| It's that time of the year again when people scurry to | | | | adorable koala stuffed toy, or a charmingly behaved |
| the malls and grab the first available merchandise on | | | | kangaroo doll. |
| the shelf that could adequately pass for a gift. Yes, | | | | Digeridoos and Clapsticks. The didgeridoo is a musical |
| gift-giving is fun, but sometimes it becomes obligatory. | | | | instrument of the Aboriginal peoples, consisting of a |
| Fortunately, the adage "It's the thought that counts", still | | | | long hollow branch or stick that makes a deep drone |
| rings true. So, the next time you rummage for the | | | | when blown. Clap sticks, meanwhile, accompany |
| perfect holiday gift, think hard. | | | | didgeridoos and provide the ryhthm to make the most |
| Or that may not even be necessary anymore since | | | | brilliant earthen music. Both digeridoos and clapsticks |
| listed below are just some of the neat gifts exclusive | | | | are hand-painted and burnt by Aboriginal Artists, and |
| to Australia which you could give your loved ones. | | | | they sound full and rich for any occasion. |
| Boomerangs. Much better if they are the returning kind, | | | | Merino wool. Knitted into most gorgeous of clothings |
| since, of course, that's what they are made for. | | | | including hand-knitted sweaters and jackets, as well as |
| Boomerangs in Australia are personalized and | | | | beautiful soft blankets and bedding. Australia's 101 million |
| engraved by authentic aboriginal artists, and each | | | | merino sheep yields the longest, not to mention luscious |
| artwork is a masterpiece. Note that boomerangs are | | | | wool fibres in the world. Always look for the Pure |
| still a weapon though, so do your throwing only in a | | | | New Wool label to guarantee quality. |
| wide open area where there are no other people | | | | Australian flowers. The warm Australian climate |
| around. To throw a boomerang: simply hold in right | | | | breeds an almost endless, lovely and exciting array of |
| hand almost vertically with arms pointing forward. Grip | | | | flowers: kangaroo paw, eucalyptus gumnut, banksia, |
| close to end with its rounded side facing you, then | | | | peppercorn, leucosperum, and wattle, just to name a |
| throw at approximately 30 degrees to wind direction, | | | | few. Freshly delivered to your loved one's doorsteps, a |
| with a flicking, wrist-twist motion. | | | | uniquely Australian bouquet of flowers sends all your |
| Animal plush toys. Koala, Platypus, Kangaroos, | | | | warmest holiday greetings where no words can do. |
| Wombats, Kookaburras, Emus, and lots of other | | | | For best results, deliver your gifts personally. After all, |
| animals only the Land Down Under has under its wings. | | | | it's the thought that may count, but your presence |
| Surely, everyone has a home in their heart for a stray | | | | definitely speaks louder. |