With Christmas just around the corner, many Irish shoppers are hitting the streets at the last minute in search of the perfect gifts. 

On The Pat Kenny Show, freelance journalist Niamh O’Reilly shared her tips for those looking to find presents in the final days before Christmas.

 Niamh described her recent shopping trip to Dundrum with her two children as chaotic. 

“It was the seventh level of hell - queues everywhere, crowded shops, elbows in your face. We left around lunchtime, and I was never so happy to leave a shop,” she said.

For last-minute gifts, Niamh recommends having a clear plan. 

Books remain a reliable choice.

“Books are fantastic. I know they can be seen as boring, but in this digital age, I love a book, a brand new book, a hardback,” she said. 

“At this time of year, the bookshops are fantastic, filled with biographies, sports books, it’s a lovely physical gift to give somebody at any age.”

Experience gifts are another popular option. 

Christmas shoppers browse for gifts and presents in a jeweler shop in Dublin this afternoon. Photo: Sam Boal/Photocall Ireland

“Experiences are a really nice thing to get for people, and more and more people appreciate them,” she explained. 

“Spa experiences, cooking classes, subscription boxes with books, chocolates, candles, it’s something they can enjoy even after Christmas.”

“Just make sure it’s tailored to the person, otherwise it can feel impersonal,” O’Reilly added.

When it comes to cash and gift cards, Niamh sees them as practical, especially for teenagers. 

“Cash is ideal for teenagers. My kids, six and nine, are very happy with a little bit of money in a card.”

"It's about tailoring it to the person, a teenager is always delighted with a bit of cash."

Her final tip for last minute shoppers is to stay calm and focus on thoughtful gifts for friends and family, rather than chaotic impulse buys:

"Don't just throw you're money at something," she said.