Darting in and out of shops in the weeks leading up to Christmas has never been fun. Attempting to find Aunty Pauline’s face cream as well as something for that strange cousin can lead to CSF (Christmas shopping fatigue), not a trivial condition. Luckily we are well into the age of online shopping and CSF can be avoided. However, not all shopping websites are created equal so here’s some of the best places to get gifts online. Now you’ve got all the time in the world . . . less three-five working days for delivery.
Jewellery fan
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This Irish jewellery designer has gone from strength to strength in the last few years. Her delicate and thoughtful jewellery, at reasonable prices. With pieces like the “The Sweetest Thing” raspberry necklace (€139, left) and “Beauty in the Wild” amethyst and gold plated over sterling ring (€149) , your gift will not only be beautiful but will mean something for you and the recipient.
Fashionista
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Do you have that special person in your life who is too cool for you to have any notion of what to buy them? Worry no more. Rokit is the hottest spot for vintage shopping online including the vintage escada 1980s jumper pictured (£84 including delivery). You can shop by price range, item, designer (Celine), decade (80s) or even trend (90s grunge girl).
Health nut
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From green tea and chia seeds to rosehip antioxidant face oil (€32.95), Nourish has everything a health lover could want. Look after your friends insides and outsides with a gift from this site. I would recommend a selection of the bestselling items to more than please any health buff on Christmas day. Pass the tofu selection box.
Art lover
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If you are buying for one of those types, who appreciate art ugallery is a great place to get them a gift such as this limited edition print by Mario Sughi (€140). With the artworks cleverly broken down by price range and personality type (the newbie, the European, the urbanite), they make the, sometimes confusing, world of art become crystal clear.
Cool kid
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This independent art and design shop has a selection of photography, design, jewellery, ceramics and art from Irish artists. However, it’s their collection of illustrations that really stand out such as the one pictured, “One too many balloons” print by Jacob Stack (€25).
Male groomer
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Have a man in your life who spends more time in the mirror than you? Or maybe a man who should get in front of a mirror a little more? We all know facial hair is a la mode, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be looked after. You’ll find a huge range of grooming products at 4men.ie, from beard oils, to cleansers and trimming kits such as the Osma boxed shaving kit (€49.95). Everything is packaged beautifully and masculinely enough not to put him off. Thank me later.
Energetic teenager
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Teenagers can be among the hardest to buy for, so instead of buying them an specific item why not buy them an experience? Allgifts.ie sell adventure days, paintball sessions, go-kart sessions, bungee jumps and even flying lessons. These presents of course would suit teenagers from 13 to 93; much better than a singing Christmas jumper. Prices start at €22.
Enthusiastic reader
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Remember hiding under your duvet with a torch reading your favourite book as a kid? Well give another child that gift by picking a book from lovekidsbooks.com. From Ladybird picture books to young adult fiction, every age group is covered and they also sell great Irish authors like Joe O'Brien and Judi Curtin. Best picks include The Gruffalo for younger kids (€7.61) and Divergent (€8.71) for young adults.
Wine lover
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Know anyone who would like to own their own vineyard? Well if you can’t quite manage that as a gift, why not rent them a vine for around £160? Vintagewinegifts.co.uk rents rows of Chateau de la Cour St Emilion Grand Cru vines (quite a good grape I’m told). The gift includes a 2008, 2009 and 2010 vintage bottle as well as some nice wine-accessories. If that doesn’t float your boat, they also sell a wide selection of vintage wine by the bottle.
Best all rounder
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If all else fails, notonthehighstreet will be your saviour. With gifts for foodies, travel enthusiasts, grandads, pet lovers, music fans, babies, house decorators, and any other category you can think of and prices start at €6. This site is particularly great at personalisation, which can turn any good present, into a great one.
