Advice For Last Minute Holiday Shoppers

Let's change up the color of the text to get a little festive. It's that time! The week before Christmas. The time when people get together to celebrate the holidays with their family and friends. A time to reflect on the past year and hope for better in the new.

Unfortunately...

It is also a time that brings out the worst in people. I recently read a story about a woman in Tennessee who was beaten up by an older man because he was too impatient to wait for her to use her coupons. He became very belligerent and then grabbed the woman by the hair and smacked her face against her cart. He then took off without his groceries. So, really, it was his loss.

I know there's a week left before the holidays. I know tensions are high. But, that's no reason to get nasty with other people. Also, the weather is crap. At least where I live. So, that brings out the worst in people on the road. My fiancé and I made a stop near the mall on the way to his work party and people were just being really stupid. It was rainy and there was one car zipping through traffic without headlights on! What even! That's just asking for trouble. So, here are some tips if you still have to go out and shop for the coming festivities. Then, things won't be so stressful and you'll be able to enjoy the holidays without any problems.

1. Plan accordingly. This means for the weather and the crowds. And, the week before Christmas, there will be plenty of crowds. If the weather is slick, leave a little earlier to get to your destination. Be careful on the road and drive at a safe pace. Not all cities are the greatest when it comes to keeping up with plowing their roads so just keep that in mind while driving. When you get to your shopping destination, be prepared to walk for a while. The malls and shopping centers will likely be packed so finding that prime spot near the door probably won't happen.
2. Make it fun and go with a group. If you have a few friends or family members who are also last minute, make a day of it. Meet up or car pool to the mall together. They can give you ideas if you're stuck on something for someone on your list. Also, I find shopping with a group is fun anyway. Especially if it's someone you don't get to see very often.
3. Be patient. I've mentioned this in last year's holiday rant. Many stores, especially small places in the mall, have limits on how many people can work. Only so many registers and some workers become crowd control so no one gets stupid or tries to steal stuff. If they have employees under 18, there are limits on the number of hours they can work. There is no control over what they stock or when it's delivered. There's a reason people start shopping in September. They know they can get stuff. But, if you really have to go last minute, be prepared to have a plan B item for your list.
4. Maybe wait til after Christmas. If there are people on your gift list you're not going to see until after New Year, for example, maybe don't worry about them until after Christmas. Take care of who you know you're going to see Christmas Eve or Christmas Day or Hanukah, and then save up your funds again for afterward. You might find a bargain on those gifts, too, because there are some great post-holiday sales during this time. Your friends will never know.
5. When in doubt, gift cards. Some people are ridiculously hard to buy for. So, find a gift card to a store or restaurant they like and, boom, present! Some may argue this is a copout method but I disagree. My future father-in-law is impossible to buy for. But, I know he loves Bob Evans. So, I give him $25 for Bob Evans and he's a happy camper. I'm asking for gift cards myself this year. Trying to save for the wedding but I am in dire need of some new clothes. So, I asked for gift cards so I can go shopping for some cute clothes for events coming up in 2017, like my bridal shower.

So, those are a few tips to keep your sanity and holiday spirit in the coming days. I hope everyone is safe and happy during this time of celebration. Whatever holiday you celebrate, let it be a blessed one with family and friends. And here's to 2017 being the best year yet.