Crunch Time: Eight Days & Counting

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Wednesday, December 17th, 2008

So, how are you holding up now that we’re just over a week away from Santa’s arrival? I can only hope you all are as excited as me; I’m about to burst with excitement! I can’t wait to see the fam and the looks on their faces as they open their gifts. It’s amazing how great ideas come to you if you really think about what those people you love truly adore doing, wearing, etc.

Sometimes a lack of inspiration is not the only problem, though. If you know what you’d like to buy, but are having trouble finding it, let me know. I can’t promise I will be able to find the item you seek, but I’m up for the challenge of looking.

I will tell you right now, however, if you’re looking for those handy dandy Dots Gloves for your favorite iPhone owner, no dice until sometime in January — unless there’s a Dwight Schrute with an overpriced pair on ebay or Craigslist.

Some miscellaneous tips for anyone doing last-minute cyber shopping (some obvious, some not):

1. ) Pay attention to production and shipping times. Just because an item will ship in, say, two days, if it takes four to five days for the company to produce the item (or a day or two to get billing squared away), your gift is not going to make it under the tree, especially if production only occurs during the workweek.

2.) If you’d like to receive money back on just about every purchase you make online, register for Ebates now. Besides, registering is free. Actually, it pays; just for signing up, you’ll receive a $10 gift card to iTunes, Borders, Target or Sephora, or $5 cash.

3.) It’s not too late to by a New Year’s or Inauguration ensemble. For the best deals, register for members-only designer bargain sites like ideeli, Rue La La or Gilt Groupe a.s.a.p. I know I probably sound like a broken record, but those sites really are as incredible as I tout them to be. To be invited, just send a request to natalie@northernvirginiamag.com.

4.) If you prefer to buy items that are handmade with care, be sure to check out etsy.com. The site is absolutely loaded with gifts you won’t find in the mall, and you can still support the local economy. Search designers in “Washington, D.C” and you’ll find items from creatives based in Fairfax, Middleburg, etc.

Ps. Can’t elf yourself enough? Check out the pretty elf action at Sephora!