Call me scrooge, but I loathe Christmas shopping. It seems to get worse every year but this year is by far the worst. Perhaps one contributing factor is my huge off-road pushchair that I love but curse every time I enter one of the high street shops. The aisles seem to have shrunk, the merchandise is constantly falling in front and on top of the buggy and the wheels either get stuck or run over some poor sod's toes every time I try to check out - not to mention the scarves, necklaces, pantyhose and scented candles that my baby grabs on his way and stuffs in his mouth.
The other day I had an armful of gifts which I was quite pleased with myself for actually finding and went to pay for them, only to find myself waiting in line for 15 minutes whilst several price checks very slowly took place and then just before my turn, the cashier lady just got up and left without any explanation or apology. There were 4 people behind me who all (without any small people with them) rushed over to the next cashier. I was stuck trying to maneuver the buggy and my two small children over to the next cashier, lost my place in line (although if I had been one of those other people, I would have let me go in front since I was the next person to check out) and had to wait a further 10 minutes in line. During these 10 minutes, my daughter began to whinge, my son said he was going to pass out and the baby started to cry. When finally we got to the front, the cashier announced the line was closing, and vanished without a word of apology. I was angry, frustrated, tired and gobsmacked. I had the option of yet again getting us all, including said buggy, into yet another line only to wait some more to maybe or maybe not check out, or I could just leave. I choose to leave which was a relief to us all apart from the fact that I wasted my time and effort on NOT buying any presents and put us all through hell in the process.
I won't mention which shop it was (TK Maxx in Worthing, which by the way, I used to work in the original TJ Maxx in the USA when I was in high school where we had weekly customer service training sessions - I see this practice has not made it accross the pond) and it is not the only shop I've had this type of bad experience in (although it is def the worst), so I have vowed to ease the pain and do the bulk of my Christmas shopping online. And since it is always down to the wife (that's me) to buy the husband's family's and friend's and co-workers gifts and cards, Christmas food, stocking stuffers and all the extra bits and pieces for the holiday and New Year celebrations as well, making my list even longer, I think this is the best decision for myself and my suffering offspring. Really, for me it is a no-brainer and will make for a happier and more peaceful holiday for us all. Below is a list of useful shopping sites. Hope you find them helpful and whatever you do, don't go shopping on the high street with a huge buggy.
Handmade cards, gifts and home decorations: http://www.prettybeautiful.co.uk/
Children's toys, woodend toys, dolls, games and crafts: http://www.playmerrily.co.uk/
Know anyone who loves faires? Fairy gifts: http://www.faeryfolk.co.uk/homepage.php
Brighton/seaside themed T's for those who are addicted to summer: http://www.redhotruby.com
Silver jewellery in lovely gift boxes - sale now on: http://www.delicatedreams.co.uk/
For baby and toddler gifts: http://www.elc.co.uk/
Unique and personlised gifts: http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/
Personalised gifts, room decorations for babes and children: http://www.preciousparcels.co.uk/
Nature and science gifts for children - lovely stuff! http://www.kidsloveearth.co.uk/
And failing all else, there's always Amazon, Ebay, M&S and Tesco online. Don't break your back this year, put your feet up and have a cuppa.
Happy Christmas shopping.
Meg
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