It feels like Labor Day was only yesterday and yet somehow we’ve managed to fast forward through Halloween, blast past Thanksgiving, and Christmas is just around the corner?! Begin the annual lies: “I’m going to get my Christmas shopping done early this year” and “I’ll have the gifts wrapped by the end of November…” Sound familiar?
These are the lies we tell ourselves until mid-December when we end up on an aimless 10-hour Saturday mall run, buying whatever wrapping paper is left at Rite Aid, and giving at least six people on our list Starbucks gift cards. Hey, we’ve all been there. That’s why we’ve decided to help you out with a new strategy: The ‘2-Stop Shop.’
One part Cyber Monday and one part last-minute drugstore run, this strategy is designed to personalize the bejeezus out of your Cyber Monday haul for easy, thoughtful, personalized gifts for everyone on your list.
Step 1: Pick a Theme
Pick one theme for your holiday gifting and splash it across your entire list. By choosing a theme you will shop at one store for everyone, eliminating the dreaded Saturday-in-December-mall-crawl. For example, if your theme is outdoors, you might shop for everyone at Cabela’s. If your theme is foodie, you might browse Williams-Sonoma. You can also shop at a convenient catchall store like Target and use the theme to narrow your focus.
Step 2: Make Your List + Browse Cyber Monday Deals
By Black Friday most stores offer previews of their Cyber Monday deals. Browse and bookmark so you’re ready to go when the sales start. Cyber Monday is an excellent alternative to avoid the crushing crowds and stress of Black Friday. Additionally, if you do all your shopping in one place, you will probably meet the minimum amount to qualify for free shipping, so it won’t cost you anything extra to shop from the comfort of your home.
Step 3: Purchase + Personalize
Once you’ve made your purchases, personalize each gift with a trip to your local drugstore or dollar store. Pick up your wrapping paper and gift bags and throw in a couple little things for each person to create a thoughtful touch. Is your theme foodie? Pick up a funny apron for dad to go with that set of gourmet marinades. Use festive ribbon to tie a cookie cutter to the baking cookbook you got for your sister. Toss chocolate Santas into gift bags for your nieces and nephews. Pick up little trinkets that have special meaning or relate to inside jokes you have with friends. Have fun with it!
Relaxation-Themed Holiday Gift List
To show you how the ‘2-Stop Shop’ strategy works, we’ve selected the theme relaxation and created a holiday gift list that includes everyone in the family.
PJ Salvage Women’s Coffee Time Flannel Pajama Set from The Pajama Company
Lazy Saturday Morning
These warm flannel pajamas are perfect for lounging on a leisurely Saturday morning. Personalize this gift with a mug, coffee beans, and biscotti.
Kashwere Super Soft Shawl Collared Robe from The Pajama Company
Spa Day
A luxurious bathrobe will encourage your special someone to put their feet up. Personalize this gift with bath salts, nailpolish, and a face mask.
Lazy One Kids “Timberland Bear” Footy from The Pajama Company
Movie Night
For the young or young at heart, give a pair of footie pajamas. Personalize this gift with a DVD, popcorn and movie theater snacks.
Fuzzy Friends “Grey Elephant” Slippers from Aroma Home from The Pajama Company
The Perfect Bedtime
For littlest ones on your list, give a pair of silly slippers, a bedtime book, hot chocolate, and a teddy bear.
Boxercraft Stewart Plaid Traditional Flannel Pajama Pant from The Pajama Company
Dorm Duty
For the college-aged nieces and nephews, you can’t go wrong with comfy pajama pants. Include a pack of instant noodles, snacks, a thermos, or an iTunes giftcard to encourage them to kick back in their dorm room.
Kashwere Super Soft Shawl Collared Robe from The Pajama Company
Romantic Night In
A plush robe, massage oil, chocolates, and a scented candle. Bonus points if you watch a few videos online to learn massage techniques!
Aroma Home Knitted “Dog” Slipper Sock from The Pajama Company
The Bookworm
These warm fuzzy slipper socks are perfect for a cozy night in. Throw in a paperback, an assortment of teas and cookies, and give the gift of a quiet evening.
Daisy Alexander Classic Green Flannel Pajama Pant from The Pajama Company
The Sports Fan
Give a pair of extra comfortable pajama pants for lounging, a branded beer mug, and game day snacks for a thoughtful gift bag.
Munki Munki Women’s “London” 3/4 Sleeve Tee and PJ Pant Set from The Pajama Company
The Jetsetter
For your friend who’s always on the go for work or for fun, pick up a pair of comfortable PJs that she can slip into after a long day of travel. Personalize the gift with travel-sized items and an eye mask.
For more ideas for getting festive in your PJs this holiday season, visit The Pajama Company at our blog, thepajamacompany.com/blog.