Top tips for buying Christmas gifts for the home - and what to avoid

Carol O’Callaghan gives some handy hints on homely gifts to take to a party — or to family and friends.

If only Santa Claus had a delivery service for adults — then all we’d have to do was write our list, send it up the chimney and the perfect presents would appear under the tree wrapped and stress-free.

But playing Santa is an adult’s lot, and with only 12 days to get the dreaded shopping done before Christmas is upon us, the main street and local shopping malls are now your best bet unless you get guaranteed delivery dates from online retailers.