Monday March 8 marks International Women’s Day, but if you’re looking for actually useful gifts to show the women in your life you care – or even just to treat yourself –– here are 18 presents that you won’t need to get a gift receipt for.
Whether it’s for IWD, Mother’s Day or their birthday, here’s some inspiration powerful women in the UAE will thank you for.
Tech
Apple AirPods Pro
Everyone’s talking about Apple’s most recent version of the AirPods, and these swanky wireless headphones include noise cancelling capabilities, a customisable fit, Siri personal assistant and a water-resistant design, so you’ll definitely be a favourite with this gift. Perfect for anyone with an iPhone, buy online and take advantage of the free engraving service that allows you to inscribe a message directly onto the buds.
Dhs999. apple.com
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Charging Pad
What fierce female isn’t looking to kit her home office out with some seriously chic technology? Both stylish and functional, B&O’s extravagant wireless charger will not only save on both the time and fuss of finding a cable, it can also be slipped seamlessly beside a coffee coaster or into an overnight bag for women on-the-go. Compatible with all Qi-enabled devices including phones, smartwatches and headphones, it keeps gadgets topped up with minimum effort. Also handy for ladies’ nights and catch-ups when your phone is on empty but you need an Uber.
Dhs630. Available at Bang & Olufsen, The Dubai Mall, www.bang-olufsen.com, www.thedubaimall.com.
Bose Frames
Sunnies with a soundtrack? These fashion-forward shades (we’re all for the cat eye Sopranos) won’t just have you looking like the boss you are – they also function like headphones. Functionally meets fashion? Sounds like the future to us. If only your colleagues knew you were secretly listening to your favourite podcast…
Dhs1,049, www.bose.ae.
Ember Mug²
Some like it hot, some like it cold but with Ember’s temperature-controlled mug, you can have it just the way you like it. The high-tech smart mug allows you to set an exact drinking temperature for up to 1.5 hours with the 10 oz mug and up to 80 minutes with the 14 oz. A perfect cuppa awaits.
Prices vary. Available via amazon.ae.
Google Home
Looking for a state-of-the-art gift for the technophile in your life that not only comes in handy for virtual pub quizzes but looks super slick on the kitchen table too? Designed to compete with the Amazon Echo – which is an almost equally as good gift, FYI – Google Home is one of the best-looking hubs on the market, and arguably the strongest when it comes to general queries, questions and trivia. Sold.
Dhs235. Available at Sharaf DG, www.uaesharafdg.com.
Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless noise cancelling headphones
Be it drowning out noisy kids while WFH or getting some peace on a long flight (post-Covid, of course), noise cancelling headphones always come in handy. Sony’s latest model is its most high-tech yet, with incredible voice-calling abilities plus a multi-point Bluetooth pairing that allows two devices to be connected at once. Call comes in when she’s using the headphones on the computer? No problem – the audio will automatically switch to the phone. Genius.
From Dhs1,149. Available at amazon.ae
Work gear
CGD’s ‘Getting Things Done’ Planner
What do you get the womanwho has everything? A brand-spanking new daily planner, that’s what. CGD’s best-selling planner will help powerful women keep on top of schedules, logging everything from meal plans, shopping lists, daily tasks, expenses, daily exercise and self-care tips. And if that doesn’t work, the inspirational slogan should do it.
Dhs189. www.desertcart.ae
Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe Black and Aeroccino
The ultimate gift for java connoisseurs with refined tastes, the Nespresso Verto makes coffee shop-perfect lattes in an instant. Its fanciest model comes complete with an Aeroccino milk frother that prepares divine light and creamy hot or cold milk froth to add to your brew, while also heating the milk for a Caffè Latte. That shows a whole latte love (sorry).
INFO: Dhs1,749. Available at nespresso.ae
The Attic Rattan Table Lamp
Bohemian furniture is where it’s at right now, and this rattan table lamp is so striking it will make a statement in any at home office. Handmade from all-natural materials (making it eco-friendly too), each lamp is unique and no two pieces are the same. Practical and pretty, what a pairing.
Dhs435. www.the-atticdubai.com
Tory Burch Perry Triple-Compartment Tote
Finding a bag that’s both chic and laptop friendly can be quite the task, but luckily we’re here to help. Without being too bulky or oversized, this office- and home-office friendly tote bag has three handy compartments designed to fit a laptop alongside the rest of your life, making for a polished look on-the-go. Get it in red to add a pop of colour to any ensemble.
Dhs1,850. Available at Tory Burch stores including The Dubai Mall, www.thedubaimall.com.
Unwind
Aspinal of London Travel Wallet
Does that someone special to you spend all their time Googling their next holiday for when Covid is over? Then opt for this chic leather travel wallet. Organisation is the key to a relaxing journey after all, and this beauty is hand-crafted from Italian full-grain leather and comes complete with dedicated sections for tickets, documents, passport, currency and a boarding pass. Play your cards right and she might even get you a ticket too.
Dhs730. Available at Aspinal of London stores
Calm app subscription
It’s never wise to tell someone to calm down. Instead, why not spread the joy of relaxation with a subscription to the Calm app? With over 100 guided meditations to help manage anxiety, focus, stress and sleep, the app’s mood check-in feature also allows users to track how they are feeling each day. If that doesn’t convince you, the app even allows you to fall asleep to the sound of Matthew McConaughey’s soothing Southern drawl. Dreamy or what?
From Dhs260 for a year’s subscription; calm.com/gift
Iris & May flower subscriptions
Studies show that flowers can lower your heart rate, boost productivity and creativity, and help you feel calmer, so imagine what a weekly subscription could do. Iris and May is an online flower studio offering everything from hydrangeas and lilies to traditional red roses in small, medium and large bouquets, delivered direct to your door. Who wouldn’t appreciate a bunch of flowers to add some colour to their work-from-home desk? Exactly.
From Dhs170 per month. Available at irisandmay.com
Privilee membership
For those who live by the mantra work hard, chill hard, Privilee is a must. Members can enjoy unlimited access to more than 60 UAE pools and beach clubs, as well as discounts in hundreds of bars and restaurants. More than 70 gyms can also be visited free of charge, as well spa discounts and more.
From Dhs529 per month. Available at privilee.ae
Umbra Bathtub Caddy
There’s no better way to unwind after a hard day than with a cosy bubble bath, and all it takes is a caddy to complete the experience. Simply a fancy word for tray, Umbra’s offering is crafted from bamboo, and comes complete with expandable soap dish, grape glass holder and adjustable grooves to fit a book or iPad, so you can even binge watch Netflix while soaking in the tub.
Dhs209. www.namshi.com
Staycation at Park Hyatt Dubai
The long-standing Park Hyatt down at the Creek has just released a brand-new staycation deal that not only offers up to 20 percent discount on room rates, but free breakfast, access to Lagoon Beach, 20 percent off spa treatments, 20 percent off F&B and so much more. Dubbed Staycation at the Park, this is the perfect excuse to soak up the sun and indulge in delicious food, all in one of the most serene environments in the city.
Prices vary. Until May 31. Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira, www.hyatt.com.
Health
Hello Chef subscription
With lockdown seemingly turning us all into Nigella Lawson (in our heads, at least), food subscription services are all the rage. Our pick of the bunch, Hello Chef is super easy to order, and you get up to four recipes for two or four people delivered a week, all complete with recipe cards to follow. Quick, simple and super-tasty. Delegate the washing up.
From Dhs347.55 per week. www.hellochef.me.
Peloton bike
The number one gift for home workout enthusiasts, you can thank the pandemic for the spike in the popularity of the Peloton bike. Whether it’s avoiding running outside during the humid summers, or skipping the gym altogether, the bike’s extensive library of workouts prove that an at-home exercise sesh doesn’t have to lack intensity.
Dhs13,000. Available at fitone.com
