Are you using actual shops more this year?

[Bayroot1]

I find I am. I think it's mainly because of delivery cock ups and being able to see things before buying. I can see if something will fit someone, what the quality is like etc.

I've noticed the local shops seem to be busy on all days. I work in the community so can be out and about any given day.

Are you using shops more rather than the big A? I use them too.

Yes - I did the majority of mine in the shops last weekend and really enjoyed it. First time I’ve done most of it in the shops for years.

We have some shops about a 5 minutes walk from where we live, which is very handy, but more for your everyday needs. There is a small supermarket, newsagent, Post Office, Bakers, Betting Shop, Fish & Chip shop, Pizza/Keebab shop, barbers, hairdressers, nail/tanning salon, pharmacy and off-licence, plus Doctor surgery and a clinic. I suppose if my gift shopping was just alcohol, sweets, biscuits, and gift vouchers I could do it all very local.

I live about a short drive from a large M&S, and a large outlet shopping centre, but the traffic is a nightmare generally, and especially this time of year.

Definitely not.

I’ve done almost all of my Christmas shopping in actual shops this year and I enjoyed carrying heavy, full bags back to the car.

I found a few lovely gifts while just browsing and they looked much better in real life than on the website. I also hate waiting around for deliveries and then having to return things. And one thing I ordered for click and collect, I got home and found was broken, so I had to go back again to exchange it. Very annoying.

Yes BUT the reality of Christmas shopping vs the festive charming dream you want it to be like is vastly different. I imagine myself walking along 5th Avenue laden with Bergdorf and Saks paper carrier bags when the reality is trudging around retail park after retail park between TK Maxx, Smyths, The Range, Home Bargains, The Entertainer 🥴 in the pissing rain and freezing wind. 🎄😂

No much not at the moment apart from supermarkets, don’t get the time

A mixture. Finding decent quality clothes and shoes that fit means going online.

For presents though, I've bought most through high street stores because it takes away all the hassle of deliveries and couriers and signatures. Our high street has improved a lot in the last 12 months.

🤣 yes never quite lives up to it

@Meadowfinch that's good to hear. It's usually the other way round.

Almost all in shops this year (Im young ish I think and have a 4yr old!) I find physically browsing easier for people I don’t know what to buy for as I see something and think oh dad would like that. I don’t know how online can do this if you literally have no idea what to type into the search!

Im gifting less and less. My kids will have a small thing to open - and im giving them money as things are so tight.

My Dad has dementia but loves one type of jumper - so ive got one coming in a diffetent colour from Vinted.

My outlaws need some new knives. I may get those from a shop as delivery i would have to be in, and cant guarantee i will be.

Mostly online but clothes and jewellery are from shops.

I'm hoping to finish mine tomorrow 🤞 All shops as have done the online bit hopefully?