{"id":8984,"date":"2017-12-14T09:00:48","date_gmt":"2017-12-14T14:00:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.elfster.com\/?p=8984"},"modified":"2023-02-10T13:59:02","modified_gmt":"2023-02-10T18:59:02","slug":"six-stress-free-last-minute-christmas-shopping-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/2017\/12\/14\/six-stress-free-last-minute-christmas-shopping-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Six Stress-Free Last Minute Christmas Shopping Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Don\u2019t get overwhelmed by last-minute Christmas shopping! | Image courtesy Pixabay user StockSnap<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cRockin\u2019 around\/the Christmas tree,\u201d crooned Brenda Lee. I was making circles in the mall parking lot, and this was the third or fourth rendition of my favorite holiday song I\u2019d heard in the time it was taking me to find a spot. Usually, I try to <\/span>Christmas shop throughout the year<\/span><\/a> to avoid these eleventh hour journeys, but I\u2019d been traveling for work a lot that year. Now I needed to get gifts for everyone in the family\u2014on the last Saturday before Christmas.<\/span><\/p>\n

The parking lot was too crowded, so I left the mall and went to get a cup of coffee. While I was in line, I noticed something\u2014there were plenty of items all around me that would make great gifts. I scooped up a shiny gold water bottle, a floral travel mug, a few bags of coffee, and some chocolates, saving myself a trip back to the packed mall. It was a holiday victory where I least expected it!<\/span><\/p>\n

The holidays are always busy, but the shopping crunch late in December can really speed up time. So this year, shop smarter, not harder, with these last minute Christmas shopping tips. You\u2019ll be able to spend less time at the mall with an elevated blood pressure and more time doing what really matters\u2014relaxing with your family and loved ones by the Christmas tree. <\/span><\/p>\n

The Top Last Minute Christmas Shopping Tips<\/h4>\n
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Keep calm and drink coffee. | Image Source: Unsplash user quan le<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1. Don\u2019t go shopping on an empty stomach.<\/b> Hanger is a real thing, and it\u2019ll be a lot easier to make your trip to the mall quick if you\u2019re not lured in by the teriyaki chicken and freshly baked pretzel aromas drifting out of the food court. Eat a healthy meal before you head out, so you can stay focused and feel energized enough to grab your presents and get out in record time.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Check store apps ahead of time for deals and coupons.<\/b> Christmas shopping at the eleventh hour means you won\u2019t have been saving up the circulars and coupons you get in the mail. But there are still plenty of deals to be had! If you know what store you\u2019re heading to, check out their app on your smart device. You can often see weekly deals and even find coupons there, so you can save a bit of money (or buy even more presents with your savings!) once you get to the store. <\/span><\/p>\n

3. Take a look at last year\u2019s wish lists.<\/b> My family makes<\/span> online wish lists on Elfster<\/span><\/a> every year. That way, we can <\/span>share our lists with ease<\/span><\/a> and add items from all over the web. But if your family was late on the wish list game this year, check out last year\u2019s lists. Chances are there are a few items that didn\u2019t get purchased then, and you can surprise your loved ones with a present they forgot they desperately wanted this time last year.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Check last year’s wish list before hitting the mall. | Image courtesy Unsplash user Harpal Singh<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

4. Wait, don\u2019t search, for a parking spot. <\/b>Instead of driving all around the mall parking lot looking for a spot, pick a row near the entrance and wait. You have a better chance of snagging a spot when someone returns to their car than finding one while randomly driving around. Since finding parking is one of the biggest challenges to expedient holiday shopping trips, this tip should make your retail adventures a lot easier. <\/span><\/p>\n

5. Go at odd hours to avoid heavy crowds.<\/b> Most stores have extended hours during the holiday season. Consider hitting them up after or before work on a weekday to avoid the heavy weekend crowds. It might even be worth it to use your lunch break or take a half-day off work so you can do your shopping in peace. <\/span><\/p>\n

6. Think outside the (big) box.<\/b> It\u2019s pretty much a guarantee that the mall and big box stores are going to be packed and bustling until after the holidays are over. So why not look elsewhere for your last minute Christmas gifts? Here are some fun alternatives:<\/span><\/p>\n

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The only thing better than a gift for yourself is a gift for your pet! | Image courtesy Etsy seller IrinasSTRICKMODE<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n