Words by Bryony Mccormick

What you haven’t done yet though, for the 20th consecutive year, is your Christmas shopping. With the painfully time-consuming nature of your job or studies, the influx of Christmas parties (and thus the increase in the number of days surrendered to being hungover on your couch), it’s not hard to simply run out of time. It’s understandable. Sadly, giving your mates a grocery hamper from the 24-hour Tesco store is not enough, so what do you do?

Here is a perfect list of last-minute buys that could save friendships and furthermore, trick people into believing you really did take the time out to make their Christmas extra special. To be honest, most things on this list are pretty lush, so if you find yourself lusting after any of them, double up when buying and pop one into your own Christmas stocking too!

Protect those peepers: Stockholm Goggles, GB Oakley Series
Quality goggles are crucial for snowboarding and skiing. No matter whether it’s your first time on the mountain or you’re on your way to being pro, decent goggles are a crucial piece of kit when it comes to riding. So, lucky for you that Oakley rider and queen of the halfpipe, Gretchen Bleiler, has just designed her very own pair. These Stockholm Goggles are made from only the best quality materials, look sleek, fit well and are made by a snowboarder for snowboarders. If you need good goggles, get your paws on a pair of these quick!

Eye candy from Skull Candy
Whether you want to stick your fist in the air listening to Kings of Leon, or prefer to block out the public transport din every morning with Jack Johnson, Skull Candy earphones should be the only ones you pop on your head. Not only are they designed to look steezy, but the sound quality they produce is top notch and worth every penny. From noise reduction earphones that literally void all sounds but your sweet choons, to blinging, shiny DJ headphones, Skull Candy has something for everyone. Opt for Smokin Buds if you’re looking for functional ‘phones, or Low Riders if you want to pimp it out. From £18.

The Bridget Jones Jumper by Nikita
Everybody has laughed at the ridiculous reindeer sweater donned by Colin Firth in Bridget Jones’ Diary, and secretly, everybody has been lusting after one ever since. What better way to spend Christmas than in a vintage, cheesy jumper. If you aren’t too big into scrounging around thrift stores, and your Gran doesn’t knit, then get this vintage looking, bear detail Formalhaut knit jumper by Nikita. Typically quirky and retro, like most Nikita clothing, this cheeky jumper will get you into the Christmas spirit. Wear with side pony. Have a look on Nikitaclothing.com for more.

Must have: Dakine Cool Tool
Everyone needs one of these. Everyone. Whether you’re out on the mountain, setting up at home or helping a stranger in need, the Dakine Cool Tool will make sure you never have to ride with loose bindings again. It’s a six-piece ratchet set, so has a tool that will fit all your equipment. Small, compact, handy and decently priced, toss a few of these in your friends’ stockings this Christmas.

Fashion meets function: Blizzard Beanie by Volcom
It seems that baggy, beret style beanies are big this season. To be honest, I’m glad the cone head thing is fading, and quite like the new style. So when I spotted this Volcom Blizzard beanie online, I was, erm, stoked to say the least. Maybe a bit more difficult to get your hands on than your run-of-the-mill winter beanie, the Blizzard is delightfully colourful, has the Rastafarian bagginess required by current trends and is thick, cosy and warm. Have a look at volcom.com for more top notch fashion and apparel.

Keep your paws cosy: Dakine Gloves and Mitts
Short of ruling any particular gloves or mitts out, this is more a general shove in the right direction if it’s gloves that you are looking for. Gloves can make or break your day up on the hill, and so a good, waterproof pair are super-important. Dakine are tried, tested and loved by most, and have stepped up to the competitive fashion arena this season with new stylish designs, off the wall colours and typical epic quality. Their three ranges for women: the Low Profile Performance Kit, the Summit Series and the Global Series have something for everyone. Check out www.dakine.com and browse through their user-friendly catalogue to find your perfect pair.

Vans Skull and Cross Bone Slippers to warm your feet
‘Tis the season to be jolly, and also to be feral, cold and Antarctic. So keep your toes warm this winter with a pair of these Vans Skull and Cross Bone slippers. Fluffy, warm and totally radical, Vans really do think of everything, don’t they. Available for about £25, these make a great gift.

The gift that keeps on giving: Cooler Subscription
Want a gift that keeps on giving, well at least another five times over the course of the year? Buy your mate a subscription to Cooler Magazine (yes we’re punting our own product). You can buy a gift knowing that you will be personally responsible for introducing a new level of coolness and knowledge to your friend. If you buy one now, you can save a pile of cash and score a free pair of Skull Candy headphones or earphones. What are you waiting for?

Pointless: Bowling Gnomes
Bowling Gnomes are utterly ridiculous. The concept must have been figured out by a crazed hippy on an acid come down, but still, there is something pretty cool about throwing plastic balls at a neat little row of dwarf men. I do not care what anyone says, Garden Gnomes are terrifying, so for me, using them instead of regular ten pins makes all the sense in the world. So ditch a boozy night out for a Bowling Gnomes tournament and enjoy the perfect party game that beats Trivial Pursuit hands down. Have a look on iwantoneofthose.com for more info.