50 top websites for Christmas shopping

0 Comments | Sunday Herald, The, Dec 5, 2004 | by Ali Howard

1.NET.A.PORTER.COM The website for high-end online fashion, including Matthew Williamson, Jimmy Choo, Marni and Marc Jacobs. Covet the Luella leather Gisele bag, 515, above.

2.AMAZON.CO.UK Not just a book site, Amazon has expanded to include everything from home and garden items, to hi-tech electronics and most-wanted gadgets.

3.ASOS.COM Also known as asseenonscreen. com, Asos sells everything from the I Love Shoes mirror, left, 10, to the wallet Samuel L Jackson used in Pulp Fiction to an SJP dress.

4.WHEREDIDYOUBUYTHAT.COM With free delivery on UK orders, this is the perfect excuse to do your Christmas shopping in your pyjamas, as it stocks a variety of original ideas divided into nine different sections.

Check out the gorgeous Koala coffee machine at 159.95, see above.

5.EBAY.CO.UK eBay is renowned for its unique bidding system and heralded as the place to find literally anything.

Use eBay to shop for the collector in your family, for one-off goods and vintage stuff. But remember to shop from recommended vendors.

6.BUYAGIFT.CO.UK The ultimate site for 'experience' gifts, buy your nearest and dearest anything from a white water rafting experience to a day driving a Ferrari at Silverstone.

7.CUCINADIRECT.COM A site for the chef and food lover in your family, cucinadirect. com has everything from kitchen gadgets to exploding chocolate bombs.

8.PARAMOUNT ZONE.COM With sections called boys' toys, gadgets, sport and games, this is a good place to shop for the lad in your life. Worth a special mention is the Big Money Poker set, left, 124.95.

9.ADVANCEDMP3PLAYERS.CO.UK This is your one-stop shop for MP3 players, with all the latest models, such as the Monolith II, which is even strong enough to withstand a car being driven over it. Gosh.

10. FIREBOX.COM Firebox has gadgets such as MP3 alarm clocks and portable DVD players. It also has an array of remote-controlled items and retro games for kids of all ages.

11. ARGOS.CO.UK It's hard to watch the annoying ads with Richard E Grant. However, you can order just about anything from this site, which nearly makes up for it.

12. WOOLWORTHS.CO.UK A useful site for children's toys, as well as everything from video games to Christmas decorations.

13. ROYALMILE WHISKIES.COM Allows you to search by distillery, region, or age for the perfect whisky. Their bestseller is this Old Pulteney 12-Year-Old, with 5 off this Christmas, making it a cracking 18.99.

14. MARKSAND SPENCER.COM The shopping is reliable and there's food hampers aplenty so forget going in-store.

15. JOHNLEWIS.COM A must for everything from the latest electrical goods and home furnishings, to toys and wine, all delivered direct to your door. Lovely.

16. BROWNSFASHION.COM You'll find fashion for men and women in labels like Juicy Couture and Prada;

skincare in the form of Liz Earle; plus a selection of jewellery and candles.

17. BBCSHOP.COM From DVDs of their popular television programmes, such as Little Britain to PlayStation games, this site offers quality gifts suitable for the whole family.

18. MYVANITYCASE.COM As well as offering a bespoke gift service, this site is full of treats from around the world, priding itself on its unique perfume brands.

19. EARLYLEARNINGCENTRE.CO.UK and fun toys for children. With its three-for-two offer on more than 300 toys, you can mix and match and keep all the kids happy.

20. PHONES4U.CO.UK With mobile phones such a popular gift these days, go straight to a specialist site.

Pick your price range and note that the last day for guaranteed Christmas delivery is December 15.

21. TESCO.COM Ease the burden of Christmas food shopping, while also looking for the perfect present.

22. BOOTS.COM Access to all Boots has to offer, from perfume to camcorders and the rather nifty Wagamama ramen set, 20, above.

23. VIRGINMEGASTORES .CO. UK Another high street giant we all know, and when you shop online, you get easy access to all the latest CDs, DVDs and games.

24. PLAY.COM Great for music and DVDs, but this site also encompasses anything that could fall under the vast category of playing, such as film memorabilia, bonsai kits and vibrating massagers.

25. WHSMITHONLINE.CO.UK This website service will deliver your goods to your local store for collection if you can't stay in and wait for the postman. As well as the usual books and CDs on offer, you can personalise your gifts by putting your favourite photos on canvas.

26. ODDBINS.COM Offers seasonal specials on wine and champagne, as well as gift sets delivered directly to you. Just order by December 10 to ensure that your bottle of whisky for Grandpa arrives on time.

27. DEBENHAMS.COM With jewellery by Erickson Beamon, clothes by Julien Macdonald and lingerie by Myla, Debenhams is not to be missed. Also, find details on this site about the Clarins treatment vouchers you can buy in-store.

28. COMET.CO.UK For all your electrical needs, comet. co. uk will allow you to order right up until December 19 and still get delivery in time for Christmas.

29. YOOX.COM Here you'll find designers from Stussy to Alexander McQueen, limited edition selections and a stonking array of affordable yet stylish accessories. Free shipping until December 21.