Christmas shopping stats

I've recently begun to keep track of the ability of various shoes to sustain extended shopping in comfort. Having a severe allergy for malls during the festive season, I try to get as much gift shopping done as is possible prior to the frenzied crowds descending in their masses.

So, I've had about three days' worth of shopping and only two people left to buy gifts for, all else has been complete. What has become apparent is that levels of comfort, especially in the feet department severely influence my ability to purchase appropriate, special gifts, as opposed to just any old thing as long as the pain ends, soon.

Here's what I've found:

- Gorgeous chinese style full platforms (roughly 4 inch) with lace up detail - sustainability: 2.5 hours
- Drop-dead gorgeous Steve Maddens (as per my New Crush), which I wore unknowingly expecting a nice lunch and not a full on shopping marathon - sustainability: 1.5 hours
- Patent pyhton skin flats- sustainability: 2 hours (I just can't do flats!)
- Kitten heeled gold sandals - sustainability: 1.5 hours (they keep slipping on mall floor tiles)
- Espadrilles with a nice size heel - sustainability: 4 hours +

We definitely have a winner and, thank goodness, can go shopping in style without having to resort to hiking boots or running shoes to ensure that every special person gets a thoughtful, special gift. Oh and should anyone wish their shoes to be road tested - I might know a good test subject...hint hint!

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I'd love to hear from you...what is the strangest / most odd or unusual Christmas gift you have ever given or received?