Last Minute Christmas Shopping Tips: How to Find the Perfect Christmas Gift in a Hurry

“Pasko na naman, oh kay tulin ng araw” Sounds familiar? It’s the season of giving, and with it comes the familiar thrill—and sometimes headache—of finding the perfect gifts for your loved ones. Maybe you’ve been busy with work, juggling holiday plans, or simply procrastinating thinking you have all the time in the world. You blinked and suddenly, Christmas day is already few days away! Don’t worry, we’ve prepared a simple guide to help find the perfect present even with your hectic schedule!

To save time when looking for gifts, check if the recipient has a wishlist, whether on a retail site or a curated list, such as a Pinterest board. It’s a quick way to find something they’ll truly appreciate, without the guesswork. 

When the clock is ticking, narrowing down your options by focusing on the recipient’s interests will save you a lot of time. Besides, the best gifts are the ones that show thoughtfulness, and you can show this by considering the recipient’s interests or what they love. 

• For the foodie: A snack box, a set of herbs or spices, or a gift card to their favorite restaurant can be a great choice to satisfy their love for food. 
• For the tech savvy: If budget is not an issue, you can opt for the latest smartphone or even a mid-range phone with decent specs. Useful tech gadgets such as power banks and wireless earbuds are also popular. When shopping phones, don’t forget to consider installment shopping such as Home Credit to enjoy 0% interest rates and flexible payment plans. 
• For the trendsetter: You can never go wrong with printed socks or a stylish scarf to spice up your loved one’s fashion style. A simple tote bag is also a nice alternative and you can even buy from sustainable sellers to add a little purpose to your gift.

Practical gifts may seem boring, but it can be meaningful if you choose something that aligns with the recipient’s likes. Adding some personal touch or message can further beautify your gift.

• For the corporate go-getter: A customizable planner to help them organizer their career goals, noise-canceling headphones for tuning out distractions during deep work sessions, or a reusable coffee cup for their daily caffeine fix. If you have the budget, you can get them a brand-new laptop at 0% interest via Home Credit installments!
• For the homebody: There’s no place like home and gifts like decorative pillows, blankets, scented candles, bath sets including bath bombs and salts, and kitchen gadgets make the perfect companions during downtime. 
• For the traveler: Your globetrotter loved one will surely appreciate practical gift like a travel kit, travel pillow, packing cubes, universal travel adapters, or a stylish passport holder.

Experience-based gifts are lifesavers when you really are running out of time. Experiences are memorable, plus they are quick, thoughtful, and different from the usual tangible gifts. 

• For the music lover: A concert ticket to their favorite artist, or a subscription to streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music. 
• For the outdoor enthusiast: Tickets to a birdwatching tour, stargazing experience or even an escape room for the ultimate adventure. 
• For the learner: A thoughtful gift like a subscription to an educational site like MasterClass or Skillshare, an online course, or an electronic book is the perfect gift to someone who wants to learn new things.

Love can be expressed in many ways and not just through shiny, material gifts. Sometimes, the best gift you can give is your time. Take your parents or your friend on a lovely date, prepare them a homecooked meal or set up a movie marathon at home with their favorite films and snacks. 

While we still recommend shopping in advance to avoid the holiday rush, using these tips can help you find gifts faster especially when you’re dealing with a hectic schedule and you're racing against time. When buying gifts for your loved ones, it is best to remember that the essence of Christmas is not about how much you’ve spent, it’s the thought and love that what makes someone’s holiday truly special.