Christmas shopping divides opinion. There are those that dread it, and those that look forward to it all year. Most would agree however that mad dash amongst heaving crowds and emptying shelves on Christmas eve, trying to buy everything in one hit, is no-one’s idea of fun.

With the right setting and careful planning however, Christmas shopping can be completely magical and stress free, even with kids.

Why not take a trip to London this year, see the incredible lights and experience the festive atmosphere on Oxford and Regents Streets, and enjoy the kind of Christmas build up you see in the movies? You can find cheap hotels here http://www.hotels4u.com/area/london-hotels.aspx, to make an extended stay out of your trip and take in some of these great shops.

Hamleys

You simply can’t take kids to London at Christmas time and not visit the capital’s iconic toy shop. They have everything there, from rattles and wooden toys for the very smallest, to collectable trinkets from blockbusters like The Lord of the Rings for big kids and the young at heart. It does get busy around Christmas time, but the flow around the shop still allows you to see everything and shop at a good pace. Downstairs is where the avid gamers among your brood will want to loiter, as it is a treasure trove of all consoles and games. Right at the top you will find some awesome huge Lego constructions, both on the floor and suspended from the ceiling.

Harrods

If there’s one store that defines London shopping at its finest it’s Harrods. Here you will find all the top designer names and their infamous own brand offerings. This is a great place to buy gifts, as they are fantastic quality – and you will find everything from kid’s stuff to edible treats from the food hall. Each year they have an incredible Christmas area too, where you can book a meeting with Santa in a picture perfect grotto.

There is something incredibly exciting about a shopping trip to London at Christmas, so grab your scarf, hat and gloves and make a magical memory with your kids this festive season.