It's just a few days left until the holiday weekend, and you're panicked. You might have most of your presents, but left a couple to the last minute, or forgot someone, or got a gift from someone you weren't expecting that you feel like you now need to buy for, or, you just haven't gotten to your shopping yet. Whatever the reason, the last-minute shopping rush is now upon us. Here's some tips to help you get through it all:
1. If you can shop online, do so. The last-minute crowds are cut-throat, so if you can buy something online, by all means do it. If you're worried about shipping, consider something that doesn't require a physical item, like a gift certificate to the recipient's favorite online store, a membership to a website like Netflix, or a chartiable donation to a cause that matters to them.
2. Think outside the mall. Go to local shops for smaller crowds and, usually, more unique gifts than you might find at the mall. Gift certificates to a local restaurant, spa, or even a hotel stay are also good bets.
3. Don't feel bad about writing a check or giving cash. This requires no travel time, and with the economy being the way it is, plain old money that the recipient can use at their discretion could be a life-saver during tough times—much more useful than a new watch.
4. Avoid major shopping areas during peak times. Most of the biggest crowds show up during lunch and right before and after 5 p.m., so take some time off work and go to the mall during work hours, like betwen 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. and between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
5. Make a budget and stick to it. Last-minute shopping can often turn into impulse-buying from stress, which can lead to a huge bill at the end of the month. Make a game plan of how much you want to spend for each recipient.
6. If you're looking for something specific, call stores ahead of time. Most places will tell you whether or not they have something in stock, saving you time from running around from store to store, and some will even hold it for you.
7. Buy an experience. Consider getting your loved ones something like a hotel stay, skydiving excursion, hot air balloon ride, a photo shoot from a local photographer, or guided tour of a local winery—whatever suits them. It's something you can buy online or at least in a less-traveled area, and it's something the recipient will actually remember.
8. If you do buy online, be wary. Now is a peak time for online scams, so buy from a trusted source. The stress and time-cruch of last-minute shopping can make you miss warning signs you might normally catch. If you're unsure, check the retailer or seller out on the Better Business Bureau website.
9. Check out holiday shopping hours. Most malls and major stores have extended holiday hours, and, usually, there are lighter crowds in the last couple hours stores are open at night.
10. Stay safe. Keep items in your car out of sight and park in a well-lit area, i.e. don't put your new iPad in the passenger seat. Also, avoid shopping with large wads of cash. Only pull out the amount total out of your wallet when you're paying for items, and don't keep your credit card out too long.
