Dos and Cann’ts of Last-Second Holiday Shopping (Sponsored)

It the final second before Christmas and I still have shopping to do. My dad and nephews do not read my website, because they would be disappointed to know I’ve shopped for everyone but my dogs. Truth is, I’m far more efficient shopping for girls than men or pets (go figure).

What’s a woman? That question inspired me to discuss the last-second shopping tactics that have worked for me previously.

Last-Second Shopping Dos

1. Create a gift list.

Never head out the door. If you do, be ready to wind up with what is destined to be a white elephant gift at the office party of next year. My list contains BBQ accessories for my father and a rugged toys to the nephews. I found options for example and did a few pre-shopping in Kmart.com:

• A bbq grilling set
• Jedi master lightsaber (How cool are these?)
• Remote controller Millenium Falcon
• Call of Duty Strike Fighter

2. Look to present guides for inspiration.

If you are stuck trying to make the list, begin browsing online gift lists such as Kmart.com’s Last-Minute Gift Guide. The manual features options such as small home appliances toys, jewelry and clothes. (And, if you act quickly –um, such as today or tomorrow–you can save yourself a little money by taking advantage of this Last Minute Deals Weekend Sale.)

3. Start baking.

Head to Kmart or the supermarket and stock up on bread, butter sugar sprinkles and festive holiday tins. Who doesn’t love handmade holiday candies?

These are super simple to create. Whip up peanut butter snacks and shed some chocolate kiss!

4. Divide and conquer.

Grab another adult and the children –sister, husband, cousin, or a friend –who is in charge of taking the children to see Santa. While the children are lining up for the bearded guy in the suit, you are on a mission to collect those gifts. Make sure you call ahead to confirm Santa will be though. For instance, you may have heard the Big Guy is making the rounds at Kmarts on Sunday, December 20, but he is not guaranteed to be in each shop.

My girls opening gifts. In the morning, they were like,”Santa was in our area!”

Last-Second Holiday Shopping Don’ts

I admit, I have had my fair share of holiday shopping fails. Learn from my errors! Here are the wrong approaches to handle buying.

1. Put off until Christmas Eve.

You improve your chances of getting in a fight with a stranger, Should you wait till the very last minute. Parking spots, toys all can become points of conflict among shoppers.

2. Neglect the family although Bear in mind the dogs.

This is Molly and Roscoe. Whenever they don’t get their gifts on Christmas morning they can cause quite a ruckus.

I buy presents for my puppies every year, with the objective of keeping them busy while we open gifts. Fantastic strategy, but it backfires when the dog is chomping on a rawhide, whilst someone significant in your lifetime is left empty handed.

3. Take a chance.

If the time is short pay for upgraded shipping. The opinions will be well worth it. Trust me, it is not the same when that present that is previous to be unwrapped by the kids three days.

For my fellow Kmart shoppers and Shop Your Way members, you have a bunch of shipping alternatives, such as: complimentary standard shipping on orders of $35 or more at Kmart.com, Shop Your Way Maxx Free 2-Day Shipping, Free Anyone, Anywhere Pickup and Free In-Store Shipping. If you get your shipping order in by 4 p.m. on December 22, your gifts will arrive by December 24.