Australia’s teen queen Nikki Webster is a young woman on the move yet still finds time to make Christmas special, Danielle Teutsch reports.
NIKKI Webster is one of the few people who could be forgiven for doing their Christmas shopping at the last minute.
The young star of last year’s Olympic Opening Ceremony has released a top-selling album, toured shopping centres, won awards and become the face of a cosmetics range.
She is also filming a movie, Vanilla Gorilla, and starring in The Wizard Of Oz at the Lyric Theatre. Somewhere in this highly packed schedule, the 14-year-old has to squeeze in some school work.
But Nikki makes sure she can find the time to choose gifts for family and friends carefully – even if she does blow the budget occasionally.
“I always try to find some time to do it every year,” she said. “I choose with my heart. I like catching up with people at Christmas and giving presents to them.”
For Nikki, Christmas is a time to “get together with family and friends and have a big feast”. She is looking forward to seeing her grandparents, who fly out from London every year.
Nikki is also excited by the prospect of spending her school holidays performing in The Wizard Of Oz, a $6 million production.
In a change from singing her danceable pop singles such as Strawberry Kisses, she will perform classic songs such as Over The Rainbow, made famous by Judy Garland in the 1939 MGM movie. A whole new generation is set to discover Dorothy, Toto and the Wicked Witch of the West.
But does Nikki have a Christmas wish for herself? Not really, but she thought the Anya Hindmarch pink bag with doggie motif was really cute – until she saw the price.
Nikki’s top 10 Christmas gifts for teens
1 Mauve rhinestone rings from Grace Bros Miss Shop ($7.95 to $9.95). “Rings are always good. They are fun and the colours are bright. I’d get these for friends, because they are funky and different.”
2 Blue Timberland bag from David Jones ($59.95). “This is a nice bag for guys or girls, to put dancing shoes or school books in. It’s casual but classy.”
3 Red belt from David Jones ($34.95). “It’s bright, and it’s what’s in today. I would probably give it to one of my older friends, about 16 or 17 years old. It’s fun and funky.”
4 Looking For Alibrandi by Melinda Marchetta, from Dymocks Booksellers ($19.95). “I read it and really enjoyed it and I saw the movie, so I think it would be a good choice. I would probably get it for one of my school friends because they are good readers.”
5 Flight Of the Old Dog by Dale Brown, from Dymocks Booksellers ($17.55). “He is a cool author for boys. Anything by Dale Brown would be an excellent gift.”
6 Orange sun-glasses by iD, from Grace Bros ($49). “It’s a girlie present. You can wear them to the beach. They are nice and bright and orange is in this year, so it’s good. I’d get these for one of my really close friends.”
7 Yellow Casio illuminator watch from Grace Bros ($79.95). “It’s a bit expensive as a gift but I’d get it for a close family friend. It lights up, and it’s bright. It’s a sports watch so it’s good for a guy.”
8 Photo album “She’s Charmed and Dangerous” from David Jones ($19.95), not pictured. “I like putting pictures together to make a story, when I have lots of film. When I travel I take pictures of the dancers.”
9 Polaroid i-Zone instant pocket camera from Grace Bros ($39.95). “Cameras are good to catch moments. It’s great when you’re with a group of friends and you have a Polaroid camera because you can get it straight away. I’ve got lots of Polaroid photos in my wallet.”
10 And the pink bag with a dog motif that particularly caught Nikki’s eye is by Anya Hindmarch from David Jones ($450). “That would have to be for a very, very, special friend . . .”
Source: The Sun-Herald