Christmas shopping in York and area - swap good experiences!

[Northernlurker]

I've been over to Helmsley today. Fantastic little town for Christmas shopping. I got books for stockings at the cheap book shop, something for dh, birthday present for bil and other stocking fillers. Plenty of parking at decent price - free on the streets or I paid £2.50 for three hours and nice places to eat as well. All in all a really nice few hours. The only slight disappointment is that the toy shop is winding down and so really had very little in.

I highly recommed a trip though.

So what are your tips for Christmas shopping this year?

My tip is don't go into York as it is full . I will be going to Hawkins bazaar for stocking fillets though.

Or even fillers.

I'm trying to avoid York as well. Good shops on Gillygate though and it's not usually too busy. The toy shop there isn't as good as it used to be but Snowhome is good for dh type presents and the arts and crafts and wool shop near Kaos is amazing - I need to go back there!

York is lovely but makes me go 'argh', especially with toddler and bump. Internet shopping all the way for me if I can, with little stocking fillers bought as early as possible before the crowds arrive!