The cheapest websites to buy 2011's ultimate Christmas gifts
Tuesday, 20 December 2011 05:49
By Kate Saines
With only 4 shopping days till Christmas time is running out to get those all-important gifts for loved ones before the Big Day and there could still be time if you hurry to get the best presents for the lowest price online.
Recent research released by Ofcom reveals that consumers in the UK are using the internet more than any other European country with 79 per cent of people stating that they went online to order goods or services in 2010.
And if you are keen to bag a bargain, or find this year’s ‘must have’ gift at the best price, it really will pay to shop online.
Because not only is it easier to compare prices by scouring the internet – rather than battling against other shoppers and trudging around scores of shops – but you can often benefit from online discounts or cashback deals.
To save you even more time, we’ve done the comparing for you and tracked down the best prices for a selection of the most popular gifts this Christmas.
Gift: Kindle
What am I looking for?: The pocket-sized Kindle with Wi-Fi is the cheapest, and most basic model, and has the capability to hold 1,400 books. Meanwhile the Kindle Keyboard 3G stores up to 3,500 books, has a longer battery life but is slightly bigger.
Best prices: The Kindle is available for £89 and the more hi-tech Kindle Keyboard 3G is £149 at Amazon. You can also get the Kindle for £89 through Tesco Direct, Argos and Curry’s. Meanwhile the Kindle Keyboard is available at Curry’s and PC World for £109.
Alternatives: Looking for a cheaper e-reader? The Binatone 7inch Colour Screen E-Book is currently £69.99 at Argos.
Gift: Apple iPad 2
What am I looking for?: This is one of the ‘must-have’ gadgets of Christmas 2011, notable for the 65,000 apps available. This is a pricey gift, so make sure you’ve got your manufacturer’s warranty. The latest, cheapest version, has a 16GB hard drive and wi-fi capability.
Best Prices: Pixmania.com is currently selling it for £399. And you’ll also find this price on Tesco.com, Play.com and Comet. Try eBay too where there are new versions available from £359. If you want versions with more GB you’ll be looking at prices starting at £499.
Alternatives: Looking for a cheaper tablet or don’t want an Apple? Try the Blackberry Playbook, 16GB version, available at Amazon for £259.99.
Gift: Nintendo 3 DS
What am I looking for?: This handheld games console is also set to be one of the most sought-after gadgets this Christmas. When comparing prices, make sure you consider the price of games too. The online Nintendo store will allow you to download games directly to the console.
Best prices: Currently Amazon is selling the Nintendo 3DS for £119.99. This is the cheapest available. You’ll also get good prices at Asda.com where it’s available from £134 and Tesco.com £139.99.
Alternatives: Sony’s PSP 300 series is currently the main rival and is available through Amazon at £235.99.
Gift: Let’s Rock Elmo
What am I looking for?: Highly likely to be on most pre-schoolers’ Christmas wish list, this toy has a recommended price of £69.99.
Best prices: You can beat the recommended prices by purchasing this ‘must have’ toy at Amazon, where it is retailing for £49.99. Toysrus.co.uk meanwhile is selling it for £34.99, although it is restricting sales to two per customer.
Alternatives: Not quite the same, but the Sesame Street Squeeze N Sing Elmo is much cheaper at £14.99 should you find stocks of the ‘Let’s Rock’ to be low or the price too dear.
Gift: Nerf Vortex Nitron Blaster
What am I looking for?: This is the ultimate boys’ toy this Christmas, and like Elmo is tipped to be one of the favourites of 2011. The recommended price for this one is £44.99 but prices have been tumbling the closer we get to December 25th.
Best prices: Again, Toysrus.co.uk is competitive offering the product at £29.99 and Amazon is offering it for the same price.Thehut.com is now selling it for £30.99.
Alternatives: The Nerf Vortex Proton Blaster is £13.99 at Debenhams.com. It’s not the same, but a good cheap alternative for budget-conscious shoppers.
Gift: Milky the Bunny
What am I looking for?: Something for the girls this time. Milky the Bunny is probably top of most girls’ Santa Wish List for Christmas 2011 and has a recommended price of £59.99.
Best prices: Amazon is selling this one for £41.49, probably the biggest discount off the recommended price you’ll find. Ebay has Milky available for £47.99 and Asda is selling the bunny for £48.
Alternatives: If it’s interactive emotion pets you are after, the alternatives are just as pricey. Try Toffee the Pony, £54.99 on Amazon, or Hasbro’s Cookie My Playful Pup, £44.99 on Amazon.
Gift: Monster Beats by Dr Dre Headphones
What am I looking for?: Headphones have gone big this year. Tiny earpieces are well and truly out and have been replaced by cumbersome over-ear instruments. Beats by Dr Dre are the ultimate headphones this year, and the Monster version is the one to be seen in.
Best prices: Again, good old Amazon, is highly competitive selling the Monster Beats version of the headphones for £211. But they are only delivering after Christmas Day now so you might have to make this a late present.
HMV is offering them for the slightly higher price of £223.99, which might be more expensive but comes with free delivery and a usual dispatch date of five to eight days.
Alternatives: The Solo HD, also from Beats by Dr Dre, is not as high-tech but is slightly cheaper at £135.99 at HMV.
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