REALLY creative readers out there.

Are you one of them?

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So, just a reminder that Fathers Day in America and South Africa happens to land on the 3rd Sunday in June every year, so this year, it’s on June 21st.

Don’t forget to check out my article on Father’s Day 2009 Gift Ideas. And, PLEASE add any ideas you have in the comments at the bottom. If you just add what you gave (or received) last year, that would be one more idea for the hundreds of other visitors to that article.

If you want to share your ideas or thoughts that you put into your Fathers Day cards (did you write your own Fathers Day Poems?) then feel free to share them as a comment at the bottom of THIS article.

And, speaking of other ideas, a friend of mine has started his own site: DIY Tips. He’s also written an article for fathers day, so you can visit that one here: “DIY Tips Fathers Day gadgets“.

I’m trying to get him to write up an article on how to make a cool “handy man” bottle opener… But that’s still coming.

So, I hope you enjoy Fathers Day in a couple of weeks, and remember this site on the Monday afterwards so you can share what you gave and received with the rest of the WWWorld!

James.

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What tradition, you may ask?

Well, I’ve already written a couple of posts about Valentines Day over the years:

• Some Valentines Day ideas
• Valentines Day Gift Ideas for Men
• Valentines Day Gift Ideas for Women
• Decorating The Home With Valentines Day Decor – (Not actually my article)

This year Valentines Day falls on a Saturday, which might make things a little easier if you’re looking to go out for the day. But it also means places are more likely to be fully booked.

(And, it also means you probably can’t surprise your loved one by rocking up at their office with flowers)

So, some of the best things to do which may not cost too much money or may not have “totally booked” issues are:

• Go for a picnic (one of my favourite). Find a botanical gardens near you and pack a picnic basket
• If you live in a city, find somewhere in the country side that may not be as busy as the inner city restaurents or hotels.
• Go camping? (Not really my cup of tea )

For anybody living in the Johannesburg/Pretoria areas, do you have any recommendations for places outside the city? I’m really trying to find some place new to go this year.

And anybody else, have any ideas you’d like to recommend? What did YOU do last year?

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If you feel like sharing your idea, please go leave a comment on the “Mothers Day Gifts” article. It will really help me out for next year.

Anyway, are you getting ready for Fathers Day?

Here’s the easy way to remember when Father’s Day is.

Just like Mothers Day is the 2nd Sunday of May, Fathers Day is the 3rd Sunday of June.

And in 2008, that will fall on June 15th.

So, feel like sharing any ideas of past presents or even just what your’re planning as a present this year, please go share on the “Fathers Day Gift Ideas“.

I hope it helps… Good luck!

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This year (2008) we will be celebrating Mother’s Day on May 11th. If you ever need to know when mom’s special day is in South Africa, it’s always on the 2nd Sunday in May. Nice and easy, isn’t it?

I’d just like to remind everybody to go and check out my article on “Mothers Day Gift Ideas”

Of course, if you’re just looking for a quick idea, there’s always the fail-safe of using NetFlorist (who don’t JUST supply flowers!).

NetFlorist is South Africa’s largest flower and gifting service. They deliver throughout South Africa and are a same day service if orders are placed by 12 noon!

Click Here to visit NetFlorist

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What to do on Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is approaching fast, and I thought I would give my new list of cheap Valentines Day ideas!

Picnics

A picnic is cheap because all you need to do is buy a bit of food, and find a grassy spot to sit and eat.

Doesn’t sound as romantic like that, does it? But here’s an idea.

Take the day off and go to Woolworths and buy the following:

- chicken wings
- meatballs
- a salad you like
- 2 deserts
- some juice and/or wine

Don’t forget a few plastic knives and forks (free at Woolworths).

Then, go pay a visit to your local botanical garden. There’s one in Pretoria, Cape Town and Krugersdorp (I think…).

Take a blanket and you’re sorted!

The drive-in

When last did you go to the drive in?
Did you go when you started dating?

How about shopping for some of the food items I listed for the picnic above and have a romantic evening at the Drive-in.

Valentine’s Day is on a Thursday this year, so the drive-in might not be too busy, and the restaurants will be packed!

And remember, it’s the thought that counts.

I’ll try updating this article as I think of more things, but if you’re here and feeling generous/genius, then please leave a comment with your own idea…

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Being able to have a mail from the ACTUAL North Pole and signed by Santa sent to your children! I think that’s a BRILLIANT idea.

Imagine your son or daughter sends a letter to Father Christmas and he sends one back…

In fact, forget that! I want a letter from Santa Claus!

Here’s more info from the site:

- Personalized letter(s) to any child
- Postmarked from North Pole, Alaska
- Your child’s home town and a friends name
- Signed by Santa himself
- Up to 4 unique letters to choose from
- Addressed personally to your child
- Return address is from the North Pole

I think it’s genius!

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Which is why I want to tell you about my wedding photographer’s wife’s site.

Wedding Photography

She’s also a wedding photographer, as you can see if you click the link. She takes amazing photographs.

Some people say that there’s an added bonus of having a female wedding photographer. I read an article the other day about how people didn’t like the idea of female wedding photographers because it’s a male dominated industry, but they realised that the brides really felt a lot more comfortable with a female taking the wedding preparation photos. Having a female around while they’re getting dressed and having make-up done was a little better than having a male around.

Studio Photography

She also does studio photography, specialising in portraits and children’s portrait photography.

If you’d like to take a look at my wedding photographer’s site as well, go read what I wrote about him on my post about Wedding Photographers.

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England: Mistletoe and holly
Holly wreaths have their roots in English history. The druids regarded mistletoe as sacred; after Christianity was introduced the mistletoe was given a religious meaning and the tradition of hanging mistletoe continues today.

Germany: Nutcracker dolls and Christmas pyramids
Germany contributed many items to the basic tenets of Christmas decorations all over the world. Glass balls, tinsel, and nutcracker dolls are just a few that originated in Germany. The Weinachts Pyramide, or Christmas pyramid, at one time was the poor man’s Christmas tree, but now it is an esteemed Christmas decoration in every German home. Made from wood, rope, or metal, the pyramid holds candles at the base which turn a rotor affixed on the top.

Mexico: Poinsettias, luminarias, and piñatas
The poinsettia, native to Mexico, has long been considered a Christmas flower. A legend says it began when a poor boy who had no gift to give the Christ child grabbed some greenery he found along the side of the road, which then bloomed red when he offered his gift at the manger scene. Mexican luminiarias, typically punched tins in which candles are lit, are unique to the area of Mexico and the southwestern region of the U.S. On Christmas day, Mexican children are given a piñata to hit with a stick and then scramble for the hidden candy when the piñata bursts.

Austria: Advent wreaths
Austrians claim the advent wreath as native to their country, although many other countries use the tradition. Four candles are placed on the wreath, and are lit beginning four Sundays before Christmas. The first Sunday only one candle is lit, and then two are lit the next Sunday. This continues until the fourth Sunday. The four candles are also lit on Christmas day.

India: Clay oil lamps
In south India a common decoration is a clay oil lamp. These lamps are lit at night and placed around the outside of the house – on the roof and on the top of boundary walls.

Venezuela: Pesebres and angels
On December 16th, Venezuelan families display their pesebres, or nativity scenes. Venezuelan pesebres involve the traditional holy family, shepherds, and kings, but often they include nontraditional elements such as electric trains, boats, and cartoon figures. Angels are also popular in Venezuelan Christmas decorations.

Iceland: Tiny wrapped boxes, popcorn and cranberry garlands
Traditional Icelandic Christmas tree decorating incorporated fruits, nuts, candles, and garlands of popcorn and cranberries. They also hung their presents from the trees, or wrapped tiny boxes as Christmas ornaments.

Peru: Manger Scenes
The Quechua Indians carve elaborate manger scenes from wood or soapstone, with characters modeled after the time of the conquistadores. They employ 16th century carving techniques, but the manger scenes have pure Peruvian charm with the addition of llamas and local people such as the tamale vender. Each year, families add to their collection. Some sets of figures are so tiny they can fit into a matchbox.

Greece: St. Nicholas, fishing boats, and basil
St. Nicholas was a priest who came from Myra, known for helping the poor. He was also associated with the sea, and, in Greece, fishing boats are commonly used motifs. From December 25 to January 6, a shallow bowl of water is kept with a wire strung across to suspend a basil-wrapped cross. This holy water is used to sprinkle each room during the twelve days of Christmas to ward off the Kallikantzaroi, mischievous spirits.

Norway: Advent calendars
Advent calendars, either homemade or store-bought, delight children as they open a new window each day until Christmas. Each window either contains a picture, chocolate, or small present.

Ukraine: Wheat
A sheaf of wheat is bound around the middle with elaborate ribbons, and then placed in a prominent corner of the dining area. The floor is strewn with straw to represent the birthing place of Christ.

It may be surprising to find out that many of America’s popular decorations originated in many different countries. Often the decorations were more than a way to make homes look festive; they were tied to deeper meanings, a symbol of their life, work, or what they cared about. Though the original meanings might have blurred a bit, the current use of Christmas decorations have an important role, and nostalgia will guarantee their presence in years to come.

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AudioBooks from Audible.com

First off, my absolute FAVOURITE idea is AudioBooks.

I have personally been a member of Audible.com for about 6 years now, and have listened to about 40 audio books.

Even as a member I can receive audiobooks as gifts, but I’ve definitely given more audiobooks as gifts than I’ve received (I guess because I just buy my own because it’s so easy as a member).

I’ve written up a review about audiobooks here: “Audiobooks Let You Read While Sitting In Traffic”

So, if you give just one awesome gift to anybody who enjoys reading, I fully recommend AudioBooks from Audible.com

Download an audiobook for $7.49 and save 50% for your first 3 months. Choose from over 60,000 titles.

My Other Christmas Gift Ideas

Office Space DVD

My gift idea is the “Office Space” DVD. This DVD is the PERFECT comedy for any person in the I.T. industry. It is one of my favourite movies of all time, and is one of those that goes down really well when your son (or whoever in your family is the geeky person) has a get together…

Garmin Satellite Navigation

My BEST present this year was a Garmin Nuvi 310 satellite navigation unit.

I seriously don’t know how I ever lived without one. ESPECIALLY since I have absolutely no sense of direction. The accuracy of the unit amazes me every time I use it. For example, I live in a complex, and it even directs me out of the complex, before I even get onto the main road.

The only drawback is that these units are not cheap, so make sure you buy what you need. Some of the Garmin units come with the capabilities of storing MP3s and Audiobooks, but you seriously don’t need that, especially if you already have an ipod or some other music device.

Go check them out at Digital Planet

Disney Book Club

I wish my parents had this idea when I was a child. This would have made the perfect children’s Christmas present!

The Disney Book Club encourages countless hours of family fun and bonding with books! Inspired from Disney’s beloved movies, these illustrated storybooks build into a library of memorable bedtime stories.

The Disney Book Club is a cost-effective solution to collect all the classic stories as well as the latest movie releases, and encourages a lifelong love of reading. The books are ideal for children in any of the stages of early reading.

For more information, go to www.disneybookclub.co.za

Flowers for your Mother-in-Law

Are you stuck for ideas on what to get your Mother-in-Law? How about chocolates and flowers.

You KNOW ladies never get tired of that.

Wine for the Wine Lover

If you or your partner enjoy wine, why not buy yourselves a gift from Wine Web?

Or you could buy the gift for your father-in-law. I know MY father-in-law loves wine, so this is a great idea… But shhh…. Don’t tell him

Even MORE Christmas present ideas!

And, if these ideas and the ones below are not enough, try visiting GiftDay, a website dedicated to the giving of gifts. I’m pretty sure you’ll find somethere…

© James for Make a good house a GREAT home, 2007. | Gift Ideas for Christmas | 25 comments. Click here to add yours... |

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