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If you are looking for inspiration, here are some fabulous ideas for Christmas ! In the first of a series of Christmas collections we have gathered presents for all ages, to suit every budget. Keep checking back, many, many, more ideas to come in the weeks leading up to Christmas !

 

CHRISTMAS BY ELISE!

By Elise

Elise Compson, the UK designer, launched her jewellery brand "By Elise" in 2002 before founding her first pearl boutique a few years later followed by her online store in 2008. Her reputation for outstanding style, glamour and originality has been achieved through her "Signature Range" of pearl jewellery where each item is created by Elise and is entirely unique in its design.

Texture and shape is paramount to each design and at times she creates pieces that have a sense of drama making them truly eye catching. The media have described it as "Classic with a Twist".

Whilst the "Signature" pieces have been individually created and designed by Elise the "Diffusion Range" is a limited edition which has been sourced by her to best reflect the By Elise integrity.

Each pearl necklace, pearl bracelet and pearl earring is handcrafted from the finest stones and is intended to capture a woman's individuality. Her silver steering wheel clasp allows for infinite variety with or without detachable pendants so as to best suit your mood and preference. The pearl collection is ideal for gifts for Christmas and any special occasion.

STOP PRESS By Elise have just launched their Couture Jewellery which are fashion accessories and are an extension of the Handmade Pearl Jewellery and is called “Couture By Elise“. Each one is unique and they are designed and created in conjunction with the customer. A wonderful on trend Christmas gift !

Available from www.byelise.com

ELEMIS CHRISTMAS CANDLE COLLECTION

Elemis

Limited edition scented candles in luxury presentation boxes that will fill your home with beautiful natural scents This collection of candles is made with 100% natural oils – whatever your mood there is an Elemis candle to soothe your senses.

The spa candle This large pillar candle treats your senses to a rich, spicy fragrance of Cinnamon, Orange and Vanilla. Presented on a wooden and chrome stand and has 130 hours of burning time RRP. £40.00

Cedarwood-spa candle Awaken your senses with this powerful infusion of Cedarwood, Eucalyptus and Rosemary to infuse the room with a spicy, woody aroma and presented in a sleek and sophisticated black glass with silver lid RRP. £25.00

Daisy-spa candle Revive your senses with this delicately fresh and fruity candle infused with Daisy, Banana and Freesia. Presented in an aubergine tinted glass with silver lid. RRP. £25.00

Amber-spa candle Indulge your senses with this warm, sensuous candle infused with Amber, Mandarin and Vanilla. This scented candle is encased in burgundy tinted glass with silver lid. RRP. £25.00

Travel-spa candle trio Take your home aroma away on your travels. This perfect candle trio has a fragrance to suit any mood to uplift the spirits and relax the mind. RRP. £35.00

Mini daisy-spa candle - Daisy, Banana, Freesia • Mini amber-spa candle - Amber, Mandarin, Vanilla • Mini spa candle - Cinnamon, Orange, Vanilla

For spa, salons, retail stores stockists call the Elemis Customer Care Centre on: +44 (0)1278 727 830 or shop online at www.timetospa.co.uk
http://www.elemis.com

CLASSIC GAMES FOR CHRISTMAS 2009 FROM LIGNE ROSETLigne Rose

The range of beautifully crafted Ligne Roset games boxes are a perfect Christmas gift. The range includes four classic games: Backgammon, Solitaire, Poker, and Tic Tack Toe. Each game is made to the highest Ligne Roset quality. The beautiful presentation makes these games a wonderful family gift which will be used year after year.

Backgammon is presented in a perfectly finished overstitched black synderme box with black imitation suede interior. Includes stainless steel counters and three brilliant-polished aluminium dice.

Tic Tack Toe is presented in a black buffalo-hide case with a black velour interior. Includes the Noughts and Crosses made in moulded lacquered aluminium. Ideal for a younger family.

Solitaire is presented in an overstitched black synderme box, comes is presented in an overstitched black synderme box, comes with chromed steel balls. A quality edition of this classic game to keep for generations

Poker is presented in a black Buffalo-hide box with imitation suede interior. Includes cards, brilliant-polished aluminium dice and fifty chips: the ultimate gift for any poker fan.

The board games start at £67, Ligne Roset stockists are on + 44 (0)8707 777 202 and the website is http://www.ligne-roset.co.uk/

GIVE A GIFT OF MONEY THIS CHRISTMAS
Royal Mint

Coins and Christmas have long been linked, whether it's through the tradition of placing a silver sixpence in a Christmas Pudding or the legend of St Nicholas dropping gold coins down the chimney and into waiting Christmas stockings. This Yuletide, give loved ones a Christmas present to cherish with a traditional gift of money from the Royal Mint.

From commemorative coins celebrating great moments in British history to medallions honouring some of today's most popular icons, the Royal Mint's beautifully crafted gifts make the perfect keepsakes to be treasured for year's to come. For Christmas, for everyone, forever.

For the style icon

The 2009 50th Anniversary of the Mini £5

This fun £5 coin captures the style of the Swinging Sixties and is the ideal gift for friends and family who perhaps once owned or still drive a classic Mini. A memento of the Mini's 50th anniversary celebrations, the £5 coin is also available in silver. £9.95

For tradition
Christmas Lucky Silver Sixpence

Give a Lucky Silver Sixpence to a loved one this Yuletide and spread a little traditional Christmas luck. Historically placed in the Christmas Pudding mixture, the sixpence was said to bring wealth in the coming year to whoever found it. The ideal stocking filler, this genuine silver sixpence is exclusive to the Royal Mint. £14.99

A gift of gold at Christmas
The 2009 Gold Bullion Quarter-Sovereign Christmas Gift Sleeve

For a truly impressive and unique Christmas gift, look no further than the 2009 gold bullion quarter-sovereign. What could be more perfect than to celebrate the festive season with this affordable gift of gold. £65.00

www.royalmint.com


WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR A GADGET LOVER OR STYLISH SNAPPER.
Canon

Taking stunning images has never been simpler than with the Digital IXUS 200 is and Digital IXUS 120 IS.

The Digital IXUS 200 IS gives you ultimate experience in fingertip control with Canon’s first-ever touch-screen technology in a camera, while the Digital IXUS 120 IS is Canon’s slimmest ever, wide-angle Digital IXUS.

A ‘wide’ world in your hands

The 12.1 Megapixel Digital IXUS 200 IS lets you see – and take – the whole picture, with a stunning 24mm ultra-wide angle lens with 5x optical zoom - the first time a 24mm lens has been featured in a Digital IXUS. This impressive lens with a wider perspective than conventional wide-angle lenses lets you capture stunning landscapes and get everyone in the frame even when shooting large groups of people. The 5x optical zoom also enables you to get close to your subjects for spontaneous portraits and close-ups.

Canon’s first ever touch-screen system couldn’t be easier to use and lets you quickly and naturally flick through pictures or select your shooting settings with a single finger-press. Taking photos of friends? Simply tap the 3.0 inch widescreen to ‘point’ at the face you want to focus on, and the Digital IXUS 200 IS will do the rest - automatically tracking your subject and keeping them in perfect focus, letting you take exactly the shot you want. When reviewing your images a simple movement of your finger on-screen allows you to erase, protect, rotate or tag your favourite photos so you can easily review your favourite shots.

Spontaneous and easy–to-use, the touch-screen works alongside the traditional camera controls to give an enhanced, natural and intuitive experience. The inclusion of a
Smart Auto mode with Scene Detection Technology allows you to simply point and shoot - safe in the knowledge that all the hard work, such as scene and setting selection, has been done for you. The Digital IXUS 200 IS will also make sure that faces of friends are always captured perfectly thanks to Face Detection Technology.

The Digital IXUS 200 IS is amazingly simple to use. Active Display allows you to flick through the shots you’ve taken, simply by moving and tilting the camera. A sleek menu system with ’Hints & Tips’ – a feature introduced on all new Canon Digital IXUS products – guides you through your picture taking helping you to understand the settings and functions.

With a choice of four striking colours – Blue, Gold, Purple, or Silver - the
Digital IXUS 200 IS combines fingertip control, total simplicity and a super-stylish design.

Super-slim and sophisticated


The Digital IXUS 120 IS is Canon’s slimmest ever wide-angle Digital IXUS - a powerful camera in an elegant frame. Small and perfectly formed - ideal for slipping into handbags and pockets – it can be whipped out anywhere to take stunning images with its 28mm wide angle lens, 4x zoom and 12.1 Megapixel image sensor. All your shots can be comfortably reviewed on its beautiful 2.7 inch PureColour LCD II screen.

As with the Digital IXUS 200 IS the Digital IXUS 120 IS features Smart Auto mode with Scene Detection Technology so snapping is easy and picture quality is guaranteed. The Digital IXUS 120 IS also includes a ‘Hints & Tips’ system so camera settings are clearly explained within the menu. Blink Detection is another helpful feature to make sure you always get a perfect shot. It immediately alerts you if any of your subjects had their eyes closed, letting you swiftly take a replacement photo.

Available in four subtle shades – black, blue, brown or silver - taking quality images on the move has been never so stylish and easy.

Pricing & Availability

The Digital IXUS 200 IS is available priced at £329.00 / €379.00 RRP inc. VAT.

The Digital IXUS 120 IS is available priced at £299.00 / €349.00 RRP inc. VAT.

VILLANDRY CHRISTMAS HAMPERS PACKED WITH FESTIVE CHEER
Villandry

From Villandry HQ in London’s West End come outstanding presentations bringing together some of the finest wines, artisan cheeses and tracklements from Europe.
A remarkable and unforgettable gift, the Villandry Deluxe Hamper (£165) includes every gastronomic delight required to make Christmas ultra-luxurious. From Saveur de Pyrennees Duck Rillette and La Trinquelinette confiture packed with organic fruit to Pannetonne and Jean-Paul Deville Carte Noir N.V. Champagne, this hamper also includes a magnificent Christmas Cake (560g) created by head baker, Paolo Shiavon. The secret to the moistness, he says, is soaking the currants and sultanas in brandy, muscovado sugar and treacle for 24 hours.

The Fitzrovia Gift Box (£35) exudes quality and is guaranteed to kick off the festive season in style. Villandry Cuvee 2008 Rouge is complemented by Les Craquants bread Sticks, Mini Saucisse Seche Sauci-Crocq, pate and relish - ideal for aperitifs.

Villandry offer a range of hampers priced to suit every pocket and occasion (from £165 to £29.99). Order online at http://www.villandryhampers.com or visit the shops – each an epicurean delight – at Great Portland Street, Bicester Village or Villandry Kitchen at High Holborn. Bespoke hampers can also be created, just call 020 7631 3131. All prices are inclusive of VAT. Delivery is throughout the UK and worldwide. Last dates for guaranteed Christmas delivery is Thursday 17th December. Orders for outside the UK, Thursday 10th December.

EXPERIENCE THE DISNEY DIFFERENCE THIS CHRISTMAS
Disney

From Mickey Mouse to Tinker Bell and Disney Princess to Winnie the Pooh, a whole host of much-loved characters will come to life this Christmas with a diverse selection of magical gifts from Disney Consumer Products and Disney Interactive Studios.

Christmas for Girls

Create an enchanting Christmas for younger girls this year by letting them step inside the world of the Disney Princess with an array of delightful products featuring the eight beloved Princesses – Ariel (The Little Mermaid), Aurora (Sleeping Beauty), Belle (Beauty and the Beast), Jasmine (Aladdin), Cinderella, Mulan, Pocohontas and Snow White.

Little princesses can act out their fairytale fantasies with Premium Disney Princess costumes and shoes. With a choice of exquisite Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty dresses, dressing up has never been so luxurious. The pale pink Sleeping Beauty costume features a sequinned bodice, rose details and a faux-fur shrug finished with a diamante clasp. Alternatively, girls can shimmer as Cinderella in a wintery white costume with silver sequin detailing throughout and a matching shrug with faux-fur collar. Both outfits come with matching accessories

A Glittering Royal Celebration’ is the theme of a selection of Disney Princess home items – make the dining table fit for a regal banquet with a jewel goblet, plate, bowl, mug and cutlery. Girls can set off for school in style with a Disney Princess bag and sports bottle, or embark on their travels with the Disney Princess four-piece luggage set.

Disney Princess fans will have fun interacting with one of their favourite characters with a selection of Snow White role play products – they can cook up a storm in the Snow White Kitchen, or help to make their home fit for the ‘fairest one of all’ with the Snow White Musical Cleaning Set and the Snow White Vacuum Cleaner.

The much-loved Tinker Bell and her Fairy friends from Pixie Hollow will prove spellbinding to older girls aged 4-8 years. The Disney Fairies each have their own special talents and personalities, and share a sense of adventure and friendship, reflected in a magical collection of gift ideas for girls.

Launching in time for Christmas is the second of five Disney Fairies films. Tinker Bell & The Lost Treasure is set in autumn, with the seasonal theme reflected in the characters’ styles and costumes.

Based on the film, the Magic Spiral Wings Doll will get Fairy fans in a flutter – the movement of the air makes her wings spiral around in true Fairy fashion! The doll also includes a transparent glitter wand that clips to the Fairy or can be used separately to spread the magic of Pixie Hollow.

The adventures of Tinker Bell and her friends can be re-enacted with the collection of Disney Fairies Fashion Dolls. Choose from Tinker Bell and her friends Rosetta, Iridessa, Silvermist and Fawn, each in their own beautiful costume. Each doll comes packaged with a special blue moonstone necklace for her owner to wear while playing with her Fairy friends.

The Tinker Bell & The Lost Treasure game for Nintendo DS allows girls to take flight as the beloved Tinker Bell and embark on an exciting quest to find the lost treasure north of Never Land. Fans can create their own Fairy and explore the world of Pixie Hollow, complete quests and play mini-games to help prepare for the Autumn Festival. In addition, players can gather items to customise their Fairy’s wardrobe or even furniture to decorate their Fairy’s home.

The delightful collection of Disney Fairies Beauty Sets will help bring a touch of Pixie Hollow magic to the bathroom. An enchanting array of products are included in the range, from fabulous Flower Power Bubble Bath to a ‘Believe In Magic’ Sparkly Bath Set.

Disney Sing It: Pop Hits features 30 master recordings and popular music videos from fan favourites including Miley Cyrus, Jonas Brothers, Taylor Swift, Hannah Montana and Coldplay. The game will be available for Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3, and lets fans enjoy familiar single and multiplayer game modes such as singing solo, duet and head-to-head. Players even get the chance to learn how to sing from a professional in the newly-expanded ‘Sing It Pro’ mode.

Christmas for Boys

The high-octane fun of Disney/Pixar’s Cars is continuing with Cars Toons – a series of animated ‘shorts’ starring Lightning McQueen’s rusty but trusty friend Mater which are available to view at Disney.co.uk. Together with the forthcoming return of Buzz Lightyear and Woody to our cinema screens in the 3D theatrical releases of Toy Story (October) and Toy Story 2 (Spring 2010), followed by the highly-anticipated Toy Story 3 (Summer 2010), these Disney heroes will be hot property as some of the top toys for boys this Christmas.

Little champs can gear themselves up for the race of the year with a whole host of fantastic products featuring their favourite Cars stars, including a Die Cast Character Assortment and a Drifting Playset. Boys will love the action-packed racing play of this cool motorised track set featuring movie favourites Lightning McQueen and Mack.

There’s a wardrobe full of cool clothing to kit out boys this Christmas. A selection of T-shirts and a pair of Belted Twill Trousers featuring the film’s hero Lightning McQueen coupled with a Hooded Fleece, Racing Shirt or Padded Jacket are just the ticket to help Cars fans stay leaders of the fashion pack.

Woody, Buzz and the gang stage their own zany, fun-filled carnival in Toy Story Mania! For Nintendo DS. The game allows players to participate in familiar and all-new carnival-inspired shooting galleries and win top prizes in mini-games, with multiplayer competitive and cooperative modes providing hours of fun for up to four players. Bonus unlockables let players experience parts of the game in eye-popping 3D.

Christmas for Pre-Schoolers

Disney has gifts galore for kids aged 2–5 years old this Christmas, taking in characters from popular pre-school programmes including Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Handy Manny, Little Einsteins and My Friends Tigger & Pooh. Incorporating the magic of Disney storytelling with fun adventures and music, these products will help inspire imaginations with their interactive learning elements and fun features.

Zippity is a new, fun, high-energy learning system. Using the interactive mat and bopper, children can dance, hops, skip, jump and run as part of a unique learning adventure. Zippity features eight full-body games starring your children’s favourite Disney characters including Mickey Mouse, Winnie the Pooh, Little Einsteins and Handy Manny.

Join everyone’s favourite mouse on a learning adventure with the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Laptop. Shaped like Mickey’s ToonTown Car, watch the headlights flash when the ‘hood’ is opened! The laptop comes complete with 22 different activities, an array of animations and sound effects and even a mouse-shaped mouse!

The Mickey Hot Dog Dancer is a singing and dancing toy who is sure to prove popular with pre-schoolers as he encourages them to join with his antics! Mickey dances along to two songs including the popular ‘Hot Dog’ from the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse programme, tells jokes and says various fun phrases.

Go on a fixing spree with Handy Manny's Talkin’ Toolbox! Comes complete with all seven tool characters, Pat, Turner, Dusty, Stretch, Felipe, Squeeze, and Rusty. Press the Manny button on the toolbox to bring the talkative tools to life and sing along with the “Let's Get to Work” song from the show.

Let your little ones recreate their favourite scenes from Handy Manny with the Let’s Get to Work Manny – an interactive figure who is accompanied by all seven of his tools and his very own toolbox. Place a tool in Manny’s hand and to listen to sound effects and Manny’s phrases in English and Spanish.

You can also step into Manny’s world with the Handy Manny Transforming Tool Truck, which can turn into Manny's tool bench for great two-in-one play! The truck includes tools, sounds, phrases in English and Spanish and fun fix-it jobs. The Let's Get To Work Manny figure will fit inside the cab of the truck for extra fixing fun!

Little fix-it fans can chat with Manny on the Handy Manny Phone. This fun slide phone is perfect for role-playing fun and comes complete with auto retractable keypad, with numbers 0-9, letters A-Z and five colours and shapes. The phone features an English/Spanish bilingual switch and uses the real voice of Handy Manny!

The Handy Manny Laptop lets little learners enter the world of their favourite repairman. The toolbox-shaped laptop includes a removable Pat the Hammer and Felipe the Screwdriver, an A-Z keyboard with 0-9 keys and 3D special feature keys with four screws to turn and two nails to press. Incorporating Handy Manny’s real voice across a range of ten activities teaching letters, numbers and objects in English and Spanish, the laptop is educational as well as exciting!

Christmas for babies

Infants can enjoy sweet dreams in a bed dressed with a beautiful selection of Winnie the Pooh bedding, which includes a Cot Duvet Set, Quilt and Fleece Blanket. The Snoozie Sleeping Bag is available in sizes 0-36 months and keeps babies warm and comfortable for a perfect night’s sleep. All bedding products are carefully embossed with appliqué detailing and intricate embroidery featuring Winnie the Pooh and Piglet amongst stars, moons, flowers and story extracts.

The beautiful bed products are complemented by a Classic Winnie the Pooh Wall Canvas, Emboidered Lantern Shade and Laundry Bag, while the Winnie the Pooh Bath Set provides new parents with everything they need to make bathtime enjoyable for infants, including a top ‘n’ tail bowl, bath thermometer and wooden hairbrush.

The Little Roo collection is a comfort toy with a difference, as Disney Consumer Products will donate 50p of the retail sale price of each product purchased to Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity*. The collection features Winnie the Pooh’s little kangaroo friend and consists of a Cuddly Beanie Toy, Rattle, Blanket Comforter and Musical Pull Toy.

Disney has partnered with Great Ormond Street Hospital to raise £10m towards the hospital’s redevelopment appeal. Disney will help fund a new café restaurant and Disney Interactive Zone for the patients and their families.

Christmas all wrapped up!

A Christmas Carol for Nintendo DS is an innovative puzzle-adventure game based on the forthcoming film with Jim Carrey, celebrating the spirit of Christmas with a Scrooge twist. The game invites a new generation to connect with the illustrious story and characters, and is set to provide hours of festive entertainment this Christmas.

Presents can be given an extra-special finishing touch with a selection of Christmas gift-wrap and tags featuring a variety of Disney favorites. A range of Christmas cards is also available, including pop-up and sound-making cards, with designs suitable for Disney fans of all ages.

*Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity. Registered Charity no. 235825
Snow White Kitchen - £70 – Tesco (50% off at moment) http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.206-7212.aspx

Disney Princess 4-piece luggage set - £19.99 – Argos http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/0758668/c_1/1%7Ccategory_root%7CSports+and+leisure%7C14419152/Trail/searchtext%3Eprincess.htm

Cars Mack Drifting Playset - £39.99 – Tesco http://direct.tesco.com/q/N.1999243$4294950717.aspx

Toy Story 12” Deluxe Buzz - £29.99 – Tesco - http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.206-3126.aspx

THE GIFT OF FINE WRITING
Parker Pens

If you’re stuck for Christmas present inspiration, why not give the gift of fine writing? For over 120 years both Parker and Waterman have been dedicated to perfecting the pen and have created some of the finest writing instruments in the world. Offering a coveted gift for someone special, the diverse collections offer superior products for all price brackets, people and personalities this Christmas. Presented here is a selection of highlights from the current collection.

UNDER £200
Parker Premier
Featuring precious materials and expert craftsmanship, the Parker Premier bridges years of excellence with contemporary design. Highly regarded for her work with Fendi, Versace and Calvin Klein, it has been designed by Italian designer Beatrice Fontana, who has reinterpreted Parker’s rich heritage to create this stunning writing instrument. From its iconic arrow clip and solid gold nib to its tactile precious-metal grip, the Parker Premier is available in a number of high style finishes making it the perfect gift for a loved one. RRP £95-£285.

Waterman Perspective Black Chrome Trim Fountain Pen and Ballpoint set
Drawing inspiration from fine architecture, the Waterman Perspective is an exquisite and contemporary gift for your loved one this Christmas. Featuring an ultra-clean line, coupled with a chrome nib and trim, the pen is available in both fountain pen and ballpoint modes, and features in a special Christmas set, which comes complete with an ink bottle and presentation case. RRP £129 (Christmas set including both fountain pen and ballpoint modes).
UNDER £100

Parker Sonnet Stainless Steel Fountain Pen and Ballpoint set
Give the gift of a true fine writing experience with a Parker Sonnet Stainless Steel set, a modern classic that will always be of the moment. The brushed steel gives a deliciously tactile texture to the barrel and sets off the chrome-plated trim and nib perfectly. Modes available in the range include a fountain pen, roller ball, standard and slim ballpoints and a slim pencil. As an added extra this Christmas, choose from a 1GB memory stick, perfect for those on the go, or a letter opener for the more traditional recipient. RRP £59.00-£69.00 (Christmas set including both fountain pen and ballpoint modes).

Waterman Hémisphère
Featuring timeless lines, the Waterman Hémisphère Shimmery Pink setmakes an ideal gift for a special lady this Christmas. Practical, discreet and slipping easily into a bag or diary, the exquisite design of the pen makes it the perfect accessory. Available in a range of modes, including fountain, ballpoint and roller ball, the range matches a gold or chrome nib with a barrel in steel, matt black, gold or metallic blue. The Waterman Hémisphère also comes in a cluster of sparkling finishes, including Comet Red, featuring a glowing starburst-like effect. Featuring in a special Christmas pack, complete with ink bottle set, the Waterman Hémisphère Shimmery Pink is the perfect way to give a loved one a touch of sparkle this Christmas.
RRP £69.00 (Christmas set including both fountain pen and ballpoint modes).

UNDER £50
Parker Urban Fountain Pen and Ballpoint set
The Parker Urban combines ergonomics with art to create a beautiful bullet shaped pen with perfect weight and balance. Ideal for people for whom image and quality are everything, the Parker Urban fountain pen and ballpoint are designed to impress and engineered to perform. The range features a diverse choice of stylish barrel finishes, including metallic, muted black and colourful lacquers. Special packages for Christmas include a fountain pen and ballpoint set. RRP £29.00

UNDER £20
Parker Vector
A pen you can always rely on to deliver pure Parker craftsmanship, the Parker Vector is an everyday classic. Available in fountain pen, roller ball, ballpoint and pencil modes, the Parker Vector features stainless steel nibs and trims, and is available in classic red, blue or black colourways. Alternatively, opt for a Christmas gift pack containing a duo of a fountain pen and ballpoint (RRP £13.99) or a combination of a ballpoint and mechanical pencil (RRP £12.99).

Parker Jotter
A household name, the Parker Jotter is loved the world over for its quality, durability and great value. The range features bright, lively colours guaranteed to make your Christmas more colourful, and simple shapes in a number of finishes, including pink – perfect for the woman in your life. This modern classic is also available: stainless steel with gold plated trim; stainless steel with chrome coloured trim. For a gift under £20, choose a duo combination of a ballpoint pen and mechanical pencil (RRP £10.99) or stylish fountain pen and ballpoint (RRP £16.99) – the perfect pack to wrap!

The parker and Waterman Christmas sets are available from all good pen retailers.

For further information about the complete Parker or Waterman range and stockists, visit www.parkerpen.com and www.waterman.com

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS…..IS TO SURVIVE
UNICEF CARDS & GIFTS FULFIL CHILDREN’S RIGHTS TO SURVIVE AND THRIVEUnicef

This festive season, why not put meaning back into ‘the season of goodwill’ by giving a gift that will transform the lives of children and young people worldwide, through UNICEF.

Every twenty seconds a child under the age of five will die from an easily preventable cause such as malaria, malnutrition or measles. But this doesn’t have to be the case. By choosing UNICEF’s exclusive range of festive Cards & Gifts - each sourced from around the world - you can help to ensure that disadvantaged children and their communities globally will receive the life saving care and support they need this Christmas and beyond.

With UNICEF you can shop confident in the knowledge that:
· All profit raised will directly help fund UNICEF’s work with children in over 190 countries.
· All product’s are ethical sourced, with many directly produced by artisans in local communities, helping to keep local crafts alive.
· In 2008 UNICEF raised over £27 million globally through Cards & Gifts, all of which was spent on children.

Ten top UNICEF Gifts, perfect for him, for her and for the young ones this festive season are:

1. The first charity Christmas Card, exclusively re-issued for its 60th Anniversary.

The card that started it all…… In 1946 UNICEF became the first organisation ever to produce a charity Christmas card. It was drawn by seven year old Jitka Samkova who sent it as a Thank You card to UNICEF Prague for their relief efforts following the Second World War. This year, to mark the 60th anniversary, UNICEF is re-issuing the original card as part of a special ‘one world’ assortment of cards. (£8.95 for fifteen).

2. Hand-made Nepalese cards

Part of UNICEF’s ‘Cards full of Life’ range. These cards, hand-crafted by Nepalese artisans are made within a project that works to improve the quality of life for local communities. The ‘eco’ paper is made from bark and printed with natural dyes. (£6.95 for six)

For her…

3. Global Friendship Bracelet

Take inspiration from the Inca’s with this South American beaded bracelet, hand-made and designed exclusively for UNICEF. (£9.95)

4. Nomadic Cotton Journal

This merlot dyed cotton covered diary offers a great start to the year. Indian artisans have used plain, recycled paper, adding a smooth luxurious finish. (£14.95)

5. Jasailmer Wooden Photo Frame

Help to make children a picture of health with this rustic frame, made from whitewashed mango wood. (£17.95)

6. Savannah Leather Shopping Bag

The Savannah shopper fuses the craftsmanship of 40 families who form a cooperative in Rajasthan. Hand-made from leather and dyed using extracts from barks and plants, the bag is beautifully lined with floral fabric with a handy inside pocket. (£69.95)

For him and for her…..

7. Exclusive UNICEF T-shirt

As worn by our Ambassadors in the field (and modelled here by Cat Deeley and Ewan McGregor), UNICEF T-shirts are made from100% Fairtrade cotton and feature a white UNICEF logo on black t-shirt. (£12.95)

For the little one……

8. Organic Baby Body Suit

For the smallest but most significant person in your life, this cute little body suit is made from the softest organic Fairtrade cotton and low-impact dyes. It features the message ‘You are my Sunshine’ and is ideal for the little humanitarian. (£12.00)

9. UNICEF Teddy Puppet

The story behind this teddy puppet can really come to life, in a teddy show or bedtime story, there’s endless fun with this UNICEF-Exclusive Bear. (£11.95)

10. UNICEF Advent Calendar

Count down to Christmas with UNICEF’s enchanting range of winter scenes from around the world. (£4.95)

UNICEF’s full range of Cards and Gifts and are available online at www.unicef.org.uk/shop, or by calling 0844 888 5505.

Selected UNICEF cards are also available in Cargo, Fenwicks, Waterstones and John Lewis nationwide.
33p from every £1 spent on our Cards and Gifts will directly reach the children and communities who need it.

UNICEF is the world’s leading organisation working for children and their rights in more than 190 countries. As champion of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, UNICEF works to help every child realise their full potential. Together with our partners, UNICEF delivers health care, nutrition, education and protection to children in urgent need, while working with governments to ensure they deliver on their promise to protect and promote the rights of every child. UNICEF relies entirely on voluntary donations from individuals, governments, institutions and corporations, and is not funded by the UN. For more information, please visit www.unicef.org.uk.

STAR IN A MAJOR FOOTBALL MATCH WITH WWW.BEAFOOTBALLHERO.COM
Football Hero

www.beafootballhero.com/ is the amazing new instant professional football commentary gift where you take to the field and score the winning goal for your team accompanied by a realistic commentary from a John Motson and Alan Hanson sound-a-like.

Whether it be for Manchester United, England or Torquay United you too can live out the dream of scoring that all important goal that sees your team win the FA Cup final, the Champions League final, the Premiership title or the World Cup final.

www.beafootballhero.com allows you to personalise your commentary gift by first name, surname, team with all 92 Football League clubs covered, opposition and age creating an unbelievably realistic piece of sporting fantasy for the football fan who has everything but a place in their team’s starting line up.

James Howard, content director at Voice Express Ltd, one of the world’s largest voice-a-like agencies and the company behind www.beafootballhero.com , said: “In the last two weeks Ray Percy, aged 13 from Bognor Regis won the Champions League Final with Manchester United, 23 year old Peter Godden from Gillingham won the World Cup for England and James Jeffries from Plymouth won the FA Cup for Arsenal at the sprightly age of 76. Now it is your turn to take to the field and live out the dream.”

www.beafootballhero.com commentaries are created online and then recorded onto CD and mailed to the recipient in a smart presentation case. This also includes a be a football hero greeting card which you too can personalise online. All commentaries can be heard before you buy and all orders placed before 2.00pm are dispatched on the same day.

www.beafootballhero.com costs £14.99 and is available directly from the www.beafootballhero.com/ website.

Please Note
All information is supplied to us by the individual organizations, or agencies acting on their behalf. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that all information is accurate, it may be subject to change. Please check with individual organizations for the latest information about products, prices and availability. Inclusion in this feature does not imply endorsement by Hot Brands Cool Places. Hot Brands Cool Places does not accept responsibility for the content of any external site.

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