Spot the bargain: Savings to be made over the Border – but not everything is cheaper
MANY of this year’s big-ticket gifts remain cheaper over the Border, with savings of up to €50 to be made. But there are a few surprises too.
We’ve compared the prices of some of the top gift ideas this year, to help you decide.
1. iPhone XS:
The latest Apple iPhone on the market comes with a hefty price tag – so we compared prices on the official Apple site. ROI: €1,179 NI: £999 (€1,121) Saving: €58 2. Nerf Laser Ops Pro AlphaPoint Two-Pack: Listed as one of the top toys this year, we checked the price difference in Argos. ROI: €49.99 NI: £39.99 (€44.88) Saving: €5.11 3. Boxer Robot: Another bound to appear on Christmas lists – but is it cheaper in Smyths Ireland or Smyths UK? ROI: €54.99 NI: £44.99 (€50.49) Saving: €4.50 4. MAC ‘Shiny Pretty Things glow getter’ gift set: MAC’s offering is all about all things shiny, and with beauty sets a popular choice we checked out the price in Brown Thomas versus Selfridges in the UK. ROI: €49
NI: £39 (€44) Saving: €5 5. Gordon’s Gin, one litre: Treat the gin-lover in your life with one of the classics. Here’s how the prices compare in Tesco. ROI: €29
NI: £16 (€18.09) Saving: €10.91 6. Parrot Mambo Mission drone: This drone is one of the best of the bunch- and there’s massive savings to be made in Curry’s. ROI: €289
NI: Currently £89 (€99.88) Saving: €189.12 (sale price) 7. Gucci New Ace star trainers: These festive-style star shoes are cheaper to buy in BTs in the Republic compared to Selfridges in the UK. ROI: €495
NI: £450 (€508.68) Saving: €13.68 cheaper 8. Nespresso Essenza mini 150 capsule gift set: Only small savings are to be made on coffee machines on the official Nespresso site. ROI: €99
NI: £89.99 (€101.72)
Saving: €2.72 (The Citiz machine works out €1 cheaper in Ireland than in the UK, as well as the Essenza Mini and Aeroccino3 gift set) 9. Apple AirPods: Another product cheaper in the Republic of Ireland than in Northern Ireland at Curry’s. ROI: €164
NI: £159 (€179.67) Saving: -€15.67 10. ASOS 12-Day Countdown Calendar: One of the most popular preChristmas gifts for those who want to treat the make-up lovers in their life – or themselves! ROI: €34.56 NI: £25 (€28.10) Saving: €6.46