OK, so I know I can't bring back a car or house when we go back to the UK to see friends & family over Christmas. We're certainly planning to return with quality clothes and shoes but any other suggestions on how to take advantage of the currently favorable exchange rate?

Buy the Big Issue! It will only cost you $1.40 instead of $2.00 (that's if its still a pound which it probably isnt).

If the exchange rate doesn't improve I may end up selling the big issue!

Sorry. I'm back there next week and would have bought up all the decent clothes. Am pretty much flying out with a pair of jeans and a jumper and two empty cases.

You'll be cold. Don't wanna have to buy a trench coat and bring it back.

Yeh, you'd have to move to Melbourne to get some wear out of it!

Everything!!

That was perhaps the most obvious answer, but sadly the truth of the matter. Aside from fuel, which I think my airline might take exception to me bringing back on board, I'm pretty sure everything is cheaper than Australia.

It's OK. I have my beanie as well

don't forget our old friend

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/...isplay.php?f=5

Was back in Europe in September and bought the usual shoes, clothes etc but also bought wallpaper (40 pounds a roll instead of $250 here), le crueset pan and some other home wares.

Happy shopping

Buy a shower head from B&Q that gives you a decent shower.

....and lasts more than a few weeks

B&Q is the last place I'd buy anything. I went into one in July and was shocked at how shite it was. Go to a proper plumbing shop for this kind of thing - it will better, and probably cheaper, than anything you can get in B&Q.

I recently installed an Aussie made Dorf ceiling mounted 'rain' shower and handshower combo and it's the best shower I've ever had.