By: Claudette Mortimer

At the end of every holiday season, I promise myself that next year will be different. Next year, I will be organized and I will make a list. Next year, I will start my holiday shopping in August and finish by November. Next year, I’ll really get my act together!

With the holiday season upon us, chronic last-minute shoppers like me are more frazzled than festive. Thoughts of holiday shopping make you want to hibernate for winter – you’re frustrated, short tempered and would rather do anything but lug your winter coat through a busy shopping mall.

Despite last year’s holiday resolution, if you find yourself delaying the inevitable holiday shopping expedition, here are some helpful tips on how to ease the burden of the gift giving blues:

• Easy Photo Ideas – You know that shoe box overflowing with childhood pictures hidden in the back of mom’s closest? Well, get in there and rescue it to create a present that is sure to please. Visit your local photography store and create a scrapbook, photo album, calendar or digital slideshow highlighting both old and current photos.
• Give the Gift of Time Together – Think outside of the box and create an experience for someone that caters to one of their passions. If you have a musically-inclined father, purchase a guitar lesson for two at the local music store. For your sushi-loving partner, book a Sushi 101 cooking lesson at a culinary school or Japanese restaurant and learn to how to make California rolls together.
• Gift Card to the Rescue – If a hip pair of jeans tops your daughter’s wish list, but you don’t know how they’ll fit, consider packaging a Visa gift card with a photo of the latest denim trends so she can pick out whatever style and size she wishes. The Visa gift card can be used wherever Visa cards are accepted, which makes your gift completely versatile. And not only are they more festive than giving cash, they’re more secure because they are covered by Visa’s Zero Liability policy. Visit visa.ca/giftcard.

With a little creativity, even last-minute shoppers can succeed at giving thoughtful, practical holiday gifts. With a little ingenuity, you will surely find something to delight even the most difficult person to shop for on your list.

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Teri Broughton
Corporate Communications
Visa Canada
tbrought@visa.com