Procrastinators, we’re here to help: 5 (incredibly) last-minute holiday gift ideas
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Look, Santa has 364 days and a whole team of elves helping him prep for Christmas. So, no need to sweat it if you’ve found yourself (again) on Christmas Eve finishing up (or perhaps starting) your shopping. If it weren’t for the last minute, nothing would get done, right?
Here are some last minute shopping strategies to help you complete your list (without even leaving your house). Go ahead, put on White Christmas, kick up your feet by the fireplace and avoid the crowds all while you finish your holiday shopping.
Card ’em: The National Retail Federation says that gift cards are the most-requested presents. But there’s no need to go buy the plastic cards at individual retailers. Most stores offer e-cards and allow you to select the time when they are delivered to the recipient. Bonus: Shop with ShopAtHome.com and earn Cash Back on your e-gift card purchases at stores like Best Buy, Gap, Sears, Kohl’s, Walmart and more. Retailers let you personalize messages and, some stores, like Lowe’s, will let you upload your own photo to place on the e-card.
A gift that keeps on giving: A perfect last-minute idea they’ll enjoy year-round? A magazine subscription. For the fashionistas in your life, consider subscriptions to InStyle or Lucky. Sports Illustrated or ESPN Magazine are great gifts for the sports nuts in your life. Got somebody who loves to cook? We love the Food Network Magazine. News buffs will love a digital subscription to The New York Times. Subscribe to magazines or newspapers online. If you’re headed out to the grocery or drug store, pick up a current copy of the magazine and tuck a Christmas card in the magazine to indicate you’ve subscribed them.
Buy online, pick-up in store: So you missed the shipping deadlines? No sweat. You can still shop online and avoid the crowded stores. A retail trend that is gaining popularity: Buy online, pick up in store. Here’s why we love it: You can earn Cash Back through ShopAtHome.com and, at most stores, you can circumvent the crowds by picking up your purchase at a counter. Stores that offer the buy online, pick-up in store perk include Target, Nordstrom, some Kohl’s stores, Sears, Kmart, Best Buy and Walmart.
Unlimited movies and TV: With plans starting at $7.99 per month, give the gift of unlimited movies and access to their favorite television series. There’s lots to look forward to on Netflix come January 2015. Beginning Jan. 1, the entire series of Friends will be coming to the provider, while movies set to arrive that day include 101 Dalmatians, Bruce Almighty, Cast Away, Batman and Robin and more.
Take ’em out to a game: If you’ve got a basketball, football or hockey fan on your list, you’re in luck since the seasons coincide with Christmas. Order tickets online to an upcoming game, print them out and stuff their stocking with the promise of a fun night out.
