Have you ever had a frantic, night-before-Christmas shop?
As we count down the days to December 25th, the list of things to do grows and it’s not surprising when certain gifts get overlooked. We’ve all had those “oh no!” moments where we realise we’ve forgotten something important.
Thankfully, there are a few simple tips to help make that last-minute dash to the mall that much easier.
Know before you go: have a list of exactly what you need to buy so you don’t waste precious time searching the stores for the right gift. Sit down and spend some time thinking what you might like to get that special someone. It pays to have a few ideas in case some of them fall through.
Pick your time wisely: if you’re able to, avoid going at the mall’s busiest time. Try to arrive when the mall first opens so you can beat the crowds and make a beeline for the stores you need. Then get out, fast.
Catch a ride: not having to drive around looking for a car park is a big timesaver. Ask someone to drop you off at the mall so you can go straight in and get what you need. Less wasted time; less stress.
Set a budget: if you really aren’t able to think of a gift ahead of time, give yourself a spending limit so your options are narrower when you start browsing. This will quickly rule out a lot of items, making your shopping trip that much quicker.
Read more: Dealing With Christmas Stress
