Every year, once Halloween is over, the rush for Christmas begins. We used to start preparing for Christmas in December, no wonder it seems to be coming round quicker each year.

Is Christmas rushing towards you and you still have not tackled the job of purchasing all those gifts for your friends and family? If you feel you don’t know where to start, well for those lucky ones living in Dublin 4, relax.

You don’t need to go any further than Sandymount and Ringsend villages to stock up on all your needs. Take some of the hassle out of Christmas shopping by taking a leisurely stroll to the local shops, avoiding crowds and parking problems.

Mira Mira on the Green offers a magical selection of toys, papier maché lamps, sun catchers, windchimes, handbags, stationery, and objet d’art, mostly handmade from recycled materials and coming from third world community-run projects.

Beautiful handmade silver jewellery is available for the more subtle look, whilst the costume jewellery is marvellously eye-catching and colourful. The organic soaps and Connemara seaweed products are sure to soften the skin and hearts of all your loved ones. The miniature furniture for children is sure to be a winner with the youngsters.

Sandymount Pharmacy has candles and ceramics as well as gift sets for all the family. The full Christmas range of Burberry sets including the new Burberry Brit perfume are on display.
Some of the Burberry items include a free gift. There is a very wide range of gifts for children associated with their favourite characters such as Winnie-the-Pooh, Barbie, Harry Potter and lots more.

The gifts in Sandymount Pharmacy start at €2 so whatever your budget you would do well to have a look at their Christmas collection.

If you are feeling like a makeover, Serena’s will help you choose a sensational outfit from their boutique lines and you can complete the look with stunning shoes and accessories from Serena Shoe Boutique.

Across the road the Aura boutique is packed with young, fresh, original styles. There is a very good selection of handbags and accessories to finish off that perfect Christmas outfit.

ExtraVision in Sandymount not only has the latest DVDs and videos, playstation games, DVD players and home cinema systems, they also have great mobile phone offers. Fans of the comedy series Fawlty Towers will love the collectors’ edition complete series on DVD for €45, or buy any movie from the James Bond collection on DVD for €25 and get another absolutely free.

There are four Playstation 2 bundle offers from €225-€239 plus €50 worth of rental vouchers free. Great mobile phone offers too, buy 02 x-1 for €199 with up to €70 credit and get a free CD player worth €39.99, or Nokia 3510 reduced to €99. Lots of other free gifts in store while stocks last.
It’s Books on the Green for the avid readers in the family. There are a great variety of books to choose from and many bargain offers. The old reliable book token is always an option.

Nothing says Christmas like a pot of poinsettia so call into Scarecrow for all your floral needs and give that special touch to your Christmas decorations.

Sandymount Hardware has a beautiful festive window display, with lots of Christmas decorations, Santas and snowmen. Inside, you will find a whole lot more, including candles in shades of red, silver and gold, centerpieces to make any table shine, they also have indoor lights, outdoor lanterns, artificial trees, fibre optic trees and of course a big selection of real Christmas trees.

For the wine connoisseur a trip to O’Brien’s is the answer, they have gift packs containing red and white Australian Bethany or South African Hoopenburg and many more. The luxury hampers ranging from €78 to €163 would make a very special gift. Don’t forget Tesco’s across the road for your Christmas cakes, puddings, sweets and biscuits, there’s also the off license for all your wines and spirits. If you really feel like taking it easy, why not shop from home at www.tesco.ie and have your shopping delivered right to your door!

McAuliffe’s hold that special something for the man in your life with the new Clarins gift sets for men. McAuliffe’s also stock Vichy, Burberry, Chanel and many other designer ranges. They have toiletry sets for under €10 for stocking fillers. Also in stock are cameras, hairdryers, hair straighteners and much more

After all this don’t forget to relax into the Central Hair Studio where Helen and her staff will lift your spirits with a stunning hairdo.

On your way home, grab yourself a favourite video in Chartbusters where the offer is one new release for €3 per night or two for 2 nights at €6.

The Shelbourne Pharmacy in Irishtown is bulging with festive gifts. There are Adidas gift sets for men and women, Vichy boxed sets Christmas offer price €39.99. Gillette sets from €8.49, vanity cases, make-up sets, and Lynx shower set with shower gel, deodorant and radio only €11.99. Disposable cameras two for €12.99 to snap those special moments, and men’s novelty musical ties at only €2.99 and lots more.

Along with hangover and indigestion remedies there are lots more you’ll need for Christmas which can be found in the Ringsend Pharmacy.

Attractive boxed candle sets, gift sets for men and women, Babedas chestnut Gift bag with bath gel, bodywash and body polisher €13.99, Dove gift set with body oil wash, Dove body silk and protective hand balm in a cream silk evening bag €15.99. Aluminum travel kit for men with razor, scissors, toothbrush and nail clipper in a handy metal container €7.99, ideal present for Dad from the kiddies.

They also have Remington razors, hair tongs, flexibrush stylers and, for someone very special a beauty gift pack containing body massager, facial sauna, foot spa and free CD all for €80. Also, their very prompt photo developing service will be very useful for all the Christmas photographs.
Happy shopping!

Above: An Alladin’s cave at Shelbourne Pharmacy, Irishtown