The art of Christmas Day shopping

So you think shopping on Christmas Eve is waiting to the last minute? No, that's ahead of the game in my world.

Over the past years I've had a number of what I call "life happenings" — when life interrupts and the plan to buy all my gifts by Christmas falls through. I confess, sometimes it's just procrastination, but it can also be overtime at work, forgetting your uncle had a new baby, or rushing your visiting English friend to the 24/7 clinic on Christmas Eve (true story). 

Whatever the case may be, over the years I've learned there's still hope for finding the right gift — even on Christmas. Here's a little of what I've learned:

Option 1: Drug Stores

Drug Stores are perfect because they're always there when you need them and provide a sampling of goods from every department. Just beware of buying anything that looks too cheap. Some suggestions:

• Games — Convenience stores are loaded with games like Scrabble, Mexican dominos, Candyland, Uno, or even Bananagrams. Perfect for kids and great for adults too. Consider buying every card game the store has, bundle them up and then challenge your giftee to a game of each. You're also giving your time — the most valuable gift of all.
• Photos — Before you leave the house, find a photo of yourself with the person you're buying a gift for. Send it to the photo lab digitally and then buy the frame when you pick it up. Go for a frame that gives a shadowbox effect for a more dramatic effect.
• Greeting cards — I believe convenience stores carry better cards then grocery stores. There's a larger selection and they have audible cards like Hoops and YoYo — a personal favorite of mine.
• Digital gifts — A digital picture frame loaded with memorable moments between you and the giftee  is priceless. SD memory cards and ear buds also make good gifts.
  

Option  2: Grocery Stores (well, Randall's)

Maybe there are other grocery stores open on Christmas day, but the Randall's on Westheimer and Shepherd is a sure bet.

• Wine —If you want to take it to the next level, google "wine pairings" or check the side label of your wine and buy whatever it is they suggest pairing it with. 
• Hair products — Toni and Guy products are now sold in many grocery stores. Buy a few products and put them together as a gift basket.
• Body products — Bert's bees, shea butter, bath salts, and a number of other products can be combined to make an excellent gift. Think themes: Lavender for women and green tea body products for men, with some Tazo green tea to go along with them.
  
• Gift table in the front — Supermarkets  often stock random toys or kitchen gadgets for Christmas in a table near the front. Some of it is junk, but sometimes you can find gold. One year I was searching for a Round Robin gift (basically a White Elephant gift) and found a chocolate fountain on this table. It was a hot commodity in the swap.
• Gift cards —  These stores have an amazing selection of gift cards from Home Depot to Bath and Body Works. Since a gift card doesn't take as much thought, take some to write a personal note to go with it.

Option 3: Mddle Eastern Restaurants

A number of Middle Eastern restaurants like The Turquoise Grill are open on Christmas day. Buy baklava or another delicious pastry for the foodie in your life. Also handy if you're supposed to bring food to a family gathering and didn't have time to cook.

Option 4: Gas Stations

One year a friend of mine joined my family's Christmas celebration at the last minute. We found an open gas station and grabbed a gift card. It saved the day — except the attendant forgot to load the card and we lost the receipt, so it didn't work. But it's the thought that counts, right?

• Christmas, CVS, gas station, holidays, last minute shopping, Randalls, Walgreens

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