If, like most people, you rely on Amazon for a lot of your Christmas shopping, you might want to check the following - as the retail giant have started shipping products in their boxes rather than hiding them in plain packaging.
The move is a laudable attempt to reduce waste by opting not to send unnecessary extra packaging where possible, but if you live with someone who you order presents for online - kids , spouses etc - you probably don't want them taking delivery of their Christmas gifts a month early.
This unfortunate upset happened to a journalist called Joanna Lovell, who returned home with her daughter to find a Barbie ambulance on her doorstep, which was meant to be a surprise. You can read about her experience in The Mirror.
However, there's an easy way to prevent this from happening, keeping Christmas as surprising as ever.
When you get to the checkout while buying an item, you can click the 'ship in Amazon packaging' option at the checkout. It conceals what's being sent, making sure that no one gets their presents before you've wrapped them.
Amazon say: "Amazon continually works on behalf of customers to reduce and minimise the amount of packaging materials we use under our Frustration-Free Packaging Programme.
"As part of the programme we have worked with manufacturers around the world to design their products to ship in their own packaging without the need for additional packaging."
So now you know! Hope this helps, as it definitely would have caught us out.
Calling all savvy shoppers - join our bargain-filled Facebook group Money Saving Edinburgh: the best deals and bargains in the Lothians
To receive one WhatsApp message a day with Edinburgh Live's headlines, as well as breaking news alerts, text NEWS to 07899067815. Then add the number to your contacts as 'Edinburgh Live'.
For more stories from across the Edinburgh area like our Facebook page , or follow us on Twitter and Instagram . You can also subscribe to our newsletter: enter your email in the blue box at the top of this article.
