Mall of the South will begin their Festive Programme on December 6, with photos with Santa in the Platinum Court. Mondays to Saturdays 11am to 8pm with breaks for Santa from 2pm till 2.30pm and 5.30pm till 6pm.
On December 9, enjoy the annual Christmas tree lights switch-on ceremony, with extended festive trading hours until December 23. Also between December 9 and 24 you’ll find gift wrapping stations at Capitec and Browns courts.
Support St Mary’s Children’s Home
Give the gift of joy and hope by dropping off non-perishable food items, cleaning items and school stationery at Mall of the South. There will be a donation box near Entrance 2 where you can drop off the items. Please make sure to drop-off by no later than December 2.
Black Friday
November 29 is when only the bravest of the brave will attempt going to the shops and malls. Yes, it’s Black Friday and yes, I KNOW you’ll be able to purchase some fantastic bargains. Check out all the store and shop pamphlets in the Caxton newspapers and see what will be on offer. Make a list, get there early and I’d suggest you wear steel toe shoes and a crash helmet. Two years ago I was hit by a packet of 18 flying toilet rolls. Good luck!
Toys R Us has revealed Geoffrey’s Top Toys for 2019
From magical Rainbocorns to superheroes taking flight – these are some of the latest hot picks tipped to dominate Christmas wish lists this year.
Leading South African toy brand – Toys R Us & Babies R Us South Africa – revealed it’s highly anticipated “Geoffrey’s Top Toys 2019”, which marks the beginning of the countdown to Christmas and encourages gift givers to purchase early to avoid disappointment.
“Geoffrey’s 2019 selection boasts an exciting range of innovative toys that demonstrate the creativity of the toy industry and the magic of Christmas,” says Catherine Jacoby, marketing manager of Toys R Us & Babies R Us SA.
This year will see a high demand for toys inspired by the new Disney’s Frozen II movie as well as Hatching Dragons, LEGO Technic Stunt Racer and the Nintendo Switch.
“We’re seeing a growing demand for toys which encourage children to be more interactive, whether it’s stamp and style custom manicures with the Cool Maker GO GLAM Nail Stamper or the Kumi Kreator breakthrough bracelet maker or even the radio-controlled Platinum Drift King.”
“This year’s list has a wonderful mix of old favourites with an exciting twist such as Monopoly Cheaters Edition and airborne superheroes. The list demonstrates how toys are continuing to progress with interactive items among the most popular. This year’s list is incredibly diverse with price points to suit all budgets,” says Jacoby.
“With an extensive variety of exciting products to choose from, it is pleasing to offer a range that promotes togetherness, innovation and creative play that will capture the imagination of our valued customers this Christmas,” added Jacoby.
Some of the other most sought-after gifts this festive season are expected to be the Aquadabra Aquarium, FurReal Munchin Rex, the cute and fashionable Glitter Girls, Xshot Ninja Turbo Strike and the Shox Foldable Drone.
There’s also the return of a number of bestselling toys from last year, such as LOL Surprise as well as traditional favourites including brand new Lego lines.
Little ones
For children under one year old you really don’t have to buy too much. In fact they’ll probably enjoy the gift wrap far more. Soft toys and cloth books are perfect for their tiny hands and maybe a few toys which make sounds. Too many things will just overwhelm them. You’ll find great buys at MRP Home, Toys R Us, Clicks, Pick n Pay, Checkers, DisChem and for books, Bargain Books and Exclusive Books.
Busy toddlers
Keeping them entertained is what you will want to do, especially if you are trying to enjoy your holiday and relax a little. Pull-along toys, which make a noise and light up, are perfect, as well as things which are copies of what moms and dads have, for example plastic lawnmower, baking sets, clean-up sets, etc. Fun and learning toys are always great and should keep them busy for a while. If you are going to the seaside, blow up paddling pools will be a real winner. You’ll be able to fill the paddling pool with water, place it under a big umbrella on the sand and watch your toddler play for ages. Plastic tubs or cups will keep them busy as they scoop water in and pour it out again. Just make sure you use lots of sunblock on them and don’t leave them unattended in the paddling pool. Remember little ones can drown in a few inches of water.
Over fives
Learning and playing is important for their growth, with puzzles, paints, crayons and colouring-in books being enjoyed. This year the shops are filled with Unicorns. They seem to be quite literally everywhere. On clothing, bedding, lamps and actual Unicorn toys. They are so cute though and I’m absolutely sure little girls will love to get anything with a unicorn on. Barbie dolls are still popular and for the boys Paw Patrol, Spiderman and Batman. Lego Duplo will get their creative minds working and is ideal for boys and girls. Girls will enjoy playing mommy with prams and dolls, while the boys entertain themselves with trucks and cars. As a back-up plan for holidays away from home make sure to have a few Disney DVD’s, so they can wind down and you can too.
Teens
Very difficult age to buy for. Playstation, Xbox, gadgets and drones, are sure to be on Santa’s list this Christmas. CD’s, DVD’s and books also make great gifts.
For the girls, costume jewellery, make-up, nail varnishes and accessories, perfume and handbags. Clothing for both boys and girls, especially name brands. Can be pricey though.
If in doubt, give gift vouchers then they can choose their own gifts at leisure. A new cellphone will be on the list too I expect.
That’s it for this week. Shop till you drop!
Julie
