Let's be honest, Christmas shopping is stressful. Stores are usually so packed with people throughout December that you'll be lucky if you can buy one thing without going insane. So when it comes to getting gifts, I tend to stay clear of the shops and go online. However I recently discovered a shopping destination perfect for people who dread Christmas shopping; the O2 Centre on Finchley Road.
Filled with shops, restaurants, hair salons and a cinema, the O2 Centre has everything needed to keep you relaxed when you shop and entertained when you stop. It is spacious and light and contains a small number of great stores, including Waterstones, Paperchase, Oliver Bonas and Tiger. It is also a shopping haven for home-lovers as BoConcept, Habitat and Homebase are also found in there!
In between shopping you can escape to Starbucks for an Eggnog Latte and a much needed rest. You can also visit one of the O2 Centre's many restaurants for lunch, including Byron, YO Sushi! and Wagamama. Not forgetting Tortellini Cup, which is currently rated second best restaurant in London on Tripadvisor!!! But the best thing about visiting the O2 Centre is that, when you're finally done shopping, you can relax (and be entertained!) in one of Vue Cinema's 12 screening rooms.
I recently paid a visit to the O2 Centre and stocked up on Christmas gifts for some of my girlfriends. My first stop was Paperchase, as it is the ultimate Christmas card & wrapping destination. I picked up an inflatable snowman card because...why the hell not? As well as a Recipe Journal for one of my foodie friends. I also wandered into Oliver Bonus and spent most of my time avoiding buying everything in the store for myself! You will always find the perfect gift for someone at Oliver Bonus because the store stocks everything from homewares and beauty products, to books and clothing. I purchased an adorable In Flight Kit for my soon-to-be travelling friend and an Elderflower Fizz Bath Salts & Lip Balm Cracker for a friend that loves to be pampered.
I am a massive fan of interiors, so you can understand why Habitat was the shopping destination of my dreams. The store has a variety of products on offer this Christmas, ranging form affordable stocking fillers to big budget items. One of my friends recently moved, so I picked up a gorgeous Copper Vase for her new home. Because I love the store so much, I also splurged this cuddly OTTO Throw for meeeee.
In just two short hours, I ticked a huge number of Christmas presents off my shopping list and didn't get stressed doing it! The O2 Centre really is a great destination for the anti-shopper who wants to get everything in one place, as quickly as possible...with a little fun thrown in. If you live in London, I strongly recommend you pay it a visit...
[This post was sponsored by the O2 Centre]