Shopping is literally a national pastime in Bangkok, the city often appears to have as many malls and department stores as it does restaurants and HOTELS, thus it is an excellent place to be if you are in need of Christmas gifts. The big glitzy shopping plazas like Siam Paragon, Terminal 21, and Central World lead the way, as they put on Christmas events. Central World features the city's biggest tree with accompanying lights, which is even presided over by the royal Princess on its opening night! Check out Bangkok's latest mall, the glitzy Central Embassy, for high end designer goods for Xmas. Most of the shops offer sales and promotions to lure in shoppers, and all the top brands can be found. For more local and traditional souvenir type gifts to bring home, consider spots like Khao San Road, where traditional Thai pillows, textiles, and artsy items can be found and bargained for. If you are looking to save money and buy clothing for gifts, Pratunam open market is the wholesale mecca of Bangkok, and certainly the spot to go for bulk purchases. Nearby Panthip Plaza is a good choice if your stocking stuffer list includes electronic items. With so many choices, you might even be putting a new suitcase to carry all your Xmas purchases onto the forefront of your shopping list!