Last-Minute Christmas Shopping Tips: What’s Open, What’s Available - East Idaho News
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Last-Minute Christmas Shopping Tips: What’s Open, What’s Available

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GETTY B 112811 ChristmasBags?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1356357704799Jupiterimages/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) — If you’ve waited until Monday — Christmas Eve — to do your Christmas shopping, all is not lost.  There are some stores that will be open well into the evening, and even others that will be open on Christmas Day.

It’s important to note, however, that local ordinances may prevent some stores from being open according to the corporate-posted hours, so call before you head out the door to confirm a store is open.

Here are some big retailers that are open Christmas Eve:

  • Target until 9 p.m.
  • Kmart until 10 p.m.
  • Toys ‘R’ Us until 10 p.m.
  • Macy’s until 6 p.m.
  • Walmart until 6 or 8 p.m. (varies by store)

And while malls may not extend hours later on Christmas Eve, many are opening early on Monday to accommodate people who want to shop before work.

If you plan to shop tomorrow — on Christmas Day — it’ll be tougher, but it can be done if you’re creative.  Here are some places to try:

Airport Gift Shop

If you’re flying to your Christmas get-together, try the airport gift shop.  They often have lots of gifts, including books and fragrances.  Also, many airports now have electronics vending machines from the likes of Best Buy and other vendors.  You put in your credit card and you can buy anything from headphones to an iPod to a handheld gaming device.

Convenience Store

Many 7-11 and Cumberland Farms convenience stores will be open along with individual independents or smaller chains (this will vary depending on your location and the franchisee — but many will be open).  They may not be your first choice for gifts, but they offer more than you might expect.

Starbucks

If your loved one loves coffee, you’re in luck.  Many Starbucks will be open on Christmas.  Buy a gift card, mugs, some coffee beans and a CD, and you’ve got a great package.

Trip to the Movies

Movie theaters are open on Christmas Day; in fact many say it’s one of their busiest days of the year.  So swing by to purchase a gift card for the movies and make a fun gift box with some Twizzlers and some popcorn.  It’s a gift a movie buff will truly appreciate.

Pharmacies

Many CVS and Walgreens pharmacies will be open.  A Walgreens spokesperson told ABC News: “On Christmas Day, non-24 hour stores will be open from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.  Pharmacies open in 24-hour stores and select locations; 24-hour stores always open.”

While many CVS stores will be open, you definitely need to call to check.  Their spokesperson told ABC News: “Many stores across the country will be offering extended store hours for the holidays, or are open 24 hours.  To locate a nearby CVS/pharmacy or for specific questions about store hours near you, visit the CVS.com Store Locator (CVS.com/storefinder) for the phone number of your local store.”

These pharmacies are great for last-minute gifts.  From toys to home and beauty products, books, Crock Pots and As Seen on TV items, they offer a broad selection of gifts.  Also many have photo centers where you can print photos directly from your phone or Facebook page.  Buy a frame in-store and some wrapping paper and you look like you’ve been planning a thoughtful gift all year.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

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