Every year, I go up to York for their Christmas market ( It's all in little huts and lit up with fairy lights, it's absolutely beautiful ) and do the majority of my Christmas shopping. But as much as I love shopping, it can get a little stressful. So to help avoid the stressful parts of Christmas shopping I've put together a list of how to Christmas shop like a pro ! ... Or at least someone who's trying quite hard ;)
- Make a list ! .. Or 3 ! I have a notebook that my I write all my Christmas related lists in. I have four sections to my note book, Things to blog, things to make, things to bake and things to give. In the things to give section I have a page for each person where I list my ideas of things to buy them, prices and my budget to spend on them. I take this with me when I'm shopping as I'm walking round I add to the lists so I can compare Ideas for presents before I buy them and make sure I stick to the budget !
- Take A Tote Bag. There is nothing worse than buy five bags of shopping and then when you're walking back to the car and your feet are killing, all five bags snap at once all over the street ! Tote bags completely remove this risk so you can just enjoy shopping to your hearts content and they have some really cute Christmas themed tote bags on the Cath Kidston website :) Especially if you live in the UK, I would definitely take a tote bag because of the new 5p plastic bag charges.
- Dress so you feel amazing and happy and confident, but are still comfortable ( especially if it's a long journey ). It's so much nicer to go out for a days shopping when you really dedicate the day to yourself and dress for success. If you don't own an outfit that makes you feel like a princess and as if you can take on the world, then go get one !
- Take a coffee break .... well hot chocolate :) Why is this important? a) Costa has some really yummy Christmas themed hot chocolates at the minute ( Caramel and Fudge Hot Chocolate, Yes Please ! ) plus they're all in really cute cups with Christmas designs on like penguins and Santa ^.^ b) have you ever bought something for a friend because you're running out of time and "it will do" .. and then gone into the next shop and found the perfect present AND it's half the price ? Well this is the solution ! Go around all the shops first, noting down everything you like and then take a break and have a sit down in a cafe. Go through all the things you've found and THEN go back and buy whatever you've decided on !
I hope these tips help you and I'd absolutely LOVE to hear your tips and tricks for Christmas shopping ! I'm really excited to go to York next weekend and really get into the Christmas spirit :) What have you got planned for Christmas ? Let me know in the comments !
Stay Strong <3 Stay Smiley :)
Lots of love, Marianne xxx
