Christmas Shopping

Antonia_Alumni

We have less than a week before Christmas, and some of us have not started our Christmas shopping yet and some of you may have already. We wanted to ask you all few questions, please let us know your thoughts. 



Do you find any shops accessible or do you prefer online shopping instead? 



What experiences and tips and hints do you have? 

Sam_Alumni

I am almost done! I have tried really hard this year to buy all my gifts from small, independent stores in my local town rather than the big chains and Im so happy with my purchases but it has been a lot more tiring, having to go around the shops has been tough.

I have also done some internet shopping but generally this has been for experience vouchers (spa days, theatre tickets, gig tickets.)

I have been to two CHristmas markets this year and found both were not very wheelchair friendly which was a huge disapointment.

Phantomscript

I have always favoured independent stores and Butchers, as well as local Christmas markets. Due to my wife's condition, I started shopping a s far back as Autumn. The maddening crowd is not for us, a couple of things were bought on line mainly a wine and gifts for relatives far away.

cracker

I won't be purchasing many gifts, but they will be all from online. This town has very few stores left: most of the independent shops were killed when Walmart came in. 

I do miss going around looking at Christmas things.

Ami2301

Where I live, they actually have 1  decent shop in town now; The Works. Originally went in-store and bought a few presents but they have a wider range online.

Antonia_Alumni

Hi @Sam_Scope
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. Happy to hear you're almost done with your Christmas shopping. I love that you're supporting independent stores. Sorry to hear the Christmas markets were not as accessible. 

Antonia_Alumni

Hi @Phantomscript
Thanks for sharing this with us. Yes I think people should try their independent stores and butchers. That's a really good idea, due to sales and last minute shoppers. It does get overcrowded and overwhelming. 

Antonia_Alumni

Hi @cracker
Thank you for sharing this with us. It's unfortunate, for the independent stores and loyal customers, when a big name brand takes over. I hope you have a lovely online shopping experience.

Antonia_Alumni

Hi @Ami2301

Thank you for sharing this with us. That's good to hear, The Works have a good range of products. I hope it all goes well with your online shopping.

Antonia_Alumni

I started online shopping for a loved one, and online shopping was a better option for them. As they have not had a good experience previously. I am always late with my Christmas shopping, but I have bought some gifts (it's more fun buying for babies and children, but for adults can be a bit hard for me ) Maybe I will get some gift vouchers (thanks @Sam_Scope). Then lastly, grocery shopping - wish me luck!

debbiedo49

I got my big food shop online this week just hope it lasts till Christmas lol #hungryteenager
I shop mainly online 

Geoark

I find I am increasingly opting for online shopping. Thanks to @Pippa_Scope I recently discovered the joys of Etsy and supporting individual traders. Outside of our main grocery shopping I do prefer to use local shops.

My favourite shopping trip for this time of year is our local ASDA. Open 24 hours, no trafic on the road, hardly anyone in the store, easy to find help if I need it. I just love that 2am shopping.

Lynda1967

I'm done. I have found going around the shops too tiring and my pain levels go through the roof. I decided to do it online which has made a big difference

CockneyRebel

I finished Christmas shopping 10 years ago

Antonia_Alumni

Hi @debbiedo49

Thank you for sharing with us. That's good to hear. Oh I hope so too *fingers crossed*  Wishing you a lovely Christmas.

Antonia_Alumni

Hi @Geoark

That's awesome to hear. Thanks @Pippa_Scope Yes Etsy have very unique items. It's lovely to hear you have found a time that suits you, to do your shopping and get the help you need too. Wishing you a lovely Christmas.

Antonia_Alumni

Hi @Lynda1967

Thanks for sharing this with us. Yes, online shopping has been a relief for many. Happy you have that out the way now, have a lovely Christmas.

Antonia_Alumni

Hi @CockneyRebel

Oh, 10 years ago!  Thanks for sharing with us.

Have a lovely Christmas.