Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle, London and even New York have all been the destinations of choice.
They all come with the obligatory lunch out and a cocktail or two and in the past I have enjoyed these days out too, but not this year.
Travelling two hours to traipse round a chilly city is not high on my list of priorities right now.
This year instead I have basked in Internet shopping — huge boxes of goodies have been delivered to my door, or I’ve collected a couple of items from stores.
Almost all purchases have been made while I’ve been sitting on the sofa, with the fire on and wearing my jammies — perfect!
On Monday I (bravely) attempted a bit of gift shopping in Dumfries with a four-year-old and a two-year-old in tow.
All was going well to begin with, I found some perfect presents and was helped by very friendly staff in Boots.
But after the promise of a chocolate lolly wore off I became the mother that everyone looks at in M&S foodhall.
Both children were attempting to take a Christmas display apart while I browsed the booze aisle and tried to ignore them.
Tomorrow, however, I am off to Gretna Gateway with my mum to find a few bits.
We’ve timed our trip to co-incide with the toddler’s nap (I’m taking him to soft play in the morning to make sure he’s extra tired!) and we will grab a bite of lunch in one of the cafes.
I have a few items that I will be sure to get and I am hoping some of the other shops will provide me with some much-needed inspiration for the men in my life.
Seriously, what do I buy my husband, dad and brother-in-law?!
