Many of those who swapped presents this Christmas will, just like others earlier at Diwali and Eid, have been left feeling decidedly nonplussed by what they received. In the West, an entire industry has been created so that those who are dissatisfied with their presents can sell them and get something they actually like and want.
While this might strike some as the epitome of first-world materialism that fails to give proper credit to the hours of effort granny put into crocheting that bright-pink tea cosy, few would deny that this process of shedding the unwanted is a genuine phenomenon repeated after every gift-giving holiday.
Is there a better way? A German publisher, Bastei Lübbe, and book retailer Hugendubel think there is, so they created a vending machine where unwanted gifts can be swapped for a book by a bestselling author. The gifts are donated to charity, and everyone ends up happy – so long as granny doesn’t ask about the tea cosy.
Joker: Folie a Deux
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Brendan Gleeson
Director: Todd Phillips
Rating: 2/5
Three trading apps to try
Sharad Nair recommends three investment apps for UAE residents:
- For beginners or people who want to start investing with limited capital, Mr Nair suggests eToro. “The low fees and low minimum balance requirements make the platform more accessible,” he says. “The user interface is straightforward to understand and operate, while its social element may help ease beginners into the idea of investing money by looking to a virtual community.”
- If you’re an experienced investor, and have $10,000 or more to invest, consider Saxo Bank. “Saxo Bank offers a more comprehensive trading platform with advanced features and insight for more experienced users. It offers a more personalised approach to opening and operating an account on their platform,” he says.
- Finally, StashAway could work for those who want a hands-off approach to their investing. “It removes one of the biggest challenges for novice traders: picking the securities in their portfolio,” Mr Nair says. “A goal-based approach or view towards investing can help motivate residents who may usually shy away from investment platforms.”
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
