BE THE FAMILY'S STAR THIS XMAS

Sunday Mirror, Dec 12, 2004 by DEIRDRE O'DONOVAN, Fashion

IT'S less than two weeks to the big day, but will you be remembered as the saddo who sent the scented soaps? Or will you be hailed as the hero who saved Christmas with your imaginative and thoughtful gift ideas?

Stick with our incredible gift guide for all the ladies in your life and you'll be more popular than Santa.

LITTLE PRINCESSES

UNDER EUR10

While stocking up on the stuffing and turkey at Tesco, check out their fantastic range of kids toys.

We love cuddly Pip the Pony for EUR6.99, the Tesco Twin dolls for just EUR5.99 and Tesco Ella Bedtime for just EUR8.99.

And their Cherokee clothing range offers fantastic value with fairy tops at EUR9 for three.

UNDER EUR20

Boots stores are ideal for those last-minute stocking fillers and we love their Felicity Wishes Sparkle and Shimmer Chest for EUR17.50.

And for those future fashionistas in your family, check out their Fashion Designer game for EUR11.50.

And every proper princess should have a Disney Princess Sound Book for EUR18.50 from Marks and Spencer.

Or feed their imagination with a book from Hughes and Hughes or a day out at ENRG. Gift vouchers are available from www.enrg.ie.

UNDER EUR50

Marks and Spencer also have a fantastic selection of dress-up outfits from EUR28 and we love the Belle outfit.

And if you love dressing your little princess up, then check out Irish label Rufio who have an amazing range of unusual kids clothes.

We love their oriental dress and matching trousers and prices start at EUR40.

And keep them on time with a fabulous Flik Flak watch for just EUR25.

TOP TEENS

UNDER EUR10

THINK you can't keep a fashion-conscious teen happy for under a tenner? Well, check out the latest range from Coty cosmetics, Miss Sporty, where everything is under EUR4.

And again Boots are best for great stocking fillers with 17 Sparkle Dust Gold for just EUR6.60 and we love their purple butterfly clip for just EUR7.40.

UNDER EUR50

Sticking with make-up - because all teenage girls love it - the new Red Mall in Blanchardstown is a dream come true.

The new Roches Stores there stocks some of the most exclusive and sought-after cosmetic brands in the world.

We love their Girlactick Glitter set for EUR25.65.

The Red Mall also houses Zara and BT2. And a voucher for either would be very well received.

And check out Korky's for a fabulous footwear range from just EUR50.

But if that's too much then treat your teen's tresses to a Charles Worthington Dream Hair gift set for just EUR18.75.

And if labels are what she wants, then how about some gorgeous Tommy Hilfiger underwear.

Prices start at EUR30.

THE SKY'S THE LIMIT

Smashbox Cosmetics have been developed by the grandsons of Max Factor and the brand is a favourite with LA's biggest stars.

We love their Makeup Room set for EUR62 which is remarkable value considering the entire contents of the set would cost you almost EUR200 to buy individually.

But what's the point of buying all those beauty products when you don't know how to use them?

If you really want your teen to look their best, then send them off to the Face Culture Make-Up Studio where they will learn how to look their best. This costs EUR350.

Or remind them what time they said they'd be home with a Skin Watch from Swatch for just EUR70.

YUMMY MUMMY

UNDER EUR10

FOLLOW our guide to the fabulous things out there for mums and wives and you'll be spending the day beneath the mistletoe. We guarantee it.

Heatons have knockout knicker sets for just EUR7 and boxed pyjama sets for EUR10. And Penney's have lovely lingerie from as little as EUR5.

But if you want to keep mum well wrapped-up this winter, then head to Dunnes Stores where a cute cable-knit hat will set you back EUR5, and a matching scarf is EUR10.

UNDER EUR50

Keep mum looking her best with a Nivea Visage Luxury Christmas Gift Pack for EUR24.99. And you can score big brownie points with a fabulous h20 skincare gift set. Just arrived in Ireland, this skincare range is one of the most exclusive in the world and prices start at EUR17.50.

Or you could treat her to a luxurious Thalgo gift set from just EUR50.

And why not help her show off her newly fabulous complexion with the Kett Jett System, which is an airbrush kit to make sure her make- up is absolutely flawless. Just EUR35 from the Graceland Salon in Ashbourne.

Or perhaps you would prefer something you can both share? Then why not treat your wife to The Christmas Angel wax from Urban Wax? All we're saying is that there's a Brazilian involved and some sequins. This costs from EUR35.

And why not show it off with some stunning smalls from Gossard? We love their limited edition Sparkle Lace bras from EUR37.50.

But perhaps you would rather treat her to something she can show the neighbours, then check out the recently opened Rubana boutique in Greystones.

They have a fabulous range of labels to suit all pockets. We love the Another Woman range and prices start at EUR40. And let her really sparkle and shine with some gorgeous jewellery from Irish designer Catriona Hanly. Available nationwide, prices start at EUR50.

SKY'S THE LIMIT