Staff writer Fifi Coughlan does Christmas presents at an affordable price
As a student I think most of us can agree that the funds situation is not always great, especially when you can only work around the maximum of 15 hours and you spend all your money on brunch when you’re not supposed to. But with the anticipation of Christmas we must think of others and not just sneaky pitchers of beer on a Wednesday night et al. Alas, Christmas presents must be bought, so I have compiled a list of potential presents for all your loved ones (on a budget), so you don’t have to! P.S. always keep an eye on the Unidays app for student discounts online and in stores.
For Her
Candles. Mothers love candles, Especially scented ones. Look no further than Tk Maxx for designer candles around the €10 price mark. Extra points if it comes in a pretty holder. Penneys also sell beautiful smelling candles for an extremely cheap price of around €5. Yankee candles are a pretty safe option as well, but Home Store and More in Mahon sell these for around half the price! Diffusers are also good especially if you have a fire fearing mother.
For a touch of luxury go for Molton Brown – which can be bought from Brown Thomas. They have the most magnificent smelling soaps for around €40 for a set of two, which is something that you would not buy for yourself, which adds to the sentiment. Also, while you are in Brown Thomas, you might as well pop up to the Nespresso counter and purchase a sleeve of Nespresso pods for around €7, bargain. Sisters and friends alike can be treated to a mini gift set from Charlotte Tilbury in Brown Thomas for €26. If you cannot make it to the store, BT have an extremely quick delivery process.
For Him
How cliché it is to buy your Dad some socks? I’m sure he does not need another pair, so why not broaden your horizons and get him a television series boxset such as Only Fools and Horses which you can get from Tesco for around €35, and this way the whole family can enjoy it. An Irish website called Gifts.ie sell personalised pretty much anything to fit any budget and you can also support the Irish economy; winning! For a good pair of slippers with longevity and that will look good when visitors call to the house for the posh tin of biscuits, look to the Paul Costelloe range in Dunnes Stores which cost about €30-€40.
Eason’s also sell ‘Make Your Own Hamper’ kits for €9, so while you are here you can pick up some books on their 3 for 2 offer, such as Graham Norton’s bestseller, Holding. For the other men in your life, and if they’re interested in music, an album on vinyl is always a good shout. Music Zone in Douglas Village Shopping Centre have a vast range of genres and they will also order in pretty much anything for you with the vinyls costing about €20. In the gift section on the Topman website they categorize sections into different price ranges so you can go directly to your budget. From scarves, pyjamas, jumpers, hats to stocking fillers, they have an impressive variety of items that most guys would like. If you are shopping in store in Topman make sure to get their a bit earlier than Christmas Eve because the whole store nearly tends to sell out.
