Shopping, anyone?

Antique carriage full of goodies, Le Grillon Voyageur Origines, Sezanne, France.

Have you braved the crowds to take advantage of special sales on the year's busiest shopping day? If not, it's probably less stressful to shop in small stores or boutiques in your area or stay home and shop online. In Paris, we don't have special Christmas sales to contend with, although we do have the crowds, shopping and "licking the windows." (Photos of the city's leading department stores' Christmas vitrines coming up).

Although there are a few special gifts I search for in shops, I also like buying handmade one-of-a-kind pieces from various artists' etsy shops. What's your favourite place to shop for holiday gifts and/or decorations?

Comments

[Helen]

I actually make a great deal of the gifts I give--often things that I am selling for the season but finely tuned to the person's interests. I give books, antique items, collectibles. I avoid "big box" stores as often as I can. I have bought some things from Etsy, too.

I adore the shopping trip you are giving us. There are stores similar to this in our area but very few and very far between. Still, I feel lucky to visit the few that still exist. I feel luckier to view the stores through your eyes! Thanks you for sharing Paris!

[tinker]

Bonnie and I did run a couple of quick errands this afternoon, but we avoided the crowds, and did not do the 'shop till you drop,' of years past. Not only because of the economy - but also, the crowds are truly frightening anymore. Bonnie had seen it first hand, when she worked retail, a couple of years ago, and the crowd didn't want to let her get in to the store to work - a supervisor had to come out and escort her in! Th is year is even worse - the mob mentality has gotten so out of hand, that a WalMart worker back East was stampeded to death - and here in California, after two women got into a fight, two of the men that were with them, shot each other to death, in a Toys R Us! It's outrageous. Especially considering the true meaning of the season.
Thank you for your timely reminder of a gentler pace and shopping route.
Hope you had a happy Thanksgiving, Tara~XOXO

[mere garden]

Tiny shops! Here is one I love.

http://www.heartofthehome.info/index.htm

I will be back to see more of one of the most beautiful cities in the world!

[Christina]

I have been doing my shopping mostly on line for the past few years. I really don't like shopping much. I love shopping when I don't need anything, just stroll along and when I have to have something, pick it up just for me. The specialty shops are just so much fun, the antique stores are just my favorite. Sometimes I will see an old pic or some ones handwriting from the past, and just go through the roof with joy.

The holidays are all about the kids though, I love to see their faces.

Love this picture.

; )

[Yoli]

I did the online thing this year. Was not feeling well to get out in the crowd and push little old ladies aside. Yes I am one of those terrors on black Friday. Tara hopey ou are feeling well and that you had a happy Thanksgiving. Love that carriage.

[tangobaby]

I think I will avoid the malls this year and try to find little treasures in the local shops, and/or etsy. The financial situation and what is going on here at work keeps me on edge if I actually will be buying presents at all this year, though.