Christmas is a wonderful time of the year; the only unfortunate problem is that we always seem to leave our Christmas shopping until the last minute. Well, don’t worry because this article should help you cut the queues and work out where you need to go for the best of the best this Christmas.
If your shopping right in the final stretch this year remember that most stores listed below will only be open until 4:00pm, however if you really are stuck for time there are a few places which do go on until 8:00pm on Christmas eve such as Fortnum & Masons and the Camden markets.
Shopping for the Family
When shopping for a family, general department stores tend to help for the simple fact that they have everything under one roof! But it would seem that as that bright light which once shone from Harrods as it reaches its twighlight years begins to dwindle we are beginning to once again loose interest in the department store.
Selfridges however is becoming stronger by the day, stocking everything from escargot to Chicago on DVD and one of the hottest fashion collections in the West End featuring brand favourites such as Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Ted Baker and Armani. Its Oxford Street store is a must visit if you are shopping for a family and need to get it all done in one place.
The added bonuses of the store are its 101 handbags display on the ground floor and a Helter Skelter where guests (adults and children alike) can slide for Charity just to help them relax on what could be a long day of shopping. A slide is free and by donation only, all proceeds go to the teenage cancer fund.
Toys
Whilst still in the West End one store which you will be required to visit this year is Hamley’s. With a long tradition of making the finest, biggest and best toys Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without Hamley’s.
As you enter the store it will feel almost as though you have been transported to the centre of Santa’s workshop in the north pole as you find yourself promptly surrounded by a world of playful delights from the old hand carved toy soldier to the more recent action man toys. With seven floors and a visiting Santa, Elves and an Ali G impersonator around, Hamley’s Toy store is great Christmas shopping for all the family.
Find more London Toy Shops here.\n\nShopping for Him
Recently it has been found that more and more men are taking more care and attention to their appearance this has resulted in the boom of various brand name shops and designers so the question is what is the modern man today looking for.
Ted Baker is an obvious choice to visit if shopping in London’s West End for a special man, the store provides a tasteful and very stylish menswear range and if you haven’t got it already this Christmas the top buy would have to be the endurance suit with overcoat, special points for a pair of leather gloves pushed into the top pocket of the over coat in a very cool Godfather style.
Gadget Shops
London has a great choice of Gadget shops the most interesting of which can be found at the Camden Market with hundreds of spy toys and innovative electronics anyone of the useless inventions makes the perfect boys toy to keep him occupied for another year.
Also great for shopping for the guys this year has to be FCUK and Oxford Street newcomer Mexx that offers a stylish and affordable selection that stands out as what will be this winter’s most definitive collection.\n\nShopping for Her
While there are the obvious choices to shop for the ladies this year such as Liberty of London, House of Fraiser, Debenhams and the ever popular Topshop there are a couple of place which stand as out for offering the most exceptional stocking fillers.
Birdcage on Upper Street for one offers something different with a selection of jewellery from around the world, stunning fashions that can’t be found anywhere else and some amazing scented candles that are only competed with by Camden’s stables market.
For the more traditional shopper Harvey Nichols offers a shopping experience above and beyond the rest with high quality shopping, a fifth floor restaurant and Christmas champagne hampers for any partners shopping for a more romantic Christmas.
Last but not least is Carnaby Street, this consortium of shops has proven well with a host of celebrities particularly at Kingly Court where you will find many one of a kind fashions. Even the more commercialised brands offer a distinctive look with many stores selling personalised and one off sportswear items.
So this Christmas go wild and try not to max out your Cards in West One and Camden this year and remember, it’s the thought that counts. With all that is available you’re sure to find something that will keep the people you care about happy for years to come.
