It is the final two days of shopping before Christmas, which means time is running out – and fast. Many of us have ticked off the Christmas lists already, with research from PayPal earlier this month indicating that only 14 per cent are last minute shoppers planning on a Christmas Eve blitz.
If you have a few gifts left to buy, we have some suggestions – and more importantly, where you can find them now.
Homedics Everybody Heated Shiatsu Pillow
€50
What do you get the person who has everything? The Homedics heated massage pillow. It massages, it warms – what more could you ask for? The pillow is versatile too, and can be used on your neck, shoulders, back, and anywhere else you can position it.
Where to find it: DID Electrical
Apple Watch Ultra 2
€899
Apple’s rugged watch can go almost anywhere you can think of – up mountains, diving underwater – and live to tell the tale. It has dual GPS that is more accurate than ever before, it is certified for use as a dive watch, and has a customisable action button that you can access easily even if you are wearing heavy gloves.
The battery life is better too, at 36 hours of use in normal mode and 72 in low power mode, meaning that even if you get stranded without access to a charger, you might just make it down the mountain before the battery gives up.
Where to find it: Harvey Norman stores nationwide
Google TV Streamer 4K
€110
Turn your TV into an even smarter screen with Google’s newest TV streamer. It has a familiar interface, based on Android, and access to almost any app you would need on the big screen.
That includes video on demand apps, utilities such as VPNs to hide your online activity, and games that can keep the family occupied. It also comes with a remote control, and the sleek box looks nice in front of the TV.
Where to buy: Harvey Norman
Myzone Switch
€160
There is a lot to be said for ditching the screen. The MyZone Switch works as a heart rate monitor that will also record your effort, translating it into points so you can see just how hard you are working out this month.
The Bluetooth monitor can be used in a watch, a chest band or a strap for your upper arm, making it a bit of a multitasker. It also links in with gym equipment through a bluetooth connection. To keep an eye on how your workout is going, the Switch has a small LED that flashes according to what heart rate zone you are currently in, from blue and green to yellow and red.
McSport.ie, Dublin
Fujifilm Instax Mini Link 3
€110
Don’t let your memories get stranded in the cloud. The Fujifilm Instax Mini Link 3 is a portable printer that spits out photos from your smartphone on credit card sized film. All you need is access to the Instax Mini Link app and a connection to the printer, and you are good to go.
You can print images directly, or add a few new effects, including frames and augmented reality additions. The rechargeable battery will last a decent amount of time, and all you have to remember is to have enough film on hand.
Conns Cameras in Dublin; Harvey Norman in Cork, Waterford, Drogheda and Sligo
Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro
€260
Samsung’s newest earbuds are designed to be used best with its own phones – especially ones that support Galaxy AI – but you can use them with any device as a standard set of earbuds.
Samsung has redesigned the buds, giving them stems similar to the Apple AirPods, and some interesting light effects that help you figure out essentials such as charging and battery life.
They are noise cancelling too – essential for drowning out the Christmas noise – and have extras such as conversation detection to automatically lower your audio when it recognises you are engaged in conversation.
Handily, the buds also recognise sirens and alarms, so you won’t miss out on anything crucial.
Where to buy: DID Electrical
PlayStation 5 Pro
€760
How generous is Santa feeling this year? If Sony’s newest console is a stretch for the man in red, you could pick it up yourself.
The new games console from Sony offers more graphics power than its predecessor, with advanced technology such as faster ray tracing and improved fidelity. In short, the games look amazing, even older titles thanks to the upscaling technology that will boost lower resolution graphics.
Where to buy: Smyths
TonieBox
€80
The Yoto Mini Player may be out of reach at this point in the Christmas shopping season, but the TonieBox can still be found in store.
This screen-free, child-friendly speaker will play stories for your child along with songs and even personal messages you record. That is all down to the Tonie figures, which are easy for small hands to swap over and have a variety of stories from Frozen, to the Gruffalo and Matilda.
Where to buy: Smyths Toys
MyFirst CareBuds
€50
These ear buds are designed with children in mind, from the size of the buds to the volume limiting that will protect young ears. Inside the box, you get an array of tips that should fit most young ears. The buds also have touch controls that are easy to get to grips with.
Where to buy: DID Electrical
Digital subscriptions:
Tired of stuff cluttering up the place? Digital subscriptions could be the answer. From games to magazines, a decent digital subscription could get you at least 30 minutes of peace on Christmas Day.
For gamers:
Sony’s PlayStation Plus for its consoles has three levels – essential (€72/year), extra (€126/year) and premium (€152/year). All give you access to the monthly games that are included with a PS Plus membership, and the ability to play online. But the most expensive premium tier gives you access to the games catalogue, plus the library of classic games on your new console.
Microsoft’s Xbox Live Game Pass, meanwhile, can be used on PC, console, or both, depending on how much you are willing to pay. On console, you have the choice of core (€7 per month), Standard (€13 a month) and ultimate (€18m per month).
The basic tier gives access to a collection of 25 games, plus online multiplayer gaming. The standard option will open it up to hundreds of games on console, while the ultimate subscription includes access to the games on PC too.
Nintendo Switch Online membership will cost €20 for the year, giving your child access to online gaming, and classic Nintendo games on the Switch. You can upgrade to the expansion pack membership to get access to new content too.
For readers
Readly is a good option for people who like to read plenty of magazines, bringing together hundreds of titles covering everything from niche hobbies to general interest. Subscriptions start at €35 for three months.
For those who like audio books, Audible is worth looking at. Now owned by Amazon, it offers a good range of titles and works on a credit system, with one credit a month that can be used towards any book in its catalogue. Gift subscriptions start from £7 per month.
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