It seems that as soon as the hustle and bustle of Halloween is done, Christmas is thrown all across the media, and stores are filled with glitz and glamour.
I absolutely adore Christmas for the fact we get the chance to spend more time with friends and family, but being really honest, I’m all about the shopping! To me Christmas is gifts and seeking out the ultimate present for someone.
You have to give in to the fact that with shopping it’s going to be busy, but the earlier you start your gift hunt the better it is. My main advice is, start early but also pick the best places to shop.
You can make a weekend out of it, as not only will there be shopping to indulge in, but you will find most places have some kind of festive activity going on. A lot of places have international markets where you can get your hands on tasty treats from around the globe. I am a fan of these, and often you can get someone a delicious gift too that isn’t a generic high street purchase.
1. Ultimate high street
For the ultimate shopping experience, I suggest Westfield Stratford. Be warned: this is absolutely massive, so shopping in numbers can be a tricky task. Best advice is to split off and meet for lunch in order to avoid a lost-person situation. In all honesty, if you’re doing a shopping trip here a weekend is recommended because there is so much to see and do. And you’ve got the perfect weekend-break hotel nearby: the Travelodge London Stratford.
2. Designer bargains
For a designer-bargain find, my best suggestion is Bicester Village. This place is a goldmine for a fashionable bargain and for those extra special gifts. You have loads of top designers: Ted Baker, Chloe, Coast, Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors… the list goes on… and on… and on! It’s in its own complex and is set out like those amazing outlets in America. There is even a fantastic dining place on-site called Villandry that’s ideal for a lunchtime rest: think south of France food, and they have gluten-free options.
There are also the McArthurGlen designer outlets. You can find them across the UK, from Ashford to Liverpool. But Bicester Village is ideal for a weekend – with a short drive to picturesque Oxford for more shopping if needed. A very handy place to rest those tired feet from all the gift hunting is Travelodge Bicester Cherwell Valley.
3. Thrifty markets
East London markets for vintage
When I think of markets, I think of Christmas markets in Bath, Lincoln, Chester and York for history, sightseeing and shopping. And for gift hunting I’d automatically recommend Spitalfields. The marketplace is like no other in the country and nuzzled right in the centre of London. The beauty of having a shopping trip here is that, without a doubt, London will be the place for festivities around Christmas. You will find some of the most unique gift ideas and potentially a cheeky purchase for a Christmas party frock…! Another suggestion is nearby Brick Lane for vintage shopping and fantastic world food stalls too. London is always a firm favourite for Christmas shopping and the fact you can do so much else too is a big bonus. It’s by far my most favourite on my gift-hunt list!
