Okay, you’re not going to get the smell of roasted chestnuts wafting down the
pavement, or come across the Salvation Army hollering out Hark the Herald in
haberdashery. And there can be no pit stops in Claridge’s for a refuelling
martini. However, the advantages of doing all your Christmas shopping from
your armchair (or desk during your lunch break), feet up, cup of tea to
hand, have persuaded 93% of people surveyed by eDigitalResearch and IMRG to
do at least part of their Christmas shopping online this year.
And why not, when you don’t have to haul all your goodies round, cursing the
heel on your shoes and elbowing all the other shoppers out the way? Online
shopping 2009 is safe, reliable and comparatively stress-free. If you are
worried about late deliveries, it’s worth noting that most online sites now
deliver up to December 21, with some even offering Christmas Eve delivery in
central London.
You can also make a difference buying online by purchasing through
thegivingmachine.co.uk or easy fundraising.org.uk. With access to hundreds
of sites, including big players such as Amazon and eBay, these sites donate
their “click-through” commission to whichever charity or school you would
like to benefit, meaning you can give as you buy at no extra cost.
If you are an online Christmas virgin, check out thesiteguide.com, which will
point you in the right direction. The following, however, are where the
Style team plan to spend their festive pennies.
Gift sites
Iwantoneofthose.com Christmas
fun for the whole family, especially good for kids (and kidults).
Last orders December 22, 5pm. We love Retro Stylophone, £14.99,
now compatible with your MP3.
Culturelabel.com From geeky fun
to arty gifts, this museum collective is the place to go for cerebral
offerings. Last orders Depending on partners, up to December 23. We
love Diana+ camera, £55
Amazon.co.uk The big daddy of online
entertainment also offers well-priced fragrances, electrical items and hot
toys, including the best stock of Go Go Hamsters. Last orders up to
Christmas Eve (depending on location). We love True Blood season one
box set, £23
Buyagift.co.uk Romantic
breaks, track days and watersports — this site has it all. Last
orders December 23, 2pm. We love Day excursion for two on the
Orient Express, £360.
For Her
Net-a-porter.com Luxury
brands, up-and-coming labels and one of the best edits available anywhere. Last
orders December 21, noon; central London, Christmas Eve, 10am. We
love Charm link necklace, £490, by YSL.
Wahanda.co.uk A new spa directory
site offering great reviews and vouchers for treatments. Last orders
December 22, 4pm. We love Spa voucher, redeemable at more than 370
locations, from £25.
Myla.com Its elegant and feminine
lingerie will guarantee brownie points. Last orders December 22. We
love Frieda embroidered knickers, from £35.
Asos.com The online leviathan backs its
popularity with ever-changing styles from high street to designer fashion.
Try asos.com/red for a quick link to sale stock. Last orders December
23. We love Studded red leather duffel bag, £65.
Oliverbonas.com Great value gifts,
from pretty frames to flirty dresses, with a useful pricing code. Last
orders December 23, using next-day service. We love Pink cashmere
slippers, £59.
Mulberry.com User-friendly with a
rainbow selection of covetable totes. Last orders December 21, 2pm. We
love Abigail violet croc-print suede shoulder bag, £795.
Theconveniencestorefashion.co.uk
A great source of niche, limited-edition pieces at the forefront of fashion
design. Last orders Allow four weeks for delivery. We love
Bespoke initialled T-shirt dress, £295, by Richard Sorger.
For Him
Treathim.com From adrenaline rush to
bachelor-pad accessories, you are sure to find something here, even for Mr
Fussy. Last orders December 22, 5pm. We love MP3 retro speaker
amp, £25.
Oki-ni.com For limited-edition trainers
and supercool accessories. Last orders December 16, 2pm. We love
Original Nike Air Max, £90
Menalamode.com With more affordable
designer labels (jackets from £99), this site offers a compromise between
quality and price. Last orders December 23. We love Stripy
gloves, £34, by Farhi by Nicole Farhi.
Go-british.co.uk Stock
includes bowler hats and stylish brollies, perfect for old-school gents who
love a British brand. Last orders December 21. We love Bowler
hat, £259, by Locke & Co.
Abebooks.co.uk For first
editions as well as literary gossip, reviews and author interviews, AbeBooks
is the thinking man’s Amazon — often with lower prices. Last
orders Most sellers use Royal Mail, so December 21 is the guide. We
love Collectable books under £30 — beautiful original covers dating back
to 19th century.
Home
Lifestylebazaar.com This
online boutique offers edgy and entertaining accessories. Perfect for quirky
gifts. Last orders December 23, 10am. We love Orange fruit
bowl £29.50.
Hiddenartshop.com Contemporary
homeware, cutting-edge jewellery designers and eco-gifts, this site is
crammed with original finds. Last orders December 15, unless product
has longer lead time. We love Hoopla silver ring necklace, £44, by
Little Object.
Bouf.com Ideal for original
artwork, inspiring prints and sculpture. Last orders December 15, 5pm
(excluding made-to-order items). We love Giddy Up Horsey cushion,
£40, by Zedhead.
Glut.co.uk Combining
green-fingered treats with sybaritic indulgence, The Gluttonous Gardener
offers a selection of impressively packaged gift crates. Last orders
December 22, noon. We love Orange-blossom Liz Earle crate, £78.
Discount
Theoutnet.com There are bargains to
be had at net-a-porter.com’s outlet store — just make sure you
know her size, as returns charges apply. Last orders December 18,
midnight. We love Sequined courts, £348 (were £695), by Christian
Louboutin.
Catwalktocloset.com This
sample sale portal offers discounts of up to 85%. Last orders
December 21, noon. We love Lamé dress, £420 (was £2,470), by Marc
Jacobs.
Brandalley.co.uk With
different labels on sale every day, you can find pieces from Prada to
Whistles at up to 70% less than prices in store. Last orders December
10. We love Stilettos, £106.50 (were £355), by Georgina Goodman.
Kids
Elc.co.uk Check out the
fancy-dress costumes and toys, from doll’s houses to fire engines. Last
orders December 22, 2pm. We love Rock-star guitar, £23.
Jesters.com Great for some good
old-fashioned fun. Look out for wooden trains, juggling sets and puzzles. Last
orders December 18, noon. We love Folding medieval castle, £80.
Ilovegorgeous.co.uk Fantasy
dresses made for little princesses. Last orders December 23, noon. We
love Marie Antoinette dresses, £107.
Firebox.com An incredible selection of
gadgets and gizmos, ranging from the eccentric to the ridiculous. Last
orders December 23, 5pm (depending on products ordered). We love
Magic 8 Ball, £5.95.
Alexandalexa.com Fashionable
treats for Suri Cruise wannabes. Last orders December 22, 2pm. We
love Navy boys’ coat, £54, by Mayoral.
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