Jewellery might not be the most obvious present for your mother, but it is one of the most luxurious. Wrap it up in tissue paper and expensive ribbons and then sit back and watch her purr.

Pendant, 125, Swarovski

For your sister Soft kid leather gloves in traffic-stopping red is a timeless fashion gift.

Marks & Spencer has a good range of colours and styles.

Red leather gloves, 29, Marks & Spencer

For your best friend

Buying gifts of clothes for good friends is easy, probably because it's a bit like shopping for yourself.

These pumps are inexpensive, practical and pretty.

Leopardskin pumps, 21, Next

For the favourite man in your life

Boys are obsessed with watches. A true aficionado he will certainly appreciate this sturdy alligatorstrapped Genevan beauty, available exclusively to order at Paul Sheeran.

Watch, 4,000, Bedat at Paul Sheeran, 7-8 Johnson's Court, Grafton Street, Dublin 2; Dundrum Town Centre

For the other men in your life

Men appreciate two things when it comes to presents . . . practicality and quality, which means gifts in neutral cashmere or expensive leather will usually satisfy. A scarf from a smart shop is also a good start.

Selection of scarves, 65, Brown Thomas