Last Minute Shopping Hacks
I love giving gifts, but sometimes obtaining the gifts is not my favorite. Do you ever feel that way? Every year I think, “I’m going to get my shopping done early so I don’t have to worry or think about it!” And every year, that doesn’t seem to happen. I want it to! In my mind, I really want it to, but when it comes down to it, sometimes I just get overwhelmed, and so I put it off. And suddenly, it’s December!
Surely I’m not the only one this happens to. Well, if you are like me, here are a few simple ways to keep your last-minute holiday shopping as stress-free and inexpensive as possible.
1. Order Online and Pick Up In-Store
Don’t sweat over delayed shipping deadlines or the impossibly long lines at the checkout counters before the holidays. Instead, order what you need online and arrange to pick it up directly at the store. Most major retailers offer this option now, and choosing it gives you the best of both worlds. You can browse carefully from the comfort of your couch, and pick up what you need in no time at all—usually on the same day or within 24 hours.
As an added bonus, many stores have designated, upfront parking spaces specifically for curbside pickup shoppers. I used this option once already this year! My boys wanted some headphones that Target had on sale, so I bought them right on my phone, drove to the store, and they brought them right out to my car. Simple, fast, and painless!
2. Get Stocking Stuffers at the Dollar Store
The dollar store is your absolute best friend when it comes to filling out last-minute stocking stuffers for your family without draining your wallet. Browse the aisles carefully for fun, functional finds—from holiday coloring books and sticker packs for the little ones, to scented candles and funky-colored nail polish for your tweens and teens, to cozy fuzzy socks for your better half. Best of all, once they are arranged neatly in the stocking, no one has to know they came from the dollar store!
3. Use Digital eGift Cards or Credit Union Gift Cards
Gift cards are the ultimate life-saver for an overwhelmed, down-to-the-wire shopper. I know I personally love getting gift cards or cash. Sometimes it is hard to justify spending money on ourselves, so when I get a gift card, it gives me the total freedom to get something I want without feeling guilty about paying for it!
To keep a personal touch, you can send an instant “eGift” via text or email using apps like Starbucks, Target, or Amazon with a customized message. Alternatively, if you want a physical gift card that works anywhere without crazy retail activation fees, stop by an Abilene Teachers FCU branch! We offer convenient, multi-purpose Visa Gift Cards directly at our branches, making it a quick one-stop shop to cross those final names off your list.
4. Shop Local Big Country Small Businesses
Avoid the chaotic crowds and bare shelves at the big-box centers by shopping at smaller, independently owned stores right here in town. They are often better stocked with unique, curated items late into the season, and you can enjoy genuinely personalized customer service.
Shopping at local mom-and-pop stores keeps your money right here in our community when kindness counts most. We have some of the absolute best local businesses to shop right here in Abilene! From downtown clothing boutiques and local sporting goods stores to specialty coffee shops, eateries, and local breweries, you are sure to find a meaningful, one-of-a-kind gift for everyone on your list.
5. Shop During Non-Peak Hours
Another great way to avoid massive crowds and bare shelves is to shop during slower business hours. In retail-speak, this means hitting the shops right as soon as the doors open in the morning. Most stores restock their shelves overnight, so if you get there before the mid-day rush, you’ll get first pick of the best items. Aside from a bigger selection, walking through a quiet, empty store makes it much easier to stay focused and make responsible, budget-conscious decisions.
Leaving some or all of your holiday gift-shopping for the last minute doesn’t mean you need to blow your budget, fight crowd gridlock, or panic over empty shelves. Use these tips to finish out your season with your wallet intact and your stress levels low. Happy holidays from all of us at Abilene Teachers FCU!
