TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Still Shopping? Get Serious

The Associated Press

New York's Union Square Holiday Market is all business Sunday.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 24, 2007

Remember those warnings that started popping up before Thanksgiving? "Only 60 Shopping Days Until Christmas!" Well, now you've done it. You've waited until Christmas Eve, and you still have shopping to do. On what is a workday for many of us, no less. This is not the time for scoldings, though. This is the time for action. Here is a game plan to get you started.

9 a.m.: You're at your desk.

We would never suggest you use company time for personal business. Well, almost never. If a loved one has dropped hints for electronics, music or movies, this would be a good time to go to the Web site of retailers such as Best Buy or Circuit City. Both offer in-store pickup for online orders - in Best Buy's case, within 45 minutes of ordering; in Circuit City's, in 24 minutes. Browse and click now. Get the goods during lunch.

Noon: Lunch break.

It's Christmas Eve, so you get a little slack on the lunch window. The big electronics stores are typically adjacent to major malls, most of which are open until 6 p.m. today. After your in-store pickup, scoot over to the mall. Hopefully, when your boss thought you were hunched over that report at your desk, you were doing a little logistical planning on what to buy and where. Dec. 24 is no time to start browsing for inspiration.

4 p.m.: It's quittin' time. (C'mon, boss, it's Christmas Eve!)

The malls are still open, but if you did your duty during lunch, it might be time to hit other major retailers such as Wal-Mart, Target, and the home-improvement and toy stores. Most of them are open until 6 or 7 p.m.

7 p.m.: Don't panic - yet.

Even if you've had a successful day crossing names off your list, there always seems to be a family member or friend who fell through the cracks. Your ace in the hole is the local drugstore, many of which are staying open as late as midnight. Walgreens and CVS usually stock toys, electronics, appliances, toiletries and fragrances, gift cards from dozens of different retailers, and even clothing.

11:30 p.m.: This is not good, but all hope is not lost.

You gotta do what you gotta do. Take the tour of 24-hour gas stations, some of which provide such items as team T-shirts and caps. Last week, competing gas stations on one Kennedy Boulevard corner offered Crocs knockoffs, toy cars, sunglasses and wine. And with gas prices where they are, who wouldn't appreciate a gift card providing a fill-up?

Take It Easy

Many stores now offer higher-end gift bags — ornate and artistic packages stuffed with tissue paper, cards and even musical accompaniment. They can get expensive ($5 or $6 for the nice ones), but it might be more appealing to spend the waning hours of Christmas Eve settled before the tree with a loved one rather than cutting, folding and taping wrapping paper.

Gift cards, meanwhile, are popular among both buyers and recipients. Americans will buy $35 billion worth of them this year, up 25 percent from last year.
At www.networkfor!good.org, you can find charities and make a donation in a friend or loved one's name. You can also contact charities directly and ask if they accept and acknowledge such gestures.

You're Not Alone

Don't beat yourself up for shopping today. Consumer Reports says that 35 percent of Americans hadn't started Christmas shopping one week before the holiday. Twenty-four percent didn't finish until Sunday, and 10 percent push it to Christmas Eve.

Shop Smart

Lock your gifts in your trunk. Lock your car doors. Don't carry excessive cash. Guard personal information.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT