Solve your Christmas Stocking problems!

with...

NEW ways to say Happy Christmas, happy Holidays - I Love You

Yes, we know you are busy, busy, BUSY from here until midnight Dec 24, but these bright ideas might save you hours of thinking and searching for the ideal gift for your food- or travel-loving friends and family.

Just a few words about each one - with plenty of pictures - but  do CHECK THE LINKS or VIDEOS to get full information.

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 #1 - the gift of keeping things safe

Liking the anti-theft feature...

Modern, functional, secure, USB charging... 

....hidden zipper closures and secret pockets.

Details....

#2 - the gift of staying dry 

Want to take your phone for a swim? Take a selfie underwater? Record a video?

Seaquatix is a waterproof case for your mobile phone and your valuables. It is 100 per cent waterproof (up to maximum depth of 20 metres for up to two hours) and resistant to sand, dust and snow. 

Seaquatix allows you the convenience of instantly sharing the content straight onto your social media channels. Importantly, you can now capture new memories / create new experiences with no fuss! See Instagram pics here

Seaquatix comes in a range of fun, vibrant colours, and in various mobile phone sizes (for Apple and Android phones). 

WATCH THIS VIDEO

#3 - a book-lover's delight

Do you have a book-lover in the family? 

For a one-of-a-kind lamp, the Booklovers Book Lamp is a perfect choice!

The Booklovers Book Lamp looks just like any other hardcover book when closed, but open it up and the light turns on.

Take it with you anywhere even when travelling. There's a built-in rechargeable battery and it is made with durable maple and heat-resistant craft paper

Details...

#4 - the gift of confidence

Most people experience swollen ankles on flights and long journeys. It's not a grandma thing - so why wear 'Grandma compression stockings'?

Cutieful - and beautiful - choose from dozens of patterns.

Oh, OK! And even some to wear at Christmas.....

...for those on their feet all day!

READ the background - why they are useful....

Details....

#5 - the gift of enjoyment

Suddenly gin is on everyone's wish-list, giftlist and in the home bar.

It is a versatile addition to cocktails and drinks, and comes in many flavours such as this Wild Plum Gin. 

A truly-Australian product it is made using the warm sweetness of Banksia honey, sloe plums and adds a tart, dry finish from Australian native Davidson plums.

Try Wild Plum Gin straight over ice, or garnish with orange peel in a G&T.

Details....

#6 - the gift of relaxation

Take a pre-Christmas break on Saturday 22nd December 2018, and recharge your need for beauty and harmony. 

The Hydro Majestic in Sydney's Blue Mountains is celebrating the 200th Anniversary of “A Silent Night” with a five-course degustation dinner matched with an exclusive Opera performance by Konzert Kollektiv. 

Reserve your tickets to this Xmas Celebration online and enjoy all your favourite European Carols, a splash of traditional Austrian Weihnachtslieder, all capped off with an explosion of Johann Strauss & Franz Lehar and more!

Immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit and celebrate the 200th Anniversary traditions revived by the Hydro.

WATCH the VIDEO...

Details....

#7 - the gift of security

A jacket that keeps your travel accessories safe and close at hand. Such as an AirPod holder to ensure that both ear pieces stay on your person while you sleep.

A two-second inflation neck pillow and built-in eye mask.

Protect your tablet with its own inner pocket, secured with a closure pocket

WATCH THE VIDEO...

Your phone is secured close to the body and easily accessible. 

Details....

#8 - a gift to nature

Would you like to adopt a koala?

Port Macquarie Koala Hospital uses adoption fees to provide medical care and other services to the koalas it supports.

This Christmas Adopt a Wild Koala and receive a certificate of adoption, the koala’s photo, a short story about its life, an information booklet about koalas, and the quarterly magazine, Gum Tips.

Details....

#9 - the gift of standing out from the crowd

We've all done it. Stood at the luggage carousel, trying to decide if that red (or black, or blue) suitcase is ours, or is it someone else's? Ever wish that yours could stand out a little?

These custom covers are a stylish way to protect your luggage and reduce scuffs, scratches and cracking. They also greatly reduces the risk of luggage tampering.

Made from a blend of polyester and Spandex, the covers are easy to fit, and will fit both a medium and large suitcase.

Details....

#10 - the gift of making up

Makeup bags have way of getting messy very quickly, and it can be difficult to find just what you want in a hurry.

This revolutionary 'bag' may solve your problems.

Pull the drawstring cord and the bag cinches completely closed to stow or travel. 

The flat, clean surface makes it easy to see everything at once, and the raised lip keeps makeup and brushes from rolling off the counter.

And, it's machine washable and waterproof.

Details....

#11 - The gift of mistletoe

Nearly Christmas, and perhaps you are starting to think about mistletoe, but have you ever thought of drinking it? Traditionally Biska is a liqueur made in Istria, a northern peninsula of Croatia.

Mistletoe brandy is still very popular in the region, but now it's made with a blend of apple distillate and carefully selected mistletoe leaves, but is still prepared according to a traditional recipe. Alc. 37.5% vol.

More details....

#12 - the gift of healthy smoking

Smoking is a known health hazard - but not if you do it this way with a WiFi-enabled electric smoker!

The ideal gift for your tech-savvy food-loving friend or relative. It's about as "set it and forget it" as it gets, delivering all the notifications you need to your smartphone, while delivering impressively professional results.

·       Insulated, double-wall construction

·       Advanced control panel with easy-read, blue LED display

·       Removable food thermometer

·       Glass door and stainless steel, dual-tone finish

·       Large, stainless steel locking latch for smoke-tight seal

Available from these sellers.

Details....

#13 - the gift of direction

More than just a 'book of maps'. Organised by region, The Travel Atlas includes detailed maps to every country on Earth, with popular regions and destinations presented at greater scale. Each page of mapping is accompanied by the area's top sights and activities, as well as trip planning tools such as climate information and key transport hubs.

Details....

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Want to hit the road and head off on a long, long drive?

Just in time for the summer holidays, Lonely Planet’s The Vanlife Companion is a practical and inspiring guide to great campervan adventures.

Published this December, and boasting 20 of the world’s best long-distance driving routes, profiles of 10 #vanlifers and the vehicles they have created, along with practical advice on choosing and building your own dream campervan, The Vanlife Companion has all you need for a life on the open road.

Details....

#14 - the gift of staying sand-free

Lying on the beach is wonderful - but having sand all over you is not much fun.

Tesalate has a new towel on the market which is the answer. Aside from sand not sticking to the towel, it's perfect for yoga, picnics and any outdoor activity. It's compact and light, perfect for travellers, and a great gift for special occasions.

What's more, the towels are made in a range of colourful and beautiful designs.

Details....

#15 - the gift of local cheer

They are calling this vodka 'the Spirit of Canberra'. 

Made by Underground Spirits - Canberra’s most awarded spirits brand – are big on connecting with like-minded Canberra producers which has resulted in some interesting partnerships and products.

The wide range of options make great gifts.

Details....

#16 - the gift of a Christmas getaway

Barbados, Caribbean: A hundred kilometre east of the Windward Islands and the Caribbean Sea lies Barbados. Clear waters, natural coral reefs and idyllic sandy beaches, make the island a popular destination with international visitors at Christmas. Barbados offers unique traditions such as an early morning walk through Queen’s Park on Christmas morning or taking a taxi ride around the island to view the enthusiastic locals approach to Christmas decorations.

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Cape Town, South Africa: On the southernmost tip of South Africa, Cape Town is known for its harbour, beautiful natural setting and landmarks such as Table Mountain and Cape Point. Activities range from mountain hikes with spectacular sceneries to lazy days on one of Cape Town’s many beaches. Christmas in Cape Town is especially lively with traditional celebrations, light parades and Christmas carols.

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Kauai, Hawaii: Kauai, also known as the Garden Isle, is an island in the Central Pacific. Part of the Hawaiian archipelago and has featured in more than seventy Hollywood movies and shows such as Jurassic Park, due to its stunning natural geography. In December, the island really comes to life and one can enjoy the Festival of Lights, Hula Celebration, and a Christmas parade. For those seeking an alternative festive period, winter in Kauai is perfect for surfing.

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Samoa, Pacific Ocean: Situated halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand, in the Polynesian region of the Pacific Ocean lies a tropical paradise. Natural jungles, waterfalls and long sandy beaches interlaced with Polynesian culture and tradition mean Christmas in Samoa is a real treat on the senses. The island embraces Christmas with choirs singing Pacific-style carols and shows in the Upolu village of Vaitele-Uta. Despite its location, Samoa is still one of the most affordable South Pacific destinations to enjoy at Christmas.

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San Juan, Puerto Rico: Located on the north-eastern coast of Puerto Rico, the capital city of San Juan is the second oldest European-established capital city in the Americas. San Juan combines old town 16th Century Spanish colonial architecture with the hustle of the modern Isla Verde resort strip, lined with bars, nightclubs and casinos. Also known as the Enchanted Island, San Juan can offer seasonal visitors an exotic mix of tropical weather and unique Christmas festivities.

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Goa, Southern India: On the Southwest coast of India, two and a half hours flight from the international hub of Mumbai, lies the former Portuguese province of Goa. This tropical paradise is a favourite holiday destination for Indian and international tourists. Quiet sandy beaches, palm trees and an abundance of wildlife including dolphins, pink-bottomed macaque monkeys and Olive Ridley turtles are on show. Goa is a popular spot with those looking to escape the winter cold and immerse themselves in a true tropical paradise that still celebrates Christmas.

More details on all of these: Smart Lemur, a travel site that offers smart travel advice, has selected a list of exotic destinations, packed with quirky seasonal traditions for a Christmas with a difference. See here for more Christmas destinations.

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Now it is your turn...

Add a comment if you know of a food or travel related gift that should be listed.

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And for even more upcoming unusually helpful products read this....

Please note: All editorial on this site is included only because of its interest and possible value to readers. None of the places or products mentioned above has paid to be included. Text and pictures are used with permission.

No liability is accepted for any of the items mentioned in this article. It is the responsibility of users of this site to undertake their own research and make their own decisions.