William-Sonoma Wine drip ring, $14.95
See's candy
Starbucks gift card
Pottery Barn Cable knit throw, $99
Apple iPad mini, from $329
Grace Coddington Memoir, $19.77
Tiffany & Co. journal, $50
With the holiday’s just days away, I’ve done my best to stay clear of the malls – I’m just not a fan of enclosed spaces that pump in oxygen, which is why I’ve always gone out of my way to shop at Stanford Shopping Center, a curated collection of boutique shops set outdoors with gorgeous landscaping. A place that I find solace through the madness of holiday shopping. What makes the experience all that much better are the extra “surprises & delights” Stanford has set up for shoppers experience even more rewarding and enjoyable.
Shoppers should be on the lookout for mall management staff that is eager to introduce themselves and thank you for shopping at the mall and may even give a holiday treat without warning. These gifts will vary by mall - holiday revelers could find themselves with a voucher for free coffee, a coupon for a free appetizer at a mall restaurant, or some candy to satisfy that sweet tooth!
I myself encountered and indulged in a few of the “surprise & delights” myself:
Surprise gifting to holiday shoppers: mall management staff on the premises, eager to introduce themselves and thank shoppers for visiting the mall - they may even give a holiday treat without warning. These gifts will vary by mall, but holiday revelers could find themselves with a voucher for free coffee, a coupon for a free appetizer at a mall restaurant, or some candy to satisfy that sweet tooth!
Help carrying packages to vehicles: shoppers needing help carrying packages to their vehicles will find assistance readily available at busy mall entrances. Easily-identifiable security personnel will be happy to ‘lighten the load’. This service is available every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday throughout the holiday season and on Christmas Eve.
Available staff for finding the right shops: friendly mall staff will be stationed near mall directories during holiday weekends and on Christmas Eve ready to give directions, answer questions, and distribute the popular ‘Retailer Showcase’ with the mall’s best holiday offers and deals. These holiday greeters will be available every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday throughout the holiday season and on Christmas Eve.
Holiday Entertainment: shoppers will also want to grab a schedule of the many entertainment offerings on mall during the holiday season. From school choirs singing holiday favorites to dance troupes to local musicians and theater groups, the mall, as it has been for generations, is the perfect place to catch the holiday spirit.
Happy shopping! xoxo