Gifts
Well, ho, ho, ho. Talk about Christmas spirit. The big department stores are accused of exploiting Christmas by charging more than $20 for a photo with Santa.

I, for one, think it’s an excellent idea. Well, they’ve got to do something to make a buck with all those Judases buying cheap stuff online.
In fact, I think they should take this marvellous measure even further…
Continue reading "Christmas takings are more important than giving" »
I recently started a new job and at my very first team meeting, I was informed that I would be included in my new team’s Kris Kringle for the impending enforced Christmas “celebrations”.

As you would expect, yay. Is it possible to yay in an even lower case? yay. There you go.
Now, I know that this groan-inducing ritual must happen in offices all around the world (well, except for maybe the Middle East, India and most of Asia but lets not get pedantic) at this time of year – the exchanging of unwanted, thoughtless gifts between team-members who haven’t gotten to know each other well enough over the course of the year to know what to get each other.
Continue reading "For Kryin’ out loud, Kris Kringle is a Kolossal Kringe" »
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Kika says:
I usually hate Secret Santa. I fking hate the word Kris Kringle… it’s not fking Kris Kringle! But my team has a pretty good attitude. We realise that you are NOT going to get a gift you want, like or need so we try to make as much fun out… Read more »
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Boycotting KK says:
The first time i participated in Kris Kringle i received a penis-shaped incence holder. The second time a cook book demonstrating how to make food look like a range of animals. Needless to say, I won’t be participating in Kris Kringle this year. Seriously what is so wrong with the… Read more »
For sale: One cute animal that will help you save the world… or will it just make you feel better?

Charity gift packages that offer you the chance to buy a friend a goat, some chickens or even a pile of poo for a poverty-stricken family in the developing world might make us feel warm and fuzzy, but they can also be misleading.
On the plus side, they offer a tangible way of giving someone the gift of charity donation for a present. Buying a “goat” might come with an e-card, a receipt and a funny picture of the creature packed with his suitcase and ready to go. In short, a relatable image of what you may have contributed to.
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Scrub Nurse says:
I also used to give monetary donations to the Salvos and also if I was throwing out clothes that were still good like woollen jumpers and woollen blankets, I’d give it to them rather than one of the others, because of all the great work they do. That was until… Read more »
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TDMJ says:
http://www.givewell.com.au is an excellent Australian site that provides much of the information you might seek about reputable Australian charities, how they’re run and how funds are used, etc. ... I’m not associated with the company but after along career working with various charities, I’d definitely hesitate to give to any… Read more »
In the run up to Father’s Day the electrical stores are spruiking like it’s Christmas. You can be sure that along with any of the hot deals from digital cameras to TVs will come one innocent –sounding question.

At the very point of sale when you’re about to hand over the cash for dad’s gift you’ll be asked “Would you like an extended warranty with that?”
It sounds simple enough. An few extra years’ “protection” for a hundred bucks or so, depending on the price of the item.
Continue reading "Are we being served? The rort of extended warranties" »
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Ron Boaden says:
A couple of points here. Firstly, the reason Exteded Warranties can only be purchased at the time of sale is due to a stupid Govt. regulation that states that (for some obscure reason) if it is offered after the sale, it constitutes insurance advice, which can only be offered by… Read more »
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David (London) says:
A considered and practical guide to this issue. Thank you. Read more »
I can’t decide which takes the cake - the grey vinyl lap top bag for a women who doesn’t own a lap top, or the magazine filled with pictures of kelpies for a wife to browse during labour.
Neither were as cruel as the all-expenses-paid trip to Morocco where the she was promptly dumped. Or as indiscreet as the yoga mat recommended by his “friend” the yoga instructor - who he’s now dating.
It’s incredible what some men think is an acceptable gift for their partner.
Continue reading "You got me what? Men and the terrible gifts they buy" »
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Louise O says:
A friends husband brought her an ironing board for her birthday - thankfully she hit him with it. Read more »
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Holly says:
Else, you win! Read more »
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