5 Christmas Gift Ideas & Store Hours For The Last-Minute Shopper
It happens every year, either from procrastination or simple memory-loss, but there's always those last-minute shoppers scrambling to find a perfect gift for someone on their list. So with you 11th hour shoppers in mind, here are five things you can still get in the stores on Christmas Eve.
1. Team Apparel/Clothing
Hats, scarves, gloves, t-shirts, hoodies, sweatpants and all other forms of clothing make great gifts, and you can almost always find them in stores even on Christmas Eve. If you're lucky enough to have someone on your list who is a sports fan, you can't go wrong with team apparel like Utica Comets shirts and jerseys.
2. Electronics
Video Games, watches, iPods, CD's, DVD's, and headphones are just a few ideas that can be picked up last-minute. If you don't know what movie, video game or album to get - grab something you like and want to share with others. Best Buy Closes at 6 p.m. Christmas Eve
3. Books
If you or that special someone is a reader, then books are a great last-minute idea. The latest book in a series, or a new bestseller will make it look like you had this item picked out months before Christmas.
4. Wine/Liquor
This one is pretty simple, grab a bottle of wine or popular spirits(most liquor stores will assist you if needed), or a 12-pack of Saranac West End Winter IPA or Saranac 12 Beers of Christmas and you're a holiday hero.
5. Scratch-Offs/Gift Cards
Nowadays you can head to Walmart, Target or most convenience stores and pick up gift cards for anything from gas to movie tickets and even fine dining. Don't forget prepaid credit cards too. On the other hand, lotto scratch-offs are a great idea for your annual gift-swap or for your long-lost cousin that you forgot was in town for the holidays.
Just in case you aren't sure what stores will be open on Christmas Eve here's a list of the stores where you can get most/all of the items on this list:
Herb Phillipson's Open until 5 p.m.
Best Buy Open until 6 p.m.
Barnes & Noble Open until 6 p.m.
Macy's Open until 6 p.m.
Walmart Open until 8 p.m.
Target Open until 10 p.m.
Seneca Wine & Liquor/Valley Wine & Liquor Open until 6 p.m.