Tech n Gadgets Blog: Affordable last minute Christmas gift ideas

The internet can still provide for these snow-proof presents
Last-minute Christmas gifts

We're now truly in the realms of 'last-miniute' Christmas shopping. Maybe your smug internet-based shopping activities have been scuppered by the snow with your parcels trapped in a blizzard-laden depot in Scotland or maybe you've just left it all until the last minute. Again. Fear not, as we're here to help. We've put together a small selection of last-minute gift ideas that should arrive in time for the big day, come rain or snow.

Selfridges Bright Year hamper

Price: ?70
Last order date: 22 December
Ideal for: Mum and dad

Good old Selfridges. The yellow-emblazoned department store has a trusty hamper service that's still up and running and it's offering a wide selection of gifts. We like the look of the Bright Year hamper that lists, among its many goodies, a Christmas pudding, handmade shortbread, brandy butter and a bottle of wine.

According to Selfridges, any orders received from 5 December to 22 December without a specified date will be delivered in time for Christmas between 6 and 23 December. That means that if you want to order, you need to get your act together and do it today.

Wahanda Relaxation Spa Day

Price: ?29
Last order date: 25 December
Ideal for: The missus

If you're after a last-minute pressie for the missus then you might just be able to save yourself with a voucher from Wahanda - a mob deal site that offers big discounts on beauty treatments. We picked the Relaxation Spa Day at Bannatyne Spa in London, but there are plenty of different treatments to choose from at various prices and taking place at venues all over the country.

As Wahanda uses e-vouchers there's no need to worry about them turning up in the post. The vouchers are emailed to you and can then be printed out or forwarded directly onto the lucky recipient. Vouchers are usually valid for about six months and Wahanda also offers male treatments for all your metrosexuals out there. In theory you could order and print your voucher right up until Christmas Day, but we'd advise doing it asap, just in case the site goes down for Christmas maintenance.

Amazon voucher

Price: ?1-1000
Last order date: 25 December
Ideal for: Everyone

Amazon has closed its virtual doors in terms of new orders for Christmas, although it is doing its best to deliver all those orders that have already been placed. However, while the online retail giant isn't taking orders for actual items, you can still get yourself a voucher. Taking the path of the gift tokens is certainly a wise choice at this late stage as it means that you don't have to worry that your gift will be trapped in the snow somewhere.

Although initially a book retailer, Amazon now stocks a huge range of goods including DVDs, home appliances and toys, so it's unlikely that anyone getting a voucher for crimbo will be disappointed and you can even choose the amount yourself (up to ?1,000). Be sure to choose the Email Voucher or Print Voucher as if you go with the Post Voucher option, it won't be delivered until after Christmas Day.

Interflora Christmas Cracker bouquet

Price: ?29.99
Last order date: 24 December
Ideal for: Mum

Nothing says "I love you" or possibly "I forgot to buy you a real present" like a bunch of flowers. If you've somehow managed to forget you mum's gift then some festive blooms are exactly what the doctor ordered. And you don't even have to be there to deliver them as they'll be sent directly from one of the company's large network of local florists. You can choose from a wide selection of bouquets, some of them Christmas themed, which is where we spotted the Christmas Cracker.

Interflora offers "guaranteed for delivery before Christmas". Or at least it's still offering that today. It's likely that it might offer this guarantee for another day or so but you'd be wise to get your order in now. Either that or start preparing your excuses now.

LastMinute.com winery and brewery tour

Price: ?9
Last order date: 25 December
Ideal for: Your brother

Let it not be said that you can't organise a proverbial piss-up in a brewery, not when lastminute.com is around to lend a helping hand. The winery and brewery tour (complete with the all-important tastings) is even on offer at the moment so you can get a day out for two people for just ?9.

The site lets you create an instant gift certificate which you can then print out, so no waiting around for the snow-covered postie to turn up. There's a huge selection of other gifts to choose from including driving days, afternoon teas and spa treatments and you can order right up until the last minute. Not that we'd advise waiting until Christmas morning to purchase your loved ones' pressies.

Check your delivery times...

We've tried to only include retailers that will guarantee delivery in time for Christmas, but be sure to use your common sense and double check before you order. Unless you want to end up buying the family a selection of anti-freeze and Ginsters pasties from the local 24-hour garage on Christmas Eve.

Tech n Gadgets Blog

Monday, December 27, 2010

Affordable last minute Christmas gift ideas