I do a lot of my Christmas shopping online these days.
Ok, ok, I do almost all of my Christmas shopping online.
I can get great deals, really unique items and I can do it all with a click, while I'm curled up, right next the hubby, in front of the fireplace.
Then a few days later, the big, brown truck shows up and leaves everything at the front door.
What could be better than that?
I used to run around from store to store when the kids were little, scurrying out while they were at school, filling up my minivan, running home to hide it all before dismissal, but I have given that habit up...along with the minivan.
I probably sound like a holiday grinch, but I just can't stand the crowds, the packed parking lots and the crazy. Besides, I'd rather spend my time crafting than running to stores.
It's part of the holiday experience. I get it. I feel that way, too. Some days.
Except for the mall part. I truly hate the mall.
However, when I need a fix of traditional gift buying, I head out to the small shops in my town, much, much different than going to the mall.
In my sweet little waterfront village, the boats are strung with lights, Santa hands out treats on the corner, the shops all wrap for free and hot chocolate breaks in the candy shoppe to warm up are common.
It's a ton of fun, but as you can imagine, quaint and convenient aren't even remotely the same the thing.
And so, I'm back online.
Last year, my daughter picked out the most beautiful vintage gold and opal ring in the town's jewelry shop. $1800 was the whopping price tag.
I'm sure it was worth it, it was fabulous, but way over my budget. Especially for something that had a very good chance of being lost during gym class.
So, I went online. I found a gorgeous ring...vintage, gold, opal and literally less than one tenth the price. They even sized the ring for me, for free.
There is no way that I could've found a better deal, or a more perfect gift for her, in a local shop or frankly even at the ~ shudder ~ mall.
Plus, sometimes, you know, while I'm clicking around for presents for others, I find a little something for me.
Funny how that happens, isn't it?
I have a few online favorites and I often browse to see if there's something that Santa might want to put in my stocking.
Santa likes it when I do my own shopping, but don't tell my kids that. They think that's cheating and we get booed for that behavior on Christmas morning...
...but you see, he would never think of grabbing something like this pretty pillow cover, I found on Amazon while shopping for him.
I would have to put it on a list, write down my log in information, hope that he got it before it sold out and then pretend I didn't see the confirmation email.
If I do it my way, I only have to pretend I didn't see the UPS guy.
I told you online shopping was awesome.
Hey ~ you know what else is awesome?
This gorgeous sign I won from the lovely Diana at Nana Diana Takes A Break. I love it, thank you, thank you, thank you, Diana!
And thank you Mr. UPS.
Red sleigh, brown truck...same thing, right?
I just have to remember to tell my husband.
😉
What a great post. I can really picture the waterfront shops from your descriptions. What fun. I imagine it would be the most fun if your shopping was mostly done and the pressure was off and you could just hang out soaking up the atmosphere and get those last couple of easy presents.
ReplyDeleteP.S. I sometimes pick out my own presents too. Yesterday thrifting with my mom and sister we happened upon a couple of rolling pins that I will find under my mom's tree on Christmas Eve and then they will journey to the farm to join my collection after the presents are opened. :)
I miss those days, shopping with my mom, Lorri. They were fun and yes, she always used to say, just get it now, and I would act surprised on Christmas morning...how did you ever know, mom? Enjoy those rolling pins, I bet you'll remember that fun thrifting trip every time you see them!
DeleteLove the sign you won from Diana. Her son and his friend have some pretty awesome signs. That one is great.
ReplyDeleteI shop on line too. I do both really. I hate malls and do local shopping too. Ha ha about picking your present. I need a new wallet so I actually went to pick out one I liked and bought it and gave it to Terry to wrap and put under the tree. He would never have been able to get the one I liked so this makes it so much easier. I too then look all surprised in front of the kids when I open it!!! They are never the wiser. They think their dad is a savvy shopper lol! Have a great rest of the week.
Kris
Isn't the sign great, Kris? I just adore it! I am a stealthy pocketbook purchaser for Christmas. I love Vera Bradley and when it (rarely) goes on sale, I pick up a bag for myself and pop it under the tree. My kids think that their dad has great taste! Ha! ;)
DeleteI don't like the crowds either but shopping online makes me nervous. Afraid I will push the wrong button! LOL I do some of my own shopping for Santa also!! Nancy
ReplyDeleteI am very cautious when I shop online, Nancy. I check and double check before I hit that purchase button. I have to say though, that on the rare occasion when I have made an error, customer service can usually straighten it right out!! :)
DeleteHi Kim,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you as I hate Christmas shopping with crowds and long lines. I do a lot of online shopping and get great prices. I do just a little bit of shopping in the stores locally. I love that pretty sign you won.
Enjoy the rest of the week.
Julie xo
You live in a very exciting place to shop around the holidays, Julie. I can imagine that it would be tough to stay out of some of those stores!
DeleteI am with you on online shopping--no fighting Black Friday crowds for me, I even hate that we have that name in our culture. But if I lived in a village as charming as yours, I would have to at least window shop there during the Christmas season. But oh how cute are those white demitasse cups! (From now on I'll think of the brown truck as a red sleigh!) It's strange though, I even get exhausted online shopping.
ReplyDeleteYour Apple Cider sign from Diana's sons is darling in your kitchen!
I get what you mean, Dewena, online shopping takes brain power and a ton of surfing. It can be exhausting! I have to do it in small batches! ;)
DeleteAnd that sign is darling isn't it? I don't know how I got so lucky!!
Kim, I used to fight the crowds on Black Friday but not anymore! The last several years I shop online too; sometimes even scoring BF deals on Thanksgiving morning before cooking.
ReplyDeleteYes, I do that, too!! I used to work retail when I was in college and I will never shop on BF. I vowed that years ago when I had to work it! I used to miss the deals, but now I can get them online.
Deleteoh my!
ReplyDeletejust to live in a sweet little waterfront village! THAT would be my christmas present forever. :)
i'm with you. crowds. too loud. too tiring. not my idea of fun either. and all malls are alike.
i love the simple beauty of the season... the lights... the tastes... the candles... the corny christmas movies... THAT'S my christmas!
now if you would just provide the sweet little waterfront village.... LOLOL. XO♥
I'll try to get a picture this season Tammy and post it here! ;) It really is sweet.
DeleteLovely sign, Kim! Just my shade of green addiction.
ReplyDeleteChristmas shopping... I've got you beat for Scrooge. It's pretty much a thing of the past! I tend to collect 'stuff', and sometimes my friends (or their kids) happen to comment on something, and lo! it will probably end up wrapped and under their tree.
Funny... I was sitting here thinking about the local shops and couldn't recall where I was... My mind went to the West Concord Five and Dime, then realized that wasn't the right place... where? what is downtown here? Not a lot, really. Besides, it's the south. How can you have Christmas ambiance with green grass??? lol
I really do enjoy 'hearing' from you twice a week. You always make me smile.
Thanks so much, Nancy! I'm glad I can make you smile...and yes, I need a chill in the air to catch that Christmas spirit. Although, I must admit to doing some of my holiday shopping in July! ;)
DeleteHi Kim, what a great post. Congrats on winning the sign from Diana. It's awesome. I shop on line too and love it. After all, I have an online shop so I should promote on line shopping right? I never go to the malls but I do like the small little boutiques around here at Christmas and the antique shops when traveling. I like to be done shopping around Thanksgiving or a little after and then get it all wrapped. By the time Christmas arrives, I've forgotten what I purchased for everyone. LOL
ReplyDeleteEnjoy shopping!! Have a great rest of the week. xo
You have a lovely Etsy shop, Celestina Marie and yes, you should promote it!! I forget about things, too, isn’t that funny. My mom used to do that and I would chuckle, now I am doing it! :)
DeleteIt is a fine balance between getting a great deal on-line and supporting small local businesses. One thing is definite - I also stay away from malls.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
Agreed, Amalia. That's why I love those small village shopping days. I would be so disappointed if they disappeared.
DeleteI'm with you girl, I only like to shop online too. I mean what's not to love? You can order anything from sheets to croissants and do it all wearing your pj's. ;)
ReplyDeleteMmmm, croissants! I have never ordered them online, but now that’s all I can think about! :)
DeleteWe do most of our Christmas shopping online as well. I have learned to buy items from reliable and well known stores on line, just so I know that the quality of the gift is good. I have had a couple of lesser than quality purchases for myself online, and when my daughter has pointed out or sent me links to items she or the grandkids need, in some cases I have said no, simply because I won't buy from that particular online seller/store. Have to be careful and educate ourselves about where not to shop online I guess.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
I totally agree, Pepper. I am very cautious when I buy online. If it’s not a big name store, I check out reviews and ratings and so far, so good, but yes, you have to be careful!
Delete:)
I am so with you 100%! My shopping is mostly done, mostly done online! You will NEVER see me on Black Friday or anywhere near the mall as it gets closer to Christmas. I always find things for me too and sometimes go ahead and buy them .....if you want it done right, (or to avoid the hassle) do it yourself!! Congratulations on winning the sign! Love that shop and may have to give in to getting one for myself!
ReplyDeleteThe sign is so pretty, I just love it…and no BF for me either! I shudder at that thought.
Deletecongrats on winning that great sign~!!
ReplyDeleteI also do all my shopping online and I've found it actually saves me a lot of money. I start checking all the sales in late July and usually by mid sept. my shopping is done and that saves me anxiety during the actual holidays.
Plus, NO WAY can I handle all those crowds of people..
Thanks Sonny, it is a lovely prize! I don't know how I got so lucky!! I can't handle those crowds either. I just don't have it in me anymore.
DeleteI started doing more online shopping because of puzzles and coloring books. There was so little variety in the retail stores. When I went online I found all sorts of variety in those, sticker books and many other things like that for the grand kids.
ReplyDeleteHeck I just ordered an ironing board cover online the other day and probably got it for about 6.00 less than I would pay elsewhere! :)
I love a good bargain, Deb and I do find them online, too. I never pay shipping and always try to use a coupon!
DeleteI've really moved away from store shopping - we don't have malls in my town. Instead, I try to make gifts for the most important memebers of the family. This way they are more personal than the store. But I can certainly see the benefits of shopping online.
ReplyDeleteA town without malls?? Mary, that sounds dreamy!!
DeleteSince my surgery I have great anxiety being around large crowds..so noisy and hectic. So I shop more and more on line. The only time I stop inside a mall is when i need something right away! I am a knitter and make the grandkids socks, hats, etc and they really love them. I'll check out some of your etsy stores!
ReplyDeleteI have teenagers, Cathy and the love the mall. I was so excited when my daughter got her driver’s license and I didn’t have to tag along anymore! I love going out with them to the village or stand alone shops, but crowds and big complexes are not my thing either!
DeleteOhhhhh sighhhhhhh.... The mad dash that can be so-called Christmas shopping! Not-for-me! Been there, done that, got the T-shirt.
ReplyDeleteNone of the mall shopping experience is fun, as far as I'm concerned. I don't thrive on it, like some do. And especially with colds in the air. !!! Nothing like milling around, in a crowded, warm store, to invite germs!
OK, I am Mrs. Scrooge, to some. -grin- So be it. ,-))))
Hugs, Tessa
“got the T-shirt”…ha!! You make me smile, Tessa!! :)
DeleteI am definitely an on-line shopper too. I do enjoy shopping in real stores but going from place to place in huge Dallas crowds isn't fun in my book. The sign you won is so cute!
ReplyDeleteDon't you just love that sign, Stacey? Great colors! And no ~ crowds are not fun.
DeleteOnline is definitely the way to go! I hate crowds, hate malls, hate runnning myself ragged and not knowing if I will find what I want or if I'm getting the best price. It takes up valuable time that I could use for crafting, baking and decorating. If I want to see the decorations I go out and see them, but I don't waste time standing in line. I have NEVER been a black friday shopper.
ReplyDeleteBlack Friday still makes me shudder. I worked it too many times in college trying to save money! Online is the way to go! :)
DeleteWhat a great post, always enjoyable reading things from your perspective, and I found myself agreeing. Living out here in the sticks... I might get to the mall once or twice a year, if that. I too have found that buying things online is much less stress than driving around from store to store, instead of doing that, I can "drive" around online with my trusty mouse, and no traffic to boot, lol! Your sign from Diana looks amazing with your apples and pitcher! I love the signs that they make, so creative! I was so happy to see that you had won :) Hope you are having a blessed and wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you enjoy my posts! I really appreciate the feedback. I love sharing my own little thoughts on life, but I am never sure what people want to read, crafts, home decor, or this stuff. I just go with what's on my mind that day and hope it touches someone! So at least for today, I can say mission accomplished! Thanks!!
DeleteHi Kim,
ReplyDeleteI am not a mall gal either...and I do some shopping on line too...so much easier.
I make a lot of gifts and some of the things I buy are new and some are vintage things that I find in my travels...things that I know people on my list collect or love.
If I do store shop I love going to the little shops in out small town, I love the personal experience of it and I know their names and they know mine!
But this black Friday I will be on line...not at the crazy stores...and that brown truck should have a big fuzzy red nose on the front of it by the time my stuff gets here...so it looks like a sleigh to me! ;)
Have a wonderful Wednesday!
Hugs, Kimberley
I like the fact that I know everyone's name, too. It makes for a really nice experience. And yes, that truck needs a little holiday bling! ;) Ho Ho Ho
DeleteHi Kim,
ReplyDeleteCan you already guess? I am not a mall girl. ;-)
I too have started to do most of my shopping on line.
We have a few fun shops in our area as well. I like to pop in and look for fun gifts for my sister.
Fun post.
Carla
I figured you weren’t a mall girl! Great minds… ;)
DeleteI don't enjoy shopping, but I do go there to meet my daily walk goal, because half the year it is too warm here. Though for Christmas, I do a little of each kind of shopping. I love etsy. I love one of a kind shops too. Love that green in your kitchen! xoxo Su
ReplyDeleteI will say that the mall offers a great place to exercise, Su!
DeleteI avoid the mall at all costs too. Well, except for maybe a quick trip to See's Candy for some dark chocolate covered marzipan. ;) I totally prefer to do as much of my shopping online too and you'll probably never find me out on black Friday. Ugh...just the thought of those crowds gives me the jitters. I love the sign you won! They make some great things, for sure!
ReplyDeleteMmmm. Marzipan, huh? That might actually be reason enough to hit the mall, Lisa. Unless…do you think I could order some online? ;)
DeleteHa ha you're too funny, Kim - I love this post!! I, too, do my shopping online....I can't stand the crowds and the parking nightmares and the whole stress level thing of shopping at the big box stores for Christmas - it shouldn't be stressful, you know? It should be fun and exciting. I'm with you, lady!!
ReplyDeleteI better get started, huh?
Oh, parking, I forgot about that nightmare! No parking online, except for myself on the couch! ;)
DeleteI do the same, but sometimes, I love the buzz and crowd in real life shopping too! Lucky lady with that pretty sign, perfect for your beautiful kitchen Kim!
ReplyDeleteThat sign is perfect, I do feel pretty lucky, Vel! Thanks! :)
DeleteWell, first off- thank you so very, very much from my son and his buddy, Christian. They have been doing really well with their signs...and a local shop just GAVE them space in their basement so they could have the signs in their shop as soon as they can make them. I am so tickled you did this for them and glad you won, Kim. You are such a nice person --plus you probably bribed my grandson for the win -right? lol
ReplyDeleteI cannot stand malls- absolutely stay away from them. I like on-line shopping and little shops, too. Plus, I like supporting small businesses when I can.
Hope you have a wonderful night, Kim, and thanks again! xo Diana
Diana thank you again for the lovely sign, I truly adore it! I am a huge DIY fan and to know that the piece was handcrafted makes it even more special! It was my pleasure to give the boys a shout out. I think that they are very creative and have a fabulous shop. I wish them nothing but the best of luck.
DeleteAnd…while I cannot admit to bribing your grandson, I certainly would’ve sent him a big fat sugary treat of a thank you, if I didn’t think it would get me in trouble with his mama! ;)
Really great read . . .
ReplyDeleteI am SO MUCH an online gal and avoid the inline mall as much as possible . . .
CROWDS don't do it for me at all . . .
I like the brown trucks too
Those brown trucks have become one of my favorite symbols of the season, Lynne! ;)
DeleteCongrats on the winning the sign! It is absolutely adorable!! I do some of my shopping online and some in the stores. It just depends on how much I want to be punished that day as to which route I take. :-) Some days are better than others when shopping at the mall. I do have rules in place...I don't go on Thursday, Friday or over the weekend..that is just asking for a beating. Monday through Wednesday seems to be the best time to be out shopping between the hours of 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. These are the prime hours for me to beat the "rush" and school traffic. Unfortunately, the closer to Christmas it gets, the rules no longer apply because it is all a feeding frenzy at that point.
ReplyDeleteYou're so funny...but you're right, the mall can feel like a punishment. I try to go super early in the morning if I absolutely must, but even then it can get dicey, you're right. I love online shopping. Push a button and go.
DeleteLove the sign.and the vignette. I've been Christmas shopping online for a long, long time. Since late 90's, maybe? When my grandchildren were little and I lived in Ohio (they in Colorado) I had my purchases shipped directly to my daughter-in-law. I sent her a Target gift card so she could buy wrapping paper, etc.(enough for her own personal use, too) and she wrapped up all my gifts and placed them under the tree. It was wonderful! She enjoyed it and it was a breeze for me. Now my grands like gift cards so they can go shop at Old Navy, or Target or someplace like that. It's simple, and although not as much fun for me, I like seeing them happy. :-) Nice post, Kim. Cute demi tasse set. Your hometown all decked out for Christmas sounds idyllic. I'd love to stroll the streets with you! Hugs, Nancy
ReplyDeleteAh, that gift card stage, I am not a fan and unfortunately, it is exactly where we are right now. I still try to pick up some things for them along the way, but you can bet I hold on tight to those receipts. Teens are a fickle bunch aren’t they? ;)
DeleteI totally agree! The older I get the more I have problems with traditional shopping. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family!
ReplyDeleteI wish you a lovely Thanksgiving as well, Lynn! Enjoy!
DeleteKim, I agree with you. I love shopping on line. So much easier. When the kids were young we left shopping until the last minute, don't really know why though, but we did and I always said that I would love to have the shopping done early and then get dressed up pretty and just walk downtown (we really didn't have malls as such then) and enjoy the sights. Never did it though. One of these days maybe because on line shopping could make it happen..Happy Weekend..Judy
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a fun plan, Judy! I say you put it on your list for this year and shop online instead!! :)
DeleteI like your way of thinking, Kim! The online shopping becomes even more the go-to way of shopping as we get older. We've pretty much reached the age where we don't really "need" anything, but simply get what we "want," and we are both fine with that! I won't be doing it this year, but I've always enjoyed going to the mall during the Christmas hustle, but not to shop, just to enjoy the festivities. We do a lot of shopping on Amazon, and there is a distribution center here in the Phoenix area, so things usually arrive within just a day or two......instant gratification!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your WIN! That is such a cute sign. I also saw that you are the winner over "At Home With Jemma!" This is your lucky week!
Can you believe it Carol? I actually won another with Julie from Julie’s Lifestyle! I need to bow out now and let the others in blogland have a chance!! ;)
DeleteWhat a wonderful post, Kim! We are kindred spirits! I love online shopping! The mall makes me tired, looking for parking space, overcrowded stores, endless lines and searching for the correct size. Online shopping so much more relaxing, fun and I find the most unique stuff at reasonable prices as well :) Thanks for the share! Loving your new sign :) Have a great weekend! hugs, Poppy
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Poppy, yes, exhausting is the word! I am much happier at home clicking around. Perfect!
DeleteI am so with you on the online shopping! That's how I do most of mine, too. I have only picked up a few little items while I was out running regular errands, so far. Like you, I avoid malls, especially at Christmas-time. We don't even have a mall close to us (closest one is 40 min.) and that's just fine with me. Local shopping - small, unique stores - can be fun.
ReplyDeleteI like that you bought yourself some presents. :-)
Congrats on winning that cute sign!
Thanks Melanie. It was a lucky day for sure! Yes, I enjoy those small local shops as well. We have several malls nearby and I avoid them at all costs!! My kids on the other hand…
DeleteI am one of those weird old ladies who shop the junk shops year 'round, for JUST the right gift for my family members. No-one cares where I get things...just that they like them :^) I am blessed!!
ReplyDeleteMost of the teens and tweens would rather have money, so that eases the shopping at the "maul" as well.
I love your sign....your are a lucky girl!
Blessings,
J
Our family enjoys "treasures" too, J! I love that, it certainly makes shopping way more fun for me!! And "maul" is right!! ;)
DeleteWe LOVE online shopping & our UPS man. We've been watching for him all day waiting for my husband's order of PG Tips tea all the way from England...though who wouldn't want to go to England to do some Christmas shopping. ;)
ReplyDeleteWe always trade lists in our family & my husband has even gone on Etsy & bought jewelry for me without me having to pick it out in advance. It's so much easier & cheaper when you consider the cost of your time, gas & for us usually a meal out when shopping.
I totally agree, Jenny, gas, time and the little extras, like food all add up! I like the unique items I can find at Etsy, too! :)
DeleteYes, online is so easy but I also like to support the smaller local shops.
ReplyDeleteChristmas markets can be fun too ...
Happy Shopping no matter how you do it.
All the best Jan
Oh, I have never been to a Christmas market, Jan, that sounds awesome!! :)
DeleteI am another mall shopping hater. lol! But I rarely shop online. Looks like I might need to start. :) Hubby will buy a few electronic things on line for the grands. I shop all year long and have a special basket in my closet with each grands name on it. I buy most everything at T.J. Maxx, Ross, or a damaged goods store that have one of a kind toys for great prices. Thanks for sharing with SYC. Oh, and congrats on winning the cute sign!
ReplyDeletehugs
Jann
I am a huge T.J. Maxx and Marshall’s fan, Jann. I can get in and out quick and for a song! Thanks for the party and for popping over, as always! :)
DeleteI'm with you, my friend. Amazon, Alibris, Etsy and eBay are my shopping relief partners. I used to love going to stores back in the day, but unless it's a local store, it's all the same crap. As for me, I tell everyone to either go to an antique store or shop Etsy. Everyone thinks I'm hard to buy for, but I'm really not. All you have to do is look around my house, as you know ;)
ReplyDeleteI HATE the mall too lol
xo
I think you were super easy to shop for…Etsy all the way! ;) Classic style!
Delete