The countdown to Christmas is on! This month can feel quite overwhelming with things to do, which can replace feelings of joy with anxiety and stress. There's work to be done, holiday parties to plan/attend, decorations to put up, food to be made, gifts to be bought, all while parking lots and shopping malls are completely packed. Sometimes there's just not enough hours or brain cells available to get through it all, and for that, I'm grateful that online shopping exists. In this article I've compiled a list of my favourite shops to help you prepare for Christmas and check off that giant to-do list quicker, all from the comforts of your home. 

 

1. H&M Home

For: Homeware, decor, pyjamas, Christmas sweaters, & accessories

H&M home has quickly become one of my favourite places to shop for beautiful affordable homeware. I'm obsessed with their vases, bedding/throw blankets and tableware. The colour scheme for this year's holiday collection is right up my alley (deep greys, navy blue, brown, and white). Simple, classic, and elegant. 

*Not all homeware is available online, so if you can pop into the shop it's worth it!

 

 

 

 

 

After homeware, I also love their pyjamas and sweaters. H&M does holiday-themed items well, especially for Halloween & Christmas. I've stocked up on a lot and continue to use them year after year. So not only do they look cute, they last long. Some items I've added to my collection this Christmas are:

 

 

 

 

 

2. NEXT

For:  Decor, clothing, wrapping, pyjamas, gifts.

Next is from the UK, but delivers internationally and is one of my go-to websites for almost everything; decor, clothing, wrapping, pyjamas, and gifts. They have the cutest Christmas sweaters and pyjamas for the whole family (everyone can match, including your dog!). On the left side of their homepage menu (lit up in gold) you'll see 'Christmas', where you're just one click away from a very happy place (I just like browsing here and making lists, even if I don't buy). I think they have the best selection of affordable festive kid's clothes, and have great gift guides.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. ASOS.COM

For: Clothes, pyjamas, cards, gifts, wrapping, accessories, and decor.

ASOS items are always the right amount of extra. Their Christmas sweaters and pyjamas are always bold and slightly over-the-top, which is what I aspire to be every year. They have great prices, a great selection of sizes, and quick delivery. I love browsing through their 'Living + Gifts' section for gift ideas and I love the selection of stationary they have. I always stock up on their Christmas cards because you never know who might pop over to your home (I'll usually just add a card to a box of baked good I made to gift unexpected people). Their cards are cute, humorous, and not too personalised (can give to anyone). 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. IKEA

For: Decor, wrapping, and food.

Ikea is the one spot that may be better to visit in person for the food. Their cafeterias always have yummy affordable meals (right now they have Christmas specials), their frozen section has a great selection of hors d'oeuvres that you can pop in the oven for parties or any surprise guests, and they have really nice gingerbread house building sets. 

 

 

However, if you're not into the food or braving the storm that is Ikea, they definitely have some items you'll want to add to your online cart. 

Festive dinnerware. Every year I grab a couple of festive serving bowls, napkins, and tins. The tins are great for gifting some home-baked goods (cookies, tarts, almond/peanut brittle). 

 

 

Wrapping. Ikea's Gift Bags & Gift Wrap look cute, rustic, and personal.

 

Ornaments. Ikea has really nice sets of basic ornaments for an attractive price. I like to fill my tree with these in different sizes (in silver or gold), then add a few statement pieces. 

 

 

 

5. Outgrow

For: gifts

This website curates creative products from successfully crowdfunded projects. By purchasing something here, you'll not only find something unique and innovative, but also be supporting new small businesses.  

 

 

 

6. iHerb

For: Food

Grab all of your clean-living items here; healthy snacks, baking ingredients, teas, vitamins, skincare, and cleaning supplies. Having a good stash of healthy snacks around will help you get the nutritious fuel your body needs, and are easy to throw in your bag when on the go (working, shopping, long car rides, etc). 

 

 

 

 

Have a happy, safe, & healthy holiday season!

 

Sincerely,

Taylor