WISE BUYS FOR THE GUYS

Sunday Mirror, Dec 19, 2004 by DEIRDRE O'DONOVAN, Fashion

l WITH just days to go to Christmas you should already have the perfect present for the man in your life wrapped up under the tree.

l But for those of us with hectic holiday schedules, we bring you the ultimate guide to great last-minute gifts for the guys in your life.

LITTLE DRUMMER BOY

AROUND EUR10

AS always Heatons offer fantastic value for money with cord trousers for just EUR7 and super-cute sweatshirts for EUR6.

And at Dunnes Stores, bag your little boy a padded gilet or a hooded sweat top for EUR10.

But if you've already kitted your cool kid out in clothes for Christmas, then why not snap up a Tesco mini radio for just EUR4.99.

And Tesco also have Extreme Street Tech Series cars at just EUR7.99 each.

Of feed their minds with tales of murder and mystery in the 5th and 8th century with the Drumshee Chronicles from Mentor Books. Prices start at EUR6.

AROUND EUR50

WE love Marks and Spencer dress-up outfits, including Batman and Mr Incredible from EUR24.

Or if Spiderman is more your thing, then check out Tesco's fleece pyjamas for EUR16.

Marks and Spencer also have a fabulous wooden fort for EUR55.

Of if your little boy plans to reach for the stars then check out Boots where you can pick up a Get Scientific Telescope for EUR22.50.

And Roches Stores have expanded their kids clothing lines with great labels, including Exit and Pumpkin Patch.

Denim jackets from the Pumpkin Patch range start at EUR21.95.

TOP: Kit your kids out in some cool Christmas gear with a denim jacket, top, EUR21.95, combats, eEUR21.95 by Pumpkin Patch from Roches Stores.

Also a great deal is, the sweater, above centre, EUREUR14.95, trousers eEUR19.95 by Exit, also from Roches Stores.

Left: We love Marks and Spencer dress-up outfits, including Batman and Mr Incredible from EUREUR24.

TOP TEENS

AROUND EUR10

BUYING for teens needn't be troublesome, Just follow our great guide...

Any teen will tell you, it's all about appearance, so why not treat yours to a Nivea gift pack? We love their Nivea For Men Young Pack at just EUR10.99.

And Boots have a great range of designer cosmetics for boys, especially their Kangol range where prices start at just EUR4.90 for body wash.

AROUND EUR50

ROCHES Stores at the new Red Mall in Blanchardstown is a treasure- trove for trendy teens.

With labels Pull and Bear and Springfield, there's sure to be something to suit.

Jackets from the Pull and Bear range cost EUR49.50 and jumpers from the Springfield collection start at EUR49.90.

Of if you can't get to the shops to pick that perfect gift, then check out Irish T-shirt company Hairy Baby. For just EUR30 they will deliver a top quality designer T-shirt to your door and orders can be placed up to 22nd December from www.hairybaby.ie.

IRISH company Xtreme Ireland offer something completely different for Christmas.

You can give someone the gift of the experience of a lifetime - from learning Archery, Clay Pigeon Shooting, to off-road driving days.

Prices start at EUR58 and can be purchased from www.irelandxtreme.ieWe just love Nivea for Men Young Pack at just EUR10.99

SKY'S THE LIMIT

Centre: Hairy Baby T-shirt, eEUR30 from www.hairybaby.ie

Left: Springfield jacket eEUR79.90, scarf eEUREUR19.90 by Springfield from Roches Stores

DADDY COOL

AROUND EUR10

AGAIN Heatons have it all for your hubby or dad, on a budget. We love their shirt and tie set for EUR10 and their crew neck jumper for EUR14.

And Dunnes Stores have trendy T-shirts from EUR10 and cool cardigans from EUR15.

Or why not liven up the festive season with a fabulous fridge tin with schnapps and shot glasses from Boots. Great value at just EUR17.50.

And if he's a football fanatic, then treat him to Total Football, pictured left, the ultimate soccer trivia book. It will only set you back EUR9.99.

But if you'd like to see something you can unwrap on your hunky hubby this Christmas, then check out the men's underwear department in Clerys.

AROUND EUR50

Your local Roches Stores will also prove a treasure-trove for trendy dads and hubbies. Check out their Selected range with prices starting at EUR44.95 for shirts.

SKY'S THE LIMIT

If he's more of a football fanatic, we love Boots Table Top Football for EUR101.50.

Or if golf is more his bag, then book him into the Slieve Donard Hotel in Co Down. Prices start at around EUR285 for accommodation and golf packages and you can book on-line.

Or why not book him a weekend on his own island? Trinity Island in Cavan has its own luxury lodge and costs just EUR635.

Luxury Trinity Island, top, in Cavan, costs just EURe635 but if he's more of a fanatic, try Boots Table Top Football, centre, for EURe101.50.

Dunnes T-shirt EUREUR10 and Jeans EUREUR25, left, are another bargain

GRANDADS ARE GREAT

Treat your granddad to a super read - Eamon de Buitlear's A Life In The Wiild for EUR7.25

AROUND EUR10

WHY not take your gramps on at his own game, with a Tesco Chess and Draughts board for just EUR3.99.

Marks and Spencer have a super selection of stocking fillers your granddad will love, including a Probeam book light for EUR5 and a torch card, also for EUR5.