The best buys and shopping tips

• Diamond jewellery is a perennial favourite, with queues out of the door reported at some upmarket retailers over the past week.

• Links of London's new 20/20 or infinity collection jewellery has sold out completely within Edinburgh.

• Hunter welly socks are proving to be popular stocking fillers, according to John Lewis.

• Swedish watch brand Triwa is a popular choice among many gift buyers.

Shopping tips

• Taking advantage of late-night opening hours to avoid the crowds.

• If you are able to use flexi-time at work, perhaps stretch that lunchtime into a wee shopping trip.

• Similarly, some stores are opening from 8am so plan a shopping stop on the way to the office.

• Use public transport to avoid queues and hunting for a parking space.

• Lots of places offer spa or relaxation treatments, so get yourself an early present as a reward

l Tips by Penny Godfery, marketing manager of the Union Square shopping centre in Aberdeen.