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Just because you’re shopping late for the holidays doesn’t mean you should make a lot of costly mistakes. Take a deep breath, make a list, and proceed with confidence.

My top tips include:

  1. Ask for a gift receipt. In addition, keep your receipts also in case the gift receipt gets lost. Ask what the deadline is for returning items.
  1. Give a subscription. That way you can say the gift is in the mail.
  1. Buy stocking stuffers at the Dollar Store.
  1. Give an experience – a concert, special dinner out, or coupon for a picnic in the park in the spring.
  1. Re-gift an item that’s like new, but that you haven’t used because it isn’t right for you. However, be careful you don’t give the gift back to the person who gave it to you. That happened to me this year, but I didn’t mind. As older adults, we’re downsizing items such as vases and serving dishes.
  1. Give a class that your friend or family member would like.
  1. Order online from familiar websites if you don’t have to pay a big fee for shipping.
  1. Compare prices even if you’re rushed and look for coupons and sales.
  1. Order or make a gift basket. I made one for a friend once, and it turned out great. I even found some cellophane to wrap around it.
  1. Get a gift card if all else fails.

Happy holidays. Do stress reduction techniques and remember the holidays are about love, friendship, and getting joy.

Originally Published on https://boomersurvive-thriveguide.typepad.com/the_survive_and_thrive_bo/

Rita Robison Consumer & Personal Finance Journalist

For more than two decades, Rita R. Robison has been a consumer and personal finance journalist making her living by finding the best bargains, calling out the crooks, and advocating for regular people just like you and me. In that time, Robison has talked to so many people who feel like their money just isn’t getting them what they want, where they want to be, or the life they thought it would.

The purpose of her blog is to help you get what you want from your money. Robison covers financial goals, budgets, debt reduction, saving, smart choices for buying goods and services, and retirement planning. You’ll also find articles on safety, such as avoiding scams, looking out for rip off companies, and getting informed on the latest recalls.

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