Dotcomgiftshop Christmas Blog
Christmas gifts - the rules of the road
The exchange of Christmas gifts can be fraught with difficulties. How do you behave when someone gives you a present you don’t want? Should you buy a little something for your boss or your child’s teacher? How much should you spend?
To help you to avoid the common pitfalls, we’ve come up with a selection of Christmas gift etiquette top tips.
Always show gratitude
You may have been given a book you’ve already read, or a pullover that’s perfectly hideous but always try to make your first reaction one of pleasure - then ask for the receipt. There’s nothing wrong with being honest, and to be fair, a gift stuffed to the back of the wardrobe is a waste of the giver’s money. But the way that you respond is extremely important - try this: ‘Wow, I love this author, that’s such a great choice. Actually I’ve read this one, but there’s another I’m just dying to get my hands on - do you mind if I exchange it?’
Set a budget
We live in tough economic times, so be honest about what you can afford to spend and discuss the issue with family and close friends. The chances are that they’ll be relieved - many of us are in the same boat. Agree a budget and stick to it or the joy of Christmas will be ruined by worries about where you’re going to find the money to pay for your purchases.
Don’t indulge in ‘gift wars’
Trying to ‘keep up with the Jones’’ can have a very negative influence on your bank balance and can spoil a perfectly good friendship. Resist the temptation to outdo friends and relations by buying them ever more extravagant gifts. Remember that when it comes to gift giving, it’s the thought that counts: you’re showing the person that you care about them.,
Don’t go over the top
If you are in the fortunate position of having plenty of money to spend this Christmas, then resist the temptation to shower family and friends with expensive gifts. Your big-hearted gesture could be misinterpreted as showing off or and perhaps worse, you may make the recipient feel inadequate if they are unable to return your generosity. Keep your focus on the people you are buying for, and enjoy the giving.
To regift or not to regift
It’s a tricky question but if you do decide to pass on gifts made to you then make sure you check thoroughly that the item is in ‘brand new’ condition. Check also that there is no connection whatsoever between the original giver and the new recipient. If in doubt, don’t do it: if discovered you’ll cause offense. If you do decide that it is safe to recycle an unwanted gift, keep its provenance strictly to yourself, or risk being seen as a cheapskate.
A gift for the boss?
It’s fine to give a Christmas gift to your boss if you wish to but there are a couple of things to beware of. First, never try to outdo your boss buy buying him or her an expensive present - you’ll appear to be sucking up which can cause awkwardness - and your colleagues won’t like you for it either. Second, it’s probably best to avoid inappropriate gifts as they could cause embarrassment or even offense.
Shop less
Browsing the shops at Christmas time can be an unpleasant experience. High pressure on sale staff to achieve good results can easily be passed on to the customer. Here at DotComGiftShop, browsing is easy, leisurely and we can even take care of postage too. We’re sure you’ll find the perfect gift to suit your taste and your wallet.
DotComGiftShop - taking care of all your Christmas gift conundrums
Cats v Christmas Trees
Cat owners look forward, with a mixture of dread and glee, to that time of year when the Christmas tree is installed and decorated.
Dread...because inevitably, within minutes, said cat will have jumped into said tree, dismantling all your hard work.
Glee...because quite often, the resulting mayhem is quite simply hilarious.
We’ve picked some of our favourite video clips of mischievous moggies doing their worst.
I ain’t budging
This cat is extremely happy with her new hiding place and refuses to be moved.
That pesky angel!
Gracie the kitten has really got it in for the Christmas tree angel. Whatever her beef, it’s angel 1, kitty 0...this time.
Kittens in my Christmas tree - la la la la la!
Two kittens frolicking in a Christmas tree to a very irritating but catchy soundtrack: la la la la la!
Cutest kittens ever
Pudgy little British Blue kittens having fun with Christmas tree decorations.
The three amigos
Three very cute kittens try their best to topple one sorry looking Christmas tree.
Although we don't sell cats, DotComGiftShop does sell Christmas trees and a whole bunch of gorgeous Christmas decorations. Everything you need, in fact, to make your home more Christmassy.
Top 10 Christmas Gift Surprise Videos
When you’re a kid, nothing beats Christmas day - the anticipation, the excitement, the deep longing for whatever is on this year’s Christmas list.
No wonder then, that unwrapping Christmas presents can be such an emotional experience!
We’ve found you some of the funniest and some of the most heart-warming clips of that big unwrapping moment.
So sit back, relax and enjoy!
The Nintendo 64 Kid
No collection of Christmas clips would be complete without this well-loved classic. Here, a very excited boy and his little sister freak out over the Nintendo 64 they’ve just unwrapped.
Yes, there’s some serious screaming, yes, there’s also some whooping and a whole lot of air-punching - well worth a watch.
The emotional rollercoaster
When young Michael unwraps his Wii, he embarks on an extraordinary emotional rollercoaster.
Surprise turns to elation as he laughs and laughs, and then cries and cries, before it all gets too much and he starts to feel a wee bit sick and has to dash off to the bathroom! Ah, bless!
The best victory dance
This kid goes nuts when he unwraps his XBox 360.
‘I never thought it would come!’, he cries, before launching into a very funky little victory dance, while the family dog howls and barks with delight in the background. Wonderful stuff.
Now I can rock n roll!
In true rock chick style, this little girl goes wild for her Hannah Montana Sing-a-long Guitar.
She screams (and screams), stage-drops to her knees and finishes with some serious air guitar, declaring ‘Now I can rock n roll!’. Hannah would be proud!
The cat lover
In this clip, 10-year-old Maddy finds her mum and dad have bought her a very cute little kitten for Christmas. She’s sooo excited that she starts to hyperventilate - in a cute, funny kind of way, of course.
And if you’re a cat lover too, there’s plenty of footage of this Christmas kitten frolicking about and being generally adorable.
The tear-jerker
Ok, now we move from crazy freak-outs to a mini tearjerker. No histrionics or screaming, there’s just pure, unadulterated joy on this little boy’s face as he opens his Christmas present to find a bunny rabbit inside.
Lovely kid, lovely bunny - someone, pass the tissues!
Scary dinosaur
So what happens when you’ve misjudged your child and the present you think is exciting is actually nothing short of terrifying?
Well, just watch what happens to this poor little chap when the remote-controlled dinosaur his grandparents have bought reduces him to tears.
Books for Christmas?!
Kids can be brutally honest and Christmastime is no exception. When this feisty 3-year-old unwraps one of his presents to find some picture books, he is not amused.
‘Books for Christmas? What the heck is that?’ This little kid is well and truly miffed! He soon recovers, though, and moves on to the next gift.
Mums freak out too
So far, it’s been all about the kids, but we can assure you that mums are also capable of a really good freak-out. So what’s the special gift that’s got this mum going? A diamond ring? A new car? No - this lady is over the moon about a vacuum cleaner.
She screams, she claps and she even does a little ‘I’ve got my Dyson dance’. A must-see.
Doggy freak-out
Last but not least, we see what happens when the shoe is on the other paw. This little doggy is super excited about her Christmas gift - an enormous dog bone.
She just doesn’t know where to begin and ends up jumping up and down on the bed in rapture. That’s one happy pooch!
Make the people in your life happy this year by buying them Christmas gifts they'll love. Check out all the goodies we have to offer at DotComGiftShop.
Mental Christmas lights
Everyone enjoys brightening up the home with beautiful Christmas lights and decorations but some people go much further than others in their quest to add a bit of sparkle to the dark winter nights.
Not satisfied with a tree and a few strings of fairy lights, some people have taken Christmas decorations to a whole new level with an ambition to either blind, astonish or repulse passersby. And from the look of some of the photos below, there are even a few who seem more intent on making their displays visible from space.
Whether you are one of those who prefers a few simple lights on the tree or someone who likes to give the National Grid a scare from time to time, take a look at some of these shining examples of crazy Christmas lights and get inspired you to deck your halls with equal gusto!
Dyker Heights, Brooklyn, NYC
Each year the residents of Dyker Heights in Brooklyn, transform their front porches and yards into astonishing Christmas light displays. Often referred to as the "miracle mile", the Christmas lights can be found on 84th Street between 10th and 12th Avenues. It is estimated that every year as many as 100,000 people visit the Heights at Christmas to bask in the festive glory.
East Peoria Festival of Lights
Batman, the USS Enterprise, ships, dragons, whales and reindeer are just a few of the amazing Christmas lights displays at the East Peoria Festival of lights. Event organisers call it “A million sparkles of excitement” and it's easy to see why.
Gatineau, Quebec
This remarkable house is in Gatineau, Quebec and is extremely famous amongst people in the region who flock from all around to come and see the fantastic lights display. The owner of the house never let’s people down and pulls out all the stops year after year in a wonderful display of not just beautiful festive lights but plenty of Christmas spirit too.
New Jersey, USA
Covering every feasible part of both the house and the garden this Christmas light display is the result of rigorous planning and patience and is the talk of the town every Christmas. For those who want to mark their mark this Christmas, pay attention to these guys.
Oxford Street, London
Extremely fitting for a Christmas light display in rainy old London, these beautiful umbrellas and sparkling showers can be found on Oxford street. They show that you can always think outside the Christmas decorations box and come up with many beautiful, alternative ways of expressing your Christmas cheer.
PEC Lights, Johnson City, Texas
These magical lights create an enchanted wood every Christmas in Johnson City, Texas. Aptly put up by the Pedernales Electric Cooperative right outside their own building, these lights need never fail as they should always know who to call!
If you're hoping to illuminate your own home with the distinctive twinkle of Christmas lights, make sure you check out the gorgeous Dotcomgiftshop range!
Christmas Gifts for Your Ex
Breaking up is hard to do at the best of times but if it happens near the Christmas season it’s all the more depressing.
You may be sad, angry, confused or all three, but rest assured that with the new year just around the corner, a fresh start lies ahead.
Until then, a good spot of indulgence and whinging will help you through the emotional odyssey of loss and disillusionment.
To distract you from the unenviable task of questioning your faith in mankind, a spot of fantasising about all the horrible things that could happen to whoever broke your heart may very well help.
To start you off on your imaginative exploits, we’ve put together a list of revenge and retribution Christmas gifts that are perfect for any ex, so put down your tissues and enjoy.
Merry Christmas!
£5 Gift voucher for a taxidermist
As a subtle way of telling your ex to get stuffed, vouchers for taxidermy are a good choice. Caution is advised for those who had a pet with their former lover as this might send out some rather dark and unnecessary connotations. But for petless pawns of post-relationship perturbations - go for it.
Subscription to Asphalt magazine
To get back at the person in your life who walked all over you, make sure they have ample reading in their soon-to-be-found singledom with a subscription to Asphalt Contractor magazine. Filled with incredible insights into the exciting world of pavements, this magazine is a great way to tell your new ex to hit the road and keep on walking.
Voucher for Fat Camp
This one is mainly for the boys wanting to reach out to the girl that left them and show them how they really feel. For every time you were asked “do I look fat in this dress?” you need not utter a word, simply write ‘For Shamu’ on an envelope and let the voucher do the talking.
Pile cream
If your ex was rather retentive or just a pain in the bum, then pile cream is the gift that keeps on giving. Imagine their face on Christmas morning as they rip the wrapping paper off their very own tube of pile medication in front of all their nearest and dearest!
Nothing
To be honest, the most mature and sensible thing to do if you can’t do anything nice, is to do nothing at all. No matter what happened to cause your relationship to come to an end, spending ages picking out a hurtful and horrible present won’t change anything and will only hold you back from moving on with your own life.
But if you must insist on being immature, you might as well go all out and find a sealable tin into which you can express yourself artistically. Just make sure you label it properly so that it doesn’t end up going to your Nan by mistake.
Now that you're feeling better about your freedom, do remember that for all the lovely people in your life, DotComGiftShop has tonnes of ideas including a huge range of unusual Christmas gifts.
World’s Most Extravagant Christmas Gifts
If money was no object, what would you buy your loved ones this Christmas? And what would you want Santa to leave in your Christmas stocking if you could have anything in the world?
We’ve searched high and low to find you the world’s most extravagant Christmas presents - and there’s a (not so) little something for everyone.
For the girl who loves bling
We all know that diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but what do you get a girl whose jewellery boxes are already bursting with sparklers? Well, how about a really, really big diamond?
Lucky for you, then, that Liz Taylor’s jewels are up for auction at Christies New York on 13 and 14 December - just in time for Christmas!
For the toy car geek
Collecting toy cars may not seem like a particularly extravagant hobby, but you’d be wrong. If money was no object we’d recommend you get your toy car geek is scaled model of the Lamborghini Aventador.
This scaled down model is decorated with platinum and gold and has diamond headlights and wheel-trims! It’s up for auction this December - starting price of a mere €3.5 million.
For the girl who likes to look her best
For the girl who always takes care of her appearance, nip down to the Urban Retreat at Harrods and book the World’s Most Expensive Blow Dry.
Using diamond and meteor dust (!) this treatment will give her a hair-do that’s out of this world. Included in the price are a bottle each of Truffle Shampoo and Conditioner. All for the bargain price of £320.
For the party animal
Is your loved one bored of receiving fine wine and vintage champagne at Christmas? Well never fear, luxury designer Leon Verres has come to the rescue with this extravagant tipple.
The 5 litres of fine Russian vodka have been repeatedly filtered through millions of pounds worth of diamonds. And the bottle itself is encrusted with 3,000 of the beauties. Named ‘Billionaire Vodka’, it will set you back just $37.7 million. Let’s party!
For the classic car lover
If your loved one is obsessed with classic cars, there are some real gems out there. We’re sorry to tell you that you’ve just missed out on this 1957 Ferrari Testa Rossa.
This car was the 250 Testa Rossa prototype, and in its heyday, competed in the Le Mans 24-hour race. It sold at auction in California for $16.4 million in August.
For the self-indulgent
Ok, so a bottle of perfume doesn’t sound like such an extravagant gift, but just wait. It takes a whole field of roses to make one teeny weeny 30ml bottle of Tribute Attar by Amouage. It also contains silver frankincense from the Dhofar mountains.
We are told that just a few drops of Tribute Attar lasts for hours. That’s good news, considering this tiny bottle costs £335.
For the adventurer
For the adventurer in your life - that loved one who always dreamed of being an astronaut - how about a trip on the Virgin Galactic? After 2 days of training, they’ll board a spacecraft and travel through the atmosphere at 3000mph - nearly 4 times the speed of sound.
Then they’ll experience weightlessness and view the earth as we’ll only ever get to see it on the TV, returning home in time for tea. What an experience for just $200,000!
For some wonderful Xmas presents that won’t cost you the earth, have a look at DotComGiftShop's range of Christmas gifts.
Christmas Gift Shopping Guide for Men
It’s late afternoon on Christmas Eve and you’re running around in a cold sweat trying to find something, anything, for the woman you love.
You’re asking yourself why, oh why you get into this same situation year after year. Is it procrastination, fear, or just pure laziness? Whatever the reason, you know how your stomach is going to churn when she starts to unwrap her Christmas gifts; that look of loving expectation in her eyes...
Don’t risk it this year. Make sure you get something she’s going to appreciate and give yourself a break, for once, by thinking about it NOW!
We’re here to help, so read on for some great ideas...
What NOT to give:
Clothing
You’re bound to get at least the size, if not also the style, of any clothing you buy wrong. If you buy too big, she’ll think you think she’s bigger than she is. Buy too small, and although she might be momentarily flattered, imagine her horror at having to tell you that she can’t squeeze herself into whatever you’ve bought.
Buying clothes for someone else is always a risky business anyway. Think of those awful jumpers your mum insists on buying you every year.
If clothing really is all you can think of, take her on a shopping spree and let her pick something she loves.
Household appliances
NEVER buy her anything householdy, unless you’ve been specifically asked to (and even then, make sure you back it up with a second, more romantic present).
You might well need a new microwave and she may have been moaning about the hoover all year, but that really, really doesn’t mean that’s what she wants for Christmas.
This kind of gift will make her feel frumpy not frisky. So, you’ve been warned - buy household appliances at your own peril!
Gift vouchers
Don’t buy the lady in your life gift vouchers. Even if it’s 4.30pm on Christmas Eve and you’re desperate. Because ‘desperate’ is precisely what gift vouchers scream out.
Although vouchers allow your loved one to pick her own gift, they essentially tell her that you were incapable or unwilling of taking any time to think about what she might actually want.
You can buy gift vouchers for your little cousin, niece or nephew, but pick your girl a proper present please!
Chocolates
Definitely never, ever as a main present. Why? Too cheap, too predictable. A box of chocolates is passable as a stocking-filler but never as the main event.
Chocolates are the kind of thing you give an auntie you don’t know very well, or the mother in-law you don’t particularly like.
They are not something you buy the woman you love. Quite frankly, buy her chocolates and she’ll think you’re a lost cause.
What to give:
Jewellery
Either something expensive or something unique. If you can afford it, buy her a piece from Tiffany’s or Cartier. Similarly, anything with a lovely big rock on board will impress.
If all this is way out of your price range, don’t worry - find her a classy vintage piece and she’ll be super-impressed by your taste and the effort you’ve made to find her that one-off.
Beware - vintage jewellery shopping will take time. It’s definitely not something you can get away with on Christmas Eve.
A romantic getaway
This is fairly easy to get right. Book a couple of nights away and she’ll love you for it. Why? Because after the stresses and strains of Christmas, you’re giving her the opportunity to kick back and relax.
You don’t have to go too far - a country inn with good food and wine would do just as nicely as a city break in Paris or Rome. It can be somewhere you’ve never been before or somewhere that holds special memories.
Make sure you tell her you’ve arranged the pet/house/baby-sitter as well, so she’ll have nothing at all to worry about.
A day of pampering
Another one that’s easy to organise. Phone around hotels and beauty salons to find out what kinds of packages they offer. Ideally, you’re looking for a relaxing massage teamed with a facial, manicure and pedicure.
Make sure you’re available to pick up her beautifully relaxed self when she’s done. There’s nothing worse than having to drive yourself home or get on a bus in that gooey state.
Finally, book somewhere lovely for dinner, but make sure you give her a good few hours to come round and get ready. And remember to tell her how beautiful she looks!
A mix tape
If money’s tight, this gift idea is cheaper than cheap providing you already own the music you’re going to use. Even so, a mix tape (ok, ok, we’re talking CDs these days) is a truly romantic gift.
It’ll take a little time to get it together - it’s another one of those gifts that can’t be left to the last minute. You can make it really special by creating a personalised CD cover from scanned photos of the two of you.
Make sure you choose songs that have special meaning to you both as a couple. Also pick those songs whose lyrics express how you feel about her. She’ll love you for it.
For more ideas on what to buy the woman you love, take a look at DotComGiftShop’s Christmas gifts for her.
