Christmas gifts for your friends and family

As we enter the final countdown of the festive season, are you finding that time is running away with itself at an alarming rate and the idea of managing to find original Christmas gifts for your friends and family members a daunting idea? Fear not, we have done the hard work and bring you some fantastic ideas to guide you through this process with something for everyone — especially those who think they have everything.

ADULTS

Umo 24 karat Gold Facial

For centuries — dating to the time of Cleopatra — pure gold has been renowned for its skin-rejuvenating properties and has been called the "key to youth" in ancient Chinese medicine. Until now, however, gold has not been commonly used for skin treatments because it is difficult to dissolve and is not easily absorbed by the skin. Umo has discovered a delivery system to overcome this. Using a new technology of Gamma PGA, ions and ultrasonic nano mist combined with 24 karat gold, the facial delivers radiant and rejuvenated skin. The ultimate in "Bling Pampering", this 100 per cent natural treatment is available at Sisters Beauty Lounge across the UAE, at Dh2,000.
Visit www.sistersbeautylounge.com or e-mail info@sistersbeautylounge.com

Portable Dj Machine — The Pacemaker

This is the ultimate machine for the music lover who thinks he has all the gadgets. The multiple award-winning pacemaker is a handheld music player and mixer with all the features needed to allow you to be a DJ anywhere, from any output. Forget iPods, just listening to music will seem dull after you get your hands on one of these interactive and creative devices. Download your favourite songs and get mixing from the pacemaker's duo decks. The possibilities are endless and all are your creations. The pacemaker comes with two capacities — 60GB and 120GB, priced at Dh1,000 and Dh2,000 respectively — and is available at Virgin Megastores across the UAE.

Contemporary designs from Aveen Jewellery 

These creations are for the fashionista in your life. Aveen Oghana's exclusive fashion-forward pieces combine urban chic with her more exotic Middle Eastern origins.Aveen Jewellery operates out of Hong Kong, London and has now come to the UAE. Custom-made designs are also available. Visit www.aveen.co.uk or e-mail contact@aveen.co.uk

Harmon Kardon Soundsticks III

Released in the UAE's Virgin Megastores on November 22, this latest development in the Harmon Kardon Soundsticks range boasts compatibility with virtually any multimedia device, touch-sensitive volume controls, a 20W subwoofer amplifier and two 10W per satellite speakers, each with their own black speaker stand. This set will look stunning in any modern apartment and also bring your music, games and movies to life. Priced at Dh699, this is available across the UAE.

Aston Martin GB4 experience, Yas Marina Circuit

Know someone who dreams of being James Bond for a day? Now you can gift them their 007 moment with the Yas Driver Experience, Aston Martin GB4. With top speeds of more than 300km/h, this machine will make your loved one's dreams come true as they get behind the wheel and take it for a spin on the Formula One Yas Marina Circuit. The experience lasts 90 minutes and includes a full briefing on the car and the best racing line before a qualified instructor accompanies the driver out on to the track for an initial session. This is then followed by a pit stop, where the instructor discusses potential improvement strategies before the second session. In the end, the instructor will provide a report on how well the driver has done. This is priced at Dh950. Visit www.yasmarinacircuit.com

CHILDREN

Powerwing DLX

Scooters have long been the desire of children across the UAE. Now the Powerwing DLX offers aerodynamic, lightweight design to give riders a whole new experience with a new way of riding. By moving their body side to side, the three-wheel design is kick-started into action and keeps the rider moving. Priced at Dh849, this is available at Virgin Megastores across the UAE.

Hello Kitty chocolate fondue set

The Hello Kitty global trademark, which celebrated its 35th anniversary in January, has a cult-like following and the character adorns every type of product imaginable. The latest to hit the shelves is the Hello Kitty cooking items, from tea sets to spatulas to ice-cream makers and cake moulds. For little angels who have a sweet tooth and want to impress their friends by offering them something different at tea time, the Hello Kitty chocolate fondue set is the perfect Christmas gift. Priced at Dh139, these are available at Sandrio Hello Kitty, Abu Dhabi Mall.

Baby Gift hampers

DubaiBabies offers luxurious gift hampers for boys and girls, and even neutral hampers for mums-to-be, if the gender of the unborn child is as yet unknown. These hampers can be custom-made using only the finest European products and can include high-quality clothes, toys and organic baby toiletries, all presented in an authentic white wicker basket. Each basket is beautifully lined with thick, white cotton, wrapped in organza and finished with a big satin ribbon. E-mail sales@dubaibabies.com  for more information.

Design your own Mega Foo Dog

Foo Dog is dedicated to creating urban art and culture that can be appreciated by everyone who views it. Foo Dog created the Mega character as a derision of the "Foo Dog" word "Megan" — the time-travelling character from another universe — and in May this year, the Middle East's urban art scene launched "Project: Mega", where 100 UAE-based professional artists were invited to design and customise their own Mega.

These Megas were on display and many of them were on sale at Gate Village in Dubai Financial Centre as collector's items.

Now children can get involved in this urban art movement by owning and customising their very own Mega for only Dh149, available at Virgin Megastores across the UAE. Visit www.foo-dog.com

Coochy Coo babywear

Coochy Coo is a Dubai-based company specialising in babywear and accessories. 

Their new Christmas 2010 collection features traditional favourites such as stockings, bags, pillows, bathrobes, aprons and T-shirts, all of which can be personalised with the name and the birth date of the child.

All materials are 100 per cent cotton and imported from Europe (but made and personalised in Dubai) and come in limited quantities, making them a unique Christmas present. As a unique bonus, Coochy Coo donates part of its profits to charity by supporting two foster children (brother and sister) in India, where their organic cotton is from. Visit www.coochycoo.net for details.

- Beatrice Boardman is a UAE-based fashion and interiors consultant