It's less than ten days til Christmas and we're sure many of you still have gaps on your present list, just like we do. All of these products are available in Dublin stores, and should float the boat of the women in your life. Although there are a few his n' hers ideas too. If you're dropping hints yourself, maybe leave this page open on your loved one's computer. Perhaps with a Post-it that reads "Just sayin'!"
Charlotte Tilbury's Nocturnal Cat Eyes to Hypnotise €35 at Brown Thomas and BT2 in Dundrum Town Centre
Make up artists say the 'smokey eye' is one of their most requested looks, and beauty bloggers will tell you its one of their most-searched-for tutorials. Normally you need a few different shadows and some nifty handiwork to create the effect. But this kit of just one eye shadow and one eyeliner is all you need. It's absolutely brilliant, and if your mum, partner or friend is into makeup, this will go down a storm.
Aeropress €33 - 35 in good Dublin coffee shops (or online but you might be cutting it a bit fine for delivery!) Grinder not included.
Call us controversial, but we prefer this to the Nespresso. Sorry George Clooney. OK it may not be as neat looking, but don't let the accessories put you off. Coffee-lovers will be hooked on the cuppa Joe that this little beauty brews. There's no 'grit' like when you use the cafetierre, and the strength stays the same whether you're taking the first sip or draining the last drop.
Pyramid Glass Box €20 Urban Outfitters
Jewellery boxes are ten-a-penny but what's cute about this one is it's Art Deco-esque design and the fact it can sit neatly on your bedside locker. It's perfect for those one or two items you take off just before bed, like wedding rings or earrings. And of course, it doesn't have to be used for jewellery as illustrated above. Go wild, sure!
Lyra Rose Gold Studs €50 by Merle O'Grady at JewelCitizens.com
If you're buying a wee little jewellery box, you may as well get something beautiful to put in it. Of course you could just pick up something cheap and cheerful from a high street store, but why not go for something a bit special at Christmas? We love these gorgeous stud earrings by Dublin designer Merle O'Grady. They're on a secret section of the web site, so you'll need to click here to find them!
The Smartphone Projector €25 at Designist on George's Street
You can use this to play videos from your smartphone and project them onto a wall. Kinda cool if you want to create an atmosphere at a house party, but extra useful the next day when you're hungover. It's perfect for a Netflix marathon. No need to leave the bedroom, or crane your neck to look at a laptop. The effort! (BRING ME TEA!)
Sony Portable Bluetooth speaker €65 approx from all good electronics stores
The sound from this speaker is positively boombastic given it's size, which is no bigger than a tennis ball. It's wireless so you can bring it everywhere and play music through your phone using bluetooth. If you really want to please your music-lovin' partner / relative / buddy - throw in a year's subscription to Spotify.
Sonic Brush €29.99 in Lidl from Thursday 17th December
For the uninitiated, this is basically a brush for giving your face a good clean. It oscillates like an electric toothbrush but the bristles are super soft. If you know someone who is into their skin care, this will get them very excited. They'll know the Clarisonic version of this brush can cost anywhere up to €250.
Jo Malone perfume €52 for 30ml in BTs or €43.30 at The Loop in Dublin Airport
It may be a little obvious, but there's no shame in giving someone perfume for Christmas. Although it does come with a health warning, because it can be tricky picking a scent for someone else. Jo Malone has a huge range, with helpful sales assistants to narrow one down. Ladies are aware how expensive this brand is, so she'll know you've made an effort. If you know someone travelling through Dublin Airport between now and Christmas, get them to pick up a bottle there, where it's a bit cheaper.
