Wine Labels As Christmas Gifts - What's The Appeal?

Xmas Gourmet Gift Of Red Wine, Various Cheese, Cucumber Relish, Apple & Onion Chutney, Cheese Straws, Oatcakes And More

By Elaine Berry

If you are new to the world of wine labels, you may be surprised to realize that more and more people love to receive wine labels as a Christmas gift basket.

To some people, a wine label may be just a bit of paper stuck on a wine bottle, containing bits of information. The idea of giving wine labels as Christmas gifts would make no sense at all to these people. But for others, a wine label is much more than that.

For lovers of wine labels, the appeal mainly lies in two different things. One is the unique and intriguing designs of the labels themselves. The other is the reminder they bring of the worldwide nature of the wine industry.

Nowadays, there are very few countries in the world that don't produce any wine. But of course there are some countries that have been well known for their wines for centuries - mainly European countries like France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Portugal. More recently they have been joined by others - South Africa, USA (particularly California), Australia and Chile, for example.

All these countries have variations in their wine labels. Looking at the label and seeing where the wine comes from greatly adds to the excitement of opening a bottle of wine. What's more, seeing where the Christmas wine is from often provides more idea about how the wine will taste than does the actual information on the label.

Wherever in the world the wine comes from, there are four basic pieces of information that must be on the label:

1. Appellation - the place where the grapes are grown.
2. Varietal - the main type of grape used.
3. Generic - the style of wine.
4. Proprietary - the owner and creator of the wine or brand.

However, the labels from each country will differ in the way they arrange these bits of information. For example:

• California - the regional and varietal name will be at the top.
• Australia. If you see a "Bin number" on the label this probably means it's Australian. It refers to the batches from specific vineyards.
• South Africa - the wine labels are simpler. They often just provide the estate name, the vintage, the grape variety and the producer.
• German, Spanish and Italian wine labels have the name of the estate proprietor at the very top. Then in the next line there is the vintage year, then the name of the vineyard, the grape variety and style. Italian and Spanish wine labels in addition have a quality statement "Reserve".
• Burgundy wine labels are the most complex of all. After the merchant name and the appellation come the rating of the vineyards as "grand cru", "premier cru" and basic appellation. The label will then have the phrase mis en bouteille (="bottled") followed by the information about whether the wine was bottled on the estate itself or elsewehere.

When you hold a wine bottle in your hand, you're holding a little bit of that country - its fruit, its sunshine, its people. And it's the label that gives the first indication of what country it is - and you get a little bit of the same excitement and romance as if you were traveling there!

So this is the reason for the infinite variety of wine labels - all those different countries, and so many vineyards and winemakers, each with its special design. You can never get bored with wine labels - and wine labels as Christmas gifts bring a little bit of that sunshine and excitement into a dark winter's day!

For a unique selection of wine labels as Christmas gifts, visit http://www.MyVintageWine.com/winelabels.html Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elaine_Berry

Christmas Gifts for Mothers

By Josey Bailey

Although our mothers will definitely be pleased with even the simplest gifts that we kids give them, we should make it our responsibility to choose carefully a Christmas gift for Mothers that she will most certainly love and use. Giving her household items she could use while doing chores at home may work for some but its not as good as giving her something that she can wear or use for herself alone, a Christmas Gifts for Mothers that will make her feel good and look good. Gardening gifts can also be a great choice or beauty products can also be a great choice. Gifts for the bath such as Rose, Lavender and Lily of the Valley scented soaps, bubble baths and foams are very popular especially at this time of year. Some decent gardening tools or perhaps a garden mug or welly warmers also go down very well. There are lots of watering cans to chose from - big small, patterned or plain. Pink watering cans have been big sellers for the past few years but now there are some new animal shaped watering cans on the market which are the perfect gift for this year: the robin and elephant watering cans are an especially big hit when choosing a gift for her.

Aside from the care and love she gives us every single day of our lives, our mothers never miss giving each member of her family, Christmas gift idea that we all want and love. Thus, this unconditional love by our mothers must also be reciprocated in the most special way we can, especially this Christmas.

Gifts For Her: the perfect way for us children to give the best gift-giver the perfect return gift she most truly deserves. We have a wide range of excellent Christmas gifts that will definitely spoil mothers -- from jewelries to books to useful items for her ultimate relaxation and self-indulgence. Mother and Child Necklace, Italian Ring Pendant and Earrings and the Faux Fur Slipper Boots in Lynx are some great gift ideas that say you love her in the most special way you know. Surprise your mum this season of gift-giving by shopping online for the best Christmas gift for her.

Our mothers are the most special persons in our lives yet oftentimes, our mums are the most taken for granted person in our homes. She is usually the busiest, keeping our homes in tip-top shape, preparing us kids for school or just about everything that need to be done. Despite this very busy schedule of our mothers, she still has time to give each member of the family her most-needed love and nurturing. That is why come this holiday season, it is only fair that our moms are appreciated for everything they do for us by making sure we give them the best Christmas gift basket for Mothers possible!

The author is a gift guru and author specialising in gifts for her for all occasions - Christmas gifts, birthday presents, Valentines Day, Wedding gifts, Mothers Day, Anniversaries for wives, girlfriends.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Josey_Bailey

The Top Ten Christmas Gifts For Women That Revive and Rejuvenate

By: Nerida Murray

Let's party together. The focus for this years top ten Christmas gifts is on health and well being.

It's been a stressful time for all of us and time that the women in your life had some pampering. This Christmas buy her something that will revive, rejuvenate and promote her long term wellbeing.

Here's my top 10 Christmas gifts to give good cheer all year round.

1. A Juicer: -
It's now a well established fact that colorful fruit and vegetables contain all sorts of great vitamins, minerals and all important anti-oxidants. These begin to deteriorate immediately the juice is produced, so to get any real benefit, you need to make your own juice fresh as you need it. Good quality juicers make unique gifts for women and can benefit the whole family.

2. Yoga Mat, Instruction DVD and Soothing Music:-
Yoga is the perfect exercise for women. It promotes long, lean muscles and flexibility, and comes with the added benefit of being relaxing and centering. Here's a tip: when you are choosing your "soothing music" steer clear of anything with pan pipes as some people can feel an urge to smash them violently after a few sessions.

3. Satellite Navigation Gizmo: -
I have noted with my own eyes the soothing effect this little gadget has on women. In fact, the women I know have a very close and fond relationship with their Sat Nav's. And why wouldn't they? Sat Nav's are calm, reliable and never shout. When you have a car full of kids, it's dark and you're rapidly losing your cool, there is no way to quantify the value of that steady, reassuring voice stating with authority "At the next intersection turn left."

4. Skin Care: -
This is a personal luxury that so many women miss out on. They stick to cheap, chemical laden muck because they feel guilty using anything else. Surprise her with some truly excellent face cream. Choose something that has organic ingredients and essential oils. Buy something that is so expensive and bespoke that you can barely afford to buy just the face cream. And then buy the eye cream and hand cream too.

5. Excellent Fragrance: -
Perfume is always on my list of top ten Christmas gifts. I really don't see how you can not include it. This year, really have a think about the type of woman you are buying for. Is she elderly or young? Is she sporty or elegant? Is she a stay at home mom in need of a treat? Is she a middle aged woman who can be scary sometimes? There's always a fragrance to suit once you've got a good description to give to the sales girls.

6. Shoes: -
Yes, shoes. Remember, we're talking health and well being this year. A good pair of stylish shoes can impact on a woman's entire mood. If the shoes are ill fitting, rub and pinch...watch out. This year I love low heeled boots, futuristic looking sneaker style slip-ons and over the top jeweled thongs. All comfortable, all stylish and all in fashion.

7. Jewelry:-
Ok, so I'm probably stretching the health and well being theme a little with jewelry, BUT there's no point in sporting a healthy inner glow and being radiantly beautiful if you haven't got an interesting cuff or necklace to enhance it. Steer well clear of the classics this year. Go for edgy hand made looking styles. Check your local jeweler for modern styled, layered charm bracelets.

8. IPod Speaker Dock: -
Keep her hearing in good shape by getting her out of earplugs. Buy a stylish looking speaker set for her iPod so she can groove around at home, exercise or meditate without the sound blasting from within her own ear drums. Electronic gadgets are always popular Christmas gifts and you'll be helping her to take care of her hearing in the long term.

9. Eye Mask and Ear Plugs: -
Having a good night's sleep is probably the healthiest thing you can do for yourself. All good health stems from this. You may not be aware of it, but your wife or girlfriend probably hasn't had a good night's sleep since the night they teamed up with you. Give her a gorgeous, silken eye mask that will block out any extra light and a set of good ear plugs to tone down your snoring. While you're at it, throw in some handmade vouchers good for 10 sleep-ins.

10. Organic Goodness: -
Send her a weekly box of fresh, organic fruit and vegetables. Check with your local health food shop and organic grocery store to see if they do deliveries. Often you pay by the size of the box rather than choosing individual items. This means that she'll only ever receive what is in season and that's the best way to guarantee the produce is packed with goodness and hasn't had to travel too far.

This has been a tight year financially. Rather than buying heaps of cheap junk, just buy one or two really good quality items as christmas hamper delivery. Present them in gorgeous wrappings and she'll know immediately the trouble, the care and the love that has gone into your choices.


Source: http://www.article-content-king.com/article202728-The+Top+Ten+Christmas+Gifts+For+Women+That+Revive+and+Rejuvenate.html

Top Reasons Why Hampers Make Great Christmas Gifts

Christmas Wicker Hamper With Red & White Wine, Beers, Sparkling Wine, Non Alcoholic Sparkling Drinks, Chocolates, Duck Liver Pate, Chocolates, Fruit Mince Pies, Pudding And Many More

Read more at http://www.articlealley.com/article_1313548_26.html?ktrack=kcplink

Author: JessicaThomson
With Christmas being just round the corner, everyone is making a dash to the market to find gifts for their near and dear ones. Gifting is so synonymous with this holiday season that that apart from friends and family, there is a growing trend in corporate Christmas gift too. Whatever be the relation between people, a great way to establish new bonds and strengthen old ones.

People spend hours in search of the right gift that will spread some cheer and express their feelings towards the other person. However, there are a plethora of things one can pick up, and such immense choice can leave them feeling confused. A Christmas hamper is a great way to gift an assortment of goodies you know the other person is fond of.

Cut Down on Confusion and Time

A hamper is a great gift idea if you do not want to spend time mindlessly looking for gifts. Sometimes, the desire of finding a gift that conveys all your feelings is strong, yet you are not able to decide what to pick, or maybe your busy schedule does not allow to to spare enough time to go shopping for one.

Christmas hampers may be the perfect choice that eliminates both confusion and excess time spent over gift shopping. A hamper is like a goody box that contains the best selection of items sure to bring a smile on the recipient's face.

Creativity at its Best

A Xmas hamper with its delightful assortments gives you a chance to lend your very own personal touch to your gift. A hamper allows you to experiment with the goodies that go into filling it; of course, a hamper that contains a range of gifts tailor made for a person is sure to have them squealing with delight.

Make your hamper extra-special for a person by creating a mix of items which are his/her favourite. A gourmet hamper for the foodie friend, a spa product package for a lovely lady, or a tea-time assortment of cookies, coffee and cakes for parents who lead a happy retired life- the choices are many.

Great for Corporate Gifting

Apart from strengthening personal and familial bonds, Christmas hamper gifts make ideal corporate gifts. Whether it is with the purpose of conveying thanks to employees who worked hard all year round, or as a token of appreciation for clients who bestowed business on the company- a hamper is a great way to establish and confirm business ties.

Thus, do something different this Christmas season, and present a unique gift hamper to your near and dear ones and all those associated with you at a personal and business level. A hamper is a great way to save your money and time, while at the same time works wonders in lighting up somebody's holiday season!

Read more at http://www.articlealley.com/article_1313548_26.html?ktrack=kcplink

Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_1313548_26.html

Putting Some Thought Into Our Christmas Gifts

By Alon Farnendo

Thinking of getting some cool Christmas gift for your relatives, friends and the little ones in your family? In this article we've put together a list of a number of such gifts, gifts that would have never come to your mind, the first time you thought of buying Christmas gifts this year. We can say that because these ideas didn't strike us the first time either. We put a lot of hardwork searching them through. Hope you'll like them!

Here's our hardwork unveiled:

• Gifts for Little Ones: If you watch animation, you must be familiar with the names DreamWorks's and Pixar. Stand alone animated characters from the production house of these two are available all over your nearest toy superstores. If you can't get what you want, we recommend you go online and make a search. Pickup these small gifts for all little ones in your family and we're sure they'd jump with joy.
• Gifts for the Women in your Family: For women, we couldn't think of anything better than Christmas ornaments. Christmas Ornaments available at some online stores can sometime tell the whole story of Christmas. What's more, you can go ahead and get them personalised as well to let the women in your life know that you care.
• Christmas Gifts for Your Father: We went round and round in circles, ran around from store to store to find something unconventional but then had to settle for wrist watches. There's nothing better than a branded analogue wristwatch to suit your fathers' personality.
• Christmas Gift for Your Best Friend: Get him a wine Christmas gift basket this year! Once you're done having dinner with your family, sneak out to watch a soccer game at his place (if your girlfriend allows!). Open the wine basket, order a few more pizzas and have fun! And hey! Don't pass out. Try and go home the same night.
• Christmas Gifts for Your Mother: For Mothers, we came across some really great looking Keepsake Pendants. This Christmas is a chance to revive your relationship with your mother by gifting a keepsake pendant with a small something from your childhood placed in it and a small message of love engraved onto it. Beautiful keepsake pendants are available all over the internet. There are a number of online stores specialising in manufacturing and supplying keepsake gift items. We are sure you'll be able to find something of your choice.

We hope you liked our Christmas gift idea! We'll come back with some more, next time around. And hey! Don't wait until the last day to place your orders. The delivery process will take some time, say, about a week or two. Make sure you place your orders at least a month in advance.

For any help on Kris kringle, check out the info available online; these will help you learn to find the Christmas gifts!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alon_Farnendo

Last Minute Christmas Gift Ideas For the Online Buyer

By Paul Danson

If you are like most people you do the majority of your Christmas shopping at the last minute. Visit any mall or shopping center in the final days before Christmas and you are likely to find parking lots that are filled to capacity and stores that are literally filled with shoppers who are still searching for the perfect Christmas gift for their friends or family members. As it gets closer and closer to Christmas the crowds tend to get more and more restless and the search for the perfect gift becomes a search for an acceptable gift.

If you are looking for the best Christmas gifts during the last few days of Christmas, below are some of the best last minute gift ideas that can help you:

1. Video Games

Video games are one of the last-minute christmas gifts that is sure to please anyone, and there are really great variety for all ages. Check out the Wii Nintendo which can also give you a good workout

Other popular games: Wii Fit Plus with Balance Board, New Super Mario Bros, Gutiar Hero 5

2. E Book Reader

For the avid reader, Kindle electronic reader is a great Christmas gift basket and is a good one for a last minute gift idea!

3. Laptops

Laptops are always a hot gift idea!

Apple MacBook Pro Apple Laptop

For Kids: ASUS Eee PC Seashell1005HA (Windows 7 Starter) Netbook

4. Flip Cameras

Flip cameras are the latest fad and rightfully so! They are very compact and are great christmas gifts!

Flip UltraHD Camcorder

5. Cell Phones

Cell phones always make great christmas gifts!

Apple iPod Touch, MotorolaDROID A855 Phone(Verizon Wireless)

6. Gift Cards

Gift Cards, whether VISA, or cards to a popular store are great too!

7. Ribbon Gift Album

A great last minute Christmas gift idea is called a Ribbon gift program! This is a Gift Album Card where you can give someone a choice of gifts! I have used it on many occasions and is really time-saving and people love the idea of picking from a choice of gifts! In addition, it fits all budget ranges.

Be sure to check out this amazing last minute Christmas gift idea!

PS: Items 1-6 may also be available for free shipping from Amazon!

All the best!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Danson

Setting Your Sight On The Ultimate Top 4 Christmas Presents For Teens

Christmas Basket With Juice ,candy, Chocolates, Brownies, Chocolate Cookies, Potato Chip ,and A Small Bouquet Of Flowers

By Jay P Jackson

Teenagers nowadays are totally different from how they were like back then to thirty years ago. Due to the fact that things they are exposed to are completely different from what we experienced when we were at similar ages, they have new likings and hobbies. As a result, if you are buying them gifts, it could be a huge challenge as pleasing them is no longer as easy as just buying them shirts or shorts. If you are having difficulties over what birthday gifts to buy for your teens, keep reading to uncover the top 4 items for this purpose.

The first item on the list would invariably be a MP3 player or better still, an iPod. As a matter of fact, it is an open secret that all teens always dream of having an iPod or if that is not possible, then giving them a MP3 player as a Christmas present will also please them for sure. While the selling price of an iPod is relatively fix, it is a different situation when it comes to MP3 players as they are available in an assortment of price ranges. Hence, you can look to your heart content before deciding which one to buy.

Secondly, you can also get them some video games as the Christmas presents for teens. Nowadays, all teens are very fond of playing video games. As a matter of fact, choices are abundant for you to choose from, such as Xbox 360, PS3, Nintendo Wii and the likes. No matter what you choose as a Christmas present, rest assured that a video game is guaranteed to make most teens happy.

Thirdly, if you have the financial means and are looking to buy an expensive present, getting a laptop or a netbook for them is going to make them very happy for sure. In actuality, though it might be more expensive than most other Christmas gift ideas, a laptop or a netbook is practical in the sense that it helps the teens in their studies. For example, they can make use of the laptop to search for useful information online or learn some software programming as well. Though the price might be a bit higher, the advantages that a laptop brings definitely outweigh the price.

Last but not least, another surefire way of giving them a good Christmas present would be to buy them a digital camera. Nowadays, there is a huge spectrum of cameras which are available in all price ranges. Hence, you will definitely be able to get something which is both inexpensive as well as nice in terms of appearance and functionality.

The author has been writing articles online for a couple of years now. Lately, he has found a new interest lately and you can also check out his latest website about wooden wall clocks. Besides, there is a lot of information on novelty wall clocks as well.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jay_P_Jackson