Take a weekend to get into the Christmas spirit and visit the shopper’s paradise of London. Have a look at the budget hotels in London from Travelodge and ensure you have as much spare cash as possible to spend in the stores.

If only to gaze at the mesmerisingly beautiful window displays, a walk around Harrods in Knightsbridge is a must for any shopaholic. Although your purse strings must be well and truly slack for a visit, you can pick up some lovely additions to your Christmas gift store at this ever-popular luxury department store.

A favourite for all high street shoppers, the bustle of Oxford Street is a perfect place to build on the festive excitement. With stores galore for all fashionistas, as well as a huge HMV and a magical Disney Store set over two storeys, you can guarantee yourself some excellent finds for the Christmas stockings of your nearest and dearest.

Step away from the bright lights of Oxford Street and opt, instead, for the independent retailers found in Covent Garden. Perfect for buying some additional goodies for your children’s stockings, such as the sweet shop – Cyber Candy – where you can purchase mouth-watering sweets from all over the world. A packet of Willy Wonka’s nerds wouldn’t go amiss in anyone’s stocking, young or old. Alternatively, how about the Build A Bear Workshop to make a one-of-a-kind cuddly toy, or the Apple store for a high-tech gadget?

High street run-of-the-mill doesn’t suit everybody. Full to the brim of quirky wears and alternative clobber, be sure to visit the markets and shops around Camden for some youthful chic. Excellent for both lovers of retro and vintage, and also the rockers in your life, you can grab some great pieces at reasonable prices. Check out the awesome Cyberdog store in the heart of the Stables market for some fabulous clubwear, the New Rock store for some top of the range footwear, or the surrounding stalls for some ideal Christmas gifts.  In addition, be sure to visit Spitalfields; it’s great for tricky teens that would appreciate something a little more independent.

With the festive smells and appealing wares, the Christmas Markets offer a somewhat more rustic shopping experience, compared with the hustle and bustle of the high street shops. Nestled in the hubbub of the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland and lining the South Bank, two excellent markets will be waiting for you to explore them. Alternatively, check out the alternative haven of the Duckie markets, in the Barbican foyer. Perfect for anyone with an indie edge, the stalls housed here offer some awesome items which make a refreshing change to the high street.

Check out the Christmas market on the South Bank – if it’s anything like last year, you may be able to stock up on some fabulous trinkets and imaginative stocking fillers. Running from the 16^th November, you can find some beautifully unique products to take home to your loved ones. Sample the mulled wine while your children enjoy the carousel before flitting between stalls, eyeing up the wares.

Enjoy your shopping experience in this beautiful city – visit early to miss the madness of last minute buying and enjoy a weekend full of festive spirit.