Over the coming weeks, Christmas inspiration will be front of mind so to help you with some fun, quirky and well priced books for your stocking fillers our resident Shopaholic, Jo Munro will be bringing you Savvy Stocking Stuffers.
Under $50
Even if you know everything about hair, skin, makeup and self-image do yourself a favour and buy this book for the feel good humour. I often found myself nodding and laughing at this conversational and witty delight.
The advice and tips are fresh, informative and get right to the point. The book is beautifully laid out and feels a little like reading a glossy magazine. It has one fabulous difference – it makes you feel good about yourself. Zoe has breathed her positive outlook on the world into the pages and suddenly you know how to take your look to the next level.
If you are buying Christmas gifts for young women this book will become their beauty bible and a far healthier read than some of the fashion mags. Who can resist a page titled “Look Younger, Real Fast!” or “It’s time we compliment the S out of each other” or my favourite “Changing the part in your hair can make you 453 times Sexier”.
Who: This is a wonderful gift for teenagers to boomers alike.
Price: Recommended retail $45
The Dinner Ladies, by Katherine Westwood and Sophie Gilliatt
An inspired book to make preparing dinners in advance a dream. They have delicious array of recipes from Pulled Pork to Texas Brisket and naturally some delicious Aussie dishes like Wimmera Salad and delicious Lions head soup (that I will be making tomorrow it looks so good). It will inspire and organise to make the whole approach to dinner a breeze. 170 recipes to cook now and eat later and fill your fridge and freezer.
Who: This is a great book for anyone who has to churn out meals every night.
Price: $39.99
Under $30
Live Well on Less, by Jody Allen
Lean doesn’t have to be mean! As a rule I don’t promote diet books but this is a way to get lean with a difference – financially.
Regardless of your financial position, why pay more when a little focus and organization can save you hundreds a month and thousands a year!
Jody Allen, the founder of Stay at Home Mum, does it again. She covers a range of ways to be thrifty but fundamentally by applying good common sense. It is a book that inspired me to reminisce about the homemade remedies my Mother used on us as kids. The good news is they work; they are simple and no dangerous chemicals. The recipes are time saving as well as healthy for the wallet.
Jody takes us by the hand and goes room-to-room to ensure we get the most from our money without sacrificing lifestyle, quality and taste.
Who: Anyone running a home, young men and women setting up all the way through to those saving.
Price: This book retails at $24.99 for hard copy, and is also available as an eBook.
It is a great stocking-stuffer for your girlfriends, Kris Kringle’s and anyone wanting to get their money to work a little harder for them.
Under $20
Paleo by Amelia & Alex Wasiliev
I love a cookbook. I love beautifully photographed recipes with simple clear instructions showing the ingredients and the final meal. Imagine my surprise when my latest cookbook crush shows the simple and delicious way to eat paleo. If you are interested in kick off your paleo cooking adventure or you would like a gorgeous book for the health conscious in your life, this paperback full colour book will tick all of the boxes.
Who: For the health conscious of all ages or those inquisitive about paleo eating
Price: Available for $14.99
Check out Jo Munro’s favourite cook books – perfect for your stocking fillers, here.
