Toys, jewellery, chocolates and perfumes are ready to be exchanged - People in Seychelles look for the best gifts as Christmas day draws near

Its been a busy week leading up to Christmas Day in the Seychelles capital of Victoria as people did their last minute shopping. (Joe Laurence, Seychelles News Agency)

(Seychelles News Agency) - Only hours remain before Christmas Day and the Seychelles capital of Victoria which has been very busy these last few days was packed this morning as shoppers ran around doing their last minute shopping including the buying of gifts.

A wide range of toys, jewellery, perfumes, chocolates, household and electronic items, books are amongst many more gift items available.

Merchants had also put out small stalls outside their shops offering discount prices on selected items.

Most people who spoke to SNA said they are generally satisfied with the products available which they said varied in prices.

A wide range of toys for both boys and girls are available, with some shops offering discounts. (Joe Laurence, Seychelles News Agency) Photo License: CC-BY

"There are lots of toys on sale," said Kelly.

"I have only bought four gifts, for my mom, brother, boyfriend and a close friend."

SNA also spoke to Vanessa close to midday who was in quite a hurry to look for a remote control toy car.

"I haven't found one yet....some toys are either too expensive while others are cheap which means they will not last long enough," said Vanessa.

"I am only buying gifts for children......as is the case for most people i tend to wait for the last minute."

And its not only the women doing the shopping and buying of gifts, as SNA met Aubrey who was busy buying a toy kitchen set for his daughter.

"Some people get paid quite late which is also my case. As today I was given half day off, this is the only time I can come down to get something for my daughter."

"I have found something she will like and the prices are quite reasonable." 

Gift packing services were also available especially for parents not wanting the kids to find out what they were getting for Christmas. (Joe Laurence, Seychelles News Agency) Photo License: CC-BY

Now that all the shopping is done most people will be getting ready to go to church either this evening or tomorrow morning for the Christmas celebrations before spending time with family and friends.

Christmas, on December 25, in Seychelles is celebrated by the majority of the population.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics 76.2 percent of the Seychelles population of around 90,000 people is Roman Catholic, 6.1 percent Anglican, 2.4 percent Hindu, 1.6 percent Muslim, and 13.7 percent other faiths.

SNA presents a few photos of mainly showing people going about getting the last minute gifts in the Seychelles capital of Victoria in time for Christmas. (Joe Laurence, Seychelles News Agency) Photo License: CC-BY