There’s nothing worse than mall-trawling for Christmas gifts amid tens of thousands of other guilt-ridden shoppers who have left everything until the last minute. As well as being super-stressful, whatever happens to be left on the shelves on Christmas Eve usually tends to be less thoughtful than ‘what you could have bought’. We suggest taking things into your own hands this year by making the most of one of the 21st century’s greatest inventions: online shopping. Here, four Dubai stylists share their favourite websites offering gifts that can be delivered to everyone in your life that matters.
Clara Strambio, Italian
Brother or sister: Boutique1.com
‘The site sells a tasteful selection of luxury men’s and women’s fashion, beauty and accessories. Shipping is free in the UAE and you’ll receive your purchase the next working day – perfect for last-minute shopping.’ Delivers worldwide.
Dad: Mrporter.com
‘Head here for a great selection of multi-branded high-end menswear and accessories. The items you buy are delivered in beautiful packaging, which includes a black box and personalised labels. Even if you purchase something small at around the Dhs200 mark, you still get the wrapping service.’ Delivers worldwide.
The in-laws: Heals.co.uk
‘This site sells designer and original furniture and accessories for the home. It also has sections of ‘gifts for him’ and ‘gifts for her’, so it’s very easy to search for separate presents for mother- or father in-laws.’ Delivers to the UK and Europe.
Best friend: 10corsocomo.com
‘This shop in Milan is one of the coolest in the city and is owned by Carla Sozzani, sister of the editor-in-chief of Vogue Italia. The website sells fashion and beauty products as well as music and books, all carefully selected.’ Delivers worldwide.
Have your best Christmas in Abu Dhabi
New baby: Kidslovedesign.com
‘This Swiss website stocks a wide range of cool designer toys, clothes, furniture, and accessories that are almost impossible to find anywhere else. It has a ‘birth list’ and offers gift vouchers, an amazing sale section and a chic and easy-to-navigate website.’ Delivers most places worldwide except UAE.
Kelly Lundberg, British
Brother: Firebox.com
‘This masculine site offers gadgets galore, creative games, unusual gifts and something to suit every price point.’ Delivers to the UK, Europe and US.
Sister: Shopatsophiescloset.com
‘For fabulous accessories, from Kenneth Jay Lane and vintage YSL to Jennifer Behr headbands. There’s so much here to choosefrom that you may end up shopping for something for yourself.’ Delivers worldwide.
Mum: Photobox.co.uk
‘This site offers personalised photo books. It’s a great way to transform memories into a personalised gift.’ Delivers worldwide.
The in-laws: Notonthehighstreet.com
‘I love this site for personalised or unique gifts – it offers food, jewellery, clothes, homewares, beauty items and more. It shows you pay great attention to detail.’ Delivers worldwide.
Dina Yassin, American
Mum: Amazon.com
‘This global site offers a huge range of products, so you’re sure to find something that caters to your mum’s needs, from home and kitchen appliances to clothing, shoes, books, CDs and accessories.’ Delivers worldwide.
Best mate: Asos.com
‘Any style you see on the runway can easily be found here, and at a reasonable price. The best part is that it’s easy to exchange anything.’ Delivers worldwide.
Teresa Karpinska, Swedish
Dad: Chezcharles.ae
‘If your dad is a foodie and is visiting Dubai for Christmas, this local site is great for luxury delicacies that would make a brilliant gourmet hamper.’ Delivers to Dubai only.
Mum: My-wardrobe.com
‘Brilliant for mid-range affordable luxury, so you can treat your mum to something pretty without breaking the bank. I suggest a rose gold Michael Kors watch, a trendy zig-zag patterned Missoni Accessories scarf or even a gift card so she can pick her own gift.’ Delivers worldwide.
Best mate: Etsy.com
‘This site is crammed with weird and wonderful gadgets. For my cat-loving BFF I’d choose a sweatshirt with an image of Karl Lagerfeld’s kitty, named Choupette.’ Delivers worldwide.
Grandparents: Blurb.com
‘You can create a coffee-table book from your own images, and it’s delivered to your doorstep or theirs in three to four days. It’s a great way to make sure that your offline grandparents keep up with your Dubai adventures.’ Delivers to most places worldwide.
Dubai postal rates
Want to send items home? Check out these local postage rates…
UK and Europe: Air parcel (ten to 15 working days): from Dhs101 per kg. Express mail (three to four working days and delivered to the doorstep): Dhs100 per kg.
Australia: Air parcel (ten to 15 working days): from Dhs100.25 per kg. Express mail (three to four working days and delivered to the doorstep): Dhs130 per kg.
US: Does not accept air parcels. Express mail (three to four working days, item must not exceed 450g): from Dhs100 for 450g.
South Africa: Air parcel only: from Dhs80.75 per kg.
For more info and locations, call Emirates Post (600 599 999).
