The Just in Time Shopper
Choosing the Perfect Last Minute Christmas Present
One of our proudest Christmas traditions is the last minute gift. Possibly not the noblest of traditions but surely common enough to prick a comment or two from anyone who has had to brave the checkout of any store.
Ever since we've been buying gifts for family and friends, there are a few well-meaning people who just can't seem to get any true Seasonal shopping completed until the last possible minute.
In point of fact, I'll bet that the retail side of Seasonal depends on the last minute gift buying frenzy for a sizeble chunk of their sales. As for me, It's obviously my brother's fault...
You see, my brother lifted last minute Yuletide shopping to an art form. To look at my brother weave his way through the crowds was pure poetry in motion. It was truly a thing to behold. And since he's my older brother, I worshipped him in every way.
If that is how he did it then that is how it must be done. Nonetheless, not all of us are 6'4"and 225lbs so here a few suggestions to help you produce your own last minute miracle: Get ready. You're going to be standing in line in a short while so fight the need to rush out the door. Make a list, don't worry how basic or short.
Understand exactly whom you are going to be purchasing for. There's very little time remaining and you might just have to clip your list. If you must shorten, you can give them a New's Year gift as an alternative. It will still be valued.
The biggest question, of course, is what to get. Let's commence with where not to go. Beyond question, keep away from the "Big Box" superstores. By now, they'll be ravished and full of exasperated Moms and Dads.
By avoiding the superstores, you must now move outside what might be your comfort zone. Think of the likes and dislikes of whomever you're buying for. If that doesn't inspire anything, think of their friends and the things they have in common between them. If that doesn't produce an idea or two, think about the work they do. If you're absolutely out of ideas, you can always count on old faithful. That is, you can go with male or female.
Stop for a just a minute right here. If you've not began a list, start over! If you do, good! You're on your way. Take your list, which should include names, gifts and possible stores. Head out knowing you've done most of the hard work already!
One last thing before you hit the stores. Get some cash! You can count on credit card machines and ATM terminals not working at the most inopportune times. And besides, there's nothing like real cash to speed-up check-out.
Once you're in the store, don't browse. Don't forget, you're on a mission and the clock is ticking! Either it's there or not. Your list should be fresh in your mind so if you see something that is close to something on your list, go for it! Of course, some practice goes a long way. By the time you're in your second or third store, you'll have it wired.
The best part of grabbing a last minute present is the experience itself. There's not much of a story in buying a Christmas present in September! However you'll bump into all kinds of characters if you venture forth sometime after December 21st. Oh, the stories you'll be able to tell!
And what better present can you give than a smile?
Be brave my fellow procrastinators! There's no need to make haste - You've still got oodles of time...
About the Author
Brenda Holmgren is a staff writer for Christmas Trees and a serious just-in-time shopaholic.
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