Hate the mall? 5 ways to skip it
There is no place tougher on the Christmas spirit than the mall on Dec. 23. Not only will the place be mobbed, stores will be short-staffed and the merchandise will be picked over. Add to that your own panic that you have to find something -- anything! -- by Christmas and you have a recipe for feeling ill will toward mankind.
It may be too late to avoid this bah humbug feeling this year, but while you're wallowing in it, resolve to try a few things that will make next year more festive.
1. Sign up for Amazon Prime. Oh, it's a money-maker for Amazon, but $79 for unlimited 2-day shipping means that you get items almost as quickly as you'd be able to haul yourself to the mall...without hauling yourself to the mall. Perfect for shopping on Dec. 21 and 22, and any other point during the year when you realize you forgot a birthday gift.
2. Have a go-to gift. For people outside your immediate family, come up with one present that's universally appealing. This could be a bottle of wine from a winery you visited, a print from an artist you admire, even baked goods from a bakery you've gotten to know. You can (and probably should) change this gift from year to year, but buying, say, a dozen really nice umbrellas is easier than shopping for 12 different people. And people actually use umbrellas!
3. Make a list in June and September. Part of the problem with Christmas is that you feel under the gun, forced to buy something in a certain window for someone. It's hard to be thoughtful under pressure. But there's no reason Christmas gifts must be thought of only in December. While you're in panic mode now, set two dates on your calendar: June 25 and Sept. 25. On June 25, make a list of everyone you think you'll buy presents for. If you have any initial ideas from things people have expressed recently, write them down. On Sept. 25, revisit the list and fill it out more. Chances are, you'll have at least 75% of your list done by fall -- making it easier to execute against, calmly, when you do your shopping.
4. Think experiences. The beautiful thing about spa gift certificates and museum memberships is that not only are these appreciated things that people don't buy themselves, but that you can just call or order online, print up the receipt and wrap that. No games of parking lot chicken necessary.
5. Give cash, sort of. Actual cash is great for teens and people who directly work for you. For others, a donation to a charity the person volunteers with can be given last minute. And it will do more good for the world than your average sweater.