A few classic Christmas experiences most of us will be more than familiar with:
- Spending hours untangling the Christmas tree lights
- Arguing over what to watch on TV
- Regretting the hours spent wrapping the kids’ presents only for them to tear them open in seconds
- Panic buying last-minute gifts when the shops are packed with people in the same situation
Every year you promise yourself, never again, and every year, it’s exactly the same.
Tinggly is here to help with the last of these. Here’s 11 great pieces of advice for last-minute Christmas shopping – how to save yourself time, money and stress!
Planning makes Christmas shopping easy
Before leaving the house, make a list of who you need gifts for, how much you want to spend on each gift, and also which shops you need to visit, so that you can plot a route. By doing this, you lessen the risk of overspending or forgetting anyone. If you can, shop earlier in the day rather than later as the shelves are likely to have been restocked overnight, and the crowds will be smaller.
Time it for best Christmas shopping deals
Many shops will already have started discounting by Christmas Eve, so if you have a specific gift in mind then you might get lucky by leaving it this late to shop. There is a balance to be struck though – the best bargains are usually to be found the later you wait, but of course you risk finding what you want is all sold out.
Christmas shopping online
Many of us now choose to do all of our Christmas shopping online – it’s far less stressful, and you can visit 10 stores in 15 minutes from the comfort of your sofa. If you’re going this route, ensure that you opt for guaranteed delivery before Christmas. Many stores will provide a convenient click ‘n’ collect service if you can’t be at home to receive packages, and also remember that online offers can change on a daily basis, so it’s worth checking regularly for better deals in the days leading up to your deadline.
Simplify your wrapping protocols
Wrapping Christmas gifts can take almost as long as shopping for them. Many big shopping centers will offer a free wrapping service, which if you don’t mind waiting around for a while is a big bonus. Some online shops will also offer this service for a supplement.
Points mean prizes
If you have a supermarket points card, Christmas is the optimum time to cash them in whether you’re buying ingredients for the meal, or last-minute gifts.
Skip Christmas shopping madness and re-gift thoughtfully
You shouldn’t feel guilty about re-gifting, unless you’re returning last year’s gift to the person who gave it to you of course! If you’ve received something that you’ll never use, but that would be perfect for someone else, then it saves waste and frees up some space in your wardrobe.
Avoid things that might get returned
Perfume is one of the most popular Christmas gifts, and also one of the most expensive. There are many ways to make it easier on your pocket though, as this guide explains. Also, avoid buying people clothes. This is tricky to get right even if you know the person and their tastes well, and clothes rank among the most returned Christmas gifts.
Shop at small local store
Smaller, independent stores are usually less busy, with more-organised shelves, plus the staff will have the time to help you find the right gift. These kind of shops are really struggling nowadays so even if you just buy a few things from independents, you’re making a positive difference.
Simplify your wrapping protocols
If you’re sending heavy parcels to friends or family that live in different parts of the country, research the costs of carriers to find the best deals.
Gift Cards
Always a good idea if you don’t have any other ideas, or want to be sure your loved one gets exactly what they want, gift cards are sadly not as reliable as they once were. There have been several scandals recently of big retailers going bust and not honouring gift cards, and they also usually carry an expiry date too, so be wary.
Why experience gifts are the best last-minute option
Okay so we’re a little biased, but we think experience gift vouchers such as our own are the perfect Christmas gift box idea for anyone when you’re low on inspiration. Giving people material items for Christmas is so over-rated!
Early Christmas shopping vs. last-minute shopping
Let’s face it—Christmas shopping can feel like a marathon… or a sprint if you’re the last-minute type.
When it comes to early Christmas shopping vs. last-minute shopping, the debate is timeless. Starting your Christmas shopping early comes with undeniable perks: more time to compare prices, avoid the holiday rush, and ensure your gifts arrive on time. It’s one of the best Christmas shopping tips for reducing stress and maximizing your budget.
But what if you’re part of the last-minute crowd? Don’t worry! With Tinggly, procrastinators can still deliver incredible gifts. Experience gifts are perfect for any occasion—no shipping, no wrapping, and guaranteed availability. Whether you’re an early planner or a last-minute hero, Tinggly’s gifts ensure you shine in the early vs. last-minute Christmas shopping showdown.
Smart spending for the Holidays: Christmas shopping on a budget
Your holiday budget doesn’t have to resemble Santa’s naughty list. Being festive doesn’t have to mean being broke. Follow these Christmas shopping on a budget tips to keep your holiday spirit and your wallet intact:
- List and Budget: Write down your gift list and set a spending cap for each name.
- Sales Are Your BFF: Keep an eye out for those juicy early-bird deals.
- Emails for Discounts: Yes, it’s annoying—but those newsletters are goldmines for promo codes.
- Price-Check Like a Pro: If you’re not comparing prices, are you even trying?
For budget-friendly Christmas gifts, experience gifts are a game-changer. Tinggly experience gifts offer hundreds of adventures at one fixed, affordable price. Perfect for those who want to impress without overspending, Tinggly delivers incredible value.
Best Last-Minute Christmas Gift Ideas That Everyone Will Love
Last-minute shoppers, this one’s for you. If you’re running short on time, there’s no need to panic. The key is finding thoughtful and impactful last-minute Christmas gifts that won’t feel rushed. Here are some top Christmas shopping ideas:
- Experience Gifts: From thrilling adventures to relaxing retreats, these gifts create memories that outshine any sweater.
- Instant Gift Cards: Delivered straight to their inbox, because who has time to wait?
- Subscriptions: Coffee, snacks, books—give a gift that keeps on giving.
When it comes to last minute Christmas gifts, Tinggly’s experience gifts tick all the boxes: thoughtful, hassle-free, and guaranteed to impress.
Things to avoid during last minute Christmas shopping
Shopping at the last minute can lead to some classic Christmas shopping mistakes. Here are some last-minute Christmas shopping tips to keep in mind:
- Don’t panic-buy: Rushed decisions can lead to overpriced or impractical gifts.
- Avoid impractical gifts: Gifts that are unused or unwanted don’t bring joy.
- Make sure it’s delivered for Christmas: Tight holiday timelines often result in delays.
- Set the budget: Time pressure shouldn’t lead to overspending.
Make This Christmas Unforgettable with Tinggly
This year, think outside the box. Tinggly’s experience gifts let your loved ones choose their own adventure, from relaxing spa days to thrilling adventures. Plus, with no expiration date, they’ll have plenty of time to plan their perfect memory!
Christmas Shopping FAQs
How early should I start Christmas shopping?
To make the most of early Christmas shopping, start 2-3 months before the holidays. This gives you time to find the best deals, avoid the crowds, and guarantee delivery. But if you’re shopping late, Tinggly experience gifts are available right up until Christmas Day.
What is the 5 gift rule for Christmas?
The 5 gift rule means buying something they want, something they need, something to wear, something to read, and something to do. Tinggly experience gifts are the perfect fit for the “something to do” category, creating unforgettable memories instead of clutter.
Why are experience gifts ideal for Christmas?
Experience gifts are thoughtful, clutter-free, have positive emotional impact and create lasting memories. They don’t require shipping or wrapping, making them perfect for last-minute shoppers. Plus, they’re a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative to material gifts—ideal for anyone on your list, even the “hard-to-shop-for” types.