Five last-minute gift ideas for your Christmas 2012

Less than twenty-four hours and the big day will finally be dawning. Father Christmas is being tracked on Google by excited kids and adults around the world; Turkeys are being prepared for the oven and last-minute mince pies are being fought over in Marks and Sparks. But if you are one of the unlucky ones who still has Christmas shopping on their mind – we’ve all been there, the panic of suddenly remembering Aunty Gladys –  don’t fret, we have a few festive essentials that will see you through Christmas 2012 with ease.

1. Owl Cushion

This cool and quirky patchwork owl is the perfect pressie for any kooky friend or relative. With woodland animals being bang-on trend this season it would be a much appreciated gift under anyone’s tree. The cushion comes in two designs – green or pink – and with its cute button eyes, who could resist! Available at Urban Outfitters for £24.

2. Kindle Fire

Treat the bookworm of the family with the delightful Kindle Fire, a must have for any tech fan. The kindle has been transformed, with a bright 7” colour touch-screen your Uncle Tim can browse the web, change his Facebook status, watch a film, listen to his favourite tunes and read the new John Grisham thriller this Christmas! Available from Tesco, Waterstones or Argos for £129.

3. Christmas Jumper

The rise of the festive jumper has become an essential around the dinner table or pub at Christmas time. Treat your loved one with this gorgeous fairisle jumper from Vacant. This warm and cosy knit has a festive appeal with its chunky pattern but without the reindeer and snowflakes it will remain a wardrobe staple after the tree has come down! Available for just £40 in the new winter sale from Joy.

4. Luxury Chocolates

Chocolate and Christmas go hand in hand but this box of beauties will give the Boxing Day comedown a little something extra. These decadent floral chocolates from The Real Flower Company are individually decorated with beautiful patterns, pleasing for the eye and the rumbling tummy! Grab them quickly from Selfridges for £28 – just make sure they end up under the tree and not in your mouth!

5. Clocky Runaway Alarm Clock

This sneaky solution for the family member who always arrives late will be a funny novelty under the Christmas tree. The Clocky Runaway alarm clock does what it says on the tin – runs away from you so you can’t have those oh-so-tempting 50 extra minutes of snooze! With the ability to fall from a 3ft-high bed table and roll away, this kooky alarm clock will have your loved one up and at ‘em this Christmas. Available from Liberty for £50.

Caitlin Middleton