Holiday shopping: Online or department stores?

[HardyGirl]

As the Christmas season is really being rushed this year, (is it me, or is it happening sooner every year?), I was wondering how you guys handle your holiday shopping. Is it just click and buy? Or do you actually put on your coats, go to the stores, look at the decorations, stop somewhere for lunch and hide the gifts at home? I know it may be easier to shop online, (I've already gotten some items), but I must admit, there's something to be said about journeying out, among the rushing crowds of shoppers, seeing all the lights, taking the kids to see Santa, and maybe stopping somewhere, even if it's a fast food place w/ holiday premiums, for lunch and laugh about the lady balancing too many packages or the kid who got the screaming gimmies in the toy aisle.

What do you guys prefer?

[palitoy]

I try to go to independant local merchants for as many gifts as possible.

[neogelion]

Department stores all the way. I like to see the item with my own eyes and be able to hold it in my habds before i purchase it. I also have a Christmas eve tradition where I go to Walmart and purchase a couple of last minute gifts seperate from the wife and the young'uns.

[DocDrako]

I prefer to get out there in the crowds, with all the hustle and bustle, the decorations, & the Christmas music. I could use a bit more Christmas cheer though. Sure some people are just plain rude, but that's okay. They aren't going to rain on my holiday parade. Unfortunately, alot of items on various lists just can't be found in the store and have to be purchased online. The bad part about that is items not arriving on time. So it takes a bit of early shopping.

Bring on the crowds!

[Adam West]

I try to go to independant local merchants for as many gifts as possible.

Funny that you mention it. I just heard a commercial on the radio today promoting "small store Saturday" I guess there is Black Friday and Cyber Monday so now the smaller independent merchants seem to be pulling together for their day.

[Adam West]

As a side note; I will probably purchase most of my items online. I have had a busy fall season between work, home, and kids activities and don't want the stress of crowds. I'm sure I'll go to a small family owned jewelry store in town to purchase my wife some jewelry and give them some business but will probably do most shopping online. I'm also way over Black Friday. I remember one year standing in line for hours at Best Buy just to grab some good deals on some electronics. Now I am finding that my free time is more valuable than the stress of standing in the lines.

[DocDrako]

I don't do the "standing in line" thing either. I just go out and see what's out there. It's more fun for me to just "wing it" unless there's a particular item I have to get for my kids. My wife is the hardest to buy for.

[Zemo]

For me online for almost everything. Way better prices and I don't have come out and see someone has dinged my car.

[madmarva]

I like to go looking in stores once or twice, just to say I did, but generally buy online, except for items that are unique to certain stores.

I trying to find a 1960s Battle Cry board game in nice shape on ebay to give to my older brother. I wrecked his when I was a little kid. He's hard to buy for, but I thought he might get a kick out of that.

[z3zep]

Early in the season (Dec) I take a vacation day and go to the mall. Walk around enjoy the displays with less crowds. If I need any other gifts after my shopping day -- then on-line it tis.

My parents used to let us skip school one day (under 6th grade), to go to the toy store and get our Christmas list ready for Santa -- oh the joy it was!

[HardyGirl]

Early in the season (Dec) I take a vacation day and go to the mall. Walk around enjoy the displays with less crowds. If I need any other gifts after my shopping day -- then on-line it tis.

My parents used to let us skip school one day (under 6th grade), to go to the toy store and get our Christmas list ready for Santa -- oh the joy it was!

Wow, nice parents!