Image via SoWa Sundays/Flickr
Unless you’re willing to pay an arm and a leg for expedited shipping, the window in which we have to make online purchases – and have them arrive in time for Christmas morning – is dwindling fast. At this point, at least for most retailers, it’s better to simply not run the risk of a package arriving on December 26.
But where does that leave the last minute shoppers who just couldn’t get their shit together fast enough to buy online? Headed to the mall?
Last week, I spent about 10 minutes in a Natick Mall parking garage, listening to horns angrily blowing at me from three different angles (for a traffic jam that I swear was not my fault), and the scene inside wasn’t any prettier, despite all the decorations. If you, like me and everyone else, detest enduring a trip to the mall this close to Christmas, pay attention.
We’ve rounded up six alternatives to last-minute shopping. No shipping, no parking garage shouting matches, just you and your Christmas list. At least, that’s how we’re imagining these moments of shopping zen; we can’t make any promises that things won’t get chaotic.
The Downtown Boston Holiday Market
The 7th annual holiday market has been relocated to 459 Washington Street in Downtown Crossing, and has been running since December 2. Continuing through January 10, the market feature local artists and vendors like Recycled Glass Jewelry, McCrea’s Candies and Golden Rule Honey. As an added holiday bonus, Santa himself will be making appearances at the market daily from noon to 2 p.m. on weekdays and noon to 4 p.m. on the weekends.
A Holiday Pop-Up shop by DressCode Boston
Hosted by Jeff Lahens, the stylish force behind menswear-based DressCode Boston, this holiday pop-up takes place on Thursday, December 18 from 6 to 11 p.m. at PhillipoStyle Studio at SoWa. Local boutiques (like Ball and Buck, G Star and Randolph) will come together during the evening event to show off their best collections of men’s and women’s wear and accessories. Beers and cocktails will be served. Free to attend.
Cocktail Party & Shopping Event
The Street at Chestnut Hill has been hosting monthly Third Thursday events, and this Thursday, December 18, from 6 to 7 p.m., the event will be a cocktail party and shopping event, hosted by Boston Herald’s Erica Corsano. There will be treats, refreshments and special perks for shoppers. Also in attendance will be the Red Sox’ Craig Breslow and wife Kelly Breslow, who will be hosting a meet and great, auctions and more at Showcase SuperLux.
Vintage Pop-Up Holiday Market
This vintage market will take place at the Somerville Arts at the Armory on Sunday, December 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Shoppers will find two floors of vintage items, including antiques, oddities and collectibles. Know someone who’s impossible to shop for? These rare gifts are perfect. Items include clothing, records, accessories, furniture, jewelry and more.
Cultural Survival Gift Bazaar
This cultural festival, taking place at the Prudential Center from December 19 to 21, gives Indigenous artists, cooperatives, and their representatives from around the world the chance to sell their work directly to the American public. In addition to the vendors, there will be performances and presentations.
#ShareItWinIt at Assembly Row
This shopping event will take you to Assembly Row, where, we warn you, it will be very crowded. However, shoppers have an added incentive to making their way through the masses. Assembly Row is running a #ShareItWinIt campaign, and will be awarding four gift cards (one for $500, the rest for $100) to Instagramers who post selfies of themselves in front of their favorite store, with the hashtag. The winners will be announced at 5 p.m. on Saturday, December 20.
