Phoenix Christmas Giving Guide – For Women

In the lead up to Christmas, the Phoenix is presenting a Christmas gift guide. Each week we’re offering two categories of gifts for your consideration – tangible presents as well as experiences for your loved ones. Last week’s guide was for men, and this week’s is for women (there will guides for children and pets in future editions). Please don’t think there is necessarily a gender divide between men and women in terms of gifts though, as the same principles apply: think first about the interests and hobbies of the individual and always let your knowledge of the person in question inform your choice of gift.

Some of the more common hobbies shared by women in our region include following favourite rugby league or union teams. There are several businesses in towns that retail rugby shirts, jerseys, and paraphernalia so do check them out.

Cooking is a passion for many people, and we are fortunate to have specialist cookware stores in our region. Great gifts from stores such as this include specialist cookware sets (e.g. think paella pans, woks, copper-based saucepans), famous brand crockery, delightful cake storage containers, and elegant cutlery sets.

For the woman who enjoys creating art and craft, there are several excellent options for them. In terms of sourcing raw materials, don’t forget that vouchers from wool, fabric, and art supply stores are a great way to ensure that your loved one can select the materials that appeal to them and best meet their needs. As we mentioned last week for men, a skillfully executed portrait is also something to contemplate. This can be achieved by arranging a photoshoot with a photographer or else providing an artist with a photo.

For the teenage girl in your life think about updating their electronic equipment. These days transistor radios, record players, cassette players, cameras, and computers, for that matter, are all available on a modern phone. Find out what kind of ‘device’ your teenager currently has and talk to telephone retailer about an upgrade. If buying a new phone is out of budget, then think about buying them a new phone case – there are different colours and styles to suit every teenager’s taste.

Men, we’re going to let you in on a secret. Whatever you do, please halt when it comes to buying a generic beauty product pack containing perfumed talcum powder, soap, and bath salts. What might have been delightful in the 1950s and 60s is no longer the case! Find out the fragrance that the woman in your life enjoys and buy a product in the same line, for example if they like X-brand perfume, buy them X-brand hand cream or bubble bath. Also consider buying locally made beauty products, things like goatsmilk soap and honey moisturizer are always welcome.

In terms of providing your woman with experiences, think pampering. Massages, beauty and nail salons, reflexology, and aromatherapy are all wonderful ways to say “thank you for all you do for me and the family. Here’s something just for you”. Consider arranging more than one session – think mid-January as well as early February after children return to school.

Another great experience is a road trip in our area. Think about visiting smaller towns. Check out the Memorial Park at Yenda. Spend time reflecting on the lovely old churches at Darlington Point, and check out Rankins Spring’s Conapaira Hotel, relocated train station sign, and War Memorial Hall. We really do live in a beautiful, historic region.

Last week we covered wine cellar tours for men, but the same applies for women. Our region is known for its fine wines, so you might consider a cellar door tour so that the special woman in your life can pick out a few of her favourites. Our cellar door guide is at: https://www.wineselectors.com.au/selector-magazine/wine/top-6-wineries-and-cellar-doors-to-visit-in-the-riverina

As we wrote last week, no matter what sort of gifts you decide to provide the women in your life, don’t forget that the very best gift is time – the time you spend together sharing experiences, talking over the old days, and making new memories.

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• Christmas
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