Shopportunist:
Drugstores can be just the remedy for any last-minute shopping maladies you may be suffering from.
In a pinch for a lastminute Christmas present? Don’t panic and don’t feel compelled to contend with a crush of cranky shoppers, empty store shelves and jam-packed parking lots. You can dodge the malls and mass market retailers and get nearly everything you need at your local drugstore.
According to the National Retail Federation, only 14 percent of consumers plan to shop at stores like CVS, Walgreens and Rite Aid, so you’ll be able to sidestep the chaos, preserve your sanity and unearth an unexpected array of passable presents.
All drugstores stock racks of gift cards. But, there are plenty of other perfectly good gift options, not to mention wrapping paper, ribbons, bows and cards.
Here is a roundup of the best last-minute drugstore gifts you can grab for nearly everyone on your list:
Spouse: Everyone
■ wants to smell nice, so how about a new scent for your significant other? CVS features a line of salepriced designer fragrances and they won’t scream, “I’m an afterthought gift.” Your spouse will be none the wiser. You can also bestow something with sentiment. Create a personalized photo gift — cube, book, calendar, ornament or print — on your computer at home and pick it up at your local CVS or Walgreens store the same day. Be sure to look for coupon codes. They are almost always available. A few more ideas: Bath bombs, beauty gift set and hair appliance for her, electric shavers and beard trimmer for him.
Child: With Toys R Us
■ out of the picture, many other merchants pounced on the opportunity to peddle toys, lots of them, including drugstores. I’m not talking questionable, off-brand Barbies and chintzy board games. You can find toys from famous makers like Fisher Price, Hot Wheels and Hasbro. Little ones will love bath products, too. Rite Aid carries an assortment of Disney-themed toys, bubbles and sponges. There’s candy, too. Lots of candy.
Teen: I’ve never
■ encountered a teen who balked at a gift card. It’s a safe bet. But, if you’d like to bestow something more, look to electronics. Again, you’ll find familiar brands and some well-regarded gifts like earbuds, headphones and portable Bluetooth speakers. Rite Aid stocks the popular
Fuji Instax Camera. Walgreens is offering popular throwback video game consoles for $34.99 from Sega and Atari. They may gasp at the graphics, but chances are they’ll still appreciate the early days of gaming. For girls, there’s always makeup, nail polish and other personal care products.
Parents: Most parents
■ and grandparents appreciate personalized presents so again, look into photo magnets, wood panel and canvas prints. You’ll also find a healthy supply of slippers, robes, hats, gloves and scarves at most drugstores. Rite Aid also carries a fun selection of As Seen on TV gifts and gadgets like the Air Space Desk, Gotham Electric Grill and Clapper. If all else fails, go with a gift card, Christmas trinkets or some Ghirardelli chocolates.
Hostess: A ■ box of chocolates is appreciated. CVS has a holiday-themed sweet treats by Ferrero, Lindt and Ghirardelli for less than $10 each. Cookie tins are another option. Rite Aid offers varieties and when you buy one, you’ll get one free. Beer is always a good choice too, right? I mean, if it’s a party, why not?
Friends, neighbors and co-workers: Think candles and coffee. CVS carries a line of candles called American Home, made by Yankee Candle. Who doesn’t like candles? Rite Aid and Walgreens advertise bags of whole bean and ground Starbucks coffee. Pair a pack with a coffee mug or a $10 Starbucks gift card and you’re good to go. Of course you can always go the cookies and candy route as well.