Brussels gifts for Christmas...

To help him out, BrusselsLife.be selected a few gifts closely tied to Brussels. So if you want to play Santa this year, here are a few tips we can give you...

Under 25 Euros

After the firemen, it's up to the police officers of the Midi zone to undress for the good cause. Their sexy calendar is sold for 10€ and all profits will go to a charity organisation for parents of victims of road accidents (ASBL Parents d’Enfants victimes de la route). So the gift is two-fold.

Both a museum and a theatre, the Toone and its puppets are basically a staple of Brussels culture. In January, Nicolas Géal will act in plays of the Nativity and the Massacre of the Innocents. Tickets are 12€, and if you plan for a bit more, you can even go have a drink after the show in the typical Brussels bar right next door.

Permafungi grows mushrooms in the basement of Tour & Taxis and offers you the possibility to do the same at home with their special kits. With these, you can grow your own mushrooms after only a few days wait and some watering. Price: 14.95€

In the aisles of Belgikie you can find the creations of the Vrak collective. Our favourite goes to the wallet made out of maps of Brussels. The price is 15€.

The Cinematek compiled over three hours of film dedicated to Brussels: Bruxelles, ville en images (in French). From the first images by the Lumière brothers to recent documentaries, the DVD comes with a 100-page booklet that puts all the images in context. Price is 19€.

Between 25 and 60 Euros

Remember Sylvain Margaine, that urban explorer that brought our attention to the anti-aircraft shelter found under Place du Jeu de Balle? Well he's sharing his unusual adventures of a forgotten heritage in a book with great illustrations. The second volume, available in Belgium for 39€, takes you mainly to the south of Europe with a few exceptions in France, Belgium, and even the USA!

The end of the year often goes in hand with taking on good resolutions. Help your sports friends keep their goals by offering them, for example, a numbered bib for the Brussels Marathon. They will have 9 months to train. And if you don't want to force them to run 42 km, have a look at sightjogging: a short 8-kilometer jog with a guide who will explain the history of Brussels. Three tours are possible: Old Brussels, Europe, and Atomium. They begin at 39€ per person.

Born in Brussels, Art Nouveau finds itself nowadays in a strategic boardgame. You guessed it, it's mainly about architecture, Victor Horta, and Brussels. Bruxelles 1893 can be found in several specialty shops, but also at the Fnac and Filigranes for 45€.

You can also offer a piece of Brussels football history with a jacket from the Union Saint-Gilloise. The yellow and blue jersey of the players of the Joseph Marien stadium is sold for 45€. And if you have a bit of money left, why not also give a ticket to go see them play...

The Tampographe Sardon trusted Xavier Löwenthal to select 24 typically Brussels insults. All these stamps will, once they are inked, make a lot of people laugh. The whole box costs 60€, but don't forget the ink.

With the BOZAR vouchers, you can be sure to please pretty much anyone. Thanks to these vouchers, people can choose whatever event they would like to attend: concerts, exhibitions, book readings, theater, family activities, etc. There is something for everyone. And even if you decide to be generous, buy several small vouchers rather than one big one: BOZAR doesn't give change back.

Over 100 €

Lionel Rigolet, the chef of the famous restaurant Comme chez Soi, will be cooking a few nights at the Châtelain Boutique Hôtel. And during thoses evenings, he will share his passion and know-how with you (in French). After his lesson, you will eat a three-course meal signed by the two-starred chef. Price: 200€.

You want to skip the lesson and have a dinner sky high? Then add another 50€ and make a reservation for the flying table of Dinner in the Sky, which will welcome 28 starred chefs next June at the Cinquantenaire. Price: 250€ per person.

Last, but not least: if you just won the lottery or blackjack at the casino, you can also purchase a bronze Manneken Pis for just 3,800 €.