Share
Have the holidays creeped up on you? Even though Christmas is just a little over a week away, there’s still time to save money and fulfill all your holiday purchases without overspending.
In a National Retail Federation survey at this time last year, 92 percent of consumers still had items left on their shopping lists. Nearly half of those consumers said they intended to get some of their purchases online.
Here are some tips for your last-minute shopping spree:
Monday is Free Shipping Day. Last year shoppers spent more than $1 billion on Free Shipping Day. Expect more than 1,200 retailers to participate this year. Follow Free Shipping Day on Facebook and visit its website for all the details.
Keep these receive-by-Christmas mailing deadlines in mind:
Dec. 17: Last day to ship to military;
Dec. 19: Last day for most international shipping;
Dec. 20: Last day to send first-class mail;
Dec. 21: Last day to send priority mail;
Dec. 22: Last day for most express mail;
If the time and/or cost of mailing out traditional Christmas is too overwhelming, consider doing an e-holiday card through websites such as americangreetings.com, jibjab.com or bluemountain.com. Some offer free cards.
Planning a last-minute get together? Call a caterer or your local grocery store to avoid time in a hot kitchen.
Great last-minute gifts: Bottles of wine, gift cards, a plant or a delicious holiday treat from a local bakery. The website xperiencedays.com has unique gifts such as flight lessons, skydiving and NASCAR experiences.
