Dear Graduate… 20 Life Skills for the Road Ahead

Posted on November 23, 2015 By The Gift Register

If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve graduated – or you’re close to.

It’s a major accomplishment. All those years spent hunched over a desk studying. Now, you can stand tall, walk proud and reach for your dreams. This is the next milestone in your life. Who knows what the future holds?

But before you hurl yourself into a world of possibilities, we’d like to set you off on the right foot. Because from this point forward, you’ll define who you are as a person and what type of life you will lead.

So, here’s some advice for the road ahead: 20 life skills (from those of us with a few more years under our belt). Print them out. Memorise them. Keep them close to your heart. They’re your salvation to a bright and successful future:

1/ Whatever you do for your first job, do it with pride. It might not be your dream role, but you’re working for a business that somebody feels passionate about. Someday, you may be the employer and you’ll expect your employees to do the same for you.

2/ On that note, if you ever have a job serving coffee – be polite and smile. For many people, coffee is the one small pleasure in their day.

3/ Look after your skin. You’ll thank the high heavens you did when you’re older.

4/ Embrace your failures. They will make you stronger and wiser.

5/ Say ‘yes’ as much as possible. Otherwise, you might just miss out on your biggest opportunity.

6/ Cans and Subway wrappers go in the bin – look after your planet. One day, your generation will be in charge of it and you don’t want to make the job any more difficult than it needs to be.

7/ Have patience. Rome wasn’t built in a day. Each small step you take, you’re a little closer to fulfilling your dreams.

8/ Colour outside of the lines. Those that dare to be different achieve great things.

9/ Put the darn phone down – especially when in company. Life is slipping past you.

10/ Dance like nobody’s watching – and they probably all will.

11/ Be kind. Always. Including to yourself.

12/ You were fooled by your parents – you’re not entitled to anything. In the real world you have to work for it.

13/ Oh and btw, stop using acronyms. You are now a mature member of society (lol).

14/ When you think you’ve hit rock bottom, watch an episode of Dr Phil. You’ll quickly realise you have a long way to go.

15/ Never tell your parents how uncool they are. One day your children will feel exactly the same way about you.

16/ And have patience with elderly drivers. We all know they shouldn’t be driving, but no-one has the guts to tell them.

17/ Don’t point out the problem unless you’re willing to be part of the solution.

18/ Travel. Everywhere. Except, perhaps, to Brussels.

19/ Laugh, often. Even if you don’t feel like it. Laughing is infectious, so you’ll be creating a happier world.

20/ Listen, learn, inspire. The world is yours now, so put yourself out there.

If you can master these skills early, your journey through life will be smoother, richer and more rewarding. We wish you the best of luck, graduate. Don’t be afraid to reach for the stars – may your adventure begin!

Parents’ Guide for Surviving Primary School

Posted on October 26, 2015 By The Gift Register

Primary school is a wild, emotional, exciting and sometimes terrifying adventure – for our children also. There are so many changes from that first precious year when they begin as tiny, timid preppies; to the final year, matured and preteen, thinking they know it all.

The journey isn’t always smooth, with some set for a trickier passage than others. But if you’re prepared as parents, you’ll be able to support and guide your child through the tough times – with both of you coming out the other end stronger and wiser.

A strange new world.

When your child starts school, she leaves the peaceful familiarity of home for a new and daunting world. It’s a major step of independence. She learns some harsh truths; that the world isn’t flat, clouds aren’t made of candy floss and that learning to read can be really really hard. She’s mingled together with a mish mash of personalities and egos, each fighting to assert their place in the pecking order. She adopts habits and behaviours that are out of character and unseemly. When you rush to greet her for pick up, she may have turned into the devil child. At times, you question whether she is, in fact, your child at all.

Our tips:

Even though you’re tempted to call Missing Persons, remain calm and clear-headed. Your child is tired, hungry and dealing with a major adjustment.

After a full day in the classroom, no child needs a Spanish Inquisition on the journey home. What she really needs is rest and food.

Fitting in.

By grade 2, your child is feeling more settled. He’s slotted into a routine and has learned some things about himself. He’s great at science and handball. He’s creative and strong (although, not quite as fast as he thought he was; there’s some serious talent out there).

The playground is separated into cliques of friends. Your child is nestled amongst the nerd group – and you’re okay with this (nerds, after all, make all the money when they grow up). There’s one child you can’t help feel concerned about. He’s mean and bosses your child about. You try to devise a scheme to separate them – but your son has none of it and you can’t help wonder what happened to your devoted, innocent child.

Our tips:

Don’t panic. It may feel as though you’re no longer the apple in your child’s eye, but you’ll be the first person he turns to when he’s out of his depth.

Try not to intervene too much – your child is learning to interact with all types of personalities. Instead, encourage him to be assertive and stand up to his bossy friend.

The playground can be a cruel, harsh place.

By grade 4, your child’s friends have banned together refusing to let her play with them. They say mean things and blurt out rude words, even though none of them actually know what they mean.

Your child learns about resilience. She seeks refuge in a quiet corner with the other victims of isolation (and soon learns they’re more interesting to be around anyway).

Our tips:

Help her understand that other people’s meanness isn’t about her, but about them and their own insecurities.

Give lots of cuddles.

Top of the food chain.

By grade 6, your child has climbed to the top. He’s ruler of the roost, king of his kingdom – and preparing to start all over again at the bottom in secondary school. The odd pimple pops up on his chin, his voice is hitting notes you never knew existed and he’s in love with a girl named Josie. It’s the end of an era, goodbye to friends he’s known for years. He’s ready, excited and nauseous about high school…

Our tips:

Puberty is taking kids young these days, so make sure you’re both ready. If it hasn’t started to kick in, your child is probably praying for the day it does. Even though they’ll cringe and try to squirm their way out of it, make sure you talk to them about the changes happening to them (hint: when it’s just the two of you in the car, they have no way out…).

Be organised about high school. Make sure books and uniform are ordered in advance and keep an open dialogue with your child, talking through anxieties and concerns.

Above all, primary school is a wonderful experience in your child’s life – so embrace it. Involve yourself in the school community so that you know what’s happening and make an effort to get to know the parents of your child’s friends.

To make easy work of gift giving throughout this era, share lists via The Gift Register! Lost for ideas? A new list of top gifts for kids has just been released onto the app. Click here to install.

9 Survival Tips for New Mums

Posted on September 24, 2015 By The Gift Register

As a new mum, you’re probably wandering about in a fog of exhaustion and talcum powder. Gone the days of skipping around freely. Now you must navigate your life strapped to a tiny screaming person and a tent-sized nappy sack.

Nothing really prepares you for the reality of becoming a mum. You read parenting books, attend classes; recall the stories your own mum told about you as a baby. But none of it prepares you for the overnight transition from relatively composed human being to sleep-deprived, snappy madwoman. In the space of a day, you can swap between every emotion under the sun – joy, elation, devotion, desperation…

It’s not possible to see through the fog when you’re right in the thick of it, so here are our top tips to help you gain some clarity:

The exhaustion will end. When you’re staggering about with your chin dragging along the floor, it’s impossible to imagine you’ll ever experience a good night’s sleep again. You will.

Trust your own judgment. You may feel bullied into parenting a certain way with so much ‘expert’ advice out there. ‘Breast is best,’ they’ll tell you. Or, ‘Let your baby cry to sleep.’ The truth is, every situation is different and only you can figure out what is logical and best for your child.

Fresh air and adult company. When you’re feeling exhausted and vulnerable, it’s natural to want to hide away in the darkest hollows of your home living off marshmallows and Doritos. And while we strongly recommend this on occasion, it’s equally important to step outdoors and converse with fully developed human beings from time to time.

The world won’t end if your baby has puke on his romper suit. It’s easy to get caught up being overly proud and wanting your child to look perfect. But when your laundry basket is already overflowing like a blocked sewer, you don’t need to add to it unnecessarily. Nobody is going to notice the odd bit of spew (just put a bib around it).

Time flies. It might not feel like it now, but ask any mum with older children and she’ll quickly tell you she wished she’d taken the time to cherish those precious baby years more. Make the most of the small things; cuddles, mat time, stories. Celebrate each stage of your baby’s development. Once the time passes, it’s lost forever.

The power of empathy. There’s nothing more healing than a bunch of women going through the same thing. This is where mum’s group is awesome. You probably won’t connect with all of the women in your group, but you’ll form a special friendship with one or two mums that will last a lifetime. With them, you’ll laugh, weep, swap intimate stories and emerge through the fog intact.

Go with the flow. At times, you’ll feel a desire to look your best. To blow-dry your hair, slap on lipstick and step out in leathers and heals. Other times, you’ll want to slouch about in UGG boots with sleep in your eyes, your hair hanging wild and mad Russell Brand-style. Either is fine.

You can only juggle so many balls. We’d like to think our lives will carry on as normal after our baby is born, but it’s not realistic. Let go of some responsibilities. Get your partner to cook dinner, your mother-in-law to do the laundry, pay a neighbour’s teenager to part with their iPad and walk your dog. A baby will impact your life.

Give yourself a break. It’s ok to feel miserable at times. To scream, weep and swear at the patronising old lady shaking her head as you bottle-feed your baby. Becoming a mum isn’t always easy. You’ll make mistakes along the way; the good news is you have years to make amends.

So if you feel a fog, it will always pass. Trust us.

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Top baby gift ideas have just been released in our iOS app. Use them in your own ‘gift lists’ or to buy for friend. Download now to receive monthly lists for every special occasion!

Top Kids Party ideas – with or without expense!

Posted on June 18, 2015 By The Gift Register

Every child is a prince or princess to their parents, but that doesn’t mean you need to be a king or queen to afford to celebrate a birthday. A recent 3rd birthday party celebration in Perth cost little Lauren’s parents $50k, but we wonder if she will even remember the big day. Some people don’t spend that on a wedding, let alone a child’s birthday party, so where do we stop?

Everyone is different, and people will draw the line wherever they like. So here are 3 great party ideas which can be done just as well with a little or a lot of cash!

Little Italy – Introduce a little culture to your child’s party with checkered tablecloths, Italian flags, games of bocce and pizza! Add a few stick on moustaches to bring out the Super Mario in them! The kids can make their own pizza or alternatively, just order it in. After a few games like bocce and ‘pin the pepperoni on the pizza’ all you need to do is whip out the gelato for dessert, and ‘bravo’ – its a job well done! Read more > http://bit.ly/1J5hjs0

Backwards Party – This is simple, yet lots of fun! A traditional party with everything backwards! Ask the guests to wear their clothes backwards and hang ‘happy birthday’
banners so they read ‘yadhtrib yppah’! Say ‘goodbye’ on arrival, and ‘hello’ on departure. Serve dessert first, make sandwiches inside out and sit under the table! How about musical chairs walking backwards? Your imagination has no limit! Read more > http://bit.ly/1epepSi

Treasure Hunt/Scavenger Hunt Party – A wonderful activity based party, children can be issued with treasure maps or lists of items that need to be located around the local park or a backyard. Riddles and rhymes abound, there is treasure to be found! Add fishing net to tables, add a few eye patches and give the party a pirate twist. Fish and chips in baskets will ensure full tummies. Read more > http://bit.ly/1J5P90g

A great accessory to support your theme is to google ‘party printables’, where you can find hundreds of free or inexpensive designs to print out and use to decorate your party. From cupcake toppers to garlands, someone has taken all the hard work out of party décor! Here are some we love:

– Pizza Party printables
– Alphabet Garland (various)
– Pirate Party printables
– Scavenger hunt printables

You can enhance any birthday theme by having a character or hero of the moment pop in to visit. Some will even run the show! If the budget is tight, you could always find a friend or family member to dress up as a kids character to surprise them all.

Using external locations such as play centres or fast food restaurants are ideal if you feel that have having a dozen children in your own home will be detrimental to your furniture and mental health. At a cost per head, you’ll get everything you need and at the end, you get to walk away from the mess!

Rules of engagement for kids parties can be long and complicated. Choosing which children to leave out often sees parents invite whole classrooms in order to avoid excluding anyone, and listing children’s allergies when RSVPing can be a nightmare for parents doing their own catering. Our suggestion? Choose just a small group of close friends, a single gender for your class only, or the whole class, and provide options for kids with allergies.

All parties are wonderful, and no matter what you choose to spend, your child will have a great time – and in the end, that’s all that matters.

Milestone gifting: Frustrating or fantastic?

Posted on May 19, 2015 By The Gift Register

There are so many things to celebrate in a lifetime. The birth of a child; religious milestones like christenings and confirmations; significant birthdays and weddings; school or work achievements… every life is punctuated by these highlights that encourage us to commemorate an occasion.

Many of these occasions suggest that some kind of gift should be given to mark the event but this can be a search fraught with questions –what the value of the gift should be, or whether a gift should fill a short term need or become a long-term keepsake.

A christening is the first event in a child’s life where a gift of significance is given. Traditionally, guests often give the child a keepsake that commemorates this special occasion. These might include engraved baby jewellery, birth certificate holders or a personalised rattle. For something different but relevant, try Noah’s Great Ark from ‘A Whole Lot of Love’ or perhaps choose a favourite childhood book of your own that you can then inscribe for the child to treasure forever. There are a huge range of options available here.

Graduating high school or university is quite the achievement! Studious gifts such as personal organisers, briefcases or personalised stationery are in keeping with the ‘education to real life’ part of their life, and will give the graduate a sense of self and confidence when heading out into the workforce. Two great places to go for these kinds of personalised gifts are Toffee for ipad cases or PrintVenue for something a little more corporate.

Coming of age birthdays –whether 18 or 21 –are perhaps the most important (and fun!) birthdays in a young life. As the young person is finally recognised as an adult and is allowed to legally drink, drive and vote, gifts that will help propel them into a life of independence are welcomed and most valued. Keepsake gifts are also good, such as jewellery, or an active experience that they might not get the opportunity to participate in otherwise.

A wedding is a happy occasion to celebrate and brings families and friends together to honour the couple to be married. Gifts that get the newlyweds off to a good start in their marriage traditionally include household items, however another option is the ‘wishing well’ idea where the guests contribute money. A modern solution to suggest absolutely any gift at all is to use The Gift Register, which allows the list to be shared via email and/or Facebook. This gives huge variety to the choices your guests can make! Both options tend to be the topic of many wedding debates, as detailed in this article, however there are many more pros than cons when it comes to having a registry.

Conventionally, wedding anniversaries followed a list of suggested gifts, starting with paper for one year and progressing to gold for 50 years. The modern equivalent suggests a clock for year one and gold jewellery gets a gig at year 14, but these are just ideas and your intimate knowledge of your partner should help guide your choice. You could always mark the occasion with ‘memory making experience’ that has always been desired by one or both partners.

In an era where staying in a job for any length of time is considered an achievement, gifts from a boss or a company are often carefully considered but rarely enjoyed. Logo emblazoned watches and kitchen items are cast aside as token gestures, while what an employee really wants is recognition for a job well done.

Experiences away from the office, such as gold class movie tickets or a restaurant voucher, lets the employee have some well deserved time off, while jewellery or high end pens can be something they will treasure as a reminder of their long service. This billionaire boss really raised the bar by taking 6,400 staff to Europe on a holiday. Ahh, we can all dream! 😉

Which life milestone do you think is the hardest to buy for? Or perhaps you have a gifting story you’d like to share with us? Don’t forget, if you are ever stuck for ideas, check out the ‘gift buttons’ on our home page for lots of quick solutions 😉

Pay her back in style this Mothers Day!

Posted on April 18, 2015 By The Gift Register

Oh dear! Another Mothers Day just around the corner, and what can you do to impress this year? If brekky in bed isn’t her thing, we have some alternative gift ideas which may tickle her fancy!

Why not head to your fave local cafe instead of the bed, and surprise her with a brand new bike sitting at the gate to get her there! Mum can relive childhood days on this Retro ladies bike, a fun choice for someone who might not have been on a bike in some time. They tell us you never forget how to ride!

Or, if Mum is fond of a little more time sleep time, this craft bottle project adds a lovely personal touch to tea and toast. Children should be encouraged to get involved with some spray paint and glue.

When she is ready to get dressed, delight her with a new trench hanging in the wardrobe! Originally designed as part of a military uniform, the classic Trench coat has come a long way since Thomas Burberry sold the first one in 1901. Today, this fashion staple comes in many colours and lengths, and is a perfect transeasonal piece for your Mums wardrobe.

If Mum has a green thumb, a terrarium that brings the outdoors in might be more to her liking. The care and attention to detail in these terrariums will appeal to a Mum with a meticulous nature.

A stylish mum likely also has a stylish, and perhaps expensive, taste in champagne. If it wasn’t produced in France, it’s not the real thing, so look no further than GH Mumm in this gift pack. Mumm for Mum? Yes please!

Grandmothers are just as important on Mother’s Day and must not be forgotten! Remember a life well lived and recall memories of days gone by with a My Life Story book, that can be filled out as a family and cherished forever.

After all the excitement of the morning, Mum might like to put her feet up and watch a favourite TV show. Relive all six seasons of Sex and the City with this DVD collector’s edition and laugh along with Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda all over again.

Should you have a friend who is soon to become a mother for the first time, we recommend a few items to celebrate the imminent arrival and give everyone a laugh. This book is a great educational tool while every mother will recommend this unique wine glass as an essential item in your liquor cabinet post birth.

Top non-choc gifts for Easter!

Posted on March 19, 2015 By The Gift Register

It seems like just yesterday we were packing away the Christmas Tree, and yet we are sure those Easter Eggs have been on the shelves for months. Already got chocolate fatigue? Try these Easter gifts that are easier on the waistline, and add more interest to your celebrations!

For the littlest of children, this wooden pull along duck and egg toy is quirky and cute. Also, Beatrix Potter and Peter Rabbit will be household names with this collection of Peter Rabbit stories, a compilation that will be treasured through childhood and beyond. Why not add a gorgeous Peter Rabbit or Jemima Puddleduck soft toy for a complete gift!

For older children, boys will be racing to the breakfast table everyday with this ‘eggsplode’ cup holder and soldier toast cutter. Girls will enjoy growing their very own flower from an egg, sure to keep hands busy tending to the garden long after the chocolate has melted.

Edible blooms have some wonderful gift ideas for grown ups, and any delivery to an office the day before work finishes up for a long weekend is sure to keep your loved one happy.

Maybe you are planning to head out of town for the Easter long weekend? Why not invest in a quality tent the whole family can enjoy, and reap the rewards for years to come. Whats more, Wild Earth are having a sale!

If you are celebrating Easter with family or friends, why not give your Easter BBQ hostess a gorgeous keepsake gift instead of some Cadbury Favourites. This range of tin planters are stylish, and embrace the true meaning of Easter – new life.

Why not nominate a favourite Uncle to dress up like the Easter Bunny in this costume from Costume Box. Kids will be entertained for longer, and we know it will give the grown ups a giggle too!

But if your attitude is more ‘you only get to indulge once a year!’… sign up for this chocolate recipe ebook, 53 Shades of Chocolate. Need we say more?

And when all else fails, or you can’t avoid the buying of chocolate for this seasonal occasion, head to Biome for organic, gluten and dairy free options, fair trade and downright beautiful looking Easter treats.

Get ready to impress this Valentines Day!

Posted on February 2, 2015 By The Gift Register

Love is in the air! The most romantic day of the year is just two weeks away – it’s time to show St Valentine how its done by stepping up and showing your loved one just how much you care.

Flowers and chocolates are great last minute saves (try edible blooms for the best of both!) but to really say I Love You, a little more thought is required.

Madonna said it so well way back in the 80s – satin sheets ARE very romantic – but they are rather impractical. Bamboo is better for the environment and far more comfortable. Pick a shade that works for your boudoir, but we think white goes with everything.

If thousand thread counts sheets are more your style, whisk your loved one away for a spontaneous holiday somewhere with a beach in a 5 star villa. From local escapes to overseas getaways, a minibreak could be just the thing to impress this V day.

When in doubt, jewellery is always a good idea. Keep earrings, necklaces and bracelets simple and elegant to really show you care.

The boys shouldn’t miss out on the shiny things either. Custom cufflinks are a gift he can treasure everyday. One look at his wrist and these heart shaped cufflinks – he’ll be yours forever.

For the super hard to buy for, a designer handbag is an easy choice. For added oomph and thought, try a vintage piece or hard to come by bag from a season gone by. Bonus brownie points for effort.

Planning a brilliant date night for Valentine’s Day? It’s a Saturday this year, so don’t forget to book! Impress her with a note, a dress and a surprise night out – you’ll find lots of gorgeous dresses to suit any occasion at Royal Tag.

A home cooked meal and a movie on the couch also make for a great date night. Set the mood without burning down the house with flameless candles. Romance will be in the air.

Of course flowers are always a great way to make a girl feel special. Remember, it’s the thought that counts! … Happy Valentines!

‘Sauce up’ your Australia Day!

Posted on January 12, 2015 By The Gift Register

Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi! Oi! Oi! can be heard from young and old as they celebrate Australia Day on January 26. Whether it’s a game of beach cricket, or a BBQ while listening to the Triple J Hottest 100, how we commemorate being Aussie is a wonderfully quirky mash up of cork hats, shrimps on the Barbie and pavlova.

If really getting into the sprit of the day is your thing, an Aussie unitard from Costume Box in the national colours will ensure you are remembered for more than your barbeque skills. Only for the brave; wear at your own risk.

Hosting a BBQ is all the more enjoyable when a few decorations suit the day. Aussie flags and balloons are a great way to get the party started, and you’ll find them all in this starter kit. Explore the Costume Box website for many more Aussie themed party favours!

Get that game of beach cricket going with this set that includes two balls – handy for when Dad knocks one for 6 into the ocean.

Lying on the sand more your thing? Quintessential Aussie brand Quiksilver have a range of beach towels available, but this one – named Manly (for Manly beach!) – really says ‘I’m Aussie!’

Not near a beach but still close to water, this pool bar is a rather brilliant (and very Aussie!) invention. When the weather gets warm, jump in the pool and stay for the day, drinks included.

Teach little ones about their country with a fun tour of Australia in this beautifully illustrated picture book. Features all states so no matter where you live, it’ll feel like a piece of home.

And if the notion takes you, and you really want to get in to the Aussie spirit, get into the kitchen and make your own pavlova. Delicious.

Happy Australia Day!!

Christmas Engagement? Congrats!

Posted on December 29, 2014 By The Gift Register

With a resounding ‘yes’ this Christmas period, you and your partner got engaged. Congratulations!! A very exciting time is ahead. You have a wedding to plan, love to celebrate and lot’s of decisions to make.

You’ll first want to find a notebook, or wedding planning diary like this one from Booktopia to help keep all your notes and quotes in order. Visiting Bridal Expos are a great way to gather information that you can then go through later with your partner to get a feel for what you’d both like.

The Australian Bridal Service is hosting the Australian Bridal Expo in Melbourne next month, and we’ll be there too! We can help you plan one of the most exciting parts of your wedding – the gift registry! Instead of confining your choices to just one store, The Gift Register is flexible and easy to use – and it’s free. Signup here or via our iOS app.

The choice of date is an early decision you will need to make together. What season would you like to be married in? Is the venue available on that date? Does it clash with any major events? Does this date give you enough time for all the planning you will need to do?

Other big decisions you will need to make now include finding a location and choosing whether you’d like a sit down dinner, or a cocktail style function. Visit as many places as you can to see what you like before committing to one.

The wedding dress is a personal choice and we recommend trying on a number of styles before selecting one that suits you and making a final decision. Remember that most dressmakers require a lead-time of at least six months to make a wedding dress – don’t leave it too late!

Flowers, photographers, bonbonnieres and a celebrant are also on the list and you’ll find lots of each at the Australian Bridal Expo. Talk to your friends who have recently held weddings for some additional advice and support.

We’ll be giving away tickets to the expo in the coming days on Facebook, so keep an eye out. Come by our stand (Site 32) at the Melbourne Expo for your chance to win one of four Terramundi pots – a beautiful way to save for something special!

Melbourne 10/11 January
Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton

Sydney 31 Jan/1 Feb
Qantas Credit Union Arena, Darling Harbour