Right people, tomorrow is the last Saturday before Christmas. Let’s class this as the last shopping day as no one needs to be shopping on a Sunday Christmas Eve.
If you are panicking about last minute shopping I am here to help. Let’s take a breath and remember that Christmas is about spending time with your loved ones, not about spending money. It sounds ridiculous but promising and delivering some undivided attention is the best thing you can give anyone.
That said, if you want to give gifts and it’s the last minute, a few rules:
- Don’t shop drunk.
- Don’t buy perfume.
- No one needs bathcubes.
The gift voucher is your friend. If you are in panic mode, don’t try to be clever. You risk buying something silly and getting yourself walloped for thoughtlessness. Most supermarkets sell Amazon vouchers which are handy for teenagers and in-laws. Boots vouchers are always welcomed and I will never look a John Lewis voucher giving gift horse in the mouth.
For those who like to feel pampered but don’t get time, you need nice shower gels. You can pick a range of Korres shower gels in M&S. They last for ages and smell heavenly.
For the home birds, head to Next and pick up some mugs. Add some hot chocolate and marshmallows and you’ve got a lovely present.
Or you could cut to the chase and go Hotel Chocolat and get a box of chocolates. It doesn’t sound that inspiring but they have so many varieties that you will find something.
You can do booze, it’s simple but make sure you wrap it nicely. For those who don’t drink go for a festive pressé. Bottle Green and Belvoir make good ones but have a look in your local deli. If you don’t have one, head to the supermarket and have a nose.
Finally, a plea for books. Head to your nearest bookshop and ask for help but be patient as they’ll be busy. I recommend Matt Haig’s How to Stop Time, A Legacy of Spies by John Le Carré or Sarah Perry’s The Essex Serpent.