The Christmas shopping dash!
It was late November, and the Johnsons’ home in Paremoremo was a hive of activity. Alani and Mike Johnson, juggling demanding jobs and two lively kids, Ella (7) and Max (4), were gearing up for a much-needed Xmas holiday to the Taranaki. But before they could pitch their tent under the stars, there was the small matter of the seemingly endless Christmas shopping list to tick off.
The plan was simple in theory: spend Christmas and Boxing Day with Mike’s extended family, then head to the campground for a week of sand, sun, and summer fun. In practice, it meant buying Christmas presents for aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents, plus gathering all the camping essentials for a smooth holiday. The Johnsons decided the best place to tackle it all was the Albany Mega Centre, renowned for being a one-stop shop for everything from gifts to gear.
The Mega day out
On a sunny Saturday morning, the Johnsons piled into their car, armed with a detailed shopping list and an ambitious plan. They arrived at Albany Mega Centre early, and Alani took one look at the sparkling decorations in the store windows and knew they’d made the right choice.
“We can do this,” she said, determined. “Everything we need, in one place!”
Their first stop was Farmers Home, where Alani and Ella dived into the gift section. With Mike’s family being as large as it was, they needed a mix of practical and thoughtful gifts. They picked up scented candles for the aunts, a throw for the grandparents, and some stylish beer coasters for the uncles. Ella, full of opinions, insisted on adding a colourful mug for her favourite cousin, Mia.
Next, the family regrouped at Briscoes, which was buzzing with families like theirs. They found an inflatable beach ball and a set of badminton rackets for camping. Mike spotted a cooler bag, heavily discounted as part of the extended Black Friday specials. It was perfect for keeping drinks cold during long days at the beach.
Refueling
By midday, the Johnsons were ready for a break. They headed to Burger King for a quick bite. Over burgers, fries, and milkshakes, they reviewed their list.
“Okay, we’ve got presents for everyone,” said Alani, checking off names. “Now we need to stock up for camping.”
Mike, who loved a good gadget, suggested popping into Rebel Sport for some last-minute outdoor essentials. They grabbed a sturdy set of camping chairs and a portable lantern, which Max promptly claimed as his.
The finishing touches
With the bulk of the shopping done, Alani remembered they still needed wrapping supplies and a few stocking stuffers. A quick visit to The Warehouse sorted them out with rolls of festive paper, ribbon, and a few small gifts – chocolates, crossword puzzles, and books.
Meanwhile, Max wandered off to the toy section. His eyes lit up as he spotted a fire truck with flashing lights. “Dad, can we get this for Maxie?” he asked, clearly hoping his trick would work. “No bud, we’ve already got something special for Maxie, but your cousin, Alfie, would love that,” Max frowned, reluctantly adding the truck to the cart.
As they walked back to the car, Ella tugged on her mum’s arm. “Can we get something for the campground Christmas tree?”
Alani smiled. “Great idea!” They popped into Look Sharp Store, where Ella picked out a string of fairy lights, while Max chose a glittery star. “It’ll be the best-looking tree in Taranaki,” Mike declared.
Mission accomplished
Back at home that evening, the Johnsons unloaded their haul. The kids busied themselves testing the badminton rackets in the backyard, while Alani and Mike tackled the wrapping. The presents piled up under their tree, and Alani couldn’t help but feel a little triumphant.
“Albany Mega Centre saved the day,” she said. “No running around, no stress.”
Mike laughed, “And no forgotten gifts this year!”
As Alani sipped her tea, she felt a wave of gratitude. The whirlwind shopping day at Albany Mega Centre had set the stage for a seamless holiday, and now, she could finally relax in anticipation of the festivities ahead.