Tips for Successful Last Minute Holiday Shopping

Are you like me? And so many other folks we all know? December is half over and you haven't started your holiday shopping yet?

We sat back for the last month or two and sneered at all of our acquaintances who have smugly told us that their shopping is finished! "How ridiculous," we thought, "to have put all that pressure on one's self to buy a few gifts so early in the year." So now the pressure is on... is anybody still sneering?

That's ok. Keep a few simple ideas in mind and you can be victorious in your battle with the mall. Here are the things that I remember to keep myself sane, reasonably unstressed and to get the job done!

Get Organized

This is possible the most important advice I can give a last minute holiday shopper. Before you go out shopping, make a list... and check it twice. Write down all the people you have to buy gifts for. Mom, Dad, wife, husband, sister, brother, kids, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, cats, dogs, etc. Check with your neighbors and see if they leave out a little something for the mail carrier, garbage men and school teachers. Then, check with your coworkers to see if you need to pass along a little cheer to administrative assistants, secretaries, superiors, and others.

Overwhelmed yet? C'mon, it's not so bad. Once you have your list in place, you have made a fabulous start on your last minute holiday shopping.

Double Up

I hate to say it, because everybody knows that a gift should be very personal. But sometimes last minute shoppers just have to compromise. Check your list again and see if you can buy several of the same gift. Make sure that if you do double up, that you don't give the same red scarf to every one at the office. You can double up, but you gotta' spread 'em out! Make sure to distribute wisely.

Getting to the Mall

Ok, so now you're really cooking. You're headed to the mall with your list in hand and you're ready to make some headway with your last minute shopping. Try to remember a few things if you can.

1. Park towards the back. I see so many people circling around and around for that perfect spot. By the time you find that spot you'll be completely aggravated and will have probably wasted more time than it will take to walk the few extra steps. Besides, the exercise will do you good!

2. Be prepared to make several trips to the car. 'Tis the season for seedy characters to eye your packages. 'Tis also the season for backaches. So do yourself a favor. Take an extra trip or two to the car to drop off your gifts. Make sure you put them in the trunk or somewhere else out of sight.

3. Try to be patient. I know this sounds pretty clichéd, but you are the only one who can really control how you feel. You know that lines will be long, the stores will be understaffed and the salespeople will be cranky. Are you going to be cranky and aggravated too? Or can you try to accept the last minute shoppers' situation and make the best of it and try to enjoy your self?

4. Remember Good will to Man (Woman and Child). Regardless of the holiday you celebrate, a good credo to remember "Peace on Earth, Goodwill to Man". During this last minute rush around try to be extra courteous and patient. Hold the door for a package laden shopper, forgive the scammer who scoots into the line in front of you or let someone else get the last Tickle Me Elmo in the store. Ok, maybe not the Tickle Me Elmo, but you know what I mean. You may just find that it comes back to you two fold.

5. Don't count out Gift Cards. Do you really know anyone who wants a Chia Pet, or a Dancing So and So? If there has been a special request, then by all means oblige your loved one! But if you are stuck for a gift, go for the card. Now I know some people will think this is a tacky and thoughtless maneuver, but think about it, what would you rather have? Would you rather water a ceramic head for the next six months, or take your gift card and buy yourself a little present?

6. Stay Organized. I have often found after a day of shopping that I come home and have no idea what is for whom. If you keep your list handy while shopping, you can jot down what you have bought for each person and you won't get confused. This is especially helpful if you "double up" with multiples of the same gift.

7. Consider have gifts wrapped. This will be an extra expense and will take some time. But if you are one of those people who dread wrapping or are all thumbs, this may be the way to go. Your local mall may have a gift wrapping center which can wrap all of your gifts. If not, check each store that you have bought gifts in. You may have to allow some time for wrapping, so be prepared to have some lunch or go to a movie.

Remember to ENJOY

Shopping may not be your thing. Especially if you have left it to the last minute - again. But remember the joy on the face of your loved ones when they open your special something. They don't have to know if you bought it before the Fourth of July! And while you're at the mall, watch for the kids who are so excited they don't know what to do with themselves. Or for the red-faced man in the lingerie department trying to pick out something pretty for his wife. You might just find a good-natured grin in there somewhere! Last minute holiday shopping isn't so bad - is it?