With the holidays fast approaching, you may suddenly find yourself scrambling to finish your shopping! Planning for a shopping trip to your local mall may seem a bit daunting, but fear not! With the right attitude, you'll be able to get your gifts under the tree in time and even enjoy a cup of celebratory eggnog afterward. Here are a few ways you can make your last-minute holiday shopping a success.
Beat the Rush
Last-minute holiday shopping will inevitably mean a rush of shoppers at once. With a little planning ahead, however, you can easily beat the rush and avoid the crowds. Plan to do your shopping on a weekday rather than the weekend. While each day will still show a considerable amount of foot traffic, the busiest shopping days will most likely fall on the weekend. If you're able to, aim for the morning hours to mid-afternoon to visit the shopping center. With fewer shoppers around you, you'll be able to take your time and find the right gift as well as have the opportunity to ask for help from staff if needed.
Bring a List
Before you head to the stores, bring a list along of what you are shopping for. While this may seem unnecessary for smaller shopping trips, you'll be surprised at how handy a simple list can be! Formulating a list beforehand will keep your focus on what you are trying to accomplish and be a reminder of what you're looking for. If you're shopping for a loved one, include a few different items that you think they may appreciate. This will prove fruitful if the stores you visit do not have the one item you're looking for; simply choose a similar that they would cherish. For a child who would love a geology kit, for example, other alternatives such as geology books, a fossil collection, or a microscope would be fantastic alternatives.
Gifts From the Heart
Shopping for a holiday gift should mean more than simply spending money on a product. Try to think of what you could give to your loved ones that will be treasured for years to come. Take the time to learn what their passions are and what they are drawn to for ideas on what to shop for. If your wife is a lover of dance, for instance, a comprehensive book on the history and artistry of ballet would be perfect. If your uncle has a favorite photograph of the family, take it to be framed in their favorite shade of mahogany. When in doubt, listen to what your heart says they will appreciate, even if it doesn't look like what's on your shopping list.
