Its unavoidable – the Christmas shopping season is finally here! Over the last few weeks a constant stream of emails boasting the best prices for Christmas gifts have been appearing in my inbox, most of which have gone straight to my trashcan.
Don’t get me wrong, I do enjoy the run up to Christmas. I love going to see the Christmas lights in town and its difficult to pass the bakery aisle in the supermarket and not feel slightly tempted by the mince pies. However, shopping for gifts is always stressful and these emails are a constant reminder that it needs to be done.
For some reason I always seem to end up putting it off until the last couple of weeks and then end up rushing around the shops at the weekend, along with what seems like 90% of Devon.
Unless you get up at the crack of dawn, you can queue for ages to get a parking space in the city at the weekend and, as my parking skills leave a lot to be desired, by the time I’ve managed to squeeze into the last awkward space next to a pillar in the multi-story car park I’m often so fed up that I feel like going home again!
However, as its December this weekend its about time I started thinking about presents and the internet is actually very useful. Many of the online shops offer prices that can be up to 50% less than the high street stores and they can deliver the presents directly to your door. However, take care to take note of last order dates for delivery before Christmas.
If you prefer to go to the shops to buy presents the web is still a useful tool. If you are stuck for gift ideas for a particular family member most shopping websites include recommendations for different age groups and interests. Some websites can also tell you if a gift is available in your local store and give you an option to reserve it.
I’ll admit it - I have already bought two presents online. However I shouldn’t get too smug, because there are still quite a few to get….
Some of my favourite websites for Christmas shopping:
www.play.com – DVDs, books, CDs, games , electronics, t-shirts
www.amazon.co.uk– books, DVDs, CDs
www.boots.co.uk – fragrances, toiletries
www.iwantoneofthose.com – gadgets and boys toys
www.gadgetshop.com – gadgets and boys toys