With only a couple of short weeks left until Christmas, that annual shopping fever/panic is starting to grip most Christmas-celebrating foreigners in Beijing. However, sometimes the excitement of the Christmas season is compromised by the stress of having to buy dozens of presents, and that stress is multiplied by the thought of haggling over some fake, over-priced porcelain vase or Chinese scroll. But it doesn't have to be this way. Forget the Silk Market, Yashow and Panjiayuan. Beijing is peppered with fantastic shopping areas, streets and gift shops where you're not only going to find great presents, but where you know you're paying the same price as everyone else. Follow these tips and within no time, that carefree Christmas spirit and lust for all things jingly and sparkly, will consume you in no time.

1) Nanluoguxiang

Let's start with the most predictable shopping destination, Nanluoguxiang. This "old-style" street has become one of Beijing's most booming commercial alleys. Despite hearing the odd disgruntled person complaining about the fact that it's just an overcrowded tourist strip, people flock here in droves nonetheless, and for good reason. The street is lined with shop after shop of present-worthy goods – an Aladdin's cave of retro and modern Chinese products, from thermos flasks (40-50 RMB) and wind-up tin toys (10 RMB+) to fine, silver jewellery and silk textiles. Walk along the street from the Gulou Dong Dajie entrance, and you'll immediately be greeted by a Tibetan jewellery shop, a store selling Cultural Revolution memorabilia such as wind-up Mao alarm clocks (30 RMB) and army satchels, shops selling arm warmers and multi-coloured pillows and scarves, stores stocked with kitschy mugs, porcelain wares, household goods, incense, tea, hats, customized t-shirts, army wear and gas masks, you name it. But, if you've been in Beijing for a few years, and have already gone there one too many times, don't fret! There's always Gulou Dong Dajie…

2) Gulou Dong Dajie

Next to Nanluoguxiang, Gulou Dong Dajie is home to some truly unique stores. For Christmas shopping purposes, one of the most popular shops has got to be Ruoshuitang (若水堂古典油纸伞), which sells stunning, hand-painted paper umbrellas. And don't let the word "paper" fool you – these eye-catching umbrellas are laminated with a thick layer of tung oil, making them 100% waterproof. As much a beautiful ceiling/wall decoration as a functional gadget, these umbrellas (180 RMB +) are guaranteed to impress.

From Ruoshuitang, cross the road and walk towards the Gulou Dong Dajie and Jiaodaokou intersection. Keep your eyes peeled for a small, unassuming shop window with beautiful, leather brogues on display. This is Xiao Yu's shoe workshop, where some of the most beautiful and carefully crafted custom-made shoes in Beijing are created. If you know the shoe size or happen to have the same sized foot as a lucky friend/family member, why not get them a one-of-a-kind pair of custom-made shoes? Just bring a picture of your dream shoes, choose a leather, do a quick fitting and pay half the total amount as a down-payment (depending on the leather, prices range from 800-1400 RMB), and within 2-3 weeks you'll have a pair of high-quality shoes made to last for years. But hurry; get your order in ASAP if you want to have them before Christmas!

3) UCCA  Store

You can only buy so many things in the Gulou/Nanluoguxiang area. If you want to switch things up a little, why not head to the UCCA Store in 798 Art District? The store stocks everything from art books, t-shirts, posters, mugs, bags, hats and accessories, all embracing one theme – contemporary Chinese art. Their latest stock includes original designs by over 30 Chinese designers, including the increasingly popular range of luxury leather bags and ipad cases by Rfactory (www.rfactory.cn). For those too lazy to travel all the way to 798, the beauty of shopping at UCCA store is that you don't even have to get off your butt to get the goods. Many products are available for purchase from their online store (www.uccastore.com).

4) Sanlitun Village Basement level

Alas, another shopping no-brainer – but wait! Have you thoroughly explored the arcade of shops in the basement level? You may be surprised by what you find. For a truly unique gift, check out the interesting smells of Demeter Fragrance Library (www.demetercn.com), a perfume shop founded by Christopher Brosius and Christopher Gable in New York in 1994, which captures over 200 scents from daily life. If you know someone who's always wanted to smell like a cupcake or chocolate brownie, these perfumes and scented soaps are the perfect gift; plus the packaging alone is enough to inspire awe. In the basement, you'll also find plenty of stores selling household wares, designer shoes, bags, clothes and leather goods, artwork etc.

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