We all know a few very organised people who have already finished their Christmas shopping but for the rest of us, shopping for gifts when the sun is still shinning just doesn't seem quite right. Although we don't mean to leave it to the last minute, panic buying seems to be part and parcel of our run up to Christmas.
So although the festive season is undoubtedly magical for children it can be very stressful for adults. Thebestof Farnham would like to provide you with some inspiration this year, so if you are looking for alternatives to the boring socks and smellies, visit some of our featured businesses.
The traditional but inventive Christmas window display belonging to Miscellanea of Churt will draw you into an Alladins cave of unique and unusual surprises. There are gifts galore, whatever your recipients taste, you will be amazed at the selection of furniture, sculptures, glassware, paintings, ceramics, rugs, metalwork, lighting, textiles, photographs, prints and even fossils! This exciting shop, based just outside Farnham in the village of Churt, has been established for over 30 years but if you haven't visited recently, pop along and experience the new showroom extension, offering even more choice.
Get away from the hustle and bustle and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere at Avalon Garden Centre also based in Churt. If you are looking for a Christmas tree, Avalon has a wide selection on offer, with willing staff available to give advice about the best tree for you - they will even carry it to your car! Avalon is the small garden centre with lots of choice and there are certainly plenty of gifts to choose from. Why not buy a present that that can be enjoyed, choose from a range of festive indoor plants, beautiful winter baskets and stunning Christmas planting arrangements. And for those budding gardeners, a shiny new set of gardening tools. Remember last year's weather – plenty of rock salt and snow shovels available too! Once you have finished shopping you can relax in the Tea Room, satisfied as you tick off the presents list. Avalon garden centre will always have time for YOU.
Have you got teenagers who desperately want a laptop for Christmas or know someone who is disappointed that their computer seems to have died, then you definitely need to consider Tech-Recycle of Farnham. They offer a range of refurbished IT equipment to suit all budgets with laptops from only £125 and complete PC systems from just £98. Visit Tech-Recycle at their premises in Badshot Lea or pop into their new shop situated inside the Phyllis Tuckwell furniture and donation centre on Dogflud way in Farnham. Net profits from everything sold in the shop are donated directly to the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice.
Receiving gifts is great but there is certainly more joy from giving gifts, so shop locally and support your local independent businesses. You can find them all here
