It’s the home stretch to Christmas and I JUST finished my gift shopping this weekend. I drove up to Stoneridge Shopping Center and like the rest of every shopping center/mall right now, it was packed full of people. But with proper planning, I was in and out really quickly – and avoided traffic too! If you have some last minute shopping to do, here’s my survival guide.
1. Water & Snacks: First things first, a girl’s gotta eat. I know there are tons of places to eat at the mall, but they’re usually crowded and overpriced. To save on time, I bring my water and snacks with me.
2. Notebook & Pen: Have a list of people written down that you need to buy gifts for and have an idea of what to get them. I love lists and it feels so satisfying crossing things off. 🙂
(Scroll down for more tips)
(super excited that J.Crew carries items from Garance Dore!)
(gifting winter accessories are always a good idea)
3. Research sales & return policy: After you have a general list, check online for sales to get an idea of the pricing. For example, I knew that J.Crew was having a 30-40% off sale, so I made sure to visit that store and they have a really good return policy too, in case I change my mind about the gift.
4. Money & Giftcards: If you’re like me, I have random gift cards lying around and I always forget to use them! Holiday shopping is a great way to use those gift cards and save you some cash too.
(scroll down for more tips)
(of course I had to stop by the mothership: Sephora)
6. Tinted Lipbalm: When I do heavy duty shopping and I’m on a mission, the last thing I worry about is fussing over my makeup. This Dior Lip Glow is brilliant because it moisturizes and has a tint that enhances your lip color.
7. Go Early: I know it’s tempting to sleep in, but not during holiday shopping season! I go during off hours or right when the mall opens to avoid the pains of stalking people for parking and large crowds.
Stoneridge has a really good selection of stores, including Nordstrom, MAC, Lush, Gap, and Williams Sonoma, so I was able to find all my gifts easily.
I also have gift guides if you hover over The Holiday Boutique in the menu bar if you need some gift inspiration.
Since I’m in the holiday spirit, I wanna give you a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card! All you have to do is
1) Follow me on Instagram at @alysonalconis.
2.) Comment below with your Instagram handle and what part of Christmas you’re most excited about.
One winner will be chosen randomly and contest ends on 1/2/15 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time.
Good luck!
Wonderful tips! I try to avoid malls entirely this time of year. But I should note, I did have to stop at the post office to send packages and that was ridiculous as well–super busy!
Anyway, sorry I couldn’t make it to your Madewell event–went with the hubs to a show in SF.
As you know, I already follow you on IG (@ohtobeamuse). What I’m most excited about during this holiday season is finally having some time to relax away from work. And maybe spending some time in the snow.
-Cheryl
I went to the Post Office on Friday in the morning trying to avoid the crowds…and oh boy, there was a LONG line too! Such a pain because there were only two people working -_-
Let’s get together soon and hope you and your hubby have a good holiday! Sending you lots of love. <3 xx
Stoneridge is one of my favorites…great way to avoid the crowds at Valley Fair!
xoxo,
Andrea
http://www.andreaeveryday.com
VF is sooo insane right now, that’s one mall I definitely try to avoid!
xx Alyson
The Beauty Vanity
Great tips. Even during non-holiday shopping excursions I still carry water and snacks. I enjoy looking at the decorations and the craziness that ensues. Most of my shopping is done during the year as I see that special item so I’m usually done before Thanksgiving. As a result I can then relax and enjoy the lights in the evening. The most favorite time is spending time with family and friends. (IG gridqueen)
Very smart! I shop a lot of my gifts during Black Friday too. Excited for quality time with my fam too. Hope you have a great Christmas, Darlyn! xx
Yay! super excited to see the lovenotes notebook’s debut 🙂 Been wanting to get the Dior Lip Glow – any shade recommendations for a rosy tint? 🙂
I have the pink one and I loved it so much, I just bought another one!
You always give me the best gifts, Phebe! <3 xx
loved this post! i bought everything in the black friday sales so can avoid last minute shopping this year – yay!
from helen at thelovecatsinc.com
Nice, that’s probably the best strategy! The best sales really do happen during Black Friday. xx
This is such a great idea for a post! Love it – you have some very good tips!
The Velvet Black // UK Style & Beauty Blog
Thanks, Alice! xx
Hahaha love the water and snacks tip. SO true, because I can get so cranky at the mall, especially if I haven’t eaten! lol
– MeYouandHayleyLarue.com
hahaha so glad I’m not the only one that gets hangry! xx
I love this! Everyone should remember that retail workers are in the same boat as you! Be nice to them and they will make your life easier!
http://thatsmagsforyou.com
Very true! They’re so helpful. xx
I am an instagram follower(kellywcu) and I like when my kids open their gifts the most.
kellywcu8888ATgmailDOTcom