There aren’t too many things that grind our gears (or, you know, grind our nutmeg) more than a Christmas killjoy. But we’d take a Grinch any day over a Christmas keener.
You know the ones – they start their list in October, parade their Black Friday scores past your office in Nordstrom carriers the size of sleeping bags, and insist on asking you how your shopping’s going every single day.
We’ll save you the energy, Evelyn. Not well.
But to our fellow procrastinators with nary a $68 bag charm to show for their efforts (or lack thereof): All is not lost. Before you admit defeat and get Mom the bath salts – as a general rule, unless she specifically asked for bath salts, don’t get the bath salts – here’s how to find an awesome last-minute gift in 60 seconds.
Actually Make a List
After you’ve circled Saks enough times to lap the mall walkers, you’ll realize you probably should have written down your purpose for going in the first place. A little advance prep work will save you a lot of time basking in the flattering food-court fluorescents and will also (hopefully) save you from buying bae a neck pillow with hoodie attachment (don’t even think about it).
And Check It Twice
If you’re heading to a department store, check to see if they happen to carry anything on your list. If you’re really in a bind, those one-stop shops will save precious minutes. Do a quick scan of their online gift guides and Instagram accounts to see if there are any recent collabs worth noting (ahem, Aquazzura x Poppy Delevingne) – limited runs tend to make great gifts for your more difficult-to-buy-for friends.
Before you head out, do a little pre-damage control. Make note of low-stock items and find a backup store nearby that also sells them just in case.
