This post is brought to you by Taubman Centers. All opinions are my own.
When it comes to holiday shopping, I am the queen of procrastination. Normally I would be a little anxious with less than 4 days until Christmas, but with the new University Town Center mall in Sarasota, I know that all of my shopping can be done in one place.
This past weekend I took my daughter to UTC for some last minute holiday shopping. I admit I was a little nervous about the crowds (and parking!), but the experience turned out much better than I expected. Even though the mall was busy, the layout of UTC makes it easy to navigate without feeling congested.
Our first stop was to Macy's where my daughter wanted to drop off her wish list for Santa in the big red mailbox. I love this promotion because Macy's donates $1 to Make-A-Wish for every letter received!
Then it was on to a few of my favorite stores to check out the deals and buy a few last minute gifts, including Crate & Barrel, Bath & Body Works, Sephora, Anthropologie, and THE NEW H&M!!
This was our first time at the new H&M since it opened earlier this month. I am very familiar with the brand and couldn't be more excited that there's now a store locally. I always find great deals and this visit was no exception! I found 2 gorgeous tops on clearance for $15 each...one I will wear on Christmas and the other I'm saving for a trip to NYC next month.
My only disappointment with the new H&M is the kids department: I was told they're not carrying sizes larger than 7-8 due to lack of space (my daughter is a 10-12). There are other stores she can shop at, but I love the style & value of H&M for women and men.
After shopping a little more and picking up a very important Christmas gift for my mom (I can't divulge in case she reads this!), we had a pretzel & lemonade at Auntie Anne's and made our way to the center of the mall to see Disney's FROZEN Ice Palace.
I was truly impressed with the size and scope of the experience, which brings families through the snowy world of FROZEN with fun elements and activities before getting their picture taken with Santa. There's also a little kiosk at the end where you can buy FROZEN merchandise! I know I would have been in awe if we had anything even close to this when I was growing up— Do you remember when it was just Santa sitting in a chair with candy canes?
My daughter, who is a fan of FROZEN, thought the ice palace was amazing ... I just wonder how they're going to top this next year!? Definitely a must-see for kids this season!
The line was quite long the first time we passed by (but it was well managed), and when we returned Santa was on break. Be sure to check the schedule on the UTC website, including holiday mall hours, before making plans for pictures. Also, photos with Santa will be available on Christmas Eve from 10am-6pm with a break from 1pm-2pm.
By this time we had been at the mall for a few hours and were tiring out. I had promised my daughter a new outfit for Christmas so we made one more quick run through Macy's. She found some adorable patterned jeggings that were on sale for 40% off! Before UTC, I hadn't shopped in store at a Macy's in forever, but now that it's here I am rediscovering all of their great sales! I love the convenience of UTC and each time I visit I stumble upon something new— UTC has made holiday shopping fun again!
Be sure to visit www.mallatutc.com for the full list of stores, hours, events and more at University Town Center in Sarasota, Florida!
Adrienne gordon
My daughter needs a winter coat.
Ann Fantom
I would buy a winter jacket
Mary Cloud
Clothes for my kids
Kelly D
I would buy a new purse.
Elle P.
I would buy new shoes.
Ann
athletic clothes!
Soha MOlina
I;d buy shoes.
GB
I would buy new pants.
Rachel Travis
Who couldn't use more Shoes?!!?!?
Linda F.
I would probably buy kids clothes.
Katherine
I would love a new coat
Sarah Hirsch
i would buy some new shoes for me and my daughter
heather s
I need a new coat
Kim Keithline
I would buy new clothes for my son
Nancy
I might buy clothes for our granddaughter if I won.
Aaron
I'd buy some new pants.
Amanda Sakovitz
id buy a jacket!
Thomas Murphy
I would buy clothes.
Mami2jcn
I would buy jeans.
Elena
I would buy shoes
Dawn Keenan
I really need some dress clothes.. That's what I would be looking for.
Tara
I would buy jeans!
Kristen
I'd buy a new coat.
Heather Dawn
I would get a new purse from the Coach Factory store!
Gina M
I would buy some new outfits for my Spring vacation!
Thanks for the chance to win!
wildorchid985 AT gmail DOT com
tammigirl
I would love to use it for my daughter's birthday, which is coming soon.
elishia bakle
I need a new purse. My little one put a juice back in there with the top not all the way closed so it reeks of old orange juice!
Melissa Teears
Clothes for my son.
christine j
I would love to shop for a new cardigan.
Lisa V.
It won best toy award from Astra in 2009 and 2010. I would give it to my grandchild.
joe gersch
i would get a winter coat
Jeanna
I would buy myself some wardrobe essentials at H&M. I love UTC!
Brittney House
I would buy a new work dress.
Derya W.
Clothes for my kids at either Gymboree or H&M!
danielle Marie
I would put it towards an awesome new pair of shoes. i need shoes.
s.w.
I love chocolate so I would use it at Godiva Chocolatier .
Carrie Conrad
I would buy a new handbag. 🙂
Peggy Rydzewski
I would shop the after the holiday sales.
Erika W.
I would buy myself a really nice wallet!
Paula Hafner
I would buy a new set of sheets for our bed.
Diane Baum
I would use it for a warm coat for my son.
Denise L
I'd buy some new school clothes for my son.
Stephanie Larison
I would get myself some new work shoes, or maybe some new work pants.
beth shepherd
I would get me some new dressy clothes. Thank you!
Timothy
I would buy some new jeans.
Carolyn Daley
I would buy a pair of new shoes and a nice outfit.
robyn paris
i would buy some clothes
angela cisco
I would love to buy myself a new pair of boots.
HilLesha
I'd buy a new gym bag and workout clothes. 🙂
WHITNEY
A new pair of shoes!
Tabathia B
Clothes for my kids
Miz Vickik
Some new boots!
Rajee Pandi
winter jacket