January Sales

January sales don’t even seem to be in January anymore! In the past years sales have started on Boxing Day or the day after and people look forward to them, even queuing outside their favourite shops. But now they seem to be starting even before Christmas has begun! The sales must be to draw in the Christmas shoppers; probably due to lack of spending by the public are doing at the moment in light of the recession, but what will shops do to entice us in the New Year? Drop the prices even more? If you are snapping up gifts with 50/60% off how much will they knock off the price come January? And will people still want to buy lots in the sales with all the bargains they got before Christmas?

Voucher Code Websites

Voucher code websites can be a really good way of finding great Christmas deals. You can either search for websites or register your email address and the site will email you with promotional vouchers for all the new offers once they hit the website.

There are loads of deals you can find, usually you just print off the voucher or take a reference number which needs to be typed in when purchasing an order online. And it’s not for rubbish shops or websites that you wouldn’t usually use.

The vouchers are for well known shops. It’s not just shops that you can get money off; there are cinema nights and beauty treatments, hotels and theatre nights. And majority of websites section it out for ‘her, him and kids’. So if like the rest of the country Christmas has been an expensive you really didn’t want to think about try to find some offers with the help of these websites.

Christmas Gift Vouchers

Are gift vouchers an acceptable present?? Is this just a copout present when you are struggling to find something to buy that beloved family member/friend? Or are you simply giving them the freedom to buy something they really want.
I personally believe that if you are buying a present for someone who literally has everything then gift vouchers can be your saviour! Also if you are buying for someone who is renowned for being a bit ‘picky’ then again gift vouchers offer them 1. A shopping trip and 2. The ability to get something they actually like!
However I really like hunting for something that the person would really want. I love being the person who has kept her ears alert on the run up to Christmas and heard a snippet of conversation that helps me when buying a present. I do think gift vouchers show lack of skill somewhat!!

Online Christmas Shopping Deadline

I managed to force myself to finish off my Christmas shopping last night. I spent 2 hours online finishing off the presents I knew I wouldn’t get a chance to get anywhere else. Thankfully I managed to get it all done. However there were notices on majority of websites about Christmas deliveries. Most online shops are offering free delivery over a certain amount spent but you can opt to pay extra for faster delivery and insuring your purchases. But if like me you refuse to pay more (there are no guarantees!!!), then the deadline for getting your gifts is fast approaching. Most are saying that you must order by the 18th December in order to get your gifts in time for Christmas. So I just managed to nip Christmas shopping in the bud on time. Fingers crossed all the presents actually do get delivered now!

Great Site for Christmas Presents

I have found the best website for Christmas present ideas. I Want One of Those has everything from gadgets and gizmos to ‘Experience’ presents like driving Ferraris, White Water rafting or Helicopter rides! This is a great online shop if you are completely stuck for ideas this Christmas.
One of the cutest items I found was the Desktop Hoovers. Henry the Hoover and his female counterpart Hetty can now be purchased in a mini desktop version. I think this is a great Secret Santa for that OCD member of staff that all offices have or simply as a quirky stocking filler. Check out the site as there are loads of gift ideas. One of the testimonies on the site said that the customer purchased 75% of their Christmas shopping in one visit!

Christmas Offers

Feeling like you’re stuck for presents or that simply your budget won’t stretch well don’t despair there are some really great deals out there.
For example The Perfume Shop have currently got an offer on, there is up to 60% off selected ranges and free delivery on all orders!! This seems to be a great deal. The Perfume Shop is one of my favourite shops at Christmas and I personally think that perfume is a great gift.
Similarly on the fragrance vein, Boots are offering up to ½ off selected fragrances too. And you can top up your Boots points too whilst you’re at it and then spend them on more gifts at a later date!!!
I’ll keep you posted on more offers.

Christmas Shopping

With Christmas fast approaching I tried to get some of my presents bought the other day. But the thought of trawling through shop after shop full to the brim with people, kids and pushchairs filled me with dread! However there didn’t seem to be much that inspired me! I grabbed a couple of things but it didn’t even dent the mountain of presents I have left to buy.
Everyone at work seems to be getting things delivered; maybe online shopping is the way forward for the future. Surely the internet can be a much easier approach to Christmas shopping. I have researched a couple of things that I don’t think are possible to get in any shops near me and I can in this respect see the advantage of online shopping; the ability to find slightly more unusual things or very specific gifts. But I think deep down I’m still a fan of buying something and leaving the shop with it then and there! I want to be able to touch and see it before purchase. But is this a really outdated way of thinking?? One day, will we all be shopping online during our lunch breaks and getting presents delivered to work? Will shops eventually become redundant?? Just look at Woolworths, out of business last year but up and running online in time for Christmas this year!