Christmas Rush: Last Minute Shopping Tips in London

London is one of the world's shopping capitals. With the Christmas rush pouring in and just a few days before gift giving starts, it's important to know how one can maximize shopping trips without splurging too much and experiencing unnecessary stress.

With a little help from Marie Claire, here are a few last minute shopping tips if you're in London for the Yuletide season.

1. Consider going online first.

Last minute shoppers should consider going online first before heading out the door and braving the Christmas rush. Fashion Pixie is website that helps people be updated with the current sales and bargain deals in the city. What's more is this site shoots promos straight into its subscriber's inbox for a hassle-free update.

2. Opt for less-flocked places to shop.

It's easy to head to Harrod's or Cardinal Place but during the Yuletide season, it can be a pain to stand in long lines and bump into everyone else in search of gifts.

Going off-track and heading to hidden gems like the East End Thrift Store in the Assembly Passage or the Atlantis European on Hanbury Street could be great, inexpensive sources of vintage finds, art goods and other nifty items perfect for a unique Christmas present.

3. Reserve online and prevent long lines.

Harvey Nichols may be bustling with shoppers during the holidays but the famed store has managed to find a way to make it a lot easier for last minute shoppers to purchase gifts from them.

Its "click and collect" service allows guests to reserve the pieces they want in the store's website and upon visiting Harvey Nichols, someone will be ready with all the pre-selected items the shoppers have reserved online. From here, it's going to be more convenient and also makes for faster transactions.

4. Have a list ready.

Nothing saves time, effort and energy like having a trusted Christmas list on hand. Apart from taking the extra time to recall who needs what, a list also makes for a lot more organized shopping experience.