Christmas Shopping Guide for the Ultimate Procrastinator post from Kara Anderson at C3.

Are you a last-minute Christmas shopper? Do you often find yourself frantically looking for gifts a week before Christmas? Are your holidays filled with endless events, draining all your free time? Don’t worry, you are not alone! You can still get the people on your list the perfect gift. They’ll never know that you waited until hour zero.

Here are some tips to last minute Christmas shopping. C3 will keep you calm during those last-minute shopping frenzies.

1. Make a List and Check it Twice

Making a list of everyone you will be shopping for will help you stay organized during your last-minute shopping endeavors. Be sure to include a couple of gift ideas for each person. You do not want to be stuck searching for a specific item for hours on end. You have eggnog to drink at home after all!

2. Budget

Make sure to decide on a budget for shopping and break it down for each person on your list. After years of experience I decided this is the best way to Christmas shop, otherwise you'll just end up spending too much. Nobody wants to meet the Grinch this Christmas.

3. Ordering on Line

Ordering online is always a good alternative when you are running out of time. Most online stores have rush delivery options, just be sure to read all the details about shipping before paying more for faster delivery. This option will cost you some extra money but at least you will not show up empty handed. Some of the top online retailers include Amazon, Target, Best Buy, Macy’s and Kohl’s.

4. Creative Ideas

Thinking outside of the box can really benefit the procrastinator during the holidays. Think of activities your recipient loves. Find classes or workshops that you can purchase online for them. Maybe purchasing a trial month at a nearby yoga studio, YogaOne Studio discounts can be found in your C3 Perks, or even a membership to a magazine. The Museum of Natural Science has great exhibits for the whole family. C3 Perks offers discounts to most exhibits. This week you can find 20% off your online purchases to the Museum's gift shop as well. Designs by Carol is another C3 Perk that offers fun and unique gifts. Call Carol and she’ll design something personally for you. Be sure to use your C3 Perks discount! There are literally thousands of options right at your fingertips.

5. Extended Hours

Many local stores extend their hours the weeks leading up to Christmas.They do this for all the shopping procrastinators of the world.  Retailers will post their extended hours online, so be sure to check before you head out for late night shopping. Hours vary every year.

6. Take care of Yourself

Keep calm and carry on. Don’t forget to stop and have a bite to eat or a coffee when you are amid a shopping frenzy. Stepping away can prevent you from purchasing something out of frustration and spending more money than you budgeted for. C3 Perks has a multiple Spas throughout the city that are perfect for a break. Just a few of the Spa's offered in your C3 Perks include: Avalon Nails and Spa, Bodywork and Massage Therapy, Rumor Has it Day Spa and Skindeep Spa and Salon. Don’t forget to search for a C3 restaurant, where you get discounts as well, near by to refuel before returning to the grind. Use your C3 Perks and save for more shopping!

7. There is always Amazon

Most people try to avoid giving gift cards for Christmas because it is said to be so impersonal. I disagree simply because this allows the receiver to pick out something they really want. For me, Amazon is always the way to go, but obviously, you can get online and purchase any type of gift card you can imagine.

Follow these guidelines, and you won’t be stuck dashing through the snow the night before Christmas.