Don't forget those last-minute Christmas necessities

The most wonderful time of the year is upon us and if you've learnt anything from the mistakes of Christmases past, you'll know it's all about preparation. Prep, prep and more prep.

If you've started your Christmas shopping already, give yourself a pat on the back. If you haven't, take a long look in the mirror and promise yourself to adult better next year.

Time Out will give you a helping hand when it comes to the niggly bits – the cards, decorations and wrapping paper – just to unburden you as much as we can.

Holiday House Festive Decorations

Holiday House can fulfil pretty much all of your needs for Christmas stuff, from home decor and tree adornments to gift wrapping necessities and stocking stuffers.

Holiday House, Fourth Floor, 21 Xuhong Zhong Lu, near Kaixuan Lu, Changning district.

Propaganda ornaments

Not only will Christmas ornaments add a little festive flare to your apartment, they make excellent gifts for friends and family – especially when handpainted with traditional Chinese propaganda imagery and slogans. Kitschy AF.

Madame Mao’s Dowry, 207 Fumin Lu, near Changle Lu, Jingan district

Handpainted baubles

These classic Chinese ornaments are painted from the inside and make for great gifts and home decor. Available with all kinds of China and Shanghai scenes and embellishments. Get them from Jane at Christmas markets around town or at her shop. 

Jane's Home, Yatai Xinyang Fashion and Gift Market, North Square, Space C1-12 & C1-21, 2002 Century Ave, Pudong district.

China-inspired wrapping paper

Get fantastic wrapping paper in propaganda prints, quirky graphic Shanghai designs and other China inspired patterns.

Madame Mao’s Dowry, 207 Fumin Lu, near Changle Lu, Xuhui district.

Reversible Paper Tiger wrapping paper

In addition to usual offering of Chinese-designed homeware and furniture, trendy Kava Kava adds a variety of Christmassy themed products in honour of the holiday season. Reversable Double Tiger wrapping paper is just 15RMB/sheet.

Kava Kava, 810 Julu Lu, near Fumin Lu, Jingan district.

Christmas Cards

City Super offers a range of festive greetings cards at most of their locations around the city. Slip a pack into your cart the next time you pick up some groceries – it's as simple as that.

City Super, LG1, iapm mall, 999 Middle Huaihai Road, Xuhui Area. Visit citysuper.com.cn for more locations.