what NOT to give this Christmas: 5 things that no one wants to find under their tree!

I'm all about accentuating the positive and eliminating the negative.   Today we are focusing on eliminating the negative and making sure there are no fake smiles being flashed  around on Christmas morning.  Some people are excellent at gift giving while others just can't seem to get it right.  There are plenty of blogs that will tell you what you should get for your loved-ones this year but very few of them will be as helpful as me! What are the 5 absolute no-no's for gift giving this year... or any year.

#1 Random Bath Item Gifts

You know that episode of the Big Bang Theory when Sheldon hugs Penny for the first time? 

The bath item gift baskets meant nothing compared to that hug.  I still have body lotions and shower gels and bubble bath from my teen years -that is more than ten years ago!!  I do not see myself using them either. There was a time when I used to like the idea of bubble bath and other beauty products.  I still say that a cute sample size bubble bath or facial cream is a nice idea for young girls (especially when they think they're too cool for a teddy bear) who are happy to experiment.  By the time a girl has made it to her twenties she should have developed a beauty routine and will probably have a preferred brand.  If you want to give a lady some sort of pamper product do a bit of research and find out what they use and like.  If you think that's too personal or too expensive a modest amount spent on an appropriate gift card or certificate is a far better option.  

#2 Same Old Same Old

I have developed a little tradition with many of my friends and family that I give everyone a calendar for Christmas.  When I was on a strict budget, calendars were an easy, inexpensive and practical gift for anyone and everyone on my list.  Since becoming a little richer and a little more creative, I now only give calendars to a select few.  However, I have one friend who insists that I give her a calendar every year.  She relies on it!! If the tradition has been set, that's great.  I know a few people who give a different Christmas decoration each year.  That's a nice idea.  I think I might not be making my point very well on this one. Let's try again. 

Tradition is great, but don't assume that everyone enjoys your stress-free gift giving system.  Some people prefer to buy their own calendars.  One year, I bought a diary for my sister -  I'm never doing that again!! It was the wrong size, the wrong layout, and even the wrong colour.  Sis, is quite particular, and so am I.  Remember that the polite and fake smile will come out if you have given a dud gift, so don't assume that the lack of complaint means that everyone loves your gift.  Mix it up this year and see who notices.  

One other thing about the 'same old' concept: Buying the same for everyone might make life easier for you but it doesn't say much for the relationships.  Imagine if you spent hours shopping for the perfect gift for a friend and then receive a token box of chocolates the same as everyone else.  Don't get me started on the obligation gifts either.  At the very least personalise the gifts by giving something extra that is individual.  Everyone gets a calendar - great!  But consider the images and match them to your friends.  Add a book or a gift voucher to your friend's favourite store.  

#3 Food 

Unless it is on their wishlist - click here to read more about wishlists - don't give food.  You don't know how long it will be sitting under a tree and/or you might not know what dietary requirements your mates have.  This is especially true for the relatives you haven't seen in a while or the friends that aren't snapping pics of everything they put in their mouth and posting it on facebook!  It also smacks of lazy same old gift giving.  Think before you buy.  If you are giving food, ensure ingredients are clearly labelled and check for allergies and favourite varieties.  Example: the BFF and I share a love for twirly chocolate wafer sticks and we always gave each other a tin of these for Christmas.  If the foodie gift prompts a memory or comes with a recipe book that makes it special, then by all means go for it.  But, if you are giving everyone a tin of short bread biscuits, most of them will end up in the bin.  

#4 Wishlist Wanna-be's

This one is really important.  In fact it probably should be first.  If your circle of friends (and or family) have chosen to go the 'wishlist' path, then do it properly.  There are several apps, websites and even store based services that will help you set up a wishlist (much like a wedding registry).  If you choose to purchase something from the wishlist make sure you know all the necessary details about the item. Gift details include colours, make and model, approximate prices, sizes, fabrics or materials used to make it, locations and stores that stock them.  Don't go and find a cheap alternative or settle for second best.  If it isn't just right, don't get it.  Wouldn't you rather give the perfect gift, than spend money on something second rate.  Either purchase something else on the list or find a gift voucher for one of the stockists so your friend can decide what is perfect.

#5 Just because you love it

We all have our little quirks and gadgets, bits and pieces, great discoveries that we love.  There will probably be at least one friend who shares your interests or will appreciate having the same thing as you and will love it just as much.  But, the latest techie-trend, fad diet or late night TV giveaway might not be everyone's cup of tea.  Just because you love it doesn't mean that they will.  Christmas is not the time for a crusade.  If you want to share your new love with people then perhaps bring it along or tell them about it when there is a lull in the conversation.  Don't waste your money and their closet space by giving everyone a sample that they won't use.

There are only a few more shopping days to go, so make a list, check it twice and get back out there.  Now you know what NOT to buy, it will be a snap.  Maybe. 


Happy Christmas!

FINALLY.... Holidays!

Lot's has happened in the last few weeks.  Even Hagrid and Shelly have been swamped! Here's the low down.

Students finished their assessment.  The team let me down and I lost my cool at school.  I had a birthday which involved 30 bells, cool presents and a picnic with teddy bears.  There was cake, cake and more cake.  Report cards somehow got finished.  There was chocolate, lots of chocolate.  Shelly had to go to the vet, TWICE!  "Mummy" needed ice cream.  The holidays are here and I'm slowly morphing back into a person after my little experiment with robotics (that is, my incredibly dodgy attempt to work non-stop for two weeks).  

I think I like being human better.  
:)

TTT

When M's away, we will Partay!

M’s having a nap; Shelly and I are having a partay!!

While M’s away the kitty will play.  We have been having a blast browsing on the internet… and catching up with all of Shelly’s kitty friends.  As you can see…

 

M said I could blog as long as I showed everyone a Shelly favourite.  The toy I’m going to show you today is actually one of my favourites too.  I don’t play with it, I just watch M and Shelly play with it and find the whole performance rather entertaining.  It intrigues me to watch Shelly playing with what must be one of her most loved toys and having such a marvellous time.  She is mesmerised by this handmade toy (M made it) and, to be honest, she goes a little nutty for it.  Have you even seen a cat hide behind furniture, dive under coffee tables, dance around in circles, run through people’s legs then freeze like a statue before pouncing on… a PIECE OF STRING?! 

I have, and I will tell you it is hilarious. 

Actually, the first time it is hilarious, but after that it is kind of peculiar.  It is especially perplexing when one realises that Shelly must know that it is simply a piece of string.  Shelly is rather bright so she must have figured out that M is just dangling it in front of her, flicking it around, hanging it from door handles, or just holding it and twitching every now and then.  Sometimes she drags it behind her as she races through the house with Shelly in hot pursuit.  Sometimes, she’s  just carrying it from one room to another when Shelly begins stalking her and attacks the string when M has finally dropped it in the toy box.  I love Shelly very much.  I wouldn’t let just anyone walk all over me like she does (literally), but she can be a tad eccentric at times.  I just don’t get it!  I realise M made it for her and they love each other and stuff.  I get that Shelly is still really a kitten.  But, it’s a piece of string.  Is she serious?

Oh, yeah, I almost forgot.  M said I had to tell you that she used two types of wool.  One was a multi-coloured knitting wool and the other was a plain tanned wool.  She just tied a bunch of strands together and plaited them before tying it up with another piece of string.  She plaited the coloured one first then the tanned one.  It was as ‘simple’ as tying the two plaited pieces together and that was that.  

M calls it “the tail” because she thinks that when it is lying on the floor and gets pulled around a corner the tanned plait end looks like a lion’s tail twitching as the lion sleeps.  I think I’m starting to see why Shelly and M get on so well. 

Seriously people…. It’s a piece of string. 

Hagrid 

How the World Works

We interrupt the series on Shelly's Favourite Things to bring you this important message: 

ASHTON KUCHER has said something intelligent and inspiring to today's teenagers and we need to spread the word.  I was surprised too!  It isn't just the teens who need to see this.  Sometimes we all need a reminder of these ideas:

Opportunity Looks Like Hard Work

There is NO job you are better than.  There is NO job beneath you... except not having one.  

"SEXY" is not about looking good. "SEXY" is about being Smart, Thoughtful and Generous.

Don't just LIVE a LIFE... BUILD a LIFE! 

Free Technology for Teachers: Another Ashton Kutcher Video That Students Should ...: Back in August Ashton Kutcher delivered an important message to teens at the Teen Choice Awards. His message....

Click the link above and check out the two videos.  If you have the opportunity and the influence to tell the truth... then you should tell it.  I had to share this, because it is a rare treat for someone famous to put aside the image and tell our young people that the world is not what it seems.  This is a wake up call.  This is an honest statement.  No one gets rich or famous or happy from sitting at home with their feet up (I know, because I'm at home with my feet up)! 

I hope this makes you smile.  I hope it reminds you to forget about the mirror and pick up a book.  I hope your creativity is energised and you are able to build something special.  I hope you see the opportunity in the work and the substance behind the hype and the potential in your future.  

The Rellies are Round: Hagrid Update

Hi Y'all

Hagrid here. 

  

I just wanted to let you all know that my cousins are back in town.  One or two Aunts and Uncles tagged along as well.  This makes life a little more hectic than usual.  In between consoling cuddles for M (it's term 4 and she's a bit of a mess), playing with Shelly and keeping the kids in line, catching up with the Rellies (distant relatives, in case you were wondering) is a challenge.  

We managed to squeeze in a quick "Hello" visit this morning and M stopped crying long enough to take a lovely photo of the rascals who had all just jumped into a box.  They were still fighting over who got to be on top when M said she wasn't waiting any longer and snapped this pic.  

One thing I have learned since living with M...

It doesn't matter who you are or where you're from, a day with the relatives will always be noisy!

Love and Hugs 

Hagrid