Ask America’s Ultimate Experts

From finding the lowest prices on last-minute gifts to easy tricks that’ll deck your home with seasonal cheer, our experts share the shortcuts that’ll melt stress and boost your joy! The most wished-for gift is also the easiest to find when you’re strappe

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Find hidden bargains! Give the most popular present! Nab deals at the drugstore!

“From candy and nail polish to travel accessories, drugstores like Walgreens and CVS are affordable destinations for fun stocking stuffers,” promises Perez. And the savings don’t stop at stocking stuffers: “This Christmas, for example, CVS has a surprising array of fun tech gifts from karaoke equipment to budget-friendly virtual reality glasses,” says Bodge. “You can also head to your drugstore’s photo section to have a special photo of a loved one printed on canvas, wood or metal for a beautiful memento that’ll be ready in minutes.”

Try “break-apart” gifts!

A savvy timesaver that’ll let you check several gifts off your list at once? Gourmet food baskets and gift sets — or, as Perez calls them, “break-apart gifts”! “I break down the components and repackage them into smaller gifts for several people. Costco and Sam’s Club are great places for these gifts because they’re better priced than grocery stores and specialty gift retailers. For example, you can buy a large gift basket containing Starbucks, TAZO, Godiva or Ghirardelli-brand items for less than $30!”

Ship to store!

“Avoid expedited delivery fees by using the shipto-store option when you order online from Walmart, Kohl’s, Macy’s and other retailers,” urges Perez. “And look for extra savings on instore pickup: Walmart, for example, offers a wide selection of items eligible for a discount when you order them online, while Macy’s gives coupons for 15% to 20% off your next in-store purchase when you pick up an order!”

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Get guestready fast! Set a jolly mood in a jiffy!

Last-minute holiday guests on the way? “A house that smells clean, feels clean,” declares home-keeping expert Courtenay Hartford. “Lighting a scented candle makes your home feel welcoming and well cared for without any effort. And holiday music is like a scented candle for your ears, instantly creating a warm atmosphere. Plus, little things like festive hand towels that you can pick up at the dollar store to hang in your bathroom make it look like you’ve thought of every detail, even if that’s the only detail you had time to attend to!”

Hide and conquer!

“Just focus on keeping the more ‘public’ areas of your home presentable by giving them a quick wipe-down,” urges Hartford. “And have a ‘stash basket’ handy to quickly and stylishly hide any clutter—toys, papers, clothes, etc.— that may have built up recently.”