I never used to be such a loyal shopper at Boots, and it was only about 2 years ago that I really started shopping there at all. I know a lot of people criticise Boots for being over-priced, but I actually really like it as a store. And I'm certainly not one to shop in expensive shops. The reason I like Boots is that, yes their prices may be a LITTLE higher than the shops, Bt really not by much, and plus they always have plenty of offers on for you to end up buying more than you went in for. I think we can all agree to that one! Also if you're smart enough to take a few moments to fill out a form and receive and Advantage Card, then there's even more for you to take advantage of. From extra offers to free products when you save up the points!

Boots now stocks pretty much all if not everything you consider to be your health and beauty essentials. It has everything from medicines, vitamins, plasters etc., to hand, foot, eye, skin and body care, to all your toiletries and haircare, to beauty accessories such as false nails, costume jewellery etc., to makeup, electrical goods (hair dryer, straightners etc), perfume, travel goods, gifts and even everything you would need for your baby. I think that just about covers everything they sell... So you can see, Boots makes it so much easier for you to get everything from one place.

Like I mentioned before, Boots always has numerous offers for you to take advantage of. These offers are available across all of their departments, and are always changing, so you never get to miss out on those products you've always wanted to try, but wish were on an offer. The most popular offer Boots always has on is 3 for 2. This is often seen across the makeup lines, skincare, vitamins, and at Christmas, 3 for 2 on gifts. If you apply for an Advantage Card, you can receive 4 points per ￡1 you spend, where 100 points equals ￡1. So you are getting something back even if it's only a little at a time. But there are always chances to increase your points intake with vouchers that allow you to do so. You can also make use of the kiosks available throughout Boots stores, where you can see what extra offers are available to you as an advantage card user. Also you are often sent vouchers through the post as another extra advantage. The vouchers you receive in the post, or can print from the kiosks, vary on what it gets you. Some are for extra points when you buy a certain product, or a product from a certain brand, if you spend a certain amount on one transaction, or a double points voucher to use on anything. Also money off products, and buy one get one free.

When you have saved up enough points, you can use those points to buy something for free! (Just as long as you have enough points to cover the cost of the item) I often use mine to buy makeup, shampoo etc. Or skincare. Saving up points doesn't take as long as you might think. If you're a frequent shopper, and use extra points coupons whenever they're available, then the points soon add up. What's more, you can now shop online on Boots Treat Street, and get extra advantage card points for doing a bit of retail therapy at places like New Look.

Anyway, back to the stores... The layout of the stores are often simple with signs above each isle so you can easily locate what you're looking for. And products are often well stocked, so you don't have the re-occurring disappointment of the product you want not being in stock. The staff there, in my experience, are very friendly and will happily help you with any queries you have, or even if you want to ask for another opinion on something. Boots also has a fridge counter where they stock sandwiches and drinks, and even sell packets of crisps and chocolate bars. These all being part of their ￡3 meal deal. So you could even buy your lunch while you shop! At Christmas Boots heavily advertise their 3 for 2 gift offer. The range included in this is rather big, so you can easily find a present for everyone, and save yourself some money to indulge on yourself.

For me, shopping at Boots often changes from a 'shopping trip to buy what I need' into a 'shopping trip to treat myself' as well as buying the essential toiletries and vitamins etc. Of course. For those that think Boots is too overpriced, they also sell their own brands of products, that are actually pretty good quality, and most only cost around ￡2 or ￡3. AND still often listed in 3 for 2 offers. Can't really criticise that. Especially not when you still get points for buying these products too, which then converts to free products of your choice.

Every experience I've had of shopping at Boots has been a positive one, and I've plenty of products I always go back there for. Some being because they're Boots own brand, and the others just because it's convenient to get all my health and beauty products from the same place. Plus, I like to see what extra offers I can get my hands on. And you might as well do a bit of Christmas shopping there... (A.K.A buy something for you too!).