DON'T feel like queuing for hours, elbowing your way through solid walls of people and developing blisters from tramping up and down the High Street?

No, neither do we. So that's why the first part of our Christmas gift guide focuses entirely on present you can buy online, from the comfort of your own home.

GILDING THE LILI
Perfect for the minx in your life, this hardback book is the first ever biography of legendary striptease artist Lili St. Cyr. Forget about Dita Von Teese, Lili made a name for herself in the 1940s and 50s dancing intricately choreographed performances... in the nude. Married six time, Lili's best known husbands were the musical-comedy actor Paul Valentine, the restaurateur Armando Orsini, and the actor Ted Jordan. Though she is rather obscure today, Lili's name popped up regularly in 1950s tabloids thanks to her many husbands,the brawls over her, and her attempted suicides.

Gilded Lili: Lili St. Cyr and the Striptease Mystique by Kelly DiNardo, £16 from www.thegmcgroup.com

STRESS BUSTER
Know someone who could do with a little TLC over the Christmas period? Perhaps your mum runs herself ragged cooking dinner for 40, or your sister needs a break from three screaming kids. The Celtic Herbal Company's products are made from 95 per cent natural ingredients, are sulphate and paraben free and are guaranteed to leave your loved ones relaxed and rejuvenated this festive season. This Christmas Survival Basket includes an organic steam facial, a pink clay and geranium face mask, angel soap, lip balm and detox bath oil.

Christmas Survival Basket, £39.95 from www.celtic-herbal.co.uk

FLY ME TO THE MOON
Or at least to the ceiling, with the FlyTech Dragonfly, allegedly the world's fastest flying insect. The remote-control robot dragonfly has a unique flying action: instead of fixed wings or propellers like conventional remote control planes or helicopters, the Dragonfly flaps its strong transparent wings like a real insect. With an ultra-light, dual-wing design and crash-resistant structure, the dragonfly is an easy-to-fly aeronautical marvel that's equipped for the odd bump and tumble.

FlyTech Dragonfly, £39.95 from www.alt-gifts.com.

ECO CONSCIOUS
Perfect for the eco-conscious diarist, these colourful journals are made from recycled leather. The elasticated strap and internal pocket make them idea for collecting cuttings and photos alongside noted-down memories, and the range of colours fits in perfectly with this season's rave-y trend.

Recycled Leather Journal, £16 from www.handpickedcollection.com

BOOKING THE TREND

Keep your books in order and look stylish at the same time with these surprisingly manly "James" bookends from The Contemporary Home. Made from rubber with a stainless steel plate attached to his foot to make sure he doesn't slip over, James is a practical addition to any study. And while you're there, check out The Contemporary Home's range of vintage metal signs - so much cooler than old-fashioned posters.

James The Bookend, £14.99 from www.tch.net