Mik's tips for a cool yule

Our very own Santa Baby, Mik Scarlet, ho-ho-hopes that his tips for taking the shop out of Christmas shopping will bring joy to the world

Christmas is coming and it’s time to start shopping. I used to be a huge fan of battling my way through the crowds to find those special gifts for my loved ones, but the last few years the shine has gone off the whole experience. Not only do the crowds seem larger and more crazed with shopping frenzy, but the weather has been against me too. With another cold and snowy winter forecast, the streets already filling up and bargains being of key importance in this time of recession, this year I have decided to join the growing number of online shoppers in search of pressies to fill up Santa’s sack. I know that the disabled community is very web savvy and so I won’t point you to the usual suspects, like Amazon (amazon.co.uk), Play (play.com) and all the high street’s online outlets, but there are some great smaller sites that have original stuff at fantastic prices.

For my male family members (of all ages) and mates, the best gift solution is always gadgets. For computers and everything else electronic I always shop at three sites. Saverstore (saverstore.com) has been my first stop shop for gadgets for years, partly as it based in my home town of Luton but mostly as it has amazing bargains. Another couple of personal faves are EBuyer (ebuyer.com), that also has a great selection of electronics and Aria (aria.co.uk), that is great for all things computer at cut down prices. For the very latest in mobile tech at the very best prices try Expansys (expansys.com).

Another great present idea for men is the cool T-shirt. X-Ray Fog (x-rayfog.com) is a company I discovered in Camden Market and their T-shirts are more like works of art. They are designed by famous artists and musicians in limited numbers and come packaged in special boxes. They are loved by celebs and cool Camdenites. They are really reasonably priced too. Department of Works (departmentofworks.com) are another company that has some ultra cool T-shirt designs that won’t break the bank, and are worn by people like Noel Fielding… and me.

For the ladies in your life, guys often go for underwear… and get it wrong. To avoid disappointment try out Fig Leaves (figleaves.com/uk), who do lovely classy undies at great prices. You could also try my mate Miss Katie (misskatie.com) for something a little special. Without falling into stereotypes, clothes and shoes are also winners. Little Miss Shoe (littlemissshoe.co.uk) do all manner of high fashion footwear at amazingly low prices. Pretty Disturbia (prettydisturbia.com) has a range of fantastic designer fashions by Leesa Bertram, and Dizzy Cherry (dizzycherry.com) is the place to go for ultra on-trend clothes and accessories. Just make sure you get the sizes right!

Christmas is really a time for the kiddies, so toys are of vital importance (of course this also works for us men, as we never really grow up). The Brilliant Gift Shop (thebrilliantgift shop.co.uk) has gifts for kids of all ages. Other superb sites are Smyths (smythstoys.com), The Entertainer (thetoyshop.com) and the Christmas institution Hamleys (hamleys.com). Bright Minds (brightminds.co.uk) is packed with educational toys that are so great they will be going on my list. See, told you us men are boys at heart.

I hope this virtual sleigh ride helps make sure that you are met with smiles of joy on Christmas morning and that you all have a wonderful festive season.