10 CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS FOR THE YEAR 2014

Seasons greetings folks! We're a week away from completing that shopping list yet again and I've come across some gift suggestions that may save you from cramming at the last minute. These are gifts that I would want for myself and that usually helps me how to figure out the best one to give since figuring out who's naughty and nice were already a huge work up.

Check these out and if you have a list of your own, don't hesitate to share it to me.

NAKED On-The-Go-Palette
Limited Edition by Urban Decay
US$54

1. Nowadays, equality among the sexes are a trend. Since Emma Watson's controversial Gender Equality speech happened, there had become a conscious effort amongst the female species. They are making a name in the work force and in politics. They are empowered to make a breakthrough as much as the male species.

With that being said, Urban Decay's NAKED On-The-Go Palette would be the perfect gift for a fun, fearless female friend, loved one or relative. This is a new limited edition that can keep up with a busy woman's schedule. May it be a presentation that has to be done during the day or a deal to close over a dinner meeting at night, this palette can bring out the confidence in every lady who knows what she wants and how to get it. Complete with a blusher, bronzer, 5 different colours of eye shadow, a 24/7 Glide-on eye pencil and a mascara, this good buy gives you more than your money's worth. These are also all new shades that cannot be seen in the 1st 3 palettes that Urban Decay released so, it's quite exciting to try them on.

So decide fast and order it online by checking out Urban Decay's website.

Contigo AUTOSEALKangaroo Water Bottle
US$13.36

2. I am glad that exactly 4 months after giving birth, I will be able to go back to dancing in the parade. My core is getting strong enough and I feel good at surviving each workout. The truth is, as soon as my maternity leave ceased which was less than 2 months after giving birth, I resumed to active lifestyle as per advised by my gynaecologist.

My postnatal programme is still going on. My day job is a physically demanding one so I keep up with the athletic training I have to endure to get back to the usual fitness I had before. The real challenge is with my own self. Yet every time I go for a run, I find it a pain to bring a purse with me without a safe place to keep it in since i prefer running outdoors. But I came across this water bottle that has a compartment that can hold important items such as money or a key. For US$13.36, you can get the Contigo AUTOSEAL Kangaroo Water Bottle via Amazon.com available in different colours and design.

So, I believe that this is the best gift for an athletic friend. You wouldn't just be providing a handy water bottle, you're also sending a subliminal message for him/her to pursue a healthy lifestyle. You know what they say, health is wealth.

3. For your friend who'd rather sit on the couch with a cappuccino at hand and a book, I recommend giving that person a compilation of stories of real people. And who could be more real than the ones who live in New York?

Humans of New York
by Brandon Stanton
US$ 29.99

Although the website to get this doesn't guarantee delivery during the holidays, "Humans of New York" hold a Facebook account featuring some of the stories that are all touching, inspiring and moving. If you want to get hold of those by your coffee table, order at Keep.com.

4. For your god sons or daughters, it's easy to just give away money but for some, they find it an achievement when they are able to check their list since that always is never ending every year.

As a god parent, it's good to make them feel that you are looking after their welfare during winter by giving them presents that will surely extend the warmth of your love to them. And crocheted clothes are always a nice choice. You can do it on your own if you have time or purchase ones like these.

5. There will always be the techie friend that would not want anything but a cool gadget or a sublime additional to their collection. And for this year, I have come across the solution to the risky "cloud" for storage of personal files like photos, documents, videos and many more.

WD My cloud 4TB Personal Cloud Storage
4TB US$189.99

The WD My cloud 4TB Personal Cloud Storage - NAS (WDBCTL0040HWT-NESN) are now on sale in Amazon.com with a highly recommended review from getdatgadget.com. It maybe pricey but nowadays, it's surprisingly necessary to get hold of that much memories of your kids being able to show progressive skills on video, for that special moment at work when you got a colleague's priceless reaction as he/she gets promoted caught on camera or the everyday lunch out documentation that you've been recording.

6. Innovation may come in handy to somebody who needs coffee in the morning to function. I for one am guilty for being so. And personally, I'd like to have this awesome On/Off Mug that turns on (white) when you pour in something hot to it and remains off (black) when there's nothing in most especially this Christmas season. It wouldn't only wake you up, it also has a subliminal message to have a positive outlook as you are turned on and going.

On Off Mug
$US24

Financial Acumen Piggy Bank
US$ 29.95

7. Another nice gift for much older kids is this digital piggy bank which can be set to saving up for 3 specific goals or for 3 individual kiddos. It records how much is due every time and it keeps a reminder when you are supposed to deposit to keep it maintained. In addition, you can set the secret code to keep the savings locked. Unless it is inputted to the chamber, it will stay sealed and out of reach.

This may teach youngsters to save and work hard in pursuing what they aim to achieve. The FINANCIAL ACUMEN PIGGY BANK can be ordered via hammacher.com.

I am not quite sure if it's still available but I hope that this could help you come up with a DIY of your own.

8. A time with the family is always a time not wasted. And there's no better way to do this than to share a meal altogether. And it's good to have that thought that you are able to cook for your loved ones too anytime, anywhere. This X-Grill by Picnic Time is quite a huge help to attain this so consider it as a good gift for a family that values time being together or for a group that loves bringing a party everywhere.

X-Grill
by Picnic Time
US$ 49.95

Bluelounge Studiodesk
US$825.00

9. Undeniably, it had been a fast paced generation for most people whose tasks are done and achieved online. For some people who strive to work at home, this desk could be the best choice for a gift this Christmas.

Being organised every time is an edge to finishing a project efficiently. And an organised working environment reduces stress when crunch time happens. Knowing and keeping what you need within arm's reach saves time. Decluttering reduces your risk of getting distracted and ending the day with unfinished tasks.

This Bluelounge Studiodesk can stash cables and other crap that may interfere in keeping up with a busy person's daily tasks. It may be pricey but this desk is made up of real mahogany and the surface the covers the compartment is real authentic leather giving you a quality desk that will surely serve you for a long time.

10. Last but not the least, in the name of organisation, I suggest that if your friend likes everything tidy and is in need of that much space (since Asian abodes are fairly small), this Shoe Storage is the best gift because it may contract or expand to fit the closet. More details about the product and ordering may be done by clicking here.

Shoe Storage
US$ 52.00

I hope this list had helped you out. Have a Merry Christmas!!!

Related posts:

1. HOLIDAY SEASON 2014 IN HONG KONG - Plan your week ahead in Hong Kong as the Christmas season kicks in by knowing your options well.

2. 10 GIFT IDEAS - another set of gift ideas that you would want to look into for any occasion.

3. BABY BRAVE'S REGISTRY - gift ideas that a Mama wants if you're to attend a baby shower.

10 GIFT IDEAS

It's hard to squeeze time when doing your Christmas shopping. You have the list of the people but you seem to can't figure out what could be a perfect gift for that particular name. I, myself, am on a struggle and I've forgotten that I have stacked one of my folders in Pinterest with a bunch of cool stuff that you may find helpful.

1. JEWELRY

If the female friend you're about to give a gift to is one of those who has everything, it is truly a challenge to choose the right present. This particular piece is the best out there because it could stand for the main reason why your friendship flourishes so this will be treasured instantly. Its style is unique and imposes genuine emotion.

If you decide this for a girlfriend, it could be a pre-engagement gift 'til you drop the question for your girlfriend's "Yes!" to a proposed marriage.

You can purchase it online via Etsy for US$8.0 or have it custom made from your favorite jewelry shop.

2. ALL-AROUND BREAKFAST COOKER

Breakfast is important for morning people like me. That small detail about your friend should help you in picking this amazing all-around brekky maker. I need not say more, just take a good look at that.

3. BABY CHANGING TABLE&BAG IN ONE

Got a friend who just had a baby and you seem to be having difficulty of choosing what's the best gift for her?

Well, this Dump-a-Day baby changing table and bag in one would give all the comfort that the baby wants and the ease that mommy needs in addressing nature's call. Anytime and anywhere, you're friend will find it convenient to change her baby's diapers in a jiffy. Most of public toilets do not hold the room for it and most mommies worry about this. Complete with a lot of pockets, it can surely hold bottles, diapers, and everything that your friend and her baby needs. Almost everything could fit in it. Also, with its very mechanical and efficient design, daddy won't feel embarrassed to swing it on his shoulder. Once your mommy friend opens this, she'll find you heaven sent!

4. CAKE CUTTER

It's quite amazing if you'll find an elegant gift but is actually an efficient tool at the same time.

A&R Store online offers you a simple yet efficient tool in cutting and serving cakes. This gift is the best for your baker friends, chefs and party planners. This stainless cake cutter, which is easy to wash, is best (but not limited to) used in weddings and formal gatherings. 

This will be instantly loved as it is easy to flaunt with its glamorous design and sleek appearance. Get ready to be served by your friend with this the next time you will be invited for an afternoon tea.

5. 3-TIER TREE SLICE LARGE CUPCAKE STAND

In addition to the cake cutter above, here is another gift for the food lovers out there. Because of numerous DIY websites, so many hobbyists become entrepreneurs in their own right. Investments are a must to keep the business running. Most importantly, it should be well advertised. And it will truly help cupcake bakers to showcase their talent if they have this 3-Tier Tree Slice Large Cupcake Stand. 

Order and have it shipped to your friend via Etsy. Price is at US$120. It is more than its worth.

6. SCRAP TRAP

I don't know about you but I love cooking. Though the hardest part is cleaning up afterwards, a solution had been invented.

This next gift idea is what you call the Scrap Trap and Bin. This may be ordered by visiting organize.com and price ranges from US$10-13 (excluding shipping fee). This is good for people on-the-go and those who loves getting organized.

7. PORTABLE PRINTERS

We live in a fast paced world where it had been a must to keep up with the newest innovations. Although this maybe just for Ipad users, it maybe handy to give this (or anything alike) to students and workaholics to lighten up their load.

There are also mini printers that photo booth entrepreneurs could use from Canon. Either of these would make any project output ready-to-go.

8. COUCH COVER

Living in Hong Kong is challenging because apartments aren't that spacious. This smart couch could benefit you and your housemates for easy breezy spacious living. Dump-a-day released these genius ideas and I was trying to keep track of where you could purchase this but unfortunately, I couldn't find it. Let me know once you get hold of any information, please?

9. SOCIAL SHOWER CURTAIN

There's no better gift than the gift of laughter so why not be humorous with your choice?

Everybody seems so hooked nowadays with a lot of social networks. Whether it's for business, keeping in touch with friends and family or just for the heck of having something to do, most of our time get spent on it. It gets to a point that you need to make your friend aware of it.

Now, this next gift could remind him/her to lay low from it because they have to see it everyday even in the shower.....

....or not! LOL!!!

Either way, it's funny and it's beyond anybody's expectation. This is one of 2013's Holiday deals in amazon.com. Place your orders there and they'll ship the finished profile you've made with a good deal that is less than US$20 most especially if you'd order now.

10. ADIRONDACK CHAIRS

Thinking of how to reward your folks this Christmas?

Besides that trip you are planning to send them off to, pimp the porch with this seat whose handles could hold a glass of wine as they relax watching the sunset at the end of the day. This encourages good conversation to flow with that comfortable design of the seat and the convenience that go with it.

This actually is considered a garden seat but of course, you can use it however and put it wherever. The porch idea was just my own but if you'd check out the website of Wine Barrel Products, you'd learn about this seats more.

I hope this had helped you out guys. If in doubt of whether you made the right choice, ask yourself if you want to receive that gift and if the answer is yes, more likely, you're in the right track. If you know any more websites or you've also written one, please do share by leaving the website in the comment box below because I need to know more of them to complete my own list too.