Last Minute Christmas Shopping

[Wayne]

Went and completed some last minute shopping and whilst doing the rounds of a couple of centres, I couldn't help but notice the lack of people! Normally at this time of year, these placess are packed, no car parks are available and it is just bedlam - today. completely the opposite. I even went into Target and, not a Christmas decoration in sight! Everything pulled down and about to get ready for easter no doubt. Not sure whether it is the current economic climate or maybe savvy shoppers but the lack of people shopping was interesting to say the least. Hardly anyone even in Bunnings!

[Neferti]

Went and completed some last minute shopping and whilst doing the rounds of a couple of centres, I couldn't help but notice the lack of people! Normally at this time of year, these placess are packed, no car parks are available and it is just bedlam - today. completely the opposite. I even went into Target and, not a Christmas decoration in sight! Everything pulled down and about to get ready for easter no doubt. Not sure whether it is the current economic climate or maybe savvy shoppers but the lack of people shopping was interesting to say the least. Hardly anyone even in Bunnings!

I can't complain, my daughter did all my shopping for me this year. Not because I couldn't do it myself but because of 2 teenagers (16 and 14) ... she knows better than I do what they "want" so she bought the gifts, I paid her for walking her feet off, and I wrapped the presents ... now under the tree.

I absolutely refuse, point blank, to give cash for Christmas. They get a pressie. Full Stop! I have a set amount for each person ($100 this year) and my daughter is quite capable of "shopping around" for "specials". One grand daughter wanted some sort of Brand Name sneaker/shoe ... $120 but my daughter found them on special for $50. Another one wanted some makeup ... $100 ... on special for $40. I couldn't be bothered walking my feet off to find "specials", even though they are there. So. They all (including the 8 year old) have lots of pressies under Grandma's tree.

Oh, and Wayne, in REPLY to your post (rather than me going off piste with mine) ... maybe the Shopping Centres are a little bare of people is because they:

1. Bought stuff on the CC online (good luck with AustPost delivering)
2. Are waiting, waiting, for TONIGHT ... or this afternoon ... whenever .... for the last MINUTE discounts.

[Wayne]

Went and completed some last minute shopping and whilst doing the rounds of a couple of centres, I couldn't help but notice the lack of people! Normally at this time of year, these placess are packed, no car parks are available and it is just bedlam - today. completely the opposite. I even went into Target and, not a Christmas decoration in sight! Everything pulled down and about to get ready for easter no doubt. Not sure whether it is the current economic climate or maybe savvy shoppers but the lack of people shopping was interesting to say the least. Hardly anyone even in Bunnings!

I can't complain, my daughter did all my shopping for me this year. Not because I couldn't do it myself but because of 2 teenagers (16 and 14) ... she knows better than I do what they "want" so she bought the gifts, I paid her for walking her feet off, and I wrapped the presents ... now under the tree.

I absolutely refuse, point blank, to give cash for Christmas. They get a pressie. Full Stop! I have a set amount for each person ($100 this year) and my daughter is quite capable of "shopping around" for "specials". One grand daughter wanted some sort of Brand Name sneaker/shoe ... $120 but my daughter found them on special for $50. Another one wanted some makeup ... $100 ... on special for $40. I couldn't be bothered walking my feet off to find "specials", even though they are there. So. They all (including the 8 year old) have lots of pressies under Grandma's tree.

Oh, and Wayne, in REPLY to your post (rather than me going off piste with mine) ... maybe the Shopping Centres are a little bare of people is because they:

1. Bought stuff on the CC online (good luck with AustPost delivering)
2. Are waiting, waiting, for TONIGHT ... or this afternoon ... whenever .... for the last MINUTE discounts.

You are most probably correct about buying on line Nef, I think that is the main reason.

[Neferti]

I understand that AUSTPOST deliverers are just pulling up, dropping "NOT AT HOME" card in the mail box. It has happened to me some years ago but the current Indian Austpost "young" person is very polite .... not that I get too many deliveries.

[Black Orchid]

AusPost contractors are renowned for just putting notes in letterboxes without even going to the door. They are also renowned for throwing boxes out of their vans and dropping them HARD on the ground.

Couriers Please is a better option, deliver interstate overnight and are cheaper too.