It's not easy

[SigurRos]

I'm from a town in the NORTH of England, where unlike the magic of places like London, the market is very limited. It's a lovely place to go shopping, especially when places stay open longer, then there's a great atmosphere for late night shoppers. However, have in tried getting a bit of present buying in a little earlier this year, I'm reminded of how hard it is to find all the presents for various people in the family. For the kids it's easy, there's plenty of places selling toys but for adults, I'm afraid it's not great; it lacks a huge veriety of little shops where you can find 'gift' type presents - things not from the every day but something special that'll always remind you of the period. I'm afraid I'll be drawn into internet shopping, which for the most part, I want to avoid because, well, it's not the same as propper window shopping is it.

I'm thinking I may have to arrange a trip to Manchester or somewhere big and spend the weekend there, buying everything or as much as possible, which means it'll be a case of game-show type shopping, where there's a clock ticking down fast and I'll either be a success or failure.

Does anyone else have difficulty shopping in their local area, or are any of you people who arrange shopping trips elsewhere? Also, internet shopping - is it worth looking around?

[kelly ann]

I live in a city and we dont have that many variety of shops either compared to Cardiff. I start xmas shopping quite early for my daughter because I hate to get to the last week before xmas and I still haven't got a thing, that's when you start to go a bit frantic and just buy anything or end up spending more than you wanted. Its always worth checking out the internet and other towns. Defintely!!!

[Annette1990]

I can totally relate Kellyann. I live in a small community. And when I shop for gifts too I have to do it either the internet or out of town. And I don't like waiting last minute either.

[novelist]

:sparkle:There are plenty of stores in my area, so shopping is never a problem, but what I do have a problem with is finding a gift for someone who has just about everything! My sisters are very hard to buy for. I usually buy them a joint gift for them and their husband. I try not to buy my three married sisters the same thing, but I did this year. I bought them all an electric food steamer. They all love to cook, so I know the gift is something they could use. Also, while shopping another shopper saw me looking at it, and told me what a great item it is. The item was on sale, plus I had a coupon for an additional percentage off. I couldn't resist the bargain.

[Mumof2]

I went through the same thing I lived in a small town in Louisiana,they had some cute shops and a walmart .but to really find great things I had to plan a trip to New Orleans,not that I minded I love New Orleans.but it was the time,find a sitter.and get to the malls and shops I liked .it was a very LONG day.but was worth it in the end.

[Lfisch]

I like to try to shop year round. I live in a small town, but we have craft fairs around all the time. I also like to make handmade gifts as well. I am not into the whole mall shopping scene and don't care to give a lot of gift cards.
For me as many hand crafted gifts as I can find is what I like to give.

[rodmonster]

I used to - when i lived in Louisiana in a small town. Took an hour drive down the interstate to get to a mall.

Now we live in Virginia near DC...so mall after mall and store after store....

Still do a lot buying online though!
=)

[Dawnfletch]

I live in Chesterfield,the shops are ok but not very big so they dont have much choice. So i go to Sheffield town & meadowhall(a big shopping mall). I do all my shopping in 1 day.ive never bought online i like to see what im getting.

[joyful]

Yes, for me it's about 45 minute drive to shop and I will not drive on snowy, icy roads so there are times it's very hard for me to Christmas shop. I have started my shopping now but I plan to do alot of my shopping at Amazon.com and other stores online.

[JanaBanana]

40 miles south.. and we get a lot snow here...

[christmas-junkie]

Well at least you can use the interenet. That's a shame but the christmas spirit is still there.:rudolph:

[Christmas Snow Angel]

Well, we live in a semi-large area. And we do have lots of little shops and malls. Sometimes the Christmas crowds put me in a damper mood so I'll turn to the internet. Of course my daughters want dolls from American Girl this year and I won't be able to make a trip to New York City to get them so I'll have to order from the store online.