This past year has arguably been one of the least conventional the world has ever faced. As we end 2020 and look toward the new year, there are ways to get those last-minute holiday gifts and think outside the box when it comes to giving and celebrating.
Fortunately, retailers knew what consumers would be up against this year. Many held extended online sales periods and Black Friday sales. But for those last-minute shoppers, there are still plenty of ways you can pack the Christmas tree with gifts while staying safe and maintaining social distance. If you’re interested in Christmas shopping tips during a pandemic, read on.
Think Digitally
Maybe your favorite uncle is a realtor with John Foresi, Venterra Realty and there just isn’t time to have that briefcase you’d normally get shipped to him. What about getting him an online subscription to a real estate magazine with trends in the market? That listing service or subscription to a graphic marketing program might work too. Try to think of tools that would help him at work or at play. With more and more people working from home, the digital subscriptions and services you could gift could be given in a very safe way.
Shop Remote
It’s easy to stay safe while shopping for Christmas if you do it from behind a computer screen in your home. Like it or not, we’ve all had enough experience this past year with work, school, medical appointments, and more all remote. There’s no reason to take an extra risk at the end of this unconventional year. Instead, you can wrap up 2020 the same way you likely spent the bulk of it: remotely.
Maybe there isn’t time to order that sheath dress your niece has been hoping for. But a gift card to WHBM just might work. In short, basically anything you could buy in a brick and mortar retail store you can likely find online. While shipping delays and time may be working against you with more shoppers shopping online than in the past, most gift solutions can come in the form of a simple gift certificate.
In-person Tips & Tricks
Of course, if you’re brave enough to face the stores in person, there are tips and tricks for getting in and out of lines quickly and safely this year. Like Santa, you might want to start with a list. Knowing exactly what you’re looking for will help you to make faster choices. Obvious suggestions are to follow local guidelines for masks and social distancing, but you can even do more to ensure your own and other’s safety.
Many stores this year are offering curbside pick-up or special hours for senior shoppers. Others are capping the number of customers they can allow in their stores. Knowing the rules ahead of time will make your trip both safer and smoother. Lookup any store you plan to visit online before heading out. This will prevent any surprises and let you know what your options are as far as curbside pick up. Some places will allow you to pick out your gifts and pay for them before you even pull into the parking lot.
Keep the Spirit
While this year has had its challenges, a silver lining is that holiday lines, crowded parking lots, and the crowds in the aisles are far reduced than ever before. With historic numbers of shoppers leaving gift deliveries up to UPS, the postal service, and FedEx, it’s very likely you can pick up most of your Christmas list in half the time it took in years before.
As this unconventional year comes to a close, remember to hold with you some sense of tradition. If that last-minute trip or online clicking spree affords you the opportunity to hang tight to a yearly tradition like the elf on the shelf or a family Christmas movie, hang on to it. Just because this year was different, it doesn’t mean the holidays can’t be filled with that same spirit.