Every Christmas, we all have the same problem, Christmas presents, what am I going to get for the most important people in my life? We went around some local shops to see what was on offer and hopefully to give you some ideas and inspiration.
Shelbourne Pharmacy on Irishtown Road caught our eye with its beautifully-decorated window display. We went inside and found that it was packed with great gift ideas. Perfumes, aftershave, his and hers jewellery, vanity cases which are very handy if you are staying with friends, amazing scented candles as well as table decorations were all great value.
There is also great value to be had in their new range of colourful Venice jewellery. We all like to get into a nice, warm bed. So, why not buy a snug-as-a-bug hot water bottle priced at €10.99. Sometimes the old ways are the best!
We then went across the road to Physio Needs (left) on Bath street. Well, if its relaxation you want go no further. They have a huge range of yoga and pilates equipment such as mats, balls, rollers, special pilates socks and a great DVD to help you with your workout.
Also, check out the electric massagers to ease away some of that Christmas stress. It is worth looking at their catalogue or going to www.physioneeds.ie to see the vast selection.
We have all received presents that we either have no use for or that we just don’t want. That’s where Mrs. Quins charity shop on Bridge Street, Ringsend, comes in very handy.
You will have a good feeling knowing you are helping someone and while you are there have a look around, as they have some great bargains in new gift sets, jewellery, decorations, toys, CDs, DVDs, videos, books, men’s and women’s clothes, shoes and bags.
They also have Christmas cards and tickets are on sale for £3 for one strip for their raffle that will take place on 19th December, with all proceeds going to the National Council for the Blind.
Around the corner in Bradley’s Pharmacy they have a great range of gift sets, well known perfumes and aftershaves, cameras, jewellery, gadgets and not forgetting the kids, they have a range of puzzles and games, Hannah Montana and High School Musical colouring books as well as toy cars and trucks. To get rid of those Christmas pounds, Slendertone is down from €170 to €130.
Nearby, there are great gifts to be found in the Wine Boutique. Luxury hampers are a great idea for a family present and prices range from €45 to €210.00. The box of Graham’s Ports in a tasting pack of five bottles was very appealing at €50. They also stock cheese, coffee and chocolates.
After all the shopping you need to get ready for those festive nights out by having wonderful treatments in Images and Salon 4. From head to toe, you will look and feel great.
Happy shopping.
Sandymount Pharmacy on the corner at Sandymount Green
The pharmacy has a range of perfume gift sets: Calvin Klein; Chanel; Burberry and Elizabeth Arden, and Bourgois Paris cosmetics for your last-minute needs.
Broadway Nails will give glamour to any big night out and are really easy to apply. La Roche-Posay, skincare range preferred by dermatologists for use on sensitive skins are available.
The very helpful staff will help you make up gift boxes from the full range of L’Occitane en Provence. A gift box can also be made up of Dr. Hauschka certified organic skincare and make-up products, which would be much appreciated by any woman as a present.
McAuliffe’s Pharmacy, opposite Tesco
This pharmacy has Clarins, and also No.7 and Rimmel make-ups. Bahoma of London, candles and room fragrances are here. Dove Hampers and sets of Simple are for sale.
Gift boxes are from Crabtreee and Evelyn. There is a large stand of grooming accessories. They even have two Image Boxes for instant digital photos, and picture frames, also here, make an ideal gift.
Books On The Green
There is a distinctly Irish selection of books in the window of Books on the Green: Seamus Heaney’s autobiography ‘Stepping Stones’; ‘Wild Dublin’, Eanna Ni Lamhna’s exploration of wildlife in the city; Sebastian Barry’s ‘The Secret Scripture’; Benjamin Black’s ‘Christine Falls, and ‘Dublin 4’, an illustrated book on Sandymount, Ringsend, Donnybrook and Ballsbridge.
There are all sorts of history books of local interest inside. There is a crime section, 2009 diaries, and the full catalogue of recent publications are for sale, saving you a trip to the major book stores.
For parents, there are guides on raising their kids. And for children, there is an Aladdin’s Cave in the room at the back, full of toys and beautiful illustrated books.
Pink Armoire
Pink Armoire at 4 Seafort Avenue (01 667 4520) looks so inviting with its window display of exclusive items and baby pink exterior. After venturing in, we were not disappointed. The quality and variety is second to none.
The jewellery is beautiful, very dressy and suitable for those special occasions. Satin clutch bags are a speciality. The Matchbox cars are also for the real vintage fans.
They also have a range of diaries for the New Year, and decorative wreaths to hang on the door for Christmas.
The main thing that Pink Armoire offers is a very intimate interior design service. Sharon Creagh who lives in Sandymount will personally visit your home to give advice and great ideas for making your home an amazing showpiece and sanctuary.
Pink Armoire is an outlet for everything needed for interior design from paint and wallpapers to carpets and lighting.
Mira Mira Sandymount Green
I had never visited this shop before and was amazed by the variety of the stock, which was out of this world. Everything was so quirky and unusual. I wanted to just buy everything in sight. Of course for Christmas, there is a range of hand-painted, crafted Christmas decorations, along with accessories. The wax scented candles are a treat. Cinnamon and fig will be a popular favourite for Christmas.
There are porcelain figures, including large pigs, in which to save your pennies as well as cuddly toys in all shapes and sizes, also baby clothes, herbal teas, organic roast coffees, Green & Black organic chocolate and lots more.
The range of cards for all occasions is just mind blowing. No big verses, just beautiful pictures that you would love to frame, never mind stick in an envelope.
For those of us who need to de-stress, there is a lovely wide range of aromatherapy oils and for the ladies, solid jars of perfume which will really linger. On the cosmetic side, they stock Burt’s Bee Wax Products which are totally natural.
On display are lampshades of every size, quality and variety and most unusual hand-made woven mats from South America. The hand-made ethnic jewellery from Brazil is striking.
Mira Mira is a shop out on its own. To visit is a treat in itself.