It's no secret that Christmas 2020 is going to be different to what we're all used to and it will pay you to be organised early. Here's some information to help you navigate it more smoothly (while also making a difference).
The two key recommendations I have for you are: shop early and shop small! Read on to get the lowdown.
(Ready to start thinking about your Christmas shopping? Check out our Christmas Guide, which contains a gift guide, handy festive articles and more!)
Shopping early
Shopping online for Christmas will be bigger this year than ever before. We've been working even harder than usual to be ready for the busy season, but we can't guarantee to keep everything in stock throughout the season.
In addition, delivery services are still under strain due to the pandemic, meaning Christmas orders will almost certainly be slower to arrive than normal.
The bottom line is:
If it's crucial that you get the gifts you want in time for the big day ... then it's crucial that you shop early.
Australian orders:
Based on current Australia Post advice we suggest that you place Christmas orders by the following dates for delivery in Australia:
- Parcel Post: 12pm AEST, Friday 11 Dec 2020
- Express Post: 12pm AEST, Friday 18 Dec 2020
This may well change as the festive season progresses, so it's a good idea to shop before these dates if you can. Visit our shipping page for up to date information.
International orders:
If you're sending gifts overseas then shopping early is even more critical. In fact we recommend that you don't delay a moment more! Our shipping page lists Australia Post's current suggested cut offs for Christmas deliveries to major international destinations: they are a lot earlier than normal and you may already be late.
We'll continue to ship international orders as quickly as possible this Christmas and they may well arrive in time even if you miss the suggested deadlines, but the longer you leave it the worse your chances are.
Sending gifts directly:
As ever we are more than happy to do this. You can include a personal note and opt to add a gift card and gift wrapping. It's the perfect gift giving solution for these socially distanced times.
If you'd like us to add a note to the parcel asking that the recipient not open it until Christmas just let us know during checkout.
Shopping small
Please consider doing as much of your Christmas shopping as you can with small businesses this year: not just Simone Walsh Jewellery, but with all sorts of small businesses.
Many small businesses (ours included) make the bulk of their income over the festive season. As next year may well be tough economically, it will help more small business owners stay afloat if things get difficult.
Also I have a (pipe?) dream that the pandemic will encourage people to shop more with small businesses and find that they love getting more personalised service and making more unique purchases. It has the potential to be a game changer for all of us with lots of benefits.
Here's a handy blog post on why shopping small is such a great idea (and I've shared just a few of my own favourite small design businesses there too). Looking for more suggestions? Check who I follow on Instagram.
If you're ready to start your Christmas shopping, don't forget to check out our Christmas Guide, with a gift guide, Handy Festive Articles and more.
Sharing small
While you're at it, don't forget to share the small businesses you've found with friends, family, colleagues and on social media and elsewhere - it truly does help enormously to spread the word.
Make it a special Christmas
If you're planning an intimate Christmas with family and friends, don't forget some of the lovely traditions that you can incorporate to make it more special.
I've just finished putting together a mountain of our beautiful Christmas pudding coins which will add a fun and special touch to your Christmas meal.
Also check out my family's quick and easy Christmas pudding recipe.
Stay safe and well this Christmas!
