Category: Top Gift Tips and Ideas

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The Ten Best Gifts for your Valentine

Mr Gift

Mr Gift’s Top 10 Valentine’s Gifts

Gorgeous gifts to impress your Valentine 

 
The most memorable Valentine’s Day I have ever had was when my boyfriend (now husband) knocked off early from work, whizzed home and whipped up a roast dinner before I got home. He greeted me at the front door in a three-piece suit with a nice glass of bubbles. Our housemates made themselves scarce and we enjoyed a romantic candle-lit roast dinner with fancy wine. It was pure bliss!

Sometimes it’s the simplest gestures that are the most romantic, which is why we have put together a collection of our favourite recipes to cook this Valentine’s Day. Cook them for your Valentine, or alternatively print them out and leave them on the kitchen bench to drop a hint.

We’ve also put together a list of our top ten favourite Valentine’s Day gifts with a mixture of ideas for guys and gals. Check it out below…
 

All orders received before Valentine’s Day will receive a complimentary bag of chocolates. 

1. Beauty Mate Good On You Gift Pack $39.95

It doesn’t matter if you are going out or spending the night in on Valentine’s Day, everyone likes to freshen up before a date. The Good On You Gift pack does just as the name suggests – feels ‘good on you’ and covers all bases with shampoo, moisturiser and hair product.

Check out our other grooming gifts…

2. Luminara LED Candle, ivory $54.95 

Candles are an essential ingredient for any romantic evening. Create a stylish AND romantic ambiance by treating yourself to a Luminara candle or two. The best thing about these candles is that they are completely safe. They use an LED light instead of a flame, but are designed to ‘flicker’ so they look like the real thing. They’re also made from real wax that emits a subtle fragrance – divine!

3. Mugs (set of 2) – Girl Meets Boy / Boy Makes Tea $34.95 

There were a couple of couples that instantly came to mind when we first saw The Bright Side’s product range. This is a fun Valentine’s gift that is guaranteed to make them smile. Sadly, it won’t guarantee more cups of tea though. 

4. Port Sippers (pair) $9.95

Sharing a glass (or two) of port together is a pretty romantic way to finish off a lovely Valentine’s Day dinner, especially as the nights start to cool off. These traditional Port Sippers are an elegant way of enjoying your port or fortified wine, whilst helping to enhance the flavours.

Check out our other wine and beer gift ideas…

5. Slate Cheese Tray with Chalk Pen $29.95

Cheese is also great way to finish of a romantic evening that you don’t want to end, especially if you’re not a dessert person. With so many different types of cheese, you’re bound to find something that your Valentine will enjoy. Serve it in style on this stunning slate cheese board. One of the best features of this board is the chalk pencil that can be used to write the names of your different cheeses on the board. 

Check out our other gorgeous kitchen andhomewares gift ideas…

6. Würkin Stiffs Magnetic Collar Stays, assorted sizes $44.95
Don’t let your curled collar let you down this Valentine’s Day. Keep your shirt looking it’s best with these clever Magnetic Collar Stays from Würkin. 

Check out the Würkin range…
You’ll be your Valentine’s favourite person on the coldest winter days when they snuggle up with this hottie in bed or in front the TV.
Check out our other Hottie styles… 

8. KeepCup Reusable Coffee Cup, Crackle $14.95 

This KeepCup makes a thoughtful Valentine’s Day gift not only because of the striking red colour, but also because your Valentine will think of you every time they drink their morning coffee. 
Check out our other KeepCup colours…

 

If you’re after a high quality iPad case, look no further than this well-made leather case from Troika. The striking red lining is the colour of passion – very appropriate for Valentine’s Day. This bold, unexpected use of colour is characteristic of Troika’s distinctive designs.  
 
Check out the Troika range…

 

If you’re planning a romantic getaway this Valentine’s weekend, travel in style with this gorgeous leather duffel bag from Boheme. Alternatively, if you’re in a spontaneous mood, pack your Valentine’s belongings in this bag and surprise them with a last minute mini break. Lots of Brownie Points guaranteed! 
 
Check out the Boheme range for other beautiful leather products…
Keep up to date with what’s happening at Mr Gift by visiting our Blog or the What’s New page on our website.

Whatever you’re up to this Valentine’s Day, we hope it’s a good one!
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My Top Gift Tips – Kelly Brough, Oola

If you’re looking for a gift for someone who isn’t materialistic and doesn’t like ‘things’, Kelly Brough from Oola reckons you can’t go past an adopted grape vine. Kelly shared some of her other top gift tips with us…

Oola has a great mix of classic and contemporary educational toys

1. The best gift I ever received was…a diamond necklace for my 35th birthday.

2. The top gift on my wish list is…a spa weekend!

3. The best gift I have ever given was…an adopted vine at a local vineyard.

4. The hardest person I have ever had to buy a gift for was/is…my husband. He doesn’t believe in having “things” which made the grape vine a total winner!

5. The best last-minute gift is…a box of hand-made chocolates or a nice bottle of champagne.

6. My hot gift buying tip is…try to find something that connects with the recipient. Make them feel special even if the gift only cost you $10.

Oola makes learning fun through games and creative activites
Kelly is the owner of Oola – Fun Toys That Teach, an online educational toy boutique.
The Oola Family – rest assured that all of Oola’s toys have to meet the approval of the Chief Toy Selectors and Testors!
We love Oola’s philosophy: “Life is complicated, let’s make shopping online easy” – Amen to that!

www.oola.com.au

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My Top Gift Tips – Janette Baker, Wallstudio

This week we talk to Janette Baker from Wallstudio about the best 30thbirthday gifts…

 
 

1. The best gift I ever received was…a trip to Fiji for my 30th Birthday. It was just the best holiday, so relaxing and rejuvenating and exactly what I needed.

2. The top gift on my wish list is…I would really like a nice sun lounger chair so I can chill out by the pool this summer, read magazines and catch some rays.

 


3. The best gift I have ever given was…I gave my husband a flight in a jet fighter plane for his 30th birthday a few years ago. Even just watching from the ground as a spectator was thrilling, and he just loved it!

4. The hardest person I have ever had to buy a gift for was/is…my dad is usually quite hard to buy for as he has everything.
 
5. The best last-minute gift is…I think you can’t go wrong with gadgets for guys and spa/beauty treatments for the girls.

6. My hot gift buying tip is…buy something personalised, the personalised prints at www.MySweetPrints.com.au are always a winner with family and friends.
 
 

Janette Baker is a Sydney based graphic designer, who along with her sister-in-law Sue, created www.Wallstudio.com.au – a collection of beautiful, on-trend canvas art. Wallstudio art comes with the option of adding Echo Reduction for acoustic benefit; transforming noisy open plan houses with stunning art that is practical too!

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Are you ready for Australia Day 2013?

We are!

 

Mr Gift

Mr Gift’s Top 10 Australia Day Essentials

Celebrate in style this Australia Day

It’s that time of year when we stock up on beer, dig out our Aussie flag and reach for a snag. So if it’s Picnic or BBQ, this top ten will see you through. Be True Blue – get some meat on your plate and say ‘cheers’ to your mate!

SPECIAL OFFER: Receive FREE DELIVERY on all Mr Gift orders placed before 5pm Thurs 31/1/2013. Simply enter Coupon Code 2013 when you checkout.

This offer can’t be used in conjunction with other offers, but feel free to pass this Coupon Code onto your family and friends.

1. MAN LAW Glow in the Dark Steak Gauge (set of 4) $15.95

If you’re lucky enough to be nominated BBQ chef this Australia Day, take the guess-work out of cooking steak to everyone’s taste with these handy Steak Gauges – they’ll take the heat off you this weekend.

2. Oopsmark Bicycle Leather Wine Rack $49.95

If you want to take a cheeky bottle of wine on your next bicycle picnic, check out Oopsmark’s cool leather wine rack, designed specifically for bikes. It’s a little bit retro and very romantic. Also available in black.

3. Troika Toolegance Multi-Function Tool $79.95

If you need to cut, screw, file or open a can, Troika’s Toolegance Multi-Function Tool is your go-to gadget. Perfect for camping, barbequing and picnicking.

4. My Music Mini Speaker $24.95

This handy speaker is perfect for music-making on the go. Light weight and easy to use, it’s great for the great outdoors.

Check out our other gadget gift ideas…

5. MAN LAW Stainless Steel BBQ Tools Set, 3 piece $59.95

This sturdy BBQ set is for the hard-core BBQ chef who values quality products made to last.
Check out the MAN LAW range…

6. Grow Bags (pair) $29.95

If you’re planning on getting out in the garden this weekend, check out these groovy Grow Bags. They’re ideal for small spaces, balconies or as a temporary garden for renters.
Check out our other gardening products here…

7. Air Chair $349.95
The Air Chair is the ultimate way to unwind this Australia Day. Forget the old unstable hammock and recline in style. This chair even has a drink holder!

8. Wine Bottle Glasses, large (set of 4) $39.95

If you’re catering for groups, different coloured glasses are the best – everyone will remember (or try to remember) which coloured glass is theirs. This set from BottleHood features a selection of gorgeous colours (although it’s almost guaranteed everyone will fight over the blue!). Also available in a smaller size. Check out BottleHood’s range…

9. Crumbz Butchers Apron, navy and white stripe $29.95

Just because you’re the chef this weekend, doesn’t mean you have to look like it (covered in food and grease). Crumbz aprons squash any association with old, daggy aprons of days gone by. Made from high quality cotton, they feature a smart butchers stripe pattern to ensure you look like a professional in the kitchen and behind the BBQ. Check out the Crumbz Red Check Apron…

10. Sunny Life 4 Person Picnic Basket $169.95

Many a happy childhood memory would involve a picnic (or BBQ). Recreate those happy times with your partner and family by investing in a good quality picnic basket like this one from Sunny Life.

Check out our SALE ITEMS for more bargains.

Our blog also has some great Top Gift Tips and Ideas, such as our Top Ten Gifts for Beer and Wine Enthusiasts.

Have a ripper Australia Day!

 
                                                                                                                        


 

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Top Ten Gifts for Beer and Wine Enthusiasts

We all know one, in fact there’s usually at least one (or even two) in every family. Yep – a beer and/or wine enthusiast. They’re usually their most active at this time of year when the weather is at its warmest, hanging out in pub beer gardens or on balconies and patios with glass or stubbie in hand. And if you need to buy one of these guys a gift this year, we’ve got you covered with our list of Top Ten Gifts to buy a Beer and/or Wine Enthusiast…

Ok, so you’ve probably heard about the benefits of decanting and aerating wine. Basically, decanting opens the wine up, releasing its aromas and resulting in a smoother, more mellow drink (read more about decanting here). If you want a quick and easy way of decanting that doesn’t involve getting out the old decanter, check out the Nuance Wine Finer. It’s hands down the quickest and easiest way of decanting. Once you’ve tried it you’ll never drink another bottle of wine again without it.
 
 

Do you always finish a bottle of wine? No, really? Think about how many bottles of wine you’ve thrown out because you haven’t finished them and they’ve gone bad. If you’re reluctant to open a good bottle or a bottle mid-week for fear of not finishing it, check out the Longitude Wine Preserve.

 

How many times have you bought some delicious European beers and then spend ages scrabbling around in that second kitchen draw trying to find your bottle opener? If you never want to lose your bottle opener again, get one that you’re proud to keep on display. The Nuance Bottle Opener is as effective to use as it is pleasing to look at.
 

Don’t risk getting done for Drink Driving. Monitor your blood alcohol level with this handy breath tester key ring. It even detects 0.02% BAC, so you can gauge how close you are to 0.05%.
 
 
 

Everyone needs a personal hip flask and this one’s a cracker. One side reads: “Booze Pour Homme” and the other reads “Pub in my pocket”. Great size that will fit in most pockets. Love it!
 
 


How hard is it to find decent port glasses these days?! Try something different and give these traditional port sippers a go. Port sippers enhance the flavour of your port or fortified wine and this design has been around since the 1700s.

 

The emergency is when the glass is empty. 

 

8. Moleskine Beer Journal $39.95

Keep a record of your wonderful beer adventures*

*Disclaimer: If you’re capable of writing at the time or can remember anything the next morning.

 

This cool glass looks like the neck of a beer bottle that has been turned upside down. The silicon lid also acts as a coaster to protect your table tops.

 

 

Never let that bottle get away again. Keep a record of the wines you try and enjoy (as well as the ones you don’t) so you can buy more (or never drink them again). See Disclaimer for Beer Journal.
 

SPECIAL OFFER: Receive FREE DELIVERY on all Mr Gift orders placed before 5pm Thurs 31/1/2013. Simply enter Coupon Code 2013 when you checkout.  


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My Top Gift Tips – Yvonne from Bags of Charm, Sydney

Founder of Bags of Charm, Yvonne says that Lindor Chocolates are always a winning gift. Yvonne also shares some of her other gift tips with us below…

 

1. The best gift I ever received was… a trip to Gold Coast’s Broadbeach. Sunshine, fresh air & endless beach. What can you ask for more!

2. The top gift on my wish list is…don’t have one, I think I’ve got everything I want at the moment:)

3. The best gift I have ever given was…a high performance road bike for my husband. He’s riding it to work every day. So proud of him!

4. The hardest person I have ever had to buy a gift for was/is… my sister! There’s nothing she likes better than a nice meal. But she lives in Japan. It’s hard for me to buy her dinner from Sydney:)

5. The best last-minute gift is…Myer Gift vouchers.

6. My hot gift buying tip is…Buy Lindor Chocolate for your friends! Hardly anyone can resist a bite of Lindor.

A selection of stunning designer handbags from Bags of Charm
 

Yvonne is the owner of www.bagsofcharm.com.au, an online handbag retailer offering authentic pre-owned luxury designer handbags and accessories at fantastic value.

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BRAND OF THE WEEK: The Bright Side

You know you’re onto some great products when you’re looking at a product range and find yourself laughing out loud. This was our reaction when we first saw The Bright Side range. The luggage strap, ‘Did Someone Say Upgrade’ was the deal-sealer for us introducing this brand to the Mr Gift product mix.

Quite possibly the funniest luggage strap around from The Bright Side’s genius designer, Rachel Bright
 
The Bright Side products are the creation of Rachel Bright; printmaker, illustrator and writer. Working as a designer and illustrator in the UK for the last 10 years, Rachel has an extensive creative background, having worked for companies such as Smythson of Bond St, Usborne Publishing, ThirtyThree and Richmond County Council. Rachel has also done commission illustration work for Bristol Design Guild and Charnwood. Two children’s books have also featured amongst Rachel’s latest projects. We love the humour and quirky style Rachel brings to The Bright Side range. 

 
 
 
 The Bright Side’s iconic ‘Man Tins’, from $19.95
The Bright Side specialises in unusual, yet useful products: from homewares such as Man Tins, coffee cups and the hilarious Emergency Man Fuel beer glass to the We’ve Got a Bleeder sticking plasters for little bumps and accidents and the Man Lists notebook – there’s something that every man would find useful (and a bit funny too!).
 
The perfect glass for your next ‘beer emergency’
 
 




This plaster (band-aid) kit will make you sore from laughing – a unique, useful and funny gift 

For a gift that will put a smile on your recipient’s face, you can’t go past The Bright Side. 

SPECIAL OFFER: Receive FREE DELIVERY on all Mr Gift orders placed before 5pm Thurs 31/1/2013. Simply enter Coupon Code 2013 when you checkout.
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Top 10 Gift Bargains + FREE DELIVERY offer

Mr Gift

What’s your New Year’s resolution for 2013?

Mr Gift has all of your gifts for guys covered this year, and you don’t even have to leave the house!

My New Year’s resolution last year was to get better at keep in touch with friends. FAIL.
Ok, so I did have a couple of excuses: a new addition to our family, a new business, moving house…you get the picture. Looking back now though, I suspect the error of my ways was that I didn’t plan how I was going to keep in touch with people. Phone? Email? When and how often? So this year I’m going to try again, but with a better strategy in place. My goal is to email or call a different friend every two weeks. And I’m going to block out time in my diary to do it. In our professional or personal lives, goal setting is a good way of getting things done – taking that big, scary job and breaking it up into smaller, more manageable bits. Whatever your dreams and goals are for 2013, we hope you achieve them all with a little bit of thought and planning.

If one of your goals is to get more organised this year, why not start with your gift buying for family and friends. Check out our below top ten specials and grab a gift or two at a great price…

SPECIAL OFFER: Receive FREE DELIVERY on all Mr Gift orders placed before 5pm Thurs 31/1/2013. Simply enter Coupon Code 2013 when you checkout.

This offer can’t be used in conjunction with other offers, but feel free to pass this Coupon Code onto your family and friends.

1. Joseph Joseph Gadgets Gift Set NOW $40 (was $49.95)

The perfect wedding, engagement and housewarming gift or gift for guys who love their kitchen gadgets.

2. Mapkins (serviettes), London design NOW $5 (were $8.95)

This pack of 20 napkins is a great party conversation starter. Find places you have been to, or would like to visit on these maps of London, New York and Paris.

3. Cubic Timer, Orange
NOW $35 (was $49.95)

Timing things has never been so much fun with this handy little cube timer. Each side of the cube times for 3, 10, 30 or 60 mins.

4. Leitmotiv Z Lamp NOW $55 (was $69.95)

This stylish lamp is a great gift for the home or office. The simple, streamlined design of the Z lamp will suit the décor of most homes, whilst serving as a useful gift.

Check out our other home and office gift ideas…

5. Camo Army Toilet Bag
NOW $15 (was $21.95)

A smart toilet bag always makes a great gift. This light-weight PVC coated case is simple, stylish and easy to keep clean.

6. Bamboo Fiber Travel Mug
NOW $15 (was $24.95)

This high-quality travel mug incorporates the solid feel of a ceramic mug with the light-weight durability of bamboo – an essential for your daily cuppa.

7. Ceramic Measuring Jug, 1 litre NOW $15 (was $19.95)

They just don’t make measuring jugs like these ones anymore. This ceramic jug feels sturdy – just like a vintage jug you’d find in your Grandma’s kitchen cupboard.

Also available in 250ml and 500ml sizes.

8. Paper Pot Press NOW $20 (was $24.95)

The Paper Pot Press offers an alternative way of recycling your old newspapers by turning them into biodegradable paper pots.

Check out our other garden gift ideas…

9. The Essential Tool Kit
NOW $25 (was $34.95)

This handy tool kit has a great selection of tools suitable for many DIY jobs and repairs around the home and office. Also a great kit to keep in the car glove box or the camping box.

10. Oak Bootjack NOW $25 (was $32.95)

If you work outdoors, there’s probably been a few occasions where you’ve struggled to remove your dirty work boots. Struggle no more with the help of this simple yet effective oak bootjack.

Check out our other SALE ITEMS for more bargains.

We have lots of new brands and products on the way, so keep checking our New Products section for more gift inspiration throughout the year.

We wish you a fantastic 2013 and hope the year ahead is full of rewarding experiences and happy times.

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My Top Gift Tips – Pauline Leonard, VIC

Not many people would know where to start when it came to organising a dinner for 50, but Melbourne chef Pauline Leonard takes it all in her stride. Pauline shares her Top Gift Tips with us this week:

1. The best gift I ever received was…some fresh truffles, dug that day.

2. The top gift on my wish list is…a house in Tuscany!

3. The best gift I have ever given was…a dinner party I catered for a friend’s surprise 50th for 50 of her friends.

4. The hardest person I have ever had to buy a gift for is…my darling husband. He has me, what more does he need?

5. The best last-minute gift is…a bottle of something special, be it wine, sauce or oil.






6. My hot gift buying tip is…buy gifts as you see things throughout the year, don’t wait until a week before the person’s birthday. Failing that – get them a gift voucher to one of my cooking classes – young old, men, women, kids – they all love cooking in my classes.

Learning to cook is an invaluable, life-long skill
Check out Pauline’s cooking classes at Queen Vic Markets, Melbourne

Pauline Leonard is a Melbourne chef who runs cooking classes at Queen Victoria Markets, weekend gourmet food tours to the Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula, Saturday tasting tours in the picturesque town of Healesville in the Yarra Valley, and 10 day gourmet food and wine tours to Italy! For more information, check out www.tastecooktravel.com