December 18th, 2009 by John 
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My Dad was the king of last minute Christmas shopping. When we were kids, he was the guy out ’til midnight on Christmas eve trying to find all of those special presents my sisters and I wanted so badly. I’m not quite that bad, although as I write this, I haven’t finished my shopping yet. I plan on finishing up this weekend. AND I will probably have to run an errand or two next week. I think part of the reason I wait so long is that I think the Christmas shopping season starts way to early. AND I love snatching up those last minute deals and saving some money!
Waiting until the last minute to shop for the holidays has its good and bad points. Many of the retailers will inevitably run last minute sales. GOOD. Many other shoppers will have waited until the last minute as well, making for crowded stores, sold out merchandise and increased stress. BAD. Here are some tips to help make the best of your last minute shopping experience.
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Make a list
Try to come up with some specific gift ideas and make a list. This will help keep you focused when you’re out in the holiday rush. For the budget conscious, making a list is crucial.
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Stick to the plan
After you have made your shopping list, make a shopping plan. Decide what stores you want to visit and in what order. This will keep you from back tracking and wasting your valuable time.
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Avoid impulse shopping
Buying on a whim will cost you dearly. Not only will you spend way more than you had intended, but you will probably end up with less than desirable gifts.
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Shop the sales
I always shop the sales. That’s one reason I wait until the last minute. There are many deals to be had! Look for published sale ads, as well as in store specials and save yourself some dough.
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Have fun
AND last, but certainly not least, HAVE FUN! Just remember, you put yourself in the position of shopping at the last minute, so you might as well make the best of the situation. You don’t want to be the person on the 6 o’clock news who punched another parent in the nose over that whamodyne toy, right? So, relax and enjoy your shopping!
I hope you find these tips useful in your quest for those last minute gifts. Have you already finished your shopping? Are you planning to shop those last minute sales? Let us know about your shopping experience.
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Nice tips for an impulse shopper like me. Thanks.
Grace´s last blog ..Emoticons to brighten up your day
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John reply on December 25th, 2009 8:40 am:
You’re welcome Grace!
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Hello John,
Great to hear from you! I miss the old group. It appears that only a couple of them are still blogging regularly or have changed their blogs. I am just getting back into the swing of things. Regarding your post, my biggest problem has always been shopping for myself. I have always had a terrible time deciding. I would have an idea for something, then when I got down to the store I might see two or three options for the same item and not be able to pick any of them for one reason or another. Weird right? As usual, I enjoy your work. Take care my friend and Merry Christmas to you and yours. ;o)
David Tamayo´s last blog ..I teach Ninjutsu therefore I must show support. ;o)
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John reply on December 25th, 2009 8:43 am:
Nice to reconnect with you as well David. I miss those days too. Many of my favorites are no more.
Merry Christmas to you and your family…take care! 
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Those are great tips for the last minute shopper. Luckily I start right after Thanksgiving or before just because I don’t want the stress of being in a hurry and not getting what I wanted to get for whoever.
Marg´s last blog ..Squeeky gets an early Christmas present
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John reply on December 25th, 2009 8:39 am:
Sounds like a good plan Marg!
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I still have to get one more thing for my husband & he is actually out right now buying one more thing for our daughter. I love getting the sales too. I waited on something for my son and I’m glad I did and looked around because I got it for $25 cheaper then I saw it at the beginning of the month. Now I just have to wrap everything!
Sue´s last blog ..100 Postcard Giveaway
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John reply on December 25th, 2009 8:33 am:
$25 is a great savings Sue, good job!
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