Christmas is getting closer and we start thinking about presents for our friends and family members. Surely, you can wait until December, go to overcrowded shopping malls and get the last pair of socks, gloves or try to find something nice in heaps of unattractive sweaters. If this prospect doesn’t sound good for you, October and November are best months for Christmas shopping. In case you are planning your trip to Europe, this is just a perfect opportunity to buy truly amazing presents.

Europe is called a shopping mecca and it absolutely proves this name. Fashion people know they can get the hottest stuff not only in New York, but also in world’s trend-setting fashion capitals like Paris and Milan. Any conservative person surely knows and values Scandinavian and German designs. In true, you can find presents for all your friends, family, colleagues or boss including the most hard-to-please ones in Europe. Another reason we advise visiting Europe in October and November is you can feel the atmosphere of real holiday. There’s no need to stay in Europe until Christmas as bright, joyful and festive markets are opened months beforehand. You can buy multiple souvenirs, sweets, freshly baked bread and holiday gingerbread or just wander around enjoying colorful sights, lively sounds and hot spiced wine. (more…)

Shopping in New York

New York is widely known as a shopper’s paradise. Large trading centers, boutiques, exclusive and latest trends are mixed here with street outlets offering bargain priced clothes and shoes. In general it’s hard to find anything that is not sold in Big Apple.

If you plan your trip to NY, take advantage of many shopping opportunities. As you arrive, don’t go to Times Square shops as these tourist oriented outlets usually sell low quality at high prices. If you are serious about bargaining, take time and visit shops nearby New Jersey and Hudson River Valley.

You can always find fair priced clothes and accessories at big department stores like Macy’s or Bloomingdales. They sell merchandise for women, men and children. All clothes are of a good quality and you can find here designer labeled items as well. Despite clothes various things like cosmetics, electronics, household goods or souvenirs can be found at these department stores. End of the season usually means great rebates, so you can buy first-class items at high discounts here. Despite from abovementioned Macy’s and Bloomingdales NY’s most popular department stores include Bergdorf Goodman and Lord and Taylor at Fifth Avenue. Filenes and Saks Fifth Avenue stores sell designer clothes; Century 21 is a real Mecca for those who seek bargain priced items.

Manhattan is known for its shopping malls. South Street Seaport offers more than 120 shops with clothes of all styles. Manhattan Mall and Trump Towers will attract shoppers who want to find something exclusive and up-to-date.

If you have enough time, make sure you check shopping districts in Manhattan. Garment District sells the USA manufactured clothes; Greenwich Village specializes in hottest trends and designer clothing while Soho sells more avant-garde items. (more…)