Good afternoon, folks!
After today, there are only 4 more shopping days until Christmas, so I guess it's time for my little dog Buddy and I to hit the road, and hit the stores here in Chicago!
Here are a few Last Minute Shopping Tips,courtesy of Laura T. Coffey at MSNBC.com. Also please review our post, as well as Lil' Buddy's FIVE TOP HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS, at our main Blog Center - BlogChicagoHomes.com.
1. ONLINE SHOPPING - TODAY IS THE DAY! Make sure you check Delivery Guarantees, and select FASTEST DELIVERY, if necessary.
2. CONSIDER E-GIFT CARDS OR CERTIFICATES. You have to make sure the recipient has his or her spam filter turned off on the email. Also, make sure gifts are redeemable both online and in-store.
3. BUY ACTUAL GIFT CARDS- Most drug stores, convenience stores, and supermarkets have aisles full of these - the new "Procrastinator's Dream."
4. SHOP ON CHRISTMAS EVE DAY, DECEMBER 24th. Only me, Buddy, and a bunch of feverishly-shopping men hit the stores on the last possible day - less crowded, although some of the nicest stuff is already gone.
5. HOW ABOUT FANCY-SHMANCY FOOD AND DRINKS? Always nice - but will the recipients know they were purchased last-minute?
6. SPECIALTY MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE WELL RECEIVED. There are dozens of possibilities here, generally inexpensive, and very easy to order. And, the first issue can arrive in January, guilt-free for you!
7. THE GIFT OF YOURSELF! Detail the car for your spouse. Or, cook a special Gourmet Meal. Handle extra baby sitting chores. Or, add that special deck as a home improvement. Many possibilities, but make sure you deliver on the promise, or else you're sunk here!
Both Buddy and I are Charter Members of Procrastinators Anonymous, when it comes to Holiday Gift Giving. Are You?
Happy Holidays!
DEAN & BUDDY HOLLY MOSS, DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
Not me. Everything was ordered online and delivered last week and the whole show was wrapped last Saturday and placed under the tree. Cosmo "The Wonder Dog" and I can't stand anything at the last minute. It's no way to go through life!
Merry Christmas!
www.mattcrow.com
Matt -
Bless You, Man! You're my new Role Model!
Happy Holidays!
BUDDY HOLLY MOSS & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
Fortunately, I've never fallen into the camp of last-minute shoppers. I have enough stress in my life, so I don't need to make the holidays any more stressful than they need to be. :) I typically shop in November. Unlike my mother who used to buy Christmas presents all year long and pile them up.