by Laura RupertIt is one week until Christmas and people all over Long Island are preparing for the holiday. It is a really busy week since many people are still working 9-5 yet have lots of gifts left to purchase. The busiest shopping days of all will surely be on Saturday and Sunday when most people are off work and are really running out of time to find those perfect gifts. The following tips will help you get your Christmas shopping done in time while keeping the holiday spirit!
Tip #1 Shop Early or Late
If you want to avoid the crowds, and who doesn't, then you need to shop really early or really late. Keep in mind that this last week before Christmas will have most Long Island shopping malls crowded at all times, but the peak hours are generally right when people get off work. Take advantage of the extended store hours and shop when most people are not out and about. You will be able to find a parking place much quicker and check out faster as well.
Or, if you really hate lines, shop online. But, if you want to take advantage of this opportunity you better get started soon because many websites only guarantee delivery if the gifts are purchased by Tuesday or Wednesday. Some websites have later dates, but you will need to verify that before ordering.
Tip #2 Make a List
If you head out to the Long Island stores shopping just hoping the perfect gift will jump out at you then you are in for a long day and more than likely will go home without the gifts you have been searching for. Instead of buying just anything because you are desperate consider making a list. Of course, you can still shop around and see if something better jumps out at you, but if not you have a list to fall back on and help you finish up your shopping.
See what Janene from Long Island Exchange has to say about using Gift Cards to elliminate the nightmare of choice!
Tip #3 Shop Alone
It's fun early in the season to go shopping with a friend or family members, but that is before the rush is on. With only a week to go until Christmas you need to get out and shop on your own. This is because you don't have time to waste and you will be much more efficient shopping alone. You don't have to worry about where someone else wants to go or their list, instead you can simply focus on your own.
These tips will help you get out and get your final gifts in time. If you wait too long nothing will help you, so go ahead and start today. Put in a couple hours each day until you have all your gifts purchased. Also, try not to wait until Christmas Eve to start shopping. All kinds of things could happen to keep you from finishing your shopping!
