Xmas shopping - in actual real shops

[TheOrigFV45]

How do those of you who get little or no time away from your kids manage to get to the shops alone? Ever.

I can do most of my shopping online, but I'd so love to have a few hours to myself to browse the shops.

City is 1hr drive away. I work full time.

I take my 4 shopping after school, it’s abit annoying but totally doable. Lots of parents go shopping??

I just read that you said alone so ignore me! I don’t go alone, hence why I never told my children about Santa as they always seen me buying the presents 😩

Taking DS with me isn't enjoyable for either of us. Of course it has to be done, but I'd rather not.

So your children never have any surprises?

I only work 4 days a week for this reason, not just Christmas shopping but dentist, go, hairdressers. I really don’t know how I would manage doing 5 days a week .

Do you have a friend you could do a mutual childcare swap? Any family?

I do order some stuff online or try to do stuff when they are at school but still got the 2 year old with me so she’s definitely gonna see some of her presents! but when they were little and not at school I just had to take them with me. How old is your DS??

Play dates, I do a lot with various kids so I can call on favours when I need them. It's a lifesaver.

I think you'd have to Click and Collect. Pick shops that use plastic/cardboard packaging to disguise the contents.

DS is 10.
It's not that I can't get my shopping done, I just want to go to the City, see the lights, browse for stocking fillers and little things for my sisters. Shopping online lacks that element of finding just the right thing.

Playdates are not so easy. They can only be at w/e. And I have to save my favours for things I have to do (work) or higher priority.

I'll take 1/2 days annual leave.

Yes it would have to be annual leave. If you've only got half a day though, make sure you go with a plan.
Half a day to yourself seems like an endless luxury but browsing in shops at this time of year is more tricky so at least have an idea of what you are looking for before you set off.

Yes, I am a master of lists and efficient use of time except when I'm filling in tax returns or travel visas or travel expenses or arsing court forms.