I saw this YouTube video posted on our public forum, so I thought I'd share it with you.

Beware guys - YES it's the thought that counts with a gift - but PLEASE put lots of thought into it!

I guess some of you might be wondering about what gifts I bought for my family this Christmas?

As the editor of a gift blog, I have information about thousands of gifts, gift shops and gift websites. But like everyone else, I'm not immune to last minute panic buying! There just never seems enough days in the month of December. All of a sudden I find myself 2 days before Christmas and I haven't bought half my gifts.  I always promise myself that I'll be more organised with presents next year.... but I haven't managed it so far!  If anyone has any ideas they'd be welcome!

So here's an overview of the presents I bought my closest relatives.

For my husband I bought a Vera Wang gift set from Myer.  It contains deodorant, face cream and eau de toilette. I'm not sure my husband will use the spray because, essentially, it's perfume. I'll tell him it's aftershave and hope it doesn't sting him too much or he doesn't get it in his eyes. I have to admit that the gift set was a panic buy. My husband is really fussy about what he likes and I just didn't have the time to look for a stylish or unique gift for him.

The gift for my mum was a Ferguson's Irish Linen tablecloth. She absolutely loves it and plans to have a posh afternoon tea with her friends. Ferguson's linen is not something she would buy for herself, so in that respect it was a big surprise. Crisp white linen is also a classic gift that will never go out of style. I bought that online... and it was already gift wrapped. I love that!

My Dad's Christmas present was a shirt from Colorado. Their clothes are well made and classic. Dad seemed happy with his gift, although I should have perhaps taken the price tag off - oops!

For my sister-in-law I bought some beautiful jewellery - a long silver chain necklace with white and silver pendants and trinkets on the end of it. I have one myself, in brown, and thought she would like it. I also bought that gift online and it was beautifully gift wrapped.

For my 2 boys (2 and 6 year olds) we bought some Playmobil - which is always great quality - some Thomas the Tank trains and train tracks and some chocolates and sweets from Simon Johnson for their stockings. We also bought a singing penguin and reindeer - $10 each from Coles and they've been fighting over the penguin ever since. Beats me.... I prefer the reindeer!

Well, there's a selection of the gifts I bought some of my family.

I received some gorgeous gifts as well... but perhaps the most special was from my husband. Although I bought his gift in a last minute panic, he put a lot of thought into his present to me - a very stylish Georg Jensen long silver pendant necklace. The pendant is a tear shape and opens up like a locket, so I can put photos in there.  It's one of the best Christmas gifts he's ever bought me..... aahhhhh

Sometimes I wish that the special feeling I get at Christmas would last all year.

A nice thought, however there IS a Christmas gift that does last all year - a magazine subscription.

Here's my list of TOP 10 GIFT IDEAS FOR WOMEN, MEN, TEENAGERS AND CHILDREN.

I've included links to all the subscription pages to save you time - a gift we're all in need of this Christmas.

1. Delicious

I love this ABC gourmet magazine and it seems I'm not alone. It's been voted the world's best food magazine and features recipes and information on food related events that will leave you hungry for more. A GREAT GIFT FOR FOODIES AND COOKING ENTHUSIASTS.

2. Australian House and Garden Magazine

The quality of House and Garden magazine stems from it's beautiful photography and trend spotting in home decor and interior design. A great read if you're fed up with your 80's kitchen and clashing colour schemes. A BEAUTIFUL GIFT FOR FUSSY WOMEN WHO ARE HARD TO BUY FOR.

3. The New Yorker

An eclectic mix of news and views from the city that never sleeps. A SOPHISTICATED GIFT FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY WHO ENJOY CURRENT AFFAIRS.

4. The Economist

Not everyone's cup of tea... however some people like to analyse the real nitty gritty of why our pensions have tanked and we can't sell our houses. In fact, some of the articles that highlight the connection between market activity and human welfare put even the most left-wing publication to shame. AN UNUSUAL GIFT - BUT ONE THAT WILL SURPRISE AND DELIGHT MEN AND WOMEN OF ALL AGES.

5. Sesame Street

The magazine version of one of the longest-running shows in television history will be available to Australians from 2009. Full of funs stories puzzles and games featuring all you favourite Sesame Street characters. AN EXCITING GIFT FOR BOYS AND GIRLS AGED 3-7 YEARS OLD.

6. The Week

This UK based magazine distils the most important news stories from the world’s media. You can find out what's going on and what it means in about an hour's reading. AN UNUSUAL GIFT FOR TIME-POOR PROFESSIONALS WHO NEED TO KEEP UP WITH CURRENT AFFAIRS

7. Conde Nast Traveller

One of my favourite magazines - not just because of the stunning photography and gorgeous locations. Journalists on the magazine do not accept any free products or services from tour operators, hotels or tourist boards - so they're not under pressure to write flattering articles... unlike most travel journalists. A GLAMOROUS GIFT FOR ASPIRING TRAVELLERS.

8. Total Girl

No boys allowed! A lifestyle magazine for tweens including the coolest fashion and beauty and the hottest gossip. A TRENDY GIFT FOR 6-12 YEAR OLD GIRLS

9. Australian Golf Digest

Australia's leading magazine for the golfing enthusiast.  It has interviews with the greats such as Tiger Woods, Ernie Els and Tom Watson plus course reviews and tournament news from both Australia and the world.  A USEFUL GIFT FOR DADS AND GRANDFATHERS... PLUS FUSSY MEN WHO ARE HARD TO BUY FOR.

10. Marie Claire Magazine

This quality womens' magazine was one of the first to include award winning journalism about politics and social issues among the usual mix of fashion and beauty. It's a winning combination in my eyes. A GIFT FOR WOMEN OF ALL AGES.

Well,  there you have my top 10 gift ideas for men, women and children. Magazine subscriptions are an unusual gift that really do keep on giving - at least for 12 months!

I've been checking out jewellery websites and here is my list of favourites.

1. ALEGORIE - this jewellery and accessories website offers some seriously gorgeous and good value gifts. Prices start from an incredible $29 and there are plenty of gifts for well under $100. I love these beautiful necklaces. The Evita is my favourite. A one-stop jewellery gift shop suitable for women of all ages.

2. PANDORA JEWELLERY - this is a good option if you're looking to buy a gift for a teenage girl or a woman in her early 20's. Their charm bracelets are very trendy at the moment. You can buy one of their bracelets plus a couple of charms... and extra charms can be added later.  Their pod rings are also very popular - but a bit more expensive.

3. TIFFANY & CO - If you give Tiffany's jewellery as a Christmas present, you'll store up enough brownie points to last a whole year. I don't know any woman who wouldn't go weak at the knees at the sight of a Tiffany's aqua blue box under the Christmas tree. A romantic gift for wives and girlfriends.

4. CRISTIANAS - Handmade jewellery with an exotic edge at very affordable prices. Perfect present for women who like to be at the cutting edge of fashion and design.

5. LINNEYS - like a funky version of Tiffanys, this West Australian jeweller is a great choice for elegant career women and ladies who lunch.  If you're feeling REALLY generous, why not fly the lucky lady to Broome and let her choose her own piece from Linney's beautiful showroom there. Top it off with a few nights at The Cable Beach Resort and we'll nominate you for 'Man Of The Year'.

So remember guys... keep it simple and you can't lose. BLING IS THE THING this Christmas.

Now that Christmas is around the corner, it thought I'd give you some gourmet food gift ideas that will suit everyone - from your mum to your great aunt Murtle.

Most of the following products are available from Simon Johnson. You can buy online or pop into one of their shops in Sydney, Melbourne or Perth. Many can also be bought from your local gourmet store.

1. Duchy Originals Organic - Some of my favourites from this range include the Sicilian Lemon biscuits, elderflower refresher drink and earl grey tea. THE PERFECT GIFT FOR A FAN OF THE ROYAL FAMILY (it's run by Prince Charles and all profits go to his charities). But be warned.... one bite or sip and you'll never go back to peasant fare again!

2. Mariage Freres Teas- one of the poshest teas on the planet from one of the oldest and finest French tea houses in Paris. A GREAT GIFT FOR TEA LOVERS.

3. Roskilly's Organic Clotted Cream Fudge from Cornwall. There are very few women (or men) who could resist opening this yummy gift straight away.

4. Boyajian Mini Citrus Oil Packs - These all-natural lime, lemon and orange essences are cold pressed from the rind and the fruit and are super concentrated. Perfect for dishes such as risotto, cupcakes, Asian cooking and fish stews. A SOPHISTICATED PRESENT FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY MEMBERS WHO LOVE TO COOK.

5. Amedei chocolate - at $18.50 for 50 grams of Chuao, this dark chocolate is one of the most expensive in Australia. But it IS considered by many to be the best chocolate in the world. There are less expensive options from Amedei - staring from $14.10 for 100 grams. A GIFT IDEA FOR FATHERS OR GRANDFATHERS PERHAPS?

 6. Moet et Chandon Brut Imperial with Swarowski crystal embellishments.

The name says it all. A MUST-HAVE GIFT FOR FASHIONABLE SISTERS OR FREINDS. Available from Vintage Cellars. $105.

7.  Country Road Rich Hot Chocolate & Choc Chip Cookies $19.95. If fact Country Road has a selection of edible goodies. Their gift-wrapping is always elegant as well - why wrap when others can do it for you!

Happy gourmet gift buying.

I enjoy buying these types of gifts for myself and friends and family, because the quality is often much better than mass-produced factory gifts. Also, buying these gifts can have such a positive impact on both the craftsperson and the wider community. A perfect Christmas present in my eyes.

I recently joined Twitter and met an amazing man called Robbo who works as a pharmacist in one of Australia's most remote areas. Robbo's blog is a must-read for anyone interested in outback medicine and remote communities. Robbo's not afraid to highlight controversial issues he thinks will improve pharmaceutical services in the outback, which makes it a fascinating read. He's obviously passionate about the people in these remote communities, so I asked him if he knew about any individuals or groups that are making products that can be sold as gifts.  Robbo immediately told me about the Warakurna Artists

Warakurna is a remote community in Western Australia... about 330kms from Uluru. Warakurna Artists is fully owned and operated by Aboriginal people and helps local people produce, distribute and sell their artwork.

For as little as $65 you can buy an original painting. This beautiful acrylic on canvas painting sells for just $120... an absolute bargain when you consider the technical and creative skill needed to create such a stunning piece of art.

This YouTube video gives you a better idea of the aims of the Warakurna Artists and shows you the beautiful area they live in.

So this Christmas, if you're looking to buy a truly 'Australian' present for friends or family, original artwork from the Warakurna Artists could be the perfect gift.

Well it depends on the mood of the person / people you are buying Christmas gifts for. If you agree to do something different, all well and good - but sometimes the people who have everything are quite happy to have more.

So a few suggestions:

• If people are open to the suggestion - donate the money you would have spent on Christmas presents to a charity of your choice.

• Agree to spend a small (er) amount than normal on your Christmas presents. It's amazing how creative you can get when you have limited funds.

• Parents - agree to buy Christmas presents for the children only. Children love to receive Christmas pressies, so take your enjoyment of gift giving and receiving to a new level and watch your children enjoy the festive season.

• Choose a Christmas gift that can be classed as a unique idea - give the gift of an event. For example, movie tickets always go down well, or invite people to breakfast, or something very different - see if any of the hotels run an afternoon "high tea" or dinner dance or, well I'm sure you get the idea.

But there are several hints and tips I can offer you.

• Buy everyone the same gift - that way no-one can be disappointed. No I don't mean they get to share one enormous present, but they each get the same gift - oh never mind, I'm sure you know what I mean.
• Have a list and stick to it.
• Buy early and during sale times. That way you get more gift for your money.
• Always have a spare present or two stashed away - that way if you receive something unexpectedly, you have something suitable to give back.
• Don't leave the gift buying until the last minute. You will enter the silly season completely stressed and unable to enjoy the process of family, friends, food, laughter and of course the presents themselves.
• Wrap in batches and store away. Keep a list of things you've bought and who for, that way you won't be hunting the house for a present you thought you'd bought but actually hadn't.

And if you go back to the first point I made about buying people the same gift, sometimes you get a discount for buying in bulk.