The Procrastinators Shopping Club

By Georgia Mergler, Community Relations Manager

Washington-Centerville Public Library

       Quick, what’s the biggest shopping day of the year? Black Friday, of course! Wrong. Black Friday doesn’t even make the top five. The biggest shopping day of the year is usually the Saturday before Christmas, unless Christmas falls on a weekend (like this year) and then the biggest shopping day is the Thursday before. You’ve got it, that’s today. So, if you’ve put off your holiday shopping, chances are you’ll be in good company at the mall. Don’t get all Ebenezer Scrooge on me. With the help of resources I found on the Washington-Centerville Public Library’s website, I’ve amassed a procrastinator’s guide to shopping. These sure-fire tips will help you accomplish the task at hand with minimal stress and maximum success. Consider it my gift to you!

1. Give everyone a book – Holiday stress-busting experts say the easiest way to simplify holiday shopping is to get everyone on your list the same thing. And while gray mittens for everyone seem impersonal, you can definitely get a book for everyone that reflects their personal interests. Visit the library’s Fine print blog and online reading lists to find reviews of titles that are hot right now. And for the little ones on your list, our children’s librarians have prepared a great ‘books for kids’ gift list accessible at www.wclibrary.info

2. Do your homework – Before setting out to the mall, spend some time using resources like Consumer Reports online to compare prices, features and reviews of all kinds of products. Doing so will cut down on the time you spend at the mall and you’ll get more objective, credible information than you will from the college-aged seasonal employee helping you at the store. Access Consumer Reports online from the comfort of your own home by visiting www.wclibrary.info/databases/index.asp. Access is free to library cardholders.

3. Go high tech – Nooks, Kindles, iPads, smartphones, oh my. All the “top 10 gifts” lists include one or more of these geeked out gadgets, so I’m thinking you can’t go wrong. They are equally desired by women and men, and have cross generational appeal. That said they can be an intimidating purchase. If you are buying a device for an avid reader, be sure to check out the list of devices compatible with the Library’s collection of free digital books and audios. Our librarians have not only compiled a list of reviews but also tutorials to help the gift receiver get started with their new toy.

There you go. Easy as 1-2-3. For more details on all of the suggestions listed here visit Washington-Centerville Public Library online at www.wclibrary.info . Happy Holidays!