Last Minute Gift Shopping : Do’s and Dont’s

**Collaborative post**

Christmas shopping can be quite exciting – unless you postponed it to the last minute. But don’t panic, as there are a few strategies you can use and a few do’s and don’ts you need to keep in mind when shopping for gifts at the last minute.

Do: Make a List

If you’re tackling Christmas shopping at the last minute, you are probably overwhelmed by everything you need to purchase. The stress may get to you, and you might unwillingly forget someone. To avoid this situation, make a list of all the people who still need gifts and write down a few ideas for each of them. Try to curate your list as much as possible and be specific. For example, don’t just write ‘jewellery for mom’, but rather the specific item you will be looking for, like ‘gold necklace or ‘pearl ring’. Doing this will help you save time on countless browsing and window shopping. 

Don’t: Overspend

If you’re tackling your Christmas shopping at the last minute, it is possible that the items you want to buy are sold out. The stress might make you want to purchase anything, regardless of the price, just to be able to get a gift for your loved one. Regroup and come up with another gift idea and add it to your list. Do your best to avoid impulse shopping in order to ensure that you don’t go over the budget with your Christmas gifts. 

Do: Buy Gift Cards

Buying gift cards is a very popular strategy amongst last-minute shoppers. You could go for a generic Amazon gift card, or you can be more specific and choose a card for the recipient’s favourite restaurant or store. If you choose to purchase a gift card from a hypermarket, for example, you don’t limit your giftee to only clothes or shoes, but you give them the option to buy groceries and other everyday necessities instead. Which, in this economy, is always welcomed. 

Don’t: Gift Money

Gift-giving is not always easy, especially if it is last minute. While gift cards may be a perfectly acceptable Christmas gift, cold hard cash is not really the same thing. Unless someone specifically told you that they need cash instead of a present, giving someone money should be reserved for other occasions and not Christmas. Go for a gift card to their favourite store instead, as it will be much more thoughtful than a stack of cash.

Do: Shop Online, But with Caution

If you want to save time and avoid crowds at different stores, shopping online is the solution for last-minute shopping. You will most probably be able to find everything on your list online, but be careful where you shop from. You might be tempted by those amazing deals on Instagram, but you should only choose retailers that you trust with strong delivery policies in place. This way, you can ensure that you will get your items before Christmas and that you will actually get what you order. 

Don’t: Buy Clothes for Someone, Unless You Know Their Size

Clothes can be a very specific Christmas gift and it is usually reserved for people who are close to you. It might be tempting to buy clothes as gifts, as they are literally everywhere, but it is not always the best idea. If you don’t know someone’s fashion taste and their size (which can be a tricky thing), avoid gifting them clothes as they might end up with something they will probably not use. 

Do: Shop for Practical Things

Gifts don’t need to be extravagant to be good and you don’t need to try to beat last year’s presents. Always consider your recipient’s needs and opt for practical items which they can use every day. A comfy pair of fuzzy slippers or a warm pair of gloves would make for great last-minute gifts.