(BPT) – The holiday season is in full-swing, and while it may look different this year, that doesn’t necessarily mean less stress. Maybe you shopped early and still have a few things to check off your list, or maybe you haven’t even started tackling your to-dos. If you’re rushing to decorate, shop and spread socially distant cheer, don’t fret, there are a few holiday hacks to make your life a lot easier.
Follow these tips to check everything off your last-minute list so you can simplify the season and spend more time enjoying the things you love.
1. Shop safely and efficiently with quick store pickup options
Stay safe and order last-minute gifts and stocking stuffers from the comfort of your own home using one of the most convenient (and contactless) shopping options — curbside, drive-thru or in-store pickup. Pickup has gained even more popularity as social distancing is top of mind in today’s unusual environment. “This year Americans are balancing competing priorities amidst a global health crisis, so it’s important for customers to have safe and convenient ways to get their purchases faster,” says Stefanie Kruse, vice president digital commerce and omnichannel, Walgreens. “Through Walgreens new customer engagement platform, myWalgreens, we offer in-store, curbside or drive-thru order pickup in as little as 30 minutes.”
2. Stick to your budget
It’s easy to get carried away when holiday shopping. For smart spending, create a holiday budget that itemizes what you plan to spend on gifts, stocking-stuffers, entertainment, food and drink, travel, charitable contributions, etc. Try a budgeting app to keep track of your expenses in real time.
3. Avoiding shipping and return woes
There’s no need to fret about standing in long lines or even contemplating your packages being stolen off your front porch this year. You can send and receive FedEx packages through your local Walgreens location — which saves you time and outsmarts porch pirates. Did we mention you can also conveniently mail your returns there too?!
4. Try a personalized gift service
Sending holiday cards and gifts can be time consuming, but if you waited until the last minute, customization can be easy and feel personal for the recipient. Walgreens Mail-for-Me Cards service allows you to upload a photo, add a message, enter recipient addresses and mail the card all with a few clicks online. You can also choose to send personalized gifts like custom face masks, pillows and blankets, or even same-day ready puzzles for easy last-minute gifts.
5. Consider creative ways to give back
The holiday season is a great time to focus on giving back, whether donating to a local food bank, bringing necessities to essential workers or volunteering your time. You can even donate in less traditional ways like using the Walgreens Cash Rewards you earn through myWalgreens to donate to The Full Plate project, a program of the Red Nose Day campaign.
The holiday struggle can be real, but it doesn’t have to be. Try out these clever tricks and tips so you stress less and enjoy more.
