Tips for Last Minute Holiday Shoppers

Not done with holiday shopping yet? You’ll probably have a less than merry experience – more stress and expense – unless you make a plan and get started. There is still time and hope for those procrastinators, but not much.

“While some people enjoy running around the stores on Christmas Eve, most people don’t,” said Kim Womack of Consumer Credit Counseling Service of South Texas. “Many of these shoppers say they feel anxious, and more than a little angry at themselves for putting things off,” said Womack, director of education. She added that people who wait often spend more and have more regrets about purchases made. “They get stressed out and will often buy something, regardless of cost, just to get it done.”

Developing a strategy is key to getting everything bought, wrapped, and ready for Christmas. Here are some suggestions, as offered by CCCS of South Texas:

• Make a list – names, gift ideas, and dollar amounts. Check off as you go so you don’t forget someone or buy more gifts than needed. Trim some people off the list if possible.
• Buy locally unless the item is guaranteed to be in by December 24 and with no additional shipping costs.
• Choose gift certificates for those hard-to-buy-for people. There’s no time left to wander around looking for the perfect present. Added bonus – they get what they really want, and you pay no sales tax.
• Recycle old gifts. Wrap up those items you’ve stored and never used.
• Make something. You still have time to bake cookies, make candy, etc.
• Give gifts of service, like IOUs for babysitting, car repair, cooking, or music lessons. These are often the most appreciated gifts of all.
• Use alternative shipping. Ship direct to the recipient, with guaranteed delivery and at a reasonable cost. Compare rates of other shippers like UPS with the Postal Service. Consider shipping your items via bus service.
• Shop now. Be sure to go alone when possible and be efficient – even if that means you’re in the store after midnight.

“Shoppers probably won’t find great bargains this late in the season, but they can save some money if they don’t panic,” said Womack. She also suggested that they give serious thought as to how they can be more efficient next year.

CCCS of South Texas is a nonprofit, community service organization that provides confidential counseling, guidance, debt repayment services, and educational programs. CCCS is a United Way agency and a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling. For more information, call 800-333-4357.