Christmas just got even more materialistic

Christmas is supposed to be a time for caring and sharing but for a whole lot of people - particularly in the UK and US -it is all about the cash.

With the cost of living crisis affecting many, the people at MoneyTransfers.com ​did a survey of the most-wanted gifts this Christmas in several different countries.

The key message: Forget your thoughtful presents. Give me money. 

Major findings included:

# 44% of UK and 40% of US respondents reported wanting money as a gift this Christmas.

# Over a third of Polish respondents wanted money or gift vouchers and over two-fifths of Germans said the same.

# The most desired gifts in Italy at 44% are clothing, shoes and accessories.

#Cosmetics, perfume and body care items were the most desired among UK women at 55%.

#33% of US respondents reported gaming consoles to be the hardest gift to find this year.

# Plants (42.4%), beauty items (40%) and liquor (34%) were found to be the least-desired gifts for Christmas this year.

"Clearly, there has been a shift this year from material possessions, with more people placing value on either the independence to buy what they want – or, a need for cash to hand in a world of rising costs across the board,” says Jonathan Merry, CEO of MoneyTransfers.com.

Australia was not among the nations surveyed. 

Here is the link to the full report should you wish to depress yourself: 

https://moneytransfers.com/news/content/cash-takes-the-top-spot-as-most-wanted-christmas-gift-worldwide

The Gourmet on the Road guide to great Christmas gifts

Whether you are after a nifty tech gadget, a delicious drink, something special or a sweet treat for under the tree, the Gourmet on the Road team has you covered.

Kobo Clara 2E e-reader

Avid readers can finish at least three or four books during a week away, which can mean extra luggage or lugging around a heavy laptop. This new-release e-reader is light as a feather and is billed as being perfect for eco-conscious readers who want to read on the go. Made from ocean-bound and recycled plastic it is waterproof and has heaps more storage and battery life than previous models and can carry up to 12,000 eBooks with 16GB of storage. It is claimed you can read for weeks on a single charge. You can also download library books. This is one I will keep on using every time I travel. $229. https://au.kobobooks.com/collections/ereaders/products/kobo-clara-2e 

Grey Goose Gift Pack

The French vodka brand Grey Goose is world famous, and Santa has a limited supply of special gift packs containing a 700ml bottle and a special steel spritz cooler that is designed to keep your vodka cocktails chilled even on the warmest of summer days. This premium vodka is made winter wheat from Picardy and spring water from Gensac in the Cognac region. Disturbingly delicious. Available at Dan Murphy’s and select independent stores. $70.

Victorinox Foldable Paring Knife

Looking for an ideal knife for shaving some ham off the bone, or cutting some cheese when on a picnic? This one comes up trumps. This Swiss Classic Foldable Paring Knife is a multipurpose tool that is ideal for anyone on the move. This "take-anywhere blade" has a wavy edge and is extremely versatile. It comes in six colourful handle options and has a reputation for endurance whether it hits the road with you or lives next to the fruit bowl. And it folds away to fit in your pocket when you are on the road. $39.95. https://victorinox.com.au/

Wild Nectar Honey

Wild Nectar are the biggest honey producer in Australia but have an artisan approach. Their honey is raw, cold extracted straight from the hive to the bottle, and they have a certified organic range. Wild Nectar keep their processing minimal, only straining it to simply strain it to remove wax and any hive or plant debris. Sourced from hives ranging from northern Victoria through northern NSW, and a delicious addition to many dinner recipes or drizzled onto some goat cheese. Choose from a squeeze bottle for $7.50 to a 450-gram jar for $8.50. https://wildnectarhoney.com.au/

Jabra Elite 7 Pro Ear Buds

A lot of noise-cancelling headphones are big and bulky and not ideal travelling companions. These Danish designed buds offer adjustable noise cancelling (ANC) ideal for use on planes or noisy environments, along with powerful sound and an ultra-compact design. There is eight hours of battery life for longer journeys, and they can be used with iPhone or Android devices. They look smart; and sound smarter.  The ANC allows wearers to cut out any outside noise while HearThrough means that the press of a button means you can hear outside noise without removing the earbuds. They retail for U$299, are rainproof and available in three colours. https://www.jabra.com.au/

Pommery 2005 Cuvée Louise Parcelles Champagne

This is a gift perfect for Champagne connoisseurs who would appreciate something old and rare. A new-release vintage Champagne closing in on two decades of age, this comes in a special gift box.  From an excellent year, this is a blend of grapes sourced from three Grand Cru regions: Ay, Avize and Cramant, and has excellent body as well as elegance on the palate. One for special occasions, or special friends. $380.

New Thermos Products

So, you know someone who loves camping, boating, or fishing, and needs to keep drinks cold in summer and warm in winter? Thermos has two new products that would make idea presents: the 350ml Thermos Vacuum Insulated Tumbler (34.95 from MatchBox, Myer, Lil Treasures) that keeps contents hot for up to nine hours and cold for up to 12 hours and has a leak-resistant travel cover seal; and the 770ml Vacuum Insulated Hydration Bottle ($59.99 from Officeworks, Myer) that boasts a hygienic screw-top lid and can keep water cool for up to 18 hours. Perfect for adventurous types. www.thermos.com.au 

Loving Earth Chocolate Bonbons

Here is the perfect mini treat for under the Christmas tree or to surprise a chocolate-loving friend. These plant-based taste treats (which happen to pair well with red wines). The non-dairy bonbons are chunky mylk chocolate balls available in three different flavours: dark chocolate Gianduja, mylk chocolate berry and dark chocolate orange, come in two different sizes, with a choice of four-piece bonbon packs or 10-piece packs available. They tick all the hipster boxes: vegan-friendly, gluten free, certified organic, kosher and made from minimally processed ingredients. From $9.95. https://lovingearth.net.

Coravin Gemstone Collection

Leading global wine preservation company Coravin has just launched its new Gemstone Collection, the perfect present for any wine lover who wants to keep a special bottle fresh for more than a couple of days after opening. Available in three jewel-toned colours (Anthracite, Dark Amethyst, and Deep Emerald) it is a luxury item – and looks the part. Part of Coravin’s Timeless Six+ wine by the glass line, the new range lets wine lovers pour a glass from any bottle (even screw caps), anytime, while preserving the remaining wine for several months if required. This is far less fiddly than previous versions and looks better than ever. $699 – but look out for special offers. https://www.coravin.com.au  

 

Freixenet Minis

Sparkling winemakers Freixenet have launched two limited-edition Christmas bon bons that make an ideal gift. Wrapped in a gift box disguised as a Christmas cracker, each bon bon packet contains a 200ml piccolo-sized bottle of Freixenet Italian sparkling rosé and a 200ml Piccolo bottle of Freixenet Prosecco. Available exclusively through Dan Murphy’s and BWS for $13 each. www.danmurphys.com.au 

Scarborough Keepers of the Flame

Calling all wine lovers. Following in the footsteps of their parents Ian and Merralea Scarborough, the next generation of the Scarborough family has launched a new range called Keepers of the Flame, with a three-bottle pack of 2019, 2020 and 2021 Keepers of the Flame Chardonnay available as a trio of the 2019-2021 vintage releases, as well as being sold individually for $100 per bottle. www.scarboroughwine.com.au.

Levantine Hill Wine Adventures

Got an adventurous friend who would love a special experience for Christmas?  The Yarra Valley winery Levantine Hill has a “Perfection Winemaking Experience” from $1095 per person.  This fly-and-dine experience includes return helicopter transfer from the Melbourne CBD to Levantine Hill with a winery tour including an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the Levantine Hill winemaking process, underground barrel store, and grounds. A tutored tasting experience featuring the premium Family Paddock wines is then followed by an exclusive lunch experience at the restaurant and cellar door. https://www.levantinehill.com.au.

Lark Whisky

Lark is the distillery that started the Tasmanian whisky boom, and the Hobart company has a wide range of gifts to suit any budget. The range starts with the 100ml Christmas Cask gift pack that retails for $80. This single malt taster comes in a gift pack with a Lark-engraved Glencairn whisky glass and can be personalised with the name of the lucky recipient. From there the sky is the limit. https://larkdistillery.com/pages/christmas-gift-guide

# This story in an edited version of one that appears in Ciao Magazine. 

Mother's Day gifts for wine-loving Mums

 

Mother's Day is just around the corner and those busy bees from Ultimate Winery Experiences have put together some suggestions that will please wine-loving mums around Australia. 

Here are some of their ideas:

Mandoon, Swan Valley, WA

Treat mum to a fine dining lunch at Wild Swan, or breakfast at Homestead Brewery, complete with house-made pastries, scones, jam and clotted cream. Or book a Mandoon experience such as The Perfect Blend (above), where she’ll learn the art of winemaking and create her own unique wine, complete with a personalised label.

Taste your Birth Year, Seppeltsfield, SA

Help mum appreciate her age with the Taste your Birth Year tour, where she can taste wine created in her birth year directly from the barrel. Seppeltsfield, in the Barossa Valley, is the only winery in the world to release a 100-year-old, single vintage wine each year. It is famous for its Centennial Collection - an unbroken lineage of tawny of every vintage from 1878 to today.

Printhie Wines, Orange, NSW

Treat mum to a five-course degustation lunch at the newly opened Printhie Dining, at Printhie Wines (below) on the slopes of Mt Canobolas, 1000 metres above sea level, overlooking Printhie’s vineyards and heritage orchards. Chef Jack Brown crafts seasonally inspired dishes. 

Icons of the Yarra, VIC

The Icons of the Yarra experience begins with lunch at De Bortoli’s Locale Restaurant, featuring a seasonally-inspired chef’s menu with a glass of wine matched to each course. Then move on to Dominique Portet, a winery with a French accent, Here, mum can experience Le Tour de Rosé, including an overview of the estate’s rich history and a guided tasting of three rosé wines matched with a selection of charcuterie, cheese and a rustic baguette.

Icons of the Hunter, NSW

Let mum to experience three of the Hunter Valleys most iconic vineyards - Audrey Wilkinson, Brokenwood and Tyrrell's, for a behind-the-scenes look into their vineyards and wine making process. Sample the VIP Premium Tasting Experience at Tyrrell’s, with a tutored tasting before heading to nearby Audrey Wilkinson for lunch, where a Picnic Among the Vines awaits. Finish with The Journey at Brokenwood, including a tasting with paired canapés, a tour of the winery, and an opportunity to taste pre-release wine straight from the barrel.

Cape to Vine Day Trip, Western Australia

Take a walk on the wild side before Indulge the senses at Margaret River’s founding wine estate Vasse Felix. A private tour of the estate takes you behind the scenes, followed by a tasting of the Vasse Felix Collection and a stroll through the original vineyards of Margaret River. Finally, enjoy a five-course tasting menu paired with wines, before selecting your choice of a bottle of Vasse Felix Premier wine to take home

In high spirits: a cocktail of Christmas gift ideas

Whether you want to splurge on a laptop, drink something special or just want a Santa sack gift of olive oil or balsamic vinegar, here are some great suggestions that I have personally tested or sampled. 

Asus Zenbook UX482 Duo 14

Laptop devices are becoming smaller, faster and sexier each year and I fell in love with a loan version of Asus’s slinkiest newcomer. With a chassis and lid made of magnesium aluminium alloy, this is not only very swift – it looks great.  There are two screens, and the touchpad was easy to use, too. Equipped with 11th Gen Intel CoreTM i7 and CoreTM i5 processors, each model supports up to 32 GB of memory and all this stuff (none of which I understand): 1TB PCIe® 3.0 NVMeTM SSD, two ThunderboltTM 4, full size HDMI, Type-A USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, 3.5 mm audio jack, and microSD card reader, AAS Plus, New ErgoLift AAS plus (Active Aerodynamic System) hinge design, more ergonomic viewing and touchscreen experience and 49% higher airflow. I just liked the way it performed on the road. ZenBook Duo 14 went through an internal layout redesign and is sophisticated. It weighs only 1.6kg (great if you are flying Jetstar with cabin luggage only) and is lighter and slimmer than the previous generation. This is an idea unit for multitaskers. $2699.  www.asus.com/au/Laptops/For-Home/Zenbook/Zenbook-Duo-14-UX482/

Spirit feels 

The new Feels Botanical gift box includes four different eaux de vie flavours: Feels Bask with hemp, quandong and Kakadu plum; Feels Vivify with turmeric, coconut and ginger; Feels Rouse with rose, Davidson plum and horny goat weed and Feels Revel - ginseng, coffee and Illawarra plum. Small-batch Feels Botanicals are 100% Australian owned and free from grains, gluten, preservatives and added sugars. $130 for x4 200ml bottles, the Feels Botanical gift box is on sale directly from their website https://t.ly/yH7F.

Share a taste of Tasmania

Tasmania is all the rage right now and you can share a range of Tasmanian flavours with gift packs from the Old Kempton Distillery. Options include a Christmas Whisky Pack ($85) with Tassie Settlers Whisky BBQ sauce, a whisky mug, an Old Stables single malt whisky, Solera single malt whisky and a classic pinot range whisky, or perhaps a Lavender Malt Liqueur gift pack ($110) containing a 700ml bottle of Lavender Malt, Port Arthur Lavender Farm Honey, a Tasmanian fudge and a Port Arthur handmade candle. www.oldkemptondistillery.com.au

Do some Good

Australian wine brand with a conscience – The Hidden Sea – has released a limited-edition, co-branded bottle of their 2018 Friends of Friends wine to be included in a special six-pack offer just in time for Christmas. 

 

The blurb says this premium shiraz cabernet blend has historically been reserved for friends, family, and friends of friends of The Hidden Sea. But for the first time in recent years, it is being made available for consumers to purchase for a limited time only as part of the Christmas pack.  

 

With every sale of their six-packs, The Hidden Sea works with the ReSea Project to remove and recycle 60 single-use plastic bottles from the world’s oceans. Since July 2020, the brand has removed over 7.5 million plastic bottles from the ocean, bringing them closer to their ambitious goal of removing 1 billion plastic bottles by 2030. 

Every purchase of this special six-pack ($150) includes an entry to win a 6-ltre bottle of Friends of Friends 

 

Aberfeldy Whisky

Aberfeldy is a 12-Year-Old Malt Scotch Whisky that is known for being super smooth. This is a smoky, delicious gift for lovers of premium whisky who might also want to make their own whisky cocktails. Aberfeldy 12YO Single Malt Whisky 700ml, $85, is available to purchase at Dan Murphy’s, Liquorland and First Choice. To learn more: www.aberfeldy.com

Victorinox table set  

From the people who make the world-famous Swiss Army knives comes a new range of knives and forks with a serious splash of colour. The new Swiss Modern cutlery sets are fresh and vibrant, bringing a splash of summer to any table setting. The new collection is available in sleek black, mint green and cornflower blue – or you have the choice to mix and match individual pieces. The modern, synthetic handles are made of dishwasher-safe and easy to clean materials. Their geometric design also allows for an anti-slip grip and comfortable feel. Like the earlier kitchen knives collection, the Swiss Modern cutlery sets are made of high quality Victorinox stainless steel and come with ultra-sharp wavy blades. $179. https://victorinox.com.au/cutlery/swiss-modern-table-set-12-pieces

Edinburgh Gin Distillery Raspberry Liqueur

Based in Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh Gin distils much more than bog standard spirits. Among a portfolio of gins and liqueurs you’ll find little gems like this one: a fruity and juicy raspberry liqueur that can be added to sparkling wine, used in cocktails or simply enjoyed over ice. Made in small batches, this impressed my tasting group with its vibrancy. Available from swiftandmoore.com.au or Dan Murphy’s and selected BWS stores. $36.99.

Grampians Olive Co. treats

Family owned and operated, Victorian-based Grampians Olive Co. has built a big reputation for the quality of its Toscana Olive Oil and other gourmet products and has won several national awards.  All its products are 100% Australian made and festive gift ideas include cold-pressed extra virgin oils, olives, honeys, artisan vinegars and other stocking stuffers. A pantry hamper ($60) makes an excellent gift for any gourmet entertainer. www.grampiansoliveco.com.au 

Instant Gifts 

Time-poor shoppers can grab gifts from Dan Murphy’s and BWS, who have a range of ready-made Christmas packs, featuring a selection of wine, beer, spirits, ciders, and seltzers to suit all tastes and budgets. Think choices like a Chapel Hill hamper featuring Chapel Hill Mr. Vinecombe Cabernet Shiraz Merlot, Glenrowan Macadamia Shortbread, OB Wafer Crackers Original, Lindt chocolate and Geelong confectionary chocolate toffee clusters. $50. Or perhaps a bottle of Cat Amongst The Pigeons Barossa Tawny $29. 

Warners Honeybee Gin

Released just in time for Christmas, the Honeybee Gin uses hand-harvested honey from the Warner family’s Falls Farm in England, which is combined with 27 other botanicals including lavender, hibiscus, rose and blue cornflower to make this a complex yet delicate gin that paired with a Fever Tree tonic. Warners grows its own fresh botanicals for its gins. Honeybee joins Warner’s Rhubarb Gin, credited with starting the pink gin craze, Available in all Dan Murphy’s stores for $79.95.

Chandon Garden Spritz

So you’d like an instant cocktail? Ready to serve, ready to share, Garden Spritz is a blend of sparkling wine and a unique bitters recipe. Specially crafted with navel and blood oranges and macerated with dried orange peels, herbs and spices. This is deliciously refreshing and perfect for picnics or a day at the beach. Available from all good bottle shops. $27.

# This is an edited version of a story that appeared in Ciao Magazine