Last Minute Christmas Shopping Tips

Christmas is two days away!  Some of us still have a gift or two or maybe three to pick up. Before you run panicked through the streets, we have some suggestions on making that trip more productive and easy. 

Make a Shopping List

If you have waited until now to finish your shopping, this first idea may fly in your face as a waste of shopping time.  Breathe and take a moment to realize that having a list will reduce your stress and give you a plan of attack.

Shop on Christmas Eve

We know — waiting until the day before Christmas to shop sounds like a terrible idea. But think of it this way — most people are finished by Christmas Eve, meaning the malls will be less crowded, allowing you to shop without having to fight hoards of other panicky procrastinators.

Order Online, Pick Up at Store

This option is available through most major retailers, and it’s a great way to make your shopping more efficient. Just select the “pick up in-store” option on their website and then follow the instructions. Usually, they’ll have you go to their Guest/Customer Services area where you’ll be able to pick up your item. 

From my personal experience, this is the best idea ever!  I ordered and paid for my gifts online.  I picked them up at 8:30 at night and spent less than 5 minutes in the store. Yes!

Shop During Non-Peak Hours

“Non-peak hours” is retail-speak for “really early or really late.” Basically, don’t go at times when everyone else is going. That way, you won’t have to deal with long lines, and you can hit more stores. It’s really that simple.

Receipts

Retailers have a brilliant idea for the receipt – printing one without the prices!  They call it a “Gift Receipt.”  So, ask for one when you shop.  It certainly makes it easier for the recipient to exchange the gift and can even be wrapped with the gift in the first place.  

Think Small

Smaller, independent stores are usually less busy, with more-organized shelves, plus the staff will have the time to help you find the right gift. These kinds of shops are really struggling nowadays so even if you just buy a few things from independents, you’re making a positive difference.

Wrapping

Wrapping Christmas gifts can take almost as long as shopping for them. Many big shopping centers will offer a free wrapping service, which if you don’t mind waiting around for a while is a big bonus.

Dean and Draper  

We believe that the Holidays are for the kid in all of us.  We also believe that there’s nothing like the warmth and laughter of family and friends.  Great relationships with people like you are the reason that we do what we do with passion, persistence, and pride. 

Thank you for the trust you have placed in us.  Wishing you the magic and wonder of the season.

Dean& Draper is a Trusted Choice insurance agency representing over 200 insurance companies. For over 35 years we have offered a trusted freedom of choice to our clients.  ContactUs.

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Sources:  familyeducation.com, tinggly.com, opploans.com