Long time no see!
Christmas is fast approaching but for some of us, that means it's time for the last minute rush for presents! Honestly, I quite enjoy the commercial side of Christmas: Adverts, shopping etc. however of course, I never have nearly enough money to buy all the things I would like for other people. A girl can dream...so I put together a list of great shops to go to in London (if you live here or are visiting) for your under the wire shopping.
1. Primark. If you have a tight budget, it's really worth trying Primark. Such cheap items for reasonable quality (teenagers and tweens in particular will love items from there). As well as clothes, you can also buy accessories, bath and beauty products and such cute items from the home section-which has cushions, candles, blankets and other little ornaments to decorate your bedroom.
2. Lush. Need I explain how amazing this shop is? They have already made, super sweet gift sets however they can be quite expensive so you may want to buy individual bath bombs and soaps. Either way, it's sure to be a winner with whoever you're buying for.
3. Whittard. Many people haven't heard of this place but their shop layout is adorable and products very high quality (however sadly quite high in prices too). They have a range of different flavoured teas, coffees and hot chocolates, along with their beautiful teapots and cups. The great thing that I love about the shop as well is they have freshly made taster pots, that way you're not just buying your tea blindly. This is a particularly great gift if you're just here on holiday but of course, anyone would love it because hey, who doesn't love tea?
4. The Body Shop. Once again, the Body Shop is just...great. It really isn't the most expensive shop you'll come across and they have pretty gift sets, usually consisting of body butters, shower gels, body lotions and loofahs (I love that word: LOOFAH!). The prices of sets depend on what's inside however generally range from around £6 - £30.
5. Boots. Once again, for Christmas Boots sells a whole section full of sets of make-up, skincare, bath products and sometimes even random food and drink like teas and coffees! I find the sets are at reasonable and affordable prices. Additionally, they also have Soap and Glory product sets which many (particularly teenage) girls adore and let's all admit, smells fabulous. Here's an extra tip: Towards the end of December and beginning of January, Boots have all of their Christmas gift sets on sale so do take advantage and keep an eye out for those. Last year, all the sets were 50% off!
6. Paperchase. Ah this has become one of my favourite shops since I went Christmas decoration shopping with my sister last month. This is mainly because I visited one of the biggest ones, located in Goodge Street. I wouldn't however, recommend going to smaller Paperchases as they don't tend to sell the best products, but the bigger ones have amazing things! They have a whole load of things but mainly stationary, mugs, bags and arty stuff so if you have a friend who likes that cool stuff, give it a go because as the Japanese would say: it's so kawaii!
7. Waterstone's. Know any book lovers? This is a great place to buy it (and I'm not just saying that because of the prestigious shop display). As well as their huge variety of books, they also have awesome stationary and book accessories. Wow, that just sounded completely sponsored didn't it?
8. Fenwick. I guess this is just the place to buy everything right? American sweets, jewellery, clothes, homeware, but best of all: TOYS. If you're buying for a younger one (or an adult too, we all like what we like...) this is a really good place to do it. Who needs Hamleys' prices...
9. The Disney Store. At the moment Disney animated films are really taking over (even with adults!) so let's be honest, we all like a bit of merchandise. Particularly younger ones will enjoy receiving either an Elsa dress or a cuddly Eeyore toy (I would!). Or you can be like me and go in just to watch Frozen in the little kiddy cinema section!
If you have any other suggestions, do let me know!
Sharleen x
