Heloise Hint #957:
Every year I promise to start shopping earlier, and every year I fail to do so.
However, for the past few years I don’t stress about it. I use the internet.
I have a brother in Canada…logged onto the internet, found a bunch of nice shops that sell everything from gift baskets to electronic toys…called, made an order and a guy from the shop will drop it off at my brother’s on Christmas Eve - no shipping charge, no taxes.
My other brother in Arizona is getting the second season of 24 on DVD delivered to him from a local shop. Again, no shipping, no stress.
Friends in New Zealand will be getting the large box of chocolates from the exclusive chocolate shop a few miles from their house.
Doing the same for some friends in New York and in Berlin.
Yes…the internet can be your friend during this season…go on line and look for local businesses in those far off locations. Plus, if the quality isn’t good, or if they want to exchange gifts, your family and friends know exactly where to go! And the savings in FedEx overnight charges alone make the whole process worthwhile!