2014 Christmas Gift Guide by The Adviser

2014 Ultimate

Christmas Gift Guide

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28 pages of great

Christmas Gift Ideas

2 Christmas Gift Guide

Index

My first Santa photos .......... Page 3 Santa photo instigator, Dale Wright takes us on a look back at a few of the 36 years of Santa photos in the region.

Sharing the Christmas spirit ....................... Page 4 There’s plenty of magical moments to enjoy at the Shepparton Marketplace this festive season including the opportunity to visit with Santa right up until Christmas Eve.

Australia’s favourite Christmas song for 2014........................... Page 4 What’s your favourite Christmas song? This was the question asked of people across the country and the answer may just surprise you.

Show Me the magic of Christmas.................................... Page 5 This year, boys and girls will have even more opportunities to enjoy the traditions of Christmas with the very special ‘blue’ Show Me Santa Claus and ‘real’ Santa Claus celebrating Christmas in Shepparton.

Much more than a market ...................................... Page 6 Shepparton’s newest community market, the Shepparton Market has everything you’ll need to celebrate Christmas with family and friends.

Get delicious recipe ideas .. Page 8 And enjoy an extra special Christmas feast this year.

Enjoy Christmas for every member of the family ........ Page 10 At the Riverside Plaza with their special Santa photos including pet portraits available right up until Christmas Eve.

Cashies has your Christmas list covered............................... Page 12 With a huge range of gift ideas which are sure to make your dollar go further.

Get your letters to Santa .. Page 12 Send your letters to Santa, with the help of Australia Post.

Service with a smile............ Page 16 The friendly team at Cartridge Man have all of your practical gift ideas covered.

Your one stop Christmas shop...................... Page 16 Shepparton’s own Focus Cards and Gifts at the Fryers Street end of the Maude Street Mall is your one stop Christmas shop for every member of the family.

Enjoy a gourmet Christmas.................................. Page 20 Europa Deli and Café is making your gourmet Christmas even easier with a huge range of delicious delicatessen flavours to enjoy with family and friends.

Enjoy a magic Christmas.................................. Page 20 Luke’s Magic Meats have all of your favourite meats, to ensure the perfect addition to your table during this year’s Christmas celebrations.

Discover the world of Just Me Patsy............................................ Page 22 There’s always something new to discover at Just Me Patsy, including loads of great Christmas gift ideas.

Make someone happy this Christmas.................................. Page 22 Great gift ideas start at John Anderson Pharmacy this Christmas, with their huge range of pre-packed and custom Clinique gift packs designed for men and women.

Have a marvellous Christmas.................................. Page 24 The Good Guys have partnered with Marvel this Christmas and are giving shoppers the chance to win the ultimate Marvel Super Hero Prize Chest with over 100 goodies inside and valued at over $5,000.

Nothing like the gift of giving ........................... Page 24 Kmart together with The Salvation Army have launched this year’s Wishing Tree appeal and are encouraging members of the community to get involved.

Enjoy bargains ...................... Page 25 Buy three and get the fourth tyre free at your local Bridgestone Service Centres in Shepparton, Echuca and Benalla this December.

Family fun Christmas games .................. Page 25 Be inspired with some family fun Christmas games ideas that will keep everyone entertained and laughing all day long.

Giveaways galore ................. Page 26 Don’t miss out on our fun Christmas Giveaway opportunities thanks to the wonderful stallholders at the Shepparton Market.

Top gift ideas .......................... Page 27 Find out the top five selling boys and girls toys this Christmas from the team at Oke’s Toy & Nursery Superstore.

Christmas Gift Guide

My first Santa photos

TAKING a photo with Santa has been around in the region for 38 years and Santa Photo instigator, Dale Wright decided to share some of the photos he has collected including one of the Bentley family and some of his son Stuart, but the twist is that 36 years later, Stuart hasn’t changed a bit.

INTRODUCING SANTA… Pictured, two year old Stuart Wright with Santa in 1980. Stuart doesn’t look too impressed (left), much like the counterpart photo of Stuart with Santa last week (right). Photos: Dale Wright Photography.

‘GOTCHA’ NOSE… In 1981, one year since his first Santa photo, Stuart now seems a little more comfortable and even touches Santa’s nose (left), but today, it seems Stuart is still happy to play ‘Gotcha Nose’ (right).

TELL SANTA YOUR WISH LIST… Another year on, 1982, and Stuart is now more than happy to sit on Santa’s knee (left), but you’re never too big to tell Santa what you want for Christmas (right).

A VERY BENTLEY CHRISTMAS… From left, Mandy, Jessica and Samantha Bentley having their photo taken with Santa in 2009.

Christmas Gift Guide

Sharing the

Christmas spirit CHRISTMAS CHEER… From left, Shepparton Marketplace Marketing Coordinator, Danielle Tait with Community Giving Tree Gift Wrapper, Brydie Simkin. Photo: Madeleine Caccianiga.

THERE’S plenty of magical moments to enjoy at the Shepparton Marketplace this festive season including the opportunity to visit with Santa right up until Christmas Eve. Shepparton Marketplace Centre Manager, Don Butler said, “Christmas is a very special time for us here at the Shepparton Marketplace and we have some extra special activities to share with families and to help spread the Christmas cheer. “Families will be able to visit Santa’s House right up until Christmas Eve from 11am daily with Santa Photos available from Monday to Thursday between 11am and 4pm, Fridays between 11am and 4pm and also between 5pm and 7pm and then on Saturdays and Sundays between 11am and 3pm. “We are proud to show our support to those less fortunate again this Christmas with proceeds from our gold coin gift wrapping services going to the Leukaemia Foundation. “We are also proud to be a part of the Community Giving Tree program and encourage people to place an unwrapped

gift under one of the trees located here at the Shepparton Marketplace, at the Riverside Plaza and or at the Maude Street Mall to be donated to the local community through The Community Fund Goulburn Valley. “This year we are excited to introduce our Gingerbread House Decorating Competition. We will have a small Gingerbread Village on display from Friday, December 12 until Christmas Eve. Our tenants and employees have been busy baking and decorating their gingerbread creations to display in the centre over the busy period and shoppers will have the opportunity to vote for the best Gingerbread House by placing their vote in the entry barrel at the display. “On behalf of all of us here at the Shepparton Marketplace, we wish all of our local families a very merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year.” For more information about any of the Christmas Activities available, check out the Shepparton Marketplace facebook page or call into the Shepparton Marketplace, open 7 days for your convenience.

Christmas songs Your favourite revealed ACCORDING to research undertaken by Australian Hearing, the nation’s favourite Christmas carol for 2014 is Silent Night, with the traditional tune knocking more contemporary songs such as Last Christmas, for six. According t the research, almost half the nation (44 percent) chose Silent Night as their most-wanted Christmas track, with Santa Claus Is Coming To Town and Jingles Bells in joint second place and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and O Come All Ye Faithful following respectively. Over 1,000 people surveyed nationally shunned contemporary Christmas songs, such as Last Christmas, Do They Know It’s Christmas and The Fairytale of New York,

in favour of time-honoured golden-oldies. However, those aged between 18 and 24 years old chose Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas Is You as their top song. The Australian Hearing research also revealed that Christmas songs were the top sound that Australians look forward to on Christmas Day followed by children’s laughter, with the tearing of wrapping paper opening presents in third place. One fifth of men said their favourite sound was the opening of a can of beer. The sounds that Australians would miss the most at Christmas if they couldn’t hear were children’s laughter followed by Christmas songs, with the sound of Jingle Bells in third place.

Christmas Gift Guide

ENJOY THE TRADITIONS OF CHRISTMAS… The Show Me Christmas in Shepparton campaign has kicked off with even more chances to meet and get your photo with Santa, enjoy fun activities and win prizes. Make sure to visit Santa at Santa’s Workshop in the Maude Street Mall right up until Christmas. Photo: Madeleine Caccianiga

Show Me the

magic of Christmas, present and past SANTA’S Workshop officially opened in the Maude Street Mall on the weekend, with boys and girls welcoming the chance to meet with Santa and get a photo. This year, boys and girls will have even more opportunities to enjoy the traditions of Christmas with the very special ‘blue’ Show Me Santa Claus celebrating Christmas across the city with loads of giveaways and fun activities. In times past, many European countries celebrated a midwinter event called Yule. Numerous traditions have been absorbed over time from Yuletide celebrations into the modern Christmas we know today including that of the god Odin. Odin wore a blue-hooded cloak, he had a white beard and was the ‘gift-bringer’ of the north, who rode the midwinter sky on his eight-footed steed, Sleipnir, visiting his people with gifts. If theories are anything to go by, then Odin may have been our very first Santa Clause in blue. The ‘red’ and ‘blue’ Santas are a part of the Show Me Christmas in Shepparton campaign, which began at the beginning of December

encouraging shoppers to experience the magic of Christmas in Shepparton. S he pp a r ton S how M e M a rke t i n g Coordinator, Mat Innes-Irons said, “You’ll see the ‘blue’ Show Me Santa Claus out and about everywhere, so make sure to stop and say hi for some great giveaway opportunities. “We’ll be doing two main giveaways everyday across the city including at the Riverside Plaza, Shepparton Marketplace and Vaughan Central with plenty of opportunities to win some fantastic prizes on the spinning wheel. “The ‘real’ Santa will be available for photos at Santa’s Workshop in the Maude Street Mall Monday to Saturday from 11am to 3pm. We also have our charity gift wrapping crew set up in Santa’s Workshop and they’ll wrap your gifts for a gold coin donation which goes to local charities and our Giving Tree, where families can support the local community through the Community Fund Goulburn Valley.” For more information, check out the Shepparton Show Me Facebook page for activities and locations.

6 Christmas Gift Guide

QUALITY PRODUCE… Wintersun Fruit located within the Shepparton Market has all of your fresh produce needs covered for Christmas.

GET ALL OF YOUR GIFT IDEAS… From the array of Shepparton Market stallholders. Pictured from left, Belinda Ellis from Bindy’s Beanies and Soft Toys, Craig Hopson from Fantasy Art Trading, Jo Matthews from Delightful Rainglow, Lyndelle Ackland from Vintage Chics and Katrina Mills from Dotz. Photos: Alicia Niglia.

REFRESHING SPOT… Meet with friends and stop for a bite to eat or a Barista made coffee in the on site café at the Shepparton Market.

Much more than a market RETRO clothing, vibrant oil paintings, creative play toys, hand knitted beanies, booties and teddy bears and special interest items and apparel are just some of the interesting things you’ll find at Shepparton’s newest community market, Shepparton Market. If you enter at the front of the store, you’ll

discover Shepparton Market’s built in café and eatery with a delicious menu and fresh barista-made coffee as well as a huge range of fruit and vegetables, meats, delicatessen, factory sales items and much more. If you drive to the rear of the Shepparton Market building, you’ll find plenty of off road parking with entrances direct to the

fresh food and café area as well as to the indoor market complex with loads of interest stalls to keep the whole family entertained. Shepparton Market Manager, Nadije Shaholli said, “We’ve been overwhelmed by how well the Shepparton Market has been received by the community and if you haven’t already been out here, make sure to call in and see what we have to offer. “There really is something for everyone at the Shepparton Market and in the lead up to Christmas, you can get everything you’ll need from supplies and ingredients for your Christmas day feast right through to gift ideas for the whole family. “We will also have some wonderful activities happening in the lead up to Christmas with Santa visiting on Saturday, December 13 and Sunday 14 and again on Saturday, December 20 and Sunday 21. “95 3SR FM will be live broadcasting on Saturday, December 20 and will also hold a

sausage sizzle for shoppers. “There will be Christmas card making for the children, gift wrapping and special taste testing sessions. It’s all happening at the Shepparton Market this Christmas. “We will also have special extended trading on Monday, December 22 and Tuesday, December 23 from 8am to 6pm for the benefit of our shoppers.” Shepparton Market is open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8am to 5pm, Fridays from 8am to 6pm, Saturdays from 9am to 4pm and Sundays from 9am to 3pm. For further information or to express interest in setting up a stall, phone 5821 4131, fax 5821 4123, email admin@ sheppartonmarket.com.au, visit w w w. sheppartonmarket.com.au or write to S heppa r ton M a rke t , P O B ox 69 48 , Shepparton, Victoria, 3630. Alternatively, visit Shepparton Market on facebook to stay informed.

8 Christmas Gift Guide

Christmas Pudding Truffles with Chocolate and Rum Makes 18 large truffles, or 32 small truffles Ingredients: • 750g Christmas Pudding • 50g butter (melted) • 1/3 cup cocoa • 2 tablespoons caster sugar • 1/4 cup rum • 100g white chocolate melts • Strawberry tips or glazed cherries Method: 1. Crumble the pudding into small pieces, in a large bowl. 2. Melt butter on a medium heat, on the stove. Add cocoa and sugar and stir until dissolved.

Roast Lamb

with Roasted Tomatoes and Asparagus Serves: 4 Preparation time: 5 minutes Cooking time: 75 minutes Ingredients: • 1.5kg easy carve leg of lamb • 1 punnet cherry tomatoes • 1 red onion, peeled and cut into wedges • 2 bunches asparagus, trimmed • 2 tbsp olive oil • 4 sprigs rosemary Method: 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place lamb in a roasting dish, brush lightly with oil

and season with salt and pepper. Toss the vegetables with the oil and rosemary sprigs and set aside. 2. Place lamb in oven. Roast for 1 hour for rare, 1 hour 15 minutes for medium, or 1 hour 30 minutes for well done. After the first 40 minutes cooking time, add the vegetables around the lamb in the roasting dish and continue to cook. 3. Remove lamb, cover loosely and allow to rest for 15 minutes before carving. Serve lamb with roasted vegetables.

3. Remove from the heat and add rum. 4. Add butter mixture to pudding crumbs and stir well to combine. 5. Roll into balls. Use a dessertspoon for larger balls or a heaped teaspoon for smaller balls. 6. Melt white chocolate melts, according to the directions on the packet. 7. Spoon a small amount over each ball. 8. Allow 5 minutes for chocolate to go tacky. 9. Top with strawberries or glace cherries and serve. 10. If you are not using strawberries these will keep for several days in an airtight container.

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Riverside celebrates Christmas For every member of the family THE Riverside Plaza is sharing the spirit of Christmas with every member of the family this Christmas, with their special Santa photos including pet portraits available right up until Christmas Eve. Families will have the opportunity to have their photo taken with Santa every day from Monday to Friday between 10am and 1pm and on Saturdays and Sundays between 10.30am and 1.30pm. Santa photos with your special four legged family member will be held on two days only, Saturday, December 13 between 9am and 10am and again on Thursday, December 18 between 4.30 and 5.30pm. Copulos Group Marketing Coordinator, Lyndal Ford said, “We are very excited to welcome the return of our special Santa and pet portraits. They’ve been very popular in the past and are a special way to create precious Christmas memories with your beloved pet. “To ensure the safety and efficiency of the Santa and pet portraits sessions are strictly by appointment only, so please make sure to call. “Of course Christmas at the Riverside Plaza is for everyone and we have some special Christmas crafts with the girls from Enchanted Rainbow for the littlies to enjoy including Paper Craft on Saturday, December 13, Pipe Cleaner Craft on Saturday, December 20, Paper Plate Craft on Monday December 22 and Pom Pom Craft on Tuesday, December 23 from 11am to 2pm each of the days. “And Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS… Pictured at the Riverside Plaza from left, siblings, 7-year-old, Luke and 5-year-old, Jazzy Martin. Photo: Madeleine Caccianiga.

without the spirit of giving and we are proud to be a part of the Community Giving Tree, which encourages community members to donate to children in need this Christmas. Simply place an unwrapped gift under the Community Giving Tree. The gift will be donated to the local community by the Community Fund Goulburn Valley with donations being collected right up until Christmas Eve.

“Visitors to the Riverside Plaza can also have their gifts wrapped at the Vision Australia Wrapping Station for a gold coin donation between Monday and Saturday from 11am to 5pm and on Sundays from 11am to 4pm until Sunday, December 21.” Come along and enjoy all things festive this Christmas at the Riverside Plaza, Melbourne Road, South Shepparton, phone 5822 8800 or visit www.riversideplazashepparton.com.au

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WRITE A LETTER… From left, Australia Post Senior Postal Service Officer, Debbie Stradling with 5 year old Simrin Singh Dhillon from Orrvale, who is posting a letter to Santa. Photo: Alicia Niglia

Get your letters to Santa CHRISTMAS is almost here and Santa is waiting for all the children in Greater Shepparton to write down their Christmas wish list and send it to Santa, with the help of Australia Post. With only two weeks to go before he comes to town, Santa and his little helpers will be gearing up his sleigh, checking lists twice and responding to ‘Santa Mail’ from children in Australia and around the world. All letters received this month will receive a personalised response direct from the North Pole. To ensure the man in red reads and replies to your note before Christmas, simply drop your lists in the post addressed to Santa, North Pole, 9999. Be sure to include your full name and address, along with a stamped envelope so Santa knows where to send his reply. Executive General Manager, Postal Services at Australia Post, Christine Corbett said last year children sent more than 150,000 letters to Santa. “Santa has heard that there have been many well-behaved children in Shepparton this year, so I’m encouraging them all to make sure they write their letters and wish lists as soon as possible so that he has plenty of time before Christmas to read and respond to them. “Australia is one of the first countries in the world to experience Christmas and Australia Post is working with Santa and his little helpers to ensure Santa Mail from Down Under is given top priority.” Santa Mail can be placed in any Australia Post red post boxes or in-store at selected post offices.

Cashies has your

Christmas list covered

GIFT FOR EVERYONE… Your local team at Cash Converters has your Christmas sorted with their specially themed gift packs. From left, Cash Converters Shepparton Retail Assistant, Rhonda Barter and Retail Manager, Troy Clancy. Photo: Madeleine Caccianiga.

CHRISTMAS is just around the corner and you’re probably looking at this year’s Christmas list and don’t know where to start. The team at Cash Converters Shepparton (Cashies) know what it’s like! Which is why they’ve bundled together specially themed gift packs, which everyone on your list is sure to love. Whether it’s a games console with games for the kids, or a set of romance DVDs for Mum, you’re sure to find it at Cashies. Plus, your Christmas dollars will go further as most items at Cashies are in near-

new condition at a fraction of the price. Everything on the shelves are tested and most items come with a 90 day warranty. One of the best things about shopping at Cashies is the opportunity to find items you won’t get anywhere else. And there’s nothing better than giving (and receiving) unique gifts at Christmas. Cash Converters Shepparton has a gift for everyone on your Christmas list this year so visit them today at 358-362 Wyndham Street.

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Your one stop

Christmas shop CELEBRATING THE FESTIVE SEASON… Pictured from left, Cartridge Man Owners, Heike and Uwe De Temple. Photo: Madeleine Caccianiga.

Service with a smile FOR more than 10 years, Cartridge Man have been providing the Goulburn Valley with a local point of contact for a huge range of printing accessories and consumables as well as their trademark service with a smile approach. Locally owned and operated by husband and wife team, Uwe and Heike De Temple, the couple say they are proud to have been a part of the local business community for all of these years. Uwe said, “Our customers are very important to us and we work hard to ensure that we can offer the best possible range and service to them. “We have made wonderful connections with local businesses and families over the years and we’d like to thank them very much for their support. We’d also like to

take the opportunity to wish each and every one of our customers a very merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.” Cartridge Man stock a huge range of printing accessories and consumables and have some great, practical gift ideas as well as Gift Vouchers available. Cartridge Man also stock a range of printers and printer consumables, their own brand of printing accessories, cartridges, copy paper, accessories and much more. Uwe said, “We will also have some wonderful specials available in the lead up to Christmas, to help celebrate the festive season.” Cartridge Man has convenient parking directly at the front of the store at 4a Benalla Road, Shepparton, phone 5821 7755.

WITH the ultimate range in cards, gift wrap, Christmas accessories and gift ideas, Shepparton’s own Focus Cards and Gifts at the Fryers Street end of the Maude Street Mall is your one stop Christmas shop for every member of the family. Focus Cards and Gifts have undergone some big changes this year with a complete store revamp undertaken to welcome the merging of former Centrefair Lotto agency into the store, which included the inclusion of a whole new range of magazines and newspapers. Focus Cards and Gifts Proprietor, Peter Dunbabin said, “It’s been wonderful. We can now offer our customers so many extra services and it’s been wonderful working alongside Vince Crivelli and the team from Centrefair Lotto, their experience in the industry and relationship with local customers is fantastic. “The new layout is also very user friendly. Our customers now have a clear view of our extensive range of products throughout the store.” Focus Cards and Gifts stock a huge range of gift wrapping, cards and accessories, Christmas decorations, nativity scenes, tinsel and tree decorations, Kris Kringle ideas, 2015 Calenders including the brand new, Rotary 2015 Calendar, softcover and hardcover book, My Shepparton by local Authors, Geoff Allemand and Margaret Marlow as well as a massive range of gift ideas for the whole family to enjoy.

LOCAL LOTTO TEAM… Pictured from left, Centrefair Lotto Proprietor, Vince Crivelli and Focus Cards and Gifts Proprietor, Peter Dunbabin. Photo: Alicia Niglia.

Focus Cards and Gifts are open Monday to Saturday from 8am to 6pm and Sundays 10am to 2pm with extended hours in the lead up to Christmas. Vince said, “Make sure to call in and see us for your chance to win $30M in the massive January 3 Mega draw. As an added bonus, anyone who spends over $30 on tickets in the lead up to Christmas, will also go into the draw to win our special Christmas hamper.” For all of your Christmas card and gift needs, call in and enjoy the friendly service at Focus Cards and Gifts at 181 Maude Street Mall, Shepparton or phone 5821 1813.

20 Christmas Gift Guide

Enjoy a magic Christmas

FRESH, QUALITY LOCAL MEATS… Pictured, Luke’s Magic Meats Manager, Brad Wootton. Photo: Alicia Niglia.

THE FLAVOURS OF CHRISTMAS… Pictured, Europa Deli Café Manager, Phern Hannan. Photo: Madeleine Caccianiga.

Enjoy a gourmet Christmas S H E P PA R T O N ’ S o w n d e d i c a t e d delicatessen, Europa Deli and Café is making your gourmet Christmas even easier with a huge range of delicious delicatessen flavours to enjoy with family and friends. In store you’ll find a delicious range of fresh Christmas hams, loads of varieties of delicious sweet dessert panettone, Stephen’s award winning Christmas puddings and everything you’ll need for a delicious, fresh Christmas table. Europa Deli and Café Proprietor, Eileen Curtis said, “We have all of your Christmas del ic ate s s en ne e d s covere d a nd we

encourage pre-Christmas orders to ensure your gourmet Christmas needs are covered. “We have loads of great gift ideas including kitchenware, food gifts and homewares. We also custom make Christmas hampers full of great quality products ideal for every member of the family, especially those who are hardest to buy for and delivery is available in the Shepparton area.” For a very special Europa Deli and Café style Christmas, call into 37 Vaughan Street, Shepparton, phone 5831 3109, visit www.europadelicafe.com.au or like them on facebook.

AT Luke’s Magic Meats, the friendly team specialise in a wide variety of your favourite meats, to ensure the perfect addition to your table during this year’s Christmas celebrations. With all of your fresh, quality varieties of Christmas meats including local Murray Valley pork, ham, chicken (sourced locally from Hazeldene Chicken) as well as beef, lamb and turkey, you can make this year a Luke’s Magic Meats Christmas for the freshest, quality meats option. Manager, Brad Wootton said, “We’re a locally owned and operated business and we support our local stockists where ever we can. “We have a great range of your favourite barbeque meat options including our award winning sausages for your great Australian Christmas barbeque traditions. And we will be taking Christmas orders right up until December 17, so hurry in to ensure you’re prepared. “We also stock a full range of gluten free products to meet the specialty dietary requirements of our customers.” Call in and speak to the team at Luke’s Magic Meats, 41 Vaughan Street, Shepparton or phone 5821 4449.

22 Christmas Gift Guide

GORGEOUS GIFT IDEAS… Pictured from left, John Anderson Pharmacy Assistants, Christie and Alex and Clinique Counter Manager, Teresa. Photo: Alicia Niglia.

Make someone happy this Christmas GREAT gift ideas start at John Anderson Pharmacy this Christmas, with their huge range of pre-packed and custom Clinique gift packs designed for men and women. John Anderson Pharmacy Clinique Counter Manager, Teresa said, “Clinique makes it easy to create a lasting impression this Christmas with their beautiful skin care, colour and fragrance favourites ready to be gifted in gorgeous boxes. “In store you’ll find everything from funky colour cravings packs with party lips and nail colours through to traditional Clinique fragrance favourites and gifts for great skin.

And for him, there’s a great range of men’s skin care and shaving packs to give him that gorgeous Christmas glow.” John Anderson Pharmacy stock the full range of exquisite Clinique products and in the lead up to Christmas, simply purchase any two Clinique items and you’ll go into the draw to win a beautiful, custom made Clinique gift hamper valued at $550. For all of your Clinique skincare and cosmetic product needs, call in and see the friendly team at John Anderson Pharmacy, 310-312 Wyndham Street, Shepparton or phone 5821 2596.

Discover the world of Just Me Patsy BEAUTIFUL GIFT IDEAS… Pictured, Just Me Patsy Proprietor, Patsy Winter. Photo: Alicia Niglia.

JUST Me Patsy is much more than your average retail outlet, it’s a shopping experience you’ll come back for time and time again. The range is extensive, there’s always something new to discover and right now, in the lead up to Christmas, there’s never been a better time to discover what Just Me Patsy has to offer. Store Owner, Patsy Winter said, “I absolutely love this time of year and I’ve put a lot of time and effort into our range to ensure there’s absolutely something for everyone. “We’ve got beautiful award winning Cera Luna candles in hand blown glass pots, they burn for 150 hours and come in gorgeous scents that you’ll love. “The shop is just bursting with fantastic, beautiful gift ideas. We’ve got luggage, we’ve got beautiful wallets. Cellini are celebrating

their 25th birthday so they’ve brought out a beautiful range of bags to mark the milestone. There’s bags, jewellery, scarves, wall décor, creative ornaments… really there’s something for every taste and budget. “If you’ve got a budget, bring in your list and we’ll take the time to find something special to meet your style and your needs. “And I can’t say it enough, put yourself at the top of the list. Don’t let yourself get trampled by the frenzy of holiday gift giving, find the time to appreciate yourself and get yourself something special, which you love! “We’ve got a brand new range of Tuscany bags and wallets with beautiful coordinate items like rain coats, umbrellas, bags and scarves… it’s absolutely gorgeous. “We have everything from little glass nail files starting at just $2.95 all the way through to stunning collectable leather handbags from the current Spencer and Rutherford range retailing for $529, so we really do cater to all tastes and budgets, and we’ll even wrap that special something for you. “We have amazing one off pieces of jewellery, which are absolutely stunning and make a very special gift for that special person in your life. “If you’re looking for a special, quality made gift which is not only personalised but from the heart, we have it. “We will also be hosting a special closed door sale event not to be missed, call or inbox Just Me Patsy on facebook for more information.” This Christmas, discover something special for your loved ones at Just Me Patsy, 189a Corio Street, Shepparton or phone 5822 1755.

24 Christmas Gift Guide

SEASON OF GIVING… From left, Kmart Extended Trade Manager, Michelle Hargreave, Store Manager, Nathan Battle and Extended Trade Manager, Sam Pell. Photo: Madeleine Caccianiga.

Nothing like

the gift of giving THE season of giving is upon us and in spirit of giving to those less fortunate, Kmart together with The Salvation Army have launched this year’s Wishing Tree appeal. Running for 27 years, the appeal has seen more than six million gifts collected and last year brought smiles to the faces of more than 1,400 locals. Kmart Shepparton Store Manager, Nathan Battle said, “We’re looking at collecting 1,500 gifts this year, which will be the most we’ve ever collected. “We’re off to a flying start so far, which is good. “We really want to engage the community

as much as possible. “There are a lot of people who need the support of The Salvation Army, who do a wonderful thing for the community. “Gifts can be for children or adults. They don’t necessarily have to be purchased from Kmart and they don’t have to be wrapped. “This year people can also take a gift tag through the registers and make a cash donation to The Salvation Army, which is something that was not previously possible,” Nathan said. The 2014 Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal will run until Christmas Eve and this year aims to collect more than 500,000 gifts nationally.

A SUPER HERO CHRISTMAS… Pictured from left, The Good Guys Administration Manager, Janine Edwards and Salesman, Michael Gardiner. Photo: Alicia Niglia.

Have a marvellous Christmas THE Good Guys have partnered with Marvel this Christmas and are giving shoppers the chance to win the ultimate Marvel Super Hero Prize Chest with over 100 goodies inside and valued at over $5,000. Simply make any purchase in store or online with The Good Guys right up until December 24, 2014 for your chance to win. T he Good Guys Sheppar ton Store Manager, Rodney Arthur said, “This is a national competition but with over 100 prize chests to be given away, there will be a winner chosen from every store, which means one lucky shopper here in Shepparton will be announced.

“It’s a fantastic prize which will inspire the Marvel super heroes fan inside all of us so get shopping for your chance to win.” The Good Guys Shepparton has all of your last minute gift ideas covered with a huge range of big brand homewares, electrical appliances, electronics, whitegoods and much more. There’s something to suit every gift idea at every price point and with their partnership with Marvel, everyone is a winner this Christmas at The Good Guys. This Christmas, call into The Good Guys Shepparton at 130-160 Benalla Road, Shepparton, phone 5832 9000.

Get the fourth tyre free ONE STOP SHOP… Pictured Bridgestone Service Centre, Solar City Tyres Retail Sales Assistants, Jessica Milne and Zoe Kipping to help you with all your tyre needs. Photo: Madeleine Caccianiga.

LOCALLY owned and operated, Bridgestone Service Centres, Shepparton, Echuca and Benalla are your local automotive tyre performance and on road safety centre specialising in all major brands, including Bridgestone and Firestone products. Bridgestone Service Centres, Shepparton, Echuca and Benalla General Business Manager, John Zappala said, “Your tyres play one of the most important roles in ensuring the safety of not only your vehicle, but your family on the road. Regular checks are the best way to safeguard the health of your tyres and maintain a safe driving experience. “If you’re due to replace your tyres or seek advice, now is a great time to act. Right now until December 20, when you purchase three Bridgestone Potenza, Ecopia passenger or SUV tyres, you’ll get the fourth one free, which is fantastic value. “Bridgestone is a brand which is synonymous with quality in the automotive industry. The trusted Bridgestone brand has a tyre for all applications,

passenger, SUV, 4WD, light truck and truck. These tyres perform in all applications. Built for tough Australian conditions, they will take you there and bring you back. “On behalf of the team at Bridgestone Service Centres, Shepparton, Echuca and Benalla, we wish you and your family a safe and an enjoyable Christmas followed by a happy and prosperous new year.” At Bridgestone Service Centres, Shepparton, Echuca and Benalla, the friendly team can also carry out all of your automotive servicing needs with the added convenience of a courtesy vehicle, which can drop you off and pick you up from your workplace while servicing and tyre checks are being carried out. For more information on any of the services on offer at Bridgestone Service Centres, Shepparton, Echuca and Benalla, contact the friendly and professional team at three great locations, 125 New Dookie Road, Shepparton, phone 5831 5177, 127 Ogilvie Avenue, Echuca, phone 5480 2577 or 58 Sydney Road, Benalla, phone 5762 7990.

Christmas Gift Guide

Family fun

Christmas games LOOKING for something a little different to do on Christmas this year, why not try out some family fun Christmas games that will keep everyone entertained and laughing all day long. • Family tree - This game will only work if you have someone in your group who is an incredibly good sport. The idea is to decorate a person as a Christmas tree. The willing victim must stand still as all the kids in the group decorate him (or her) with decorations made from red and green crepe paper, aluminum foil, paper, candy, bows, leftover wrapping paper and whatever else you can find. The end result? Hilariously good family fun! • Christmas trivia - Does your family know everything there is to know about Christmas? Why not challenge the clan to a Christmas trivia showdown? Pull out some Santa trivia, Christmas tree trivia, or trivia about Christmas traditions from around the world — or go for the gold and mix up questions from all three. You can have a dedicated game time where players compete for a prize (extra dessert!) or just ask the questions throughout the day to keep everybody guessing. • Christmas song Pictionary - Is your family fond of picture games? This game is a lot like a regular game of Pictionary, but with a festive twist. Write down the names of every Christmas song you can think of and put them into a box (or Santa hat). Break up into teams of two. One person from each team takes a turn pulling out a Christmas song name from the hat and trying to draw it, while the other person tries to guess the name of the Christmas song. The team who guesses the fastest, wins.

26 Christmas Gift Guide Fairy Art Dragon Necklace and a Gracie Purse from the Designer Purse Collection Thanks to ‘Fantasy Art Trading’

Imaginabox for creative play with boxes for imaginative play at home Thanks to ‘Dotz’

Beautiful hand knitted plush, Iggle Piggle Thanks to ‘Bindy’s Beanies’

Handmade for ‘Creative Cady’ tle lit ng ni ai entert ones on the go Thanks to ’ ‘Vintage Chics

Colour in and win

Nanoblock set featuring Moa i Statues on East er Island Thanks to ‘Del ightful Rainglo w’

All of these items and many more are available from the stall holders at the Shepparton Market open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8am to 5pm, Saturdays from 9am to 4pm and Sundays from 9am to 3pm. Call into Shepparton Market, Benalla Road Shepparton. For your chance to win these beautiful items this Christmas, simply tick the box of the item you want to win, colour in the Christmas tree and drop your entry into the Shepparton Market. Entries close, Friday, December 19. Winners will be notified. Good luck!. Note-one entry per person.

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Top five gift ideas for boys

Christmas Gift Guide

Available at Oke’s Toy & Nursery Superstore, Lorraine Street, Shepparton, phone 5831 1055. Lego – Lego continues to be one of the most popular toys in the world for children of all ages. Through imagination, creativity, fun and learning children can develop their fine motor skills and create extraordinary structures out of ordinary blocks.

Thomas & Friends – Fisher Price’s extensive range of portable Thomas & Friends play sets are a fantastic way to bring the world of Thomas the Tank Engine into your home.

Top five gift ideas for girls Available at Oke’s Toy & Nursery Superstore, Lorraine Street, Shepparton, phone 5831 1055.

Sylvanian Families – This classic range of collectable figurine families are fantastic fun to collect and create imaginary play with.

Frozen – Disney’s smash hit movie, Frozen continues to be the leading ‘wanted item’ for children with Frozen apparel, books, toys and accessories topping the toy wish list this Christmas.

Lego Friends – A newer range of Lego construction toys designed to appeal primarily to girls, Lego Friends includes pieces in pink and purple colour schemes and depict scenes from suburban life set in the fictional town of Heartlake City.

4 Bloom Pops – The latest amazing flower creations from Colorific are proving popular with Bloom Pops allowing children to create gorgeous flower fashion accessories and show them off to the world as simply as; pick, stack, pop!

Razor – Designed to inspire and excite. Razor action scooters, carts, powerwings and the like continue to spark the adventurous side of children and is a popular choice this Christmas

Sands Alive – The unique formula of Sands Alive incorporates the fun of sand without the mess. It’s super-easy to mould and shape and can be used over and over again.

Girls Prams – Prams and nursery toys are a traditional range which continue to evoke the imaginative play of ‘littlies’. The ‘real life’ play accessories continue to popular and mimic the latest styles and trends.

CAT Loaders – Replica brand toys like CAT are very popular among the ‘littlies’ and provides an imaginative edge for sandpit and indoor play.