Real Talk 1st December 2015 by Victoria Stokes

How To Do Your Christmas Shopping, According To A Professional Shopper

Nope, getting your gifts doesn't have to mean a mad dash on Xmas eve. We asked Dundrum personal shopper Laura Mullet how to make Christmas shopping a cinch.

Woman shopping online

1. Don’t bring along your bestie

“Embrace the chaos solo,” instructs Laura. “You can make a list and check it twice but you need to be efficient and decisive sans socialising. Use your solo shopping time to interact with sales staff, who will advise you on products. That way you get the best value. An informed, focused shopper is a satisfied one.”

2. Navigate the sales

“I know that this can be challenging in the hustle and bustle of the month of December but the post-Black Friday wake means that you can still snap up cute separates, accessories, sparkly heels, gifts or even the perfect LBD at a fraction of the price,” Laura suggests.

The best places to shop? “High street retailers such as Topshop, Penneys, River Island and New Look have your potential New Year’s outfit at a slice of the usual price,” says Laura. “While the homewares department in House Of Fraser is great for stocking fillers. Aldo frequently do 2-for-1 offers on accessories too so you can double up on gifts.”

3. Don’t bust your budget

“The basics of writing down who you need to shop for and your budget allocation per giftee is important,” explains Laura. “A clear plan keeps a cool head. The trick to Christmas shopping is to stick to your list and budgetary constraints. Cyber Monday and Black Friday may be over but you can avail of bargains right up to Christmas on cybermonday.com.” Got it.

4. Control the variables

“When I go shopping for my own bits I fuel myself with a festive latte and preferably go in the late evening,” Laura tells us.  “For me, the busy period dies down by 7.45-ish so be sure to check extended merchant hours in your favourite shops,” she advises.

5. Shop Online

Can’t stand the thought of hitting the shops? Laura says it’s totally fine to do your Christmas shop online instead. “Consumerreports.org has reputable online reviews of almost everything so if you want to do your research before you buy cameras, smart phones, or laptops online, that’s a savvy port of call,” she suggests.

“In terms of which online stores are best, I’m a big fan of Littlewoods Ireland as an all-round shopping experience. If you want to be productive in your PJs and hop off discounts they’re a strong contender. I also adore Missguided for stylish seasonal must-haves and reliable next day delivery. Finally, Debenhams is amazing for top of the range beauty buys and chic lingerie.”

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