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SCMP Reporter

ONE of the most enjoyable Christmas presents is one which is renewed regularly through the year. The pleasure of receiving a gift every week or every month from a family friend or loved one is hard to beat, particularly if the gift has been well chosen inthe first place.

  A subscription to a magazine is one of the easiest ways of meeting this aim, and it is usually not too difficult to find a periodical that meets the taste of the recipient.

  All magazines offer an annual subscription rate which offers a good saving on the normal price, but very few offer further savings through a Christmas special - even though this would be an attractive incentive at a time when people are spending money more freely.

  A spokeswoman for Readers Digest said discounted subscriptions were offered in some years, but not this year.

  A routine subscription to Readers Digest costs $285, a discount of 26 per cent.

  If the subscription is taken out as a gift at Christmas, the recipient will receive a card naming the donor.

  The recipient does not have to be an expert in a subject to enjoy reading about it.

  Non-epicureans can still enjoy Epicure , even if they never have to boil an egg or can not afford fine wines with every meal.

  The expert will enjoy the magazine equally well, because he or she may learn something new, or else be able to disagree about restaurant critiques or haute cuisine.

  Ten copies of Epicure will set you back $240, about the same as a simple lunch for two, or an average bottle of wine.

  Those immersed in world affairs may welcome a copy of Time every week. The first copy will arrive with a pocket diary as a bonus.

  An alternative would be The Economist.

  The style may not be to everyone's taste, but 51-week's worth of news and views from around the world costs $765, including a double-size Christmas issue.

  If money and business drive Hong Kong, there must be many people who would delight in regularly reading about the latest success story, collapse of competitors or financial guru.

  Asian Money , which normally costs $100 a copy, may tell you, and thousands of other readers, how to make more of the stuff.

  Asia Inc , also a business magazine, ranges over a wider range of topics. A 12-month subscription will be $325 if placed now, but rates will be increasing in January.

  Among the social magazines, the Hong Kong Tatler reminds you who is doing what, as well as covering a wide range of other up-market topics.

  Vogue does the same for the fashion world at US$50 a year and is one of a very few magazines that offer a special Christmas discount.

  Art lovers will find plenty to keep them aware of what is going on in the art world even if they can't afford to buy works of art.

  Arts of Asia concentrates on the more traditional arts - Chinese paintings, celadon and porcelain - and is produced locally.

  Asian Art News is more contemporary minded, and bi-monthly issues keep you up to date with modern art in the region.

  Pop music is covered in ample quantity, but there are few local magazines about classical music in Hong Kong and the region.

  Gramophone is a monthly magazine that lists the latest record releases with expert comment. It sells for $52.

      For scientists, the New Scientist or Scientific American will meet the bill.

    There are magazines for almost every interest, and if you hunt carefully you can not go wrong.



Make your present last for a year