Einstein’s Theory of Relativity states that time goes much more quickly the closer you get to having to spend time with your relatives. At least that’s what I imagine it states, because this is clearly the case. As the holiday season approaches, time speeds up to ridiculous levels, and before you know where you are, you’re only days away from the big day with none of yourChristmas giftspurchased.
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Thankfully, probably due to some kind of Christmas miracle, there are some clever ways that you’re able to still get all your holiday shopping done, even if you’ve left it until it’s almost too late. Here are some simple but effective last-minute shopping tips that may just save your life this Christmas.
1Don’t leave things to the last minute – or do
A double-edged sword
We’d all like to be better prepared when it comes to getting ready for the holidays. Everyone knows that one person who has all their Christmas shopping done by July and makes the rest of us look really bad.
But this is a list of last-minute shopping tips, after all, so if you find that you’re really getting short on time, you might want to consider really leaving things until the last minute. That’s because the last week before Christmas, everywhere gets insanely busy. But on Christmas Eve, most sane people have finally got what they need, so you may find that things are a little less chaotic. You may also find a fewlast-minute bargainsto be had too. You do run the risk of not being able to find the products that you want if you leave things to the very last minute, but if you’re not after anything specific, you may be able to shop without fighting your way through the crowds.
2Use Uber Store Pickup for last minute shopping
Late gift deliveries
Forgotten to buy a present for Uncle Steve, and it’s too late to send it in the post? All is not lost; you may yet find yourself on his Christmas card list for next year. That’s as long as you’re planning on getting him something that costs less than $200 and weighs less than 30 lbs.
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you may now reserve an Uber up to 90 days before your trip and more.
If that’s the case, you can take advantage of a service fromride-hailing company Uber, called Uber Store Pickup. This holiday feature lets you request an Uber courier to pick up an item you’ve purchased from the place that you bought it from and deliver it to your recipient.
You’ll need to be able to upload the receipt for the item in order to authorize the collection, and you can’t use the service for certain prohibited items. But otherwise, you can use the service to deliver your gifts like a modern-day Santa, and even get same-day delivery.
3Check delivery deadlines
Critical reminder
If you’re leaving your online shopping to the last minute, you may have less time than you think. That’s because online retailers will have delivery deadlines over the holiday period. If you order after these deadlines, your items may not be delivered until after Christmas.
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That’s why it’s important to always check the delivery deadlines on the retailer’s websites in advance, so you know that last day that you can order and still ensure that your presents arrive on time.
4Make sure that deals really are deals
Don’t be fooled
When you’re shopping online for last-minute presents, you may be tempted by some of the deals you see on offer. Many websites will offer what appear to be big discounts that you’d be crazy to miss out on.
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However, things aren’t always what they seem. Often, items that are marked as being discounted have been available at other times in the year for even lower prices. They may not be the bargains that they seem. You can use websites such ascamelcamelcamelto see the price history of products on popular websites, which will help you determine the ‘bargains’ you see online really are such bargains after all.
5Beware of extreme bargains
Too good to be true?
Sometimes, bargains are so big that they really do seem impossible to refuse. That expensive item that you’ve had your eye on for Great Aunt Bethel all year is available on one website for a fraction of its usual price. You want to jump in quickly before you lose out.
However, when it comes to online shopping, if something appears too good to be true, it almost certainly is. Unless the deal is on a reputable website, it’s best to steer well clear; it’s most likely a scam. If you really can’t resist, make sure you purchaseusing a credit cardrather than a debit card, as this should offer you more protection should something go wrong.
6Keep your receipts
For post-holiday returns
In the mad rush to buy last-minute presents and get everything wrapped, there’s one important thing you should do: keep hold of your receipts. That’s because some retailers will offer to refund the difference if a product you buy is marked down within a set number of days of your purchase.
Since the post-holiday season is always a time for big sales, you may be able to get some money back on the last-minute gifts that you bought and end up with a little more money left over than you’d expected. Which you’re able to then blow in the post-holiday sales, of course.
7Take advantage of seasonal hours
Stress-free shopping
Dolly Parton may have believed that working nine-to-five was no way to make a living, but she clearly didn’t have to work over the holidays. In the most profitable time of year for many retailers, you will find that most places will extend their opening hours during the holiday season. While Dolly is happily clocking off at 5pm, most retail staff will be settling in for another few hours of having to smile through the pain of theholiday playlistthat’s been on loop since the start of November.
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While it may not be optimal for the cashiers, it’s great news for you. If you aim to do your shopping outside the usual business hours, you’re likely to find places a little less crowded, as not everyone will be aware of the extended hours. A quick Google can help you find the seasonal hours for any retailers you’re planning to visit.
8Get free Prime delivery
Shop from your couch
Love it or loathe it, Amazon is one of the most convenient ways to shop online. With a huge collection of products, many of which come with next-day, same-day, or evenone-hour delivery, it’s a perfect site to visit for those last-minute purchases.
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Can you still get good deals if you shop at the last minute?
Yes, many retailers offer last-minute deals and discounts. Keep an eye on flash sales and special promotions, but be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.
What are some creative last-minute gift ideas for 2023?
Subscription services (like streaming platforms or meal kits), experiences (such as event tickets or online classes), and personalized items that can be created digitally and sent electronically are great last-minute gift ideas. But check out some of our gift guides for more present ideas in general:
What should you do if a gift won’t arrive in time?
If a physical gift won’t arrive in time, consider sending a digital note or card explaining the situation along with a picture or description of the gift. You can also gift an experience or a digital gift voucher as an interim present.
