It’s almost Christmas already and the city centre is mobbed with busy shoppers and parking spaces are hard to find. However you don’t have to go that far as there is a wide selection of gifts in Sandymount village and Ringsend.

At Tesco you will find the top 60 chart DVDs and compilation charts CDs from €19.95, top 60 chart CDs at €14.95, a selection of children’s annuals and a range of books from €8.95 up.

For your Christmas dinner you will be able to get free-range and organic turkeys, all manner of game, smoked hams and fish in Michael Byrne’s butcher, but don’t forget to place your order early. Organic and free-range turkeys are also available at Clyne’s butchers in Ringsend as well as pale and dry cured hams.

There are previously-viewed DVDs and VHS in Xtravision’s special offer section in addition to their selection of the most recent DVDs. Chartbusters in The Village News also sell special offer pre-viewed movies. If you feel like spending more, perhaps as a family gift, then you could contemplate buying from their electronics section.

If you are buying your Christmas outfit then between Serena’s, Aura and Second Chance you should be set for all those Christmas parties. Serena’s Boutique is divided into two locations, one with shoes and accessories and the other with clothes. You will find some lovely accessories suitable for gifts. Second Chance has many outfits from different designers and at a cut-down price because they are second hand but in mint condition. Having bought your own shoes, it may be time to find a new pair for the little one from Little Feet’s huge range of Start Rite, Ricosta, Timberland, Oilily and others. They also stock Shoe Shoes which are soft machine washable fully leather first shoes for 0-6, 6-12, 12-18 and 18-24 months which might make a nice present.

You could consider buying a gift voucher from Yvonne Collins Beauty Salon down the lane between Cafe Java and O’Briens. Some of the Christmas specials include Rejuvenation Day Package for €160 incorporating a full Swedish body massage, an aromatic facial, a manicure and pedicure. There are also less expensive options such as gift boxes filled as desired and there are men’s gift packs too. In the new hairdressing salon Glo in Bridge Street, Ringsend you can purchase gift vouchers for hair and nails.

If you are looking for Christmas decorations, indoor or outdoor lights, Christmas trees, gold, silver and snow spray cans, wrapping paper, candles and gifts then drop into Sandymount Hardware. You can also purchase some spring flower bulbs here or pop in next door to Scarecrow Interflora where they also have hyacinth flower barrels. Scarecrow has Christmas door swags for €65 or €85 and Christmas wreaths for €75 or you could send someone a bouquet of flowers to anywhere in the country. Whilst we are on the theme of flowers, you should keep in mind the Enable Garden Centre in Sandymount Avenue for the end of your shopping spree.

Pharmacies aren’t just for medication for your winter flu, they also stock many a potential gift. Many of the pharmacies have ideal children’s gifts such as Shrek, Spiderman, Barbie and My Little Pony bath and shower gels and wash mitts, cuddly hot water bottles. McAuliffe’s in Sandymount also has a range of Oilily products for children. McCauliffe’s stock hand-made silver jewellery by local artist Kurt Kutlman.

Sandymount Pharmacy is on the Green and has very nice musical jewellery boxes. The Shelbourne Pharmacy on Irishtown Road has decorative gifts, jewellery, perfumes, Christmas novelties, aromatherapy sets, candles, hair dryers and shaving sets. Bradley’s Pharmacy in Thorncastle Street stocks leather pen and pencil sets, a selection of bubble baths for children, sponge and loofah sets and a hamper with a selection of cosmetics and beauty products. They also stock designs from Newbridge Jewellery.

O’Briens, Sandymount offer the personal touch when selecting wines. Helena advised me about some reasonably-priced champagnes such as Bouchet for €20 and Beaumont des Croyeres which is a vintage in the same taste league as other more well known brands such as Moet and Chandon but priced at €29.95. There are also many prepared Christmas gift sets ranging from €13 to €75 for one and two bottles of select wines.

Matisse and The Butler’s Pantry offer a wide range of gourmet food products that are beautifully packaged. Closer to Christmas The Butler’s Pantry will have cooked hams in addition to venison and their well-known delicious chocolate log dessert. Michael Byrne’s vegetable shop is also stocking some great Christmas treats as well as lots of healthy food.

Books on the Green has a range of titles to suit all tastes and age groups. If they don’t have what you are looking for they will be glad to order it for you. They stock all manner of celebrity cook books, children’s books and vouchers so you should be able to find something suitable.

MiraMira on Sandymount Green has a vast array of gifts sourced from all around the world. These include organic body products for adults and children, organic aromatic products such as oils and incense, organic food products such as tea, coffee and chocolate, organic baby clothes, toys for babies and children up to twelve, then teenage girl and ladies presents such as masks, cushion covers, etc as well as watercolours from local artists. There is handmade jewellery from Nepal and for Christmas, two Dublin designers will be showcasing their jewellery.

If you go through these options and are still left in a quandary, then keep in mind that there are gift vouchers available from almost every shop. Good luck with the shopping and don’t forget to relax those tired legs in one of the cafes along the way.