Reader's Digest Australia Dec/Jan 2025

Day 12: A School Desk and Supplies. A dedicated learning space and the right tools can significantly enhance a child’s educational experience. This gift directly supports a child’s ability to learn and thrive in school. UNICEF Australia provides educational support to children worldwide. This Christmas, open your heart and consider the profound impact your generosity can have. These alternative gifts aren’t just presents; they’re acts of hope, kindness, and solidarity, reach- ing across borders to touch lives in meaningful ways.” Christmas is a time for giving, and while there’s nothing wrong with a shiny new gadget or a beautiful piece of jewellery, imagine giving a gift that could change a life, or even an entire community, thousands of miles away. This year, why not embrace the spirit of generosity and consider alternative Christmas pres- ents that truly make a difference?These 12 Christmas gift ideas, are inspired by the spirit of Christmas and the warmth of human kindness, that offer a unique way to spread joy far beyond your living room. I would love to hear your funny sto- ries about awkward of funny gifts you have received for your Christmas or your birthday, send it to letters@readersdigest.com.au PHOTO CREDIT: PEXELS reader ’ s digest 124   december 2025/january 2026 When Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II stepped ashore at Farm Cove, Sydney from the SS Gothic on 3rd February 1954, she became the first reigning British Sovereign to ever set foot on Australian soil. The response was passionately patriotic, with an estimated one million people from Sydney alone (at the time a population of just over 1.8 million) lining the foreshore to catch a brief glimpse of their beloved Queen. In honour of the famous wattle yellow dress designed by Norman Hartnell and immortalised in a portrait painted by Australian artist Sir William Dargie the trip became widely known as the ‘Wattle Tour’ . In the approach to what will be the 100th anniversary of the late queen, The Bradford Mint is proud to offer all royal collectors the exclusive ‘Her Late Majesty’s First Royal Tour to Australia Commemorative’ for just $99.00 – a saving of $50.00 off the usual issue price – if purchased between now and December 31. Bearing a richly detailed profile portrait of the young Queen, surrounded by an ornate border showcasing embossed wattle, along with her Royal privy seal and the words, ‘WATTLE TOUR 1954’. The obverse features two portraits of the Queen who reigned for a history-making seven decades - one as a youthful grace at the beginning of her reign, and the other as a mature Monarch and Head of State. bradfordmint.com.au 02 9841 3324 LINES ARE OPEN 9AM – 5PM MONDAY – FRIDAY THE BRADFORD MINT THE QUEEN A MILLION AUSTRALIANS CAME TO SEE. ‘HER LATE MAJESTY’S FIRST ROYAL TOUR TO AUSTRALIA COMMEMORATIVE’ - JUST $99.00 ©2025 The Bradford Exchange Ltd. A.B.N. 13 003 159 617 603-COM79.01 Promotion code: 145056 Call our Senior Executives now on 02 9841 3324 to secure this tribute to our late Queen. SPECIFICATIONS YEAR OF ISSUE 2025 ALLOY .999 Silver DIAMETER 22mm WEIGHT 1/4oz DENOMINATION Commemorative MINTAGE LIMIT 1,926 worldwide QUALITY Proof - the highest quality possible REVERSE Portrait of the young Queen, surrounded by an ornate border showcasing embossed wattle, along with her Royal privy seal and the words, ‘WATTLE TOUR 1954’ OBVERSE Features two portraits of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II - one at the beginning of her resign, and the other in her later years.