As the holidays get closer, the amount of time to purchase gifts gets smaller, and things get a whole lot more stressful. At this point, you’re out of holiday gift ideas and almost out of time to shop. Don’t worry, we understand. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite last-minute holiday shopping tips.
Buy online and pick up in stores
This holiday season, many retailers are offering buy online and pick up in store services. This option will save you LOTS of time when it comes to your last-minute shopping, because you can do your shopping online when it is convenient, and then just pick up your order.
And if you are really crunched for time, AT&T offers free delivery and expert setup with AT&T Right to You.* An AT&T expert will bring your device directly to you – at home, work, a coffee shop—you name it – and will even stay with you to help activate and set it up.
*Select areas only. Services provided by AT&T or an authorized provider.
Think outside of the box
Consider gifting an experience. Instead of buying your friend a sweater you think they’ll like, offer an afternoon shopping trip and lunch on you. You’ll be able to spend quality time together and avoid the trouble of picking out a clothing item they may not want. Experiences and memories will last a lifetime.
Use smartphone apps to keep an eye on deals and specials
If your favorite store, or the store you need a gift from, has a smartphone app, download the app and keep an eye on their deals and specials for in-app shoppers. Stores often use apps to release special coupons or discounts, and the holidays are no exception to those releases.
Check social media
Along with the store smartphone apps, many stores also use social media to release special discounts or holiday specials. Social media is a great way to keep up with product availability announcements for hot items, so you don’t waste time going to a store that has already sold out of the gift you are looking for.
Buy a gift card
If you know the person you’re buying for loves a certain store or restaurant, it’s always safe to purchase a gift card. This time of year, lots of stores offer incentives for gift card purchases as well. Getting something for someone else AND a little something for yourself, at no extra charge? That’s a win-win in our book. There are even websites where you can purchase discounted gift cards. These gift card exchange sites purchase unwanted gift cards from consumers and sell them back to the public at a discounted rate!
Consider an online subscription
This option is especially popular if you are looking for the perfect last-minute gift for someone on your list who doesn’t want or need physical gifts. You can purchase a few months or a whole year of products and services like audio books, online magazines, TV streaming, and online photo storage. Gifting a subscription allows the recipient the opportunity to try out a service they may want to use going forward.
So, take a breath – there is still a bit of holiday gift shopping time left, and you’ve got options. Finish your shopping, and then you can relax with friends and family during one of the happiest times of the year.
This article is AT&T sponsored content written by Matt Johnsen, a TechBuzz contributor. The statements in this article are his own and don’t necessarily represent the positions, strategies, or opinions of AT&T.
