What Gifts and Travels Are Russians Thinking About?
In Russia, the pre-New Year rush has begun. Typically, it is in December that buyers allocate their most considerable budget for gifts to family and friends.
To protect consumers, Rospotrebnadzor has launched a hotline for choosing New Year’s gifts. Specialists from the service will assist residents of our country in selecting quality products and will handle complaints in case of counterfeit purchases. GORUS observer spoke with experts to find out how to make the right choice amid the pre-New Year abundance.
No Counterfeits or Overpayments
Traditionally, in December, Rospotrebnadzor specialists open hotlines to address issues related to the purchase of quality gifts. This year, they will answer calls from citizens until December 15. Federal service analysts will help buyers understand the quality and safety of children’s clothing, footwear, toys, New Year’s goods, and answer questions about children’s nutrition.
According to the Rospotrebnadzor press service, thematic consultations for citizens will be conducted by phone through the Unified Consultation Center and hotlines of Rospotrebnadzor departments in the subjects of the Russian Federation.
Before heading to the stores, Rospotrebnadzor experts advise compiling a list of desired items to avoid the temptation to spend more money than planned. In the case of online purchases, it is essential to check the reliability and safety of the website before entering personal information and making payments.
“Do not forget about your consumer rights. If the product is defective or does not meet the specifications, you can return or exchange it for a similar item,” notes the department’s telegram channel.
Also, Rospotrebnadzor reminds consumers that opening some products (cosmetics, disposable tableware, hygiene products, and others) may result in the loss of their appearance, which could subsequently deprive them of the right to return.
Analyzing Prices
In the pursuit of maximum revenue, sellers often resort to tricks. As a result, the cost of goods during New Year discounts and promotions turns out to be higher than usual. To avoid overpaying, experts recommend carefully analyzing prices on various online platforms.
“As someone once said among the classics, the best gift for a person is sincere attention and respect for the individual. However, material things in our world can also be quite suitable. Therefore, if you have many respected individuals around you, it’s worth thinking about your budget and saving a bit through sales on marketplaces. This way, you can buy a good gift at a favorable price,” shared Daria Tatarinova, the CEO of the fulfillment operator Team Deem, with “GoR.”
To avoid going bankrupt on gift purchases, the expert recommends actively using a price aggregator by installing it as a browser extension. It will show the actual price of the product on the market. If the price on a particular platform is below the market, it is worth buying without a doubt.
“On marketplaces, you can also use the ‘track price’ function. A tracking marker is placed on a specific product, and when the price changes, you receive a notification,” adds Tatarinova.
To avoid the risk of purchasing counterfeit goods, the expert advises studying seller profiles before making a purchase. It is better to buy products from brand representatives or directly from marketplaces. This is always a guarantee of original products.
“You also have the full right to request certificates and other documents for the product from the seller,” reminds Tatarinova.
A win-win gift for a gourmet lovers – a jar of red caviar
The Red Gold
Just ahead of the New Year, analysts from Roskachestvo have compiled their own ranking of the best gifts. According to their portal, the top gifts for homebodies include bed linens, pillows, blankets, and coffee machines. For sports enthusiasts, Roskachestvo recommends giving sportswear, sneakers, fitness watches, and energy bars. Housewives will appreciate microwaves, cast-iron frying pans with non-stick coatings, irons, and vacuum cleaners. Construction sets are a priority for children.
A foolproof gift for a gourmet would be a jar of red caviar. Experts from Rospotrebnadzor advise being very careful and attentive when choosing this product, especially in the market. The main rule to memorize by heart: never buy caviar from hands, online advertisements, or unauthorized trading places.
“Carefully read the label. It should indicate the name of the fish from which the caviar was taken, the date of manufacture, and the packing date. The marking on the tin should contain the product’s manufacturing date, the word ‘caviar,’ the manufacturer’s number, the shift number, and the ‘P’ fish industry index,” representatives of Rospotrebnadzor shared on the portal’s website.
Nadezhda Raeva, head of the food hygiene supervision department at the Rospotrebnadzor office for the Moscow region, reminds us: caviar is a perishable product. When purchasing from markets, it’s crucial to check the storage temperature of the product.
“The caviar storage temperature is always indicated on the jar. Compare it with the refrigerator thermometer where the product is stored. If the values differ, it’s not advisable to buy such caviar,” Raeva told “GoR.”
Before purchasing, the expert also suggests lightly shaking the jar – this can help detect any excess liquid by sound. When buying caviar in bulk, the expert recommends not hesitating to ask to taste the product.
Dry and oversalted caviar is a sign that you’re being sold last year’s thawed caviar under the guise of fresh. On the other hand, if you come across excessively firm roe that doesn’t pop in your mouth, it means there’s excessive protein in natural caviar. Such a product is also not worth buying.
Tula, Egypt, and the Arctic Circle
Many prefer to give experiences for New Year’s. As shared by Anex Tour’s press service with “GoR,” New Year holidays are among the most popular in terms of travel sales.
“Today, the top countries include Thailand, the UAE, Sri Lanka, and Egypt,” the press service shared.
The cost of a New Year’s vacation in Thailand starts from 281,000 rubles for two people with breakfast in a three-star hotel for 11 days. A vacation in the UAE will be cheaper: starting from 128,000 rubles for a week with breakfast in a four-star hotel. Sri Lanka for a couple starts from 253,000 rubles with breakfast in a three-star hotel for a week. A week for two in Egypt will cost 148,000 rubles in a five-star hotel on an all-inclusive basis.
“The cost is indicated for a direct flight from Moscow for two adults. It’s worth noting that at this moment, places in many hotels are running out, and the cost starting ‘from’ is increasing due to this. However, there’s still a chance to get to popular resorts,” added the tour operator’s press service.
Meanwhile, in the hotel reservation service “Bronevik,” they note that for New Year’s, it’s not necessary to travel far. One of the most popular destinations this season is Tula. A night for two in an “economy” room will cost around 2,500 rubles.
New Year’s Tula
Photo: 1tulatv.ru
Tula is famous not only for its weapon-making traditions, gingerbread, and samovars but also for its captivating winter landscapes. During winter in the city, you can stroll along cozy streets, admire historic buildings and the Kremlin. Winter festivals, fairs, and concerts are popular here, offering a festive atmosphere. And let’s not forget about the museums in Tula. Winter hosts various exhibitions and displays dedicated to New Year’s and Christmas traditions, as noted by the company’s press service.
For thrill-seekers, “Bronevik” offers the chance to stay on the edge of the earth, beyond the Arctic Circle. Guests have access to guest houses and a mini-hotel designed in a barnhouse style. From the room windows, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Teriberka River valley, hills, the Barents Sea, the Arctic Ocean, and the mysterious northern lights. Prices range from 4,000 to 15,000 rubles per night.
Overall, there are plenty of ready-made New Year’s options available. So, while there’s still time, you can explore everything and choose. You might even have time to come up with your own original holiday – your very own New Year’s miracle.
Ksenia Stetsenko