Christmas shopping on the internet?

[CaroleF]

For me the ability to do Christmas shopping on the internet has been a real blessing - how about others? After breaking an ankle a few years ago I find it difficult to stand in one place for more than a couple of minutes - walking isn't too bad but just standing looking at things is very uncomfortable. So most of my Christmas shopping - if not all - has been done online. I do tend to stick to what I call "reputable" companies and have never had a problem. The other advantage I think is that I find things that I would never have found in my nearest shopping area - Southampton. It may sound odd but I found a lovely wooden duck with red wellingtons on for my daughter - she loves ducks! I would never have found that by looking in local shops. I do tend to buy quite a few clothes online too - much nicer to try on at home than in a crowded dressing room. I know it can be a bind having to send things back but usually the return postage is paid and sometimes you can just return it via one of the "Collect" venues that tend to be at shops like local Martins Newsagents.

I managed to find an old map of the area in which we have a small cottage and I know my husband will really like that. I would never have found it apart from online. So do others find online shopping a help or do they avoid it at all costs? I have a friend who will not touch it - and I know if she did she would find things a lot cheaper in some instances. I found some perfume for one of my daughters - looked at several reputable sites and eventually purchased it at nearly £10 cheaper than it was in some places. Really pleased.

Carole

[GillD46]

I do a lot of internet shopping generally and this Christmas have done very little "in person". Having said that, we are going shopping this afternoon, for the last couple of things.

[Suekersh]

I have done all of my Xmas shopping for presents on line. Much easier, more comfortable and saves money as well.

Sue

[Dancing Queen]

This is something I said I would never do, believe it or not I am actually someone who enjoys spending hour after hour walking round shops looking for gifts.

All that changed last year and I succumbed and used internet shopping for some things, this year was a no brainer why trudge around the shops with people pushing/shoving and then queuing at checkouts because there are never enough open when I can do it from the comfort of my own sofa, I would think 90% of my Xmas shopping has been done online this year, it was so easy.

I appreciate this doesn't help the small individual trader but we tend to do what is most convenient and for me now this is it.

I regularly buy online from places like Debenhams, H of F, John Lewis, as Carole says much nicer to try on at home and returns are so easy.

[Boris+]

At the moment - with the exception of one awkward person who won't give any hints as to what he would like from Santa - it's all done and dusted, and mostly online.

I've got stuff to do in my diary, and so if the 'awkward one' can't or won't make up his mind, I've got one specific shopping opportunity left, and he'll be getting aftershave .... and serves him right.

Just what can you do when someone can't/won't say what they would like? So, he'll either have to own up or put up!

Hah bumhug!

Em

[Frank Manning]

I must admit that it is much easier on the internet, and who wants to trudge from shop to shop not knowing when or if inspiration will strike. Sue hates shopping, but we still do it because the centre of Bournemouth will die if we dont buy some things from the shops. So we have a list, and go out with the intention of finding the items and not deviating. It doesn't always work though.

I wonder if Amazon will soon be the death of department stores.

[Belle53]

I enjoy wandering around the shops, browsing and I much prefer to see things before I buy. I think it will be a great shame if all our favourite shops close down because we are all at home internet shopping. Our town centres are dying we need to use them or we'll lose them.

[gfwgfw]

Bleeding heck and by golly

Being a "billy no mates" Christmas shopping is a easy peasy for the lubberly Giant, though I do give the spanking good looker Big Issue seller in Wimborne Square a tenner and a half, she gives me a kiss and hug, how nice is that

Just in case I do not reach 2013 Christmas . . . I wish all my dear shipmates an extremely happy Xmas

Luboo all

Graham x

[Andrea S]

It is City Centre shopping that loses me as a customer although my on line shopping is usually from the major stores.

Home is the only place you can shop in peace but the biggest advantage for me is having no bags to carry.

There are some things that I like to compare for suitability but once I have decided what I want I order it for home delivery.

I am lucky to have 3 shopping areas near by with small individual retailers and a market so I do support those. The trouble is these areas already show a decline from boarded up shops to the ever increasing number of charity shops

At this time of the year not having to turn out in the cold or rain is also an advantage.

Yesterday it was pouring down and I ordered a baby swing from a well known baby company. It has already been delivered , plus it was £20 cheaper than a local store.

[Frank Manning]

Bleeding heck and by golly

Being a "billy no mates" Christmas shopping is a easy peasy for the lubberly Giant, though I do give the spanking good looker Big Issue seller in Wimborne Square a tenner and a half, she gives me a kiss and hug, how nice is that

Just in case I do not reach 2013 Christmas . . . I wish all my dear shipmates an extremely happy Xmas

Luboo all

Graham x

That sounds to me like a rather despondent giant Graham. You certainly aren't 'Billy no mates' here, and I am sure we are all wishing you a happy Christmas, despite your recent sad loss, and your health problems.

[Meg 50]

My brother in law and family have emigrated to OZ - the internet is a boon for getting their stuff - look around carefully for places with free delivery - yes, I know it's factored in, but a bit of price comparison with the paid for delivery shows how good a deal (or not) we can get

[Jacknian]

I do a combination of internet shopping and shopping in person. Lots of things are fine to buy on line like cd's books ,toys, kitchen gadgets, etc but I would never buy clothes or shoes on line, I like to feel the fabric and definitely try things on, I agree shop changing rooms are generally not very pleasant but I go early in the morning as soon as the shops open and then it is not so bad.

[ArtemisMiss]

Have spent today on the Internet and have done probably 1/2 of my Christmas shopping, few things still to get, one or two other things already on order. Got to decide on something for dad and one sibling, her OH, son and DiL. Then got to go out and get present from dad to mum - at least I know what I'm getting her from him and what my budget is, just got to actually find it!!

ArtemisMiss

[Manoverboard]

What is the point of mouching about in shops that play loud music in neo tropical conditions looking for a present that suchabody doesn't actually need or want ?

No ... we learnt years ago to ' ASK ' folk what they would like and then we go out for a nice lunch with a list and to buy it for him / her / them else we get it from Amazon and chums.

[Dark Knight]

our Xmas shopping was an absolute delight this year
we are not buying pressies for anyone
all the money is going to MacMillan Cancer care...end of

[Silver_Shiney]

Just in case I do not reach 2013 Christmas . . .

Graham x

As Frank so rightly says, you are not Billy No Mates here or anywhere else.

Your caveat concerns me, dear sir. Is there something you are not telling us?

[Dancing Queen]

our Xmas shopping was an absolute delight this year
we are not buying pressies for anyone
all the money is going to MacMillan Cancer care...end of

I rather like your idea DK and would be more than happy to follow suit, unfortunately I can't see the family liking it

[Dark Knight]

DQ
we don't have any young children in the family only adults and they have more than enough stuff
so rather than waste money on things nobody needs, I would rather support the people who have looked after Dad during his cancer treatment

[Jacknian]

DK , of course it's entirely up to you what you do with your money and it is a worthy charity. We have lots of family including grandchildren , who all come to us for Christmas and I do enjoy spoiling them a little, each to their own.

[Kendhni]

While I am as guilty as everybody else of using the internet more-and-more for shopping there is no doubt that is a major cause for the demise of the High Street ... I know in our own town unless I have to go to the bank I am now never in the town centre .. either using the internet or the out of town shopping centres. Sadly the rent for units in our local shopping centres is extortionate so many of the smaller local retailers are struggling or have folded.

[suespud]

At the moment - with the exception of one awkward person who won't give any hints as to what he would like from Santa - it's all done and dusted, and mostly online.

I've got stuff to do in my diary, and so if the 'awkward one' can't or won't make up his mind, I've got one specific shopping opportunity left, and he'll be getting aftershave .... and serves him right.

Just what can you do when someone can't/won't say what they would like? So, he'll either have to own up or put up!

Hah bumhug!

Em

Em, has the prospect of becoming a Grandmother changed your mind on Santa...? You didn't believe in him last year...