10 Last Minute Christmas Gift Ideas | Shopping

With just over a week to go, I thought I'd gather together some present ideas from across a few different brands and businesses, small and large, local and further afield. Just a random mish mash of things that I like and some lovely small businesses. I hope it gives you a few ideas if you're stuck for that someone special...

1. Circle Necklace - Silver Story
The necklaces I wear the most and that get the most compliments are my circular ones. I've a couple of single circle pendants and some interlocking ones - all from my friend's company, Silver Story. I love what Ursula does - she has beautiful, high quality silver, gold and rose gold pieces, all priced really reasonably. Use AVRIL19 for FREE UK P&P 

Rose Gold Open Circle Pave Necklace

2. Perfume - Mademoiselle Rochas
This was a surprise hit for me. I was sent a press sample a few weeks ago and fell in love on the first spritz. It's rich and opulent but with fruity notes when you first spray. It's like nothing I've worn before - perfect for someone who loves a heady seductive perfume. I've worn it on every night out since receiving it. Available in leading chemists and department stores and on this link

3. An Epionce Lite Peel (with or without Dermaplaning)
If your skin is feeling sluggish and looking dull, so often the case at this time of year, an Epionce Lite Peel will wake it right up and provide the perfect canvas to keep it looking that way with the Epionce skincare range. I swear by this brand - I've been using it for about 3 years and my skin just keeps getting better and better.
If you would like to try derma planing, it's available as an add on to this treatment. Always look for an Epionce salon or you can book through Woodford Clinic on the Lisburn Road if you're local. Remember, Dermaplaning can go VERY wrong if done poorly - look out for an Epionce qualified practitioner.

4. A New Toothbrush
I've been reviewing this ION-Sei electric toothbrush for a few weeks and I'm blown away....it's amazing. Whereas most electric toothbrushes only remove some of the plaque and bacteria, this toothbrush uses a UV LED light that reacts with a Titanium Dioxide bar in the brush handle, to create ions that suppress the bacteria that cause plaque.  It's a bit more scientific than I can get my head around but what I will say is that my teeth have never felt cleaner.

5. Candles & Home Fragrance
Last date for ordering online from Field Day is 19th December. I have tried so many candles and these are the ones I stand over in terms of fragrance, lasting power and price. All made locally by my friend Alix. My favourite candles are the Winter and Fir and my favourite reed diffuser is the Linen one...it literally lasts for months. Also their fresheners make a great stocking filler. The have a really powerful fragrance and last for weeks. Perfect for wee smelly corners of your home (and car)...I use mine in my shoe-filled porch and in the upstairs main bathroom, hung out of sight...and people always ask me what the fragrance is when they come in!

6. Forestside Cookery School
I came into contact with Chef Jeffers and the Forestside Cookery School a few months back when I worked with them on a plant based food project. Stephen Jeffers is an absolute character and a pleasure to meet and it would be the most wonderful gift to get a voucher for one of his cookery courses. They're suitable for accomplished and beginner cooks, kids, men, teenagers...there's something for everyone!

7. Hastings Hotel Spa Package
Every couple of months, the Hasting Hotel spas at the Culloden and Slieve Donard have a different monthly treatment package which including lunch and a full day's use of the facilities. It's the most blissful day out - perfect for a busy person who struggles to prioritise time away from everything. I brought my friend Claire for her birthday back in July and it was simply lovely to connect and chat in the relaxed surroundings of the Culloden. I can't wait to do it again! A Hastings voucher is probably the best way to gift this as they can be used in the hotels & the spas and do not have an expiry date.

8. Scarves and Gloves
Nothing ground-breaking here but you could buy me gloves and scarves forever and I'll love you. My recommendation is local company Pia Rossini where you'll find a massive range of scarves,  gloves, hats and more on their website with Christmas ordering open until the 19th at 1pm. Check out their outlet here too - loads of items at bargain prices! And there's 15% off everything (including outlet) if you use ALIFETOSTYLE15.

Bexley Scarf - down to £16

9. Pyjamas
I got these M&S PJ's after seeing them on a mannequin in the Sprucefield store and I LOVE...the print is stunning, the fabric is so floaty and silky to the touch and they wash like a dream - and don't need ironed! A bit static-y when they come out of the drier but that's the only complaint. I bought the 8-10 and they're spot on so I'd say they come up on the big side.

10. Something for someone else 
For the ultimate non-consumer person who has everything, why not buy a pig, a mosquito net or coffee beans from the Concern website? We bought 6 chickens as a gift yesterday. You get sent a card with details for what you've bought and that's what you give the person - not the actual chickens obvs! A really lovely sustainable gift idea that has a massive positive impact.

And finishing with the cost free option - your time. Make that date, arrange that meet up, send the text and make the call. Keep the face to face contact frequent with your nearest and dearest - it's actually the best gift of all this Christmas.

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