Plan as we may, the last minute December shopping dash still seems to befall some of us, year after year. While we can't make the crowds disappear or prevent the mall from playing Wham's "Last Christmas" 23 times, we have some ways to make the last minute shopping ordeal a little less painful.
Make a list, stick to it
Who, what, maybe a where. List out who you need to buy for, some gift ideas, where you might look for them. Don't throw away time on the extras, especially for yourself--ignore those shoes on sale, eyes on the prize!
Fuel and hydrate
Whatever you do, don't take on the mall madness with an empty stomach. Eat before you go, bring some water with you. If you get really worn down, go for a quick snack and a bit of bench rest. And may we suggest caffeine for this scenario? Coffee is on your side, weary shopper.
Bring (or bribe) a friend
Misery loves company or...er, two heads are better than one! And two sets of hands, at that. It's likely you know someone who's in a similarly desperate pre-holiday situation. If they're just being kind and tagging along, you might want to promise them a coffee and a soft pretzel for helping you out.
It never hurts to check
Gift receipts are a wonderful thing, but presents make the best impression if you get it right the first time. Not sure of Dad's size this year (or ever)? Can't remember if your boss has any allergies? Wait, which version of Call of Duty am I supposed to be buying again? Send a KakaoTalk message to someone with the answer.
Black? Navy? Gray? Navy stripe?
Photos are definitely the best way to solve the above conundrum. Most of us are related to SOME hyper-picky someone, in which case, sending a photo to the future gift-getter can't hurt. Sometimes, the surprise factor isn't worth it.
Stay positive
You'll get through it, we promise! Even if you resort to buying all your from Snowglobes, Etc. just know that the holidays aren't about the stuff, but about the people.
Keep these tips in mind and keep your cool when you head out there. You've got six days left, get moving!
Make a list, stick to it
Who, what, maybe a where. List out who you need to buy for, some gift ideas, where you might look for them. Don't throw away time on the extras, especially for yourself--ignore those shoes on sale, eyes on the prize!
Fuel and hydrate
Whatever you do, don't take on the mall madness with an empty stomach. Eat before you go, bring some water with you. If you get really worn down, go for a quick snack and a bit of bench rest. And may we suggest caffeine for this scenario? Coffee is on your side, weary shopper.
Bring (or bribe) a friend
Misery loves company or...er, two heads are better than one! And two sets of hands, at that. It's likely you know someone who's in a similarly desperate pre-holiday situation. If they're just being kind and tagging along, you might want to promise them a coffee and a soft pretzel for helping you out.
It never hurts to check
Gift receipts are a wonderful thing, but presents make the best impression if you get it right the first time. Not sure of Dad's size this year (or ever)? Can't remember if your boss has any allergies? Wait, which version of Call of Duty am I supposed to be buying again? Send a KakaoTalk message to someone with the answer.
Black? Navy? Gray? Navy stripe?
Photos are definitely the best way to solve the above conundrum. Most of us are related to SOME hyper-picky someone, in which case, sending a photo to the future gift-getter can't hurt. Sometimes, the surprise factor isn't worth it.
Stay positive
You'll get through it, we promise! Even if you resort to buying all your from Snowglobes, Etc. just know that the holidays aren't about the stuff, but about the people.
Keep these tips in mind and keep your cool when you head out there. You've got six days left, get moving!