Let’s deal with the reasons why you sat on the couch all weekend eating white chocolate covered Oreos and thinking about the gifts you meant to buy later, and get you out there to do right while there’s still time. Here's what you need to know now. Like, really, now.
Store Hours. The major malls—Dales, MOA, and such—are open late—until 10 p.m.— tonight and Tuesday, Dec. 23. Christmas Eve hours vary, with most malls open 8 a.m. until at least 5 of 6 p.m. Target is open until 10 p.m. Christmas Eve. We've rounded up key store hours to make it easy.
Shop Around the Clock. Kohl’s is now open straight through 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve. In case you want to buy a blender at 3 a.m. Toys ‘R’ Us will be open around the clock from Dec. 23 to 9 p.m. Christmas Eve.
Online Orders. Amazon.com is promising Christmas Eve delivery on items tagged with a "Want It Delivered" message and ordered by Dec. 23. J.W. Hulme is one of the few smaller brands offering free overnight delivery on orders placed by noon on Tuesday, Dec. 23. You could also expedite time at the store by placing online orders and picking up. There’s still plenty of time to do this, through Christmas Eve, at Target and Best Buy.
Gift Cards. If you’re going to give them, pick one that is offering a deal, like an extra $25 for every $100 spent. This deal is valid available at all Parasole restaurants through Dec. 24 and Crave through Dec. 31. Many other restaurants and spas are still offering similar deals.
Gift Sets. Now is the time when you really have to thank the beauty industry for packaging their goods so pretty-like. My go-to’s for multi-piece boxed gifts that are ready to give include Aveda, Kiehl’s, L'Occitane, and Lush. See our Gift Guides for more great ideas.
Give Good. For the person who has everything, think about giving a gift that truly makes a difference, such as a bundle of baby chicks for a family in Africa, or a month of school lunches. (Specific is always more fun that a general donation.) Free the Children makes it easy to give “Gifts of Empowerment.” And that's but one example. Check the website of your favorite charitable organization for giving gifts you can order online that won’t seem like an after thought. And check out our Gifts that Give guide.
Get Help. If you’re still bound and determined to find that perfect thing, shop where you can get help. The team at Honeyshine in Linden Hills (pictured above) really listens and asks questions to help you find the perfect present, and wrap it up nice. Same with Goodthings in White Bear Lake and Maple Grove, and General Store of Minnetonka (where you could also have lunch!). Pharmacie in Lyn-Lake has a great gift selection at a variety of prices. Our great local toy stores, including Creative Kidstuff, Kiddywampus, and Peapods are also great at leading shoppers to the right gift.
Emily Den Boer contributed to this report
