Allyce Presents

Make-up can be more than just something you wear on your face. It can put pep in your step; it can increase your confidence; it provides an opportunity for designated ‘me time’ and it can be a lot of fun. Each piece in the collection of items below is indulgent. Each one is impeccably packaged and is a truly special piece for a dressing table or a prized possession within a handbag. These luxury goodies are ones we may rarely bestow upon ourselves, but are highly coveted - making them ideal gifts in my books.

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN BEAUTY Loubilaque Lip Lacquer - Rouge Louboutin

Admittedly this is an exceptional amount of money to spend on a lip lacquer. But this lipstick is also a piece of art in its own right. Thread a ribbon through the small ring and wear as an ornamental pendant.

YVES SAINT LAURENT Rouge Volupte Shine

Lip stick that feels decadent on the lips in an equally classic yet contemporary package. A lipstick that can make any day feel like an occasion.

GUERLAIN Meteorites - Light Revealing Pearls Of Powder

Little illuminating powder pearls designed to minimise flaws and brighten the skin, packaged in a stunning little tin. Yes, please!

PAUL & JOE BEAUTE Pearl Lipstick plus Lipstick Case N

A Parisian-inspired lipstick case with a pearl lipstick to give you dewy lips. Oh, and did I mention the lipstick is cat-shaped. A little bit of fun.

CHANTECAILLE Philanthropy Cheek Colour

A lovely collection of cheek blushes embossed with animal motifs, representing a charity that benefit from a portion of the net sales proceeds. Got me feeling all rosy.

FENTY BEAUTY by Rihanna Diamond Bomb All-Over Diamond Veil

A diamond-dusted highlighter that delivers a glittering veil for face and body. This one’s for the party girl that’s not afraid to sparkle.

There are plenty of Valentine’s Day sceptics out there. I too believe you should show your love every day and not rely on (what can be) an overly-commercialised day to be the one day a year you put effort into making your partner feel loved. But like Christmas can act as a reason for family gatherings, or how birthdays can shine a spotlight on individuals, Valentine’s Day can remind us to tell and show our special someone just how much we love them (in the way of an overt gift or gesture). A classic bunch of flowers and/or chocolates should never go unappreciated (in my book), but putting a little extra thought and preparation will make it an extra special celebration of your love. Here are my suggestions:

Original Bespoke House Portrait

Warm your partner’s heart by arranging a portrait of the first house you lived in together. So many stylistic options are available. I’ve included links to my favourite below – just pick a style that suits your home best, provide a photo of your home and you’re on your way to wowing your partner come Valentine’s Day. I’ve included a print option where you can arrange the printing and framing locally if you are short on time, but the painted or hand-drawn options are stunning.

Glerups

Spoil your partner (and yourself) with his and her matching glerups - felt slipper shoes. These are designed for exceptional comfort. The shoe is designed to contour to your foot, when combined with the softness and warmth of the wool, your onto a winner. Now you’re ready for some cosy time at home together.

Venus ET Fleur Eternity Roses

A beautiful box of roses that lasts for up to a year (or more)! These are real, delicately cultivated roses that maintain their effervescent freshness and ethereal beauty for at least a year, opulently encased in a Parisian-inspired keepsake hat box. But wait for the clincher – no maintenance required!

Chocogram Valentine’s Day Photo

A belgian chocolate slab you can customise with a pretty picture of you and your partner. Then further personalise with your own text. This has to be up there with the ultimate, personalised edible gift.

A Personalised Song

With the social trend being to get married later in age and with couples often living in sin before tying the knot, many of the traditional wedding and engagement gifts are just not necessary (I mean what 30-odd year-old getting married doesn’t have a decked out kitchen?). The other big trend has been towards gifting money. With the costs of weddings, who can blame grooms and brides for setting up a wishing well, but some guests just won’t feel comfortable gifting just cash. If you are one of those people, consider my suggestions below (either on their own or to accompany a cash gift):

Bronte and Clyde ‘Out of Sight Robe’

This robe is like a bonus glamorous ‘wedding dress’ to wear while you are getting ready on the big day. Timelessly elegant with Chantilly lace this is a robe, truly fitting of a bride-to-be.

https://bronteandclyde.com/products/out-of-sight-robe

Chocogram Edible Flowers

Flowers and chocolate in the one gift. These beautiful ‘bouquet’ of chocolate flowers will be sure to delight the loved-up couple. Send these as a token of your well-wishes on news of their engagement.

https://www.chocogram.com.au/send-congratulations-flowers-1171

tde. Black Family Travel Wallet

A super handy-travel wallet for a newly-wed couple (or a growing family?) This is a lovely, touching gift as you can personalise this one with the family surname.

Ettitude Bamboo Lyocell Sheet Set

I know what you’re thinking, the couple is likely to have sheets - but they’re unlikely to have these sheets. They are amazing in summer or winter, feathery soft luxury. Go with the ‘Feather White’ option unless you know their colour preference.

https://www.ettitude.com.au/collections/bamboo-sheet-sets/products/bamboo-lyocell-sheet-set?variant=51255063956

The 5 Love Languages

My sister-in-law gifted us this book when my husband and I became engaged. It’s a book that acknowledges falling in love is the easy part; staying in love is the real challenge. It provides an insight into how we each experience ‘love’ and how best to communicate love to your partner, being considerate of their preferred love language/s. It’s even a good read for learning about yourself.

Wedding Ring Holder

Experiences can make the best gifts because they give us the chance to form a real memory, challenge us to do something new or simply encourage us to spend time on ourselves or with others. Summer is an amazing season. It’s the party season, a time for enjoying the outdoors and savouring delights. Check out my recommendations for summer seasonal experience gifts below. Plus remember, the bonus with experience gifts is it’s generally acceptable that you tag along (so long as you make that clear when you gift the gift).

Berry Picking @ Blue Hills Berries & Cherries, Silvan

Raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, boysenberries and if you’re lucky maybe even some berries you’ve never heard of. A romantic date idea, a fun family activity, or even something fun to do with your girlfriends. You’ll just have to work out what you plan on doing with your harvest. Ice cream and berries? Champagne and berries? Jam making? Pavlova?

$13.50 includes approximately 500g of ‘Pick Your Own’ mixed fruit to take home. Blue Hills Berries and Cherries is located about an hour’s drive from Melbourne’s CBD.

Gelato Appreciation Class @ Messina’s

If you’ve yet to discover Messina’s gelato, you are in for a treat and if you have, you will be interested in this one. Sample every flavour from the cabinet (there’s approx 40!), watch as an ice cream cake almost too-good-to-eat is assembled before your eyes, learn some of their secrets. Classes are available in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

https://gelatomessina.com/classes

Zoo Twilight Concerts

We live really close to Melbourne Zoo. So close we often hear the gibbons calling and singing. In summer, we also get to hear a gentle whisper of the evening concerts at the zoo as they host their Zoo Twilight concerts. Your ticket gets you entry to the Zoo at 5:30pm giving you time to visit the animals before the concert starts. There are food and beverage options available to purchase there, or pack your own picnic. Best to get in early for your pick of artists, but there are still some great line-ups with tickets available.

Better still, all proceeds help Zoos Victoria save the Eastern Barred Bandicoot from extinction.

Melbourne Picnic Packages

 Like this company, Princes Park in Carlton North is my favourite Melbourne Park too. It is beautifully landscaped with plenty of space and interest and an inviting atmosphere. This company will set your picnic up with all you need for a lazy grazing afternoon complete with some traditional picnic games. Take friends, a date or your family and be the hero (without the work) when you show up with picnic prepared inclusive of the rug, food, beverages, music and games.

https://www.picnicpackages.melbourne/shop

Surf Lessons

We are the lucky country. Take a minute to look around at the privileges we often take for granted. Whilst we are a nation with an identity that’s difficult to describe, what it means to be Australian is undeniably understood by anyone that has spent some time living here. Australia Day is a day we often spend with family and friends and/ or the broader community, enjoying summer and the best that Australia has on offer. If you are hosting a party, attending a party or simply looking for a way to celebrate the day with your family and friends, check out my gift ideas for celebrating the day below:

Australian Craft Beer Tasting

Why not consider hosting an Australian Craft Beer Appreciation Tasting Party? Work your way around the country with your own picks or with my (slash my husband’s) recommendations below:

NSW – Stone and Wood Pacific Ale

https://www.firstchoiceliquor.com.au/beer/stone-wood-pacific-ale-bottle-330ml_7678295

QLD – Balter XPA

https://www.firstchoiceliquor.com.au/beer/balter-xpa-can-375ml_2918405

VIC - Bridge Road Brewers – Beechworth Pale Ale

https://bridgeroadbrewers.com.au/shop-beers/core/beechworth-pale-ale/

SA – Pirate Life – Mosaic

https://www.beercartel.com.au/pirate-life-mosaic-ipa/?sku=15495_4PK&gclid=Cj0KCQiA1NbhBRCBARIsAKOTmUsifyiwByjEn4SIDhNsg4HL9y0FEj8q3TAAIw-iUKA_n7fCgKIjU5gaArwcEALw_wcB

TAS – Moo Brew – Stout

https://moorilla.com.au/other-products/moo-brew/920/moo-brew-x-archie-rose-bourbon-barrel-aged-stout?_ga=2.39491424.255305921.1547026927-509043338.1546905597

WA – Feral Brewing - Feral Hop Hog Pale Ale

https://www.danmurphys.com.au/product/DM_711688/feral-hop-hog-pale-ale-330ml

ACT – BentSpoke Crankshaft IPA

https://www.firstchoiceliquor.com.au/Beer/bentspoke-crankshaft-ipa-can-375ml_3359896

NT – Hmmm.. Bit clueless on beer made in NT. Happy to take suggestions on this one? Anyone?

Australian-themed Cup Cakes

I’ll take any excuse to eat a cup cake. Miss Sprinkles’ flavour varieties include Golden Gaytime, Lamington, Iced Vovo and Fairy Bread – that’s the perfect line up for a dessert on Australia Day (for those of you in Melbourne).

https://www.misssprinkles.com.au/

 Intex InflataBull

If you plan on spending Australia Day in the pool (which is a perfectly good idea) or know someone who is, this is a sure-fire way to amp up the fun. Who can ride the bull the longest, whilst the bull is tugged in different directions? Play nicely now.

Laguiole Debutante Olivewood Steak Knife Set

Fire up the barbeque, then savour that steak or piece of lamb using Laguiole’s beautiful steak knives. Stunning to look at, but they feel equally good in the hand. The bountiful and quality food available to us in Australia should be celebrated.

Koh Living Dreamtime Stories Candle Holders

Koh Living has partnered up with Kathleen, of Pitjantjatjara (Aboriginal) descent to create a range of gorgeous candle holders. They are hand-made from glass with a layer of clay then beautifully gift boxed with a story card inside. The clay allows the candle flame to illuminate through and radiate the magnificent colours of the Dreamtime designs.

Australian Native Exotic Trio Pack

‘Our land abounds in nature's gifts of beauty, rich and rare.’

Three unique essential oils derived from Australian Native plants to lift your health and wellbeing. Fragonia promises to calm and relax, Kunzea promises to relax and cleanse and Lemon Myrtle promises to uplift and cleanse mind and body. Use in a vaporiser to scent your home, use with massage oil to enhance the experience or use as spritz by mixing with water.

Sun, sand, barbeques, family, friends, cocktails, water fights, picnics… these are just a few wonderful things in life that spring to mind when I think about summer. Who doesn’t love summer, especially in Australia? Why not use the season to inspire the gift for the loved one you are buying for? Here are my picks for those on your gift list born in the hot months:

Ray-Ban Sunglasses

Who couldn’t do with another pair of sunglasses? Ray-Bans are synonymous with classically cool and quality sunnies. A classic pair of Aviators or Wayfarers (go the folding version) will virtually suit anyone (man or woman).

Linen Shirts

Linen shirts are a classic summer staple. They look good on the young and the old and the breathable fabric keeps you from overheating. Industrie have an amazing collection of linen shirts for men – but the Tennyson would have to my pick of the bunch.

Kaftans

Great for young or older women alike. A stylish way to be sun safe. Sunseeker have some beautiful options, but I can’t go past the classic white Folklore Island Kaftan Tunic.

https://www.sunseekerswim.com.au/products/17539-folklore-island-kaftan-tunic-ss91361?fr=72

Picnic/Outdoor Serve Ware

Wheel and Barrow have some amazing melamine serve ware that you have to feel to believe. Dishwasher safe! These would just be the perfect at your next outdoor feast.

Hair Treatments

The sun, surf, chlorine, the extra highlights we put in for summer.. they can all do damage to a lady’s hair. A hair mask is such a nice way to pamper yourself and make your hair more manageable and healthy. My picks are Davroe Replenish Jojoba Creme Treatment or either of the Strega Argan Oil Mask or Strega Volumizing Hair Mask.

Barbeque Thermometer

Tis the season for firing up the barbeque. The Lavatools Javelin Thermowand Food BBQ Cooking Digital Thermometer has a super quick 4 second response time and will help make sure your steaks are cooked to perfection.

Cocktail Kits

Play bartender at home with Cocktail Porter. They promise intriguing twists on classic cocktails. Each kit will make 14-18 cocktails. Gift this and it will be a matter of “party at yours?”

Their cocktail accessories are quite drool-worthy as well.

Quiksilver Amphibians

Wear these shorts in the ocean and then to the bar, to the pool then to lunch. My husband will live in a pair of these in summer. The ultimate pair of summer shorts.

Water Wars Pistols Set

If you know someone who loves laser tag and water fights, this is for them. The vests have targets that will turn red when hit with water then let them dry and play again. Eventually you will abandon the bibs and just start drenching each other, but these would be a good fun start to a water fight (before it turns nasty).

Innovative Beach Towel

Lightweight, compact, fast drying and sand will just slip off it. This towel was made for a summer day at the beach.

Christmas time and around the beginning of a New Year is a popular time to get engaged. It’s the time of the year we spend a bit of time with family and friends and think about making that special someone in our lives a permanent fixture. I got engaged to my husband in January after I had just turned 23. He spent just about his every last penny on my ring and said it was the best investment he ever made. (Sometimes he has a way with words to make me feel extra good). My ring is a classic round solitaire diamond and it is timelessly beautiful. I love it and always will. 

If you have just become engaged – Congratulations! Enjoy showing off your engagement ring. But at some point you’ll need to consider your wedding band. Here are my top picks for unique wedding rings to sit alongside that sparkler.

Gjenmi Jewelry Ballerina Queen Ring with Pink Sapphires

A wonderfully girly wedding band. Whilst you could wear this one on its own imagine this Ballerina Queen hugging a solitaire diamond.

EVERETT Aster Diamond Cluster Band in White Gold

Another gorgeous wedding band to accompany a solitaire engagement ring. This one is made of ethically sourced diamonds set like little twinkling stars.

CHARLIE AND MARCELLE Sunrise Ring with Pearls and Diamonds

This is a wedding band that could give the engagement the ring a run for its money. May every day of your marriage begin with a sunrise of gold, diamonds and pearls.

CHARLIE AND MARCELLE Sunset Ring with Rose Cut Champagne Diamonds

Or maybe you prefer the shimmer of the sunset. In rose gold with rose cut champagne diamonds, this will be a beautiful reminder to never let the sun set without first resolving an argument.

LIESEL LOVE 14K Half Black Half White Diamond Band in White Gold

Clean and classic design modernised by the use of black diamonds. I like to think of this one as a metaphor that your love is there in the light of day and the dark of night. 

AMARILO JEWELRY White Opal Inlay Ring in Gold

Opals have an amazing fiery glimmer to them. This simple but stunning opal ring will be a daily reminder to keep the fire burning.

LUST & LUSTER Twisted Stacking Band in White Gold

The daintiest of bands out there. Very sweet.

14k Gold Travelers Wedding Bands

If you have found the one you want to spend the rest of your days travelling the world with, these beautiful matching rings that form a world map when sitting atop of each other may just be the ones for you.

ENGRAVED DIAMOND WEDDING BAND ART DECO ROPE TWIST PATTERN

Stunning craftsmanship – beautiful engraving accompanied by little sparkling diamonds. Perfect for a bride that loves vintage.

14K Rose Gold Black and Bright Celtic Wedding Rings Set

Another his and hers set, this time with the inside of one mirroring the design of the other, giving them the sense they were caste from one piece.

Matching Mobius Wedding Bands

Simple, sophisticated, modern, unique. A rare combination to get right. Made for the couple with immaculate, yet understated taste.

Rose Gold His and Hers Wedding Bands

The coming of a new year makes one reflect about what they could do better than in the year just passed. Whilst we are all individuals, people tend to have very similar missions when it comes to New Year Resolutions. Here, I’ve rounded up some of the most common ones. Why not be a little generous to thyself and gift yourself something to get you started on that new goal plus motivate yourself by having a reward in sight when you reach a milestone.  

RESOLUTION: Get in Shape/ Lose Weight

Motivation Gifts to get you started:

Body Back Buddy

As you add to your workout routine, you’re likely to experience some sore and tired muscles. Don’t rely on your partner to help you out with a massage (still ask, just don’t rely on them). Instead this ‘buddy’ is designed to reach those hard to reach trigger points.  

https://bodybackbuddy.com.au/

Gaiam Reversible Kaleidoscope Yoga Mat 

Gaiam produce a beautiful range of reversible yoga mats. Express your personality with your pick of mats.

Personalised Water Bottle

Choose your font, choose your colour. Stay hydrated. Feel great.

https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/552971921/personalised-water-bottle-custom-water?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=custom+water+bottle&ref=sr_gallery-1-15&organic_search_click=1

Reward Gift: Langham’s Chuan Spa Herbal Salt Scrub plus Massage

Invigorating salt scrub combined with warm oil. This treatment is heaven on earth. They will paint you with warm oil, sprinkle you with salt and scrub you until you feel brand new.   

http://www.chuanspa.com/en/Melbourne/chuanspa-treatments/scrubs-wraps/

RESOLUTION: Get organised

Motivation Gifts to get you started:

Chalkboard Weekly Meal Planner

Cooking dinner is so much easier (heck, it can even be fun), when you don’t have to decide on what you are having on a daily basis. Spend 10 mins with your family each week working out what you will have each night for the week ahead – and do one grocery shop. This chalkboard looks neat on the fridge and will save you those conversations that go “What’s for dinner? – I don’t know, what do you feel like for dinner? I don’t know, what do you feel like..etc, etc.”

Collage Photo Frame Wooden Wall Locking Jewelry Armoire

Photos should be on display and jewellery should be worn. This beautiful photo frame, jewellery armoire assists with both, by allowing you to display 17 meaningful photos while allowing you to store your jewellery in an organised, yet accessible way.

Toy Hammock

So many toys! When you become a parent there’s no two ways about it. You will be inundated with toys. And they should be played with. The toy hammock is a stylish and easy way to have them accessible and easy to put-away. Tip: hang it low so your little one can help with the tidying up part.

Reward Gift: Soy Candle Making Class

Now that you are on your way to an organised and tidy life, you may find you have some free time up your sleeve. Reward yourself by learning a new skill then sit back with a book or have a bath (or both) as you enjoy your newly made candles.

http://www.gasworks.org.au/community-classes-events/soy-candle-making-class/

RESOLUTION: Get more Sleep

Motivation Gifts to get you started:

Dodow - Sleep Aid Device

A Dodow is a sleep aid device that uses light metronome to retrain your brain to fall asleep, while it mesmerises you to sleep. Slow, rhythmic light is scientifically designed to quickly quiet your busy mind, slow your breathing, and relax your body – swiftly lulling you into a deep, peaceful slumber. Worth a go if you struggle with getting to sleep at night or often lie sleepless in the middle of the night.

https://www.amazon.com.au/Dodow-Device-100-000-Falling-Asleep/dp/B00ZFOB4BK

THIS WORKS Deep Sleep Pillow Spray

Formulated with 100% natural essential oils of lavender, vetivert and wild chamomile to relieve tension, settle nerves and calm the body and mind, promoting a better sleep. This aromatic concoction harnesses an almost sedative effect, encouraging you to drift off into your deepest sleep yet. A few spritzes on your pillow and zzz…

https://www.mecca.com.au/this-works/deep-sleep-pillow-spray/I-013457.html

Reward Gift: B by Ted Baker PJs and/ or nightie

Now that you’re back on your way to 7 to 9 hours of zzz’s each night, do it in style in a B by Ted Baker nightie or PJs. They are so, so pretty. 

https://www.next.com.au/en/style/st362473#332372

https://www.next.com.au/en/g92498s6#646577

Seinfeld popularised the term ‘regifting’ in an episode titled “The Label Maker.” In true Seinfeld form, the key cast members are entwined around a case of suspected regifting of a label maker that cumulates with Elaine dating none other than Bryan Cranston’s character (before his meth making days) simply to confirm a suspicion that he had regifted a label maker she gave him. Aha!! He is found guilty. What’s more he’s guilty of breaking many of my cardinal sins of regifting.

But there are some fans of regifting out there. Planet Ark, for one is a fan of it because it is ultimately a way to ensure the gift doesn’t end up in landfill or wasted. And they are not alone - by midday on Boxing Day you can be sure there will be 100s of new posts on Sell and Swap groups online searching for a way to pass on unwanted gifts.

We all have come across a notorious regifter in our time - they are the ones that do regifting poorly. The best regifters go about their business unnoticed. My position is regifting is okay, so long as you abide by a few rules: 

Thou shalt not regift within a circle of friends

You are playing with fire if you regift within a friend group as there’s a highly likelihood you will be sprung. There will be words, there will be awkwardness , there may be tears. This is one test failed in the Seinfeld episode. Regifting Elaine’s present to Jerry – come on! She’s at his place nearly every day, as if this wouldn’t have come up.

Thou shalt not try to pass off used items as gifts

If you received a gift, your instinct was that you don’t like it, but you tried it anyway and you still don’t like it, that’s fine. Just don’t try to pass it off as a gift for someone else. That doesn’t mean you can’t give it to someone else you think might make use of it. Just let them know the situation. Don’t try to pass it off as something new bought for them. This is another test failed in the Seinfeld episode. Once there’s suspicion that the gift was a regift, any goodwill from the gift giving act was eradicated, replaced with distrust and ill-will.

Thou shall regift thoughtfully

Do not perpetuate a useless gift’s life. If you don’t like it and you honestly can’t think of anyone that would, then don’t regift it. Do you really want to be known as a bad gift giver? Giving gifts is meant to be a nice act. You are defying the purpose if you knowingly give a bad gift. Yet another test failed in the Seinfeld episode. The label maker was defective as the adhesive wasn’t sticky enough, rendering the item more than useless.

Thou shall spend the time removing all evidence of this being a regift

Spend time to remove leftover wrapping paper, tape and any gift tag. Also check for personalisation. If there is a monogram or a note inscribed, you probably shouldn’t regift it (as the giver probably put in a lot of effort to get you the gift), but also because it’s a dead giveaway this wasn’t intended for the new recipient.

How best to regift

 No one likes the disappointment of opening a gift you simply don’t want or don’t like, especially after spending weeks in excited anticipation. But what if you could turn this situation is something that might make you feel a little good?

Sure, you can join a buy/swap group, but you risk being sprung by the gift giver if it shows up on your social media feed. And let’s be honest, it’s work to sell an item. Why not instead think about donating the unwanted gift?

The St Vincent de Paul Society, the Red Cross or Givit will all happily take your donation of quality items.

Please donate quality items only. But that’s the beauty about regifting, much of the time, we are talking about quality stuff, just stuff that’s maybe not to our taste or a duplicate gift. 

On a finishing note, I had to include the best tale of regifting I’ve heard:

The Gift of Inconvenience