us with an eclectic array. By Mairi Mallon 'Tis the season to be jolly... and fret about what you are going to buy for those difficult people who already seem to have everything.

Shopping at Christmas can be a chore if you are left stumped with what to buy for that eccentric Auntie, that teenage niece, the terrible twins, newly wed friend or that cousin with the big house, and everything to go with it.

The tempting thing to do may be to get on the nearest plane and escape for the festive season. But there are many of us who simply cannot slip away, and have to face the full horror of ploughing through the shops with the crowds.

But help is at hand. Tucked away in the corners of the Island are a plethora of shops small and large that can cater to even the most unusual tastes.

For any man in your life, there is nothing like a bit of warrior gear - something for the grown up action man. Artifaction on Church Street is the perfect venue.

Here you can buy an African tribal spear ranging in size from three foot to six foot for between $125 and $350. Wrap them in tribal design mud cloth wrapping paper from TaMerry, just off Reid Street.

Or if you are feeling heavy with the readies, try the Yorba tribe (Nigeria) chief's technicoloured coat which is displayed in the window for a truly African-flavoured Christmas.

For the sophisticated teen girl, sparkles are still in and always a sure hit.

Try the Phoenix store for cheap face and body glitter, or move to Cooper's for the best paste jewellery in town.

Go to Opus Encore on Reid Street for some special face jewellery like Indian bindis (for above the nose) - very Madonna.

If you want some real gems for young girls, go to Solomon's jewellery store, for a range of affordable rings and earrings. And there is a bonus -- for every $250 you buy there, you will get a prize draw ticket with which you could win $10,000 worth of jewellery from the store.

For sparkley clothes, a fish sequined lime green shirt ($95) at TaMerry could be just the thing. Or try the teenage haven of Grant's Ladies Boutique for all the latest clothing crazes.

But while you are in TaMerry remember to pick up some charcoal-based incense ($3.00) for the perfect stocking filler.

For the person who has everything, try a sake kit - a small china bottle and two tiny drinking cups in pale blue in a boxed set at Trimmingham's ($70). Add to this a bottle of sake from Gosling's and you have the whole kit n' kaboodle.

While you are in Goslings ask the assistant to team up some of their specialist crystal drinking glasses with a bottle of fine wine for a gift that people who like a tipple will adore and thoroughly enjoy.

For the chef in the house (who still has a bit of action-man or woman in them - this counts as super ultimate kitchen gadget) get a full set of Sabatier knives from International Imports Ltd cook shop.

The full-on gardener or the armchair variety would be amused by the Historic and Edible poster sold at all wrapped up ($10).

Here you can read about all the edible flowers and herbs on the Island, including the poppy, which can be used to cure chest pain, anxiety, insomnia and nerves and palmetto berries which were used as a substitute for bread on the Island when wheat did not arrive on these shores.

Try adding a set of slug garden tools from Otto Wurtz to perfect the prezzie.

While you are in there check out the puppets -- including a giant scary hand puppet in the shape of a fly ideal for a ten-year-old boy, or three blind mice in a box for the more gentle-natured younger offspring.

For the stressed (after being attacked by giant fly) or the simply indulgent, try the Herbal Ease neck pillow by Tara at Sail On ($42.95). Simply put in the microwave to heat and relax to the escaping aromas and warmth of the pillow.

Add to the package the "Dreams'' book by David Clotiff ($11.95) also at Sail On and you have a good gift for anyone.

A good stocking filler to add to this indulgent package are the small, colourful Thumb-ease ($5.95), a strange-looking tiny colourful massage tool which fits onto thumbs, also found at Sail On.

And finally, for the more racy, newly wed wife (or a good gift for the husband), try Secrets in Washington Mall, and the Santa red fish-net teddy, with white fur trim and Santa Hat ($46) to make you both go Ho Ho Ho this year.

Otto Wurtz has a splendid selection of hand puppets.