Okay, you’ve waited for one reason or another to shop until the very last minute. Here are some tips to help you make the best of it.

1. Get Organized.
Make a list, plan your budget and stick to it. Even at this late a date, making a budget and a list is paramount to getting your shopping done quickly without overspending and racking up unnecessary debt.

Makes notes about each person you are buying for. What did they say they wanted? What are their hobbies and interests? Otherwise you may wonder aimlessly through stores without any ideas of what to look for.

2. Do Your Homework.
Before you shop, pick up a newspaper, scan the internet to find sales, coupons, specials and see what stores are offering. When you shop the mall stop by the concierge desk to see what discounts or promotions the mall may have that will save you money. Also note that often special discounts get logged into department stores computer systems after 6pm the day before an advertised sale begins. There’s a good chance you could get the discounts early.

3. Use cash or checks.
Leave the extra credit cards at home. At this point, last minute panic can cause rampant overspending.

4. Discounts first.
Shop the discount/ bargain stores first. Favorite stores like The Outlet by ELS and ReMart along with TJ Maxx, Marshalls and others carry a large selection of goods from clothing, home theater and small appliances to toys, jewelry and furniture all at 30%-80% below retail everyday. You can take care of a several presents at one there saving time as well as money. Only after you’ve hit the discount stores do you hit specialty stores or the mall.

5. Avoid the crowds.
Try to avoid the crowds by shopping earlier in the day or later in the evening. Early in the day is better as the shelves should be freshly stocked and the sales help in a better mood.

6. Security.
Thin out your wallet. Leave extra credit cards and unnecessary ID including your social security card at home. Avoid wearing excessive bling bling. When you shop the mall, you don’t want to be a target. Be aware that many thieves target shoppers during the holidays, especially if they have too many packages. After each purchase run you packages to your car and store them in the trunk.

7. Get it right.
Take your families measurements and sizes with you. You can reduce the “return factor” by checking sizing against their measurements at the store. Sizing runs different from label to label and store to store.

8. Plan ahead and dress appropriately.
Chances are you’ll be shopping long hours. Comfortable shoes and clothes are a must. Avoid clutch or heavy oversized handbags. Try a backpack purse or waist pack. Ideally you’ll want your hands free to shop. Pack a snack & some water so you don’t have to break to recharge your batteries.

9. Don’t dawdle!
While you shop if you see something that is a really great deal, put it on hold, in your cart or hang onto it. You have no claims to anything that is not in your hands. If you decide it is not a gift to give, you can put it back before you check out.

10. Know store policies.
Hang on to your receipts,( gift receipts are the best bet) and ask about return polices before you purchase. Read the warranty info before purchasing home theater, toys or electronics.

11. Be Creative.
If your budget is tiny this year, try creative ways to put together presents. How about a cool coffee cup, mouse pad and a gift card for take out coffee? Baskets filled with bath soap, oils, sponges are thoughtful, easy on the budget gifts. When financial budgets are depleted, use your creativity to fill in the gap. Build and decorate a coupon book for services… lunch dates, foot rubs etc., are all thoughtful fun gifts. Time is the most valuable gift of all.

12. Let the elves do the work
The mall may have complimentary gift wrap stations. Save yourself some wear-n-tear and let a charity group at the mall wrap your gifts for you. Your donation should be tax deductible and it will save you a lot of time.

Most importantly, stay pleasant, with good holiday cheer while you shop. Store clerks regardless of their level of ineptness will respond better to happy holiday cheer than irritable shoppers. Try it, share some Holiday cheer… It’s catchy!

Suzanne O'Connor