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It’s nearly the last second before Christmas and I still have shopping to do. Hopefully my father and nephews don’t read my blog, because they’d be disappointed to know I’ve shopped for everyone but them and my dogs. truth is, I am far much more efficient shopping for women than men or pets (go figure).
So what’s a girl to do when the clock is ticking and she’s in dire need of some gifts? That question inspired me to share the last-second shopping tactics that have worked for me in the past.
Last-Second shopping Dos
1. Make a gift list.
Never head out the door without a gift list. If you do, be prepared to end up with what’s destined to be a white elephant gift at next year’s office party. best now, my list includes BBQ accessories for my father and a few rugged toys for the nephews. I did some pre-shopping at Kmart.com and found good choices like:
A bbq grilling set
Jedi master lightsaber (How amazing are these?)
Remote control Millenium Falcon
Call of responsibility Strike Fighter
2. look to gift guides for inspiration.
If you’re stuck even trying to make the list, start browsing online gift lists like Kmart.com’s Last-Minute gift Guide. The guide features options for the whole family, including toys, small home appliances, clothes and jewelry. (And, if you act fast—um, like today or tomorrow—you can save some cash by taking advantage of the Last minute Deals weekend Sale.)
3. start baking.
Head to the supermarket or Kmart and stock up on flour, butter, colorful sugar sprinkles and festive holiday tins. who doesn’t love handmade holiday sweets?
These are very easy to make. Whip up peanut butter cookies and drop a chocolate kiss in the middle of each!
4. Divide and conquer.
Grab the kids and another adult—husband, sister, cousin, or a friend—who can be in charge of taking the kids to see Santa. While the kids are lining up for the bearded man in the red suit, you are on a speedy mission to collect those last-minute gifts. Be sure to call ahead to confirm Santa will be around, though. For example, you may have heard the Big man is making the rounds at Kmarts on Sunday, December 20, but he’s not guaranteed to be in every store.
My girls opening presents the year we decided to put the tree in their room. In the morning, they were like, “Santa was in our room!”
Last-Second Holiday shopping Don’ts
I admit, I’ve had my fair share of holiday shopping fails. learn from my mistakes! here are the wrong ways to tackle last-minute shopping.
1. put it off until Christmas Eve.
If you wait until the very last moment, you greatly increase your chances of getting in a fight with a stranger. vehicle parking spots, toys, even a roll of wrapping paper can all become points of conflict among stressed-out shoppers.
2. remember the dogs but forget the family members.
This is Roscoe and Molly. They can cause quite a ruckus if they don’t get their own gifts on Christmas morning.
I purchase gifts for my dogs every year, with the goal of keeping them busy while we open presents. terrific strategy, but it backfires when the canine is happily chomping on a candy-cane-shaped rawhide, while someone essential in your life is left empty handed.
3. Take a chance on shipping.
If the timing is short, just pay for upgraded shipping. The memories will be worth it. count on me, it’s not the same when the kids to unwrap that last gift three days after Christmas.
For my fellow Kmart shoppers and shop Your way members, you have a bunch of shipping options, including: totally free conventional shipping on orders of $35 or much more at Kmart.com, shop Your way Maxx totally free 2-Day Shipping, totally free Anyone, Anywhere Pickup and totally free In-Store Shipping. If you get your shipping order in by 4 p.m. on December 22, your gifts will arrive by December 24.
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