Every time I look at the calendar or out of the window, I realise that Christmas is just around the corner. The preparations are slowly peaking, and if you still don't have gifts for your loved ones, perhaps my selection this year will inspire you. Apologies for not giving inspiration for any toys, books or colouring books for children, but other blogs are full of those and, honestly, I'm not much at home in that area. In our house this area is handled by daddy, since the boys' toys entertain him more than me. 
So here is my selection of this year's gifts for the whole family:
1. Merry Christmas by Marionnaud gift sets
I really like this brand's make-up and I have a lot of products from them that I'm genuinely happy with. Starting with lip glosses, through nail polishes to round brushes, all of it good quality and affordable. Their Christmas packaging this year comes in a pink-red combination and is irresistible. You can buy them exclusively in the Marionnaud chain of stores.
2. Kitchen knives, Jamie Oliver
Jamie is my darling and has always been my inspiration in cooking. When I found out he has his own line of kitchen knives, I knew they would be perfect and that I had to have them! After trying them out I can tell you they are exactly like him. Simple, professional and for everyone. What's more, you can now get them at a great price, with a discount of up to 83% as part of the Billa programme in Billa stores, until my birthday on 6 February 2018.
3. "Teddy bear" jewellery by Tous
I overlooked this brand for quite a long time, until the moment I walked into their physical shop and saw those treasures in real life. It is almost impossible to go in and come out without a little bag with a piece of jewellery. They are gorgeous, simple, finely crafted and imaginative. My Christmas tip is definitely this little "teddy" ring. Isn't it gorgeous? You can buy it in the Tous shop in Eurovea or Aupark.
4. Zacapa XO rum in gift packaging
I don't know how it is at your place, but in our family a good rum always goes down well. When I say good, I really mean the very best. In our case it is Zacapa rum, and whether it's the 23-year-old or the XO, for the male half of the family it's a safe bet. What's more, it is so beautifully gift-wrapped that it's a shame to drink it! 
5. Perfume My Burberry Blush, Burberry
If I had to choose just one single perfume that I can really recommend to you this Christmas, it would definitely be this one. Finally a non-intrusive, fruity-floral, fresh scent that won't overpower everyone around you, and in beautifully simple packaging too. A timeless perfume suitable for every day. You can buy it in the Marionnaud chain of perfumeries.
6. Fur slippers, En*fant
This was total love at first sight. They are made of genuine sheepskin, so not only beautiful but really warm. These first winter booties, so-called "capacky", are for our Brunko, and I am becoming firmly convinced that nobody beats the En*fant brand in winter footwear. Whether it's slippers, wellies or lined shoes, they are simply great. You can buy them at www.littlehipster.sk
7. Dry ball pit
This Christmas gift hasn't arrived yet, so I'm only including an illustration photo, but I'm incredibly looking forward to it. Children can apparently entertain themselves in such a little ball pit for a very long time, so I'm placing great hopes in it. What's more, it is very photogenic. Why wouldn't you buy it. 
I ordered it at www.lovel.sk.
8. Tiger suitcase on wheels and ride-on in one
Since we are flying off to "warm countries" for the whole of February, I'm getting things ready already. This little suitcase is not only gorgeous but also practical. You can fill it with toys and take it on board the plane as hand luggage. And the best part at the end: the suitcase on wheels also serves as a ride-on when moving around. You can buy it online at www.feedo.sk where you will also find plenty of other original gadgets for children and mums.
9. "Mojkáčik" cuddly toy, Fabelab
Our Brunko is our little cuddly teddy bear, so we got him this soft little cuddly comforter made of organic cotton. I don't know about you, but I prefer it when a baby chews on something like this rather than on a plush toy from China. You can buy it at the e-shop www.littlehipster.sk.
10. Shimmering body oil, Nuxe
The ultra-luxurious formula of this French natural cosmetics from the heart of Paris is enriched with fine shimmer. Ideal for the evening, when under artificial lighting your skin literally glows. If you don't know it yet, I recommend it, the best body oil ever, I have been using it for several years. You can buy it in pharmacies. More info here: Nuxe-lekarne.sk
Extra tip: Squeaky T-shirts with a Christmas motif for the whole family
If you follow our blog regularly, you know that we really love this Slovak brand, which has revived the squeaky T-shirts of our generation. We have already given them to many loved ones, and this year to ourselves too, specifically the Christmas edition with reindeer and stags. The T-shirts are made in Hlohovec and are of quality cotton. They last incredibly long and you can buy them at the e-shop www.piskacie.sk or in the physical shop in BA.
Well, and if you made it all the way here, to the end of this article, you deserve a reward! 
Write me in a comment under the article what the WORST gift was that you ever received, and I will reward the biggest horrors with a package from Marionnaud. Fingers crossed!