If the three for two offers at Boots leave you feeling uninspired, Santa’s little helpers are here to lend a hand. Charlotte Sivvery checks out the hottest gifts for the girls and Christian Campbell takes a look at what we should be buying for the boys…
Girlfriend
Christmas time usually sees red-faced men lingering awkwardly and indecisively in lingerie shops wanting to buy their loved ones something sexy from Santa. If the idea of standing in a crowded La Senza, trying to decide whether your girlfriend is a 34B or a 32D fills you with dread, head to Nua in the Northern Quarter.
Nua is a very classy and sassy sex shop on Tib Street, which from the outside doesn’t actually look like a sex shop at all, until you notice the pink vibrators in the window. Inside, the shop is airy, well lit and tastefully decorated with not a hint of seediness to be seen. “We get loads of blokes in here buying for their girlfriends” says Korema, a shop assistant. And what do they buy? Rampant rabbits are still big sellers priced £35 and up.
The ‘Smartballs’ love eggs are a popular product, but make sure your girlfriend doesn’t wear them to the library. “One girl that bought them wore them to the office, took two steps and practically orgasmed on the spot,” warns Korema.
For something you can use together go for the Tongue Joy at £45.99, which is one of the most innovative couples toys on the market. The tiny vibrating attachment is battery operated and can be attached to your tongue, finger or anywhere else for serious clitoral stimulation. This product reportedly brought users to orgasm in less than one minute, meaning that you and your partner can enjoy a very merry XXXmas.
Other great products include the Erotic Aphrodisiac Massage Oil for £14.99, which smells divine, and the chocolate body paint for £10.99.
49 Tib Street, Manchester, M4 1LS, (0161) 839 5580
SISTERS
A haven of all things kitch and retro, ‘Thunderegg’ is a delightful little shop nestled in the heart of the Northern Quarter. If you can’t find a present for your sister here, you probably won’t find one anywhere. Packed full of brands such as Pucca, Hello Kitty and Paul Frank, this shop looks like a Japanese teenager’s bedroom.
Thunderegg is home to an impressive range of funky clothes that would make unique gifts. However, buying dresses and tops for other people can be tricky, especially if you’re not sure which size to go for, so it might be best to go for a safer option. A pair of super-soft, hot pink Paul Frank slippers for £20 would make a great gift for a girly sister who likes to laze around the house.
All girls appreciate some quality smellies in their Christmas stocking, so for your little emo sister go for the ‘Cute as Hell’ products. The prettily packaged body wash for £13.50 smells lovely and leaves skin lovely and soft. The body lotion is £11.50 and the scented splash is a little less pricy at £10.50.
The ‘Queen of Fucking Everything’ range is perfect for the spoilt sister who always seems to get her own way. For the girl who can’t get out of bed in the morning, the retro style alarm clock comes at £11.50 and a matching mug will set you back just £6.
Thunderegg, 22 Oldham St, M1 1JN, (0161) 325 0606
MUMS
Buying for Mums can be difficult; they usually have everything already and don’t really need anything that you can afford to buy. It’s easy to resort to buying yet another box of Radox bath salts (for the umpteenth year running). However, if you think outside the (chocolate) box, there are some creative gift ideas for Mums that won’t break the bank.
A piglet comes at just £29. Before you start worrying about where your mother is going to keep a live farm animal, I should probably tell you that this isn’t some wacky alternative pet. The piglet would go to a family in Fuyang, China, where lives have been devastated by HIV and AIDS.
Alternatively, a month’s supply of ‘Plumpy’ nut (a high energy, high protein peanut butter for malnourished children) comes at just £26, which is nothing when you think how much money your family will be spending on Christmas food this year.
These and many more generous gift ideas can be found at www.savethechildren.org.uk/wishlist. They are perfect pressies for the Mum who has everything, as they allow you to help families who have nothing.
The one thing Mums never seem to have is time. They say money can’t buy time, but that isn’t strictly true. A spa day in Manchester city centre comes at £80, which may sound like a lot, but it would be money well spent, as Mums like nothing more than a spot of pampering. Your Ma would be treated to a light lunch, full use of the spa and gym facilities and a choice of luxurious treatments, such as massages, facials and mud treatments. This can be bought at www.ineedpampering.com.
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