6 Tips for Last-Minute Holiday Shopping

If you’ve pushed off your holiday shopping until the last minute, we’ve got you covered! Here are six ways to keep your last-minute shopping stress-free and inexpensive.

Order Online and Pick Up In-Store

Don’t sweat over delayed shipping or the impossibly long lines in stores before the holidays. Instead, order what you need online and arrange to pick it up in the store.

Most retailers offer this option now and choosing it will give you the best of both worlds. You can browse from the comfort of your home and pick up what you need in no time at all. As a bonus, many stores have designated parking spaces for shoppers picking up these types of orders.

Get Stocking Stuffers For Less

Discount stores are your best friend when it comes to last-minute stocking stuffers for your family. Find activity books, sticker packs, and small toys for the little ones.

Options for your tweens and teens included scented candles, fidget toys, nail polish, and craft supplies. Share the warmth with your better half with fuzzy socks, coffee mugs, flashlights, small tools, or slippers.

While you’re there, you can pick up wrapping supplies such as tissue paper, bags, and ribbons. Best of all, no one has to know they came from a dollar store!

Send a Gift Card

Gift cards are the best cheat for the overwhelmed shopper, but you may want to add a little extra flair. In addition to the gift card, look for a specialty card or small box to hold it. You could tie it to their favorite candy, a pair of fuzzy socks, or a coffee mug.

Small touches can go a long way to make some feel special. They get the freedom to choose their own gifts plus a small, on-the-spot token of your appreciation and holiday cheer!

Shop on Dec. 14 for Free Shipping

What’s not to love about Free Shipping Day? Unless you’re purchasing items from overseas, most retailers will still be able to get your items delivered on Christmas Eve.

Save your last-minute online shopping for this day in mid-December to save on shipping costs. Prepare yourself with wrapping paper and gift bags to wrap up the presents once they arrive.

Shop Small Businesses

Avoid the heavy crowds and empty shelves by shopping at smaller, independently owned stores. They’re likely to be better stocked, even this late in the season, and you can enjoy more personalized service, too.

In addition, small businesses are still hurting from the coronavirus lockdown and the more recent spike in inflation. Shopping at local retailers could be helping a struggling business stay afloat during a time of year when kindness counts the most.

Early Bird or Night Owl?

Another way to avoid the big crowds and bare shelves are to shop during slower business hours. This means hitting the shops as soon as they open in the morning. Many stores restock the shelves overnight, and if you get there before the crowds, you’ll get first picks at the best gifts.

If you prefer shopping before close, shopping in an emptier store will make it easier to make responsible, budget-conscious decisions. You may not have as many options but you’ll have more elbow room in the store.

Leaving some or all of your holiday gift shopping for the last minute doesn’t mean you need to blow your budget or fight big crowds. Use the tips outlined above for last-minute shopping that’s easy on the wallet, light on the stress, and makes it possible to find the perfect gifts.

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This article is for educational purposes only. WeStreet Credit Union makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or specific suitability of any information presented. Information provided should not be relied on or interpreted as legal, tax or financial advice. Nor does the information directly relate to our products and/or services terms and conditions.