It’s that time of year again, when everyone works themselves into a frenzy trying to find the perfect gifts. Never fear! Just take a look at our Christmas gift guide, full of great gifts that the whole family can use and enjoy.
1. Samsung FS9000 Premium i-FI Component Audio System
Get the party started with the Samsung FS9000 Premium Hi-fi Component Audio System. Obviously, there’s powerful (30 720 watt PMPO/2 650 watt RMS) sound and superior sound quality with super deep bass and clear highs. But you can also see and feel the rhythm and beat thanks to this system’s unique features: Beat
Waving illuminates the speaker in sync with the music and 3D Beat Lighting perfectly flashes lights and patterns that flow with the music. You’ll transform any party place into the atmosphere of your favourite club. Besides the visual effects, there are aural equivalents that will liberate your DJ creativity, too. Share and mix your music with seven different effect modes, such as Flanger, Chorus, WahWah and Panning. In addition, you can play your favourite tracks and DJ mixes wirelessly from your Bluetooth-enabled smartphone, tablet and PC, or plug and play your favourite music directly from your USB device.
Designed for you to freely control each effect to enhance the sound of the music and party, this easy-to-use feature has the ability to play multiple effects simultaneously. Available at Makro for R9 999.
2. GoPro Action Camera Silver Edition
Not only is the Hero3 Silver Edition 20 per cent smaller and 15 per cent lighter than previous models, it’s also 2x more powerful. That makes it the most advanced Silver Edition camera yet. Wearable, gear-mountable and waterproof to 40 metres, the Hero3 Silver Edition captures professional-quality video at resolutions up to 1080 p and 10 MP photos at up to 10 frames per second. With 4x faster Wi-Fi, enhanced low-light performance, 30 per cent longer battery life and compatibility with all GoPro mounts and accessories, the Hero3 Silver Edition makes capturing and sharing your life easier than ever. Available at Makro for R4 299
3. Samsung NX1100 Mirrorless Digital Twin Lens Bundle
Customised for the NX System, the brand-new, professional-grade, 20,3 MP APS-C CMOS sensor produces images that rival those of any premium DSLR. Each individual pixel has a large sensor area and receives more light, guaranteeing low noise levels, high dynamic range and accurate colour differentiation. The higher sensitivity allows you to shoot during low-light situations without graininess or other noise. The new sensor provides full HD video output capabilities.
The camera is extremely portable and the perfect travel companion. The lightweight body also makes it easier to shoot stills or video for longer periods of time.
The exterior of the NX1100 is just as impressive. The modern and sleek body adds another layer of elegance and sophistication to something that’s usually more functional than beautiful.
The NX1100 Twin lens bundle consists of: NX1100 body; 20 to 50 mm lens, 50 to 200 mm lens; 16 GB Lexar SD card; Adobe Lightroom 4 and Samsung pouch. Available at Makro for R6 499.
4. Acer Iconia A1
Viewing music videos, gaming or browsing online are a breeze for the balanced, full-featured and sleek (11,1 mm thick) Acer Iconia A1. Its quad-core processor ensures smooth performance with any media and its 7,9-inch HD screen with IPS technology provides consistent images, colour and brightness from a viewing angle of up to 170 degrees. The rear camera takes 5 MP photos and 1080 p video; the front-facing camera is ideal for video chats.
Gaming becomes more realistic and immersive, too, with gyroscopic activation that senses your movement more precisely and responds more effi ciently when you tilt the device.
Acer’s innovative Touch WakeAPP gesture allows you to wake up the tablet by touching the display with a 5-finger or 2-thumb gesture, so you can access your favourite app straight from sleep mode. The Iconia A1 tablet provides 7 hours HD video playback and comes with a Micro SD slot and USB 2. Available at Makro for R3 699.
5. TomTom GO 5000
Completely redesigned to put you in control of your drive, the all new TomTom GO 5000 helps you make the smartest driving decisions by knowing precisely what is going on around you and what lies ahead. This device includes maps for all African countries plus free lifetime traffic services (available only in SA) and maps. With single line search and a database that includes all the new and old street names, getting to your destination really is easier and quicker than ever before. Interactive Maps put the world at your fingertips: simply zoom in and out on the extra-large 13 cm touchscreen to find and explore places on the map with your fingertips. Tap on the map to get an instant route to your destination and see buildings and landmarks in stunning 3D. The world’s biggest database of real travel times is built into every TomTom device, so you’ll get the fastest routes and most accurate arrival times. Advanced lane guidance clearly shows which lane to take at junctions, so you don’t miss your turning. On the most difficult highway intersections, realistic 3D representation of the junction keeps you relaxed and safe. Available at Makro for R3 799.
6. Bisquit Cognac
A luxury set of Bisquit Cognac VS Classique cognac with a balloon glass from the award-winning House Of Bisquit Cognac will make the perfect Christmas gift. True to the philosophy that time is what you make it – Bisquit Cognac is the longest distilled cognac in the world and is aged meticulously in French oak at the beautiful Chateau Bisquit, in the heart of the Cognac region. Each variant in its core range, the VS, VSOP and XO, boasts international awards. After its recent string of medals at the 2013 International Wine & Spirit Competition, Bisquit is now the only cognac brand in the world to have won medals for each variant for five consecutive years.
The Bisquit Cognac VS gift pack comes with a balloon glass while the Bisquit Cognac VSOP gift set is accompanied by two balloon glasses. Bisquit VS R299; Bisquit VSOP R499 at selected stores.
7. GS-911 Diagnostic Tool
There’s something immensely comforting about an electronic device that functions like a personal physician for your BMW motorcycle, especially when you’re preparing for a cross-country adventure far from service centres and other mod-cons. Meet the GS-911, a specialised diagnostic tool that employs an intelligent electronic interface in combination with Windows PC software to perform it’s magic.
In essence, it’s a unique combination of software and hardware that allows the rider to communicate with the control modules of a motorcycle in a safe and controlled manner. It can read and clear fault codes view and log real-time values (sensor inputs and outputs), reset service reminders and adaption values, and perform component output tests. Versatility is assured by software for most mobile phones, including BlackBerry, Windows Mobile and Andriod, making it sufficiently portable for any road trip.
Whether you’re a long-distance rider, a weekend adventurer, a technician or simply a BMW rider who’s intent on knowing it all, you can’t go wrong with the USB and Bluetooth-enabled GS-911 BLU Enthusiast, which retails for R2 995 (a professional version is also available). Visit www.hexdiagnostics.co.za or call 021 850 0650.
8. Camp Master Safari Dome 520
The Camp Master Safari Dome 510 canvas tent is Camp Master’s biggest canvas tent, sleeping five people. The Safari dome 510 features solid-spring steel poles, 280 g/m2 polycotton ripstop canvas, built-in heavy-gauge 300 g/m2 PVC ground sheet and heavy-duty number-10 zips to make it a very durable and long-lasting tent. Added to this are the 6 mm extra-strength guy ropes which give this tent added stability. The Safari Dome 510 comes with a 600 mm water-column rating and taped seems for improved water resistance. The tent also has a built-in front awning, mesh windows for improved ventilation and mosquito protection.
The Safari Dome 510 has a one-year warranty and a repair kit is included for any ground sheet, flysheet and mosquito-net repairs that may need to be done while you’re away. Available at Makro for R3 799.
9. Terrace Leisure Sienna Collection
Whether it’s a lazy afternoon lounging on the patio or elegant al-fresco dining in the garden, our outdoor space is becoming an extension of our living space. With such a variety of outdoor living requirements, the Terrace Leisure Sienna Collection provides you with an outdoor lifestyle solution. Sienna outdoor furniture is hand woven to perfection. The high-quality synthetic fibre is stretched over an aluminium frame and the fabric complements a relaxed and stylish range. This beautiful collection blends in wonderfully with any garden. The Terrace Leisure Sienna Collection has been extended to include a lounge and dining set at very attractive prices. The look and feel of the wicker and the quality of the cushions gives you a sense of comfort and pride when you show it off to your guests. The six-piece lounge set is available at Makro.
10. Cadac Braaimaxx Patio Braai
First-prize winner at Germany’s Spoga show in the Best Innovation in BBQs category, the BraaiMaxx is a revolution in outdoor cooking. Two independent cooking areas mean you can cook two different dishes at the same time. Both cooking sides have an independent dome that is double-skinned and easily cleanable with a non-stick coating on the inside. The high-performance burners with a built-in thermometer allow for temperatures from 90° to 350°; you can slow cook on one side while baking on the other.
Surfaces included are two non-stick BBQ grids, a stainless steel skottel designed for Teppanyaki-style high heat cooking, a baking stone ideal for pizzas and breads, a non-stick paella pan and a wok. All of the surfaces can be stored and protected in the custom-designed rack inside the cabinet, where the gas bottle can also be conveniently stored. Supplied fittings include a hose/regulator and a BBQ cover. Available at Makro for R13 99.
11. Nescafe Dolce Gusto Coffee Machine
If you’re a self-confessed coffee lover, you’ll be pleased to know you no longer have to leave your home in search of the ultimate caffeine boost. With the recent launch of the easy-to-use capsule system – NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto – coffee-shop quality beverages are a mere push of a button away. With a wide variety of roast and ground coffees, as well as hot chocolate and tea, there is something to suit every taste. NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto offers delicious cappuccinos, latte macchiatos, tea latte and chococino to name a few.
Unique in design, both the Genio and Circolo machines make a big impression while brewing a perfectly delicious cup.
Each drink variety can be prepared in less than one minute thanks to the advanced thermo-block technology. Your waiter couldn’t bring your drink to you faster. It requires no fresh milk and is clean and easy to use, making NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto a truly premium quality offering.
Nescafé Dolce Gusto Genio (R1 999) and Circolo (R2 499) coffee machines are available at Makro.
12. Prima One & Only 12000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
Not only extremely efficient, but also more than attractive to the eye, the POPA-12000 Prima One & Only 12000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner with heating and cooling is built for all-year comfort. It will keep you cool during the sweltering summer months and warm you up on the coldest winter nights. What’s more, the Prima One & Only is portable and can be moved around the house or office block easily and conveniently. To add to its versatility, the unit comes standard with auto swing, sleep mode and timer as well as a heating function. It is suitable for rooms up to 24 square metres. Available at Makro from R4 599.
13. Philips Care Touch Electric Shaver
Get tough on ingrown hairs with the new Philips Care Touch AT790. The new Philips Care Touch shaver is designed to reduce ingrown hairs to give you smooth skin every day – wet or dry. Research indicates that most men in South Africa are prone to developing ingrown hairs and resultant skin irritation caused by shaving. Philips created a shaver that provides a solution that is designed to assist men in reducing ingrown hairs and less skin irritation, caused by shaving. This is ideal for the ethnic man.
Our best shaver for ingrown hairs:
• Gentle Cut heads cut just above skin level for smooth skin.
A smooth shave for a confident look:
• Aquatec Wet & Dry: refreshing wet shave or an easy dry shave.
• Rotary Comfort System glides over your skin.
Convenient trimming:
• Pop-up trimmer: perfect for sideburns and moustache.
Easy to use:
• Lithium-ion battery for long-lasting power.
• Up to 40 minutes of cordless power.
• Battery low, battery full and charging indicator.
• Fully washable: simply rinse under the tap.
Available at Makro Stores for R649 with a two-year guarantee.
14. Kenwood Titanium Major with accessories
For millions of South Africans, the Kenwood Chef is somewhat of an institution – a much-loved kitchen machine that they turn to for all their culinary needs. Luckily, if you want to spoil yourself, the new mega-pack (KMM023) that Kenwood has introduced is the ideal starting point; it contains Kenwood’s top-of-the range Titanium Major kitchen machine with four definitive bowl tools (k-beater, balloon whisk, dough hook and flexi beater).
It really is the winning recipe: mix the unsurpassed 1 500 W motor with the 6,7-litre bowl and stainless-steel attachments and combine this with the planetary mixing action to create professional results, right at home. Use the six attachments − food processor, multi-mill/grinder, juicer, mincer, liquidiser … even a sausage maker and digital scale – and let your culinary creativity run wild. From there, add the pasta maker and ice-cream bowl (one of 20 optional attachments) to your collection and the number of dishes you can make is literally endless. It’s the investment buy that you’ll enjoy for years. Exclusive to Makro this Christmas for R6 999.
15. Dremel 3000 -1/25 kit
Versatility is the calling card of the Dremel 3000. From engraving to woodworking, thanks to its wide range of supplied accessories and its innovative design, it’s the perfect all-round multitool. A standout feature is the EZ Twist Nose Cap: with this new feature, there is no need for a wrench to tighten and loosen the collet when changing accessories. Instead, the wrench mechanism is integrated in the tool’s nose cap. Ergonomics are another strong point, with a comfortable grip and convenient, lightweight housing. This kit represents great value for money for the more demanding user: the Dremel multitool accessories are suited for decorative projects such as engraving pots, jewellery making, customising furniture and woodworking.
Included in the kit:
• Dremel 3000 multitool;
• High quality Dremel flexible shaft;
• 25 Dremel accessories;
• Spacious and sturdy storage case.
Available at Makro