Three weeks to Christmas…… and counting!
I know this column is predominantly read by women, but this week is the men’s issue, so to speak.
I always feel men are easier to buy gifts for, well mostly anyway, and shops are full to the brim with some great gifts for the man in your life. But now and then you can relax knowing his gift is wrapped and ready. Then you can concentrate on the grandparents, kiddies and teens and a few spoils for yourself.
On trend
Clothing stores are full of some fab buys in the latest cool colours, as well as great holiday clothing. Men also enjoy receiving clothing as gifts too, as well as us women, and if you are one of those lucky enough to be going to the coast with your partner/ family this holiday season, you’ll find T-shirts, shorts, caps, swim shorts and slops aplenty. Add a beach towel and some waterproof sunscreen, and he’s ready to go. If he likes to take a book, portable CD player and earphones, as well as some ice cold beers, a beach bag will be a handy added extra. (See below)
Scent of a man
Sexy aftershaves, aftershave balms, shower gels, electric shaver, multi trimmer, gift sets and handy toiletry bags (many include toiletry items). Go on, spoil him!
Sweet tooth and coffee lover
Chocolates, luxury biscuits, toffees, Turkish delight and nougat. Yummy! Or go for a jar of roasted coffee beans or ground coffee and maybe add a deluxe coffee mug.
The serious barman
Most of the “home” stores such as @Home Living, the home section of Woolworths and MRP have some excellent “bar” essentials. A cocktail shaker is definitely a must, especially now with gins being a top drink. Add a bottle opener, wine neck and stopper, ice bucket and tongs, glasses for different drinks (beer, wine, cocktails and gin, not forgetting martini) and this will all make up his bar. Buy him a book on how to mix the perfect cocktail and you’ll be in for a very merry Christmas!
Book lover
Bargain Books (The Glen and Mall of the South) really have some good deals and of course, Exclusive Books at Mall of the South is brimming with the latest best sellers. If you can’t make a decision, both stores have book vouchers, always a good option. Throw in a bookmark and a book light (perfect for clipping on a book when the lights go out).
Green fingers
Most garden nurseries/centres sell gift vouchers, which is an easy option. Or choose a special young tree which he likes and wrap the potted base in green or red crepe paper. Books on gardening are always useful and will give him many ideas on how to revamp your garden. Now, that’s a fab idea!
That’s the spirit
Although he probably enjoys a beer and gin is becoming a best seller, many men still enjoy a whisky. Buy him Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey® Limited Edition Rocks Glass Giftpack which offers a taste of the unexpected this festive season. This is a finely crafted blend of Old No.7 and a unique honey liqueur. It’s a taste that truly is one-of-a-kind and unmistakably Jack – a little bit of honey, a whole lot of Jack. With hints of honey and a finish that’s naturally smooth, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey® offers a taste of the unexpected. Best enjoyed chilled and with friends. This gift pack comes with a 750ml bottle of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey® accompanied by a single tumbler glass.
RRP R249.99. Available at select liquor merchants nationwide. Prices may vary from store to store.
*Subject to availability and until stocks last (Please drink responsibly).
Holiday Honey Smash
Ingredients
50ml Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey
6-8 mint leaves
12.5ml lemon juice
12.5ml simple syrup
Crushed ice
Method
Half fill a cocktail shaker with cubed ice
Add all ingredients and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds
2/3 fill a glass with crushed ice
Strain liquid into the glass
Add mint-sprig to garnish
John Craig at Mall of the South
John Craig opened 70 years ago in the CBD of Joburg and since then has branched out with its latest store opening in Mall of the South, which is a welcome addition to the centre. I went along and was pleasantly surprised at just how affordable the clothing and shoes are. The garments are extremely well finished off, trendy and with suitable clothing for both weekends and business wear. The layout of the shop is pleasing to the eye with colour coded items together, making it so much simpler to choose an outfit. The staff were very attentive and friendly. I can see John Craig Mall of the South being a hit! Great gift ideas for Christmas which will definitely please the man in your life!
That’s it for this week. Shop till you drop!
Julie
For free daily local news in the south, visit our sister newspapers Alberton Record, Comaro Chronicle, Southern Courier and Get it Joburg South Magazine.
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