Last Minute Christmas Shopping Tips for Procrastinators

Save Time and Money This Christmas

Karen Bishop
Christmas is coming up fast, and you've put off going shopping till the last minute. There's no need to panic just yet. You can still get great gifts, as well as save money and time with these last minute Christmas shopping tips for procrastinators.

Last Minute Christmas Shopping Tips for Procrastinators: Shop Online

Online retailers promise a Christmas delivery as long as you place your order in time. Typically the deadline is December 20th. An online site, Coupon Sherpa, has the delivery deadlines for many major retailers. Also check the store's website under shipping times. Online shopping is an ideal way to grab those last minute Christmas gifts without fighting the crowds. Keep your address book and credit card in front of you so you can complete your order.

Last Minute Christmas Shopping Tips for Procrastinators: Gift Cards

Gift cards make great last minute gifts when you're not sure what to get. Be creative and tuck the gift card inside a Christmas mug filled with candy, or buy a Christmas stuffed animal and secure the card around the neck or to the arm with a piece of ribbon.

Last Minute Christmas Shopping Tips for Procrastinators: Compare Prices

There are lots of great sales right now, so shop around to get the best price for your last minute gifts. Most stores have an online site, which means you can compare prices from your couch and save money on gas. Make sure you look at the regular price to make sure you really are getting a good deal.

Last Minute Christmas Shopping Tips for Procrastinators: Take a List

If you do brave the stores, take a list with you and stick to it. With so many items marked down, temptation will call. Take the store advertisement with you to help you remember the exact item you want to get from the right store. Stores and malls have free gift wrapping available, take advantage of it. This saves you time and money while getting your last minute shopping done.

Last Minute Christmas Shopping Tips for Procrastinators: Gift Baskets

Put together gift baskets for friends and family. Baskets are marked down and it's the perfect time to grab a few. Go to the dollar store to save even more money. You can put together a bath and body gift basket choosing from a variety of great smelling bath and body items. How about a writers gift basket? You can fill the basket with notepads, pens, journals, stationary and envelopes.

Last Minute Christmas Shopping Tips for Procrastinators: E-Gift Cards

Send friends and family an e-gift card. It'll be sent to a friend or family member's inbox within a few hours saving you time and money. Read the terms of the store's policy carefully, because some gift cards can only be used online, while others will let you use it online or in the store. Watch out for expiration dates and service fees as well.

Use any or all of these shopping tips for last minute Christmas gift buying to make this holiday season a merry one.

Published by Karen Bishop

Karen Bishop is a full-time freelance writer who has hands on experience in many areas including home remedies, home organization, decorating, parenting, grand parenting, pets, crafts, chronic pain issues an...  View profile

13 Comments

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  • John Myers12/17/2009

    Good sense tips Karen! Thanks.

  • JerseyNana12/17/2009

    Thanks so much for the great tips, Karen, fortunately this year I am not among the procrastinators.

  • Marie Anne St. Jean12/16/2009

    Good tips for all shoppers,last minute or not.

  • Langley Cornwell12/16/2009

    This is so me. Thanks for the tips.

  • B.J. Rychener12/16/2009

    what great tips!

  • Fern Fischer12/15/2009

    good ideas

  • Pattie Byrd12/15/2009

    I need these ideas. Maybe I'll get the presents in time. I hope so.

  • Sherri Thornhill12/15/2009

    I am a shopping procrastinator!lol I'll get to it this weekend..gift cards might work!

  • Danielle Olivia Tefft12/15/2009

    Great last minute gift ideas!

  • Linda Louise Johnson12/15/2009

    Now I just need a last minute budget. Good tips!

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