I have just found the easiest way ever to buy my Christmas presents, am I the last to know this?

[mummyplonk]

Just thought I'd share a good experience for anyone who is preparing to Don a Hard Hat and go shopping at the moment.

DS wanted a remote controlled Tarantula (eeux), Googled it and House of Fraser was by far the cheapest at £17.50 which was a suprise (didnt even know they did toys). So options where A. Via the post..no thanks too many things already not arrived. B. Collect in Store..def no thanks or C. Pay on line, get it sent to my local newsagent up the road who then text me within 48hours to go and collect, where there is no que a huge chocolate selection and come home with cup of tea, tarantula and said chocolate bar feeling smug.

ooh, i never knew that, about the local newsagent! Very clever idea.

Woolworths do it too

Mmmmm I'm wondering if this is similar to the Collect service that Asos do. I'm about to venture round the corner to the newsagents to send back 3 appallingly disappointing sweater dresses. It's got to be better than going anywhere near a post office right?

Our local shop does the parcel taking in thing too, although never used it.

that must be a new thing..I assume as there is no extra charge that house of fraser arent paying the newsagent ... the newsagent makes their money from us buying choc when we are there lol

Woolworths! are they are still alive in tinternet land?...ooh so many time I thought I wish it was still open. Thanks Blibblibs am off to search,,,yey

Newsagents make all their money from impulse buys really. Magazines/papers hardly bring in any income, but they do bring in the people!

My top tip (as I discovered on Xmas eve last year) is buying vouchers online then print off, stick in fancy envelope - job done! To make it look more professional print it on shiny paper.

You can buy afternoon tea at The Wolseley or Virgin experiences from pamper days to motor racing.

Dead easy!

Although queue less collection from chocolate shop is pretty good too!

ooo how do you find out with newsagents do this please

don't know if today tomorrow or next week

At the checkout it asks you to put in your postcode then it displays the nearest pickup points in distance, they are mainly, late night ones like Costcutters and small Newsagents, there was a big selection though and they say its guaranteed in 48 hours, mine was just over 24.

thats fab, i shall be remembering that one, thanks

Kate that is Genius! We have in-laws arriving Boxing day and havnt a clue who they have bought for so my parents can be at the ready if they need to whip off an extra present.

I think the service is called collect +. I have used them for Boden before.

You can get cashback as well on most of these experience places via TopCashBack or Quidco. Not for independent establishments like The Wolesley but for theatre tickets or spa days you can get between 5-15% back. Plus you can use discount codes too.

i have just joined both of those sites, next year i plan on doing all my shopping, food as well through them, to see how much i can save, i am also going to save all my points i collect on tesco, sainburys and boots reward cards, will let you all know next xmas what i have to spend

I was delighted to discover Woolworths online and it was the cheapest place by far the kids double stroller Santa needed
I didn't use collect + but did get to pick my delivery date and time and it arrived when it said it would too. Very impressed with them.

I love the click n collect services, Very do it too :)