Christmas is rolling around faster than you can file away the deadlines but you wouldn’t be alone if you haven’t yet had a chance to look at your shopping list.
And given we’re within the 12 days of Christmas, online shopping’s moved into risky territory – it may not show up before the big day – so it looks like you may have to physically get out there amongthe masses.
This year, Women’s Agenda is helping to take the stress out of your last-minute Christmas shopping. We’ve hit the shops to find the best items in the high street stores. We’ve got gift ideas for every person on your list.
So today, instead of plowing through your emails during lunch, switch off your computer for an hour, practise a few yoga moves and hit the streets with our handy guide to last-minute Christmas shopping.
And check back with us tomorrow for part two of our list – just in case you don’t get it all done this afternoon.
Shop: Portmans
Gift idea: Reusable teacup with strainer
Who for? Office Kris Kringle
Why? Who doesn’t have that one co-worker hoarding all the office teacups on their desk? Give them a little hint with their own reusable mug.
Price: $12.95
Bargains available? Check out the $10+ gift tables. Plenty of ideas for Kris Kringle.
Shop: David Jones
Gift idea: Chanel Allure Homme Sport gift set
Who for? Your brother
Why? You may have teased him about his scent a few times in his adolescent years. His retaliation may have been to douse himself in cheap aftershave. Chanel Homme Sport is a much-loved fragrance and the fresh scent will make a great addition to his aftershave collection.
Price: $160
Check out the Chanel counter for other great value gift sets (all sets come with traditional Chanel gift-wrapping.)
Shop: Myer
Gift idea: Clarins face & body essential gift set
Who for? Your mum
Why? Clarins is eponymous with classic beauty products and top-of-the-line anti-ageing skincare. This gift set comes with cult moisturiser Beauty Flash Balm.
Price: $85
Bargains available? Spend $125 at Clarins to receive a pack of six bon-bons containing miniature Clarins samples (available at David Jones only.)
Shop: Nespresso/ David Jones
Nespresso U
Who for? Your partner
Why? Because it’s stylish, effortless and quick to use. There’s a reason there’s a line inside every Nespresso store.
Price: $299
Bargains available? Free sample of Nespresso coffee at any store (Free refuel for the rest of the afternoon in the office.)
Shop: David Jones
Gift idea: Wombat Stew special edition
Who for? Your nephew
First published in 1984, this classic Australian picture book has helped teach thousands of youngsters to read. DJs’ box set contains the classic book and a cuddly plush wombat toy.
Price: $19.99
Shop: Kikki K
Gift idea: 2013 weekly leather diary
Who for? Your best friend
Why? There are still some people out there who refuse to synch their life onto their iPhone. Kikki K has the perfectly packaged answer to help keep them organised.
Price: $39.95
Shop: Peter Alexander
Gift idea: Ladies Christmas cracker-packaged mini shorts
Price: $39.95
Who for? Your sister
Why? Peter Alexander’s cute and quirky pyjamas have long been staple gift options. Pick up a packaged set– from ice-cream cone boxes to convertible cars – that’s one less gift to wrap.
Shop: Jurlique
Gift idea: A range of all-inclusive skin and body sets
Who for? Your aunt
Why? Jurlique has set the pace for affordable and natural beauty products. Each set can be tailored to a specific skin type.
Price: Sets range from $60-$500
Bargains available? The sets offer savings on buying the products individually.
Shop: David Jones
Gift idea: Heston Blumenthal at home recipe book
Who for? Your best friend
Why? Heston Blumenthal is exalted for his wildly creative concoctions. His at home recipe book takes the science out of his recipes and makes them accessible to anyone who loves to cook.
Price: $65
Shop: Myer
Gift idea: iPad 2
Who for? Your children
Why? You’d be hard pressed to find someone who hasn’t got an Apple product on their wish list.
Price: $429
Shop: David Jones
Gift idea: Sony PRS650 eReader
Who for? Your partner
Why? Want a portable e-reader but not so keen to make a dent with the iPad? The Sony e-reader can to store up to 1,200 books, and has a glare-free touch screen and wifi.
Price: $179