If you buy MS Society of Ireland Christmas cards directly from the charity, 70 per cent of the proceeds go directly to help people with multiple sclerosis, says the website. You can order the attractive cards (which include details of the artists) online at www.ms-society.ie/ xmas/index.html

There are millions of reasons for buying UNICEF cards this Christmas . . . and all of them are children, says the UNICEF website. But cards and gifts (calendars, diaries, mugs and toys) are only on sale from UNICEF stockists or via conventional mail order. Go to the website to view card designs and order the brochure: www.unicef.ie/card-gifts.htm or e-mail cards@unicef.ie

The Irish Cancer Society depends solely on voluntary contributions. View ISC Christmas cards online and then phone or fax your order. Personalised cards are also available, at www.cancer.ie/funding/christmas

Amnesty International's cards include artist-designed cards on environmentally friendly paper with a Christmas message in Irish and seven other languages. The catalogue, which should be online within the next week, features candles, calendars, cookery books, world music CDs and a Tibetan-herb love pillow. At www.amnesty.ie

Oxfam's Web shopping pages include cards, children's gifts, fairtrade products, Christmas decorations and a Vietnamese hamper. There is even an auction, of items such as first editions of P.G. Wodehouse and John Steinbeck. Unfortunately, there is no gift delivery service in the Republic, but Oxfam will deliver any orders to Britain and Northern Ireland. At www.oxfam.org.uk/shop/index.html

Fancy buying 40 chicks, a plough, a roof or a medical kit instead of a Christmas card? Trocaire doesn't have conventional online shopping. Instead, the charity offers the opportunity to buy a gift, in the name of a friend or relative, which will help families in the developing world. Find out more at www.trocaire.ie

The ISPCC has a wide selection of cards available online - from an image of the Mansion House at Christmas, to Madonna and Child. Overprinting is also available. View the cards and complete the order form at www.ispcc.ie

Web Watch will next appear on Friday, December 8th, when sites for Christmas hampers will be featured