Tips for Last Minute Shopping

Are you ready to have a stress free holiday? If you’re like the other 1 in 10 shoppers out there that wait until the last-minute to finish their holiday shopping, I’ve got you covered with some great tips to help you check everyone off your Christmas list. Get ready to finish your shopping and hopefully save a little money and sanity too. Last minute shopping is in the bag!

Dont't stress over last minute shopping. Use these tips to stick to your budget and save your sanity. #Christmas #tips

Research the sales before heading out. One app is bringing all the circulars right to your fingertips. With Flipp, you don’t have to spend time searching through all the weekly ads. Easily map out your shopping trip based on what’s on sale and where. Flipp is a location-based app so you just plug in your local zip and all the sales happening in Phoenix pop up! Use Flipp weekly to save on everyday essentials and special occasions. It’s a great resource eliminating the need for messy circulars, putting the power of savings in the palm of your hand.

Make a list – and check it twice, and not just who you are shopping for, but how much. Heading out there without a plan can lead to forgetting recipients and going over budget. Apps like Flipp and Santa’s Bag make tracking your shopping easy. With Flipp’s in-app shopping list you can be sure you add all those gifts (at their sale prices!) and don’t leave anyone out. Santa’s Bag allows users to set budgets for their gift lists and manage each with ease.

Take advantage of holiday hours! Avoid shopping during peak hours, and remember many stores are opening earlier, not just staying open late. Don’t drive yourself crazy trying to jam everything in on your lunch break. Think about swinging by on your way into work, to avoid the crowds, in the days leading up to Christmas.

Tag team with a friend. Make the task of shopping a breeze with the help of a friend. Shopping with friends is more fun, right?. Try sharing each other’s lists and meet in the middle, or conquer the store together.

Give the gift of a gift card! They are still one of the most requested items every year! They’re easy and quick to snap up, usually right in your grocery checkout line, plus a lot of retailers will offer gift cards for a discount or throw in a gift for you. Check your wholesale stores like Costco and Sam’s Club to save on bulk gift card purchases.

Shop Online– Shop from the comfort of your own home or desk and avoid the crowds, but pay attention to the shipping. Many retailers offer expedited or next day shipping to ensure Christmas delivery. Keep an eye open for promos on shipping to save on the big cost that’s often associated with faster shipping fees. Receiving gifts after the holidays can be fun too. So if the gift doesn’t come in time, print out a picture of the item and wrap it up. Who doesn’t love squeezing an extra day or two out of the holidays?

Get creative– when all else fails go homemade. Most craft retailers are offering up huge discounts (up to 70%) on holiday crafts and decor. Now is not only the time to stock up for next year, but take advantage of these great savings and think about making something for that special someone.

Last minute shopping doesn’t have to be stressful when you have a game plan and a few resources to help you stay on budget and get your shopping done quickly. Shopping after Christmas sales can also yield big rewards!