The11th hour rush
It’s that time of the year when the magazine team brainstorms for Christmas gift ideas that readers could gift loved ones having done the rounds around Colombo, we’ve compiled this guide of suggestions which could hopefully benefit last minute shoppers and help make that eleventh hour rush a little less hectic.
For Her Clothing
Melache on Visakha Pvt Road (next to the old House of Fashion building) offers local designer wear and stocks limited edition pieces from designers like Dimuthu Sahabandu, INDI, Ramona Oshini and KUR-upcoming designers with their own individual brand of style. Melache offers gift vouchers from Rs 500 and upwards with a 40% discount on designer wear.
Shoes and handbags
Stocking up on a collection of sturdy leather shoes and handbags – Leather Collection’s Shoes are priced from Rs. 4500 upwards, while handbags start from around Rs. 3000.
Accessories
Shoppers will be spoilt for choice at Stone ‘n’ String on Duplication Road to find a gift from their affordable yet glamourous collection of everything from rings to earrings, necklaces and bracelets.
Aromatherapy
Spa Ceylon offers a range of aromatherapy products that smell great and look even better. Buy a pre-assorted pack of shower gels, hand creams and face massage oils which start from Rs. 1625 upwards. Or purchase a voucher from one of their spas.
For Him Sporting Gear
Royal Sports is the place to visit if your recipient clearly falls into the active outdoorsy category, get him/her a football or basketball this Christmas. Royal Sports, down De Fonseka Place has quite a selection of brands starting from Rs. 1750.
Movies/Games
Shopping around for the movie buff ? Then head over to Chelsey located at Majestic City. This year has seen the release of the juiciest flicks and games. Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag, Call of Duty: Ghosts, Gran Turismo 6, WWE 2K14 and Batman: Arkham Origins are just a few of the latest releases for Playstation 3 and 4 that have hit stores.
The loyal movie buff would know best to head over to Cybermart, also at Majestic City to check out the latest movies. They also have a 50% off on every item till December 31.
Watches
Head over to ‘Liberty Time’ located on the first floor at Liberty Plaza and you’ll be able to spot a range of tasteful Titan timepieces anywhere from Rs. 4000 upwards for the classic RAGA range while you should be able to find casual FastTrack watches for a little lesser.
Pens
A wide range of pens, ranging from Parker, Cross and Sheaffers can be found at the Penhouse at the first floor, at Liberty Plaza. Prices start from Rs. 1050 upwards.
Books
Vijitha Yapa offers an extensive range of books, with an interesting stockpile of new arrivals. Thriller addicts wouldn’t want to miss getting their hands on legendary novelist Frederick Forsyth’s latest – ‘The Kill List’, available for Rs. 720. The complete set of books from Volume 1-5 of George R. R. Martin’s ‘A Song of Fire and Ice’ can be purchased for Rs. 5100 while ‘The Cuckoo’s Calling’ – another novel to look out for could be purchased at Rs. 1800.
Cufflinks and Ties
One thing that doesn’t fail to make our Christmas shopping list every year is a pair of cufflinks and tie, because they make for great gifts. When shopping for a set – ODEL offers a range from Rs. 950-1450, while standard solid coloured and dotted ties cost Rs. 550. There’s a more grandiose selection in the Luv SL range where a classic, blue and pink colour tie embroidered with small elephants can be purchased for Rs. 1750.
Games and Puzzles
Head over to Panther in Kalubowila to keep the younger recipients on your gift list entertained during the festivities with picture puzzles and other games. Panther has even a Christmas competition going on over at their Facebook page (deadline’s tomorrow, so hurry!).
Chocolates
If you’ve really left everything to the last minute then something that may set your score straight is a box of chocolates. Gerard Mendis Chocolatier at 58A Horton Place has an extensive range of chocolates, cakes, traditional Christmas goodies and holiday favourites ready to be ordered now. (Including Gingerbread Houses, Traditional Dutch Breuder, Chocolate Santas and German Stollen). They even have chocolate gift trays-a 12 choc box is tagged at Rs. 2200.
The Do-It-Yourself addict
Find Magnetic Screwdriver kits and more at A. C. Paul, at Sri Sangaraja Mawatha Colombo 10.
The tech guy
Thinking of portable speakers? Off you go to Chelsey. Speakers on the go are a fabulous idea. Caught up in busy lifestyles, the only time you get to listen to some music may just be when you’re out travelling and the extensive set of portable speakers in stores serve just the purpose.
Ranging from the relatively cheap Imation BTS 200, to the Divoom iTour-rock camouflage set at Rs. 2950, you can find what suits your need at Chelsey.
Pix by Mangala Weerasekera