7 last-minute Christmas gifts you can download (or have delivered) right now
By Sarah Finnan
16th Dec 2022
16th Dec 2022
The Bord Gáis
We stressed and fretted about gift ideas for what felt like months, but once again, we find ourselves in familiar territory… just over a week away from Christmas and with several people still to buy for. Panic stations!
Braving the festive rush is the very last thing we want to do right now. As retail staff will tell you, shops are like warzones this time of year. It’s every man for himself and we’d rather avoid the bloodshed if at all possible. I’m obviously dramatising for effect here, but you get the idea – no one wants to trek into town and spend the day waiting in long queues that never really seem to make any leeway no matter how many exasperated sighs you let out.
It’s times like these that I’m truly thankful my country dial-up has been replaced by high-speed(ish) internet, for there are plenty of different gifts you can download or order online and have delivered straight to your door in two seconds flat (or that same day, at least). And no, they don’t compromise on quality or thoughtfulness either so no one need ever know that you left things to the last minute.
Christmas bouquet
Flowers.ie
Fresh flowers always go down a treat, especially at Christmas when there’s usually a steady stream of people around the house to appreciate them. One of the country’s highest-rated florists, Flowers.ie has an array of different arrangements to choose from and offers same-day nationwide delivery, making them the perfect last-minute gift idea. The team will even send you over a special video to show you what your bouquet will look like prior to delivery.
Personal styling session
Studio Minti
Buying clothes for someone is always a gamble. Will it fit them? Will they like it? Will they ever even wear it? If the answer to those questions is “no”, then you also run the risk that said garment will end up in the bin… only further adding to fashion’s impact on the environment. Avoid all the unnecessary humming and hawing and opt for a personal styling session with the sustainably-focused Studio Minti instead.
Comedy show tickets
Foil, Arms & Hog
Ireland’s top comedy trio, Foil, Arms & Hog are back with their latest show Swines and audiences can expect belly laughs right from the start. Just after playing two shows at Dublin’s Vicar Street, they have a string of shows planned for Galway and Mayo before they’ll return to Dublin for yet more shows in February/April 2023. The perfect gift for anyone in need of a pick-me-up.
Streaming subscription
Disney+
While most people probably have a Netflix subscription at this point, there are myriad other streaming platforms out there – each with their own pull factor. What one should you go for? Well, it all comes down to what type of content you think the person you’re buying for will enjoy. Hayu for reality TV junkies; Amazon Prime for Modern Love aficionados and Disney+ for all your favourite childhood classics.
Celebrity greeting
Cameo
Celebrity greetings have become a very popular gift idea in recent years and you can get videos from as little as €1. Of course, personalised clips from the big names will cost you more but pool your money with a few friends and it hopefully shouldn’t amount to too much per head. Everyone from GBBO winner Peter Sawkins to Lisa Vanderpump, Harry Potter actress Miriam Margoyles, and Boy George are on Cameo, so you’re bound to find someone you like, or at the very least, recognise.
Meditation app subscription
Calm app
The last few years have been tough, I don’t need to tell you that… you were there too. Meditation and yoga became non-negotiables for many people during the pandemic but as life gets back to normal, the excuses and “I don’t have time”s have also started creeping back in. Whenever I do dedicate the time to some very needed self-care, I feel all the better for it though, so gifting someone a subscription to the Calm app is one way of encouraging them to prioritise themselves and their mental/physical health, even when life is busy.
Ticket to the theatre
The Lion King
Going to the theatre is one of life’s greatest pleasures and what better show to book into than The Lion King?! The theme of last year’s Late Late Toy Show, it’s one of those movies that is beloved by all – young and old alike… must be down to its problem-free philosophy (sorry). Set to kick off at the Bord Gáis next September, the show will run for around six weeks until November 11.
Photography via Unsplash
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