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Day 20: Say no to naff

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Did you know that 67% of Kiwis want practical gifts for Christmas? And more than a third of us received unwanted gifts last Christmas ... with the majority of those languishing in a cupboard? Here's how to avoid naff gifts once and for all ...

Vouchers have a reputation for being a boring pressie, but the majority of Kiwis (73% of women and 55% of men) say they don't see them as lazy gifts. Good news for us last-minute Christmas shoppers!

What's even better is that the same survey revealed 50% of us are happy for someone to donate to charity on our behalf. (Here's more from the survey if you're interested).

With that in mind, here's some practical pressies from Unicef's Inspired Gifts range ... guaranteed to make someone very, very happy.

 

High-energy nutrient biscuits make a huge difference to hungry kids

Good gift guide

This water kit includes water purification tablets, soap, and carrying containers

Good gift guide

500 pencils sure come in handy – and only cost $13

Good gift guide

Or how about fresh new exercise books for the start of the school term?

Good gift guide

Bikes cut kids' travel time to school dramatically

Good gift guide

 

See Inspired Gifts for lots more ideas.

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  • Julie Davis on Winter pick-me-ups:
    My best winter-proofing tip? Wear bright colours - they make you feel good and happy the minute you put them on.  And don't forget some  
  • Leanne Harrison on Winter pick-me-ups:
    Really - surviving winter is a combo of getting rugged up and getting outside - or curling up in front of the fire and knitting (with glass  
  • Mons on Winter pick-me-ups:
    Don't be sad, get gladGovernment subsidy on insulationLighting - naturalAir - let the fresh air inDehumidifier
  • Jessica Helen on Winter pick-me-ups:
    My winter pick me up is a hot water bottle on my lap in the evening. i love being very warm so this means i don't overheat the house - just  
  • Judy on Winter pick-me-ups:
    I'd love one of these purses. I remember my grandmother using one that was similar, but in a subdued navy!To beat the winter chills - exerci  
  • Lucy on Winter pick-me-ups:
    I'm living in a cold flat. We can't have real double glazing but we can use the stick-on plastic double glazing that costs about $15. It's g  
  • Angela on Winter pick-me-ups:
    I'm a bit like Teresa - I wear bright colours on gloomy days to keep myself cheery.  I have a bright red wool coat, which gets many com  
  • Rachael on Winter pick-me-ups:
    Winter proofing my home - let as much natural light in as is feasible, it lifts the spirits, and add colour - this can be fresh flowers, win  

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