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Category: Gifts

Newborn Checklist – Everything You Need to Know Before Baby Arrives

Posted on by Hamish McCracken

Expecting a little one? Congratulations!  

As you enter the nesting stage and start a list of things you need for your new baby, be sure to include some self-care activities. Nothing can completely prepare you for motherhood. So take this precious time before bub arrives to relax and look after yourself.

Here’s our newborn checklist specially crafted for the expecting mum!

Sleep, sleep and more sleep!

No one can tell you exactly how much sleep you lose in those first few months looking after a newborn. So while you still can, take every opportunity to go to bed early, sleep in and take naps! Think of it as a deposit in the sleeping bank once your little one is born.

Go on Dates

Besides your partner, pencil in catch-ups with friends. Go on a day trip or dinner. Stay socially active while you still have the chance!

A new addition can change a family’s dynamics, especially if you already have children. A park outing or an ice-cream date is a chance to have a special chat with your toddler and help emotionally prepare them for their newborn sibling.

Pamper yourself

The body changes throughout pregnancy can be a physical and emotional roller-coaster. Some will be delightful surprises (like those first kicks!), others can create some discomfort (lower back pain is the worst!)

Your body is working full-time with a bun in the oven so treat yourself to some personal care:

  • Facials
  • Manicure and Pedicure
  • Trip to the hairdressers
  • Pre-natal massages
  • Long soaks with relaxing lavender bath salts or bubbles

Baby Shower

Baby Shower gifts for new mums can help those first days be peaceful and calm. If you’re planning a Baby Shower Registry, here are some non-baby gift ideas for your wish list:

  • Streaming service subscription

Use those early morning/late night feeding sessions as an opportunity to catch up on your favourite TV series.

  • E-book or Audiobook subscription

With literature now easily accessible through technology, keep baby brain at bay with a riveting crime novel or a best-selling romance.

  • Prepared meal delivery service

When you’re busy feeding the baby, who’s going to feed you? A hot meal delivered at your doorstep will give you the sustenance and comfort you need.

  • Cleaning service

Imagine arriving from hospital to a beautiful, clean home. When those first few days will be focused on getting settled into life with a newborn, why not outsource those domestic chores.

  • Gift Card Registry

Every mum’s needs during postpartum are different. Some may want something for the baby like a nursing chair for the nursery. Others might want to buy some comfortable postpartum clothes.

With Gift Card Registry, friends and family no longer need to rely on guesswork. Once contributions are made to the Gift Card Registry, funds will be loaded onto a Prepaid Mastercard.  Use the card to purchase what you need, when you need it.

Click here to sign up for Gift Card Registry.

A gift with all the right numbers – makes it lucky!

Posted on by Hamish McCracken

You’re invited… to a wedding and you immediately start thinking about the wedding gift your friends would like. If the wedding couple are of a different culture to your own, its helpful to know about lucky numbers because if you contribute money to their gift registry, make it a lucky amount!

Australians are a multi-cultural society, with more than 75% identifying with an ancestry other than Australian and about 45% having at least one parent who was born overseas.

Lucky number for multicultural weddings

Here are a few tips to make sure you pick the right lucky numbers for the culture of the happy couple.

Chinese. Eight is a particularly auspicious number. Even numbers are better than odd numbers, except four which should be avoided because in the Chinese language, four sounds similar to death. In China, 666 is an auspicious number as it can mean “Everything goes smoothly”.

If giving cash, the notes should always be new and crisp. Folding the money or giving wrinkled bills is in bad taste. Put the money inside a red envelope as red is a lucky colour. Pink and yellow symbolise happiness and gold for fortune and wealth.

Avoid white, black and blue as they symbolise death and should not be used. Never write a Chinese person’s name in red ink as this is considered bad luck.

Hindu. At a Hindu wedding, numbers ending in one are considered lucky, so it is best to give money in denominations ending in one; for example $101, $151 or $201. Cash is preferable when giving money. Never give a gift made of leather as it is sacrilegious.

Buddhist. Giving money in denominations ending in one is also a Buddhist tradition. If you are giving cash, find a traditional red envelope with gold and black lettering to tuck the money inside.

Jewish. Give money in multiples of 18, which is the numerical equivalent to the Hebrew word ‘chai’ that means ‘life’ in English. Get your calculator out and do the math, as depending on your relationship to the couple, you might want to give $144, which is eight times chai, or 11 times chai, which is $198, or any other multiple of 18.

Lucky or unlucky? Pick a number!

Certain numbers can be regarded as lucky in some cultures, but unlucky in others. Here are just a few examples:

Lucky Number 3: China, Sweden, Italy, USA.

Reason: Considered to be lucky in Chinese philosophy. In Sweden, they say: ‘Good things come in threes’. In Italy, 3 represents a triangle, a symbol for strength and balance.

Unlucky Number 3: Vietnam, Japan

Reason: Superstition says that if a photo shows 3 people, the middle person will die.

Lucky Number 4: Germany

Reason: The number matches the number on the lucky ‘four-leaf clover’.

Unlucky Number 4: China, Japan, Vietnam, or any countries with a Chinese or Japanese influence.

Reason: In China and Japan, the word for number four is similar to the Chinese word for death.

Lucky Number 7: UK, USA, France, Netherlands, or any westernised country.

Reason: Biblical references, 7 wonders of the ancient world, 7 planets of the ancient world.

Unlucky Number 7: China, Vietnam, Thailand, or any country with Chinese influences.

Reason: July or ‘the seventh month’ is the month is where people pay respects to the dead.

Lucky Number 8: China, Japan, Vietnam, or any countries with a Chinese or Japanese influence

Reason: The number 8 in both languages sounds similar to ‘prosper and make money’.

Unlucky Number 8: India

Reason: This is the number of Sani which is a relation breaker, peace breaker.

Lucky Number 9: China, Norway

Reason: In China 9 is the number for the emperor. A sacred number in Norwegian mythology.

Unlucky Number 9:  Japan

Reason: The word sounds similar to ‘suffering’.

Lucky Number 13: Italy

Reason: The number represents St. Anthony, the patron saint of finding things or lost people.

Unlucky Number 13: USA, UK, Sweden, Norway, or any westernised country.

Reason: Associated with unlucky events, mainly the Last Supper.

Lucky Number 39: USA, UK, France, or any country that practices Catholicism

Reason: Sometimes regarded as the number of Divine guidance.

Unlucky Number 39: Afghanistan

Reason: Considered to be a curse as it sounds similar to ‘dead cow’.

Lucky Number 666: China

Reason: In China, 666 can mean ‘Everything goes smoothly’.

Unlucky Number 666: USA, UK, Brazil, or any Christian country.

Reason: In the Bible, 666 is the Number of the Beast.

 

With Gift Card Registry, contribute your gift in the luckiest denomination and wish the happy couple a wonderful future.

To find out more about setting up a registry for gift giving phone 1300 354 632 or visit giftcardregistry.com.au.

Mazel tov! The custom of the bar/bat mitzvah

Posted on by Hamish McCracken

Imagine an event for children that is years in the planning, involves the whole family, includes a religious ceremony and a memorable celebration!

It’s the Jewish Bar Mitzvah (for boys) and Bat Mitzvah (for girls) that celebrates the transition from childhood to adulthood, when a Jewish boy becomes 13 years old and a Jewish girl aged 12 or 13. According to Jewish law, this significant occasion marks the time when children become accountable for their actions.

From the time the child is born, a Jewish family knows their son or daughter will mark their bar/bat mitzvah at the synagogue during Shabbat prayer services on a Saturday, soon after the child’s 13th birthday (or 12 for girls).

The real planning starts two or three years before the event, and in the year prior to the big day, the child will be expected to regularly attend the synagogue or temple for formal bar/bat mitzvah lessons.

On the day, the child will be called up to the Torah for the first time to recite a blessing over the Parshat HaShavua (weekly reading).

As well as the religious ceremony, he or she will be involved in planning a community service or bar/bat mitzvah project.

And to mark the occasion, families traditionally celebrate with a memorable party that can be as elaborate as a wedding.

Detailed arrangements for the celebration can include special features for designed for the young adults, including:

  • Candle lighting ceremony when the bar/bat mitzvah lights a candle for the important people in their life, or for those who have passed away.
  • Themed decorations that can reflect the child’s interests, activities or community service such as a specific charity.
  • Special activities for the range of age groups at the function, such as a DJ, a caricaturist to capture personalised drawings of the guests, a photo station, karaoke, TV screens with live video of the event.
  • A commemorative guest book or poster for each guest to sign as a lasting memento of the occasion.

It is customary to give money to mark the occasion, with the traditional amount in multiples of $18, the number being symbolic of giving ‘chai’ or life. The word for ‘life’ in Hebrew is ‘chai’. The two Hebrew letters that make up the word ‘chai’ are ‘chet’ and ‘yud’. Chet is equivalent to 8 and yud is equivalent to 10. So ‘chai’ equals 18.

Giving money in multiples of $18 is symbolic of giving ‘chai’ or life. So, a gift of triple ‘chai’ would be $54 to wish the child a wonderful future.

Parents planning a bar/bat mitzvah event can arrange a Gift Card Registry for family and friends to contribute their ‘chai’ in a convenient and secure environment. Guests can leave their messages of goodwill to the child on the website and after the event Gift Card Registry will send the recipient the prepaid Mastercard loaded with the contributions.

Ideal for bar/bat mitzvah occasions, the prepaid gift card can be used to pay for significant needs for the child’s future such as education or travel.

Mazel tov! Happy bar/bat mitzvah!

Top 10 ideas to celebrate a milestone birthday!

Posted on by Hamish McCracken

You can’t avoid it, so make the most of it! When it’s your ‘Big 0’ Birthday, it’s time to celebrate.

Whether the celebration is for a 20th or 80th birthday any double-digit number that ends with a zero is special, so make it one to remember!

No one likes to be reminded they are growing older, so if there’s a milestone birthday coming up and you’re planning a celebration for a friend or family member’s special birthday, make sure they want it acknowledged. Or organise a surprise party for them to join the fun.

Milestones add up for birthday avoiders

Adding up the years is sometimes not an occasion some people want remembered. They would rather ignore the passage of time and hope no one realises their true age. If you are making plans to celebrate a special occasion with a birthday-avoider, you will need all your charm to convince them to observe their milestone.

Gift Card Registry is the answer for gift giving

Suggest using Gift Card Registry for friends and family to contribute. Gift Card Registry is perfect for when the birthday celebrant says ‘No gifts!’ Make it easy for the guests to contribute to a prepaid gift card so the recipient can buy what they want, when they want.

And if they really don’t want a gift, they can donate their gift card to a worthy charity!

When you are organising the celebration, go online to giftcardregistry.com.au and set up a registry for the birthday celebration.

You can then send a link to all the guests so they can go online and contribute to the prepaid Mastercard gift card. Guests can also leave an online message for the birthday celebrant.

Gift Card Registry makes it easy to give and guests will thank you for not having to shop for a present. Your birthday celebrant can then use the card for something they really want.

Low-key or memorable milestone?

Milestone birthdays can be low-key or a memorable celebration.

When you are planning a milestone birthday, make the celebration about the birthday celebrant and keep it in style with their preferences.

10 party ideas for any milestone, from 20 to 100

  1. Surprise Party – the party you organise when the birthday celebrant doesn’t want their birthday recognised. The key to a successful surprise party is keeping it a secret from the star guest. Surprise parties can borrow ideas from other party themes, it’s just that planning for the event must be kept to a few trusted friends or family.
  2. Day Cruise – a river or harbour cruise can be a great way to celebrate. Check out party boats that you can hire for the event.
  3. Luxury party – could be a night at a classy hotel, a high tea, an indulgent spa session or a stage show. Make it something luxurious to remember for years. Look for special hotel deals.
  4. Road Trip – Australia has so many scenic destinations that would make a memorable road trip at any age. Plan ahead for your on-road adventure. Take a tent and make it a camping trip. Ideal for small groups.
  5. Destination unknown – for an adventurous birthday consider a mystery break. Check your preferred airline for details of their mystery short break escapes. Great for small groups who would enjoy a surprise destination for a celebration.
  6. A vintage year – Focus on the year they were born for a great theme for a dress up party. Friends of similar age will have fun looking for outfits from the era they were born whether it was 20, 30, 40 or more years ago. Research special events that happened that year as a theme.
  7. Early bird party – a party for any age, particularly if children are attending. Make an early start – breakfast or brunch – so you can continue to celebrate into the afternoon and evening if everyone’s enjoying themselves.
  8. Pool party – a family favourite. Hold this one at the home with the biggest pool! A barbecue in the backyard is an Aussie tradition and the easiest of all parties.
  9. Bring a plate – the ultimate low key, no fuss, easy party. Friends chip in to bring a plate or easier still, just order pizzas for a night of fun.
  10. Fundraising party – for the birthday avoiders who are reluctant to party, suggest having an event to fundraise for their favourite charity. Set up a Gift Card Registry for the donations and make the party a great way to help others!

To set up a Gift Card Registry, go to giftcardregistry.com.au or call 1300 354 632.

Your baby shower questions answered – all you need to know

Posted on by Hamish McCracken

A baby shower is the ultimate party – celebrating new beginnings and helping the parents get ready for the new addition to their family.

An opportunity for friends and family to celebrate the impending arrival of a new baby, talk about parenting and help the new parents with the baby essentials they’ll need once the new baby arrives.

It’s the perfect time to give clothing, nursery equipment and the myriad of essentials that are needed for the new arrival.

Most new parents already have some of the things they’ll need – cocoon for the car, pram or stroller, crib and highchair. They’ll know best just what they want to complete their equipment range – so a gift card is the ideal present for the new parents.

With a prepaid Mastercard through Gift Card Registry, they can buy just what they need for the newbaby. No duplicate gifts and things they don’t want or need. With Gift Card Registry, they can buy the essentials now and keep some value on the card for later purchases as the child grows to crawler then toddler and their needs change.

If you’re planning a baby shower for a friend or relative, here’s everything you need to know!

  1. When is the best time to host a baby shower?

When the mother to be is about 28 to 35 weeks pregnant so she has time to purchase baby equipment and organise the nursery with all the new (or borrowed) gear.

  1. Where should you hold a baby shower?

Your own home might be the best place, but if you are planning to invite more guests than your lounge can comfortably accommodate, think of alternative venues. Will your guests include other parents with young children? Depending on the season, the local park or playground could be an ideal venue. Consider a private function room in a café or restaurant, community centres, even the local bowling club. Avoid holding the celebration at the home of the expectant mother – she is the guest of honour, not the host!

  1. Who’s on the invitation list?

Talk to the mum-to-be before you make up a guest list. Think about numbers if you have a limit on the size of the venue. And check out the next question before you start thinking about who will be there. If you are compiling a list to send invitations, get email addresses as well. Never publicly post an invitation on social media, you could end up with unwanted guests!

  1. What sort of party will it be?

Choose a theme or just go casual with the guests providing the entertainment. If it’s casual, you can ask the guests to ‘bring a plate’ or have a barbecue. Anything goes with a baby shower – you can decide on a dress up occasion, or even suggest the guests come in fancy dress. The main thing is not to lose sight of the reason for the party – to help the parents celebrate a new baby.

  1. Does the party need a theme?

You could celebrate like a celebrity and roll out the red carpet with the expectant mum as the star! If she prefers something more traditional, try one of these ideas for inspiration:

  • Colour: Many parents already know what’s coming and may want to celebrate with a theme of blue or pink. Think outside the traditional colours for an individual theme.
  • Classic children’s books: Mary Poppins, Winnie the Pooh, Peter Rabbit, Alice in Wonderland. If your theme is based on a book, consider asking guests to bring a children’s book as a gift for the newborn with a personal message inside.
  • Nature themes: Flowers, farmyard, butterflies. If you are having an outdoor party at the beach or park, the venue could provide some inspiration.
  • Popular film themes: Disney characters such as Mickey and Minnie Mouse are always popular. Kids’ films like Frozen or Beauty and the Beast can be a fun theme.
  • A hobby or passion: Music or travel provide endless possibilities.

Before you decide on a theme, go online and search for ‘baby shower decorations’ or ‘celebrity baby shower’ for inspiration.

  1. Does the party need games?

It’s up to you and the mum to be. The main event is usually eating, drinking and opening gifts (or skp the gifts if you are having a Gift Card Registry) but for a fun event, you can have a few activities or games that can tie in with the theme. If the new parents haven’t told anyone whether the baby is a boy or a girl, they can have some fun with a gender-reveal surprise package. For the latest ideas, go online and search for ‘baby shower games’.

  1. A shower, a sprinkle or a sip and see?

If the baby party is for a second or third child, it may be called a baby ‘sprinkle’ and celebrated as a ‘mini’ baby shower. If the mother is already well stocked with baby gear from her first child, a scaled down baby sprinkle is always appreciated, especially if she’s having a baby of a different gender this time and has different needs. And if the celebration is delayed until after the baby arrives, it can be called a ‘sip and see’ – drop in for a cup of tea or coffee and see the baby – but don’t stay too long!

No more toasters – ask for what you want with Gift Card Registry

Posted on by Hamish McCracken

Organising a wedding is a major logistics operation that calls for short cuts and time saving tips to make the planning as smooth as possible. You’ll save both time and stress with a Gift Card Registry!

More secure than a wishing well

Compared with a store-based Wedding Registry or a Wishing Well at the reception, a Gift Card Registry is the superior way to give and receive because it is secure, convenient, easy to use and saves everyone time. You are not locked into preselecting gifts like traditional registries.

No unwanted gifts

Traditional gift giving has been turned on its head with cutting edge technology and the advantage of a prepaid Mastercard. Setting up a Gift Card Registry means no unwanted gifts and it is more secure than wishing wells and money trees.

Research recommends saying what you want

Research shows that inviting guests to contribute to a wedding fund is preferred by the recipients of the gifts. Studies by Harvard and Stanford researchers and published in Experimental Social Psychology, showed that gift recipients most appreciated receiving money more than receiving a specific gift.^

No surprises, thanks!

Surprises may be exciting but can be a disappointment when you get unwanted presents. With a Gift Card registry, you are sure of getting what you want because you are going to be choosing the gifts.

All the money received on the Registry is transferred to a prepaid Mastercard, ready for you to go on your honeymoon or complete your shopping after the wedding. You can spend it anywhere in the world or online where Mastercard is accepted, a versatile and easy option.

Once your registry has closed, you will be sent the card for you to buy exactly what you both want.

Understanding the gift exchange

The studies on the benefits of explicitness in gift exchange showed that there is a vast difference in perception between gift givers and recipients.

Gift recipients:

  • Appreciated receiving money more than receiving a specific gift.
  • Were more appreciative of gifts they explicitly request.
  • Regarded givers who gave what they had asked for as being more thoughtful.

Gift givers thought:

  • Recipients did not appreciate receiving money as much as receiving a specific gift.
  • Whatever they gave would be equally appreciated.
  • A surprise gift would be appreciated just as much as if it had been chosen by the recipient.
  • Money wouldn’t be appreciated as much as an asked-for gift.

Please give us what we want!

Gift givers failed to realise that people prefer receiving what they want. However, when recipients specified the gift they would like, givers became more willing to purchase the requested gift.

The studies showed that gift recipients were more thankful when receiving a gift they had asked for, rather than one that had been chosen for them by the giver.

Gift Card Registry is the answer to gift giving

Gift Card Registry makes gift giving easy and everyone can be assured that the recipient will get just what they want and it will be appreciated.

It gives the opportunity to give the best possible gift for a wedding, birthday or special occasion because the giver knows that the recipient will be able to buy exactly what they want or need.

Give the gift of choice

Friends and family of the couple to be married can rest assured that they will not need to wonder whether to purchase another toaster or slow cooker, crystal glasses or cushions in the hope the newlyweds will need and like what they have chosen.

The ultimate gift is one of choice for the recipient! Gift givers don’t need to spend days looking for the perfect gift.

Guests will save time and stress by connecting with your Gift Card Registry. Let them know that you appreciate being able to purchase just what you want.

Express appreciation

After the honeymoon when you have had an opportunity to buy what you want using the Gift Card Registry funds, let your guests know how you used the prepaid Mastercard and thank them for their contribution. They like to be appreciated too!

 

Reference:

^Give them what they want: The benefits of explicitness in gift exchange. Francesca Ginoa (Harvard Business), Francis J.Flynn (Stanford Business),  Journal of Experimental Social Psychology 2011.

 

A symbol of love – the enduring promise of a wedding ring

Posted on by Thien Nguyen

A symbol of eternity over generations, the ring remains a beautiful icon of enduring love, a promise of togetherness.

As Elvis sang in the classic wedding ballad ‘She wears my ring to show the world that she belongs to me, to show the world she’s mine eternally’.

Band of gold

The band of gold on the third finger of your left hand not only indicates your marital status and your lifetime commitment to your partner, it links you to the ancient history of the ring as a symbol of perpetual love.

Ancient tradition

Spanning generations, cultures and ancient civilisations, the sentiments symbolised by your ring are steeped in tradition and imbued with promise.

The giving and wearing of a ring is a custom that can be traced as far back as 5000 years. Egyptians regarded the ring as a powerful symbol representing eternal life and love. Papyrus scrolls and ancient relics show evidence of the exchange of braided ‘rings of love’ made of hemp, leather or woven reeds.

The fable of the third finger

Wearing the ring on the third finger of the left hand is a custom that dates back to the time of the building of the pyramids, as the Egyptians believed that finger had a special vein connected directly to the heart – the vena amoris or the vein of love. Many people still believe this, but it is more myth than fact as all the fingers in the hand have a similar vein structure.

Partner rings

The exchanging of rings is a relatively recent custom. The single ring worn by the woman was originally a symbol of ‘ownership’, derived from the customs of Europe in the Middle Ages. In the United States, wedding rings were initially only worn by wives, but became customary for both partners during the 20th century. Encouraged by the jewellery industry, the double ring tradition coincided with changes in gender ideology and the women’s movement.

Engagement rings

In the tradition of romantic symbolism, an engagement ring is a sign of affection and intention to take the next step and marry. Often bought by one partner and given to the other – sometimes as a surprise, tends to reflect the style and dreams of the one who purchased it.

Engagement rings have a history independent of the wedding ring, showing the wearer is betrothed and being associated with ownership. Archaeological findings have indicated that cavemen tied braided grass around their partner’s ankles and wrists to keep control of her.

Today, the engagement ring is universally recognised as a symbol of love, a promise of an enduring relationship.

Family rings

The tradition of ‘something old’ is not just a whimsical wedding tradition, but part of an ancient ritual that has endured to symbolise the power of love. Some couples may inherit a family heirloom ring that makes it particularly special to the giver and the recipient.

Choosing a ring

As you plan your wedding, choosing a ring will be added to your To Do List.  Think about your lifestyle. Do you want to wear your rings all day whatever you are doing? Or are you happy to take off your engagement ring because it is too elaborate for day-to-day activities and just wear it for special occasions? Some questions to answer when you are thinking about the ring:

  • Start with a budget. What do you want to spend? One ring or two?
  • What sort of style and design can both of you agree on? Do you want the rings to make a statement or be subtle? The wedding band should complement the engagement ring.
  • What will the rings be made from? Gold (white, rose, yellow), platinum, or mixed metals such as silver. You can even choose silicone.

Lifestyle rings

If you are planning matching rings, consider your partner’s work and regular activities. Some gold or platinum rings may be inappropriate for sportsmen or tradesmen such as a plumber, builder, bricklayer or cabinetmaker. But science has the answer for those who prefer something more practical for their lifestyle – there are now rings made of non-conductive silicone, polished wood or durable tungsten which is stronger than gold.

The gift of a lifetime memory of your wedding day

The one thing from your wedding day that will remind you of that special day and endure for the rest of your life will be your ring. So, your exchange of rings is an enduring gift to each other.

Gift Card Registry makes gift giving easy

While you are both involved in choosing your engagement and wedding rings, think about your family and friends who you are inviting to share the occasion with you. They will want to give you both a gift that will enhance your life together, so suggest they contribute to Gift Card Registry.  Set up a registry for guests that is secure and easy for everyone to use. After the wedding, Gift Card Registry will send the total amount loaded onto a prepaid Mastercard for you to buy the gifts you really want. For details, go to giftcardregistry.com.au, or phone 1300 354 632.

Plan B for the wedding day

Keep the ring safe with either the best man or a ring bearer, but have a Plan B.  Slip a cheap ring (even a curtain ring) in the pocket of another groomsman in case there are any hitches during the ceremony, such as the ring not being found at the right moment – it has happened!